ID: 65511
Title: Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Lead from Contaminated Water with the Leaves of Edible, Medicinal Herb Alternanthera sessilis – Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies
Author: Sobha Kota, Swathi Kiran Mandava, Vijaya Lakshmi Kambala, Naveena Sanagapalli, Yadagiri Premsai, Sai Vivek Kota and Ratna Kumari Anantha
Editor: Dr. Jyoti Verma
Year: 2022
Publisher: Kalpana Corporation
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Indian Journal of Environmental Protection Vol 42 (1) Jan. 22 page 3-14 2022.
Subject: Bioremediation of Heavy Metal Lead from Contaminated Water with the Leaves of Edible, Medicinal Herb Alternanthera sessilis – Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies
Keywords: Contaminated water, Lead, Health hazard, Alternan-thera sessilis, Medicinal herb
Abstract: Powdered leaves of Alternanthera sessilis used for the adsorption studies of lead with contact time, pH, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage and temperature as influencing parameters, revealed a very rapid uptake of metal during the first 30 min and the best fit kinetic and isotherm models were pseudo second order and Langmuir, respectively. The optimum contact time, initial pH and adsorbent dosage were 120 min, 5.0 and 1 g/L, respectively with the maximum uptake capacity for lead as 32.25 mg/g. Thermodynamic studies revealed the spontaneous and endothermic nature of adsorption. Optimization of parameters was attempted with response surface methodology and differential evolutionary algorithms. The adsorbent characterization, before and after adsorption, by SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD suggests the adsorption of lead ions through chemisorption, ion-exchange and complexation. The results reveal the potential of Alternanthera sessilis as an adsorbent for the removal of lead from contaminated water.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bergeson, L. L. 2008. The proposed lead NAAQS: Is consideration of cost in the clean air act‘s future? Env. Quality Manage., 18: 79-84.
Nazir, R., et al. 2015. Accumulation of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Fe) in the soil, water and plants and analysis of physico-chemical parameters of soil and water collected from Tanda dam Kohat. J. Pharm. Sci. Res., 7(3): 89-97.
Literature cited 2: WHO. 2008. Guidelines for drinking water quality, (vol.1, 3rd edn) incorporating 1st and 2nd addenda. World Health Organization, Geneva.
WHO. 1984. Guidelines for drinking water quality (vol. 1 and 2). World Helath Organization, Geneva.
ID: 65510
Title: Machine Learning for Neuroscience: A Systematic Approach.
Author: Chuck Easttom (Reviewed by Zilong Zhong , Hui Guo )
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 395-396 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Machine Learning for Neuroscience: A Systematic Approach.
Keywords: None
Abstract: Neuroscience, the intricate study of the
nervous system and the brain, has made
phenomenal strides in the past decades.
With the sheer amount of data generated
from neuroscientific studies, there is a
growing need for sophisticated techniques
to analyse, interpret and derive meaningful
patterns from them
. Machine learning, a
subset of artificial intelligence, focuses on
developing algorithms and statistical models
that allow computers to perform tasks
without explicit instructions
. The convergence of machine learning and neuroscience
promises breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain and its disorders, as well
as the development of novel treatments.
This book is a tour de force in the intersection of two rapidly advancing fields, viz.
machine learning and neuroscience. In a
landscape where interdisciplinary knowledge is becoming increasingly invaluable,
this book seamlessly bridges the chasm between the intricate world of neural systems
and the analytical might of machine learning.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Vu, M. A. T. et al., J. Neurosci., 2018, 38(7),
1601–1607.
Richards, B. A. et al., Nature Neurosci.,
2019, 22(11), 1761–1770.
Literature cited 2: Davatzikos, C., NeuroImage, 2019, 197(15),
652–656.
Glaser, J. I., Benjamin, A. S., Farhoodi, R.
and Kording, K. P., Prog. Neurobiol., 2019,
175, 126–137.
ID: 65509
Title: Method to assess the accessibility of essential amenities in Tripura, North East India
Author: Mukti Advani and Partha Pratim Sarkar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 388-394 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Method to assess the accessibility of essential amenities in Tripura, North East India
Keywords: Accessibility level, essential amenities, hilly regions, road connectivity, self-sufficient score.
