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ID: 62515
Title: Unambiguous detection of OH and H2o on the Moon from Chandrayaan-2 Imaging Infrared Spectrometer reflectance data using 3 µm hydration feature.
Author: Prakash Chuahan, Mamta Chauhan, Prabhakar A.Verma, Supriya Sharma, Satadru Bhattacharya, Aditya Kumar Dagar, Amitabh, Abhishek N.Patil, Ajay Kumar Parashar, Ankush Kumar, Nilesh Desai, Ritu Karidhal and A.S.Kiran Kumar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 391-401 (2021)
Subject: Unambiguous detection of OH and H2O on the Moon from Chandrayaan-2 Imaging Infrared Spectrometer reflectance data using 3 µm hydration feature.
Keywords: Imaging infrared Spectrometer, Lunar hydration, Moon, Reflectance data, Thermal correction
Abstract: Imaging Infrared Spectrometer (IIRS) on-board Chandrayaan-2 is designed to measure lunar reflected and emitted solar radiation in 0.8-5.0 µm spectral range. Its high spatial resolution (~80m) and extended spectral range is most suitable to completely characterize lunar hydration (2.8-3.5 µm region) attributed to the presence of OH and/or H2o.Here we present initial results from IIRS reflectance data analysed unambiguously detect and quantify lunar 3 µm absorption feature. After pre-processing and data-reduction, a physics based thermal correction analysis of IIRS reflectance spectra has been done using co-located temperature measurements. Hydration absorptions observed at all latitudes and surface types with varying degrees for all pixels in the study area and its absorption depth shows distinct variability associated with mineralogy, surface temperature and latitude.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Papike, J.J., Taylor, L., and Simon, S., Lunar minerals. In the Lunar Source Book (eds Heiken, G.H., et al), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 1991, pp 121-182. Lucey, P.G., et al., Understanding the lunar surface and space-Moon interactions. Rev. Mi. Geochem. 2006, 60, 83-219.
Literature cited 2: Lucey, P.G., The poles of the Moon. Elements, 2009, 5, 41-46. Pieters, C.M. et al., Character and spatial distribution of OH/H2O on the surface of the Moon seen by M3 on Chandrayaan-1. Science, 2009, 326, 568-572.

ID: 62514
Title: Sentinel-2 images for effective mapping of soil salinity in agricultural fields
Author: Khalid A.Al-Gaadi, ElKamil Tola, Rangaswamy Madugundu and Ronnel B.Fulleros
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 384-390 (2021)
Subject: Sentinel-2 images for effective mapping of soil salinity in agricultural fields
Keywords: Agricultural lands, multiple linear regression, satellite data simplified brightness index, soil salinity
Abstract: Salinity is a critical feature for the management of agricultural soil, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas. The present study was conducted to develop an effective soil salinity prediction model using Sentinel 2A (S2) satellite data. Initially, the collected soil samples were analysed for soil salinity (ECe). Subsequently, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out between the obtained ECe values and S2 data, for the prediction of soil salinity models. The relationship between ECe and S2 data, including individual bands, band ratios and spectral indices showed moderate to highly significant correlations (R2 =0.43-0.83). A combination of SWIR-1 band and the simplified brightness index was found to be the most appropriate (R2=0.65; P<0.001) for prediction of soil salinity. The results of this study demonstrate the ability to obtain reliable estimates of EC using S2 data.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Asfaw, E., Suryabhagavan, K.V. and Argaw, M., Soil salinity modelling and mapping using remote sensing and GIS: the case of Wonji sugar cane irrigation farm, Ethiopia. J. Saudi Soc. Agric. Sci., 2016, 17 (3) , 250-258; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jssas.2016.05.003. Gorji, T., Sertel, E. and Tanik, A., Monitoring soil salinity via remote sensing technology under data scarce conditions: a case study from Turkey. Ecol. Indic., 2017, 74, 384-391; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2016.11.043.
Literature cited 2: Gorji, T., Tanik, A., and Sertel, E., Soil salinity prediction, monitoring and mapping using modern technologies.Procedia.Earth Planet.Sci.,, 2015, 15, 507-512; https://doi:10.1016/j.proeps.2015.08.062. Corwin, D. and Lesch S., Application of soil electrical conductivity to precision agriculture .Agron.J. 2003, 95 (3), 455-471; https://doi: 10.2134/agronj2003.0455.

