ID: 59253
Title: Drainage and dewetting of the tear film.
Author: K V Soumya.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.5), 655-655, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Drainage, dwetting, tear film.
Abstract: Dry eye disease is caused by either decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. The tear film that protects the ocular surface is a complex and thin film. It is comprised of a collection of proteins and lipids that leads to a number of important functions. The meibomian glands located on the margins of eyelids produce oily lipid secretions that after being mixed with the aqueous tears, contribute to the tear film.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59252
Title: Carbon stocks in major soil types and land-use systems in semiarid tropical region in southern India.
Author: K Venkanna, Uttam Kumar Mandal, A J Solomon Raju, K L Sharma, Ravikant V Adake, Pushpanjali, B Sanjeeva Reddy, Rahul N Masane, K Venkatravamma, B Peda Babu.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 604-611, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, forest soils, land-use systems, organic carbon, soil types, total carbon stocks.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to study the soil organic and inorganic carbon stocks under different land-use systems in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, representing semiarid tropical region of India. Results indicated that Vertisols and associated soils contained greater total C stocks, followed by Inceptisols and Alfisols. The soil organic carbon (SOC) stock was highest in Alfisols (52.84 Mg ha-1) abd Vertisols and associated soils (49.33 Mg ha-1), whereas soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stock was highest in Vertisols and associated soil (22.9 Mg ha-1) followed by Inceptisols (17.5 Mg ha-1) and Alfisols (12.4 Mg ha-1). Among the different land-use systems, total C stock was highest in forest soils followed by fodder system, paddy, maize, cotton, redgram, intercorp, chilli, permanent fallow and lowest in castor system. Soil nitrogen also followed similar trend as SOC stock. Significant corelation (P<0.05) was obtained between SOC stock and soil nitrogen with Mandal-wise annual rainfall. A surface map of soil C stock and soil N was prepared for Warangal district using kriging interpolation techniques and total C stock was estimated to 0.088 Pg out of which SOC stock was 77% and SIC stock was 23% for the district. A relationship was established between Walkey-Black Carbon and SOC estimated through dry combustion method using CN analyser and it was found that Walkey-Black carbon could recover 90% of SOC for semiarid tropical soils.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59251
Title: Kedarnath flash floods: a Hydrological and hydrautic simulation study.
Author: K H V Durga Rao, V Venkateshwar Rao, V K Dadhwal, P G Diwakar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 598-603, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Flash floods, flood inundation simulation, hydrological modelling, lake breach.
Abstract: The recent floods in the Kedarnath area, Uttarakhand are a classic example of flash floods in the Mandakini River that devastated the country by killing thousands of people besides livestock. Though the duration of the event was small compared to other flood disasters in the country, it resulted in severe damage to property and life. Post-disaster satellite images depict that the river banks were eroded completely along the Kedarnath valley due to the flash floods and few new channels were visible. Extreme erosion took place in the upstream portion of Kedarnath, besides the breach of Chorabari Lake and deposition of debris/sediments in the valley. Hydrological and hydrautic simulation study was carried out in the Mandakini River using space-based inputs to quantify the causes of the flash floods an their impact. Chorabari Lake breach analysis was carried out using Froehlich theory. Flood inundation simulations were done using CARTO DEM of 10m posting in which the combined effect of lake breach and high-intensity rainfall flood was examined. As the slopes are very steep in the upstream catchment area, lag-time of the peak flood was found to be less and washed-off the Kedarnath valley without any alert. The study reveals quantitative parameters of the disaster which was due to an integrated effect of high rainfall intensity, sudden breach of Chorabari Lake and very steep topography.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59250
Title: Surface processes during flash floods in the glaciated terrain of Kedarnath, Garhwal Himalaya and their role in the modification of landforms.
Author: Dhruv Sen Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 594-597, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Chorabari Glacier, flash floods, incessant rain, landform modification, surface processes.