Abstract: Ease of access to a service or an amenity is measured
by its accessibility level. In urban/rural areas, the key
parameter used to measure accessibility is road connectivity. This is usually measured by the distance
and/or time from the origin to the location of various
amenities providing health, education, banking, shopping and other services. In addition to distance/time,
for hilly regions like Tripura, North East India, road
safety also plays a major role in accessibility to various
amenities. This study first measures the level of amenities within a village and represents this with a score,
viz. self-sufficient score (3S score). This score is further
upgraded considering the amenities available outside
that village but in nearby larger villages/cities. Unsignalized intersections being the most dangerous locations in hilly regions, the level of road safety has been
measured based on road geometry information, i.e. the
number of intersections, sharpness of the road curve
coupled with altitude of the roads between the subject
village and amenities in other villages/cities. This is
known as the safety score of intersections. The value of
the upgraded 3S score coupled with the safety score for
intersections is considered in ranking the villages for
their access to various amenities. The villages with
minimum scores have been identified for further decision-making process.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: World Bank, Measuring rural access using new technologies. The
World Bank Group, Washington, DC, USA, 2016; http://www.
worldbank.org/transport.
GoI, Road accidents in India, Transport Research Wing, Ministry
of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, 2020;
https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/RA_2020.pdf (accessed on 16
January 2022).
Literature cited 2: Kanuganti, S., Sarkar, A. K. and Singh, A. P., Evaluation of access
to health care in rural areas using enhanced two-step floating
catchment area (E2SFCA) method. J. Trans. Geogr., 2016, 56(C),
45–52.
Zhang, T., Liu, C. and Ni, Z., Association of access to healthcare
with self-assessed health and quality of life among old adults with
chronic disease in China: urban versus rural populations. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 2019, 16(14), 2592; https://doi.org/
10.3390/ijerph16142592.
ID: 65508
Title: Efficacy of short-term cognitive group treatment to reduce obesity among overweight Indian women: a randomized control trial
Author: F. Muskan, S. Jain and K. Bains
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 381-387 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Efficacy of short-term cognitive group treatment to reduce obesity among overweight Indian women: a randomized control trial
Keywords: Anthropometry, body composition, diet, obesity, women.
Abstract: This present study aims to assess the impact of a 10-week
cognitive group treatment on dietary intake, physical
activity, anthropometry and body composition parameters among a group of 66 volunteer Indian working
women. The need to combat the rising prevalence of
obesity and its associated health risks among working
women by exploring the potential benefits. The results
revealed a significant reduction in body weight, fat
mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass
index, waist–hip ratio, waist–height ratio and conicity
index among participants of the cognitive group treatment. Overall, the cognitive group treatment showed
promising results in helping Indian working women
cope with eating disorders, and improve their anthropometry and body composition parameters. These findings
emphasize the potential of cognitive group interventions
in promoting healthier lifestyles among this population.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: James, P. T., Obesity: the worldwide epidemic. Clin. Dermatol.,
2004, 22, 276–280.
WHO, Diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases.
Report of the joint WHO/FAO expert consultation, World Health
Organization Technical Report Series, No. 916 (TRS 916), World
Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 2017
Literature cited 2: . National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,
2021, Overweight and obesity statistics; https://www.niddk.nih.
gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity (accessed
on 4 October 2022).
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), India state fact sheets.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
2019; http://rchiips.org/nfhs/factsheet_NFHS-5.shtml (accessed on
2 January 2023)
ID: 65507
Title: Natural rubber: a renewable industrial raw material with negative carbon footprint
Author: K. Annamalainathan and James Jacob
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 374-380 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Natural rubber: a renewable industrial raw material with negative carbon footprint
Keywords: Carbon dioxide emission, industrial raw material, lifecycle emissions, natural rubber, negative carbon footprint
Abstract: Using the lifecycle assessment method, we estimated
the carbon footprint of natural rubber (NR) produced
from 1 ha NR plantation with an economic lifecycle of 27
years and productivity of 1.5 MT dry rubber per ha
per year. Lifecycle emissions due to farming operations
added up to 26.5 MT of carbon dioxide per ha, most of
which resulted from chemical fertilizers. Processing latex
into ribbed smoked sheet (RSS) rubber and technically
specified rubber (TSR) emitted more CO2 due to higher
energy requirements for drying compared to making
concentrated latex (cenex). Thus, lifecycle emissions were
the highest for processing RSS (27.8–41.6 MT CO2)
and TSR (13.3–22.9 MT CO2) and the lowest for cenex
(2.7–3.9 MT CO2). However, the total amount of CO2
sequestered during the entire lifecycle of the plantation
was as high as 500 MT CO2. This resulted in a negative
carbon footprint of approximately –15, irrespective of the
type of processed NR. This should make NR a much
more preferred raw material for the rubber industry
than synthetic rubber which has a much higher carbon
footprint. Promoting production and consumption of
NR will help decarbonize the global rubber industry
and benefit millions of small and marginal NR growers
around the world.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bilanovic, D., Carbon footprint – an environmental sustainability
indicator of large-scale CO2 sequestration. In Environmental Indicators (eds Arnon, R. H. and Hamninen, O.), Springer, Dordrecht,
2014, pp. 51–66.
