Showing papers in "Current Science in 2016"
TL;DR: In these times of superspeciality, there is a constant need for reviews from a broad perspective that communicate the current excitements in physical chemistry as discussed by the authors, and there is also a need to keep up with the forefront of research by reading a journal or two.
Abstract: Physical chemistry is a vast subject with ever-increasing radius of influence on other fields of study. Gone are the days when one could easily keep up with the forefronts of research by thumbing through a journal or two. In these times of superspeciality, there is a constant need for reviews from a broad perspective that communicate the current excitements in physical chemistry.
232 citations
TL;DR: The year 2016 saw a most dramatic scientific event in the month of February with the announcement of the observation of gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO collaboration as mentioned in this paper, which used as its principles, laser inteferometry with two constituent ultra-quiet laboratories separated by thousands of kilometres.
Abstract: The year 2016 saw a most dramatic scientific event in the month of February with the announcement of the observation of gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO collaboration. This complex experiment uses as its principles, laser inteferometry with two constituent ultra-quiet laboratories separated by thousands of kilometres.
218 citations
TL;DR: This paper focuses on India’s scientific publication in predatory journals and the need for regulating quality of Indian science and education.
Abstract: Nature Index analysis 2014 rates India at the 13th place for its high-quality scientific publications. Despite this achievement, several studies have revealed that India is also among the major contrib-utors of articles published in poor-quality predatory open access journals. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to estimate which category of educational and research institutes predomi-nately publishes in predatory open access journals in India and to understand whether academi-cians in India are aware of predatory journals. It was found that private/government colleges contribute to about 51% of predatory publications, followed by private universities, state universi-ties, national institutes, central universities and industries, for research articles published from September 2015 to mid-February 2016. The publication pressure among researchers and lack of monitoring the research being conducted are the major factors contributing to articles published in poor-quality predatory open access journals from India.
76 citations
TL;DR: The present study reveals that MMW stores substantial amount of atmospheric carbon and therefore needs to be conserved and sustainably managed to maintain as well as increase carbon storage.
Abstract: Mangrove forest ecosystem is one of the important carbon sinks in the tropics. The role of mangrove forests in mitigating climate change through reduced deforestation is well recognized. The present field study aimed to estimate the carbon stocks of Mahanadi Mangrove Wetland (MMW), east coast of India. Carbon stocks were estimated in vegetation and soil of natural mangrove forest stands and new mangrove plantation stands. The mean of carbon stock in natural stands was 143.4 +/- 8.2 Mg C ha(-1) (vegetation 89.1 +/- 8.9 and soil 54.3 +/- 3.0 Mg C ha(-1)) and plantation at 151.5 +/- 7.9 Mg C ha(-1) (vegetation 90.6 +/- 16.2 and soil 60.9 +/- 5.6 Mg C ha(-1)). The mean overall C-stock of natural stands and plantations was 147.0 +/- 8.1 Mg C ha(-1) (vegetation 89.4 +/- 7.6 and soil 57.6 +/- 3.2 Mg C ha(-1)), which is 1.6 times higher than that in forests of Odisha. A positive correlation (r = 0.87) was found between vegetation biomass and soil organic carbon in the surface soil (0-30 cm), indicating the role of vegetation in building surface soil/sediment organic carbon. The 6651 ha of mangrove forests in the MMW is estimated to store 0.98 Mt of C, which is equivalent to 3.59 Mt of CO(2)e. The present study reveals that MMW stores substantial amount of atmospheric carbon and therefore needs to be conserved and sustainably managed to maintain as well as increase carbon storage. Further, mangrove plantations, on a per unit area basis, can sequester as much carbon as natural stands.
75 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a study with small-holder farmers in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India to demonstrate the potential economic benefits of CSA practices and found that a majority of the farmers prefer to use improved crop varieties, crop diversification, laser land levelling and zero tillage.
