Enter records

ID: 62002
Title: Multi cob-bearing popcorn (Puakzo maize: a unique landrace of Mizoram, North East, India.
Author: A.Ratan Kumar Singh, S.B.Singh, S.K.Dutta, T.Boopathi, Lungmuana, S.Sha, M.Thoithoi Devi, N.Hemanta Singh.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (8) 1392-1393 (2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Multi cob bearing popcorn, Maize, unique, landrace, Mizoram, Northeast, India.
Abstract: Mizoram is a mountainous (Lushai hill range) state with closely spaced inter-mountain valleys, demographically dominated by indigenous tribes (Mizo) constituting 94.4 %of the total population. These tribal populations ensure the conservation of plant genetic resources for the future, for the food and nutritional security of an increasing population. Since, 1976, in the northeastern hill region intensive collections of maize landraces were made by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and diversity of landraces maize from this region comprised 36 % of total collection from whole India, which was the highest number of accession among other regions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: http://www.tribal.gov.in/writereaddata/cms/documents/201306110208002203443 demographicstatusofscheduledtribepopulationofindia.pdf (accessed on 19 October 2015). Pandey, A., Semwal, D.P., Bhandari, D.C. and Sharma, S.K., Indian J.Agric.Sci., 2014, 84, 517-522.
Literature cited 2: Dhawan, N.L., Maize Genet.Coop.Newsl., 1964, 38, 69-70. http://cornindia.com/omportance-and-utilization-of-maize/ (accessed on 19 October 2015).

ID: 62001
Title: Blending technology for smarter applications.
Author: Aviad Almagor
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (05) Issue (11) 48-49 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Blending, technology, smarter, applications
Abstract: Mixed Reality technology blends real world objects with digital content, interactively, and in real time. It helps users efficiently interpret physical and digital information, and the spatial relations between them. Mirosoft Hololens is a wearable, self-contained holographic computer. The device features a see through, holographic display and advanced sensors that map the physical environment. HoloLens enables users to interact with 3D holograms blended into the real world. The technology allows users to pin holograms to physical objects and interact with data using GGV-gesture, gaze and voice-commands.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 62000
Title: Data assimilation The Missing Ingredient
Author: David Jonas
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (05) Issue (11) 42-45 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Data assimilation, Missing, ingredient
Abstract: As countries across the Asian region experience a dramatic increase in urbanization, authorities are turning to technology to improve the efficiency of the urban environments. Terms such as ' smart city ' and ' virtual city ' describe the goal to better manage the urban environment and to increase the efficiency of managing cities that are growing in every possible way. The term ' smart city ' has a different meaning to different people.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61999
Title: Moving towards a smart future
Author: Eric Woods
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (05) Issue (11) 35-36 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Moving, towards, Smart future
Abstract: It is widely quoted fact that more than half of the world ' s population now thrives in cities. This landmark in human development marks the beginning of a major transformation of global society. While the leading developed economies already have urban population rates of over 80 %, developing nations, such as China, only passed the 50 % marks in 2011, an India is not expected to reach 50 % urban population until 2050, while Africa ' s process of urbanization is projected to stretch well into the second half of this century.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61998
Title: Information Anew Infrastructure Form?
Author: Terry D Bennett
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2015
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (05) Issue (11) 16-18 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Information, New, Infrastructure, Form.
Abstract: Population growth, urbanization and economic expansion are set to push demand for infrastructure to unprecedented levels over the next two decades. Data is available and a good part of it is geospatially based and infrastructure relevant, but not all of it easily translates into useful information. Therefore, is it time to start thinking about information as a new generation of future cities-smart or otherwise-must be built to address our changing urban landscape.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61997
Title: The Data Policy Pieces of the Puzzle
Author: Laura Delgado Lopez.
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2016
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (06) Issue (09) 37-39 (2016)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Data, Policy, Pieces, Puzzle
Abstract: A key trend in the theme of disruption is the proliferation of small satellites, which include a range of classes with low size and mass, typically 500 kg or less. With new operators planning to launch hundreds of such spacecraft in the coming years, smallsats are projected to have a lasting impact on space activities. Beyond technological innovations, the rise of smallsats has been marked by tensions in the larger policy frame-work governing space activities. In particular, the potential for smallsats to assume critical tasks in earth observations has raised questions that touch on issues as diverse as defining stakeholders ' roles and responsibilities, oversight and licensing, and safety of space operations. The solution to many of these issues requires policy, law, and regulatory mechanisms and is critical to balance the benefits and challenges of this technology.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61996
Title: Smaller Satellites Big Performance
Author: Dr. Robert E.Zee
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2016
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (06) Issue (09) 37-39 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Smaller, Satellite, Big Performance
Abstract: The Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) develops complete space missions for international customers with high performance demands but tight budgets and short schedules. For over 17 years, SFL has been pushing the performance envelope by building big satellite performance into smaller satellites. By doing this, SFL intends to not simply be disruptive, but to continually set the high bar of what is achievable in smaller packages and lower than expected cost.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61995
Title: Next stop: Hollywood
Author: Robertz Zitz
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2016
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (06) Issue (09) 24-25 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Next stop, Hollywood.
Abstract: If you watch enough spy movies you will see a large satellite whiz by and on command, point its massive camera at a street scene hundreds of miles below. Zooming in on the people and items of interest, the audience sees the satellite monitoring events in real-time to help a villain before it is too late. Hollywood may be overstating capabilities, but one part they get right is sheer size of some current and past government satellites. For instance, NASA ' s Hubble Space Telescope is 43.5 feet long-the size of a large school bus- and weighs 24,500 lbs; and the National Reconnaissance Office ' s recently declassified ' Hexogon ' imaging satellite was 30, 000 lbs. and 60 feet long.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61994
Title: The Future is Small
Author: Ishveena Singh
Editor: Prof. Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2016
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Geospatial World Volume (06) Issue (09) 16-22 (2015)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Future, small
Abstract: When the biggest commercial satellite imagery player in the world decides to bet on something as small as the size of a shoe box, you know you are onto something. In February Digital Globe announced it was joining forces with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop a constellation of highly-capable small imaging satellites. This news reinforced the belief that it ' s a bullish time to be in the commercial earth observation (EO) market right now.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None

