Showing papers in "Current Science in 2018"
TL;DR: The Messenger Lectures at Cornell University were founded in 1924 by Hiram J. Messenger to provide a course or courses of lectures on the evolution of civilization for the special purpose of raising the moral standard of our political, business and social life.
Abstract: The Messenger Lectures at Cornell University were instituted in 1924 by Hiram J. Messenger ‘to provide a course or courses of lectures on the evolution of civilization for the special purpose of raising the moral standard of our political, business and social life’. In November 1964, Feynman gave seven lectures, extempore with the help of brief notes, on ‘The Character of Physical Law’. The transcripts were prepared and published by BBC in 1965.
160 citations
TL;DR: This volume of the Annual Reviews of Physical Chemistry (ARPC67) once again brings out the sheer breadth of contemporary physical chemistry research as mentioned in this paper, as is evident from the various articles that range from processes inside a cell to tracking the motion of electrons.
Abstract: This volume of the Annual Reviews of Physical Chemistry (ARPC67) once again brings out the sheer breadth of contemporary physical chemistry research. The so-called ‘middle kingdom’ is indeed rather vast – as is eminently clear from the various articles that range from processes happening inside a cell to tracking the motion of electrons. ARPC67 has a good balance between theory and experiments, applied and fundamental, representing frontline research on gas, condensed and solid phase systems.
156 citations
TL;DR: The occurrence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. S. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in India, which is a devastating pest in American continent on several crops is reported.
Abstract: We report here the occurrence of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in India, which is a devastating pest in American continent on several crops 1 . S. frugiperda is a polyphagous pest that causes significant losses to agricultural crops.
153 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the current status of mangrove forests, conservation and management strategies being followed successfully in India, and recommend the future directions for restoration, improvisation of sparse stands, participatory management, and quality publications.
Abstract: Mangrove forests of India are globally unique with the highest record of biodiversity, gifted with the mangrove genetic paradise at Bhitarkanika, and the globally threatened wildlife species in the Sundarbans. The Sundarbans of India and Bangladesh is the only largest mangrove forest in the world colonized by the Royal Bengal Tigers. Mangroves are dense and floristically diverse along the east coast of India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are largely distributed in the high energy tidal coast of two extreme conditions: (i) humid and wet in Sundarbans with rich bio-diversity, and (ii) arid and dry in Gujarat with low biodiversity. Despite increasing pressures, the mangrove cover in India increases annually at the rate of 1.2%, as against the global mangrove cover that disappears at 0.66%. However, India has a large track of sparse mangrove stand. This article discusses the present status of mangrove forests, conservation and management strategies being followed successfully in India, and recommends the future directions for mangrove restoration, improvisation of sparse stands, participatory management, and quality publications on mangrove research.
61 citations
TL;DR: The production, extraction and possible commercial applications of EPS produced by cyanobacteria and green algae are discussed.
Abstract: Cyanobacteria and green algae are phototrophic microorganisms showing high diversity in their cellular structure in response to the environmental conditions of the niche where they occur. Production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in response to adverse conditions is one of the important features of these organisms. EPS are present mainly around their cells/ filaments as an enveloped layer and released outside. EPS play protective functions and are important for their survival in stressed habitats exposed to radiation, desiccation and elevated temperatures. This review discusses the production, extraction and possible commercial applications of EPS produced by cyanobacteria and green algae.
55 citations
TL;DR: The spatiotemporal winter climatic variations over NWH support the impact on recently reported findings on the Himalayan snow cover and glacier variations at different durations.