ID: 62513
Title: Assessing the energy efficiency practices in cities across the world
Author: Manas Vijayan, Akshay Patil, Vijay Kapse and Sarika Bahadure
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 372-383 (2021)
Subject: Assessing the energy efficiency practices in cities across the world
Keywords: Best practices, embodied, energy-efficient urban planning, greenhouse gases, operational and transport energy
Abstract: Urban areas consume early two-thirds of the global energy and are responsible for 70% of overall green-house gas emissions. This energy can be broadly classified into three categories, i.e., embodied, operational and transport. Energy-efficient urban planning is an attempt to reduce the use of non-renewable energy sources, without sacrificing the quality of service. The strategies formulated for addressing energy efficiency will be targeting one or more of the energy efficiency will be targeting one or more of the energy types mentioned above. The present study evaluates the energy efficiency strategies adopted by cities across the world which are cited as best practices by the International Energy Agency. One of the key observations from this study is that most strategies address operational energy, while few address transport energy. For the purpose of assessing the impacts of these strategies, technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution analysis was carried out which revealed an overall poor performance score for the case cities, with highest score for Stockholm and lowest for Austin. It is also evident from the study that there is a lack of detailed energy assessment of cities prior to formulation of energy efficiency strategies. This study demonstrates a framework that can be adopted for assessing urban energy efficiency strategies and helps to identify the issues pertaining to current practices.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: International Energy Agency, India Energy Outlook 2015 Paris, 2015. Nations, U., Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations, 2015.
Literature cited 2: Bose, R.K., Energy efficient cities: assessment tools and benchmarking practices.The Wold Bank, Washington, 2020. Banister, D., Watson, S. and Wood, C., Sustainable cities: transport, energy, and urban form.Environ.Plant B., 1997, 24, 125-143.

ID: 62512
Title: Forecasting sector-wise electricity consumption for India using various regression models
Author: Renuka Rekhade and D.K. Sakhare
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 365-371 (2021)
Subject: Forecasting sector-wise electricity consumption for India using various regression models
Keywords: Electricity consumption, energy policy, forecasting, regression analysis
Abstract: Electricity is an important and one of the most dominant energy sources used in the world. It governs a major share in the Indian as well as world economy. Thus, forecasting its consumption can be useful in better planning of its future production and supply. In the present study, electricity consumption in seven different sectors, namely industry, domestic, agriculture, commercial, traction and railways, others along with total electricity consumed is forecasted using regression analysis. The study uses four regression modelling approaches to forecast electricity consumption by sectors in India. These are linear, logarithmic, power and exponential regression models. The accuracy of the models is tested using R2 (coefficient of determination) and MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) values. The model having the highest R2 and lowest MAPE value is selected for better accuracy results. The result/forecast is then compared with the available data published by the Central Electricity Authority, Government of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Morales, A. and Acevedo, A.M., Forecasting future energy demand: electrical energy in Mexico as an example case. Energy Procedia, 2014, 57, 782-790. Bianco, V., Manca, O., and Nardini, S., Linear regression models to forecast electricity consumption in Italy. Energy Sour., Part B., 2013, 8 (1), 86-93.
Literature cited 2: Cunkas, M. and Taskiran, U., Turkey’s electricity consumption forecasting using genetic programming. Energy Sour., Part B, 2011, 6, 406-416. Ghosh, S. and Das A., Short run electricity demand forecasts in Maharashtra.Appl. Econ., 2002, 34 (8), 1055-1059, doi: 10.1080/00036840110064656.