ID: 61993
Title: High nitrate content in the surface water of Balipara, North Brahmaputra river basin, Sonitpur district, Assam, India: a multivariate approach.
Author: Richa Chaturvedi, Saumen Banerjee, Bodhaditya Das, Pronobesh Chattopadhyay, Chira R.Bhattacharjee and Vijay Veer.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1350-1360 (2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Contaminants, groundwater and surface water, multivariate statistical techniques, water quality parameters.
Abstract: The present study is an evaluation of ground and surface water quality at Balipara, North Brahmaputra river basin, Sonitpur district, Assam, India using multivariate statistical methods. The results show high concentration of Fe, Mn, Pb and Cr in ground water. Arsenic was observed in both ground and surface water. In the surface water nitrate content was also found to be high. Ward ' s method was used for hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis. A close relationship between electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) was established by the smallest proximity distance between these parameters. Group 1 comprised of TDS, EC, total alkalinity (TA), F, Ca, Pb, Cr, and CI based on proximity distances. Group 2 consisted of Fe, Mn, As and Group 3 of TH, Mg, pH, Zn, SO4 and NO3, Cl, Zn, pH and Ca. Group 2 accounted for Mg and F and Group 3 for Fe, Mn, TA, Pb, As and Cr. The interrelationships between the contaminants depicted by cluster analysis, categorize the contamination levels. Factor analyses were applied for understanding the interrelationships between the variables and for identifying probable source components. Six factors justifying 83.64 %of the total variance in groundwater and five factors describing 81.92 % of the total variance in surface water were found responsible for variation in the data structure. The relative contribution of all the water-quality parameters was best explained by discriminant analysis.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Carpenter, S.R., Caraco, N.F., Correll, D.L., Howarth, R.W., Sharpely, A.N.and Smith, V.H.,Nonpoint pollution of surface waters with phosphorus and nitrogen.Ecol.Appl., 1998, 8, 559-568. Fergusson, J.E. (ed.), The heavy elements: chemistry. In Environmental Impact and Health Effects, Pergamon, New York, 1990, p.720.
Literature cited 2: Niemi, G.J., Devore, P., Detenbeck, N., Taylor, D. and Lima, A., Overview of case studies on recovery of aquatic systems from disturbance.Environ.Manage., 1990, 14, 571-587. Pruss-Ustun, A., R., Gore, F. and Bartram, J., Safer water, better health, 2008; http://www.who.int/quantifying_ehimpacts/publications/saferwater/en.