Abstract: This study discusses the observed long-term (1991– 2015) and short-term (1991–2000 and 2001–2015) trends in winter temperature and precipitation over Northwestern Himalaya (NWH) along with its constituents, i.e. Lower Himalaya (LH), Greater Himalaya (GH) and Karakoram Himalaya (KH). An overall warming signature was observed over NWH since maximum, minimum and mean temperatures followed rising trends with a total increase of 0.9C, 0.19C and 0.65C respectively, in 25 years, the increase being statistically significant for maximum and mean temperatures. However, warming was not consistent over all zones of NWH with minimum temperature at LH showing anomalous cooling by 0.83C (statistically significant at = 0.05) during 25 years. The rise in mean temperature was observed highest at GH, i.e. 0.87C (1991–2015) followed by KH, i.e. 0.56C, which is in agreement with observations of comparatively higher rate of glacier retreat over GH than KH as reported in several studies. Total precipitation (rainfall + snowfall) was found to increase whereas snowfall was found to decrease with concurrent significant increase in rainfall at all zones of NWH. The spatiotemporal winter climatic variations over NWH support the impact on recently reported findings on the Himalayan snow cover and glacier variations at different durations.
51 citations
TL;DR: The results indicated that more number of publications and authors contributed to MCDM research in the last ten years, and that the collaboration among authors has increased, which should help researchers conduct studies in related fields.
Abstract: In this study, publications in the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) field during 1977–2016 were analysed using bibliometric analysis. The statistical analysis of influential publications, journals, countries/territories and authors was first conducted. The developing trends of authors’ collaborative structure and research topics were then analysed based on four different periods. The results indicated that more number of publications and authors contributed to MCDM research in the last ten years, and that the collaboration among authors has increased. The comprehensive and scientific analysis of MCDM should help researchers conduct studies in related fields.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the impact of cropping systems on physicochemical properties of soil and microbial biomass was evaluated and the outcome of the present study indicated that cultivated land squandered about 14% C and 5% N in 8 years of cultivation to the nearby uncultivated land.
Abstract: In this study, the impact of cropping systems on physicochemical properties of soil and microbial biomass was evaluated. Soil was collected from four cultivated fields (cropland, crop + single tree species, crop + multiple tree species and homegardens) and one uncultivated (agriculturally discarded) field and analysed. The outcome of the present study indicated that cultivated land squandered about 14% C and 5% N in 8 years of cultivation to the nearby uncultivated land. Soil microbial biomass of cultivated land with multiple tree species (C + mT) was greater than other systems and showed an appreciable seasonal variation. The microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) assorted from 166 to 266 μg g and microbial biomass nitrogen (Nmic) from 11 to 41 μg g. Cmic contributed 1.25–1.90% of soil C and Nmic 0.83– 3.77% of soil N. Among cultivated land, maximum Cmic and Nmic were reported in C + mT system which suggested that tree plantation in cultivated land has significant positive effects on microbial biomass and other soil properties by shifting natural soil properties under the similar environmental circumstances.
41 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide an indication of the extent of the distortions when comparative bibliometric analyses fail to recognise the range of levels of scientific fertility, not only within a given major disciplinary area but also within the different scientific disciplines encompassed by the same area.
Abstract: In benchmarking international research, although publication and citation analyses should not be used to compare different disciplines, scientometrists frequently fail to resist the temptation to present rankings based on total publications and citations. Such measures are affected by significant distortions, due to the uneven fertility across scientific disciplines and the dishomogeneity of scientific specialisation among nations and universities. In this paper, we provide an indication of the extent of the distortions when comparative bibliometric analyses fail to recognise the range of levels of scientific fertility, not only within a given major disciplinary area but also within the different scientific disciplines encompassed by the same area.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an extensive underwater surveys have been conducted to assess the extent of coral bleaching and subsequent mortality in the Gulf of Mannar between March and October 2016, where fast growing coral forms, including the genera Acropora, Montipora and Pocillopora were most affected, not only by bleaching but also by severe mortality.
Abstract: Intensive underwater surveys have been conducted to assess the extent of coral bleaching and subsequent mortality in the Gulf of Mannar between March and October 2016. The extent of bleaching was 23.92% 10.55% during the period between March and June 2016, and the live coral cover was drastically reduced to 22.69 9.07% during October 2016 with a mortality of 16.17 8.46%. Fast-growing coral forms, including the genera Acropora, Montipora and Pocillopora were most affected, not only by bleaching but also by severe mortality. Boulders, including the genera Porites, Favia and Favites were found to be resistant to bleaching. During the bleaching period, water temperature was between 31.2C and 32.6C. The current bleaching is in alignment with the third global coral bleaching event which occurred between 2014 and 2017. Management interventions, including protection and rehabilitation using the native resistant coral species will not only help in the recovery process, but also increase the live coral cover.