Wiedmann, T. and Minx, J., A definition of carbon footprint. In
Ecological Economics Research Trends (ed. Pertsova, C. C.), Nova
Science Publishers, USA, 2008, vol. 2, pp. 55–65
Literature cited 2: Jose, I., Furtado, T. D. R., Belt, T. and Ramachandra. J., Economic
development and environmental sustainability. World Bank Institute Resources, 2013; https://doi.org/10.1596/0-8213 4573-7.
Joseph, J. and Jacob, J., Over-dependence of Indian rubber industry
on imported natural rubber: the question of long-term sustainability.
Rubber Sci., 2018, 31(1), 1–9.
ID: 65506
Title: Machine learning algorithms for predicting rainfall in India
Author: Sandip Garai, Ranjit Kumar Paul, Md. Yeasin , H. S. Roy and A. K. Paul
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 360-367 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Machine learning algorithms for predicting rainfall in India
Keywords: Climate change, crop planning, empirical comparison, machine learning, prediction, rainfall
Abstract: Due to the changing climate and frequent occurrence of
extreme events, farmers face significant challenges.
Precise rainfall prediction is necessary for proper crop
planning. The presence of nonlinearity and chaotic
structure in the historical rainfall series distorts the
performances of the usual prediction models. In the
present study, algorithms based on complete ensemble
empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise combined with stochastic models like autoregressive integrated moving average and generalized autoregressive
conditional heteroscedasticity; machine learning techniques like random forest, artificial neural network,
support vector regression and kernel ridge regression
(KRR) have been proposed for predicting rainfall series.
KRR has been considered to combine predicted intrinsic
mode functions and residuals generated by various algorithms to capture the volatility in the series. The proposed algorithms have been applied for predicting
rainfall in three selected subdivisions of India, namely,
Assam and Meghalaya, Konkan and Goa, and Punjab.
An empirical comparison of the proposed algorithms
with the existing models revealed that the developed
models have outperformed the latter.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dutta, S., Medhi, H., Karmaker, T., Singh, Y., Prabu, I. and Dutta,
U., Probabilistic flood hazard mapping for embankment breaching.
ISH J. Hydraul. Eng., 2010, 16, 15–25.
Paul, R. K., Prajneshu and Ghosh, H., Statistical modelling for
forecasting of wheat yield based on weather variables. Indian
J. Agric. Sci., 2013, 83, 180–183.
Literature cited 2: Yu, L., Zhang, X. and Wang, S., Assessing potentiality of support
vector machine method in crude oil price forecasting. EURASIA
J. Math. Sci. Technol. Educ., 2017, 13, 7893–7904.
Wei, Y., Wang, Y. and Huang, D., Forecasting crude oil market
volatility: further evidence using GARCH-class models. Energy
Econ., 2010, 32, 1477–1484.
ID: 65505
Title: Sources of rare earths and prospects for a viable REE deposit in river sediments of Kerala, southwest India
Author: Shaik Sai Babu , A. Prajith , V. Purnachandra Rao, M. Ram Mohan , R. V. Ramana and N. Satyasree
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 345-359 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Sources of rare earths and prospects for a viable REE deposit in river sediments of Kerala, southwest India
Keywords: Clay and silt fractions, Kerala, laterite, rare earth elements, river sediments.
