ID: 58953
Title: A mangrove recognition index for remote sensing of mangrove forest from space.
Author: Xuehong Zhang, Qingjiu Tian.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1149-1155 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Mangrove forest index, remote sensing, Tasseled cap transformation, tide level.
Abstract: iuh9u
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58952
Title: Metrological performance evaluation of force standard machines using intercomparison as a measure at National Physical Laboratory, India.
Author: Harish Kumar, Anil Kumar.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1138-1143 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Force standard machine, intercomparison, metrological performance, normalized error.
Abstract: National Physical Laboratory, India has been maintaining the standards of force from 1N to 3 MN. There are various force machines of capacities ranging from 50N fo 3 MN. A new 1 MN force standard machine has been established to provide better traceability up to 1 MN. In order to establish the validity of meterological capabilities of the existing 50 kN dead weight force machine (BMC 0.003% at k=2), it has been compared to 1 MN force standard machine having force realization between 1 and 100 kN using dead weights (best measurement capability (BMC) 0.002% at k=2) and 10 kN-1 MN with 10 kN incremental using lever multiplication (BMC 0.009% at k=2) through the precision force transducers of relative repeatability 0.005%. The intercomparison has been used to evaluate the normalised error (En value) and it has been found within the permissible limit during the whole range of the 50 kN dead weight force machine.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58951
Title: Multi-technique photoelectron spectometer for micro-area spectroscopy and imaging.
Author: U Manju, M Sreemony, A K Chakraborty.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1056-1060 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Photoelectron spectrometer, micro-area spectroscopy, imaging.
Abstract: In this note we present the new multipurpose photoelectron spectroscopy facility installed recently at the CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute, Kolkata. Apart from the possibility of performing conventional X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopic measurements, this instrument is also equipped with the neccessary sources facilitating the performance of macro- as well as micro-area spectroscopy at varying temperatures along with the possibility of X-ray beam-induced secondary electron and chemical state imaging. We present here the details of the instrument along with some experimental results from various samples assessing the system performance.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58950
Title: The world ' s only inland mangrove in sacred grove of Kachchh, India, is at risk.
Author: Nimisha Tripathi, Raj S Singh, Bhoomi Bakhori, Chandana Dalal, Dayesh Parmar, Bikash Mishra.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1053-1055 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Inland Mangrove, sacred grove, Kachchh, India.
Abstract: In India, Kachchh district of Gujrat represents ecologically one of the most fragile and peculiar desert arid ecosystems, where several unique species of terrestrial and aquatic plants and animals exist. Among these, vast saline mudflats of the Rann of Kachchh along with the two Gulfs are important wetlands that cover large area in Gujrat. Kachchh is also a home of mangroves, which represent the phylogenetically unrelated groups of plant species that thrive along tropical and subtropical coastlines and are adapted to tolerate saline environments in the intertidal zone. The total mangrove area of the world has been assessed at approximately 18.15 m ha, with estimates of Indian mangrove wetlands ranging from 681,000 ha (ref. 3) to 500,000 ha (ref. 4). The mangroves of Gujrat (22.55%) are the second largest after the Suberbans (46.39%) in the mainland of India. Among the inland mangrove communities, Avicennia marina represents the only sacred grove species of the world ' s inland mangroves. In general A. marina occurs in fringing to intermediate tidal zone, but the sacred grove of the mangrove in Shravan Kavadia is in a totally land-locked position having no surface connection to the sea. It is located neat the famous temple of Shravan Kavadia, a Hindu piligrimage site.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58949
Title: Field evidence for deformation in Deccan Traps in microseidmically active Nanded area, Maharashtra.
Author: R D Kaplay, T Vijay Kumar, Ravi Sawant.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1051-1052 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Field evidence, deformation, Deccan Traps, microseismic, Nanded area, Maharashtra.
Abstract: Nanded city in Maharastra is experiencing microseismic activity since 2006. It is located in the southeastern part of the Deccan volcanic province (DVP) spanning over more than 50,000 sq. km in the stable continental region (SCR) of India (fig. 1). SCR of India is not free from earthquakes, although they are rare. Two major earthquakes have occurred in the Deccan Trap region of Maharashtra, namely the Koyna earthquake of 1967 and Killari earthquake of 1993. While the fault plane solutions for the Koyna seismic fault indicate strike slip movement those of Killari are related to thrusting. These events caution that the microsiesmic activity in the Deccan Trap region should not be neglected and geological and seismological investigations have to be pursued to understand the state of structural deformation in the region. Srinagesh et al. have carried out microseismic study in Nanded area and suggested that the recent seismic activity is related to thrusting along a NW-SE fault that coincides with a stream that joins the River Godavari to the south of Nanded city.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58948
Title: Is the Indian hound vegetarian: effect of the S & T dilemma on the Indian economy.
Author: Satish Chandra.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1045-1046 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Indian hound, vegetarian, S & T, dilemma, Indian economy.