ID: 62511
Title: Multiple risk factors contribute to childhood stunting in Karnataka, India
Author: Srilakshmi M. Raj, Ruwanthi Ekanayake, Meenakshi Bhat, Jayarama Kadandale and Prabhu L.Pingali
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 360-364 (2021)
Subject: Multiple risk factors contribute to childhood stunting in Karnataka, India
Keywords: Childhood stunting, environment, genetics, public health, risk factors
Abstract: Childhood stunting remains a prominent metric in the health and development of modern India. In Karnataka, India, districts very substantially in stunting prevalence. Here we take a close look at the nature of childhood stunting in the state: its epidemiology, genetics, biology, nutritional basis, environmental contribution, policy and field-based understanding. We explore how these factors interact with one another and suggest ways to target modifiable risk factors for stunting (e.g., nutrition, exposure to infectious diseases, sanitation), which may influence the impact of non-modifiable risk factors (e.g., congenital factors, climate). We suggest that programmes designed to reduce stunting prevalence should accommodate these complex interactions, which could translate to more substantial impact on child health outcomes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: de Onis, M. and Branca, F., Childhood stunting: a global preparative. Matern. Child Nutr., 2016, 12(Suppl.1), 12-26. World Health Organization. WHO Child Growth Standards: Training Course on Child Growth Assessment. WHO Press, Geneva, Switzerland. 2008.
Literature cited 2: Adair, L.S., Discussion on economic drivers and consequences of stunting. Nestle Nutr. Inst. Workshop Ser., 2013, pp.143-146. Mendez, M.A., and Adair, L.S., Severity and timing of stunting in the first two years of life affect performance on cognitive tests in late childhood. J. Nutr. 1999, 129, 1555-1563.

ID: 62510
Title: Adapting an inquiry-based approach for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses: an exploratory study
Author: Sujatha Varadarajan and Savita Ladage
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 354-359 (2021)
Subject: Adapting an inquiry-based approach for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses: an exploratory study
Keywords: Exploratory study, inquiry-based module, learning process, undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses, Vitamin C
Abstract: The Exploratory study presented here is regarding the implementation of an inquiry-based instructional module developed for undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses. The study aims at understanding the challenges in execution of such a module and suggest ways for its effective implementation. It is important to bring changes in the present conventional practices to develop students as independent investigators and for learning experiences that are inquiry-driven, discussion-based and flexible as recommended by the NEP 2020. Based on this study, we suggest that the transition to inquiry approaches should be gradual. Further, students need adequate scaffolding of the learning process to help them in such a transition.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bennet, S.W., Seery, M. and Soveigjarto-Wigbers, D., Practical work in higher level chemistry education. In Innovative Methods of Teaching and Learning Chemistry in Higher Education, London, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2009, pp.85-102. Zoller, U. and Pushkin, D., Matching higher–order cognitive skills (HOCS) promotion goals with problem-based laboratory practice in a freshman organic chemistry course. Chem. Edu. Res., Pract., 2007, 8 (2), 153-171.
Literature cited 2: Domin, D.S., A review of a laboratory instructional styles. J. Chem. Educ., 1999.76(4), 543-547. Kirschner, A., Sweller, J. and Clark, R.E., Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: an analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experimental and inquiry-based teaching. Educ. Psychol, 2006, 41 (2), 75-86.

ID: 62509
Title: The oldest Birch tree in the Western Himalaya depicting signature of major climatic events of the recent era in its tree rings
Author: Rupesh Dhyani, Amalava Bhattacharyya, Ranbeer Singh Rawal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 350-353 (2021)
Subject: The oldest Birch tree in the Western Himalaya depicting signature of major climatic events of the recent era in its tree rings
Keywords: Oldest Birch tree, Western Himalaya, Major climatic events, tree rings
Abstract: Over half a millennium old, precisely dated broadleaved trees are rare across the mountain ranges of the world, including the Himalaya. In dendrochronology, oak is widely used in Europe and North America, but in the Himalaya most of its species are not datable. Except for its two deciduous species, Quercus griffithii and Quercus serrata, most of the Himalayan oaks are diffuse-porous woods and absence of other anatomical features delineating tree ring boundary. In the Indian Himalaya, birch (Betula utilis), popularly known as ‘Bhojpatra’, is a typical alpine tree-line species which has been established as a suitable broad-leaved tree for dendrochronology. Interestingly, it is a ‘diffuse-porous’ tree and the ring boundary is delineated by a light line of terminal parenchyma.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Gamble, J.S., A Manual of Indian Timbers, Sampsonlow, Marston and Co, London, 1902. Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K., A Revised Survey o the Forest Types of India, Government of India Press, Delhi, 1968.
Literature cited 2: Tenca, A. and Career, M., In Tree Rings in Archaeology, Climatology and Ecology (eds Levanic, T. et al.) .GeoForschungs-Zentrum, Postdam, Slovenia, 2010, pp.89-97. Singh, S.P., Trop. Ecol., 2018, 59 (2), 163-176.

