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ID: 62512
Title: Forecasting sector-wise electricity consumption for India using various regression models
Author: Renuka Rekhade and D.K. Sakhare
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 365-371 (2021)
Subject: Forecasting sector-wise electricity consumption for India using various regression models
Keywords: Electricity consumption, energy policy, forecasting, regression analysis
Abstract: Electricity is an important and one of the most dominant energy sources used in the world. It governs a major share in the Indian as well as world economy. Thus, forecasting its consumption can be useful in better planning of its future production and supply. In the present study, electricity consumption in seven different sectors, namely industry, domestic, agriculture, commercial, traction and railways, others along with total electricity consumed is forecasted using regression analysis. The study uses four regression modelling approaches to forecast electricity consumption by sectors in India. These are linear, logarithmic, power and exponential regression models. The accuracy of the models is tested using R2 (coefficient of determination) and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) values. The model having the highest R2 and lowest MAPE value is selected for better accuracy results. The result/forecast is then compared with the available data published by the Central Electricity Authority, Government of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Morales, A. and Acevedo, A.M., Forecasting future energy demand: electrical energy in Mexico as an example case. Energy Procedia, 2014, 57, 782-790. Bianco, V., Manca, O., and Nardini, S., Linear regression models to forecast electricity consumption in Italy. Energy Sour., Part B., 2013, 8 (1), 86-93.
Literature cited 2: Cunkas, M. and Taskiran, U., Turkey’s electricity consumption forecasting using genetic programming. Energy Sour., Part B, 2011, 6, 406-416. Ghosh, S. and Das A., Short run electricity demand forecasts in Maharashtra.Appl. Econ., 2002, 34 (8), 1055-1059, doi: 10.1080/00036840110064656.

ID: 62511
Title: Multiple risk factors contribute to childhood stunting in Karnataka, India
Author: Srilakshmi M. Raj, Ruwanthi Ekanayake, Meenakshi Bhat, Jayarama Kadandale and Prabhu L.Pingali
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 360-364 (2021)
Subject: Multiple risk factors contribute to childhood stunting in Karnataka, India
Keywords: Childhood stunting, environment, genetics, public health, risk factors
Abstract: Childhood stunting remains a prominent metric in the health and development of modern India. In Karnataka, India, districts very substantially in stunting prevalence. Here we take a close look at the nature of childhood stunting in the state: its epidemiology, genetics, biology, nutritional basis, environmental contribution, policy and field-based understanding. We explore how these factors interact with one another and suggest ways to target modifiable risk factors for stunting (e.g., nutrition, exposure to infectious diseases, sanitation), which may influence the impact of non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., congenital factors, climate). We suggest that programmes designed to reduce stunting prevalence should accommodate these complex interactions, which could translate to more substantial impact on child health outcomes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: de Onis, M. and Branca, F., Childhood stunting: a global preparative. Matern. Child Nutr., 2016, 12(Suppl.1), 12-26. World Health Organization. WHO Child Growth Standards: Training Course on Child Growth Assessment. WHO Press, Geneva, Switzerland. 2008.
Literature cited 2: Adair, L.S., Discussion on economic drivers and consequences of stunting. Nestle Nutr. Inst. Workshop Ser., 2013, pp.143-146. Mendez, M.A., and Adair, L.S., Severity and timing of stunting in the first two years of life affect performance on cognitive tests in late childhood. J. Nutr. 1999, 129, 1555-1563.