Abstract: The English phrase ' Running with the hare and hunting with the hound ' has interesting cannotations when we consider the present Indian science and technology (S & T) structure. For some, there exists a real possibility of India revisiting its economic crisis in 1991 that then led to economic liberalization. In 1993, Current Science had published a series of articles on S & T in a liberalizing economy. These articles signified the sense of urgency then. Actually, the present economic situation is equally concerning. Some of those articles in Current Science indicated a need for flexibilty at the top end of the so-called S & T hierarchy. This hierarchy is best described in the form of technology readiness levels (TRLs). NASA produced a successful structure for inducting technology into the real world.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58947
Title: Siddhwari sacred grove in Upper Ganga Ramsar site of Uttar Pradesh.
Author: Arti Garg, Vineet Singh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1039-1040 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Siddwari, sacred groove, Upper Ganga Ramsar, Uttar Pradesh.
Abstract: According to the contemporary definition a sacred grove is ' a physically diverse patch of natural, primary forested enclosure of sacred trees and connected life-forms, revered by the endogamous clan for their supernatural association with religious or ominous attribute, or some alarming mythological anecdote, ascribed to a diety, devil or a demon, who is strongly bond with the woods conserved informally over generations to uphold these beliefs. Existence of sacred groves is of immense advantage in conservation of natural plant wealth through defence of the forest patch from anthropogenic pressures, with access restrictions based on traditional beliefs of the local clan that worships these plants/trees. Hence these segments of the forests become auto-conserved, virgin forests endowed with climax vegetation and rich biodiversity, besides serving as a repository of many medicinal, palaeoendemic and threatened taxa.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58946
Title: Conflicts, motivation and conservation.
Author: Chandra Prakash Kuniyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1038-1039 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conflicts, motivation, conservation, Uttarakhand.
Abstract: Traditional agro-pastoral activities in rural Uttarakhand (Western Himalaya), a hill state in India predominantly depend on the surrounding forests for fodder, fuel wood, dry leaves for animals bed. Approximately 64.80% geographical area of Uttarakhand is under forest cover, out of which 71.11%is reserve forest, 28.52% is protected forest and 0.35% is categorized as unclassified forest. The unclassified forest also termed as civil forest area is open for biotic activities like grazing, lopping of trees for fodder and collection of fuel. But these areas are subjected to overexploitation by the villagers and result in conflicts related to utilization of their resources. The Van Panchayats in Uttarakhand have actively involved the local people in conserving the unclassified forest areas and resolving conflicts for several years.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58945
Title: Climate change and high-altitude wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh.
Author: K S Kanwal, P K Samal, M S Lodhi, J C Kuniyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1037-1038 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Climate change, high altitude wetlands, Arunachal Pradesh.
Abstract: The high-altitude wetlands (HAWs) are an important category of natural wetlands found mainly in the higher reaches of Himalayas. HAW is a generic term to describe areas of swamp, marsh, meadow, fen, peat-land or water bodies located at an altitude higher than 3000 m amsl, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or saline. In general, HAWs are areas located at altitudes between the continuous natural forest border and the permanent snowline.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58944
Title: Genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) in Mon district, Nagaland, needs attention for its conservation.
Author: A Thirugnanavel, Bidyut C Deka, Lily Ranganamei, Martha Chakruno.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 8), pp. 1036-1037 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Genetic diversity, taro (Colocasia esculent L.), Nagaland.
Abstract: Mon district in Nagaland the ' Land of Anghs ' is recognized by the Planning Commision of India as one of the most backward districts of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 26?34 ' - 26?45 ' N lat. and 94?45 ' -95?15 ' E long. It is inhabited by the Konyak tribe occupying a geographical area of about 1786 sq. km and having a population of 250, 671 (ref. 1). More than 90% of the population depends on agriculture for its livelihood and jhum (shifting) cultivation is the principal agricultural practice. The district situated in the Indo-Burma region, is the centre of origin of many plant species, of which, taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is one of the important aroids that ranks as the 14th staple vegetable in the world. It is one of the important aroids that ranks as the 14th staple vegetable in the world. It is one of the important staple foods of the Konyaks, next to rice. The leaves, petioles, corms and cormels are edile, which are rich in carbohydrates, starch, dry matter, minerals and vitamins.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58943
Title: Coastal erosion triggered by a shipwreck along the coast of Goa, India.
Author: R Mani Murali, M T Babu, Antonio Mascarenhas, Richa Choudary, K Sudheesh and P Vethamony.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 990-996 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Coastal erosion, cyclone, remote sensing images, shipwreck.