Abstract: Glaciers are considered as one ot the best indicators of climate change and glacial landforms are analysed for the reconstruction of palaeoclimate. It has been notified that the landforms keep on changing with time and space. However, no attention has been paid to this problem. The catastrophic event such as Kedarnath event of June 2013 is identified as one impotant process which modifies the landforms and landscape. The flash floods which initiated the new channels, activated the abandoned channels and raised the water of Mandakini River and caused bank erosion and deepening of the valley are the main process for devastation. The human encroachment in the natural events multiplied the damage.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59249
Title: On the possibility of retrieving near-surface rain rate from the microwave sounder SAPHIR of th Megha-Tropiques mission.
Author: C Balaji, C Krishnamoorthy, R Chandrasekar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 587-593, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Brightness temperatures, Megha-Tropiques, Neelam, Phailin, SAPHIR.
Abstract: In this study, ab initio atmospheric profiles generated through high-resolution calculations from the community weather model WRF, suitably matched up with both TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) instruments of the TRMM satellite were used to compute simulated brightness temperatures (BTs) corresponding to SAPHIR frequencies, through an in-house polarized radiative transfer code. An artificial neural network was then constructed and trained to return the near-surface rain (NSR) rate given the six BTs corresponding to SAPHIR, For accomplishing the retrievals, measured BTs of SAPHIR (level 1 data) were used. NSR rates were calculated for two precipitating systems, namely (i) cyclone Neelam and (ii) cyclone Phailin. Rain rates thus estimated were then validated with the TMI-PR combined rain product of TRMM (2A12). The results showed that there is good agreement between the two MADRAS and SAPHIR was also done. This unexpected ability of the SAPHIR radiances provide us with the rainfall signature opens up new vistas in achieving the mission objectives of Megha-Tropiques.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59248
Title: Environmental flow for the Yamuna river in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India.
Author: Vikram Soni, Shashank Shekhar, Diwan Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 558-564, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Algal choking, environmental flow, flushing flow, monsoon rivers, sediment transport, soil particles.
Abstract: With an eye on all the natural functions of a river. the present article considers the flow of the river Yamuna in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India. About 80% of the total virgin flow of Indian rivers is during the monsoon period and the remaining 20% is during the non-monsoon period. In case of the river Yamuna in Delhi, we find that at least 50% of the virgin monsoon (July to September) flow is required for transport of the full spectrum of soil particles in the river sediment. A similar flow is needed for adequate recharge of the floodplain aquifers along the river. For the non-monsoon period (October to June), at least 60% of the virgin flow is necessary to avoid growth of still-water algae and to support river biodiversity. We conclude that about 50-60% of the virgin flow is necessary throughout the year to maintain the health of the river system.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59247
Title: Assessment of agricultural sustainability in changing scenarios.
Author: Prashant Goswami, Shiv Narayan Nishad.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 552-557, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Agricultural sustainability, carrying capacity, degree of dependency, import requirement, trade balance.
Abstract: Agricultural sustainability is an important parameter for policy design. The primary variables for agricultural sustainability, like available arable land and water, depend on competing demands from other sectors as well as natural factors like climate change. The other critical factor that determines sustainability is demand which changes with population and dietary habits. The supply also depends on external sources (import); thus a comprehensive and quantitative assessment of sustainability is a major scientific challenge. Here we present an assessment of agricultural sustainability for India. Import requirement, potential surplus and sustainability index are used to estimate India ' s food sustainability.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59246
Title: Artificial photosynthesis and the splitting of water to generate hydrogen.
Author: Urmimala Maitra, S R Lingampalli, C N R Rao.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 518-527, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Hydrogen, photosynthesis, solar energy, water splitting.
Abstract: It is no exaggeration to state that the energy crisis is the most serious challenge that we face today. Among the strategies to gain access to reliable, renewable energy, the use of solar energy has clearly emerged as the most viable option. A promising direction in this context is artificial photosynthesis. In this article, we briefly describe the essential features of artificial photosynthesis in comparison with natural photosynthesis and point out the modest success that we have had in splitting water to produce oxygen and hydrogen, specially the latter.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59245
Title: Oil Pollution in Chilika Lagoon: an anthropogenic threat to biodiversity.
Author: S K BaliarSingh, Subhashree Sahoo, Asutosh Acharya, H B Dalabehera, K C Sahu, Aneesh A Lotliker.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 516-517, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Chilka lagoon, Oil pollution, anthropogenic threat, biodiversity.