ID: 62510
Title: Adapting an inquiry-based approach for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses: an exploratory study
Author: Sujatha Varadarajan and Savita Ladage
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 354-359 (2021)
Subject: Adapting an inquiry-based approach for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses: an exploratory study
Keywords: Exploratory study, inquiry-based module, learning process, undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses, Vitamin C
Abstract: The Exploratory study presented here is regarding the implementation of an inquiry-based instructional module developed for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. The study aims at understanding the challenges in execution of such a module and suggest ways for its effective implementation. It is important to bring changes in the present conventional practices to develop students as independent investigators and for learning experiences that are inquiry-driven, discussion-based and flexible as recommended by the NEP 2020. Based on this study, we suggest that the transition to inquiry approaches should be gradual. Further, students need adequate scaffolding of the learning process to help them in such a transition.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bennet, S.W., Seery, M. and Soveigjarto-Wigbers, D., Practical work in higher level chemistry education. In Innovative Methods of Teaching and Learning Chemistry in Higher Education, London, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2009, pp.85-102. Zoller, U. and Pushkin, D., Matching higher–order cognitive skills (HOCS) promotion goals with problem-based laboratory practice in a freshman organic chemistry course. Chem. Edu. Res., Pract., 2007, 8 (2), 153-171.
Literature cited 2: Domin, D.S., A review of a laboratory instructional styles. J. Chem. Educ., 1999.76(4), 543-547. Kirschner, A., Sweller, J. and Clark, R.E., Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: an analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experimental and inquiry-based teaching. Educ. Psychol, 2006, 41 (2), 75-86.

ID: 62509
Title: The oldest Birch tree in the Western Himalaya depicting signature of major climatic events of the recent era in its tree rings
Author: Rupesh Dhyani, Amalava Bhattacharyya, Ranbeer Singh Rawal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 350-353 (2021)
Subject: The oldest Birch tree in the Western Himalaya depicting signature of major climatic events of the recent era in its tree rings
Keywords: Oldest Birch tree, Western Himalaya, Major climatic events, tree rings
Abstract: Over half a millennium old, precisely dated broadleaved trees are rare across the mountain ranges of the world, including the Himalaya. In dendrochronology, oak is widely used in Europe and North America, but in the Himalaya most of its species are not datable. Except for its two deciduous species, Quercus griffithii and Quercus serrata, most of the Himalayan oaks are diffuse-porous woods and absence of other anatomical features delineating tree ring boundary. In the Indian Himalaya, birch (Betula utilis), popularly known as ‘Bhojpatra’, is a typical alpine tree-line species which has been established as a suitable broad-leaved tree for dendrochronology. Interestingly, it is a ‘diffuse-porous’ tree and the ring boundary is delineated by a light line of terminal parenchyma.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gamble, J.S., A Manual of Indian Timbers, Sampsonlow, Marston and Co, London, 1902. Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K., A Revised Survey o the Forest Types of India, Government of India Press, Delhi, 1968.
Literature cited 2: Tenca, A. and Career, M., In Tree Rings in Archaeology, Climatology and Ecology (eds Levanic, T. et al.) .GeoForschungs-Zentrum, Postdam, Slovenia, 2010, pp.89-97. Singh, S.P., Trop. Ecol., 2018, 59 (2), 163-176.

ID: 62508
Title: The pesticide Management Bill 2020
Author: A.D. Dileep Kumar and. Narasimha Reddy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 348-349 (2021)
Subject: The pesticide Management Bill 2020
Keywords: Pesticide Management Bill 2020
Abstract: The Union Cabinet of India approved the new Pesticide Management Bill in February 2020.This Bill has provisions to regulate industry. However, it does not reflect critical prevailing issues, which are inevitable for reducing and mitigating risks arising from pesticide use. The Bill failed to address post registration risk reduction and mitigation, protection of pesticide users, community and environment. Therefore, the Bill could have poor implications on protecting public health and environment; hence requires critical management.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The pesticide Management Bill, 2020, Bill No. XXII of 2020, Introduced in Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India. CIBRC, Major uses of pesticides: insecticides (up to 31 January 2020), Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee, Directorate of plant protection, Quarantine and A Storage, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.2020; http://ppqs.gov.in/sites/default/files/approved_use_of_insecticides.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Dileep Kumar. Conditions of paraquat use in India.IUF, Berne Declaration, PAN AP and PAN India, 2015; http://www.pan-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BD_paraquat_4.15_def-WEB.pdf FSSAI, Letter Dated 16 October 2020; https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2019/10/5da705b31ca781Letter_Report_Pesticides_MRL_16_10_2019.pdf.