35 citations
TL;DR: Water soluble fullerenes (FWS) have been used in X-ray imaging, as MRI Contrast Agents (MRI-CA), to make solar cells and could help produce nanodevices and biosensors.
Abstract: The low solubility of nanocarbon materials (fullerenes, CNTs and graphene) has restricted their widespread commercial use. Functionalization, however, helps overcome this major limitation. Much work has been documented recently on water soluble fullerenes (FWS) in treating cancer (e.g. breast cancer), tumours, arthritis, Parkinson’s, influenzas and HIV-AIDS. Even an aqueous nasal spray to combat Alzheimer’s has been advocated. A recent US patent shows that FWS, based on its anti-oxidant activity, is a powerful Radical Oxygen Scavenger. FWS have been used in X-ray imaging, as MRI Contrast Agents (MRI-CA), to make solar cells and could help produce nanodevices and biosensors. This review examines this emerging field.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors have revealed the magnitude of heavy metal contamination of soil and groundwater in and around an unauthorized e-waste recycling site in Delhi, which is unsafe and unorganized.
Abstract: This paper reveals the magnitude of heavy metal contamination of soil and groundwater in and around an unauthorized e-waste recycling site in Delhi. Though unsafe and unorganized and with the e-waste handling now legally banned in Delhi, the informal sector is still actively involved in dismantling, extracting and disposing of e-waste in certain places on a considerably large scale. The leachate produced by these recycling units contains a large amount of heavy metals which are likely to pollute the groundwater and soil adjoining the recycling sites. This study evaluates the e-waste contamination at such sites by monitoring the potential contaminants at a number of specific monitoring points in Krishna Vihar near Mandoli. The soil and underground water samples are tested for the presence of heavy metals around e-waste recycling and dumping sites using atomic absorption spectrometry. The standard values according to Central Ground Water Board are taken as reference values for water, and standards for agricultural soil in Britain as reference values for soil. The results show that the groundwater and soil in and around these sites have been contaminated by lead, copper, chromium and cadmium to a large extent.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors demonstrate that ecological niche modelling (ENM) can be an economical and effective tool to guide surveys overcoming the above two constraints leading to the discovery of new populations of threatened species.
Abstract: Categorization of species under different threat classes is a pre-requisite for planning, management and monitoring of any species conservation programme. However, data availability, particularly at the population level, has been a major bottleneck in the correct categorization of threatened species. Till date, threat assessments have been mostly based on expert opinion and/or herbarium records. The availability of primary data on distribution of species and their p opulation attributes is limited in India because of inadequate field survey, which has been ascribed to resource constraints and inaccessibility. In this study, we demonstrate that ecological niche modelling (ENM) can be an economical and effective tool to guide surveys overcoming the above two constraints leading to the discovery of new populations of threatened species. Such data lead to improved threat assessment and more accurate categorization. We selected 14 threatened plants comprising 5 trees ( Acer hookeri Miq., Bhesa robusta (Roxb.) Ding Hou, Gynocardia odorata Roxb., Ilex venulosa Hook. f. and Lagerstroemia minuticarpa Debb. ex P.C. Kanjilal), 8 herbs ( Angelica glauca Edgew., Aquilegia nivalis Falc. ex Jackson, Artemisia amygdalina DC., Begonia satrapis C.B. Clarke, Corydalis cashmeriana Royle, Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo, Podophyllum hexandrum Royle, and Rheum australe D. Don), and 1 pteridophyte ( Angiopteris evecta (Forst.) Hoffm.) having distribution range in North East India, Eastern and Western Himalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir. The study was carried out between 2012 and 2016. ENM-based survey led to the discovery and characterization of 348 new populations. The data so obtained helped in assigning conservation status to 10 species, which earlier were never classified due to data deficiency. Using the new population and distribution data of the remaining four species, only one was confirmed regarding its existing status and two species were classified as ‘Critically endangered’ instead of the present classification as ‘Endangered’. The fourth species was classified as ‘Critically endangered’ against the earlier category of ‘Least concerned’.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented a paper on the Indian Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
Abstract: Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Department of Library and Information Science, and Interdisciplinary School of Scientific Computing, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411 007, India Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur 302 033, India Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
TL;DR: In this article, the authors considered dust-related challenges and advanced improvements made on the automated cleaning system, by providing a brief framework on strategies such as mechanical, electrical, chemical and electrostatic.
