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ID: 62410
Title: Vachellia nilotica subsp. cupressiformis – status and conservation approach of an endemic agroforestry tree in Rajasthan
Author: A Keerthika, A.K Shukla,Deepak Kumar ,Gupta,
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (8) 1293-1294 (2021)
Subject: Vachellia nilotica subsp. cupressiformis – status and conservation approach of an endemic agroforestry tree in Rajasthan
Keywords: Vachellia nilotica, status and conservation, endemic agroforestry tree, Rajasthan
Abstract: The arid zone of India is the most fragile ecosystem facing extreme droughts, erratic and high-intensity rainfall, seasonal variations in climatic pattern, abundance of solar energy and high evapotranspiration. The arid region is spread over 38.7 m ha, while the semi-arid region accounts for 34% of the total land area. In recent decades, the semi-arid region has expanded by 10%. The newly formed semi-arid region in North India alone accounts for 4% of reduction in rainfall and increased evapotranspiration has led to increased aridity.Under such adverse situations, traditional agroforestry plays an important role in providing food, fodder, fruits, fuel, etc. and also provides security to the local people and animals/livestock during extreme drought conditions. The traditional agroforestry system is a permanent feature of a landscape, where farmers without disturbing the natural tree component, integrate crops, grasses and animals.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ramarao, M. V. S., Sanjay, J., Krishnan, R., Mujumdar, M., Bazaz, A. and Revi, A., Theor. Appl. Climatol., 2019, 136, 693–702 Tewari, J. C., Ram, M., Roy, M. M. and Dagar, J. C., In Agroforestry Systems in India: Livelihood Security & Ecosystem Services (eds Dagar, J. C. et al.), Advances in Agroforestry, 2006, pp. 155– 185.
Literature cited 2: Cooke, T., Flora of the Presidency of Bombay, 1903, vol. 1, pp. 443–444. Hill, A. F., Bot. Mus. Leafl. Harvard Univ., 1940, 8, 94–100

ID: 62409
Title: Sustenance of mangroves on the west coast of Kerala
Author: S. Sreeram A. Arunprasath V. Sankara VeL
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (8) 1281-1281 (2021)
Subject: Sustenance of mangroves on the west coast of Kerala
Keywords: Sustenance of mangroves, West coast of Kerala
Abstract: Mangroves are important halophytic plant communities, mainly consisting of shrubs or small trees growing along the coastal areas or brackish waters. Mangroves are well-known for its quintessential role in sustaining the marine ecosystem. These nature’s walls of the sea are well known for its brilliant salt filtration system and sophisticated root system to tolerate the salt–water interaction and wave action. But these nature’s wonders are facing extreme degradation due to human activities and accumulation of toxic industrial effluents. The main focus of the present study was on the Cochin Islands of Ernakulam district of Kerala, a major port city in the country on the west-coast of Kerala bordering the Laccadive Sea. Cochin has a very ancient history as it was one of the most important spice trading hubs of India in the 14th century. An island in the vicinity of the sea is losing prima face cover of the mangroves.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Vidyasagaran, K. and Madhusoodanan, V. K., J. Biodivers. Environ. Sci., 2014, 4(5), 38–45 Swathi, E., The Indian Express, 2005
Literature cited 2: Putz, F. E. and Chan, H. T., For. Ecol. Manage., 1986, 17(2–3), 211–230. Sudhir, S. and Arunprasath, A., Arabian J. Med. Aromat. Plants, 2020, 17(2), 17–28

