Enter records

ID: 63055
Title: Lumen anatomy and localization of Wolbachia sp. in the thrips, Plicothrips apicalis (Bagnall)
Author: Singh Ambika and Raman Rajagopal
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1297-1304 (2018)
Subject: Lumen anatomy and localization of Wolbachia sp. in the thrips, Plicothrips apicalis (Bagnall)
Keywords: Gut, mycetome, thrips, termites, Wolbachia sp
Abstract: A detailed anatomical study of digestive system of insects has been done in some of the major insect orders such as Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera. For other insects such as thrips, their emergence as an important agricultural pest has brought order Thysanoptera to focus. We describe the alimentary canal of Plicothrips apicalis (Bagnall) (Phlaeothripidae) and localize Wolbachia sp. in P. apicalis. The digestive tract of P. apicalis, a grass feeding species, is observed to be well demarcated in the foregut, midgut and hindgut. We evince a new finding in this study that the midgut opens into a globular chamber containing the mycetome. It is from the globular chamber that the hindgut follows and at their juncture, two pairs of malphigian tubules originate. The presence of mycetome has been reported in order Hemiptera and Isoptera that bears a structure similar to mycetome, known as paunch that harbours protists which are known to be involved in cellulose digestion. Presence of mycetome has not been reported in other thrip species till date except in Bactothrips buffai. The finding of an additional structure in the alimentary canal of thrips is suggestive of the significance it might hold in the evolutionary linking with other insect orders. We also tried localizing endosymbiont in P. apicalis and detected Wolbachia sp. in the abdominal region of both the larva and the adult.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sansonetti, P. J., War and peace at mucosal surfaces. Nat. Rev.Immunol., 2004, 4, 953–964. Chapman, R. F., The Insects: Structure and Function, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1998.
Literature cited 2: Klowden, M. J., Physiological Systems in Insects, Elsevier Incorporation, Academic Press, London, Second edn, 2007. Baker, W. V. and Estrin, C. L., The alimentary canal of Scolytus multistriatus (Coleoptera-Scolytidae). A histological study. Can Entomol., 1974, 106, 673–686

ID: 63054
Title: The necessity to develop a comprehensive feed library for livestock production in south Asia
Author: D. B. V. Ramana, Abu Sadeque Md. Selim and Luis O. Tedeschi
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1270-1275 (2018)
Subject: The necessity to develop a comprehensive feed library for livestock production in south Asia
Keywords: Feed library, green house gas, livestock, nutrient profile, ration formulation
Abstract: Regional feed library contains information in regional languages for available feeds/fodders and by-products that are being fed to the livestock. The lack of dynamic feed quality information containing complete nutrient profile, anti-nutritional factors, and digestibility information at the regional level for current varieties of feed and fodder species and their by-products leads to the misuse of valuable crop residues and supplements. The problem is more rampant in Southern Asian countries, like India and Bangladesh. This causes low per animal productivity, more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and wastage of valuable feed material. Modern feed libraries are dynamic and include latest varieties/cultivars/genotypes of feed and fodder along with the most common feeds/fodders available in that region. This assists the small scale and commercial livestock producers in selecting the best locally available fodders/feeds combinations to meet the nutrient requirement of their livestock depending on the physiological stage and productivity. This allows efficient use of available feed resources, low-cost ration formulations and enhance the income of livestock farmers while contributing lower GHG emission from ruminant animals.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Devendra, C., Thomas, D., Jabbar, M. A. and Zerbini, E., Improvement of livestock production in crop-animal systems In Agro-Ecological Zones of South Asia, International Livestock Research Institute, Naibori, Kenya, 2000, p. 117. Devendra, C. and Thomas, D., Crop–animal systems in Asia: importance of livestock and characterisation of agro-ecological zones. Agric. Syst., 2002, 71(1), 5–15.
Literature cited 2: Edwards, P., Pullin, R. S. V. and Gartner, J. A., Research and education for the development of crop-livestock-fish farming systems in the tropics. ICLARM Studies and Reviews, No. 16. Manila, Phillippines, 1988, p. 53. United Nations. Range Management Manual for Asia and the Pacific, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, New York, 1994, p. 98.