ID: 62508
Title: The pesticide Management Bill 2020
Author: A.D. Dileep Kumar and. Narasimha Reddy
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (3) 348-349 (2021)
Subject: The pesticide Management Bill 2020
Keywords: Pesticide Management Bill 2020
Abstract: The Union Cabinet of India approved the new Pesticide Management Bill in February 2020.This Bill has provisions to regulate industry. However, it does not reflect critical prevailing issues, which are inevitable for reducing and mitigating risks arising from pesticide use. The Bill failed to address post registration risk reduction and mitigation, protection of pesticide users, community and environment. Therefore, the Bill could have poor implications on protecting public health and environment; hence requires critical management.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: The pesticide Management Bill, 2020, Bill No. XXII of 2020, Introduced in Rajya Sabha, Parliament of India. CIBRC, Major uses of pesticides: insecticides (up to 31 January 2020), Central Insecticide Board and Registration Committee, Directorate of plant protection, Quarantine and A Storage, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.2020; http://ppqs.gov.in/sites/default/files/approved_use_of_insecticides.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Dileep Kumar. Conditions of paraquat use in India.IUF, Berne Declaration, PAN AP and PAN India, 2015; http://www.pan-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BD_paraquat_4.15_def-WEB.pdf FSSAI, Letter Dated 16 October 2020; https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/advisories/2019/10/5da705b31ca781Letter_Report_Pesticides_MRL_16_10_2019.pdf.

ID: 62507
Title: Energy production and its emission generation impact on the environment
Author: Guanghui Chang, Du Jianguo, Daneiel Adu, Kofi Baah Boamah, Pu tianfeng and Ransford Darko
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 316-322 (2021)
Subject: Energy production and its emission generation impact on the environment
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, environmental education, mammals, school children
Abstract: Energy contributes greatly to every aspect of life and other activities and is the main source of economic development of any country. Globally, the demand for electrical power has increased in recent times, causing a major increase in the price of various fuels. Energy production from various renewable and non-renewable resources is not new. However, its impact on the environment is a major concern. Several power plants from large hydro, wind, thermal and others are being used for energy generation; nevertheless the depletion of the environment is the major global concern. The challenges posed to the environment need to be tackled to protect our environment. This study evaluates the state of energy generation and distribution, and its potential environmental impacts on biodiversity, climate change, aquatic life, land use, emission generation, etc. We also propose some environmental management strategies that can help overcome these challenges.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Dincer, i., Hepbasli, A. and Ozgener, L., Geothermal energy resources. In Encyclopedia of Energy Engineering and Technology (ed.Capehart, B.L.), CRC Press, New York, 2007, pp.744-752. Erdogdu, E., A snapshot of geothermal energy potential and utilization in Turkey. Renew. Sustain. Energy. Rev., 2009, 13, 2535-2543.
Literature cited 2: Barbier, E., Geothermal energy technology and current status: an overview.Renew.Sustian.Energ.Rev., 2002.6, 3-65. UK, Carbon and sustainability reporting within the renewable transport fuel obligation. Department for Transport, Government of the United Kingdom, January 2008; https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-transport-fuels-obligation-rtforders (retrieved on 29 February 2018).