ID: 62408
Title: Assessment of tank sediments in terms of plant nutrients equivalent: an approach towards agricultural sustainability
Author: Bisweswar Gorain,V.R.Ramakrishna Parama and Srijita Paul
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1250-1254 (2022)
Subject: Assessment of tank sediments in terms of plant nutrients equivalent: an approach towards agricultural sustainability
Keywords: Food security, heavy metals, plant nutrients, surface-waterrun-off,sustainable agriculture, tank sediments
Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of lake sediments of Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, as a nutrient source for agricultural crop production. The sediments were analysed for macro-and micro-nutrients and toxic heavy metals using standard procedures. The results showed high stocks of N, P, and K and low heavy metal concentration in the upper 15 cm depth of lake sediments, implying their suitability as a nutrient alternative. This will reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers, improve soil health and also increase water storage capacity in the lakes, and thus promote sustainable agricultural production.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Jumbe, A.S., Nandini, N. and Tandon, S., Bangalore lakes-issues and perspectives on pollution, restoration and management. In Proceedings of the 12th World Lake Conference, Jaipur, 2007. Lokeshwari, H. and Chandrappa, G.T., Impact of Heavy metal contamination of Bellandur lake on soil and cultivated vegetation. Curr. Sci., 2006, 91 (5), 622-627.
Literature cited 2: Anon., Monitoring and analysis of tanks and lakes of Bangalore. In Annual Report of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board-Research and Developemnt Wing Publication,2001. Anon, Vision for village tanks of Tamil Nadu. In Proceedings of the Developemnt of Humane Action (DHAN Foundation), Madurai, 2004, pp.1-34.

ID: 62407
Title: Urban sustainability analysis of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Author: Jyotsana Pandit,S.K. Bhardwaj and Anish Kumar Sharma
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1246-1249 (2021)
Subject: Urban sustainability analysis of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, India
Keywords: Biocapacity, built-up land footprint, ecological footprint analysis, ecological deficit, urban sustainability
Abstract: Urbanization is one of the most significant global trends of modern times, driving and driven by multiple social, economic and environmental processes. Due to uncontrolled urbanization, there is rapid environmental degradation which causes many problems. Scientific assessments can help provide solutions by considering the local realities. Numerous assessment strategies have been suggested such as emerge analysis, material flow analysis, data development analysis and ecological footprint analysis (EFA). EFA has been implanted as a useful analytical and planning tool for assessing urban sustainability in numerous cities. The aim of this study is to use one of the EFA components, viz. built-up land footprint (EF built-up) to evaluate the urban sustainability of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh (HP), India, in terms of settlements. The study concludes that EF built-up of Solan district, HP, exceeds its biocapacity, resulting in an ecological deficit. Therefore, element of built-up land in Solan district is considered as an unsustainable system.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Schell, L.M. and Ulijaszek, S.J., Urbanism, Health and Human Biology in Industrialized Countries, Cambridge University Press, London, UK,1999, pp.59-60. Vandik, M. and Mingshun, Z., Sustainability indices as a tool for urban managers, evidence from four medium-sized Chinese cities. Environ. Impact Assess.,2005,25(6), 667-688.
Literature cited 2: Patridge, E., Social sustainability: a useful theoretical framework. In Social Sustainability, Australasian Political Science Association Annual conference, Dunedin, New Zealand, 2009. Moussiopoulos, N. Achillas, C., Vlachokostas, C.,Spyridi, D., and Nikolaou, K., Environmental, social and economic information management for the evaluation for the evaluation of sustainability in urban areas: a system of indicators for Thessaloniki, Greece, Cities, 2010, 27(5), 377-384

ID: 62406
Title: Identification of begomoviruses from legume crop and weed plants and viruliferous status of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Central India
Author: Rakesh Singh Marabi, Shoumitra Bikas Das, Niraj Tripathi, Takashi Wada and Hiroaki Noda
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1240-1246 (2022)
Subject: Identification of begomoviruses from legume crop and weed plants and viruliferous status of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Central India
Keywords: Begomovirus,Bemisisa tabaci,legumes crops, viruliferous status, weeds
Abstract: Three begomoviruses were identified based on complete genome sequence from weeds in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Alternanthera yellow vein virus (AIYVV;2745 bp) was identified in Alternanthera sissilis, Tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV; 2766 bp) in Sida acuta, and Cotton Leaf curl Bangalore virus (CLCuBaV: 2750 bp) in Malvastrum coromandelianum. A betasatellite DNA (1356 bp) was found associated with CLCuBaV, sharing sequence identify of 87-88% with those of other CLCuBaV isolates. TbCSV was detected in the food legumes soybean, black gram and pigeon pea, showing coinfection with Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV). White fly Bemisia tabaci , the vector of begomoviruses, harboured TbCSV and CLCuBAv at a high rate (10-60% and 5-30% respectively). The percentage of insects harbouring MYMIV was also extremely high (60-100), indicating that the whiteflies were viruliferous for multiple begomoviruses in this region. High population density of the whitefly and intensive of various begomoviruses in the fields of Central India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Rojas, M.R., Hagen, C., Lucas, W.J. and Gilbertson, R.L., Exploiting chinks in the plant's armor: evolution and emergence of geminiviruses. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol., 2005, 43,361-394. Hanley-Bowdoin, L., Bejarano, E.R., Robertson, D. and Mansoor, S., Geminiviruses: master at redirecting and reprogramming plant processes. Nature Rev. Microbiol., 2013, 11, 777-788.
Literature cited 2: Nawaz-ul-Rehman, M.S. and Fauquet, C.M., Evolution of geminiviruses and their satellites. FEBS Lett., 2009, 583, 1825-1832. ICTV, Virus taxonomy:2016 release. International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses, Hungary,2016.

ID: 62405
Title: Full-parameter optimization to locate multi-passage -seepage in abutment using groundwater temperature
Author: Xinjian Wang, and Wei Wang
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1233-1240 (2021)
Subject: Full-parameter optimization to locate multi-passage -seepage in abutment using groundwater temperature
Keywords: Abutment, dam safety, hybrid-genetic algorithm, geothermal temperature, seepage
Abstract: With groundwater temperature, hybrid-genetic algorithm is employed to locate multi-passage concentrated seepage underground to increase the probability of optimal global solutions, calculation efficiency and precision. The parameters of concentrated seepage passages (CSPs) indicated initially by the previous optimization and attraction basins of modified temperature residuals are evaluated again by the proposed full parameter optimization. The smaller CSP impacts on the stronger are eliminated, since all the parameters associated with all the CSPs are calculated by the last one-off optimization. In this case, three optimization steps are implemented with crossover fractions of 0.8, 0.5 and 0.45 (0.3), and the modified resultant residuals are 13.441, 2.27 and 0.7 individually. Results of this method are more effective compared to those from other methods and actual applications.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Wang, X.J. and Pan, J.S., Location detection of concentrated -seepage passages in dam by groundwater temperature. Cin. J. Geotech. Eng., 2010, 32 (11), 368-374. Dong, H.Z., Liu, Y.X., and Zheng, Y., inite long heat source model of piping in dam and experiment.Chin.J.Hydraul., 2012, 43 (8), 1004-1008.
Literature cited 2: Dong, H.Z., Lou, R.H., and Zhang, L., Study on double-concentrated -leakage passage heat conduction model and retrieval of velocity in dam basement.J. Sicuan Univ., 2012, 44 (3), 36-4. Dong, H.Z., Kou, D.W., and Peng, H.Y., Computational model for dam leakage velocity in concentrated passage based on distributed optic fiber temperature sensing system. Chin. J. Geotech. Eng., 2013, 35 (9), 1717-1721.

ID: 62404
Title: Cultivated land utilization index vis-a-vis cropping intensity for crop diversification and water resource management in Odisha, India
Author: P.S.Brahmanand,Biswaranjan Behera,Shivendra KumarSrivastava, R.B.Singandhupe and A.Mishra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1217-1224 (2021)
Subject: Cultivated land utilization index vis-a-vis cropping intensity fro crop diversification and water resource management in Odisha, India
Keywords: Cultivated land utilization index, cropping intensity, crop diversification, water resoure management, water availability
Abstract: The cultivated land utilization index (CLUI) for all the districts of Odisha, India during 2013-14 was estimated in this study. The average state CLUI value (0.585) indicated the scope of improving resource utilization, though 67% of net cropped area is sown twice. All the districts of the state were classified under four scenarios with various combinations of cropping intensity and CLUI. Growing long-duration crop varieties under conditions of ample water availability and, more short-duration less water-requiring crops under limited water supply will improve resource utilization. The results pave the way for analysis of CLUI at a national level for efficient resource utilization by formulating cropping patterns based on water availability.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Business Standard, Foodgrain production estimated at 284.95 million Tonnes for 2018-19:4th advance estimates.19 August 2019; https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/foodgrain-production-estimated-at-284-95million-tonnes-for-2018-19-4hadvance-estimates-119081901206_1.html ICAR-IIWM, Vision 2050-ICAR-IIWM.ICAR-Indian Institute of Water Management, Bhubaneshwar, 2015, p.21; https://www.iiwm.res.in/pdf/Vision_2050.pdf.
Literature cited 2: Brahmanand,P.S.and Ambast,S.K.,Study and analysis of negative list of Indian districts for cultivation of water guzzling crops. Status report (internal circulation). ICAR-Indian Insititute of Water Management, Bhubaneshwar, 2016, p.19 Coulibaly,O., and Ouedrogo,A., Correlation of global solar radiation of eight synoptic stations in Burkina Faso based on linear and multiple linear regression methods., Solar Energ, 2016 ,Article ID 787090;https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/7870907