ID: 62507
Title: Energy production and its emission generation impact on the environment
Author: Guanghui Chang, Du Jianguo, Daneiel Adu, Kofi Baah Boamah, Pu tianfeng and Ransford Darko
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 316-322 (2021)
Subject: Energy production and its emission generation impact on the environment
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, environmental education, mammals, school children
Abstract: Energy contributes greatly to every aspect of life and other activities and is the main source of economic development of any country. Globally, the demand for electrical power has increased in recent times, causing a major increase in the price of various fuels. Energy production from various renewable and non-renewable resources is not new. However, its impact on the environment is a major concern. Several power plants from large hydro, wind, thermal and others are being used for energy generation; nevertheless the depletion of the environment is the major global concern. The challenges posed to the environment need to be tackled to protect our environment. This study evaluates the state of energy generation and distribution, and its potential environmental impacts on biodiversity, climate change, aquatic life, land use, emission generation, etc. We also propose some environmental management strategies that can help overcome these challenges.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dincer, i., Hepbasli, A. and Ozgener, L., Geothermal energy resources. In Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology (ed.Capehart, B.L.), CRC Press, New York, 2007, pp.744-752. Erdogdu, E., A snapshot of geothermal energy potential and utilization in Turkey. Renew. Sustain. Energy. Rev., 2009, 13, 2535-2543.
Literature cited 2: Barbier, E., Geothermal energy technology and current status: an overview.Renew.Sustian.Energ.Rev., 2002.6, 3-65. UK, Carbon and sustainability reporting within the renewable transport fuel obligation. Department for Transport, Government of the United Kingdom, January 2008; https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-transport-fuels-obligation-rtforders (retrieved on 29 February 2018).

ID: 62506
Title: The extinction of experience in a biodiversity hotspot: rural school children’s knowledge of animals in the Western Ghats, India
Author: V.V.Binoy, Anitha Kurup and Sindhu Radhakrishna
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 313-316 (2021)
Subject: The extinction of experience in a biodiversity hotspot: rural school children’s knowledge of animals in the Western Ghats, India
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, environmental education, mammals, school children
Abstract: Lack of environmental awareness or ignorance regarding the ecological role of animals among children has long-term negative consequence for the biodiversity hotspot in southern India to examine the knowledge level of rural school children regarding the mammalian species in their region. The results of the study showed that school children were able to recognize regional mammalian species that are publicized by media sources but had little knowledge about their conservation status or more significant information about them. Environmental education programmes must focus on making children more aware of the importance of various animals sharing their habitat, so that they have greater knowledge regarding the ecological roles of animals in the ecosystem.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balmford, A. et al., Economic reasons for conserving wild nature. Science, 2002, 297, 950-953. Caro, T., Pelkey, N. and Grigrione, M. Effect of conservation biology education on attitudes toward the nature. Conserv. Biol., 1994, 8, 846-852.
Literature cited 2: Kellert, S.R., Attitudes toward animals: age-related development among children. J. Environ.Edu., 1985, 16, 29-39. Pyle, R.M., Eden in a vacant lot. In Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations (eds Khan, P.H. and Kellert, S.R), MIT Press, London, England, 2002, pp.306-327.