ID: 63053
Title: Tactical water management in field crops: the key to resource conservation
Author: C. S. Praharaj, Ummed Singh, S. S. Singh and N. Kumar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1262-1269 (2018)
Subject: Tactical water management in field crops: the key to resource conservation
Keywords: Field crops, pulses, resource conservation, sustainable development goals, tactical water management, technological interventions.
Abstract: Water is a critical input for productivity enhancement especially of field crops. Its judicious and optimum use is needed utmost for realizing higher resource use efficiency and plugging gaps in production. Resource conservation technologies or key technological interventions, which could alter or rectify the usage pattern or strategies in freshwater utilization in agriculture, are the need of the hour. Tactical or strategic approach in water management could help in conserving and making more-efficient use of scarce water resources through integrated management combined with selected external inputs/technologies. In this context, the scientific interventions on water management involving precision levelling of land, no tillage or reduced tillage systems, furrow irrigated raised bed planting or broad bed furrow systems, management of soil cover and crop diversification and other inclusive technological practices could enforce appropriate water management schedules.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Praharaj, C. S., managing precious water through need based micro-irrigation in a long duration pigeonpea under Indian Plains. In International Conference on Policies for Water and Food Security, Cairo, Egypt, 2013. Praharaj, C. S., Singh, Ummed and Hazra, K., Technological interventions for strategic management of water for conserving natural resources. In Sixth World Congress on Conservation Agriculture – Soil Health and Wallet Wealth, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 2014.
Literature cited 2: Rajendran, T. P., Venugopalan, M. V. and Praharaj, C. S., Cotton research towards sufficiency to Indian textile industry. Indian J. Agric. Sci., 2005, 75, 699–708. Praharaj, C. S., Singh, Ummed, Singh, S. S. and Kumar, N.,Micro-irrigation in rainfed pigeonpea-Upscaling productivity under Eastern Gangetic Plains with suitable land configuration, population management and supplementary fertigation at critical stages. Curr. Sci., 2017, 112(1), 95–107.

ID: 63052
Title: Recent microseismicity in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
Author: B.Naresh,P.Solomon Raju,G.Suresh,A.N.S.Sarma, R.Viajaya Ragavan,Satish Saha,D.Srinagesh
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1247-1247 (2018)
Subject: Recent microseismicity in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh
Keywords: microseismicity,Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh
Abstract: The Nellore district in the Southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh is one of the nine coastal districts of the state. The microtremor activity in the district started in October 2015 and continued up to July 2016. During this period, a few hundred tremors were recorded by the temporary seismic network installed locally by the CSIR-NGRI. Apart from the data recorded by this network, those from the semipermanent seismic stations at Racherla, Addanki, Cuddapah, Srikalahasti and Srisailam were used in the study.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Srinagesh, D. et al., J. Geol. Soc. India,2015, 85, 419–430. Ramam, P. K. and Murthy, V. N., Geol. Soc. India, 1997, 245.
Literature cited 2: Saha, D., Gondwana Res., 2002, 5, 701–719. Kaila, K. L. et al., J. Geol. Soc. India, 1979, 20, 307–333.

ID: 63051
Title: Tree improvement and forest biotechnology
Author: Maneesh Singh Bhandari, Rajendra Kumar Meena, Harish Singh Ginwal, Ashok Kumar and Shailesh Pandey
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1242-1242 (2018)
Subject: Tree improvement and forest biotechnology
Keywords: Tree improvement, forest biotechnology
Abstract: A seminar on tree improvement and forest biotechnology was held recently, in which a total of 83 delegates representing 25 institutes from all over India participated. The seminar was divided into two technical sessions besides the inaugural and panel sessions. Ten invited lectures by eminent scientists were delivered during the seminar.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63050
Title: Speed breeding for Indian Agriculture: a rapid method for development of new crop varieties
Author: M. Shivakumar, V. Nataraj, Giriraj Kumawat, V. Rajesh, Subhash Chandra, Sanjay Gupta and V. S. Bhatia
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1241-1241 (2018)
Subject: Speed breeding for Indian Agriculture: a rapid method for development of new crop varieties
Keywords: Indian Agriculture,Speed breeding, development of new crop varieties
Abstract: In agriculture, conventional breeding takes a longer time for the development of crop varieties with a minimum of 8– 10 years of breeding cycles. In the context of breeding, rapid generation advancement of segregating populations towards reaching homozygosity will facilitate genetic gain for key traits and the rapid development of improved cultivars. Extra-terrestrial experiments by NASA, USA, to grow crop seeds in space inspired scientists in the University of Queensland and University of Sydney in Australia to develop a speed-breeding platform.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/ 01/180101144758.htm Watson, A. et al., Nature Plants, 2018; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-017-0083-8
Literature cited 2: http://www.newsweek.com/growing-plantsspeed-breeding-could-be-key-feed-worldsexploding-population-767450 https://www.jic.ac.uk/news-and-events/news/ 2018/01/speed-breeding/

ID: 63049
Title: Opportunities for forest landscape restoration in Uttarakhand, India using ROAM
Author: Bhaskar Ch.Joshi,G.P.Pande, G.C.S.Negi, R.s.Rawal,Rajesh Joshi,Subrat Sharma, D.S.Rawat, Anushree Bhattacharjee
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (7) 1234-1235 (2018)
Subject: Opportunities for forest landscape restoration in Uttarakhand, India using ROAM
Keywords: forest landscape restoration, Uttarakhand, India, ROAM
Abstract: Land degradation is a global problem caused by a variety of factors or processes which include soil erosion by water/wind, deterioration in physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and loss of its productive potential. Worldwide about 2 billion hectare of degraded lands has opportunities of restoration. Estimates of degraded land in India vary from 30 to 175 million hectare (m ha)
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: https://www.iucn.org/theme/forests/ourwork/forest-landscape-restoration http://www.dolr.nic.in/wasteland2010/wateland%20Introduction-%20f
Literature cited 2: http://www.dolr.nic.in/wasteland2010/uttarakhand.pdf http://www.bonnchallenge.org

ID: 63048
Title: Water: Abundance, Scarcity, and Security in the Age of Humanity
Author: Jeremy J. Schmidt. reviewed by Sudhirendar Sharma
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1204-1204 (2018)
Subject: Water: Abundance, Scarcity, and Security in the Age of Humanity
Keywords: Water, Abundance, Scarcity, Age of Humanity
Abstract: Cape Town, South Africa may be the first waterless city, but that humans are drawing more than their geological share of water should make us shudder as things are becoming worse before getting any better. From surplus to scarcity, human interference with global water systems has turned it into an issue of security, requiring new ways of managing water in the age of the Anthropocene. With the idea of stable water thrown into a tailspin, there is an urgent need to define ‘safe operating space’ for humans to work within the planetary boundaries for sustaining life and life forms.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:

ID: 63047
Title: Impact of growing medium composition on morphological development of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Snowball)
Author: Tanya Thakur, H. S. Grewal and S. S. Kukal
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1198-1203 (2018)
Subject: Impact of growing medium composition on morphological development of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Snowball)
Keywords: Chrysanthemum, cocopeat, growing medium, morphological development
Abstract: The light-weight growing medium compositions were evaluated in the present study for optimum growth and flowering of potted Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat cv. Snowball. Plants were grown in six different potted medium compositions – control: garden soil + (farmyard manure (FYM) 2 : 1), cocopeat + FYM (1 : 1), cocopeat + FYM (2 : 1), vermiculite + FYM (1 : 1), vermiculite + FYM (2 : 1) and cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1 : 1 : 1). Results revealed vegetative growth with maximum plant height, number of leaves and root suckers per plant in the case of cocopeat + FYM (2 : 1), whereas flower quality, i.e. duration of flowering and flower diameter was highest in media vermiculite + FYM (2 : 1). Moreover, plants showed significant (P < 0.05%) vegetative growth with better flowering time and quality in cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1 : 1 : 1). Therefore, the present findings suggest that for growing potted chrysanthemum cv. Snowball for display, light-weight growing medium composition of cocopeat + vermiculite + FYM (1 : 1 : 1) is the best with better plant morphological development and sustained quality flower production.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dubey, R. K., Singh, S., Kukal, S. S. and Kalsi, H. S., Evaluation of different organic growing media for growth and flowering of petunia. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal., 2012, 44, 1777–1785. Beckmann-Cavalcante, M. Z., Pivetta, K. F. L., Meinken, E. and Roeber, R., Growth of Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum in different peats and change of peat properties during cultivation. Acta Hortic., 2009, 819, 181–184.
Literature cited 2: Vendrame, A. W., Maguire, I. and Moore, K. K., Growth of selected bedding plants as affected by different compost percentages. Proc. Fla. State Hortic. Soc., 2005, 118, 368–371. Zhang, W., Fukai, S. and Goi, M., Morphology of capitulum initiation and floret development of Dendranthema species native to Japan. J. Jpn. Soc. Hortic. Sci., 1998, 67, 347–350.