ID: 62403
Title: Indo-Arabian stone anchor of Manikapatna, Odisha, east coast of India: an indicator of maritime contacts of Odisha
Author: Sila Tripathi
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1211-1216 (2021)
Subject: Indo-Arabian stone anchor of Manikapatna, Odisha, east coast of India: an indicator of maritime contacts of Odisha
Keywords: Arab contacts, Chilika lake, Manikapatna, maritime contact, stone anchor
Abstract: Numerous stone and iron anchors of various shapes and sizes have been brought to light during the maritime archaeological explorations along the Indian littoral. And anchors are proxies to maritime archaeological studies. The recent maritime archaeological studies along the Manjikapatna Coast of Chilika Lake, Odisha, India, discovered one broken Indo-Arabian stone anchor. The archaeological excavation findings suggest that Manikapatna served as port from the early historical period up to the 18th century CE. Besides the Ando-Arabian stone anchor, composite, kellick, one-armed anchor with stone stock and single hole stone anchors were previously documented along the Odisha coast. None of the anchors were accompanied by associated findings, or from any strata, and therefore, these anchors differ in their period and usage. Nonetheless, some of the stone anchors are still used by the fisher folk of Odisha in their traditional crafts. The findings of the Indo-Arabian stone anchor of Manikapatna have a great significance in the maritime history of Odisha and in comparison, with other Indo-Arabian types of stone anchors of the Indian subcontinent.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Tripati, S., Stone anchors of India: Findings, Classifcation and Significance. In Proceedings of the 2nd Asia-pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage (eds Tilburg, H.V., et al), Honolulu, Hawaii, 2014, vol.2, pp.973-986. Ratnagar, S., Trading Encounters from the Euphrates to the Indus in the Bronze Age, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2004.
Literature cited 2: Rao, S.R., Lothal-A Harappan Port Town, Part 1, Archaeological Survey of India, New Delhi, 1979. Rao, S.R., Shipping and maritime trade of the Indus people. Expedition, 1965, 7 (3), 30-37.

ID: 62402
Title: Adaptive cluster sampling-based design for estimating COVID-19 cases with random samples
Author: Girish Chandra, Neeraj Tiwari and Raman Nautiyal
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1202-1210 (2021)
Subject: Adaptive cluster sampling-based design for estimating COVID-19 cases with random samples
Keywords: Adaptive cluster sampling, COVID-19, pandemic, precise estimation, random samples
Abstract: During the COVID-19 pandemic, testing of all persons except those who are symptomatic, is not feasible due to shortage of facilities and staff. This article focuses on estimating the number of COVID-19 positive persons over a geographical domain. The Horvitz-Thompson and Hansen-Hurtwitz type estimators under adaptive cluster sampling-based design have been suggested. Two case studies are discussed to demonstrate the performance of the estimators under certain assumptions. Advantages and limitations are also mentioned.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thompson, S.K., Adaptive cluster sampling.J.Am.Stat.Assoc.1990, 85, 1050-1059. Thompson, S.K., Adaptive cluster sampling based on order statistics. Environmetrics, 1996, 7(2), 123-133.
Literature cited 2: Chandra, G., Tiwari, N. and Nautiyal, R., Two stage adaptive cluster sampling based on ordered statistics. Metodoloski Zv., 2019, 16 (1), 43-60. Kaur, A., Patil, G.P. and Taillie, C., Optimal allocation for symmetric distributions in ranked sampling. Ann. Inst. Stat. Math., 2000, 52(2), 250.