ID: 62505
Title: Black palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum Linn) from India: association with aframe shift mutation in the MC1R gene
Author: R.Dileep Kumar, K.Anaswara, V.Navya, S.Beena, A.Jcob, L.Divya, A.S. Vijayasree, V.Deepthi, G.Renganayaki, P.R. Shidhi, M.A., Akbarsha, K.P.Laladhas, Achuthsankar S.Nair, P.R.Sudhakaran and O.V. Ooommen
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 306-312 (2021)
Subject: Black palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum Linn) from India: association with aframe shift mutation in the MC1R gene
Keywords: Agouti signalling protein, dominant mutation, Funambulus palmarum, melanism, melanocortin-1 receptor
Abstract: This study shows that the dominant mutation of Extension locus in the recessive locus of the agouti Indian three-striped palm squirrel results in constituting an active or hyperactive receptor. This is not inhibited by the agouti antagonist or agouti signaling protein, resulting in melanism. To the best of our knowledge, there is no earlier report of a melanic variant (black) of a three-striped palm squirrel (Funambulus palmaraum Linn) from India. The color change is due to mutation and is traced to melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, where it is proved to be sequence alteration causing a frame shift in the extension locus of the wild type. This would have probably caused the constitutive activation of MC1R.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: McRobie, H., Moncrief, D.N. and Mundy, I.N., Multiple origins of melanism in two species of North American tree squirrel (Sciurus).BMC Evol. Biol., 2019, 19 (140), 1471-1477. Lin, J. and Fisher, D., Melanocyte biology and skin pigmentation. Nature, 2007, 445, 843-850.
Literature cited 2: D’ Mello, S.A.N., Finlay, G.J., Baguley, B.C an Askarian-Amiri, M.E., Signalling pathways in melanogenesis. Int. J. Mol., Sci., 2016, 17, 1144. McRobie, H., Thomas, A. and Kelly, J., The genetic basis of melanism in the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). J. Hered., 2009, 100, 709-714.

ID: 62504
Title: Native shade trees aid bird conservation in tea plantations in southern India
Author: T.R. Shankar Raman, Chayant Gonsalves, P.Jeganathan and Divya Mudappa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 294-305 (2021)
Subject: Native shade trees aid bird conservation in tea plantations in southern India
Keywords: Bird community structure, indicator species, land-use change, shade trees, tea plantations
Abstract: In the Western Ghats, India, we study how different intensities of tea cultivation influence birds. We compared bird communities in conventional monoculture tea and mixed-shade tea plantations, both of which use agrochemicals, with organic tea plantations, a rainforest fragment, and continuous rainforest within the Annamalai Tiger Reserve. In 225-point count surveys, overall bird species richness and abundance were lowest in conventional tea and up to 33 % higher in organic tea.Mixed-shade tea had 40% higher species richness (including 15 canopy and 4 shrub and mid-storey species-primarily frugivores, nectarivores and insectivores), and 83% higher bird abundance than conventional tea, with a greater proportion of forest-affiliated birds and similarity in species composition with forest sites. The rainforest fragment and continuous rainforest had a higher proportion, richness and abundance of forest-affiliated birds and fewer open-country birds, unlike tea plantations where the pattern was reversed. associations of 62 bird species in indicator species analysis revealed similar patterns. Thus, organic tea is better than conventional tea for birds, but mixed –shade tea is even better, although still poorer than forests. Retaining or promoting native shade trees in tea plantations will increase bird diversity and abundance, including of forest-affiliated species and support landscape-level bird conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhagwat, S.A., Willis, K.J., Birks, H.J.B. and Whittaker, R.J., Agroforestry: a refuge for tropical biodiversity? Trends Ecol. Evol., 2008, 23, 261-267. Koh, L.P. and Gardner, T.A., Conservation in human-modified landscapes. In Conservation Biology for all (eds Sodhi, N.S., an Ehrlich, P.R.), Oxford University Press, 2010, pp.236-261.
Literature cited 2: Thiollay, J., The role of traditional agroforests in the conservation of rain forest bird diversity in Sumatra. Conserv. Biol., 1995, 9, 335-353. Sidhu, S., Raman, T.R.S., and Goodale, E., Effects of plantations and home-gardens on tropical forest bird communities and mixed-species bird flocks in the southern Western Ghats.J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 2010, 107, 91-108.