Abstract: Studies on rare earth elements (REEs) of river sediments from Kerala, India indicate that the average total REE (ΣREE) of clay and silt-sized fractions is much
higher than in Post-Archaean average Australian Shale
(PAAS). Peak high ΣREE for the clay fraction is found
in the rivers of central Kerala and, for the silt fraction,
it is in south and central Kerala. ΣREE shows a moderate to strong correlation with Mn and P and, no correlation with Al, Fe and Ti in both size fractions. ΣREE
also shows no correlation with heavy metals in the clay
fraction but a strong correlation in silt fraction. PAASnormalized REE shows MREE-enrichment in almost
all the samples. Further, LREE-enriched and HREEdepleted REE patterns are characteristic of sediments
from south and central Kerala, and HREE-enriched or
flat REE patterns are characteristic of sediments from
north Kerala. Weak positive or weak negative Ce
anomalies are characteristic of the sediments. The Eu
anomaly is negative in a few silt fractions from south
Kerala and positive in all other sediments. Sm/Nd ratios
are high in the clay fraction and decrease with increasing ΣREE for the sediments of central Kerala. REE
enrichment and REE patterns are related to the felsic
component and heavy mineral content in the sediments
of south Kerala, adsorbed REE associated with the
weathering products of laterites in the sediments of
central Kerala, and the dominance of mafic component
in the sediments of north Kerala. The river sediments
of central Kerala may serve as a viable REE deposit
because of their high REE content, inexpensive mining,
easy recovery and extraction of REE. Only 21 out of 41
rivers of Kerala were analysed in this study. Detailed
exploration in other rivers may expand and confirm
the potential REE deposits and their economic viability. This REE deposit is different from the placer sand
deposits on the beaches of south Kerala.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nesbitt, H. W., Mobility and fractionation of rare earth elements
during weathering of a granodiorite. Nature, 1979, 279, 206–210.
2. Taylor, S. R., Rudnick, R. L., McLennan, S. M. and Eriksson, K.
A., Rare earth element patterns in Archean high-grade metasediments and their tectonic significance. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta,
1986, 50, 2267–2279.
Literature cited 2: McLennan, S. M., Rare earth elements in sedimentary rocks: influence of provenance and sedimentary processes. Rev. Mineral.,
1989, 21, 169–200.
Singh, P. and Rajamani, V., REE geochemistry of recent clastic
sediments from the Kaveri floodplains, southern India: implication
to source area weathering and sedimentary processes. Geochim.
Cosmochim. Acta, 2001, 65, 3093–3108.
ID: 65504
Title: A hybrid of GNSS remote sensing and ground-based laser technology for geo-referenced surveying in mining
Author: Amar Prakash, Aniket Verma, Anand Sharma, Prerna Jaiswal and Sujit K. Mandal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 336-344 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: A hybrid of GNSS remote sensing and ground-based laser technology for geo-referenced surveying in mining
Keywords: Georeferenced surveying, hybrid technology, laser scanner, remote sensing, Stone Mine
Abstract: Rapid, precise and frugal surveying is a strategic factor
in the present mechanized mining environment owing
to rapid surface profile transformation in a short period.
Determination of global coordinates with high accuracy
using the satellite-based global navigation satellite system
(GNSS) has been studied in the mining arena and is
gradually becoming an essential component. A case study
of Khanak Stone Mine, Haryana, India, is discussed
here, highlighting the combination of GNSS system
and terrestrial laser scanner for the preparation of a
surface profile of a rugged terrain with the key objective to determine the precise in situ rock excavation in
periodical phases. The actual tonnage of rock produced/
transported from the mine has been calculated by determining the in situ density and bulk density in the
laboratory. The study reveals that this survey of approach is apt to achieve quality plan and to obtain the goal
of actual tonnage of rocks excavated
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rapid, precise and frugal surveying is a strategic factor
in the present mechanized mining environment owing
to rapid surface profile transformation in a short period.
Determination of global coordinates with high accuracy
using the satellite-based global navigation satellite system
(GNSS) has been studied in the mining arena and is
gradually becoming an essential component. A case study
of Khanak Stone Mine, Haryana, India, is discussed
here, highlighting the combination of GNSS system
and terrestrial laser scanner for the preparation of a
surface profile of a rugged terrain with the key objective to determine the precise in situ rock excavation in
periodical phases. The actual tonnage of rock produced/
transported from the mine has been calculated by determining the in situ density and bulk density in the
laboratory. The study reveals that this survey of approach is apt to achieve quality plan and to obtain the goal
of actual tonnage of rocks excavated
Literature cited 2: Pini, M., Falco, G. and Presti, L. L., Estimation of satellite-user
ranges through GNSS code phase measurements. In Global Navigation Satellite Systems Signal – Theory and Applications (ed. Jin,
S.), InTech, Rijeka, Croatia, 2012.