ID: 63046
Title: Adopt and adapt nature’s design principles to create sustainable aquaculture systems
Author: Saleem Mustafa and Abentin Estim
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1195-1197 (2018)
Subject: Adopt and adapt nature’s design principles to create sustainable aquaculture systems
Keywords: Aquaculture, nature’s design, systems approach, sustainability.
Abstract: Sustainable development of aquaculture faces many constraints. An approach that offers solutions to these challenges is emulating nature’s patterns and strategies. There are many elements of sustainability employed by nature that can be adopted for aquaculture systems through necessary adjustments (or adaptations). Analysis of empirical data generated by a series of experiments on different aquaculture systems generated new knowledge of practical importance. An outcome of the analysis pertaining to two important aspects of aquaculture, the sex control in captive stocks of commercially important protogynous hermaphrodite grouper and the operation of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture systems is presented here. Both cases serve as outstanding examples of the relevance of examining and applying nature’s principles for finding sustainable solutions to aquaculture problems.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Hudd, A. M., Banh, Q. Q., Domingoes, J. A. and Jerry, D. R., Sex control in fish-approaches, challenges and opportunities for aquaculture. J. Mar. Sci. Eng., 2015, 3, 329–355. Mustafa, S., Hajini, M. H., Senoo, S. and Kian, A. Y. S., Conditioning of broodstock of tiger grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, in a recirculating aquaculture system. Aquaculture Rep., 2015, 2, 117–119.
Literature cited 2: Chung, F. C., Komilus, C. F. and Mustafa, S., Effect of the creation of a marine protected area on populations of coral trout in the coral triangle region. Regional Stud. Mar. Sci., 2017, 10, 1–9. Warner, R. R., Mating behavior and hermaphroditism in coral reef fishes. Am. Sci., 1984, 72, 128–136.

ID: 63045
Title: Quality evaluation of pearl millet based pasta as affected by depigmentation..
Author: Kirti Jalgaonkar, S. K. Jha and Manoj Kumar Mahawar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1191-1195 (2018)
Subject: Quality evaluation of pearl millet based pasta as affected by depigmentation
Keywords: Anti-nutritional properties, cooking, depigmentation, pearl millet
Abstract: The effect of depigmentation on colour, nutritional, Anti-nutritional, cooking and textural qualities of pasta prepared from pearl millet was studied. Depigmentation was achieved by soaking pearl millet grains in hydrochloric acid of 0.2 N for 18 h at 28–32°C fol1owed by washing, blanching (98°C for 30 sec) and tray drying (50°C). Pasta prepared from 100% wheat semolina (WS), 100% native pearl millet flour (PMF) and blend (50 : 50) of wheat semolina and native pearl millet flour (WS : PMF) were compared with pasta prepared from blend (50 : 50) of wheat semolina and depigmented pearl millet flour (WS : DPMF). It was observed that depigmentation significantly improved the colour of pasta and was very close to 100% wheat semolina pasta. Results also demonstrated that the contents of fat, protein and ash of pasta made from PMF (100%), WS : PMF (50 : 50) and WS : DPMF (50 : 50) were higher than that of pasta prepared using WS (100%). Reduction in phytic acid (5.56%) and trypsin inhibitor activity (5.27%) was observed with depigmentation in the WS : DPMF (50 : 50) pasta compared to WS : PMF (50 : 50) pasta. However, cooking and textural properties of pasta were not affected by depigmentation. Overall results of the study suggested that depigmentation technique was effective for formulation of acceptable pearl millet products.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Anon., 2016, Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Govt. of India; ww.indiastat.com (accessed on 12 April 2016). Gopalan, C., Rama Sastri, B. V. and Balasubramanian, S. C.,Nutritive value of Indian foods, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR, Hyderabad, India, 2004, 2nd edn, p. 47.
Literature cited 2: Simwemba, C. G., Hoseney, R. C., Varrino-Marston, E. and Zeleznak, K., Certain B vitamin and phytic acid contents of pearl millet 95 (Pennisetum americanum (L) Leeke). J. Agric. Food Chem., 1984, 32, 31–34. McDonough, C. M. and Rooney, L. W., Structural characteristics of Pennisetum americanum (pearl millet) using scanning electron and florescence microscopy. Food Microstruct., 1989, 8, 137–149.

