ID: 62946
Title: Impact of macroeconomic and healthcare provision factors on patient satisfaction
Author: Ana Iolanda Voda,Ionel Bostan and Claudiu Gabriel Tiganas
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 43-48 (2018)
Subject: Impact of macroeconomic and healthcare provision factors on patient satisfaction
Keywords: GDP, healthcare provision and expenditure, macroeconomic factors, patient satisfaction
Abstract: This article examines how macroeconomic and healthcare provision factors affect patient satisfaction. In line with the specialized literature, we have formulated two hypothesis statements that were tested on a sample of 31 countries, using 2012, 2013 and 2014 data. OLS regression models were used for testing different explanatory variables and their impact on patient satisfaction. The main findings of the study clearly illustrate a positive and strong relationship between patient satisfaction and healthcare provision, namely practicing physicians and the number of nurses, and macro-economic factors such as public healthcare expenditure and GDP per capita. Furthermore, we notice a negative but strong correlation with healthcare infrastructure (available hospital beds) and private healthcare expenditure.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Voda, A.I. And Tiganas,C.G.,Healthcare quality and its effects on growth. A regional analysis. CES Working Pap., 2015, 7 (3), 802-812.
Arora, P., Healthcare biotechnology firms in India: evolution, structure and growth. Curr. Sci ,2005,89 (3), 458-463.
Literature cited 2: US Department of Health and Human Services, Report to Congress: National Strategy for Quality Improvement in Health Care, Washington, DC, USA, 2011.
McIntyre,D., Kutzin, J. and World Health Organization,Health financing country diagnostic: a foundation for national strategy development. World Health Organization,Geneva, 2016.
ID: 62945
Title: Digital Accessible Knowledge of the birds of India: Characterizing gaps in time and space
Author: A. Townsend Peterson,R. Suresh Kumar,Manoj V. Nair and Gautam Talukdar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 35-42 (2018)
Subject: Digital Accessible Knowledge of the birds of India: Characterizing gaps in time and space
Keywords: Birds,digital accessible knowledge, global change ,India, Primary biodiversity data
Abstract: This paper evaluates Digital Accessible Knowledge on Occurrence of Indian bird species. More than 2 million primary occurrence records from across India were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and eBird. These were processed into maps of inventory completeness across the country both prior to 1980 and after 2000, in an attempt to develop evaluations of faunal change resulting from global climate change. We found good coverage of the country by well-inventoried areas after 2000,but almost no coverage prior to 1980.As such, in before-and-after comparisons documenting effects of global change on Indian birds, the 'after' is well documented, but the 'before' is lacking. This significant information gap points to the need for digital capture and open sharing of historical information regarding Indian bird species' occurrences; this information will derive in large part from natural history museum specimens, particularly India and Great Britain, and potentially from older observational data sources and the literature.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh,J.S. And Kushwaha, S.P.S.,Forest biodiversity and its conservation in India. Int. For. Rev., 2008, 10, 292-304.
Peterson,A.T.,Navarro-Siguenza, A.G., Martinez-Meyer,E.,Cuervo-Robayo, A.P.,Berlanga,H. And Soberson,J., Twentieth century turnover of Mexican endemic avifaunas: Landscape change versus climate drivers. Sci. Adv., 2015, 1, e1400071.
Literature cited 2: Peterson,A.T., Navarro-Siguenza,A.G. And Martinez-Meyer,E., Digital accessible knowledge and well-inventoried sites for birds in Mexico: baseline sites for measuring faunistic change. Peer J., 2016, 4, e2362.
Ali,S. And Ripley,S.D.,Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Together with those of Bangladesh,Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Vol.3: Stone Curlews to Owls, Oxford University Press, Bombay, 1969.
ID: 62944
Title: Low-cost solar water purifier for rural households
Author: Anil K. Rajvanshi and Noorie Rajvanshi
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 32-34 (2018)
Subject: Low-cost solar water purifier for rural households
Keywords: Coliforms, solar water purifier, tubular collectors, thermal degradation
Abstract: A simple, low-cost solar water purifier (SWP) for rural households , which does not require electricity or waste precious water has been developed. The SWP consists of four tubular solar water heaters attached to a manifold. Non-potable water is filled in the SWP after filtering with four-layered cotton cloth and heated in the stagnation mode by solar energy to make it potable. The cost of the SWP is around Rs 2500-3000 (~US$ 40-50) and is so simple that any small rural workshop can fabricate it. In large-scale production it is envisaged that the cost can come down to Rs 1500.Details of the technology are provided in this article.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: WHO, WHO fact sheet, 2017; http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs330/en/
SODIS, Wikipedia article on SODIS; http://en.wikipedia.orgwiki/Solar_water_disinfection.