Abstract: The energy produced by solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules is directly connected with the solar accessible irradiance, spectral content, different variables like environmental and climatic components. Dust and bird droppings are considered as the real challenges for SPV performance. This article covers dust-related challenges and advanced improvements made on the automated cleaning system, by providing a brief framework on strategies such as mechanical, electrical, chemical and electrostatic. The environmental impact of cleaning processes has also been evaluated, which is directly related to the ultimate performance of overall conversion.
TL;DR: A review of the existing knowledge on geographic distribution pattern of threatened plants of India, their threat status, and conservation action undertaken to recover these species is presented in this article, where the available data, unravel patterns of distribution of these threatened plants in different states of India.
Abstract: In spite of its importance in nation-wide conservation planning, comprehensive information on geographic distribution of threatened plants in India is lacking. Even the threat status of these plants is ambiguous and the country’s effort to conserve them is not widely known. A critical analysis of these aspects is essential for identifying gaps in threatened plant conservation. Keeping these in view, we present a review of the existing knowledge on geographic distribution pattern of threatened plants of India, their threat status, and conservation action undertaken to recover these species. Using the available data, we unravel patterns of distribution of these threatened plants in different states of India. When ranking of the families was done based on the total number of species under different threat categories, Orchidaceae (644), Fabaceae (185), Poaceae (164), Rubiaceae (103), Asteraceae (88), Euphorbiaceae (72), Asclepiadaceae (62) and Acanthaceae (60) constituted more than half of the total threatened plant species of India. A review on conservation efforts so far undertaken in different parts of the country revealed that the biodiversity-rich phytogeographic regions such as the Himalayas, North East India, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands had lesser conservation efforts in comparison to the Western Ghats, Vindhyas and Peninsular regions of India. The skewed distribution of threatened plants in different states did not truly reflect their absolute presence or absence; rather it is the result of incomplete survey because of the difficult geomorphological and associated geo-climatic conditions, tough terrain and remote locations. In addition, the current data on threatened plants suffer from methodological shortcomings such as classification without using the population data that are so crucial in modern day threat classification, and lack of long-term observational data. The review emphasizes the use of modern tools such as ecological niche modelling for population inventory, area of occupancy and extent of occurrence, and trends in population size and regeneration for precise threat classification conforming to globally accepted methods (e.g. IUCN version 3.1). The works undertaken through the support of Department of Biotechnology, GoI for conservation of 156 threatened plant species under different disciplines of conservation biology during the past three decades have also been compiled and reviewed. A successfully tested protocol following an integrated approach for threatened species conservation is recommended for future conservation action.
TL;DR: Climate charging emissions were assessed to contribute 12–14% towards global warming potential by the global crop residues open burning.
Abstract: Crop residues are subjected to open burning in Indonesia. These farming practices were studied to determine the proportion of open burned and their contribution to air pollution based on crop and air pollutant specific emission factors. On an annual basis, it was estimated that 45 million tonnes of crop residues are open burned. This leads to emission of greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants. On an average, CO2 and CO dominate the overall emissions with 90% and 8% respectively. The remaining 2% are contributed by CH4, SO2, NOx, NH3, N2O, NMVOC and particulate matter. Climate charging emissions were assessed to contribute 12–14% towards global warming potential by the global crop residues open burning.
TL;DR: Mint extract incorporation into chitosan nanoparticles resulted in increased antifungal effects against mycelium growth of A. niger and a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 92% at a mint extract concentration of 20%.