Abstract: Small landholders can implement a range of climatesmart agricultural (CSA) practices and technologies, in order to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and variability, but their adoption largely depends on economic benefits associated with the practices. To demonstrate the potential economic benefits of CSA practices, we conducted a study with smallholder farmers in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. Among the CSA practices and technologies including use of improved crop varieties, laser land levelling, zero tillage, residue management, site specific nutrient management, and crop diversification, a majority of the farmers prefer to use improved crop varieties, crop diversification, laser land levelling and zero tillage practice. We estimated the cost of adoption, change in yields and income for the implementation of three major CSA practices in rice-wheat system. The average cost of adoption were +1,402, +3,037 and -1,577 INR ha -1 for the use of improved crop varieties, laser land levelling and zero tillage respectively. Results show that farmers can increase net return of INR 15,712 ha -1 yr -1 with improved crop varieties, INR 8,119 ha -1 yr -1 with laser levelling and INR 6,951 ha -1 yr -1 with zero tillage in rice-wheat system. Results also show that the combination of improved seeds with zero tillage and laser land levelling technologies can further improve crop yields as well as net returns. The econometric analysis indicates that implementations of CSA practices and technologies in smallholder farms in the IGP of India, have significant impacts on change in total production costs and yield in rice-wheat system.
63 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a detailed physico-chemical characterization of commonly used FVPs such as pomegranate, pineapple, watermelon, garlic, green pea and pigeon pea was provided.
Abstract: Fruit and vegetable peel (FVP) wastes are a commonly generated organic waste from both households and food-processing industries. However, FVPs are low cost lignocellulosic materials that have some potential for reutilization. For its particular reutilization, the characterization of FVP is essential. In this regard, the present study provides a detailed physico-chemical characterization of commonly used FVPs such as pomegranate, pineapple, watermelon, garlic, green pea and pigeon pea. The materials were characterized by SEM, FTIR and TGA/DTG. Various properties of these materials, such as porosity, particle density, bulk density, surface charges, point of zero charge, surface pH, water absorption capacity and BET surface area were determined. The BET surface area of FVP was found in the range 1.0-1.4 m 2 /g. Water absorption capacity was highest for watermelon peel (11.5 ml/g), while it was lowest for pigeon pea peel (5.5 ml/g). Point of zero charge and surface pH of all FVPs were in the acidic range 3-6. The surface of FVP was irregular and rough with some pores. Thermal analysis showed that FVPs are thermally stable below 150°C. The results of this study provide an understanding of the properties of FVPs and suggest that the materials can be used as a low-cost adsorbent.
61 citations
58 citations
TL;DR: Hydrogels: a boon for increasing agricultural productivity in water-stressed environment and the role of nanofiltration in this process is discussed.
Abstract: India ranks 41st among 181 countries of the world with regard to water stress. More than 60% of the net cultivated area is under dryland condition. Also, more than 30% of the area faces the problem of insufficient rainfall. Hydrogel may prove as a practically convenient and economically feasible option to achieve the goal of agricultural productivity under conditions of water scarcity. It can be easily applied directly in the soil at the time of sowing of field crops and in the growth medium for nursery plantation. The low application rate (i.e. 2.5-5.0 kg/ha) of hydrogel is effective for almost all the crops in relation to soil type and climate of India. The improvement in growth and yield attributing characters and yield of different field, ornamental and vegetable crops has been reported with the application of hydrogel. Agricultural hydrogels are not only used for water saving in irrigation, but they also have tremendous potential to improve physico-chemical and biological properties of the soil. Bulk density, porosity and water holding capacity of the soil are improved with the application of hydrogel. Agricultural hydrogels are eco-friendly, because they are naturally degraded over a period of time, without leaving any toxic residue in the soil and crop products. Hence application of hydrogel will be a fruitful option for increasing agricultural production with sustainability in water-stressed environment.
57 citations
TL;DR: This book is based on the new theories and technologies developed recently and covers the theoretical background, experimental techniques and a few biomedical applications.
Abstract: This book is based on the new theories and technologies developed recently. It covers the theoretical background, experimental techniques and a few biomedical applications. The historical overview provided in the beginning gives a feel for the advancement of the new technologies. It is rare that one can get all the information in a single book.
50 citations
TL;DR: Of the five bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed maximum solubilization of zinc in the broth and also maximum decrease in the pH from 7 to 3.3 and recorded highest IAA production, HPLC analysis of gluconic acid production by the selected isolates indicated their potential tosolubilize zinc.