ID: 63044
Title: Screening and enhancement of anaerobic germination of rice genotypes by pre-sowing seed treatments
Author: Dhonada Doley, Meghali Barua, Debojit Sarma and Purna K. Barua
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1185-1190 (2018)
Subject: Screening and enhancement of anaerobic germination of rice genotypes by pre-sowing seed treatments
Keywords: Anaerobic germination, pre-sowing seed treatment, priming, submergence tolerant.
Abstract: In the present study, 243 lowland rice genotypes were screened for anaerobic germination (AG) under 10 cm of flooding in plastic trays. Forty-three genotypes showed anaerobic germination. Pre-sowing seed treatments of the genotypes by soaking, priming with water, 1% KCl and 5% PEG each for 24 h revealed enhanced AG and other seed germination parameters under flooding compared to control. Priming could induce AG in the genotypes that failed to germinate under submerged condition. Hydro-priming and 1% KCl priming found to be the best treatments showing the usefulness of pre-sowing seed treatments. Jalashree, Jalkuwari and Ranjit Sub1-C-376, having submergence tolerance, were identified as potential genotypes for AG and hence can be used in breeding programmes
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Barari, D., Gazanchian, A., Pirdashti, H. A. and Nasiri, M., Investigation of some agronomical traits of rice under different transplanting dates, planting spaces and nitrogen fertilization levels in north of Iran. World Appl. Sci. J., 2009, 6(8), 1021–1027. Alpi, A. and Beevers, H., Effects of O2 concentration on rice seedlings. Plant Physiol., 1983, 71, 30–34.
Literature cited 2: Guglielminetti, L., Yamaguchi, J., Perata, P. and Alpi, A., Amylolytic activities in cereal seeds under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Plant Physiol., 1995, 109, 1069–1076. Ismail, A. M., Ella, E. S., Vergara, G. V. and Mackill, D. J., Mechanisms associated with tolerance for flooding during germination and early seedling growth in rice (Oryza sativa). Ann. Bot., 2009, 103, 197–209

ID: 63043
Title: A novel approach to calculate braiding of a large alluvial river
Author: Lalit Saikia, Chandan Mahanta and Suranjana Bhaswati Borah
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1179-1185 (2018)
Subject: A novel approach to calculate braiding of a large alluvial river
Keywords: Alluvial river, braiding, sandbars, Brahmaputra
Abstract: Braiding pattern in sixteen reaches of the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India is discussed. A new braiding index has been introduced incorporating a fraction of area covered by sandbars, number of midchannel bars and maximum width of alluvial reach. Braiding parameters calculated using different formulae showed similar trend but higher values in 2014 compared to 1973. Increase of braiding in different reaches in 2014 was due to development of more sandbars and distributaries. The new index has shown comparable result with other approaches and better correlation with sinuosity.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Brice, J. C., Index for description of channel braiding. Geol. Soc.Am. Bull., 1960, 71, 1833. Brice, J. C., Channel patterns and terraces of the Loup Rivers in Nebraska. Geol. Surv. Prof. Pap., 1964, 422-D
Literature cited 2: Rust, B. R., A classification of alluvial channel systems. In Fluvial Sedimentology. Can. Soc. Petrol. Geol.: Alberta, 1978, 187–198. Howard, A. D., Keetch, M. E. and Vincent, C. L., Topological and geometrical properties of braided streams. Water Resour. Res.,1970, 6, 1674–1688.