ID: 62401
Title: A location-specific nowcast and SMS-based dissemination system for thunderstorm and lightning warning over Jharkhand, India
Author: S.D.Kotal,Soma Sen Roy, R.S.Sharma and M.Mohapatra
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1194-1201 (2021)
Subject: A location-specific nowcast and SMS-based dissemination system for thunderstorm and lightning warning over Jharkhand, India
Keywords: Dissemination system, lightining,nowcast,short message service, thunderstorm
Abstract: Effective nowcasting for thunderstorm has been a challenge to operational forecasters in Jharkhand, India as lightning strikes-related deaths are significantly high. Extrapolation of radar echoes is the very foundation of nowcasting. Multiple radar mosaic data are able to pick out of the size, shape, intensity, speed and direction of movement of individual storms on a continuous basis. This makes it possible to determine the likely location of a moving storm by extrapolation. This article demonstrates a new approach of location-specific nowcast and SMS (short message service) -based dissemination system for thunderstorm and lightning warning up to 3 h ahead over Jharkhand. There are three components of the system. First, identification of the initial development and tracking of thunder cells by mosaic composite reflectivity data from multiple radars. The future location of thunder cells, and their growth of dissipation in terms of radius is estimated by extrapolation using their past trends. Secondly, based on this forecast information, an SMS is generated by the web-based GIS portal of Jhanrkhand Space Applications Centre for the forecast location and sent to the concerned state officials and mobile service providers over the region. Finally, the earning SMS is sent to all the active mobile users over that region. Finally, the warning SMS is sent to all the active mobile users over that region at that time. The system combining nowcasting and dissemination of warning directly to the likely affected people is expected to be more robust considering its effectiveness in the reduction of human causality.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Roy Bhowmik,S.K. et al.,Processing of Indian Doppler weather radar data for mesoscale applications.Meteorol.Atmos.Phys., 2011, 111 (3-4), 133-147. Wilson, J.W., Crook,N.A., Mueller, C.K.,Sun,J.and Dixon, M., Nowcasting thunderstorms : a status reprt.Bull.Am.Meteorol.Soc.,1998, 79, 2079-2099.
Literature cited 2: Battan,L.J.,Duration of convective radar cloud units.Bull.Am.Meteorol.Soc., 1953,34, 227-228. Foote, G.B.and Mohr,C.G. ,Results of a randomized hail suppression experiment in northeast Colorado.Part. VI:Post hoc stratificaion by storm type and intensity.J.Appl.Meteorol.,1979, 18, 1589-1600.

ID: 62400
Title: Sandalwood plantations,
Author: Doddabasawa and B.M.Chittapur
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1184-1193(2021)
Subject: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Keywords: Ecology, haustoria, hosts, parasite, sandalwood
Abstract: East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is one of the precious woods known for sweet fragrant aroma and commercial value in both national and international markets. Besides its wide adaptability to varied climate, hosts and edaphic conditions have attracted farmers and corporates for commercial venture. Sandalwood being a hemi-root parasite, the successful establishment of sandalwood plantation depends on the understanding of parasitism ecology, especially the relations between host and parasites, their ratio and other silviculture techniques. Hence, the present article aims to understand these issues for commercial upscaling. Sandalwood relies largely on host plants for mineral nutrients and water through haustoria connections which act as physiological and physical bridge between the parasite and the host. It parasitizes over a vast array of plants from grasses to trees, whereas leguminous associations are superior. Deep-rooted and slow growing perennial hosts help in sustained growth. For better yield of heartwood and soil sandalwood should be grown over 15 years, whereas optimum rotation age would be 25-30 years. Sandalwood should be grown over 15 years, whereas optimum rotation age would be 25-30 years. Sandalwood can be planted either through direct dibbling of seeds near the hosts in the same pit or adjacent to the hosts. Better establishment occur when sandalwood is grown with potted host followed by secondary hosts in the field. Association of sandalwood and host would be strong when the distance is around 2.-3 m with host to parasite ratio of 2: 1 or 3: 1. However, questions on parasitism ecology still remain.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Nageswara Rao, M., Ganeshaih, K.N. and Uma Shankar, R., Assessing threats and mapping sandal (Santalum album L) resources in peninsular India: identification of genetic hotspot for in situ conservation. Conserv. Genet, 2007, 8, 925-935. MeeRA,c., Nageswara Rao, M., Ganeshaih, K.N., Uma Shankar, R., and Swaminath, M.H., Conservation, of sandal genetic resources in India: I Extraction patterns and threats to sandal resources in Karnataka. MyFor., 2000, 36,125-132.
Literature cited 2: Sreenivasan., Shivaramakrishnana,V.R., Rangaswamy, C.R., Anathapadmanabha,H.S., and Shankaranarayana,K.H., Sandal, ICFRE, Dehra Dun, 1992, p.233. Suma, T.B., and Balasundaran, M., Isozyme variation in five provenances of Santalum album in India. A.J. Bot. ,2003, 51, 243-249.