Abstract: A recent study was aimed at determining the antifungal activity of chitosan in both its natural and nanopa rticle forms. The present study reports on the prepa ration and characterization of ch itosan nanop articles and chitosan nanoparticle-incorporated Mentha longifolia . The size of the chitosan nanoparticles was 157 nm, and the mint extraction nanoparticles at concen trat ions of 5%, 10% and 20% were 142, 105 and 63 nm respectively. The surfaces of the chi tosan nanoparticles had a positive charge of approximately 33.2 mV, and the mint extract chitosan nanoparticles at 5%, 10% and 20% had charges of approximately 37.5, 36.9 and 36.1 mV respectively. The chitosan nanoparticles had a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 92% at a mint extract concentration of 20%. Mint extract incorporation into chitosan nanoparticles resulted in increased antifungal effects against mycelium growth of A. niger .
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess quantitative soil loss in the Himalayan ecosystem of Uttarakhand, India using universal soil loss equation and geographic information system and show that about 48.3% area of the state is above the tolerance limit of 11.2 tonne ha -1 year -1 of soil loss.
Abstract: In this study, we assess quantitative soil loss in the Himalayan ecosystem of Uttarakhand, India using universal soil loss equation and geographic information system. The analysis shows that about 359,000 (6.71%), 473,000 (8.84%) and 1,750,000 ha (32.72%) area is under moderately severe (15–20 tonne ha –1 year –1 ), severe (20–40 tonne ha –1 year –1 ) and very severe (40–80 tonne ha –1 year –1 ) soil loss respectively. It clearly indicates that about 48.3% area of the state is above the tolerance limit of 11.2 tonne ha –1 year –1 of soil loss. This explains the need to undertake appropriate soil and water conservation measures to mitigate the topsoil loss in this fragile Himalayan ecosystem. Based on the degree of severity of soil loss, appropriate soil and water conservation measures need to be adopted on priority basis. The agriculture practices should be diversified with farm-forestry, agro-horticulture and/or agro-forestry to minimize soil loss in cultivated areas of the state. Such conservation programmes help mitigate accelerated soil erosion, restore the fragile ecosystems and generate employment opportunities for the needy.
TL;DR: Species of Colletotrichum, Phyllosticta,Phomopsis and Xylaria occurred as endophytes in the leaves of many plant hosts including those that were taxonomically not closely related.
Abstract: Mature leaves of 224 angiosperm plant species belonging to 60 families and growing in Andaman Islands,and the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were sampled for the presence of endophytic fungi. Fungal genera such as Alternaria, Arthrinium, Aureobasidium, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Glomerella/ Colletotrichum, Drechslera, Fusarium, Fusicoccum,Lasiodiplodia, Paecilomyces, Pestalotiopsis, Phoma,Diaporthe/Phomopsis, Guignardia/Phyllosticta, Sporormiella and Xylaria showed an isolation frequency of 5% or more. Species of Colletotrichum, Phyllosticta,Phomopsis and Xylaria occurred as endophytes in the leaves of many plant hosts including those that were taxonomically not closely related. The need to address the broad host range of some genera of fungal endophytes is discussed
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors highlight the research gaps and developments in smart transplanting technologies used in the field of vegetable cultivation and highlight the use of seedling pickup mechanism in automatic transplanters can repeatedly extract single seedling automatically from the seedling pro-tray with the help of a pair of pins or forks and drop at predefined location.