Yuwono, H. E. Y., Cahyadi, M. N., Rahmadiansah, A., Yudha, I. S.
and Sari, A., Assessment of the single frequency low cost GPS
RTK positioning. In Proceedings of the IOP Conference Series:
Earth and Environmental Science, Volume 280, IOP Publishing,
Bristol, UK, 2018
ID: 65503
Title: Advancing GIS map maintenance: change detection and update using ResU-Net: a case study on Chandigarh and Hyderabad cities, India
Author: S. Vasavi, Dibyaranjan Parida , N. Malathi , M. Sobhana and Reedhi Shukla
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 326-335 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Advancing GIS map maintenance: change detection and update using ResU-Net: a case study on Chandigarh and Hyderabad cities, India
Keywords: Change detection, digital maps, geographical data, remote sensing, urban planning
Abstract: India’s metropolitan cities have been growing rapidly
for many years. To keep geographical information accurate and current, it is essential to update GIS maps.
Traditionally, experts have analysed new data sources
and made necessary adjustments to the maps manually.
Such manual monitoring is a laborious test both economically and in terms of workforce. Geographical data
are transformed into digital maps by GIS mapping,
making it simple to spot patterns, trends and linkages.
Extraction of humanmade objects, such as roads, water
bodies and buildings, from remotely sensed imageries
holds significance in various urban applications, including
urban land-use and land-cover assessment, geographical database updates and change detection. Cartosat-3
data can provide detailed information about buildings
and their changes over time. Additionally, GIS maps
are manually updated by rasterizing vector data. The
suggested system consists of ResNet and U-Net architecture as its core. The bi-temporal images are initially coregistered to completely align 2020 and 2022 satellite
images with respect to the coordinates. Buildings are
then segmented using U-Net with ResNet as the backbone, and the resultant segments are converted from
raster to vector format. The suggested model has been
tested and trained using the Chandigarh dataset, which
resulted in an accuracy of 95%
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Wieland, M., Martinis, S., Kiefl, R. and Gstaiger, V., Semantic
segmentation of water bodies in very high-resolution satellite and aerial images. Remote Sensing Environ., 2023, 287, 113452; https://
doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2023.113452.
Mattyus, G., Luo, M. and Urtasun, R., DeepRoadMapper: extracting road topology from aerial images. In Proceedings of the IEEE
International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV), 2017, pp.
3438–3446.
Literature cited 2: Vasavi, S., Priyadarshini, N. K. and Harshavaradhan, K., Invariant
feature based Darknet Architecture for moving object classification.
IEEE Sensors J., 2021, 21(10), 11417–11426; doi:10.1109/JSEN.
2020.3007883.
Chandigarh Administration; https://chandigarh.gov.in/ (accessed on
12 March 2023).
ID: 65502
Title: The influence of type-2 diabetes on cataract and their shared genetic basis through relevant genome-wide association studies
Author: Janaki Sneha, Saravanan Yogaprabhu , Ranjit Mohan Anjana, Viswanathan Mohan and Venkatesan Radha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 320-325 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: The influence of type-2 diabetes on cataract and their shared genetic basis through relevant genome-wide association studies
Keywords: Aldose reductase, diabetic cataract, genomewide association studies, polygenic risk score, sorbitol dehydrogenase
Abstract: Cataract in type-2 diabetes (T2D) patients is a secondary
complication and one of the leading causes of vision
loss next to diabetic retinopathy. Various factors such
as age, gender, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI and genetics contribute towards cataractogenesis. The genetic
predisposition of patients with T2D to develop cataract
remains unanswered. It is important to examine the
underlying genetic etiology of cataract in T2D through
large-scale genetic studies. Since there have been only
a handful of genome-wide association studies (GWAS)
on T2D-influenced cataract, multiple studies from various ethnicities are warranted to substantiate if T2D
truly influences the development of cataract. This study
provides an overview of possible mechanisms and factors
that trigger the development of cataract in T2D patients,
relevant GWAS and the role of genes associated with
T2D-associated cataract.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pradeepa, R. and Mohan, V., Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in
India. Indian J. Ophthalmol., 2021, 69(11), 2932–2938.
Radha, V. and Mohan, V., Genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes
among Asian Indians. Indian J. Med. Res., 2007, 125(3), 259–274.
Literature cited 2: Sanghera, D. K. and Blackett, P. R., Type 2 diabetes genetics: beyond GWAS. J. Diabetes Metab., 2012, 3(198), 6948.
Magliano, D. J. and Boyko, E. J., IDF Diabetes Atlas 10th edition
scientific committee. IDF DIABETES ATLAS [Internet]. 10th edn.
International Diabetes Federation, Brussels, Belgium, 2021.
ID: 65501
Title: National Geospatial Policy: perspectives on height systems, vertical datums and gravimetric geoid modelling in India
Author: Ropesh Goyal and Onkar Dikshit
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 309-319 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: National Geospatial Policy: perspectives on height systems, vertical datums and gravimetric geoid modelling in India
Keywords: Geoid model, geospatial guidelines, height system, National Geospatial Policy, vertical datum.
Abstract: The National Geospatial Policy (NGP) and guidelines of India mention that the threshold value for
vertical or elevation shall be 3 m. However, the terms ‘height’, ‘elevation’ or ‘vertical’ alone are not
sufficiently self-explanatory. Therefore, this article provides an overview of India’s height systems,
vertical datums and vertical reference surfaces. The ellipsoidal heights obtained from GNSS have
been discussed briefly, but the main focus remains on the physical height, commonly known as
heights above mean sea level. This is because only the latter is used for large infrastructural projects
and contouring in topographical maps. The geoid, a geopotential surface by definition, is the best
candidate for a vertical reference surface. Some countries also employ quasigeoid, but India has always
pursued geoid. Developing a geoid model is also one of the milestones for 2025 in the NGP. Geoid
modelling has been studied in India for over a century but has never been discussed in detail. This
article comprehensively discusses all the pertinent information on heights and vertical reference surfaces used in the country, which is important for various stakeholders and users of the NGP and
guidelines. Some suggestions towards the successful implementation of the NGP in terms of maintaining consistency and avoiding duplication in densifying the national fundamental elevation dataset and a roadmap for developing the consistently precise national geoid model have also been
provided for consideration by the national agencies and engineering surveyors.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Goyal, R., Tiwari, A., Dikshit, O. and Balasubramanian, N., Draft
National Geospatial Policy: a few salient observations. Curr. Sci.,
2022, 123(3), 256–258.
DST, Draft National Geospatial Policy, Department of Science and
Technology, Government of India, 2021, p. 24; https://dst.gov.in/
sites/default/files/Draft%20NGP%2C%202021.pdf (accessed on 12
September 2022).
Literature cited 2: Goyal, R., Dikshit, O. and Tiwari, A., National Geospatial Policy:
status of the Indian geodetic data. Curr. Sci., 2023, online first.
https://www.currentscience.ac.in/data/forthcoming/684.pdf
Heiskanen, W. A. and Moritz, H., Physical Geodesy, W H Freeman
and Co, San Francisco, USA, 1967, p. 364.
ID: 65500
Title: Theoretical modelling of alpha particle-induced X-ray signals from the lunar surface
Author: Debabrata Banerjee
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 307-308 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Theoretical modelling of alpha particle-induced X-ray signals from the lunar surface
Keywords: None
Abstract: The elemental composition of a planetary
surface can be deduced from in situ measurements by remote sensing techniques or
laboratory analysis of the returned samples.
Compositional maps of the moon, Mars and
asteroids have been obtained using remote
sensing X-ray1 and gamma-ray2 spectroscopy in the last six decades of planetary
exploration. With respect to lunar science,
the magnesium number, i.e. MgO/(MgO +
FeO) estimation is considered significant
for understanding lunar origin. Determination of the abundance of major elements in
the South Pole Aitkin Basin at high spatial
resolution will improve our knowledge regarding the early evolution of the moon
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Clark, P. E. and Trombka, J. I., J. Geophys. Res., 1997, 102, 16361–16384.
Banerjee, D. and Gasnault, O., J. Geophys.
Res., 2008; doi:10.1029/2007JE003046
Literature cited 2: Petro, N. E. and Pieters, C. M., J. Geophys.
Res., 2004; doi:10.1029/2003JE002182.
Jenkins, R. and Devries, J., In Practical Xray Spectrometry, Springer Verlag, New
York, USA, 1967, p. 200.
ID: 65499
Title: Assured access to neutron and muon sources at RAL, UK under the DST–STFC collaboration
Author: Rahul Kumar and A. Sundaresan, Poonam Yadav
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 304-306 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Assured access to neutron and muon sources at RAL, UK under the DST–STFC collaboration
Keywords: None
Abstract: The DST-RAL project is a collaborative
agreement between the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, and the
Science and Technology Facility Council
(STFC), the United Kingdom, representing
a cutting-edge initiative to enhance and
streamline access to neutron and muon facilities at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), UK. This project is dedicated
to advancing research in nanoscience and
technology, focusing on quantum materials,
energy, advanced engineering and healthcare. The main objectives of this project
are to nurture researchers, enhance instrumental resources, and foster collaborations
in neutron and muon techniques.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 65498
Title: Raj-Prathama: India’s first Marwari filly born through embryo transfer technology
Author: Thirumala Rao Talluri, Sajjan Kumar, Yash Pal, Ram Avtar Legha, Ramesh Kumar Dedar and Tarun Kumar Bhattacharya
Editor: S.K. Satheesh
Year: 2024
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 126 (3) 303-304 10 Feb (2024)
Subject: Raj-Prathama: India’s first Marwari filly born through embryo transfer technology
Keywords: None
Abstract: Horses have been a symbol of bravery,
power and vigour, as well as a means of
fast movement and transport since ancient
times. India is a complex amalgamation of
varying terrains and climatic conditions, in
which different species of the family Equidae are used in diverse roles. The country
is bestowed with a rich biodiversity of
equids and this is reflected in the form of
seven distinct horse breeds, namely Kathiawari, Marwari, Spiti, Zanskari, Bhutia,
Manipuri and recently recognized Kachchhi–Sindhi breed
. The equine population
is declining (continuously, which reflects
its fast reducing economic and social importance due to continuous mechanization
of agriculture and transport, and little efforts
in genetic improvement through selection)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Pal, Y. et al., Indian J. Anim. Res., 2020,
55(11), 1371–1376; 10.18805/IJAR.B-4221.
GoI, Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics,
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &
Dairying, Government of India, 2022; http://
dahd.nic.in
Literature cited 2: Talluri, T. R. et al., Indian J. Anim. Sci.,
2016, 86(2), 163–167; https://doi.org/10.
56093/ijans.v86i2.55797.
Talluri, T. R. et al., Indian J. Anim. Sci.,
2021, 90(10), 1414–1417; https://doi.org/10.
56093/ijans.v90i10.111418.
ID: 65497
Title: Development Of Particulate Matter Pollution Indices For Monitoring The Ambient Air Quality In Part Of Chennai, India
Author: R.M. Narayanan and S. Laxmipriya
Editor: Dr. Jyoti Verma
Year: 2021
Publisher: Kalpana Corporation
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Indian Journal of Environmental Protection Vol 41 (12) Dec. 21 page 1454-1456 2021.
Subject: Development Of Particulate Matter Pollution Indices For Monitoring The Ambient Air Quality In Part Of Chennai, India
Keywords: Particulate matter pollution indices, Ambient air quality, Particulate pollution, Human health, Impact zonation, GIS mapping
Abstract: This research work deals with the formulation of particulate matter pollution indices (PMPI) based on the impact of three major pollutants (PM1, PM10 and PM2.5) based on the considerations of WHO standards. Concentrations of particulate matter from 6 sampling stations were analyzed and looked upon for the development of proposed index. This will be helpful to both public and officials to take precautionary steps for the safekeeping of people. Results along the selected stations show that the permissible limits exceeded at most sites with a low to very high PMPI category concerning the concentration of particulate matter. This study resulted in extremely harmful pollution concentration among the residents and their health.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Addi, A., et al. 2020. A symptomatic COVID-19 infection management: The key to stop COVID-19. J. Clin. Exp. Investing., 11(3).
Nguyen, T.N.T., et al. 2019. Air pollution monitoring network using low-cost sensors: A case study in Hanoi, Vietnam. IOP Conference Series: Earth Env. Sci., 266 (1).
Literature cited 2: Jeong, H.S., et al. 2011. A study on characteristics of particulate matter in the Seoul metropolitan subway. Epidermiol., 22:PS47.
Greenstone, M., et al. The solvable challenge of air pollution in India. Available at: www.ncaer.org.