ID: 62503
Title: Do conspecific herbivores track resource depletion through host phenology specific HIPVs
Author: P.D.Kamala Jayanthi, Anjana Subramoniam, P.Saravan Kumar,B.R. Jayanthimala an A.Rekha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 286-293 (2021)
Subject: Do conspecific herbivores track resource depletion through host phenology-speific HIPVs
Keywords: Anselmella Kerrichi, herbivore-induced plant volatiles, host phenology, resource depletion, Syzygium cuminii
Abstract: Conspecific herbivores use herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as cues while selecting an optimal site for oviposition. This is ascertain the availability of nourishment for their progeny so that they get the best chance at survival. In the present study phytophagous eulophid seed-borer Anselmella kerrichi was significantly ( time spent: F3,40 =13.12, P <0.0001; number of entries :F2,30 =4.21 ; P=0.02) attracted to HIPVs from immature fruits of java plum, Syzygium cuminii (time spent : 4.77 ± 0.40 min, number of entries: 2.27 ± 0.24), when also given the choice of mature fruits (time spent: 1.76 ± 0.32 min; number of entries:1.46 ± 0.16) indicating that herbivores can assess resource of depletion from host phenology-specific HIPVs. The chemical cues like α-pinene, ẞ-pinene, (ȥ)-ocimene, undecane, 3,7 dimethyl decane, neo-alloocimene, allo-ocimene, ethyl benzoate, 2,6, 11-trimethyldodecane, α-copaene and ẞ-caryophyllene, which are present in immature fruit volatiles elicited antennal response in a GC-EAD analysis. Olfactometer analyses with the synthetic compounds also revealed that A.kerrichi was significantly attracted to these cues and the synthetic blend composed of the above compounds proved to be much more efficient in attracting female wasps when compared to a natural blend. Field evaluations using the synthetic blend showed that it could attract a significant number of A.kerrichi, indicating the scope of using this blend of synthetic HIPVs as sustainable IPM tool.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kessler, A. and Baldwin, I.T., Defensive function of herbivore induced plant volatile emissions in nature. Science, 2001, 291, 2141-2144. De Moraes, C.M., Mescher, M.C., and Tumlinson, J.H., Caterpillar-induced nocturnal plant volatiles repel conspecific females. Nature., 2001, 410, 577-580.
Literature cited 2: Halitschke, R., Stenberg, J.A., Kessler, D., Kessler, A. and Baldwin, I.T., Shared signals: alarm calls from plants increase apprency to herbivores and their enemies in nature. Ecol., Lett., 2008, 11, 24-34. Degenhardt, J. et al. Restoring a maize root signal that attracts insect–killing nematodes to control a major pest. Proc. Natl., Acad. Sci., USA, 2009, 106, 13213-13218.

ID: 62502
Title: Quantitative assessment of BIGV and structural response based on velocity and frequency around an opencast mine.
Author: Anand Kumar, Pusker Singh, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Nawal Kishore and C.S. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 275-285 (2021)
Subject: Quantitative assessment of BIGV and structural response based on velocity and frequency around an opencast mine.
Keywords: Frequency, ground vibration, opencast mine, peak particle velocity, structural response
Abstract: Blast-induced ground vibtration (BIGV) velocities and frequencies are of major concern due to their adverse effects and damage to structures. Therefore, it becomes essential to assess the velocities and frequencies induced by blasting in terms of quantitative and quantitative assessment to overcome the problems. There is a need for scientific studies using devices like triaxial geophone associated with a seismograph to measure the peak particle velocity (PPV) and dominant frequency which cause damage to domestic or residential structures near an opencast mine. Each mine has specific geo-mining conditions, and scientific studies provide appropriate results. In total 32 number of blasting data sets were recorded at every 50 m from the blast site to the last observation point near the village. Ground vibration associated damage criteria is defined in terms of the PPV at different frequency levels and the strength of the structures under study. The permissible limits of BIGV have been provided by the Directorate General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad, India. The permissible PPV values of the BIGV in India is 2,5,10 for the historical and sensitive structures, 5,10, 15 for domestic houses and 10, 20, 25 for industrial buildings at <8, 8-25 and >25 HZ dominant excitation frequencies respectively. The recorded dataset has been proposed through standard models. The velocity amplitude versus frequency gives a reliable relationship about damage criteria of structures. The structures study carried out in a mega opencast project provides the basic knowledge to assess the safe distance from blasting site for responsible for more damage to nearby structures and to determine the correlation coefficient between measured and predicted PPV values.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: khandelwal, M. and Singh, T.N., Prediction of blast-induced ground vibration using artificial neural network. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2009, 46 (7) , 1214-1222. Ak, H., The investigation of directional changes of the blast-induced ground vibration. Doctoral dissertation, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkish, 2006.
Literature cited 2: Arpaz, E., Monitoring and evaluation of blast induced vibrations in some open-pit mines in Turkey. Doctoral dissertation, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkish, 2000. Re, S.D. an Kopp, J.W., Comparative study of blasting vibrations from Indiana surface coal mine USBM R1 9226,United States, 1989.