Abstract: Zinc plays a pivotal role in physiological and biochemical functions of the plant Both quantitative and qualitative yield of the plant is strongly dependent on this micronutrient Supplementation of zinc in the form of synthetic fertilizer is proved to be inappropriate due to its unavailability to plants This crisis can be prevented by the identification of rhizospheric micro- organisms which has the potential to transform various unavailable forms of the metal to available forms In the present study about thirty five zinc solubilizing bacteria were isolated from eight different agricultural fields (banana, chilli, field bean, ground nut, maize, sugarcane, sorghum and tomato) in and around Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu Five isolates were selected as best strains based on their solubilization efficacy in the qualitative estimation The selected five isolates were identified using 16S rRNA as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (ZSB-1), Mycobacterium brisbanense (ZSB-10), Enterobacter aerogenes (ZSB-13), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ZSB-22) and Xanthomonas retroflexus (ZSB-23) These strains were subjected to further studies such as quantitative estimation influence of the isolates on the pH of the medium and production of gluconic acid as well as IAA Of the five bacterial isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed maximum solubilization of zinc in the broth and also maximum decrease in the pH from 7 to 33 and recorded highest IAA production HPLC analysis of gluconic acid production by the selected isolates indicated their potential to solubilize zinc
48 citations
TL;DR: Agnes Aruna John, Saravana Kumar Jaganathan*, Eko Supriyanto and A. Manikandan Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam Faculty of Applied Sciences,Ton Duc Teng University, Hanoi, Vietnam, 70000 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Agnes Aruna John, Saravana Kumar Jaganathan*, Eko Supriyanto and A. Manikandan Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam IJN-UTM Cardiovascular Engineering Centre, Faculty of Biosciences and Medical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia Department of Chemistry, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Bharath University, Chennai 600 073, India
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the soil organic and inorganic carbon stocks under different land-use systems in Warangal district, Andhra Pradesh, representing semiarid tropical region of India were studied.
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 ) followed by Inceptisols (51.26 Mg ha -1 ) and 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, intercrop, chilli, pe rmanent fallow and lowest in castor system. Soil nitrogen also followed similar trend as SOC stock. Significant correlation (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 Walkley-Black carbon could recover 90% of SOC for semiarid tropical soils.
TL;DR: In this paper, a study based on an analysis of data of the State Forest Department at Uttarakhand on incidence of forest fires shows that these are highfrequency, low-severity surface fires of small size, largely determined by the moisture conditions of the pre-monsoon season (from March to mid-June), and the traditional practices of biomass collection by local people.
Abstract: Man-made forest fires in the traditionally populated zone (about 800-2000 m altitude) are common in much of the Central Himalaya, and are a major topic of environmental debate. This study based on an analysis of data of the State Forest Department at Uttarakhand on incidence of forest fires shows that these are high-frequency, low-severity surface fires of small size, largely determined by the moisture conditions of the pre-monsoon season (from March to mid-June), and the traditional practices of biomass collection by local people.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a composite vulnerability index for 572 rural districts of India based on the PRECIS model for A1B scenario for the period 2021-2050 to capture the future climate.
Abstract: Assessing vulnerability to climate change and variability is an important first step in evolving appropriate adaptation strategies to changing climate. Such an analysis also helps in targeting adaptation investments, specific to more vulnerable regions. Adopting the definition of vulnerability given by IPCC, vulnerability was assessed for 572 rural districts of India. Thirty eight indicators reflecting sensitivity, adaptive capacity and exposure were chosen to construct the composite vulnerability index. Climate projections of the PRECIS model for A1B scenario for the period 2021-2050 were considered to capture the future climate. The data on these indicators were normalized based on the nature of relationship. They were then combined into three indices for sensitivity, exposure and adaptive capacity, which were then averaged with weights given by experts, to obtain the relative vulnerability index. Based on the index, all the districts were divided into five categories with equal number of districts. One more district was added to 'very high' and 'high' categories. The analysis showed that districts with higher levels of vulnerability are located in the western and peninsular India. It is also observed that the highly fertile Indo-Gangetic Plains are relatively more sensitive, but less vulnerable because of higher adaptive capacity and lower exposure.
TL;DR: The impact of the drought of the summer monsoon of 2015 has been particularly large in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra which is now facing unprecedented water scarcity and more than one thousand farmers have committed suicide as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The impact of the drought of the summer monsoon of 2015 has been particularly large in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra which is now facing unprecedented water scarcity and more than one thousand farmers have committed suicide. Substantial losses in the production of important crops such as pulses have been reported in Maharashtra. Naturally, the Marathwada drought has been extensively covered in the print and electronic media. The large impact has been attributed to exceptionally large deficit in rainfall by some journalists and politicians, to two successive droughts in 2014 and 2015 by some and some have considered the drought to be a manifestation of climate change. In this article, we present an analysis of the Marathwada monsoon rainfall from 1871 onwards and show that the quantum of deficit rainfall in 2015 as well as the occurrence of two successive droughts is within the observed variability of the Marathwada rainfall and the 2015 monsoon rainfall also cannot be considered as a manifestation of climate change. Thus the large impact of 2015 is a reflection of poor management of water resources and agriculture, despite the long experience of rainfall variability. We show that the prediction by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) of a high chance of below normal rainfall or a drought on the all-India scale and the occurrence of El Nino could have been used to anticipate large deficiency in Marathwada rainfall. We suggest that the problem of lack of progress in the production of rainfed crops such as pulses has to be addressed by using the rich rainfall data sets in the country to generate information which can be used by farmers and agricultural scientists to identify strategies, which are tailored to the entire spectrum of rainfall variability experienced. Towards this end an interactive software `RAINFO' has been developed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology ((IITM), Pune to provide location-specific information derived from the IMD data, on the desired facets of rainfall variability.
TL;DR: In this article, a study of long-streamer seismic reflection profile data and information from deep drill well logs in the western BoB has revealed two different phases of sediment deposition, in the first phase, until Oligocene-Miocene (∼23 Ma), Indian peninsular rivers discharged sediments to the BoB which accumulated at a rate ∼20 m/m.y. with an aberration of two fairly enhanced sediment pulses during the periods from 65 to 54 Ma and 34 to 23 Ma.
Abstract: The sediment succession in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) records the signatures corresponding to India-Asia collision, regional climate change, and erosional processes of both the Himalayan orogen and Indian subcontinent. The Bengal Fan-the world's largest submarine fan-has long been studied to understand the link between the Himalayan tectonics and Asian monsoon. But, lack of detailed information on corresponding signals hampered the understanding of related processes of tectonics, climate and erosion. The present study of long-streamer seismic reflection profile data and information from deep drill well logs in the western BoB has revealed two different phases of sediment deposition. In the first phase, until Oligocene- Miocene (∼23 Ma), Indian peninsular rivers discharged sediments to the BoB which accumulated at a rate ∼20 m/m.y. with an aberration of two fairly enhanced sediment pulses during the periods from 65 to 54 Ma and 34 to 23 Ma. In second phase, since 23 Ma, the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers added huge volumes of sediments to the bay at variable rates ranging from 40 to >1000 m/m.y. A distinct increase in sediment discharge (∼140 m/m.y.) during the Oligocene-Miocene (∼23 Ma) together with the development of regional onlap unconformity and the start of turbidity system provide an important age marker corresponding to rapid exhumation of the Himalaya, which intensified the erosional process and commencement of Bengal Fan sedimentation. Further rise in the rate of sedimentation during the period 6.8- 0.8 Ma is coincident with the change in monsoon intensity, but surprisingly not in agreement with the decrease in sediment rate reported at ODP Leg 116 sites in the distal Bengal Fan. Here we provide wellconstrained ages for the commencement and growth of the Bengal Fan, which can serve as benchmark information for understanding the interaction between the Himalayan exhumation and Asian climate.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors measure and characterize the university-industry-government (UIG) relationship in the research and innovation landscape of India and present useful output and analysis, and an informative account of the UIG collaboration network at present.