Abstract: Temporal satellite imageries (1999, 2001,2003,2006,2008 and 2011), wave model (DHI) results and field measurements have been used to evaluate whether the ground ship MV River Princess played a role in triggering erosion along the famous Candolim-Sinquerim beaches of Goa. Coastal sand dunes bore the maximum impact. The cause of the erosion is unique. The orientation of the ship with respect to the coastline, its length, the distance of the ship from the coastline and, more importantly, the direction of the waves prevailing over the region suggest that the wreck acted like an offshore breakwater and triggered erosion along this coast. A tombolo was also formed on the lee side of the vessel, a process that eventually led to the formation of an accretion zone on the lee side. The zone of deposition is evidenced by the presence of a sand bar which gets partially exposed during low tide. As the littoral current along this coast is southward, the sand bar blocked the southward littoral drift. As a consequence, the sand depletion that followed subsequently induced erosion of the sea front. The extent of net erosion has been estimated at around 0.10934 sq. km (109,340 sq. m) during the past 12 years. A strech of 1.5 km of the coast has receded by a maximum of 85m. In economic terms, the loss of prime property is estimated at minimum 28 crore rupees. The direct impact of the wreck in eroding the coast id more explicit during the SW monsoon. The powerful intensity of winds and higher significant wave height (H8=2.59 m) during the SW monsoon deteriorate the shore front that is now devoid of sand dunes and, as a consequence, has gradually become fragile due to severe erosion.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58942
Title: Microbial gas-sensing property of Escherichia coli with mixed metal catalyst MgFe2O4.
Author: Sachin Bangale, Vinay Chaugule, Reshma Prakshale, Sambaji Bamane.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 984-989 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Biofilm, Escherichia coli, gas sensors, mixed metal catalyst.
Abstract: A thick biofilm of Escherichia coli was applied to a mixed metal catalyst, MgFe2O4 synthesized using solution combustion technique. The isolated pure culture of E.coli was mixed with the prepared mixed metal catalyst. Both preparation processes were convenient, environmental friendly and efficient. The MgFe2O4 materials were characterized by TG/DTA and XRD. The prepared thick biofilm of E. coli with MgFe2O4 was measured by exposing to different reducing gases. It was found that E.coli acted as a sensor and showed various responses to different gases at various operating temperatures with metal catalyst. The prepared biofilm sensor exhibited fast response and good recovery at low concentration.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58941
Title: Gold, silver and platinum group of elements mineralization in Precambrain uraniferous quartz-pebble conglomerates of Mankarhachua area, Angul District, Odisha.
Author: Kalyan Chakrabarti, N R R Ecka, Brundaban Mishra, K Mahendra Kumar, V J Katti, K Umamaheshwar, P S Parihar, Joydip Mukhopadyay, G Ghosh.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 978-983 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Gold, quartz-pebble conglomerate, platinum, silver.
Abstract: The occurence of gold, silver and platinum group of elements is reported from the Precambrian uraniferous quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC) horizons at Mankarhachua area in the Precambrian Mankarhachua basin situated at the southwestern part of the Singhbhum-Orissa craton. Scanning electron micrographs show native gold grains and unidentified platysilver-bearing minerals. Chemical analysis of the host QPC samples shows significant abundances of gold and silver and anomalous content of platinum group elements. Platinum, ruthenium and rhodium dominate over palladium. This communication focuses on the gold and silver abundances, their distribution, hostrock characteristics and preliminary study on the control of mineralization.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58940
Title: Plant height profiling in western India using LiDAR data.
Author: P Tripathi, M D Behera.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 970-977 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Forest management , LiDAR data, plant height, remote sensing, vegetation classes.
Abstract: Plant height has always been a subject of research in forest and vegetation sciences. Space-borne LiDAR data of Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) on the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) have opened up new possibilities to analyse vegetation height. Here, we have analysed the plant height panorama for various forest vegetation classes of western India and understood their profile in terms of topography, vegetation canopy density and presence of heterogeneous features within the LiDAR footprints. Of the total 14, 230 LiDAR hits for western India falling in 32 forest vegetation classes, we eliminated extreme plant height ranges to retain 9553 (67.13%) data points for further analysis. Maximum number of data points was observed over temperate coniferous forest, pine forest and desert dune scrub with 2119, 936 and 1770 number of LiDAR hits respectively. The maximum and minimum plant height range varied between 70 and 2.2m for temperate coniferous forest and alpine scrub. In general, we noticed inaccuracy in the plant height estimates from GLAS data points for higher slope and elevation. Overestimation in data points could be attributed to the presence of anthropogenic features, viz. buildings, settlement and towers; and underestimation could be attributed to bare ground, agricultural field and water body owing to class heterogeneity and positional inaccuracy. This study provides a profile of plant heights from western India that can be used for structural characterization studies utilized in climate and ecological assessments.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58939
Title: Prediction of Indian summer monsoon rainfall using surface temperature and sea-level pressure cluster parameters.
Author: S B Kakade, A Kulkarni.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 7), pp. 964-970 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Cluster parameters, effective strength index, rainfall prediction, sea-level pressure, surface temperature.
Abstract: The scientific community has been putting in continuous efforts to improve long-range forecast of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). In this study we try to search for new predictors which may improve the prediction of ISMR. The shared nearest neighbour technique has been applied to surface temperature (ST) and sea-level pressure (SLP) to obtain the clusters in pre-monsoon months (January through May) and seasons (winter, spring). The powers of time series averaged over the clusters are used as parameters for equation, two seperate are developed based on the positive and negative phase of effective strength index (ESI) tendency. Simple multiple regression equations are developed using these cluster parameters for predicting ISMR during the contrasting phases of ESI tendency. During positive (negative) phase of ESI tendency, the SLP (ST) cluster parameters can predict ISMR. The prediction of ISMR is improved if we use the prediction equation depending upon the phase of ESI tendency.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None