ID: 62506
Title: The extinction of experience in a biodiversity hotspot: rural school children’s knowledge of animals in the Western Ghats, India
Author: V.V.Binoy, Anitha Kurup and Sindhu Radhakrishna
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 313-316 (2021)
Subject: The extinction of experience in a biodiversity hotspot: rural school children’s knowledge of animals in the Western Ghats, India
Keywords: Biodiversity hotspot, environmental education, mammals, school children
Abstract: Lack of environmental awareness or ignorance regarding the ecological role of animals among children has long-term negative consequence for the biodiversity hotspot in southern India to examine the knowledge level of rural school children regarding the mammalian species in their region. The results of the study showed that school children were able to recognize regional mammalian species that are publicized by media sources but had little knowledge about their conservation status or more significant information about them. Environmental education programmes must focus on making children more aware of the importance of various animals sharing their habitat, so that they have greater knowledge regarding the ecological roles of animals in the ecosystem.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Balmford, A. et al., Economic reasons for conserving wild nature. Science, 2002, 297, 950-953. Caro, T., Pelkey, N. and Grigrione, M. Effect of conservation biology education on attitudes toward the nature. Conserv. Biol., 1994, 8, 846-852.
Literature cited 2: Kellert, S.R., Attitudes toward animals: age-related development among children. J. Environ.Edu., 1985, 16, 29-39. Pyle, R.M., Eden in a vacant lot. In Children and Nature: Psychological, Sociocultural, and Evolutionary Investigations (eds Khan, P.H. and Kellert, S.R), MIT Press, London, England, 2002, pp.306-327.

ID: 62505
Title: Black palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum Linn) from India: association with aframe shift mutation in the MC1R gene
Author: R.Dileep Kumar, K.Anaswara, V.Navya, S.Beena, A.Jcob, L.Divya, A.S. Vijayasree, V.Deepthi, G.Renganayaki, P.R. Shidhi, M.A., Akbarsha, K.P.Laladhas, Achuthsankar S.Nair, P.R.Sudhakaran and O.V. Ooommen
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 306-312 (2021)
Subject: Black palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum Linn) from India: association with aframe shift mutation in the MC1R gene
Keywords: Agouti signalling protein, dominant mutation, Funambulus palmarum, melanism, melanocortin-1 receptor
Abstract: This study shows that the dominant mutation of Extension locus in the recessive locus of the agouti Indian three-striped palm squirrel results in constituting an active or hyperactive receptor. This is not inhibited by the agouti antagonist or agouti signaling protein, resulting in melanism. To the best of our knowledge, there is no earlier report of a melanic variant (black) of a three-striped palm squirrel (Funambulus palmaraum Linn) from India. The color change is due to mutation and is traced to melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, where it is proved to be sequence alteration causing a frame shift in the extension locus of the wild type. This would have probably caused the constitutive activation of MC1R.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: McRobie, H., Moncrief, D.N. and Mundy, I.N., Multiple origins of melanism in two species of North American tree squirrel (Sciurus).BMC Evol. Biol., 2019, 19 (140), 1471-1477. Lin, J. and Fisher, D., Melanocyte biology and skin pigmentation. Nature, 2007, 445, 843-850.
Literature cited 2: D’ Mello, S.A.N., Finlay, G.J., Baguley, B.C an Askarian-Amiri, M.E., Signalling pathways in melanogenesis. Int. J. Mol., Sci., 2016, 17, 1144. McRobie, H., Thomas, A. and Kelly, J., The genetic basis of melanism in the gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). J. Hered., 2009, 100, 709-714.

ID: 62504
Title: Native shade trees aid bird conservation in tea plantations in southern India
Author: T.R. Shankar Raman, Chayant Gonsalves, P.Jeganathan and Divya Mudappa
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 294-305 (2021)
Subject: Native shade trees aid bird conservation in tea plantations in southern India
Keywords: Bird community structure, indicator species, land-use change, shade trees, tea plantations
Abstract: In the Western Ghats, India, we study how different intensities of tea cultivation influence birds. We compared bird communities in conventional monoculture tea and mixed-shade tea plantations, both of which use agrochemicals, with organic tea plantations, a rainforest fragment, and continuous rainforest within the Annamalai Tiger Reserve. In 225-point count surveys, overall bird species richness and abundance were lowest in conventional tea and up to 33 % higher in organic tea.Mixed-shade tea had 40% higher species richness (including 15 canopy and 4 shrub and mid-storey species-primarily frugivores, nectarivores and insectivores), and 83% higher bird abundance than conventional tea, with a greater proportion of forest-affiliated birds and similarity in species composition with forest sites. The rainforest fragment and continuous rainforest had a higher proportion, richness and abundance of forest-affiliated birds and fewer open-country birds, unlike tea plantations where the pattern was reversed. associations of 62 bird species in indicator species analysis revealed similar patterns. Thus, organic tea is better than conventional tea for birds, but mixed –shade tea is even better, although still poorer than forests. Retaining or promoting native shade trees in tea plantations will increase bird diversity and abundance, including of forest-affiliated species and support landscape-level bird conservation.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bhagwat, S.A., Willis, K.J., Birks, H.J.B. and Whittaker, R.J., Agroforestry: a refuge for tropical biodiversity? Trends Ecol. Evol., 2008, 23, 261-267. Koh, L.P. and Gardner, T.A., Conservation in human-modified landscapes. In Conservation Biology for all (eds Sodhi, N.S., an Ehrlich, P.R.), Oxford University Press, 2010, pp.236-261.
Literature cited 2: Thiollay, J., The role of traditional agroforests in the conservation of rain forest bird diversity in Sumatra. Conserv. Biol., 1995, 9, 335-353. Sidhu, S., Raman, T.R.S., and Goodale, E., Effects of plantations and home-gardens on tropical forest bird communities and mixed-species bird flocks in the southern Western Ghats.J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 2010, 107, 91-108.

ID: 62503
Title: Do conspecific herbivores track resource depletion through host phenology specific HIPVs
Author: P.D.Kamala Jayanthi, Anjana Subramoniam, P.Saravan Kumar,B.R. Jayanthimala an A.Rekha
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 286-293 (2021)
Subject: Do conspecific herbivores track resource depletion through host phenology-speific HIPVs
Keywords: Anselmella Kerrichi, herbivore-induced plant volatiles, host phenology, resource depletion, Syzygium cuminii
Abstract: Conspecific herbivores use herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) as cues while selecting an optimal site for oviposition. This is ascertain the availability of nourishment for their progeny so that they get the best chance at survival. In the present study phytophagous eulophid seed-borer Anselmella kerrichi was significantly ( time spent: F3,40 =13.12, P <0.0001; number of entries :F2,30 =4.21 ; P=0.02) attracted to HIPVs from immature fruits of java plum, Syzygium cuminii (time spent : 4.77 ± 0.40 min, number of entries: 2.27 ± 0.24), when also given the choice of mature fruits (time spent: 1.76 ± 0.32 min; number of entries:1.46 ± 0.16) indicating that herbivores can assess resource of depletion from host phenology-specific HIPVs. The chemical cues like α-pinene, ẞ-pinene, (ȥ)-ocimene, undecane, 3,7 dimethyl decane, neo-alloocimene, allo-ocimene, ethyl benzoate, 2,6, 11-trimethyldodecane, α-copaene and ẞ-caryophyllene, which are present in immature fruit volatiles elicited antennal response in a GC-EAD analysis. Olfactometer analyses with the synthetic compounds also revealed that A.kerrichi was significantly attracted to these cues and the synthetic blend composed of the above compounds proved to be much more efficient in attracting female wasps when compared to a natural blend. Field evaluations using the synthetic blend showed that it could attract a significant number of A.kerrichi, indicating the scope of using this blend of synthetic HIPVs as sustainable IPM tool.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Kessler, A. and Baldwin, I.T., Defensive function of herbivore induced plant volatile emissions in nature. Science, 2001, 291, 2141-2144. De Moraes, C.M., Mescher, M.C., and Tumlinson, J.H., Caterpillar-induced nocturnal plant volatiles repel conspecific females. Nature., 2001, 410, 577-580.
Literature cited 2: Halitschke, R., Stenberg, J.A., Kessler, D., Kessler, A. and Baldwin, I.T., Shared signals: alarm calls from plants increase apprency to herbivores and their enemies in nature. Ecol., Lett., 2008, 11, 24-34. Degenhardt, J. et al. Restoring a maize root signal that attracts insect–killing nematodes to control a major pest. Proc. Natl., Acad. Sci., USA, 2009, 106, 13213-13218.

ID: 62502
Title: Quantitative assessment of BIGV and structural response based on velocity and frequency around an opencast mine.
Author: Anand Kumar, Pusker Singh, Sanjay Kumar Sharma, Nawal Kishore and C.S. Singh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 275-285 (2021)
Subject: Quantitative assessment of BIGV and structural response based on velocity and frequency around an opencast mine.
Keywords: Frequency, ground vibration, opencast mine, peak particle velocity, structural response
Abstract: Blast-induced ground vibtration (BIGV) velocities and frequencies are of major concern due to their adverse effects and damage to structures. Therefore, it becomes essential to assess the velocities and frequencies induced by blasting in terms of quantitative and quantitative assessment to overcome the problems. There is a need for scientific studies using devices like triaxial geophone associated with a seismograph to measure the peak particle velocity (PPV) and dominant frequency which cause damage to domestic or residential structures near an opencast mine. Each mine has specific geo-mining conditions, and scientific studies provide appropriate results. In total 32 number of blasting data sets were recorded at every 50 m from the blast site to the last observation point near the village. Ground vibration associated damage criteria is defined in terms of the PPV at different frequency levels and the strength of the structures under study. The permissible limits of BIGV have been provided by the Directorate General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad, India. The permissible PPV values of the BIGV in India is 2,5,10 for the historical and sensitive structures, 5,10, 15 for domestic houses and 10, 20, 25 for industrial buildings at <8, 8-25 and >25 HZ dominant excitation frequencies respectively. The recorded dataset has been proposed through standard models. The velocity amplitude versus frequency gives a reliable relationship about damage criteria of structures. The structures study carried out in a mega opencast project provides the basic knowledge to assess the safe distance from blasting site for responsible for more damage to nearby structures and to determine the correlation coefficient between measured and predicted PPV values.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: khandelwal, M. and Singh, T.N., Prediction of blast-induced ground vibration using artificial neural network. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 2009, 46 (7) , 1214-1222. Ak, H., The investigation of directional changes of the blast-induced ground vibration. Doctoral dissertation, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Turkish, 2006.
Literature cited 2: Arpaz, E., Monitoring and evaluation of blast induced vibrations in some open-pit mines in Turkey. Doctoral dissertation, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkish, 2000. Re, S.D. an Kopp, J.W., Comparative study of blasting vibrations from Indiana surface coal mine USBM R1 9226,United States, 1989.

ID: 62501
Title: Analysis of heat stress in an underground coal mine using computational fluid dynamics
Author: Navin Prasad and Bindhu Lal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 121 (2) 264-274 (2021)
Subject: Analysis of heat stress in an underground coal mine using computational fluid dynamics
Keywords: Coal mining, computational fluid dynamics, heat stress, underground mines, Ventilation systems
Abstract: Coal mining plays a significant role in the economy of India. The health and safety of miners working in underground mines is a serious concern. One of the risk factors is with regard to the ventilation systems. Computational fluid dynamics is one of the major tools used to study the air-flow distribution. It helps in understanding the blind galleries which may need adequate ventilation. It also helps suppress the spontaneous heating of poorly ventilated workings and in generating heat-stress plots inside the galleries to ensure the safety of mineworkers.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Power sectors of all India, administration of National Electricity Policy, Ministry of power and Government of India, February 2020. Kishore, B., Future of Bulk Production from Underground Coal Mining Technology and Management (CMTM), June 2018, vol.21 (1).
Literature cited 2: Ren, T. and Wang, Z., Computational fluid dynamics modelling of respirable dust and gas behavior on a longwall face. In Australian Mine Ventilation Conference, Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australia, 3 July 2013, pp.191-200.