Literature cited 2: Borde,P., Elmusharaf,K., McGuigan,K.G. And Keogh, M.B., Community challenges when using large plastic bottles for solar energy disinfection of water (SODIS). BMC Public Health, 2016, 16, 931.
Nimbkar,N. and Rajvanshi,A,K., Simple filtration and low-temperature sterilization of drinking water. Curr. Sci., 2013, 104 (4), 519-522.
ID: 62943
Title: Invasion and establishment of the Solanum whitefly Alerothrixus trachoides (Back) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in South India
Author: R. Sundararaj,T. Amuthavalli, D. Vimala
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 29-31 (2018)
Subject: Invasion and establishment of the Solanum whitefly Alerothrixus trachoides (Back) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in South India
Keywords: Invasion, establishment, Solanum whitefly, Alerothrixus trachoides, South India
Abstract: Trade, transport and travel are the major drivers of bioinvasions and will continue to increase as a by-product of globalization. Agricultural practices that simply ecosystems by focusing on a small number of crops by eliminating predators and competitors generally make those systems more vulnerable to invasion. The Neotropical solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides is found to be invasive in India, it is presently spreading fast in South India infesting many economically important plants of the family Solanaceae like brinjal, chilli, and tomato, sandalwood as well as some medicinal, ornamental and weed species.
Whiteflies comprise the insect family Aleyrodidae and are an economically important group of small inconspicuous phytophagous insects; they are often overlooked despite their abundance on the surface of leaves. White flies rank among the most noxious insects attacking field crops and greenhouse crops around the world. The economic loss is due to their activities of sucking the plant sap, acting s vectors of viral diseases and in production of honey dew leading to the development of mould on leaves, thus adversely affecting photosynthesis. So far 440 species of whiteflies under 63 genera are known from India, among which few are economically important.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: USDA,Nature travel and ecotourism:animal and human health concerns, US Department of Agriculture, Washington DC, USA, October 2001.
Perrings, C. et al.,Conserv.Ecol, 2002. 6(1), 1; http:www.consecol.org/vol6/iss1/art1
Literature cited 2: Dubey, A.K and Sundararaj,R., Biosystematica, 2015, 9 (1 &2), 21-26.
David,B.V. and Subramaniam,T.R., Rec. Zool. Surv. India, 1976, 70, 133-233.
ID: 62942
Title: Persistence of Chikungunya virus in samples stored at different temperatures
Author: Deepti Parashar,A.B. Sudeep,Ashwini More, Poonam Patil, Atul Walimbe,Mangala Mavale, Sarika Amdekar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 25-27 (2018)
Subject: Persistence of Chikungunya virus in samples stored at different temperatures
Keywords: Persistence, Chikungunya virus, samples stored, different temperatures
Abstract: Chikunguna virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus (family Togaviridae), has become a globally major public health problem since 2004.No vaccines or therapeutics are available except for mosquito control. CHIKV is relatively stable in blood at room temperature and remains viable for at least 8 h. However, no documented data is available regarding survival of CHIKV outside the host, i.e., in serum or infected mosquitoes. Understanding the survival and environmental stability of CHIKV in the above samples is important for effective management during outbreaks and handling clinical samples.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Peterson, L.R. And Powers, A.M.,Chikungunya: epidemiology. F1000Res (2016); 5.pii: F1000 Faculty Rev-82.doi:10.12688/f1000 research.717.1. e Collection 2016.
Ramachandrarao,T.,Sharda Devi,P. And Singh,K.R.,Mosq. News, 1968, 28, 406-408.
Literature cited 2: Sudeep, A.B., Ghodke, Y.S., Gokhale, M.D., George, R.P.,Dhaigude,S.D. And Bondre,V.P.J., Vector Borne Dis., 2014, 51, 333-338.
Reed,L.J. and Muench,H.A.,Am. J. Hyg., 1938, 27, 493-497.
ID: 62941
Title: The climate change programme of the Department of Science and Technology
Author: S.P. Singh, M. Sanwal,V.P. Dimri and S.K. Dubey
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (1) 22-24 (2018)
Subject: The climate change programme of the Department of Science and Technology
Keywords: Climate change programme, Department of Science & Technology
Abstract: We analyse here acheivements of DST's Climate Change Programme run by a small team of Science administrators. The programme was run in a campaign mode in which DST science administrators not only made several young scientists interested in the programme, but also played a role of co-partner in developing the project concept and plans. The main features of the programme are : (I) several young scientists have taken led role in carrying out research in climate change; (ii) creation of research networks ; (iii)a remarkable rise in quality research papers ; (iv) training over 35, 000 personnel , and (v) a marked change in the style of running a programme in which DST science administrators, committee members and researchers worked together with more trust and understanding , involving frequent interactions
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 62940
Title: Cross-resistance and biochemical mechanism in an insecticide-resistant population of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and its parasitizing efficiency against invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)
Author: Priyanka Dupatne , T. Venkatesan, Omprakash Navik, M. Mohan , K. M. Venugopal , Basavaarya , V. Linga , Y. Lalitha , G. Sivakumar and M. Ashwini
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 115-122 (2023)
Subject: Cross-resistance and biochemical mechanism in an insecticide-resistant population of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) and its parasitizing efficiency against invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)
Keywords: Biological agent, cross-resistance, egg parasitoid, Spodoptera frugiperda, Trichogramma chilonis.
Abstract: Trichogramma chilonis is an egg parasitoid of lepidopteran pests and widely used in biological control and integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. In
this study, the cross-resistance in multiple insecticide tolerant strain of T. chilonis was evaluated against chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, spinetoram 11.7% SC and hiamethoxam 12.6% + lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5%
ZC. Bioassay studies revealed the highest resistance level against chlorantraniliprole (8.83-fold resistance) over the susceptible population, followed by spinetoram (2.41-fold). Metabolic enzymes carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase showed major involvement in the resistant populations, with the highest activity observed against chlorantraniliprole, followed by spinetoram. The resistant population at field recommended doses
of chlorantraniliprole (400 ppm), parasitized 52.92% and 44.10% of Corcyra cephalonica and Spodoptera frugiperda eggs respectively, compared to 15.48% and
9.6% parasitism by the susceptible population. Integration and utilization of resistant strains of T. chilonis in IPM programmes can provide improved control of insect pests under insecticide-sprayed conditions and may reduce the insecticide load on crops.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Zang, L.-S., Wang, S., Zhang, F. and Desneux, N., Biological control
with Trichogramma in China: history, present status and perspectives. Annu. Rev. Entomol., 2020, 66(1), 463–484.
Li, L.-Y., Worldwide use of Trichogramma for biological control on different crops: a survey. In Biological Control with Egg Parasitoids (eds Wajnberg, E. and Hassan, S. A.), CAB International, Oxon, UK, 1994, pp. 37–53.
Literature cited 2: Parra, J. R. P. and Coelho Jr, A., Insect rearing techniques for biological control programs, a component of sustainable agriculture in
Brazil. Insects, 2022, 13, 105.
Khanh, D. T., Chailleux, H., Tiradon, A., Desneux, N., Colombel, E. and Tabone. E., Using new egg parasitoids (Trichogramma spp.) to improve integrated management against Tuta absoluta. EPPO Bull., 2012, 42, 249–254.
ID: 62939
Title: Genetic diversity within and among populations of the fulvous fruit bat Rousettus leschenaulti using RAPD analysis
Author: R. Steffi Christiane , U. Ramesh and T. Karuppudurai
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 108-114 (2023)
Subject: Genetic diversity within and among populations of the fulvous fruit bat Rousettus leschenaulti using RAPD analysis
Keywords: Anthropogenic disturbances, cave roosting, genetic diversity, RAPD analysis, Rousettus leschenaulti.
Abstract: The genetic diversity of 14 Rousettus leschenaulti populations was examined using the random amplified polymorphic DNA marker technique. Samples were collected from various districts of southern Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 266 bands were identified in the bat genome using a polymerase chain reaction, of which 189 were found to be polymorphic. The range between 0.05 and 0.70 in the dendrogram represented the relative genetic similarities between the populations. According to principal coordinate analysis, the first two components were accountable for 50.3% of the overall variation. The species exhibited a significant level of genetic variability across populations. This might continue as a result of population gene flow, which primarily results through extra-colony copulations without permanent dispersal from the parent colony. Also, greater vagility is an adaptation associated with cave roosting in this species. Our preliminary results indicate that all 14 populations should be considered to maintain genetic diversity. The development of effective management measures for their conservation depends on knowledge of genetic variation within and between populations.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bates, P. J. J. and Harrison, D. L., Bats of the Indian Subcontinent, Harrison Zoological Museum Press, England, UK, 1997.
Fenton, M. B. and Simmons, N. B., Bats – A World of Science and Mystery, The University of Chicago Press, USA, 2015, p. 240.
Literature cited 2: Marshall, A. G., Bats, flowers and fruit: evolutionary relationships in the Old World. Biol. J. Linn. Soc., 1983, 20, 115–135.
Sreenivasan, M. A. and Bhat, H. R., Record of a piebald fulvous fruit bat, Rousettus leschenaulti Desmarest. J. Bombay Nat. Hist.
Soc., 1974, 71, 598–600.
ID: 62938
Title: Nesting biology of allodapine bee Braunsapis picitarsis (Cameron) from South India
Author: P. S. Anusree Padmanabhan and Mani Chellappan
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 102-107 (2023)
Subject: Nesting biology of allodapine bee Braunsapis picitarsis (Cameron) from South India
Keywords: Agricultural and horticultural crops, Braunsapis picitarsis, DNA barcoding, life cycle, nesting architecture.
Abstract: The allodapine bee, Braunsapis picitarsis (Cameron) (Allodapini: Xylocopinae: Apidae) is polylectic and found to be an important pollinator for many agricultural and horticultural crops. As B. picitarsis was found to be cryptic to other species, DNA barcoding was done to confirm the species identity. The nesting sites were located
in dried twigs of peacock flower tree, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) and a total of 83 nests were collected from 2019 to 2021. The bees preferred nesting sites with
an entrance diameter of 2.83 ± 0.06 mm and a nest length of 5.38 ± 0.30 cm. The total development period was 56.85 ± 0.84 days in the laboratory. Pupa exhibited a
difference in eye colour and body pigmentation during development.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Clark, E. and Christie, B. R., A forage-based vision of Ontario agriculture. J. Agric. Ethics, 1988, 1, 109–121.
Kremen, C., Williams, N. M. and Thorp, R. W., Crop pollination from native bees at risk from agricultural intensification. Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, 99, 16812–16816.
Literature cited 2: Goyal, N. P., Role of honeybees in improving agricultural productivity. In Proceedings of First National Conference on Beekeeping,
Chandigarh, 1993.
Chaudhary, O. P., Role of insect pollinators in seed production and its quality. In Seed Quality Assurance (eds Dhaiya, B. S., Deswal,
D. P. and Bishnoi, S. S.), CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, 1998, pp. 86–113.
ID: 62937
Title: Effects of temperature and slope on the infiltration rate for a landfill surface
Author: Lohit Jain and Sumedha Chakma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 94-101 (2023)
Subject: Effects of temperature and slope on the infiltration rate for a landfill surface
Keywords: Double-ring infiltrometer, infiltration rate, landfill, slope, temperature.
Abstract: In this study, parameters of the Kostiakov, Horton, Modified Kostiakov, SCS, Philip and Smith models were estimated using the double-ring infiltrometer on two different slopes, viz. 4° and 23°; in morning and
afternoon sessions to assess their usefulness in characterizing the infiltration process. Observations revealed that the average increment in temperature by 9°C increased the final and initial infiltration rates by 65% and 38% respectively. The combined effects of the 23°slope and higher temperature increased the infiltrated
volume by 6.4 times. The comparative analysis showed Kostiakov as the most efficient model incorporating combined and individual effects of temperature and
slope.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Singh, R. P., Tyagi, V. V., Allen, T., Ibrahim, M. H. and Kothari, R., An overview for exploring the possibilities of energy generation from municipal solid waste (MSW) in Indian scenario. Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., 2011, 15, 4797–4808; https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2011.07.071.
Census of India 2011, Population projections for India and the states: 2011–2036, National Commission on Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi, 2020
Literature cited 2: Annual Report with respect to solid waste management rules, 2016 in respect of NCT of Delhi for the Year 2016, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Government of NCT of Delhi, New Delhi, 2019.
Annual Report in respect of NCT of Delhi for the year 2021–2022 on the implementation of solid waste management rules, 2016, New Delhi, 2022.
ID: 62936
Title: Clay minerals and the adsorption of fullerenes: clues from iridium-enriched Cretaceous– Palaeogene Anjar intertrappean beds, Kachchh district, Gujarat, India
Author: Pronoy Roy , G. Parthasarathy and Bulusu Sreenivas
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 87-93 (2023)
Subject: Clay minerals and the adsorption of fullerenes: clues from iridium-enriched Cretaceous– Palaeogene Anjar intertrappean beds, Kachchh district, Gujarat, India
Keywords: Clay minerals, Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary, fullerenes, iridium
Abstract: Here we present powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic data on clay minerals associated with the iridium (Ir)-enriched
and fullerene-bearing yellowish-brown clayey layers of the Anjar intertrappean beds, Kachchh district, Gujarat, India. The objective is to understand the role of clay
minerals composition in preserving the fullerene molecules and Ir contents in the Anjar intertrappean beds. XRD patterns show the presence of smectite along with
palygorskite and sepiolite. FT-IR spectra also confirm the presence of these Mg-rich clay minerals and broadened peaks indicate their nanocrystalline nature. The
study shows a correlation between the nature of smectites and the occurrence of fullerenes and iridium.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Alvarez, L. W., Alvarez, W., Asaro, F. and Michel, H. V., Extraterrestrial cause for the retaceous–Tertiary extinction. Science, 1980, 208, 1095–1108.
Culver, S. J., Benthic foraminifera across the Cretaceous–Tertiary (K–T) boundary: a review. Mar. Micropaleontol., 2003, 47, 177–226.
Literature cited 2: Kyte, F. T., A meteorite from the Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary. Nature, 1998, 396, 237–239.
Shukolyukov, A. and Lugmair, G. W., Isotopic evidence for the Cretaceous–Tertiary impactor and its type. Science, 1998, 282, 927–
929.
ID: 62935
Title: Urban flood vulnerability assessment of Vadodara city using rainfall–run-off simulations
Author: Harsh D. Patel , Gaurav V. Jain and Suvarna D. Shah
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 79-86 (2023)
Subject: Urban flood vulnerability assessment of Vadodara city using rainfall–run-off simulations
Keywords: Rainfall, return period, run-off, storm-water drainage, urban flood vulnerability.
Abstract: In this study, we demonstrate an approach for citywide urban flood vulnerability assessment based on the capability of storm-water drainage networks. The daily
rainfall data of 45 years were used to generate intensity–duration–frequency curves of 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100-yr return periods. The performance of the storm-water drainage network was subsequently evaluated for each of these probable storms using rainfall–run-off simulations employing the SWMM software of US EPA. The
duration of flooding at drainage nodes under storms of different return periods was considered for identifying flood-prone regions in the study city. It was observed
that about 21% of the city is currently under high and very high urban flood severity zones.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Patel, D. P. et al., Assessment of flood inundation mapping of Surat city by coupled 1D/2D hydrodynamic modeling: a case application of the new HEC-RAS 5. Nat. Hazards, 2017, 89, 93–130.
Tierolf, L. et al., Modeling urban development and its exposure to
river flood risk in Southeast Asia. Comput. Environ. Urban Syst., 2021, 87, 101620; doi:10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2021.101620
Literature cited 2: Dutta, D., An integrated tool for assessment of flood vulnerability of coastal cities to sea-level rise and potential socioeconomic impacts: a case study in Bangkok, Thailand. Hydrol. Sci. J., 2011, 56(5), 805–823.
Rotzoll, K. and Fletcher, C. H., Assessment of groundwater inundation as a consequence of sea-level rise. Nature Climate Change, 2013, 3(5), 477–481.
ID: 62934
Title: Control and management of cynophycean (Spirulina platensis) bloom in Padmatheertham, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Author: K. G. Padmakumar, P. R. Remya, K. A. Stephy, Haritha Mohan, T. Preseetha, T. R. Arathi, B. Alan and Tessy Abraham
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 73-78 (2023)
Subject: Control and management of cynophycean (Spirulina platensis) bloom in Padmatheertham, Thiruvananthapuram, India
Keywords: Bioremediation, blue–green algae, eutrophication, hypoxic, Spirulina platensis.
Abstract: The blue–green algal (BGA) bloom that appeared in Padmatheertham, the sacred pond in Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India is associated with Spirulina platensis, a cyanobacterium rich in proteins, considered as a safe, functional food. Considering the unaesthetic appearance of the BGA bloom and its foul odour on open decomposition, various non-chemical methods were employed for its control. Several methods for nutrient remediation in the pond
system were also explored. The efficacy of using decomposing rice straw to inhibit algal growth was studied. The possibility of control of BGA by stocking tilapia and filter-feeding bivalve, Villorita cyprinoides capable of ingesting and digesting the algae was analyzed. Experimental assays carried out on V. cyprinoides revealed that it helped in the rapid utilization of BGA. The present study reinforces our understanding of the fundamental ecosystem services that filter-feeder communities provide to counter the invasive effects of eutrophication through consumption and assimilation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anderson, D. M., Cembella, A. D. and Hallegraeff, G. M., Progress in understanding harmful algal blooms: paradigm shifts and new technologies for research, monitoring, and management. Annu. Rev.
Mar. Sci., 2012, 4, 143–176.
Glibert, P. M., Harmful algal blooms in Asia: an insidious and escalating water pollution phenomenon with effects on ecological and human health. ASIA Network Exchange, Spring 2013, 2014, vol.
21, 1.17.
Literature cited 2: Gobler, C. J., Doherty, O. M., Griffith, A. W., Hattenrath, T. K., Lehmann, Y. Kang and Litaker, W., Ocean warming since 1982 has expanded the niche of toxic algal blooms in the North Atlantic and
North Pacific Oceans. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2017, 114, 4975–4980.
Paerl, H. W. and Huisman, J., Blooms like it hot. Science, 2008,
320(4) 57.
ID: 62933
Title: Wild Solanum species exhibit feeding antixenosis against ash weevil, Myllocerus subfasciatus Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Author: B. R. Jayanthi Mala, S. V. Krishnamoorthy , P. Saravan Kumar , T. H. Singh , K. S. Shivashanakara and P. D. Kamala Jayanthi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 63-72 (2023)
Subject: Wild Solanum species exhibit feeding antixenosis against ash weevil, Myllocerus subfasciatus Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Keywords: Host plant resistance, Myllocerus subfasciatus, olfactometer assays, plant volatiles, Solanum species.
Abstract: This study was aimed at identifying host plant resistance sources of Solanum species against the dreaded brinjal pest, ash weevil. Myllocerus subfasciatus Guerin-Meneville. A total of 84 brinjal genotypes (both cultivated and wild) were screened for feeding preference/nonreference against the ash weevil under field as well as in
vitro conditions. All the cultivated and five wild genotypes (bitter brinjal, Solanum gilo Raddi; black nightshade, Solanum indicum L.; African eggplant, Solanum macrocarpon L.; Ethiopian eggplant, Solanum aethiopicum L. and Dutch eggplant, Solanum acculeatissimum Jacq.)
were found highly susceptible to the ash weevil. The other wild species, namely tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum Dunal; nipple fruit (= cow’s udder) Solanum mammosum L.; European nightshade, Solanum nigrum L.; cockroach berry, Solanum capsicoides Allioni; Brazilian nightshade, Solanum seaforthianum Andrews; Turkey berry, Solanum torvum Sw. and sticky nightshade, Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam exhibited complete resistance to the ash weevil with leaf feeding damage ranging from zero to <1.00 (when scored on 0.00–10.00 scale).
This study helped identify feeding antixenosis (feeding non-preference) as the major component of resistance in these wild genotypes against M. subfasciatus. Response of the ash weevil to these wild/cultivated genotypes and their volatiles has also been discussed in detail.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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ID: 62932
Title: Imprints of vehicular pollution in roadside dust from Kolkata, India: insights from magnetic susceptibility, geo-statistical and SEM studies
Author: Supriya Mondal, Saurodeep Chatterjee, Rimjhim Maity, Debesh Gain and Dipanjan Mazumdar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2023
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 124 (1) 56-62 (2023)
Subject: Imprints of vehicular pollution in roadside dust from Kolkata, India: insights from magnetic susceptibility, geo-statistical and SEM studies
Keywords: Anthropogenic activities, magnetic susceptibility, morphological study, roadside dust, vehicular pollution
Abstract: The present study aimed to determine the magnetic susceptibility of roadside dust collected from different parts of Kolkata city, West Bengal, India. The average value
of susceptibility was 4.96 × 10–6 m3
/kg, the highest being 19.6 × 10–6 m3
/kg and the lowest being 1.2 × 10–6 m3
/kg. The frequency-dependent susceptibility value (average =2.19) indicated the dominance of stable-single domain
grains with a low concentration of superparamagnetic grains at a few locations. SEM analysis showed morphological diversity of road dust – irregular, aggregate, angular and cloudy. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
analysis of the dust particles revealed that Ca-rich, Narich and Fe-rich particles were abundant. Compositions were variable with the morphology. The mapping of magnetic susceptibility indicated that the susceptibility values were higher in areas with heavy vehicular traffic and other polluting sources. However, some areas with high pollution had open spaces, indicating the dispersion of magnetic pollutants. The study indicated the degradation of the environment due to anthropogenic activities.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
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