ID: 62501
Title: Analysis of heat stress in an underground coal mine using computational fluid dynamics
Author: Navin Prasad and Bindhu Lal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 264-274 (2021)
Subject: Analysis of heat stress in an underground coal mine using computational fluid dynamics
Keywords: Coal mining, computational fluid dynamics, heat stress, underground mines, Ventilation systems
Abstract: Coal mining plays a significant role in the economy of India. The health and safety of miners working in underground mines is a serious concern. One of the risk factors is with regard to the ventilation systems. Computational fluid dynamics is one of the major tools used to study the air-flow distribution. It helps in understanding the blind galleries which may need adequate ventilation. It also helps suppress the spontaneous heating of poorly ventilated workings and in generating heat-stress plots inside the galleries to ensure the safety of mineworkers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Power sectors of all India, administration of National Electricity Policy, Ministry of power and Government of India, February 2020. Kishore, B., Future of Bulk Production from Underground Coal Mining Technology and Management (CMTM), June 2018, vol.21 (1).
Literature cited 2: Ren, T. and Wang, Z., Computational fluid dynamics modelling of respirable dust and gas behavior on a longwall face. In Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australia, 3 July 2013, pp.191-200.

ID: 62500
Title: Role of hydrothermal fluids in the deterioration of pictographs and petroglyphs in rock shelters of the Gawilgarh Hills, Madhya Pradesh, India
Author: Kirtikumar Randive, Prabash Sahu, Sanjeevani Jawadand, Tushar Meshram, Sneha Dandekar, Tejashree Raut, Gunjan Saha, M.L.Dora and Nandini Bhattacharya-Sahu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 255-263 (2021)
Subject: Role of hydrothermal fluids in the deterioration of pictographs and petroglyphs in rock shelters of the Gawilgarh Hills, Madhya Pradesh, India
Keywords: Archeological site, chemical weathering, hydrothermal fluids, rock shelters
Abstract: India has one of the largest concentrations of rock-art sites. However, these rock shelters have deteriorated due to natural agencies. The present study was carried out in one such site in Central India, which is hosted by argillaceous and ferruginous sandstones, showing prominent chemical, biological and mechanical weathering. The results based on field investigations, petrography, XRD, FE-SEM-EDS and FTIR measurements have indicated that chemical weathering is caused due to infiltration of hydrothermal fluids through innumerable zones of weaknesses formed due to neotectonic activities in the Satpura Lineament Zone, especially along Gawilgarh and Salbardi Faults in this region.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Chakravarty,K.K.and Bednarik,R.G.,Indian Rock Art and its Global Context .Amazon Bestsellers, 1997, p.228; ISBN 8120814649. UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka, 1992-2020; http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/925 (accessed on 10 May 2020).
Literature cited 2: Kumar, G., Major rock art regions in India, 2015; https://rockartweb.com/major-rock-art-regions-in-india (accessed on 10 May 2020). Ingole, V., Lad, P., Khode, M., Damahe, D., Patil, S. and Hirurkar, P., Discovery of painted rock-shelters from Satpura-Tapti Valley, Purakala, 2007, 17, 153-158.