ID: 62399
Title: Evolution of personal protective equipment from its inception to COVID-19
Author: P.L.Jagadeshvaran,Aishwarya Vijayan Menon and Suryasarathi Bose
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1138-1139 (2021)
Subject: Evolution of personal protective equipment from its inception to COVID-19
Keywords: Antiviral technologies, COVID-19, healthcare workers, noscomial infections
Abstract: A bizzare illness, identified in a group of patients with respiratory problems in Wuhan, China was then ascertained as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - that proliferated into a global pandemic, with lakhs of people getting infected per day. Given this pandemic situation, there is a need globally for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect oneself from getting infected by the disease. This is very much critical in the healthcare sector as health-care units like hospitals and clinics might act as potential epicenters for the spread of a disease and cause the healthcare workers to act as vehicles for disease transmission. Given this context, this review article primely focuses on the different ways to prevent transmission of virus and the different PPE that exist in the market. The various anti-viral technologies which are currently available in the market to tackle SARS-coV-2 have been described along with few interesting literatures which can be looked upon to develop anti-viral PPE that can be efficient against enveloped viruses like the current SARS-CoV-2
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Khedkar, P.H. and Patzak,A., SARS-CoV-2: What do we know so far? Acta Physiol., 2020, e 13470; doi:10.1111/apha.13470. FDA, Personal protective equipment for infection control. Available at: https://www.fda.gov./medical-devices/general-hospital-devices-and-supplies/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control (accessed on 15 May 2020)
Literature cited 2: van Doremalen, N. et al., Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. New Eng. J. Med., 2020, 382,1564-1567. Casanova, L.,Rutala, W.A., Weber, D.J., and Sobsey, M.D., Coronavirus survival on healthcare personal protective equipment.Infect.Control Hosp.Epidemiol., 2010, 31, 560-561.

ID: 62398
Title: 'Thang bun' : indigenous practice of in situ biochar preparation-cum-application for improved jhum cultivation in North East India
Author: H.C.Hombegowda,Praveen Jakhar, M.Madhu and Yearbok Morwein
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES &EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1160-1168 (2021)
Subject: 'Thang bun' : indigenous practice of in situ biochar preparation-cum-application for improved jhum cultivation in North East India
Keywords: Biochar preparation, ethnic communities deforestation, indigenous farming practice , Jhum cultivation
Abstract: Thang bun is a traditional agricultural method practised by ethnic communities in Meghalaya, India.This method produces and incorporates biochar in the soil on raised beds from slashed plant-biomass while practicing jhumming ( slash and burn agriculture).The biochar prepared and incorporatd into jhum soils acts as an acid-neutralizing agent and improves physico-chemical properties in acidic soils.This practice highlights the knowledge of ethnic communities on biochar preparation as well s fertility management using locally available resources for improving crop performance.This low-cost traditional technology is used to convert surplus slashed biomass into biochar through which the soil is eniched with nutrients, especially potassium and large quantities of carbon is sequesterred anually.This traditional proactice is the best example of a carbon-negative technology and effective utilization of locally avaialble resources for better crop production.This proactice has thrived for several centuries due to its multi-fold significance, minimum degrade effects and higher productive output.Presently, a scientifically modified version of this practice can be adopted for acid soil management in north east region of India.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Brookfield,H. and Padoch,C., Appreciating agrodiversity : a look at the dynamism and diversity of indigenous farming proactices.Environ: Sci.Policy Sustain.Develop., 1994, 36 (5) , 6-45. Padoch, C., Harwell,E., and ustanto,A., Swidden,Sawah,and in -between : agricultural transforamtion in Borneo.Hum.Ecol., 1998, 26, 3-20.
Literature cited 2: Laurance,W.F., Forest destruction in tropical Asia.Curr.Sci., 2007, 93, 1544-1550. Lele,N.and Joshi,P.K., Analyzing deforestation rates, spatial forest cover changes and identifying critical areas of foret cover changes in North-East during 1972-1999.Environ.Monit., Assess, 2009, 156 (1-4), 159.