Abstract: Chilka lagoon is situated on the east coast of India and is spread over three districts of Odisha, namely Puri, Khordha and Ganjam. The water-spread area varies between 1165 and 906 sq. km during monsoon and summer respectively. It is a hotspot for biodiversity, and the largest wintering ground for migratory avian guests on the Indian sub-continent. It also boasts of some rare species such as Irrawaddy dolphins and Smooth-coated otters. The Nalabana Island in the central sector of the lagoon is a Bird Sanctuary and hosts migratory birds every winter.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59244
Title: Climate change is affecting apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Author: H R Gautam, I M Sharma, Rohitashw Kumar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 498-499, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, apple cultivation, Himachal Pradesh.
Abstract: Mountains are early and important indicators of climate change which depict far-reaching consequences on our ecosystem, agriculture and livelihood of the farmers. The Himalayan mountain ecosystem is also facing serious challenges posed by climate change due to increasing aridity, warmer winter season, and variability in recieving precipitation and snow. Apple is one of the most important commercial crops of the Himalayan region and Himachal Pradesh (HP) with 1.05 lakh ha area under apple cultivation, which fetches livelihood for more than two lakh farmers.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59243
Title: Ethno-medico-botany is an adaptational strategy.
Author: Chandra P Kuniyal, Hemalatha.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2014
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol. 106 (no.4), 497-498, 2014
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Ethno-medico-botany, adaptational strategy.
Abstract: Mountains are regarded as sacred, hotspots of biodiversity and unique for cultural diversity and unique for cultural diversity. However, mountains are also bestowed with adversities and harsh living conditions. People living in mountain need to cope with undulating terrain, massive upward and downward movement due to lack of transportation system and fluctuating diurnal temperatures. Therefore, physical injuries during movement and other problems due to cold environment are common. Bone fracture, cold and cough, cuts and wounds, fever, headache, indigestion, mouth and tongue sores, muscular pain, rheumatic pain, stomach ache, strains and toothache are common health problems in people in mountain areas. As an instant aid, locally available plants are used for treating incidental and common ailments. Bark of Boehmeria rugulosa, Buxus wallichiana and Carpinus viminea is used as a substitute for plaster; paste made from seeds of Abrus precatorious and Vigna mungo and paste from plants of Coelogyne cristata are used for treating bone fracture.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59242
Title: Effect of Ozone and Ethylenediurea (EDU) application on Indian Medicinal Plant Species.
Author: Anjali Singhal, Pawan Kumar Jha, Alka Thapliyal, C K Varshney.
Editor: Satish A Bhalerao
Year: 2013
Publisher: International Book House Pvt. Ltd.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: International Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2 (no.3), 188-199, 2013
Subject: International Journal of Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Ozone, Medicinal Plants, EDU, Ocimum sanctum, Mirabilis jalapa, Lantana camara, Phyto-toxicity.
Abstract: Four medicinal plants, namely, Ocimum sanctum var. green, Ocimum sanctum var, shyama, Mirabilis jalapa and Lantana camara were fumigated with 75 ppb hr of ozone (2hr x 12 days = 1800 ppb of ozone) in dynamic glass chambers. Aqueous solution of 400 ppm ethylenediurea (EDU), a specific ozone protectant, was applied three times, using soil drench method. Plants were kept in experimental garden throughout the period of experiment where ambient ozone concentration varied between 14.61 to 20.03 ppb. Ozone adversely affected the vegetative performance of all four plant species. Ocimum sanctum var. shyama was most adversely affected while Lantana camara was least affected. EDU was found to have protective effect on Mirabilis jalapa and Lantana camara.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59241
Title: Climate change and its impact on Plant Diseases and Insect Pests.
Author: A Narasimha Reddy, Jayanth Chapla, M Vanaja.
Editor: Satish A Bhalerao
Year: 2013
Publisher: International Book House Pvt. Ltd.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: International Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2 (no.3), 179-187, 2013
Subject: International Journal of Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Climate change, insects, diseases, elevated CO2, temperature.