ID: 62499
Title: Ancient high-carbon steel from southern Tamil Nadu, India: microstuctural and elemental analysis
Author: Amit Kumar Singh, Alok Kumar Kanungo, V.Selvakumar and Amit Arora
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 239-247 (2021)
Subject: Ancient high-carbon steel from southern Tamil Nadu, India: microstuctural and elemental analysis
Keywords: Chemical composition, high-carbon steel, iron slag, mechanical test, microstructure
Abstract: There have been claims of early use of high-carbon steel in South India. Still, the antiquity, elemental composition and steelmaking process have not been explored adequately. The high carbon steel was known in the Iron Age or early historical period. However, the large-scale use of such steel was prevalent only in the medieval times. This article examines the presence of steel and its metallographic features in the iron artefacts retrieved from two archaeological sites, namely Ambal and Vallam, Tamil Nadu, India, with occupational evidence from the Iron Age to the medieval period through a number of scientific tests. Metallographic as well as mechanical tests were performed to identify the morphology and measure the strength respectively. Similarly, the chemical composition was determined to quantify the alloying elements in the material. The slag was exposed on the etched surface of the sample cut from axe. Microscopy and chemical composition analysis showed very fine bright dendrites of wustite in the iron slag. The deterioration of samples was confirmed in microscopic and composition analysis. The result shows that the inhabitants of ancient Ambal and the Vallam were equipped with iron smelting technology and had the knowledge of steelmaking in the Iron Age.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balasubramanian, R. and Prabhakar, V.N., On technical analysis of characters of the oldest Delhi Iron Pillar inscription. Curr. Sci., 2007, 92, 1709-1719. Srinivasan, S. and Ranganathan, S., Wootz steel: an advanced material of the ancient world. Iron steel Herit. India, 1997, 69-82.
Literature cited 2: Ghosh, A. and Panigrahi, K.C., Pottery of Ahichchatra (UP). Anc. India, 1946, 1, 37-59. Gordon, D.H., Excavations at Hastinapur and other exploration in the upper Ganga and Sutlej basins, 1950-52.Buy B.B. Lal.pp. 151, 73 plates, 37 figs. Ancient India, Bulletin of the Archaeological Survey of India, Nos.10 and 11, 1954-5.Price (complete number) Rs 9-14s.Antiquity, 1957.

ID: 62498
Title: Seroprevalence of dengue in urban and rural settings in Kerala, India
Author: Abidha Suresh, K.Vijesh Sreedhar, Jessu Mathew, K.N.Vijayakumar, P.M.Ajithlal, Prasanta Saini, N.Pradeep Kumar and Ashwani Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 233-238 (2021)
Subject: Seroprevalence of dengue in urban and rural settings in Kerala, India
Keywords: Aedes aegypti, dengue, seroprevalence, urban and rural settings, vector control.
Abstract: Dengue fever is a major public health concern in India and Kerala is one of the worst affected states in the country. Kanjirappally, Kottayam district, has been reported to be the epicentre of dengue in the state. In 2016, we carried out a post-epidemic seroprevalence survey in both urban and rural sites of this endemic foci to estimate the disease burden. Systematic sampling technique with a random start (household) was adopted in each study site. Overall, 938 individuals were enrolled in the survey, 470 in the urban and 468 in the rural sites belonging to 103 and 88 households respectively. Rapid diagnostic IgM/IgG test kit was used for the study. The overall dengue IgG seroprevalence observed was 51.28%. Urban sites had higher seroprevalence rate (59.8.8%) compared to rural sites (42.74 %, p<0.01). No gender difference was recorded in seroprevalence rates among the sites. Exposure was found to be more common among adults than children in both areas. Seroprevalence rate in children <10 years of age was found to be 15 times higher (44.61%) in urban sites, than that in the rural sites (3.03%). The present study indicates that more than half of the population is exposed to DENV (dengue virus) infection in this oldest focus of dengue in Kerala.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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