ID: 61992
Title: Food resource exploitation in ladybirds: consequences of prey species and size.
Author: Desh Deepak Chaudhary, Bhupendra Kumar, Geetanjali Mishra and Omkar.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1343-1349 (2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Aphids, food resource exploitation, ladybirds, prey species and size resource polymorphism.
Abstract: In the present study, preference between larger and smaller instars of Acyrthosiphon pisum and Aphis craccivora by small and large female variants of lady-birds Menochilus sexmaculatus and Propylea dissecta has been investigated. Results reveal that both lady-bird species consumed smaller prey, A.craccivora over larger prey, A.pisum when kept individually and/or in combination. Although small and large female variants of both ladybird species consumed smaller and larger instars of A.craccivora respectively, they preferred smaller instars of A.pisum. Similar results were also recorded within combinations. Thus, food resource exploitation in both ladybirds is due to both prey species and size.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Schoener, T.W., Resource portioning in ecological communities. Science, 1974, 185, 27-39. Roughgarden, J., Resource portioning among competing species- a coevolutionary approach.Theor.Popul.Boil., 1976, 9 (3), 388-424.
Literature cited 2: Skulason, S.and Smith, T.B., Resource polymorphism invertebrates. Trends Ecol.Evol. 1995, 10 (9), 366-370. Smith, T.B. and Skualson, S., Evolutionary significance of resource polymorphisms in fishes, amphibians, and birds.Annu.Rev.Ecol.Syst., 1996, 27, 111-133.

ID: 61991
Title: Importance of agriculture and crop residues in carbon sequestration and nutrient enrichment at agricultural farms of East Kolkata Wetland area, a Ramsar site.
Author: Sudin Pal, Buddhadeb Chattopadhyay and Subhra Kumar Mukhopadhyay.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1330-1337 (2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Agricultural plants, carbon credit, carbon sequestration, crop residue, nutrient enrichment.
Abstract: In the present study, species-specific carbon sequestration efficiency of eight most extensively cultivated agricultural plants in East Kolkata Wetland (EKW) ecosystem has been measured. They altogether sequester about 6343.7 kg ha-1 C is retained in the field as residual parts .Also, the crop residue of these eight plants contains 373.62 kg ha-1 N, 3.84 kg ha-1 Na, 7.95 kg ha-1 K, 1.85 kg ha-1 Ca, 0.21 kg ha-1 Mg and 2.41 kg ha-1 Fe, 0.36 kg ha-1 Mn and 0.17 kg ha-1 Zn, which enrich the soil micronutrient and may decrease the fertilizer cost. The present study is also aimed at the construction of a beneficial and sustainable crop management system, allowing farmers to get carbon credit from the practice.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Dimri, V.P., Use and abuse of excess CO2-an overview.J.Indian Geophys.Union, 2014, 18, 205-209 Carsky, J.R., Hayashi, Y.and Tian, G., Benefits of mulching in the subhumid savanna zone: research needs and technology targeting. In Draft Resource and Crop Management Research Monograph, IITA, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1998.
Literature cited 2: Paustian, K., Six, J., Eliott, E.T.and Hunt, H.W., Management options for reducing CO2 emissions from agricultural soils. Biogeochemistry, 2000, 48, 147-163. Lal, R., World crop residues production and implication of its use as a biofuel.Environ.Int., 2005, 31, 575-586.

ID: 61990
Title: Characterization of carbohydrates and proteins in Phalaris minor seeds by Cornell net carbohydrate and protein system.
Author: Jasmine Kaur and S.S.Thakur
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1324-1329 (2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbohydrate and protein fractions, digestibility, Phalaris minor seeds.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to characterize carbohydrate and protein fractions in Phalaris minor seeds (a novel feedstuff) in comparison to conventional energy sources fed to livestock. The crude protein of P. minor seeds was similar to wheat and was higher (P<0.05) than other conventional cereal grains evaluated. P.minor seeds recorded the highest (P<0.05) level of ether extract, total ash, lignin, neutral and acid detergent insoluble protein. P.minor seeds had lower (P<0.05) level of total carbohydrates than conventional cereal grains. Wheat grains exhibited highest (0<0.05) level of non-structural carbohydrates followed by maize, P.minor, pearl millet and barley. Proteins fractions PB1 and PB2 in P.minor seeds were similar to maize. Total digestible nutrients in P.minor seeds were higher Total digestible nutrients in P.minor seeds were higher (P<0.05) than pearl millet and barley. P.minor seeds could be considered as promising energy supplement for livestock as indicated by its chemical conditions.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: FAO, Balanced feeding for improving livestock productivity-Increase in milk production and nutrient use efficiency and decrease in methane emission by M.R.Garg. FAO Animal Production and Health Paper No.173.Rome, Italy, 2012. DARE, Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture. Government of India, New Delhi, 2013; http:www.dare.nic.in/node/87
Literature cited 2: Sniffen, C.J.,O ' Connor, J.D.,D., Van Soest, P.J., Fox, D.G. and Russel, J.B., A net carbohydrate and protein system for evaluating cattle diets: II carbohydrate and protein availability.J.Anim.Sci., 1992, 70, 3562-3577. AOAC, Official Methods of Analysis, Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Arlington, Virginia, USA, 2005, 18th edn.

ID: 61989
Title: A new approach for tracking moving objects in underwater environment.
Author: M.N.V.S.S. Kumar, Nagamani Modalavalasa, L.Ganesh, K.Satya Prasad and G.Sasibhushana Rao..
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1315-1323(2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: AUV, BEOT, EKF, obstacle avoidance, tracking.
Abstract: Obstacle avoidance and navigation is a demanding task for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) due to the complex nature of the underwater environment. However, an automatic detection and tracking system is the primary element for an AUV or an aqueous surveillance network. Tracking underwater objects in an active context represents an ongoing challenge in the field of signal processing. In order to detect the target ' s presence under water, the echoes reflected by that target are analysed by the receiver. Track accuracy is one of the paramount performance measures of tracking system. Towards this, various methods such as Kalman filter (KF), extended Kalman filter (EKF) and least squares (LS) have been explored. However, all these methods have their own drawbacks. In this study, a new approach called modified gain EKF has been implemented on the simulated data for tracking of underwater moving object using bearing and elevation measurements.AUV fitted with a single sonar is used for validating the proposed bearing and elevation only tracking (BEOT) algorithm. The performance of the algorithm is evaluated in Monte Carlo simulations and results are presented in stipulated geometries.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Goutam, C., and Shovan, B., Bearing Only Tracking Using Gauss-Hermite Filter, IEEE, 2001, ISBN: 978-1-4577-2119. Sadhu, S., Bhaumik, S. and Ghoshal, T.K., Evolving homing guidance configuration with Cramer Rao bound, Proceedings 4th IEEE International Symposium Signal Processing and Information Technology, Rome, 18-21 December 2004.
Literature cited 2: Song, T.L. and Speyer, J.L., A stochastic analysis of a modified gain extended Kalman filter with applications to estimation with bearing only measurements.IEEE Trans.Automat.Control, 1985, 30 (10) 940-949. Ronghui Zhan and Jianwei Wan, Passive maneuvering target tracking using 3-D constant-turn model, IEEE Radar Conference, Mohawk Valley, New York, April 2006, pp.404-411.

ID: 61988
Title: Climatic and non-climatic factors influencing changing agricultural practices across different rainfall regimes in South Asia.
Author: Gopal Datt Bhatta, Pramod Kumar Aggarwal, Patti Kristjanson and Amit Kumar Shrivastava.
Editor: R. Srinivasan.
Year: 2016
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 110 (7) 1272-1281(2016)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, farming practices, non-climatic drivers, rainfall regime, South Asia.
Abstract: Using data from a household survey of 2660 farm-families in Bihar state of Eastern India, Terai of Nepal and coastal Bangladesh, we explore the significance climatic and non-climatic factors in affecting farmers ' decision to change their farming practices over time in a wide range of environments. We find evidence across all sites, irrespective of rainfall and climatic stresses, that market-related forces (such as higher yields and better market opportunity) and resource issues (such as declining fertility, labour shortage and biotic factors) have been a strong driver changes in farming practices over the last ten years relative to climatic factors. Food sufficient households are likely more adaptable to a changing climate, as they are undertaking new agricultural practices. The results suggest that social protection measures aimed at enhancing the food security situation of marginal and smallholder households will increase the likelihood of them being in a better position to innovate and adopt improved agricultural practices. Our findings also indicate that additional strategies and policies aimed at more widespread uptake of new agricultural practices will also be needed, and will have to be targeted to particular environments and vulnerable groups, and special attention to institutional, resource management and market development issues if they are to succeed.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: UNEP, GEO Year Book 2003, United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, Nairobi, 2003. Sivakumar, M.V.K.and Stefanski, R., Climate change in South Asia. In Climate Change and Food Security in South Asia (eds Lal, R. et al), Springer Science + Business Media B.V., 2011, p 600.
Literature cited 2: Nelson, G.C. et al., Climate change: impact on agriculture and cost of adaptation. Food Policy Report 21, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington DC, USA, 2009.Lal, M., Global climate change: India ' s monsoon and its variability.J.Environ.Studies Pol., 2003, 6, 1-34.