Abstract: Universities, industry and government organizations all play an important role in growth and development of knowledge-based economies in the modern era. These institutions also play a signi-ficant role in knowledge creation and its deployment to the benefit of society at large. In this article, we measure and characterize the university-industry-government (UIG) relationship in the research and innovation landscape of India. Research output data for 10 years (2005-14) obtained from Web of Science have been analysed to measure collaboration among different actors of the UIG collabora-tion network. We have also measured the collaboration variations across different disciplines and identified significant UIG institutional networks. The article presents useful output and analysis, and an informative account of the UIG collaboration network at present.
TL;DR: It is reported that HKT1 is permeable to K + /Na + and systemically alleviates salinity stress through upregulation of gene expression in shoots and down-regulation in roots and thus makes Na + unavailable to the soybean plants.
Abstract: There is a consensus that soil salinization causes decreased agricultural production. Several plants may adapt to survive under high salt stress wherein glycophytes fail to grow. Among transporters in plants, the sodium transporter, also known as high-affinity K + -transporter ( HKT1 ) that comes under the HKT gene family, is involved in uptake of sodium through the roots and its recirculation from shoot to root. In the present study, we have examined the role of transporter HKT1 in soybean plants upon addition of 200 mM NaCl and treatment with Pseudomonas sp. strain AK-1. It is reported that HKT1 is permeable to K + /Na + and systemically alleviates salinity stress through upregulation of gene expression in shoots and down-regulation in roots. Higher transcription levels in shoot recirculate Na + from shoot xylem to root phloem whereas lower transcription levels in root do not allow sodium to enter the plants through root cells. We have also examined role of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by strain AK-1 which helps in the binding of free Na + from soil and thus makes Na + unavailable to the soybean plants. Strain with EPS showed decrease in electrical conductivity of soil from 1.1 to 0.9 dS/m in the presence of 200 mM NaCl. In conclusion, treatment with Pseudomonas sp. strain AK-1 exhibits significant rise in shoot/root length, number of lateral roots, shoot/root fresh weight and decreased Na + /K + ratio under salinity stress.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focused on socio-economic and environmental impacts of fire in Jharia coalfield (JCF), Jharkhand, India and proposed a few mitigative measures and proper management of coal mine fire has also been suggested.
Abstract: Phenomenon of coal mine fire has a long history on international magnitude in the destruction of valuable natural resources. It dominantly contributes towards adverse impact on environment. Societal influence in terms of health and life hazard is one of the key factors in mine fire areas. This paper focused on socio-economic and environmental impacts of fire in Jharia coalfield (JCF), Jharkhand, India. Issue related to mine fire in various legislations (Mines Act 1952, Coal Mine Regulation 1957, etc.) has been discussed with a view to overcome such situations. A few mitigative measures and proper management of coal mine fire has also been suggested.
TL;DR: This article explored US independent classic articles published by American scientists from 1900 to 2014 using the Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science (WoS) and applied a bibliometric indicator, the Y-index, to assess the contributions of the authors of these articles.
Abstract: The present study explores US independent classic articles published by American scientists from 1900 to 2014. We examined those articles that had been cited at least 1000 times since publication to the end of 2014 using the Science Citation Index Expanded in the Web of Science (WoS). We also applied a bibliometric indicator, the Y-index, to assess the contributions of the authors of these articles. The results showed that 4909 classic articles were published between 1916 and 2013, and that the most productive categories from the WoS were multidisciplinary sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, and general and internal medicine. Science published most of these articles, and the three most productive institutions were Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. The physicist, Edward Witten was the most prolific author and an article written by the biochemist, Marion Bradford at University of Georgia in 1976 had the highest number of citations. In addition, the article by Perdew, Burke and Ernzerhof at Tulane University had the highest number of citations in 2014.
TL;DR: In this paper, the catastrophic event such as Kedarnath event of June 2013 is identified as one important process which modifies the landforms and landscape, and 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.
Abstract: Glaciers are considered as one of the best indicators of climate change and glacial landforms are analysed for the reconstruction of palaeoclimate. It has been noticed 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 important 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.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a method to estimate the position of ELA by combining satellite images with in situ meteorological observations and a snowmelt model and applied it to eight glaciers in the Chandra basin, Western Himalaya.
Abstract: Mass balance is an important metric to assess the growth or decline of water stored in a glacier. The Accumulation Area Ratio (AAR) method where mass balance is proportional to AAR has been used to estimate glacier mass balance by several studies in the past. Since field estimates of AAR are not feasible on every glacier, it is usually estimated by identifying the snowline at the end of ablation season as a proxy of Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) on satellite images. However, locating ELA on satellite images is challenging due to temporal gaps, cloud cover and fresh snowfall on glaciers. Hence, the highest observed snowline has been traditionally used to estimate AAR, which usually leads to an underestimate of mass loss. To rectify this problem we propose a method to estimate the position of ELA by combining satellite images with in situ meteorological observations and a snowmelt model. The main advantage of this method is that it can be used to estimate the mass balance of individual glaciers and basins. Application of the method to eight glaciers in the Chandra basin, Western Himalaya is found to reduce the bias in mass balance estimates compared to the traditional AAR technique and the modelled estimates are in good agreement with the geodetic method. When applied to 12 selected glaciers in the Chandra basin, the modelled cumulative mass balance is -1.67 ± 0.72 Gt (-0.79 ± 0.34 m w.e. a -1 ) during 1999/2000-2008/09. This method can also be used to estimate the future deviations in mass balance using climate change projections of temperature and precipitation.
TL;DR: This review emphasizes the importance of metabolomics of Indian medicinal plants, crucial for quality evaluation and scientific validation of herbal products.
Abstract: Secondary metabolites from plants provide lead molecules for drug development. Metabolomics is a modern omic-technique for comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals. Advances in mass spectrometry (MS) based platforms like GC-MS and LC-MS, helped in separation and identification of several metabolites. Such analysis can be a valuable tool for identifying potential biomolecules from medicinal plants. Despite the potential use, metabolomics data of Indian medicinal plants and spices are extremely limited. Similarly, metabolomic studies on Ayurvedic formulations, e.g. Triphala/Trikatu, are lacking. Our review emphasizes the importance of metabolomics of Indian medicinal plants, crucial for quality evaluation and scientific validation of herbal products.
TL;DR: Estimation of yield gap based on the past crop data and subsequent adjustment of appropriate sowing window may help to obtain the potential yields and reveals that DSSAT crop simulation model is an effective tool for decision support system.
Abstract: The CERES (Crop Estimation through Resource and Environment Synthesis)-rice model incorporated in DSSAT version 4.5 was calibrated for genetic coefficients of rice cultivars by conducting field experiments during the kharif season at Jorhat, Kalyani, Ranchi and Bhagalpur, the results of which were used to estimate the gap in rice yield. The trend of potential yield was found to be positive and with a rate of change of 26, 36.9, 57.6 and 3.7 kg ha year at Jorhat, Kalyani, Ranchi and Bhagalpur districts respectively. Delayed sowing in these districts resulted in a decrease in rice yield to the tune of 35.3, 1.9, 48.6 and 17.1 kg ha day respectively. Finding reveals that DSSAT crop simulation model is an effective tool for decision support system. Estimation of yield gap based on the past crop data and subsequent adjustment of appropriate sowing window may help to obtain the potential yields.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: This book lists various steps that form the basis of drug discovery and each chapter covers examples which illustrate the concept.
Abstract: This book will be of interest to followers of medicinal chemistry, drug discovery and biologists working in collaboration with chemists in finding new scaffolds as better therapeutics. It lists various steps that form the basis of drug discovery and each chapter covers examples which illustrate the concept.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered the flow of the river Yamuna in Delhi as an example of monsoon rivers in India and found that at least 50% of the vir-gin monsoon (July to September) flow is required for transport of the full spectrum of soil particles in the river sediment.
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 vir-gin 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 biodi-versity. We conclude that about 50-60% of the virgin flow is necessary throughout the year to maintain the health of the river system.
TL;DR: Toba-adapted strains of Trichogramma were evaluated and it was found that these strains could parasitise T. absoluta eggs and the parasitism rates were 5.0%, 51.1% and 68.2% respectively.
Abstract: The South American tomato moth Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is a devastating pest of tomato. In the present study Tuta-adapted strains of Trichogramma were evaluated. Amongst the three species, Trichogramma achaeae Nagaraja and Nagarkatti, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley and Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja could parasitise T. absoluta eggs and the parasitism rates were 5.0%, 51.1% and 68.2% respectively. Adults emerged from the parasitized T. absoluta eggs (4.8%, 97.5% and 90.0% adult emergence respectively). The F1 generation adults of T. pretiosum could parasitise 29% of Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs, while the other two species were not successful in parasitizing. In addition, four 'hymenopteran' parasitoids, viz. T. achaeae , Neochrysocharis formosa (Westwood), Habrobracon sp. and Goniozus sp. were also observed to be associated with T. absoluta in the fields during the surveys undertaken in southern India.
TL;DR: The Eastern Himalayan (EH) range is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in the world with nearly 750,000 sq. km area covering Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, southeast Tibet (China) and northern Myanmar as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Biodiversity is measured at different levels of biological set up together with genes, species and ecosystems along with their interactions. There are a total of 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, among which the Eastern Himalayan (EH) range is one of the richest with nearly 750,000 sq. km area covering Nepal, Bhutan, and the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, southeast Tibet (China) and northern Myanmar. Among these countries the Bhutan is the only one sharing all its land area as the EH region occupying a major share of 7.60% of the total EH area. Bhutan is part of 23 important bird areas, 8 ecoregions, important plant areas and wetlands with 2 Ramsar areas - Tashiyangtse and Wangdue. It is also among the exclusive biodiversity hotspots in the world where forest coverage has increased above 72% of the country's total area. The country is gifted with enormous forest cover of 70.46% of the total land part. It also has 10 protected areas (PAs) with biological corridors that are home to mass populations of vulnerable Takin, endangered one-horn rhino, pigmy hog, leopard, red panda, etc. and also varying bird species. Bhutan also has many hot-water springs which are believed to have medicinal properties to cure diseases. The EH is now experiencing widespread warming higher than 0.01°C per year. Due to global warming, slow melting of the EH glaciers may cause huge floods in Bhutan in future resulting into loss of keystone species. India may also be affected by these future floods. In order to achieve sustainable development using this unique biodiversity hotspot, management of PAs, use of non-timber products and less urbanization are required.
TL;DR: A comprehensive overview of the development of aerosol-climate research in India and south Asia, and the accomplishment and newer issues that warranted the above field campaign are presented in this article.
Abstract: Climate change has great significance in Asia in general, and India in particular; and atmospheric aerosols have a decisive role in this. The climate forcing potential of aerosols is closely linked to their optical, microphysical and chemical properties. Systematic efforts to characterize these properties over the Indian region started about 5 decades ago, and evolved over the years through concerted efforts in the form of long-term scientific programmes as well as concerted fields experiments. All these have resulted in this activity becoming one of the most vibrant fields of climate research in India and have brought several important issues in the national and international foci. The field experiment, RAWEX-GVAX (Regional Aerosol Warming Experiment-Ganges Valley Aerosol Experiment), conducted during 2011-12 jointly by the US Department of Energy, Indian Space Research Organization and Department of Science and Technology, has emerged as a direct outcome of the above efforts. This overview provides a comprehensive account of the development of aerosol-climate research in India and south Asia, and the accomplishment and newer issues that warranted the above field campaign. Details of RAWEX-GVAX, the major outcomes and the subsequent and more recent efforts are presented, followed by the way forward in this field for the next several years to come.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview on the prospects, existing limitations and future research direction towards the development of essential oil-based preservatives, such as nanoencapsulation, edible coatings and controlled release systems.
Abstract: Since the beginning of the food industry, synthetic preservatives have been used to prevent food spoilage caused by microbial and oxidative deterioration. In view of the recent consumer awareness towards green consumerism, some of the prevalent synthetic preservatives are not reliable in the present day. In this context, essential oils of aromatic plants often having strong antimicrobial and antioxidant potential may be used as natural preservatives to realize the consumer demand for safe, healthy and nutritious food. The current existing limitations of essential oil-based preservatives such as low water solubility, strong organoleptic characteristics (flavour and aroma), low stability, etc. could be addressed by the modern advanced technologies such as nanoencapsulation, edible coatings and controlled release systems. This commentary provides an overview on the prospects, existing limitations and future research direction towards the development of essential oil-based preservatives.