ID: 62397
Title: Taxonomic practices and Indian concerns
Author: Potharaju Venu
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1152-1159 (2021)
Subject: Taxonomic practices and Indian concerns
Keywords: Explorations,lectotypification, new and rare species, rediscoveries, taxonomic practices
Abstract: Plant taxonomy can become complicated if handled without restrain/caution in floral documentation. Effectively, taxonomic practices provide a procedure/method for naming, reporting (publishing) and subsequent cautious filling of materials in the herbaria. A literature scrutiny provides multiple examples of lack of seriousness and dishonesty in varied areas of taxonomic research. In reporting new species, it is always desired to have an in-house deliberation for opinion, as collective wisdom/expertise helps the authors eliminate any omissions that might appear later in publications. Rediscovery reports from India frequently fail to be relevantly conternt-spirited.Their reporting requires freat prudence and rigorous scrutiny. In this article, the long exiting partial knowledge in unisexual plants in few angiosperm families is discussed. Many a time, irrationally status judgements (IUCN statuses) are assigned to species with inadequate information on distribution details. Nomenclature and taxonomy should go hand in hand to bring in clarity regarding any taxon and to resolve issues. Naming or struggle for a right name appears to be the priority for a near nonexistent species than for their fresh collections. Issues on naming of plants after one's own masters or relatives to oblige them are also deliberated. Concerns related to herbaria maintenance and failing in the deposition of types and vouchers in herbaria are discussed. The literature without specimen base leads to ambiguity and spells a debacle in revisionary works and consolidation of floras. Further, there are also apprehensions linked to publishing new combinations based on publications from elsewhere and without having a grasp/judgement of the genera involved. There are also articles concerning lectotypifications undertaken by taxonomists without due enquiry. such publications may help promote the concerned authors in their Carrers but contribute little and generate greater noise in the subject.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Thothathri, K. and Das, D., A new Annonaceae from the Andaman Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 1968, 54 (3), 430-431. Venkat Ramana,M. et al., The less known Mitrephora and amanica (Annonaceae) from Andaman Islands, Rheedea, 2015, 25 (1)., 72-76.
Literature cited 2: Khandal, D., et al. Ceropegia lucida-rediscovery and new distribution record for Arunachal Pradesh, India. Curr. Sci., 2017, 113 (11), 2077. Shruti, K. et al., Rediscovery of Saussurea andryaloides (Asteraceae:Cardueae) from Uttarakhand, India.Rheedea, 2019, 29 (1)., 116-118.

ID: 62396
Title: New Geospatial Data Guidelines-Impact on research and education
Author: Bharath Lohani
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2021
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 120 (7) 1138-1139 (2021)
Subject: New Geospatial Data Guidelines-Impact on research and education
Keywords: New Geospatial Data Guidelines, research and education
Abstract: Since the Indian government launched New Geospatial Data Guidelines on 15 February this year there have been a lot of discussions on how this is going to impact the industry and that how a market worth one lakh crore for geospatial data is going to unfold over the next decade. However, one aspect that is not being discussed equally is the impact of this new guideline on education and research, which is important as it will decide how the stakeholders, i.e., students, researchers, universities, policy makers and funding agency should respond.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2: