ID: 63220
Title: Role of technology in responding to disasters: insights from the great deluge in Kerala
Author: Anamika Ajay
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (6) 913-918 (2019)
Subject: Role of technology in responding to disasters: insights from the great deluge in Kerala
Keywords: Affected communities, crowdsourcing, deluge, disaster management, technology.
Abstract: Community action and voluntary initiatives have always played an important role in responding to disasters. However, the sheer scale and pace at which affected communities are now able to
mobilize resources and social support reveal the role of communication technology in crisis management. Using the case study of the great deluge in Kerala, this article describes the stages of crowdsourcing that unfolded during the rescue and relief phases, and analyses how technology facilitated this process. The article also demonstrates how simple technologies that are aligned with the local specificities of the context are often more effective in disaster management than technologically advanced equipments.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ludwig, T., Kotthaus, C., Reuter, C., van Dongen, S. and Pipek, V., Situated crowdsourcing during disasters: Managing the task of spontaneous volunteers through public displays. Int. J. Hum.–Comput. Stud., 2016, 102, 103–121.
Reuter, C., Heger, O. and Pipek, V., Combining real and virtual volunteers through social media. In Proceedings of the Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (ISCRAM), Baden-Baden, Germany, 2013, pp. 1–10.
Literature cited 2: Mandhani, N., How Indians are using social media to help floodhit Kerala. BBC News, 20 August 2018; https://www.bbc.com/
news/world-asia-india-45218556 (last accessed on 30 August 2018).
Paul, A. and Pillai, R., On the road to digitization: the case of Kerala, IIMK Case Study, IIMK/CS/41/ITS/2017/06, Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode; https://www.iimk.ac.in/
websiteadmin/FacultyPublications/Cases/41abs.pdf (last accessed on 1 October 2018).
ID: 63219
Title: Invasion of living fossil bivalve, Dosinia japonica (Reeve, 1850) along the Indian coast
Author: S.Yambem Tenjing, Rupavath Rajendar Kumar, N.Narasimhaih, Durga Prasad Behera
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (6) 894-897 (2019)
Subject: Invasion of living fossil bivalve, Dosinia japonica (Reeve, 1850) along the Indian coast
Keywords: Invasion, living fossil bivalve, Dosinia japonica,Indian coast
Abstract: Phylum Mollusca is the second largest
group of invertebrates and comprises
soft-bodied animals. They occur in
diverse habitats such as freshwater, estuarine, marine, terrestrial and arboreal.
Benthic organisms are living on or in the
substratum of water bodies. Many organisms are permanently attached to the bottom. Among molluscan species, bivalves
are larger and thus more visible. They
exhibit a variety of body shapes, reproductive modes and feeding styles
. Bivalves are filter-feeding organisms and
can purify silted marine waters; they
form an important link between the con sumers and primary detritus and thus
play significant role in nutrient recycling.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anbuchezhian, R. M., Rameshkumar, G.
and Ravichandran, S., Global J. Environ.
Res., 2009, 3, 68–75.
Picardal, R. M. and Dolorosa, R. G., J.
Entomol. Zool. Stud., 2014, 2, 72–90.
Literature cited 2: Ivin, V. V., Zvyagintsev, A. and Kashin,
I. A., Russ. J. Biol. Invas., 2014, 5, 156–
175; https://doi.org/10.1134/S2075111-
714030060
Cınar, M. E., Bilecenoglu, M., Ozturk,
B., Katagan, T. and Aysel, V., Mediterr.
Mar. Sci., 2005, 6, 119–146; doi:http://
dx.doi.org/10.12681/mms.187
ID: 63218
Title: Carbon storage potential of mangroves – are we missing the boat?
Author: P. Ragavan, K. Sivakumar, R. S. C. Jayaraj, P. M. Mohan and T. S. Rana
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (6) 889-891 (2019)
Subject: Carbon storage potential of mangroves – are we missing the boat?
Keywords: Carbon storage potential, mangroves
Abstract: Increasing soil carbon stocks and protecting carbon-rich soils are crucial for achieving the Paris climate targets. Mangrove forests are the potential carbon sinks for mitigating the growing greenhouse gas emissions due to their highest carbon storage capacity per unit area compared to terrestrial forests. Furthermore, restricted global distribution of mangroves testifies their role in climate change mitigation as most effective at the national level rather than on a global scale. Nevertheless, lack of reliable estimates, insufficient data, discrepancy in the available data, increasing degradation rates and failure of conservation endeavors signify that we are missing the carbon storage potential of mangrove soil. So, here we emphasize the imperative need of country-wise site-specific precise estimates and an understanding of the spatial distribution of mangrove soil carbon stocks to recognize the actual climate mitigation potential of the mangroves as well as strengthen the conservation measures for the sustainability of mangroves.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Donato, D. C., Kauffman, J. B., Murdiyarso, D., Kurnianto, S., Stidham, M.and Kanninen, M., Nature Geosci., 2011, 4, 293–297.
Alongi, D. M. (ed.), In Blue Carbon,
Springer, Switzerland, 2018, pp. 23–36
Literature cited 2: Twilley, R. R., Chen, R. H. and Hargis,
T., Water Air Soil Pollut., 1992, 64, 265–288.
Alongi, D. M., Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci., 2014, 6, 195–219.
ID: 63217
Title: 137Cs technology for soil erosion and soil carbon redistribution
Author: Pankaj Srivastava, Nishita Giri and Debashis Mandal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (6) 888-889 (2019)
Subject: 137Cs technology for soil erosion and soil carbon redistribution
Keywords: 137Cs technology,soil erosion and soil carbon redistribution
Abstract: 137Cs technology has received much attention in the last few years because it can be applied both quickly and efficiently in soil erosion and soil redeposition studies. It is also a unique method for enhancing the efficiency of estimation of soil erosion in eroded and hilly areas. In the process of development of agriculture, 137Cs estimations have become an important tool to reduce soil erosion for boosting food security. The key benefit of using environmental tracers is that they can provide retrospective information on medium-term (~50-yr span, 137Cs) and long-term (~150-yr span, 210Pb) redistribution patterns of soils within the landscapes, without the need for long-term monitoring programmes. 137Cs technology has never been applied to estimate soil redistribution patterns in India, even though there have been severe land-use changes over the past few decades. Here we discuss the importance of 137Cs technology for land degradation, agriculture, food security and carbon sequestration.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Tripathi, V. et al., Trends Biotechnol.,
2017, 35, 847–859.
Singh, A., Dubey, P. K. and Abhilash, P.
C., Curr. Sci., 2018, 115(4), 611–613
Literature cited 2: Lal, R., Environ. Int., 2003, 29, 437–450.
Lal, R., Science, 2004, 304, 1623–1627.
ID: 63216
Title: Podosphaera fuliginea (Schltdl.) U. Braun & S. Takam. causes powdery mildew on an important medicinal herb, Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex. Benth. in India
Author: Ankit Singh, M.C.Nautiyal ,A.K.Gautam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (6) 877-877 (2019)
Subject: Podosphaera fuliginea (Schltdl.) U. Braun & S. Takam. causes powdery mildew on an important medicinal herb, Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex. Benth. in India
Keywords: Podosphaera fuliginea,medicinal herb, Picrorhiza kurrooa
Abstract: Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex. Benth. is a
perennial herbaceous medicinal plant
belonging to the family Plantaginaceae
(previously Scrophulariaceae). It is endemic to the Himalaya, and grows naturally on rocks and moist slopes in the
alpine and subalpine regions between
3000 and 4500 m amsl. Picroside I and II
are the major active constituents of the
plant1,2. It is used as a febrifuge, coolant,
blood purifier and hepatoprotective. P.
kurrooa is an endangered medicinal plant
facing extinction due to overexploitation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nautiyal, M. C. and Nautiyal, B. P., Agrotechniques for High Altitude Medicinal &
Aromatic Plants, Bishen Singh Mahendra
Pal Singh, 2004, pp. 121–122.
Vaidya, A. B. et al., Papers, 1996, 42(4),
105–108.
Literature cited 2: Braun, U. and Cook, R. T. A., Taxonomic
Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11, Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands, 2012, pp. 141–142.
ID: 63215
Title: Nutrient composition, glucosinolate and vinyl-oxazolidine-thione profiling of Indian rapeseed (Brassica juncea Coss.) meal
Author: M. S. Mahesh, S. P. Tripathi and Prashant M. Puri
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 838-840 (2019)
Subject: Nutrient composition, glucosinolate and vinyl-oxazolidine-thione profiling of Indian rapeseed (Brassica juncea Coss.) meal
Keywords: Antinutrients, glucosinolates, NIRS, protein feeding, rapeseed meal.
Abstract: Presence of antinutritional factor(s) in any feedstuff impedes effective nutrient utilization by animals, besides causing specific adverse effects. This study includes eighteen different batches of Indian rapeseed (Brassica juncea Coss.) meal (RSM) sampled over a period of nine months for their evaluation in terms of nutrient composition, glucosinolate (GL) and vinyloxazolidine-thione (VOT) concentrations. Results showed
that RSM contained a mean value (on dry basis) of crude protein (36.7%), ether extract (1.1%), ash (7.6%), crude fibre (10%), neutral detergent fibre (25%), acid detergent fibre (16.5%), hemicellulose (8.6%), total carbohydrates (54.7%), non-fibrous carbohydrates (29.7%), total digestible nutrients (77.9%) and metabolizable energy (11.7 MJ/kg). Furthermore, antinutritional factors like GL (μmol/g) and VOT (mg/g) are presented to be in the range of 36.2–72.2.
(mean: 52) and 0–3.2 (mean: 1.0) respectively. Based on the species-wise tolerance limit for GL, the optimum inclusion level of RSM recommended for ruminants, pigs, rabbits, rats, poultry and fish is 15.6%, 1.5%, 13.5%, 1%, 10.4% and 6.9% respectively. Results of the present study are expected to maximize precision ration balancing for enhanced nutrient utilization whilst also curtailing any possible adverse effects of GL and VOT on production performance of animals.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Heuzé, V., Tran, G., Sauvant, D., Lessire, M. and Lebas, F., Rapeseed meal. In Feedipedia, a programme by INRA, CIRAD, AFZ and FAO, 2017; http://www.feedipedia.org/node/52 (accessed on 20 November 2017).
Mahesh, M. S., Thakur, S. S., Kumar, R., Malik, T. A. and Gami, R., Nitrogen fractionation of certain conventional- and lesser-known by-products for ruminants. Anim. Nutr., 2017
Literature cited 2: Tayo, T., Dutta, N. and Sharma, K., Effect of feeding canola quality rapeseed mustard meal on animal production – a review. Agric. Rev., 2012, 33, 114–121.
Mejicanos, G., Sanjayan, N., Kim, I. H. and Nyachoti, C. M., Recent advances in canola meal utilisation in swine nutrition. J.
Anim. Sci. Technol., 2016, 58, 7.
ID: 63214
Title: Rice straw biomass to high energy yield biocoal by torrefaction: Indian perspective
Author: S. R. Dhakate, Abhishek K. Pathak, Prateek Jain, Mandeep Singh, B. P. Singh, K. M. Subhedar, S. S. Sharda and R. K. Seth
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 831-838 (2019)
Subject: Rice straw biomass to high energy yield biocoal by torrefaction: Indian perspective
Keywords: Calorific value, energy yield, pelletization, rice straw, torrefaction.
Abstract: India is an agriculture-based country and generates more than 600 million tonnes of biomass waste from different crops and produces 140 million tonnes of rice straw alone annually. To dispose the rice straw
for making field ready for next crop, farmers are burning it in the fields. Burning of rice straw in agriculture fields poses lot of environmental, health and economic issues in various parts of the country. On
one hand, rice straw is a good source of renewable energy but on the other hand it has some inherent problems. Therefore, to mitigate problems due to the burning of rice straw, in this study, an effort is made
to convert rice straw into an useful product by torrefaction process, i.e. biocoal. The biocoal which has the calorific value equivalent to that of bituminous coal is
used in thermal power plants. By optimizing the processing parameters of torrefaction process, desired calorific value of torrefied product has been archived. The 10% use of torrefied product with coal can consume 140 million tonnes of rice straw and as a consequence, it reduces the consumption of fossil fuels. This can greatly solve problems arising due to burning of
rice straw and reduce greenhouse gas emission significantly.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Lim, J. S., Manan, Z. A., Alwi, S. R. W. and Hashim, H., A review on utilisation of biomass from rice industry as a source of
renewable energy. Renew. Sust. Energ. Rev., 2012, 16, 3084–3094.
Singh, S. and Nain, L., Microorganisms in the conversion of agricultural wastes to compost. In Proceedings of the Indian
National Science Academy, 2015, Spl. Sec. 80(2), pp. 473–481.
Literature cited 2: Dobermann, A. and Fairhurst, T., Rice straw management. Better Crop. Int., 2002, 16, 7–11.
Jeguirim, M. and Limousy, L., Biomass chars: elaboration, characterization and applications. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.
ID: 63213
Title: A new record of Nerita nigrita Röding, 1798 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Neritidae) from India
Author: Vikas Pandey, Ganesh Thiruchitrambalam and Kunal Satyam
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 828-831 (2019)
Subject: A new record of Nerita nigrita Röding, 1798 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Neritidae) from India
Keywords: Identification characters, Nerita nigrita, Nerita maxima, polymorphism.
Abstract: Many members of the family Neritidae display polymorphism as their shells can be highly variable in colour, which has sometimes led to confusion in the
identification of closely related species. One such confusion in the taxonomic identification of two Nerita spp. currently exists in India. According to the literature and identification keys available, Nerita nigrita does not exist in the country (has not been reported), but the reason is that this species has thus far been misidentified as Nerita maxima. The key difference
between these two species can be observed in their shell spire – N. nigrita consists a slightly elevated spire with distinguishable protoconch, whereas N. maxima
has a depressed spire with indistinct protoconch. Other identification characters which separate these two species, such as shell texture, operculum structure and
outer lips are also described. The present study reports N. nigrita as a new record from the Indian coast.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Eichhorst, T. E., Neritidae of the World, Vol. 1, Conch Books, Hackenheim, Germany, 2016, p. 694.
Tan, S. K. and Clements, R., Taxonomy and distribution of the Neritidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) in Singapore. Zool. Stud., 2008,
47(4), 481–494.
Literature cited 2: Subba Rao, N. V., Indian Seashells: Polyplacophora and Gastropoda. Rec. Zool. Surv. India, 2003, Occasional paper 192.
Ganesh, T., Sansita, K. P., Kasi Vishweshwara Rao, Y., Surya Rao, K. V. and Raman, A. V., A new record of Nerita (Ritena) maxima,
Gmelin 1971 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Neritidae) from the west coast of India (Arabian Sea). J. Conchol., 2005, 38(5), 605–606.
ID: 63212
Title: Hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks in Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India
Author: Rajesh Pandey Dinesh Kumar, A. S. Maurya and Pooja Pandey
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 822-827 (2019)
Subject: Hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks in Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India
Keywords: Jaisalmer Basin, kerogen, pyrolysis data, source rock.
Abstract: Geochemical and statistical analyses have been carried out for the evaluation of source rocks characteristics of Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan, India. The geochemical analysis includes pyrolysis data, total
organic carbon, oxygen and hydrogen indices. The analysis suggests that Cretaceous source rocks are poor to fair with kerogen of types III–II and have the
capability of generating gas and oil whereas the Jurassic source rocks are poor with kerogen of type III and have the capability of generating gas. The Tertiary sources of rocks however have poor potential
and are immature. The Jaisalmer Basin has gas-rich petroleum system, whereas the Baisakhi–Badesir and Pariwar sources have oil generation capability. The presence of higher concentration of N2 and CO2 in the
gas suggests the over-maturation and residual accumulation of N2 and CO2 in the natural gases.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Peters, K. E., Guidelines for evaluating petroleum source rocks using programmed pyrolysis. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol. Bull., 1986, 70, 318–329.
Nady, M. M. E., Ramadan, F. S., Hammad, M. M. and Lotfy, N. M., Evaluation of organic matters, hydrocarbon potential and
thermal maturity of source rocks based on geochemical and statistical methods: case study of source rocks in Ras Gharib oilfield,
central Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Egypt. J. Petrol., 2015, 24, 203–211.
Literature cited 2: Singh, N. P., Mesozoic lithostratigraphy of the Jaisalmer Basin, Rajasthan. J. Palaeontol. Soc. India, 2006, 51(2), 1–25.
Dasgupta, S. K. and Chandra, M., Tectonic elements of western Rajasthan Shelf and their stratigraphy. In Proceeding of the Gol den Jubilee Symposium, Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India, 1978.
ID: 63211
Title: Impact of Cartosat-1 orography in 330 m Unified Model forecast
Author: A. Jayakumar, Jisesh Sethunadh, Timmy Francis, Saji Mohandas and E. N. Rajagopal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 816-822 (2019)
Subject: Impact of Cartosat-1 orography in 330 m Unified Model forecast
Keywords: Cartosat, fog, orography, visibility
Abstract: The newly introduced high-resolution (330 m) regional model, Delhi Model (DM), at the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting targets winter time fog/visibility forecast over Delhi, India. The present study focuses on the benefits of enhanced orographic features in DM, through a new data set developed using the Indian Space Research Organisation
Cartosat-1 orography (Cartosat-run), against those from the NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model employed previously (SRTMrun). The early morning visibilities from the Cartosatruns were lower compared to the SRTM-runs, which could be linked to an enhanced downdraft (negative vertical velocity) in the former, helping form a shallow and stratified boundary layer. The evolution and variability of ‘ventilation index’ in the model domain is regulated by the local wind circulation changes within the shallow boundary layer which in turn is modulated by the orography representation. The DM forecasted ventilation index has been projected to be a potential indicator of the atmosphere dispersion of airborne pollutants over Delhi.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ghude, S. D., Bhat, G. S., Prabhakaran, T., Jenamani, R. K., Chate, D. M., Safai, P. D. and Rajeevan, M., Winter fog experiment over
the Indo-Gangetic plains of India. Curr. Sci., 2017, 112, 767–784.
Gautam, R. and Singh, M. K., Urban Heat Island over Delhi punches holes in widespread fog in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Geophys. Res. Lett., 2018, 45; https://doi.org/10.1002/2017GL076794.
Literature cited 2: . Boutle, I. A., Price, J., Kudzotsa, I., Kokkola, H. and Romakkaniemi, S., Aerosol–fog interaction and the transition to well-mixed
radiation fog, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 2018, 18, 7827–7840; https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-2017-765.
Jayakumar, A., Rajagopal, E. N., Boutle, I. A., George, J. P., Mohandas, S., Webster, S. and Aditi, S., An operational fog prediction system for Delhi using the 330 m Unified Model. Atmos. Sci. Lett., 2018, 19, e796; doi:10.1002/asl.796.
ID: 63210
Title: Astronomical significance of sun-dials in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India
Author: Aalok Pandya, Tej Bahadur and Sandip Bhattacharya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 811-816 (2019)
Subject: Astronomical significance of sun-dials in Srirangapatna, Karnataka, India
Keywords: Analema, local time, time calibration, stone observatories, sun-dials.
Abstract: This article reports astronomical significance of two special sun-dials installed by Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna in Karnataka, India. One sun-dial is situated
in Jamia Masjid, a prominent mosque and the other is situated in Hyder Ali’s tomb, popularly known as Gumbaz. These sundials are very different from most
known sundials in design and concept. Both the sundials are quite identical. The astronomical idea upon which these sundials were designed are explored and
reported here.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balasubramaniam, R. and Dass, M. I., On the astronomical significance of the Delhi Iron Pillar. Curr. Sci., 2004, 86(5), 1134–1142.
Pandya, A., Bahadur, T. and Bhattacharya, S., Time keeping in the past: sun-dial in Jaisalmer Fort. Indian J. Hist. Sci., 2017, 52(2),
138–147.
Literature cited 2: Gatty, A., The Book of Sun-Dials, George Bell and Sons, London,1872, pp. 1–2; http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/gatty/
sundials/sundials.html
Kaye, G. R., The astronomical observatories of Jai Singh, Arch.Surv. India, New Imperial Series, 1973, XL
ID: 63209
Title: Size–logging interactions and population dynamics in tropical understorey birds
Author: Umesh Srinivasan and Suhel Quader
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 795-801 (2019)
Subject: Size–logging interactions and population dynamics in tropical understorey birds
Keywords: Apparent survival, eastern Himalaya, fecundity, natal dispersal, reverse time mark-recapture, understorey insectivores.
Abstract: Demographic vital rates (e.g., fecundity and survival) determine population size and viability. However, how anthropogenic habitat change differentially influences
these dynamic population processes for species with different traits remains unknown. Crucially, this limit a mechanistic understanding of species- and community-level patterns in response to intensity of habitat change, and therefore, impedes robust prediction of future species responses. We investigated how size
(across 26 forest birds, spanning almost an order of magnitude in body mass) and habitat modification (logging intensity, from intact forest to a 2.5-fold reduction in tree density) might interact to influence survival, reproduction and dispersal. Data were collected over five sessions under the robust design in a capture-mark-recapture framework and analysed using reverse time capture–recapture models. We found that smaller species were more fecund with increased logging intensity and dispersed from more heavily logged to more intact forest. With increasing size, species reproduced better in progressively more
intact forest and dispersed from intact forest into more logged forest. These results indicate important trait-linked differences in the relative significance of
various demographic processes in influencing species responses to varying intensities of habitat change. Separating the mechanistic processes underlying observed patterns is crucial to understanding and
predicting anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Şekercioğlu, Ç. H., Ehrlich, P. R., Daily, G. C., Aygen, D. and Sandi, R. F., Disappearance of insectivorous birds from tropical
forest fragments. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, 99, 263–267.
Lampila, P., Monkonnen, M. and Desrochers, A., Demographic responses by birds to forest fragmentation. Cons. Biol., 2005, 19,
1537–1546.
Literature cited 2: Laurance, W. F. et al., Averting biodiversity collapse in tropical forest protected areas. Nature, 2002, 489, 290–294.
Edwards, D. P., Tobias, J. A., Shiel, D., Meijaard, E. and Laurance, W. F., Maintaining ecosystem function and services in logged tropical forest. Trends Ecol. Evol., 2004, 29, 511–520.
ID: 63208
Title: Role of dams on the floods of August 2018 in Periyar River Basin, Kerala
Author: K. P. Sudheer, S. Murty Bhallamudi, Balaji Narasimhan, Jobin Thomas, V. M. Bindhu, Vamsikrishna Vema and Cicily Kurian
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 780-794 (2019)
Subject: Role of dams on the floods of August 2018 in Periyar River Basin, Kerala
Keywords: Extreme rainfall events, HEC-HMS, Kerala flood 2018, Periyar River Basin, reservoir operation.
Abstract: Kerala state (India) experienced a devastating flood event during the month of August 2018. While an extreme rainfall event (ERE) was the primary reason for this flood, there was criticism at various levels that the authorities failed to manage the flood effectively through reservoir operations. One of the worst affected basins, Periyar River Basin (PRB), received a
145-year return period rainfall. This study reports the results and analysis of a modelling exercise using HEC-HMS to simulate and analyse the role of dams,
as well as reservoir operations, on the flood of August 2018. The results indicated that the role of releases from the major reservoirs in the PRB resulting in the
flood havoc was less. The analysis suggested that reservoir operations could not have helped in avoiding the flood situation as only 16–21% peak attenuation
was possible by emptying the reservoir in advance, as the bulk of runoff to the flooding was also contributed by the intermediate catchments without any reservoirs to control. Further, the attenuated flood peak due to advance emptying of the reservoir would still be
almost double the safe carrying capacity of the river section at Neeleswaram. In addition, the reliability of the rainfall forecast at higher lead times is also a concern for the reservoir operation. It is noted that the probability of EREs of this kind in the month of August in PRB is very small (0.6%), and therefore any planned operation could not have helped in mitigating floods of such magnitude without a reliable EREs forecast coupled with reservoir inflow forecasting system and optimized set of reservoir operational policies.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Frei, C., Davies, H. C., Gurtz, J. and Schär, C., Climate dynamics and extreme precipitation and flood events in Central Europe.
Integr. Assess., 2000, 1, 281–300.
Roxy, M. K. et al., A threefold rise in widespread extreme rain events over central India. Nat. Commun., 2017, 8, 708.
Literature cited 2: Luo, P. et al., Flood inundation assessment for the Hanoi Central Area, Vietnam under historical and extreme rainfall conditions.
Sci. Rep., 2018, 8, 12623.
CWC, Kerala Floods of August 2018, Central Water Commission, New Delhi, 2018.
ID: 63207
Title: Landslide susceptibility mapping using the analytical hierarchy process and GIS
Author: I. Semlali, L. Ouadif and L. Bahi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 773-779 (2019)
Subject: Landslide susceptibility mapping using the analytical hierarchy process and GIS
Keywords: Analytical hierarchy process, geographic information system, landslides, susceptibility mapping, watershed.
Abstract: Landslide is a natural phenomenon that poses a threat and danger to humans due to the amount of damage it can cause and the different factors that can trigger it.
The watershed of Oued Laou, Morocco, a part of the central Rifaine mountain chain, is a basin that is highly threatened by landslides as it is characterized by rugged terrain with steep slopes (25%) and significant height differences. The study and prevention of this phenomenon in the area is not easy as it requires a large amount of data and access to areas whose topography is difficult. The present study therefore
employs a combination of conventional statistical methods and modern digital technologies using the analytic hierarchy process and geographic information system to enable mapping of landslide susceptibility zones in the area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Saaty, T. L., The Analytical Hierarchy Process, McGraw Hill, New York, USA, 1980.
Stitou El Messari, J. and Salhi, A., Approche hydrogéologique. WADI Project of the European Union, the Activities Report, 2007
Literature cited 2: Semlali, I., Ouadif, L., Baba, K., Akhssas, A. and Bahi, L., Using GIS and SWAT model for hydrological modelling of Oued Laou
Watershed (Morocco). ARPN J. Eng. Appl. Sci., 2017, 12(23), 6933.
Harmouzi, H., Dekayir, A., Rouai, M. and Afechkar, M., Analyse géomorphologique et géologique du glissement de terrain
d’Akchour (Rif, Maroc). Geo-Eco-Trop., 2018, 42(1), 19–32.
ID: 63206
Title: Effect of temperature on litter decomposition, soil microbial community structure and biomass in a mixed-wood forest in European Russia
Author: Kravchenko Irina, K, Tikhonova Ekaterina, N., Ulanova Ruzalia, V., Menko Ekaterina, V. and Sukhacheva Marina, V.
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2019
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 116 (5) 765-772 (2019)
Subject: Effect of temperature on litter decomposition, soil microbial community structure and biomass in a mixed-wood forest in European Russia
Keywords: Carbon cycling, litter decomposition, microbial respiration, mixed-wood forest, temperature sensitivity
Abstract: Litter decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems has a major role in the biogeochemical cycling of biogenic
elements, but initial stages of this process in temperate forest ecosystems remain poorly understood. Soil organic matter in forest ecosystems is highly sensitive to temperature rise, which makes it the most vulnerable under global warming. This article assesses the influence of aspen leaf and twig litter on the activity and
quantitative characteristics of microbial communities of soils in conditions modelling climate warming. The experiments were performed with samples of grey forest soil, one of the most representative soil types of European Russia, from forest biocenosis in the Moscow region. Incubation of soil samples, in which crushed leaves and twigs were added at the rate of 0.5% by weight, was carried out at constant temperature of
5°C, 15°C and 25°C for 28 days. CO2 emission, organic carbon and microbial biomass content, and number of ribosomal genes of bacteria, archaea and fungi were
evaluated. The optimal temperature for decomposition of the plant litter was found to be 15°C, and both decrease and increase led to a reduction in the intensity of the degradation process. In the temperature
range 5°C–15°C, application of plant residues led to significant increase in temperature sensitivity of the soil respiration process, and temperature coefficient Q10 increased from 1.75 to 3.44–3.54. At high temperatures, addition of litter stimulated the decomposition of soil organic matter. No significant changes in
microbial biomass, bacteria and fungi numbers were observed. The obtained results contribute to understanding the dynamics of soil carbon and can be used
in predictive models of plant litter and soil organic matter dynamics in forest biocenoses of Eurasia under
climate change.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Basilevich, N. I., Biological Productivity of Ecosystem in the North Eurasia, Nauka, Moscow, 1993, p. 293 (in Russian).
Clein, J. S. and Schimel, J. P., Microbial activity of tundra and taiga soils at sub-zero temperatures. Soil Biol. Biochem., 1995, 27,
1231–1234.
Literature cited 2: Hobbie, S. E., Temperature and plant species control over litter decomposition in Alaskan tundra. Ecol. Monogr., 1996, 66, 503–522.
Kirschbaum, M. U. F., Will changes in soil organic carbon act as a positive or negative feedback on global warming? Biogeochemistry, 2000, 48, 21–5