Abstract: Vegetable transplanting is a labourious and timeconsuming field operation when performed manually. The semi-automatic vegetable transplanters are cumbersome to operate due to limitations on manual feeding rates of seedlings which vary with respect to work duration and skill of the operator. Automation in the field of vegetable transplanters has provided opportunities for savings in labour and time required for transplanting operation in open field and controlled environmental structures, i.e. shade nets or polyhouse. The advent and recent advances in transplanting technologies suggest ample scope of working on automated seedling pickup and drop mechanisms using robotics. Use of seedling pickup mechanism in automatic transplanters can repeatedly extract single seedling automatically from the seedling pro-tray with the help of a pair of pins or forks and drop at predefined location. In general, these systems comprise either a machine vision system or end-effector mechanism for extracting the seedling; gripper and a manipulator; indexing drum-type seedling removal device with ejector; or a pick-up system, feeding system and a planting system. Such automated systems have helped ease the transplanting operation and efficient planting of seedlings by maintaining the accuracy, precision and effectiveness in planting seedlings with minimum human intervention. This study highlights the research gaps and developments in smart transplanting technologies used in the field of vegetable cultivation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the development and history of the first-, second-, third-, fourth-and fourth-generation refrigerants is described. And the focus is on a fourth generation refrigerant, viz. HFO-1234yf having zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential.
Abstract: Refrigeration is a process to transfer heat from the objects for cooling and freezing for maintaining the temperature of surroundings for preservation purposes and comfort. Refrigerants are the materials to use in air-conditioning and refrigeration system. This article describes the developments and history of the first-, second-, thirdand fourth-generation refrigerants. Moreover, the focus is on a fourth-generation refrigerant, viz. HFO-1234yf having zero ozone depletion potential and very low global warming potential. Synthesis procedure, chemistry, applications and consumption norms of HFO-1234yf are explained.
TL;DR: The result shows that both the single-frequency Grid Ionosphere Vertical Error (GIVE) model and dual frequency model outperform remarkably compared to the traditional coefficient-based model.
Abstract: The Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)/Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is an independent navigation system developed for the Indian subcontinent by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The positional accuracy of this system is mainly affected by the ionosphere of the low-latitude equatorial Indian subcontinent, as large ionospheric gradients and intense irregularities are present in it. The objective of this study is to improve the positional accuracy of NavIC/IRNSS systems by applying ionospheric correction using the most suitable single-frequency model. The data to be analysed were collected from the NavIC/IRNSS receiver provided by the Space Applications Centre, ISRO. A comparative analysis between the dual-frequency model and single-frequency model (e.g. GIVE model, coefficient-based model) was performed on the data from the NavIC/IRNSS receiver. Different ionospheric models were applied to compute ionospheric delay (ionodelay) on a quiet day (3 < K P < 5). Our result shows that both the single-frequency Grid Ionosphere Vertical Error (GIVE) model and dual frequency model outperform remarkably compared to the traditional coefficient-based model. The GIVE model was also analysed on FAR categorized satellites for different stormy days of different months. It was observed that during stormy days also, the 3D position computed by applying the GIVE model was nearly the same as the dual-frequency model.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of rapid urbanization of Lucknow City on Gomati River was discussed and the lower values of water quality index (WQI 75) indicating that the water quality has deteriorated considerably and has become unfit for human consumption.
Abstract: The present communication deals with the impact of rapid urbanization of Lucknow City on Gomati River. The lower values of water quality index (WQI 75, indicating that the water quality has deteriorated considerably and has become unfit for human consumption. The groundwater is also polluted due to urbanization and requires immediate attention for improving the water quality of Gomati river.
TL;DR: The strain obtained from sediment samples of mangrove ecosystem exhibited different mechanisms to solubilize inorganic phosphate and mineralize organic phosphate under alkaline conditions, resulting in the highest tri-calcium phosphatesolubilization by an alkaliphilic bacterium.
Abstract: This study reports the mechanisms of phosphate solubilization present in alkaliphilic Bacillus marisflavi FA7. The strain obtained from sediment samples of mangrove ecosystem exhibited different mechanisms to solubilize inorganic phosphate and mineralize organic phosphate under alkaline conditions. It reduced the pH of the medium that showed near perfect correlation with tri-calcium phosphate solubilization. Organic acids produced by the strain were detected in broth. Maximum decrease in pH of the medium was observed with NH4Cl as an inorganic nitrogen source. This indicated involvement of proton extrusion mechanism toward phosphate solubilization during ammonium uptake. It produced exopolysaccharide, but failed to produce siderophore. Bacillus marisflavi FA7 produced extracellular alkaline phosphatase having molecular weight of 175–200 kDa. The pH optimum for maximum enzyme activity was 10.1 and Km of 1.13 M p-nitrophenolphosphate. This is the first study to report the highest tri-calcium phosphate solubilization by an alkaliphilic bacterium.
TL;DR: In this paper, Chandra, V.P. Mishra, G.B. Sharma, Pallavi, S.A. Chate, Prakash Pithani, Rachana Kulkarni, R. K. Nagar and M. M. Jenamani.
Abstract: B. P. Chandra, V. Sinha*, H. Hakkim, A. Kumar, H. Pawar, A. K. Mishra, G. Sharma, Pallavi, S. Garg, Sachin D. Ghude, D. M. Chate, Prakash Pithani, Rachana Kulkarni, R. K. Jenamani and M. Rajeevan Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Sector 81, S.A.S. Nagar, Manauli PO 140 306, India Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pashan, Pune 411 008, India India Meteorological Department, New Delhi 110 003, India Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, New Delhi 110 003, India
TL;DR: The present results could be a pilot to strengthen conservation measures across the Protected Area Network by understanding the impact of the ban on anthropogenic activities, and is also useful for future assessment of floristic diversity and forest composition in the National Park.
Abstract: The present study was carried out to assess floristic diversity, community composition and regeneration status of different forests in Nanda Devi National Park after prohibition of human activities in 1983 with a view to understand the impact of ban, and provide a basis for assessing subsequent changes on plant diversity and composition. The comparison of the present study with the earlier studies conducted in 1993 and 2003, indicated positive changes on plant diversity, forest composition and ecological conditions of the National Park. A total of 409 taxa belonging to 203 genera and 71 families (377 Angiosperms, 7 Gymnosperms and 25 Pteridophytes) were documented from the National Park. Two types of forest communities, i.e. Betula utilis along timberline, and mixed forest of Abies spectabilis with B. utilis form the dominant forests inside the National Park. Proportionate distribution of individuals in seedling, sapling and tree layers showed considerable variation in the population structure of different communities. Maximum species richness was observed in Dibrugheta (128) followed by Dharansi (43) and Sarsopatal (34) among the studied alpine meadows of this National Park. The present results could be a pilot to strengthen conservation measures across the Protected Area Network by understanding the impact of the ban on anthropogenic activities, and is also useful for future assessment of floristic diversity and forest composition in the National Park.
TL;DR: Underwater survey on the reefs of Gulf of Mannar witnessed an outbreak of T. hoshinota, an encrusting cyanobacteriosponge which grows aggressively over live coral colonies and has been reported to undergo outbreaks which kill corals.
Abstract: Terpios hoshinota is an encrusting cyanobacteriosponge which grows aggressively over live coral colonies and has been reported to undergo outbreaks which kill corals. In an underwater survey conducted on the reefs of Gulf of Mannar, an outbreak of this coral-invading sponge was witnessed for the first time. It was found invading approximately 5% of the Montipora divaricata colonies (n = 383) at 1 m depth in Vaan Island. The affected site had a high coral cover (85.13%) dominated by montiporids (79.97%). T. hoshinota was confirmed via underwater morphology and microscopic observation of distinctive lobed tylostylespicules. This sponge is reported to have caused significant damage to many reefs around the world and hence immediate steps are needed to protect the reefs of Gulf of Mannar. Further studies are needed to assess the extent of T. hoshinota invasion in Gulf of Mannar and progression rate over live coral colonies.
TL;DR: In this paper, the principle of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented, different configurations used for excitation of SPR, performance characteristics of a sensor and commercialization of the biosensors technology.
Abstract: Over the last few decades, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique has been very promising for sensing applications. It involves light-matter interaction at the interface of the metal and dielectric. This technology is employed in physical, chemical and biological sensing applications. In this review, we present the principle of SPR, different configurations used for excitation of SPR, performance characteristics of a sensor and commercialization of the biosensors technology. A few applications of SPR as biosensors have also been reviewed in this article.