Abstract: Climate change is causing serious concern for the governments all over the world to keep pace with increasing demand for food as populations increase. As many countries in tropical regions are already food insecure, having largely subsistence agriculture and growing populations, climate change poses a very serious problem. Even a small increase in temperature in these areas will cause significant yield declines in major food grain production. The changing climate not only influences the crop growth and development but also expected to alter stages and rates of development of the pathogen, modify host resistance, and result in changes in the physiology of host-pathogen interactions. It is expected that the range of many insects, diseases and weeds will expand or change, and new combinations of pests and diseases may emerge as natural ecosystems respond to altered temperature and precipitation profiles. In this context, the present paper reviews the interaction of different weather variables with different insects, diseases and weeds and the probable threats for food grain production, availability and quality.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59240
Title: Biomonitoring to assess the Efficacy of Restoration and Management of Urban water bodies.
Author: Alakananda B, Mahesk M K, Ramachandra T V.
Editor: Satish A Bhalerao
Year: 2013
Publisher: International Book House Pvt. Ltd.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: International Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2 (no.3), 165-178, 2013
Subject: International Journal of Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Diatom ecology, De-silting, Water quality, Tank ecosystems, Urban pollution, Sewage management.
Abstract: Rapid urbanisation has induced stress on water bodies, its ecological components resulting in the disappearance of native biodiversity. Water bodies are being restored due to public pressure and implelmented by the government agencies focuses only on increasing storage capacity of water bodies than retaining the biological components of the ecosystem. In the current study, wetlands of Bangalore ' s urban region were selected to assess the effectiveness of restoration using diatoms as bioindicators. Five wetlands viz., prior -restoration, post-restoration, polluted, reference and previously restored wetlands were chosen. The water quality revealed no major changes in conductivity values among prior-restoration and post-restoration period. Influence of chemical factors was evident from the varying diatom asemblages within water bodies. The well-known tolerant taxa like Nitzschia umbonata, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Halamphora veneta and Gomphonema parvulum were predominant in samples prior to restoration reflecting nutrient rich-pollution status. Compared to this, Achnanthidium sp. and Gomphonema sp were dominant in reference wetlands. One-way ANOVA revealed a significant (p<0.05) change in the percentage of eutrophic taxa (%ET) from a reference to polluted wetlands but no significant % ET change was noticed among prior-restoration, post-restoration and previously restored wetland types. Severe fish kill was recorded in ulsoor wetland (restored ~8 years back) because of improper restoration management. Proper restoration and management, requires regular cost effective monitoring and the current study focuses on diatom based biomonitoring in routine water quality assessments. This would reveal the ecological integrity and would also be cost effective supplement to chemical analysis and easily implementable for monitoring urban wetlands.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 59239
Title: Abiotic Stress on Vigna Radiata L. Seedlings.
Author: Ganesh Iyer, Seema Menon, Monali Jathar.
Editor: Satish A Bhalerao
Year: 2013
Publisher: International Book House Pvt. Ltd.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: International Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 2 (no.3), 154-164, 2013
Subject: International Journal of Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Vigna radiata L,. saline stress, drought stress, flooding stress, CuSO4 stress, polythylene glycol.
Abstract: Vigna radiata L. is one ot the most important pulse crops used as food throughout the world. Changes in the climatic conditions globally has put this pulse crop under stress, however it does have the ability to overcome the stressed conditions globally has put this pulse crop under stress, however it does have the ability to overcome the stressed conditions. The present study was conducted to study the response of Vigna radiata L. to different types of stresses i.e. Drought stress, Flooding stress, Saline stress and CuSO4 stress. The stress conditions were induced at the seedling stage. Saline stress was given using different concentrations of Sodium chloride (NaCl) measured in ppm; drought stress was induced using Polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000), while stress due to flooding was done using excess of mud water and CuSO4 stress was induced using different concentrations of Copper sulphate measured in ppm. Each of the parameters causing stress had a control group which was given tap water for optimum germination. Physiological parameters indicating stress were quantified in terms of an amino acid Proline with Bates method, while Total protein content was estimated by Folin Lowry ' s method.
Vigna radiata L. seedlings were allowed to recover from induced stressed conditions. A comparative of Proline and Total protein content was analyzed for stress as well as for its recovery. SDS-PAGE, electrophoresis was carried out for stress conditions and for its recovery to find out the number of protein bands present in each.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None