ID: 63042
Title: Characterization of Hg-based ayurvedic drug Kajjali: classical and contemporary approaches
Author: Vinamra Sharma, Amiya K. Samal, Shruti Pandey, Anand K. Chaudhary and Rajesh K. Srivastava
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1174-1178 (2018)
Subject: Characterization of Hg-based ayurvedic drug Kajjali: classical and contemporary approaches
Keywords: Kajjali, metacinnabar, sulphur, XRD
Abstract: This communication presents characterization of Kajjali, a mercury (Hg) based Indian traditional ayurvedic drug, by both ancient and contemporary methodology. For preparation of Kajjali, 225 g each of Shuddha Parada (purified mercury) and Shuddha Gandhak (purified sulphur), initially purified through traditional methods of purification as described in ayurvedic literature, were manually triturated using stone mortar and pestle until it became a very fine black coloured powder. This preparation process took up to ~78 h. Thereafter, Kajjali was characterized by classical and contemporary methods. Kajjali passed the classical tests like Rekhapurnatwa, Slakshanatwa, Nishchandratwa and Varitara. XRD study confirmed that Kajjali contains mercury sulphide (HgS), identified as metacinnabar (cubic form of HgS), in addition to free sulphur. Composition of Kajjali has been determined by EDXA method, which validated the presence of 88.84% mercury and 11.16% sulphur. SEM studies substantiated particle size distribution of Kajjali, which varied from 60 nm to 2 μm range. Such integration of classical and contemporary studies is important, because such vital medicines should be characterized properly for safety and efficacy before their appropriate use for diseases.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Sharma, V. and Chaudhary, A. K., Ayurvedic pharmacology and herbal medicine. Int. J. Green Pharm., 2015, 9(4), 192–197. Krishna, G., Rasendra Sara Sangraha, Satyartha Prakash Hindi Commentary, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, 1992, 1st edn, 1/4-5, p. 5–6.
Literature cited 2: Vagbhatta, Rasa Ratna Samucchaya, Bhasha Vodhini Commentary (ed. Kulkarni, D. A.), Meharchanda Lakshamana Publications, New Delhi, reprint 2010, vol. 1/77, p. 9. Sharma, S., Rasa Tarangini (ed. Shashtri, K.), Moti Lal Banarasidas, Varanasi, reprint 2009, 11th edn, vol. 5/101–108, pp. 97–98

ID: 63041
Title: Role of east–west shear zone and wind confluence on the occurrence of intense heavy rainfall over North Konkan during southwest monsoon season
Author: S. D. Sanap, S. Bhute and K. S. Hosalikar
Editor: R. Srinivasan
Year: 2018
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 115 (6) 1154-1162 (2018)
Subject: Role of east–west shear zone and wind confluence on the occurrence of intense heavy rainfall over North Konkan during southwest monsoon season
Keywords: Heavy rainfall events, monsoon season, shear zone, wind confluence
Abstract: An attempt has been made to understand the mechanism in occurrence of intense heavy rainfall events over North Konkan and adjoining areas using observed, satellite and reanalysis datasets. Synoptic conditions associated with Dahanu heavy rainfall event, 2016, Mumbai floods, 2005 and historical heavy rainfall events over North Konkan region are considered in the present study. In presence of East–West shear zone with upper air cyclonic circulations extending up to mid-tropospheric levels located at west central Bay of Bengal, west Arabian Sea and anti-cyclonic circulation over east-central Arabian Sea were the major synoptic features observed during these events. Results suggest that the confluence of moisture-laden winds from these circulations over North Konkan lead to the occurrence of intense heavy rainfall events.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rao, Y. P., Southwest monsoon, India Meteorological Department. New Delhi, 1976, p. 376. George, P. A., Effect of off-shore vortices on rainfall along the west coast of India. Indian J. Meteorol. Geophys., 1956, 7, 225–240.
Literature cited 2: Mukherjee, A. K., Rao, M. K. and Shah, K. C., Vortices embedded in the trough of low pressure off Maharashtra – Goa coasts during the month of July. Indian J. Meteorol. Hydrol. Geophys., 1978, 29, 61–65. Mukherjee, A. K., Dimension of an offshore vortex in east Arabian Sea as deduced from observations during MONEX 1979: