everyman’s - indian science congress...

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SCIENCEVol. XLIX No. 5 (Dec ’14 – Jan ’15)

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. S. K. Mahapatra (New Delhi)

Prof. M. K. Jyoti (Jammu)

Prof. Dr. Anup Kumar Kapoor(Delhi)

Prof. Anand Prakash Mishra (Sagar)

Prof. Kanhaiya Lal Shrivastava(Jodhpur)

Prof. Atul Sitaram Padalkar (Pune)

Dr. Kashinath Bhattacharya (Santiniketan)

Prof. Aparajita Ojha (Jabalpur)

Dr. Arvind Kumar Saxena (Kanpur)

Prof. Ajay Kumar (Delhi)

Dr. (Mrs.) Shashi Bala Singh (Delhi)

Dr. Sib Sankar Roy (Kolkata)

Dr. V. P. Mahadevan Pillai(Thiruvananthapuram)

Prof. (Dr.) Arun Kumar Pandey(Delhi)

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS

Past General Presidents of ISCA

1. Dr. T. N. Khoshoo (1986)

2. Prof. (Mrs.) Archana Sharma(1987)

3. Prof. C. N. R. Rao (1988)

4. Dr. A. P. Mitra (1989)

5. Prof. Yash Pal (1990)

6. Prof. D. K. Sinha (1991)

For permission to reprint orreproduce any portion of thejournal, please write to theEditor-in-Chief.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief

Dr. Ashok Kumar Saxena

Area Editors

Dr. (Mrs.) Vijay Laxmi Saxena(Biological Sciences)

Dr. Pramod Kumar Verma(Earth Sciences, Engineering & Material Sciences)

Dr. Manoj Kumar Chakrabarti(Medical Sciences including Physiology)

Dr. Arvind Kumar Saxena(Physical Sciences)

Dr. (Mrs.) Vipin Sobti(Social Sciences)

General Secretary (Membership Affairs)Dr. Nilangshu Bhushan Basu

General Secretary (Scientific Activities)Prof. Arun Kumar

Editorial SecretaryDr. Amit Krishna De

Printed and published by Dr. Ashok Kumar Saxenaon behalf of Indian Science Congress Associationand printed at Seva Mudran, 43, Kailash BoseStreet, Kolkata-700 006 and published at IndianScience Congress Association, 14, Dr. Biresh GuhaStreet, Kolkata-700 017, with Dr. Ashok KumarSaxena as Editor.

Annual Subscription : (6 issues)

Institutional 200/- ; Individual 50/-

Price : 10/- per issue

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EDITORIAL :

Nanotechnology in Cancer TreatmentVijay Laxmi Saxena 284

ARTICLES :

Recognition of Women in Science in India : A ReviewNeepa Banerjee, Sandipan Chatterjee, Shankarashis Mukherjee 286

Lignocellulose Plant Biomass ; An Emerging Alternative Fuel ResourceN. Arumugam and P. U. Mahalingam 291

Humans and Magnificent Gentle Goliaths of the Forest in ConflictMousumi Pal 296

A Sneak Peek into Ground Penetrating RadarSuresh Sahni, Mohit Singhal, Purushottam Kumar Garg, Reet Kamal Tiwari 301

Prominent Tools in Synthetic Pathways of Green Technology :Microwave & Ultrasonic IrradiationA.P. Mishra, Brajendra S. Kusmariya and Rajendra K. Jain 307

The Solution of Power Crisis Through Renewable Sources of EnergyMd. Rashid Tanveer, Deepak Mishra and Aradhana Kashyap 311

Flax : The Vegetarin Omega-3 SourceMamta Kumari and Shashi Jain 320

Role of Veterinarian in Laboratory Animal Research and MedicineManjurul Haque 324

Controversies and Ethics of Animal Usage : Emerging Issuesand New ChallengesP. V. S. Kishore 327

102nd Indian Science Congress Awardees for 2014-2015 331

KNOW THY INSTITUTIONS 337

CONFERENCES / MEETINGS / SYMPOSIA / SEMINARS 340

S & T ACROSS THE WORLD 342

CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS

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ISCA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS (1986 TO 1991)

President Title of Presidential Address*

Dr. T. N. Khoshoo Role of Science and Technology in Environmental

73rd Indian Science Congress Management

1986, Delhi

Prof. (Mrs.) Archana Sharma Resources and Human Well Being–Inputs from Science and

74th Indian Science Congress Technology

1987, Bangalore

Prof. C. N. R. Rao Frontiers in Science and Technology

75th Indian Science Congress

1988, Pune

Dr. A. P. Mitra Science and Technology in India : Technology Mission


1989, Madurai

Prof. Yash Pal Science in Society


1990, Cochin

Prof. D. K. Sinha Coping with Natural Disasters : An Integrated Approach


1991, Indore

*Available in the Book “The Shaping of Indian Science” Published by University Press

(India) Pvt. Ltd., 3-5-819 Hyderguda, Hyderabad 500 029.

As per decision of Council meeting held on May 3, 2014, Presidential Addresses will not beprinted henceforth in Everyman’s Science as they are already printed in the above mentionedbook.

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Technology is one of the key words inpeople’s lives. In the near future, a subdivisionof technology which is nanotechnology willhave an important role. Bio-products, tools,devices, materials are influenced fromconsequences of research and developmentson nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology refers to the interactionsof cellular and molecular components andengineered materials—typically clusters ofatoms, molecules and molecular fragments—at the most elemental level of biology. Suchnanoscale objects—typically, though notexclusively, with dimensions smaller than 100nanometers—can be useful by themselves oras part of larger devices containing multiplenanoscale objects. Nanotechnology is beingapplied to almost every field imaginableincluding biosciences, electronics, magnetics,optics, information technology, and materialsdevelopment, all of which have an impact onbiomedicine.

With nanotechnology; more useful devices,better drugs for diseases, more appropriatematerials for construction will be developed.

Nanotechnology will also affect medicineand other life sciences. The numbers ofresearch in cancer treatment with nanotechnologically modified drugs are increasingday to day and have had some good results onthis issue. Nanotechnological improvementscan be used for cancer patients; becausenanotechnology can be used for better cancerdiagnosis, more efficient drug delivery to tumorcells, and molecular targeted cancer therapy.

First of all, nanotechnology can be used forbetter cancer diagnosis. One of the main usagefields of optical nanoparticles is to allow bettercancer detection. To start with, classicalmethods that are used in diagnosis havelimitations. Classified methods such as X-rays,tomography or mammography require usingmutagenic agents on cells that cause cancer,too. Using harmful substances and X-rays incancer diagnosis are also related to the causesof cancer. To eliminate these concerns, opticalnanoparticles in diagnosis is a possibletechnique that can be used. This techniqueworks with special dyes to interact with tumorcells and optical nanoparticles can be detected.Preparing a nanoparticulate drug system,which has ability to be photo excited to producesinglet oxygen for detection and therapy isbetter than classical systems. Such interactionshows that, the detection of cancer with opticalnanoparticles is new and developing subject,but it has considerable benefits for diagnosis.

Secondly, nanotechnology can be used formore efficient drug delivery system to tumors.One of the significant missions of passiveliposomal drug delivery is to cancer cells.Liposome molecules are easily diffused intothe cells; since their structures and cellmembrane structure can interact very wellwhile drug uptake process. The EPR (EnhancedPermeation and Retention) effect is the conceptthat liposomes remain in the bloodstream fora long time and are collected passively fromtumor cells. Via the EPR effect, concomitantin toxicity problems of therapy are relativelysolved as lower and repeated dose of liposomaldrugs.

EDITORIAL

NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CANCER TREATMENT

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Aside from liposomal drug delivery systems,micelles drug delivery to cancer cells withnanotechnology is being developed. Micelle isdescribed as aggregate form of molecules thatgenerates colloidal shape. The functionalizedmicelles systems can be used for targeted drugdelivery to cancer cells. One of the methods inmicelles systems is micelles with small organicmolecules as targeting ligands. Micelles arefunctionalized with glycosylphosphatidy-linositol that binds folic acid in high levels toinhibit cell proliferation activity. Folic acidacts as a carcinogenic agent that affects breast,lung and ovarian cells.

Thirdly, nanotechnology can be used forbetter cancer imaging. One of the main usagesof cancer imaging is tomography with contrastagents. Contrast agents have been known todo better diagnosis and imaging. ComputerTomography (CT) is a widespread diagnosticimaging method which measures, in its imagingprocess, the radio density of matter. ThereforeCT has important effect on health.

Finally, nanotechnology also can be usedfor better therapy. For example, PhotothermalTherapy (PTT) is one of them. Photothermaltherapy is using heat to control specific tumor.Tradition PTT uses radiation, along with dyescapable of absorbing radiation at the site ofthe tumor. Temperature is increased to nearly

40°C by using hyperthermia in the chosentumor to stimulate lipid transitions and alsoto cause mutation of RNA and DNA. Thereforetradition PTT used past time. Nowphotodynamic therapy is using more.Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a differentmethod that uses a photosensitizer and aparticular type of a light. A specific wavelengthof light effect on a photosensitizer and itproduce a form of oxygen which kills nearbycells.

Nanotechnology prefers us to bettermedicine opportunities. It can be used forbetter diagnosis, efficient drug delivery, betterimaging and therapy of cancer. Classicalmethods are not enough to cure all diseases,especially cancer treatment issue. Withnanotechnology, it will possible to cure alldiseases, may be it will cure in the beginningbecause of nanotechnology. After under-standing the importance of the nanotechnology,condition of life will be greater. Thus,nanotechnology has to be improved for thenext generation.

The use of nanotechnology for diagnosisand treatment of cancer is largely still in thedevelopment phase. However, there are alreadyseveral nanocarrier-based drugs in the marketand many more nano-based therapeutics inclinical trials.

Dr. (Mrs.) Vijay Laxmi SaxenaDepartment of Zoology

D. G. (P. G.) College, Kanpur

“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on.”—Albert Einstein

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INTRODUCTION

I ndia is home for about 17% of the Worldpopulation1, and the population is quite

young with average age of people being lowestin the world. 48% of the population is females2.This huge women population is characterizedby problems of illiteracy, early marriage,complications arising out at the time of childbirth etc3. Although these inhibitions persistsin many a way even in the recent century,efforts of women are being recognizedsignificantly for the progress of nation indifferent spheres. World history of theTwentieth century is replete with instances of

RECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA : A REVIEWRECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA : A REVIEWRECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA : A REVIEWRECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA : A REVIEWRECOGNITION OF WOMEN IN SCIENCE IN INDIA : A REVIEW

Neepa Banerjee, Sandipan Chatterjee, Shankarashis Mukherjee*

* Human Performance Analytics and FacilitationUnit, Department of Physiology, UniversityColleges of Science and Technology, University ofCalcutta, Rasbehari Shiksha Prangan 92 AcharyaPrafulla Chandra Road, Kolkata 700 009, WestBengal, Email: [email protected]

There have been many path-breaking developments in science and technologythroughout the world in the last century. Like in different walks of social life,women have played significant role in the scientific domain and their significantcontribution have got International recognition with conferring of Nobel Prizeand other awards. Indian women are not much lagging behind and their level ofrecognition is also increasing. In this context an attempt has been made toassess the status of recognition of women in science in India through tracing thedatabase of Bhatnagar Awardees, Fellows of three principal science academies,and General Presidents of Indian Science Congress. It has been found thatIndian women have been recognized in scientific arena for their significantcontribution and the level of recognition is increasing. But, still in science andtechnology domain there are far less women and the visibility needs to improvesignificantly.

women making significant contribution in allwalks of public life, including the field ofscience and technology. To recognize theircontributions efforts have also been made. Anattempt has been made, in this context, toassess the status of recognition of women inscience in India through tracing the databaseof Bhatnagar Awardees, Fellows of threeprincipal science academies, and GeneralPresidents of Indian Science Congress.

FINDINGS

Recognition of Women in Science:International scenario

Women’s efforts in the field of science, likeother walks of social life, started receivingmajor international recognition with thebeginning of twentieth century, with NobelPrize also being awarded to women. In thefield of science, globally, from Madam Curie to

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Ada Yonath, in recent times, there has beensignificant recognition being accorded to womenwith conferring of Nobel Prize. The NobelPrize, initiated in the year 1895 by the will ofAlfred Nobel, and also the Prize in EconomicSciences, has been awarded to women 45 timesbetween 1901 and 2013. Only Marie Curiereceived the honor twice, in 1903 in Physicsand in 1911 in Chemistry, i.e., 44 women intotal have been awarded the Nobel Prize tilldate. Of these, Nobel Prize has been awarded16 times to women in science disciplines, 13times in literature, 15 times Nobel Peace Prizeand once the Prize in Economic Sciences hasbeen awarded to a woman (Table 1).

Table 1Exhaustive list of women Nobel Laureates

in Science

Year Name of the laureate Category

1903 Marie Curie-Sklodowska Physics1911 Marie Curie-Sklodowska Chemistry1935 Irène Joliot-Curie Chemistry1947 Gerty Theresa Cori, née Physiology

Radnitz or Medicine1963 Maria Goeppert Mayer Physics1964 Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Chemistry1977 Rosalyn Yalow Physiology

or Medicine1983 Barbara McClintock Physiology

or Medicine1986 Rita Levi-Montalcini Physiology

or Medicine1988 Gertrude B. Elion Physiology

or Medicine1995 Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Physiology

or Medicine2004 Linda B. Buck Physiology

or Medicine2008 Françoise Barré-Sinoussi Physiology

or Medicine2009 Carol W. Greider Physiology

or Medicine2009 Elizabeth H. Blackburn Physiology

or Medicine

2009 Ada E. Yonath Chemistry

Not only Nobel laureates, women of Indiaand Indian origin like Kalpana Chawla andSunita Williams have become household namesbecause of their international recognitionthrough significant achievements. Althoughwomen excel in all walks of life, includingscience and all sectors of economy, femalerepresentation in science and technologyworkforce is lower than their male counterpartsall over the world, even in the developedcountries. With rapid scientific development,gender divide is also increasing in variousforms, which results in the exclusion of womenfrom science and technology field. This willcontinue unless efforts are made to empowerwomen, the so called weaker section of thesociety, to actively participate in nation’sdevelopment through scientific inventions. Notonly empowerment, efforts should also focuson recognizing the achievement andcontributions of women scientist in sciencecultivation for creating scientific temper.

Recognition with Bhatnagar Award :Bhatnagar award, named after its founder

Director, late Dr (Sir) Shanti SwarupBhatnagar (1894-1955) for Science andTechnology, is given by CSIR since 1957 inapplied or fundamental science, in thedisciplines of Biological, Chemical, Earth,Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary,Engineering, Mathematical, Medical, andPhysical Sciences. 15 women out of over 450total awardees have so far received the prizesince its inception for notable and outstandingresearch work. The following is the exhaustivelist of 15 Women recipients of BhatnagarAward since its inception. (Table 2)

It is worth noting that out of 9 recipients ofS S Bhatnagar Award in 2010, 3 were women.

Professor Asima Chatterjee (1917-2006), thefirst woman Bhatnagar Awardee, got the awardin Chemical Sciences in 19614 and in recent

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past in 2013 Yamuna Krishnan got theprestigious award also in Chemical Sciences.Professor Asima Chatterjee, a noted Chemist,has made valuable research contributions inthe field of production of natural products,especially, alkaloids, ployphenolics, terpenoidsetc derived from Indian medicinal plants.

Dr. Krishnan received the award inChemical Sciences for her work with thestructure and dynamics of nucleic acids5.

Women Fellows of Science Academies :The participation of women in the principal

science academies was negligible for a longperiod of time. But today many womenscientists have been honoured with Fellowshipof science academies in the country.

The National Academy of Sciences, Indiawas founded in the year 1930 as the firstscience academy of the country, under theinitiative of great scientist and patriot Prof.Meghnad Saha, then Professor of Physics atUniversity of Allahabad. The Academy startedin 1930 with 57 ordinary Members and 19

Fellows. Prof. Meghnad Saha was the founderPresident of this science academy. Presently,it has about 1571 Members and 1579 Fellowsincluding 29 Honorary Fellows and 88 ForeignFellows from various disciplines of Scienceand Technology from all over India and abroad.The Academy has many women fellows;Archana Bhattacharyya, Manju Banerjee,Geetha Bali, V Ravindranath are to a name afew.

The Indian Academy of Sciences wasfounded and registered as a society by NobelLaureate Professor C. V. Raman (1888-1970)in 1934 with the aim of promoting the progressand upholding the cause of science, in bothpure and applied branches. The formalinauguration took place on July 31, 1934 with65 Founding Fellows. Some of the renownedwomen fellows of this academy are SashiWadha, Shubha Tole, V Ravindranath, AmitaDas, Tanusri Saha, Manju Bansal. It isimportant to mention here that the Council ofIndian Academy of Sciences constituted acommittee on ‘Women in Science’, presently

Table 2 : Exhaustive list of women Bhatnagar Awardees

Name of the Awardees Year of receiving Disciplinesthe award

Asima Chatterjee (1917- 2006) 1961 Chemical SciencesArchana Sharma (1932 - 2008) 1975 Biological SciencesIndira Nath (born in 1938) 1983 Medical SciencesRaman Parimala (born in 1948) 1987 Mathematical SciencesManju Ray (born in 1947) 1989 Biological SciencesSudipta Sengupta (born in 1946) 1991 Earth SciencesShashi Wadhwa (born in 1948) 1991 Medical SciencesVijayalakshmi Ravindranath (born in 1953) 1996 Medical SciencesSujatha Ramdorai (born in 1962) 2004 Mathematical SciencesRama Govindarajan (born in 1962) 2007 Engineering SciencesCharusita Chakravarty (born in 1964) 2009 Chemical SciencesMitali Mukerji 2010 Medical SciencesSanghamitra Bandyopadhyay (born in 1968) 2010 Engineering SciencesShubha Tole (born in 1967) 2010 Biological SciencesYamuna Krishnan (born in 1974) 2013 Chemical Sciences

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chaired by Prof. Rohini M Godbole, to lookinto the issues of women scientists. Suchinitiatives for recognising the work of womenscientists are highly appreciable.

Indian National Science Academy, a premierscience Academy in the country, plays crucialrole in promoting, recognizing and rewardingexcellence in scientific domain. It wasestablished as the National Institute of Indiaon January 7, 1935 at Calcutta and then gotshifted to Delhi in 1951. Aparna Dutta Gupta,Ashima Anand, Joyoti Basu, Raman Parimala,Chanda Jayant Jog (newly elected Fellow 2013)are some of the women fellows in this renownedscience academy.

Women in Indian Science Congress :Indian Science Congress began its journey

a century ago in 1914 at the initiative of SirAsutosh Mookerjee, the then Vice Chancellorof the University of Calcutta6. In the centuryold history of Indian Science Congress, 4women have so far been elected as GeneralPresidents. Professor (Mrs.) Asima Chatterjee,distinguish scientist, was the first womanpresident of ISCA who conducted the 62nd

session in Delhi in 1975. Professor (Mrs.)Archana Sharma, Professor of Genetics,University of Calcutta, conducted the 74th

session in Bangalore in 1987. Dr. (Mrs.) ManjuSharma conducted the 86th session in Chennaiin 1999, and in recent past Prof. Geetha Bali,former Vice Chancellor, Karnataka StateWomen’s University, Bijapur, who hold the99th session in Bhubaneswar in 2012, adornedthe chair of the General President of IndianScience Congress. Interestingly, in the 99th

session, the focal theme was Science andTechnology for Inclusive Innovation - Role ofWomen. This is reflecting that achievementand contribution of women is increasinglygetting recognized. Formally “Women’s ScienceCongress”, was started in 2012 in the 99th

session of Indian Science Congress. It is aneffort to motivate women scientists andenhance their participation in science andcreate a sustained platform to demonstratewomen’s contribution to science in India7 andalso to create the much needed awareness andconfidence amongst the public and policymakers that women have the potential too toharness the power of Science and Technologyfor shaping the future of India.

DISCUSSION

The findings reveal that there havedefinitely been some efforts to recognize thecontribution of Indian women in the scientificfield where they have left indelible mark andhelped the nation move forward. Althoughwomen are universally underrepresented inscience and technology and India, viewed as apotential powerhouse of innovations, is noexception, women excel in many a way inscientific arena. Besides the mentioned majorrecognitions, the level of recognition of womenscientists is increasing in scientific domains inmany different ways also. Indian womenscientists have received the prestigious civilianPadma awards from Government of India. Inrecent past, Manju Sharma, past Secretary,DBT, Government of India receivedPadmabhusan in 2007, VijayalakshmiRavindranath, founder Director NBRC,Gurgaon received Padmashree in 2010.Professor Asima Chatterjee, besides being aBhatnagar awardee, received many honors andawards including Nagarjuna Prize and GoldMedal; Watumull Fellowship,; Bhuban MohiniGold Medal; Sir C.V. Raman Award; SirAsutosh Mookerjee Gold Medal and mostimportantly Padma Bhushan. She was alsonominated Rajya Sabha Member during 1982-92. In this context, it is important to mentionthat presently women scientists account for15% of the Research and Development

2

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professionals in India. There has also been anincrease from 13 to 31% in women receivingextra mural research funding.

India, the second most populous countrywith a population of more than 1.21 billionhas about 0.58 billion female citizens, who arerelatively young in terms of the mean age ofthe population. It could be viewed as a hugeuntapped talent pool. If properly harnessed,with recognition and facilitating participationthrough motivation and encouragement, it maybe expected that the society wouldmeaningfully gain8. As in some selected areas,intellectual competence supersedes physicalstrength, there is immense scope and urgentneed to channelize the diverse manpower forthe development of country. To improve theparticipation of women, constituting almosthalf of the human resource, in science andtechnology it is important to empower themwith their fundamental rights and transformthem to preferred workers. Women’sparticipation in science and technology refersto the extent that women have been able toutilize the tool in capturing the opportunitiesranging from research to highly skilledemployment.

CONCLUSION

In the light of the discussion, it may bementioned that women have been recognizedin India for their contribution in scientificarena, and the level of recognition is increasingin the twenty first century. It is expected that

women will bring more honor to the country,as there is increased attempt to facilitate theirscientific endeavor. Although the mentionedexamples of recognition are inspiring, thereare some real ground level problems hinderingthe progress of Indian women in participatingin science and nation development processnecessitating a look into the issue.

REFERENCES

1. A. Nayak, V. Patel, B. Koria, I. Kotecha,A. Trivedi, M. P. Singh, NJIRM, 4, 86-89, 2013.

2. V. Srinivasan, R. George, IIM BangaloreResearch Paper No. 427, 2013.

3. G. Bali, Proceedings of Women’s ScienceCongress, 16-20, 2013.

4. S. C. Pakrashi, Current Science, 92,1310, 2007.

5. S. Modi, S. Halder, C. Nizak and Y.Krishnan, Nanoscale, 6, 1144-1152,2014.

6. D. P. Sengupta, Current Science, 78,1566-1573, 2000.

7. N. Banerjee, S. Chatterjee, S.Mukherjee, Proceedings of Women’sScience Congress, 100th Indian ScienceCongress, 92, 2013.

8. M. Tembhre, Proceedings of Women’sScience Congress, 61-62, 2013.

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LIGNOCELLULOSE PLANT BIOMASS ; AN EMERGINGALTERNATIVE FUEL RESOURCE

N.Arumugam and P.U.Mahalingam

The most abundantly available raw material in the globe is plants and itsbiomass (plant dry matters). It’s composed of carbohydrate and aromaticpolymers. Utilization of these carbohydrate (cellulose and hemicellulose) andaromatic (lignin) polymers are a potential resource for the production of secondgeneration biofuels. Besides, there are many difficulties in production of biofuelfrom lignocellulose waste biomass. This literature summarizes the advantagesand challenges involved in the utilization of lignocellulose biomass as analternative sustainable energy with no green house effects.

INTRODUCTION

T he worldwide energy demand iscontinuously rising due to the

increase of population. According to theforecasts of International Energy Agency, it isexpected to rise by approximately 50% until2030. Due to increased usage and requirementof alternative fuel, search for novel easilyavailable energy resource has become a matterof concern. Based on available reports, secondgeneration biofuel play a vital role in meetingthe needs by utilizing the plant biomass. Theconversion technologies are biochemical andthermochemical conversions, which includespretreatment of substrates, cellulosehydroloysis, substrate cleaning, fermentation,biofuel recovery and residual solids processing.In almost all plants biomass comprises of10-25% lignin, 20-30% hemicelluloses and40-50% cellulose (Fig. 1), complete removal oflignin is essential to utilize all available

cellulose material for biofuel production. Thispretreatment is carried out by dilute acidsand Ammonia pretreatment1. Cellulose is madeup of sugars which can be hydrolyzed withacid2, cellulase enzymatic process3,fermentation with microbes4. Biofuel isrecovered by the distillation process5. Ligninco-products like vanillin, phenols and highoctane hydrocarbon fuels are extracted last6.Even though the production cost of biofuelfrom plant biomass is expensive comparedwith conventional fuel production because ofthe optimization and upscaling process isdifficult, but more advantage of thesetechnology is effective utilization of plantbiomass and reduction in emission of greenhouse gases ultimately reducing globalwarming. To implement the efficient 2nd

generation biofuel from plant biomass it isessential to upgrade thermochemical andbiochemical or enzymatic routes for biomassconversion. Besides, relevant agriculturalpractices for plant biomass production are alsoneeded. In order to use alternative plant

* Department of Biology, Gandhigram Rural Institute– Deemed University, Gandhigram, Dindigul – 624302 Email: [email protected]

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biomass derived fuels, emission factor shouldbe taken into consideration while designingengine for the machines and automobiles. Mostof the promising systems of vehicles areinternal combustion engines and fuel cellswith electric engines which results in carbonylemissions of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde,acrolein, acetone, propionaldehyde andbutyraldehyde, which are higher in crude oilderived biofuels. This may be a better reasonto consider biofuels from plant biomass7.

PROPERTIES OF LIGNOCELLULOSICBIOMASS

The most widely available waste in India isplant biomass, while small part of amongoverall waste biomass may be used for cattlefodder. After china, India is the largestproducer of plant biomass waste in Asiancontinent. Lignocellulose biomass arepromising feed stock which can act as arenewable energy resources in the functioningof modern industrial societies. Unknowinglymuch of the lignocelluloses biomass is disposedby burning and burying process in developingcountries8. In recent years the importance of

Lignocellulose plant biomass are exposed byresearchers to utilize the same for theproduction of value added fine chemicals,fertilizer and energy etc., because of theirnatural properties. In general the compositionof lignocelluloses highly depends on its sourcewhether it is derived from the hardwood,softwood, or grasses (Table 1). Lignocellulosebiomass is composed of combinations of Lignin,Hemicellulose and Cellulose. Thesecombinations give overall strength to plants.Each carbohydrate has its own physical andchemical properties. Cellulose is a major andhighly stable polymer made up of glucoseattached with linear chains up to 12,000residues of (1-4) –D-glucopyranose units9. Innature cellulose molecules are arranged in allplants in the form of bundles which aggregatetogether in the form of microfibrils order alongwith other carbohydrates of hemicellulose andLignin10. The second majorly abundantheterogenous carbohydrate is hemicelluosewhich has 200 residues of glucose units withglucuronoxylan, glucomannan and traceamounts of other polysaccharides but in theform of branched nature and they do not

Fig 1. : Schematic representation of frame work of Lignocellulose;Hemicellulose and Lignin

Lignocellulosicbiomass

Cell wall structuralorganization

Distribution of Cellulose,hemicellulose & lignin in Cell wall

Cellulose

Hemicellulose

Lignin

Secondarywall

Rosette

Lignin

Cellulose

Hemicellulose

Protein

Middle lamella

Primary wall

Plasmamembrane

Secondarywall

Secondarywall

Secondarywall

Primarywall

Middlelamella

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share the beta 1-4 linkage. Both cellulose andhemicellulose are tightly bound with noncovalent attraction on the surface of cellulosemicrofibril, Hemicelluose originally believedto be intermediate in the synthesis of Cellulosein the plants11. Final and more complexsmallest fraction of heterogeneous polymer isLignin; it has long chain of phenyl-propaneunits linked with ether bonds. Lignin acts likea glue which fills the gap between the celluloseand hemicelluose in plants. Hence, lignin willconsider as a bi-products in plant biomassderived biofuel production12.

PRODUCTION OF FUELS FROM CRUDEOIL

Petroleum is naturally found beneath earth,which is yellow to black liquid in nature. Ithas hydrocarbons of various Mwt and otherliquid organic compounds. Native form ofunprocessed yellow or black liquid is called

crude oil. This crude oil is subjected to refiningprocess at different boiling point as a resultlarge no of consumer products like, Gasoline,Kerosene, Asphalt and various chemical agentsetc. The elemental compositions of crude oil isCarbon 83-85%, Hydrogen 10-14 %, Nitrogen0.1– 2.0%, Oxygen 0.05–1.5%, Sulphur 0.05–6.0%, different types of hydrocarbons in therange of Alkane 15-60%, Naphthenes 30–60 %and Aromatics 3 to 30%. Almost 84% ofhydrocarbons present in petroleum is convertedinto energy rich fuels like petrol, diesel, jetfuel oils13. Lighter grade crude oil producebest yields of this products which iscomparatively heavier grade oil due to lesscarbon and too much Hydrogen. Crude oilderived petroleum fuels resources got moreimportant since 1950’s. Presently consumptionof crude oil derived fuel is around 84 millionbarrels so far (13.4×106 m3) / day which interms of remaining oil supply only for next120 years, if current demand is static13. Hence,we are in the situation to find an alternativesustainable eco friendly renewable energyresource.

PRODUCTION OF BIOFUEL FROMLIGNOCELLULOSE PLANT BIOMASSAND BENEFITS

From biotechnological point of view a vastrange of Lignocellulose biomass resources areavailable as potential candidates that are usedto convert high value bioproducts like bio-ethanol/bio-fuels. Since last few years,considerable improvement from greenbiotechnology and green chemistry related toLignocellulose biomass has emerged. The everincreasing costs of petroleum derived fuelsand their greenhouse effects have caused coredemand to find alternative less cost andenvironment friendly bio-fuels resources alongwith reducing global warming. A potential

Biomass Lignin Hemi CelluloseMaterial % cellulose% %

Banana waste 14 14.8 13.2Bagasse 23.33 16.52 54.87Costal permuda 6.7 35.7 25grassCotton seed hair 0 5-20 80-95Corn cobs 15 35 45Corn stover 19 26 38Grasses 10-30 25-50 25-40Hardwood 18-25 25-40 40-45Leaves 0 80-85 15-20Nut shells 30-40 25-30 25-30Rice straw 18 24 32.1Sugar cane 20 25 42bagasseSweet sorghum 21 27 45Sponge gourd 15.6 17.44 66.59fibres

Wheat straw 15 50 30

Table : Different plant biomass and theircompositions

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method for the low cost production of bio-ethanol is to utilize the Lignocellulose or agro-industrial biomass because they containcarbohydrates that must be first convertedinto simple sugars (glucose) and thenfermented into ethanol; given this realitynations around the world are investing inalternative sources of energy, including bio-ethanol. The conversion of Lignocellulosebiomass into higher value added products likefine chemicals or bio-fuel production normallyrequires a multi-step processing that include(i) pre-treatment (mechanical, chemical, orbiological etc) (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis (iii)fermentation process. In addition productionof biofuel from biomass has followingadvantages : Long term security for energy,supply, free of green house gas emission andmore focus on energy crop research.

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITHBIOFUELS FROM PLANT BIOMASS

Even though plant biomass is available inhuge mass in the environment, production ofbiofuel from Lignocellulose plant biomass hasthe following challenges :

1. Fermentation process of woody/plantbiomass is cost effective.

2. Composition of feed stock may vary ineach substrate, so the formulation offermentation process needs to beoptimized for bulk production.

3. Biomass transportation and storage ofbiomass without losing their efficiency.

4. Selection of suitable pretreatmentprocess for the substrate.

5. Selection of catalyst and recovery of thesame.

6. Extraction of cellulose or completeutilization of all available cellulosecontent from the substrate is difficult.

7. Removal of recalcitrant polymers likelignin needs more effort during theprocess.

8. Health of the plant and yield of biomass/hectare area.

9. Selection of energy crops.

10. Consumption and cost of enzymesvolume / kg of Biomass and difficulty ofenzymes to act on the substrate torelease the product in degradation oflignin and hydrolysis of cellulose andhemicellulose for utilization of cellulosecontent in the plant lignocellulosebiomass.

11. Recovery of biofuel from fermentedbroth.

12. Removal of co-products and its influence/interference in biofuel production.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The energy and environmental concern,which the modern world is experiencing, isforcing to re-evaluate the efficient utilizationor finding alternative uses for natural,renewable resources, using clean technologies.In this regard, Lignocellulose biomass holdsconsiderable potential to meet the currentenergy demand of the modern world. This isalso essential in order to overcome theexcessive dependence on petroleum for liquidfuels. Further advanced biotechnologies arecrucial for discovery, characterization of newenzymes, and production in homologous orheterologous systems and ultimately lead to

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low-cost conversion of Lignocellulose biomassesinto bio-fuels and bio-chemicals. In the currentscenario future trends are being directed toLignocellulose biotechnology and geneticengineering for improved processes andproducts. To overcome the current energyproblems it is envisaged that Lignocellulosebiomass in addition of green biotechnology/green chemistry will be the main focus offuture research. The current research scenarioin energy related area has to focus more toovercome the energy shortage in developingcountries such as India.

REFERENCES

1. S. Jacobsen, C. Wyman, J. AppliedBiochemistry and Biotechnology, 12 :84–86, 2000.

2. LR Lynd Annu Rev Energy andEnvironment, 21, 403–465, 1996.

3. K. Karhumaa, B. Wiedemann, B. Hahn-Hagerdal, E. Boles, MF. Gorwa-Grauslund, J. Microb Cell Fact., 10, 5-18,2006.

4. Leland M Vane, J Chem TechnolBiotechnology 80, 603–629, 2005.

5. ht tp : / /www.ot t .doe .gov .b io fue l s /http:www.ott.doe.gov

6. C. He, Y Ge, J. Tan, K. You, X. Han, J.Wang, Q. You, A. N. Shah, J.Enviornmental Science, 43, 3657-3661,2009.

7. M. Asgher, Z. Ahmad Iqbal, J IndustrialCrops and Products, 44, 488-495, 2013.

8. M. E. Himmel, S. Y. Ding, D. K. Johnson,W. S. Adney, M. R. Nimlos, J. W. Brady,J biofuel production Science, 315, 804 –807, 2007.

9. H. Iqbal, M. Asgher, Protein & PeptideLetters, 5, 591-600, 2013.

10. D. Vercoe, K. Stack, A. Blackman & D.Richardson. In 59th Appita annualconference and exhibition : 2005 :Proceedings.

11. Crude oil is made into different fuelsAnnual conference and proceedingEia.doe.gov. August 29, 2010.

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HUMANS AND MAGNIFICENT GENTLE GOLIATHS OF THEFOREST IN CONFLICT

Mousumi Pal

A ncient Indians had recognized theanimals’ right to co-exist with man

and therefore they were loved, nurtured andeven worshipped. To impress upon thecommoners about their importance, theanimals were given the status of gods andgoddesses. They declared that ‘Almighty’incarnates in different animal forms. The kingsand the emperors opted different animals intheir emblems. Many festivals were/areobserved in honour of several animals. Therulers gave them prime position in art andarchitecture. Unfortunately, today we areneither adopting ancient Indians’compassionate attitude, nor any scientificapproach towards preservation of theseanimals.1

It is well known that, various animals arenow endangered. Endangered animals arethose whose numbers are at a critically lowlevel and whose habitats are drasticallyreduced or damaged that they are in imminentdanger of extinction. In India, the Wildlife(Protection) Act, 1972, provides four schedulescategorizing the fauna of India. Schedule 1lists the rare and endangered species whichare afforded legal protection. Conservationefforts have restored the status of someanimals, like the tiger, rhinoceros, crocodiles

* Department of Zoology, Sovarani Memorial College,Jagatballavpur, Howrah, W.B.

etc. This study is woven around elephants.The majestic Asiatic Elephant (Elephasmaximus), the Lord of the Jungle is underSchedule 1 of the India Wildlife Protection Act1972 as amended. Recently, the government ofIndia has accorded the Elephant as a NationalHeritage Animal. People worship Elephant asLord Ganesha’. According to Gaja Jataka,Bodhisattva was an elephant in one of hisincarnations. However, the Lord of the Jungleis in distress.2

In india there are around 25,600 to 32,750Asian elephants left in the wild with anadditional 15,000 in captivity3. Elephants arethe largest living land animals and are highlyintelligent. According to WWF reports, Asianelephants grow up to 21 feet long and standup to 10 feet tall and weight up to 11,000pounds. Generally elephants live in groupsdivided into clans and the clans are led by thefemale elephants. And for this reason, theyare a materiarchal society.

Unlike the African elephant only the malesof the Indian elephants have tusks, and a partof the genetic population called MAKHANASdo not have it at all. The tusk size denotesrank and position among the herd. A maleelephants’ most prized possession is the ivorytusk.

Elephant population in becoming a scourgeof conflict with man. Inversely applicable, the

The paper highlights the danger faced by Elephants, their reasons forendangerment and conflict with humans.

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reasons of endangerment and conflicttantamount of the same : loss of habitat andscarcity of food. Certain traits of elephantsneed attention. First, elephants do not havesweat glands and for this reason they needplenty of water and mud to submerge them.Secondly, elephants love to stay around watersource and when this availability contracts,their movement across territory expands.Human intrusion into their habitat, out ofextreme necessity, has extended movement ofelephant between 150 and 600 kms.4 Aninteresting case in point is that, in theChandaka Dampara Sanctuary in Orissa, tenelephants explored a new water resource inAthgarh Forest Division around Mahanadiriver.

HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT

As human population expands,encroachment in wildlife territory becomes areality by shrinking their habitat. This hasresulted in conflict over living space and food,leading to a growing number of confrontations—commonly referred to as ‘Human WildlifeConflict’ (HWC).

When wildlife lose their natural habitatsand have reduced access to natural foodsources, they eat agricultural crops andlivestock. They can destroy property and caninjure or kill people. In retaliation, humanstoo kill or capture animals. Many of the peopleaffected by HWC are some of the mostimpoverished on earth. HWC is one of themain threats to many species of wildlife,including many endangered species. As habitgets fragmented, the length of ‘edge’ for theinterface between humans and wildlifeincreases, while the animal population becomescompressed in insular refuges.

Incessant Conflict

Crop damage by elephants is the root causeof HWC. Asian elephants are attracted to food

crops which are more palatable, nutritiousand have lower secondary defenses than wildplants. An adult elephant in the wild will eatin the region of 100 to 200 kg of vegetation perday depending on the habitat and its size. TheBuxar and Chilapata zones of the Dooars aresuffering heavily from intrusions and thereason is their favourite ‘chalta’, a naturalwild fruit which is a raw material for spicypickles.5

To quote another instance, BannerghattaNational Park, located 23 kms from Bangalorecity, have registered over 500 man-elephantconflict complaints during the monsoon andharvest season. The Park hosts more than 200elephants and they raid private fields thatgrow ragi, paddy, sugarcane, mangotrees,jackfruit and coconuts6. When the food andliving space of the elephants are appropriatedby the greedy moneocrats, they raid crop fieldsand break down house to get at stored crops.Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Orissa,admitted in the State Assembly that elephantswere mostly coming out of forests and enteringhuman habitations in search of food andwater.7

Generally the male elephants leave theirnatal home between 10 and 15 years of ageand create their home range, often known as‘dispersal’. During thie period they raidagricultural fields and eat palatable bananasand coconuts. Unofficial reports say 200elephants were killed during the last two yearsfor encroaching into farmers’ lands.8

Intrusion into Corridors

Migration of movement of elephants throughcorridor is needed as the large herbivore cannotbe confined to one area they do so then sothen the entire forest area will be lost. Sonaturally they shift places, and when theyreturn the old habitat becomes covered withnew vegetation for consumption.

3

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A busy interstate highway of 2.5 kmsconnects Kerala and Karnataka. This corridorpasses through the elephants’ forestland whichis threatening the largest population of Asianelephants. They migrate during wet season toa dry area for feeding. Unfortunately, thegovernment has decided to cordon the corridorwith infrastructural developments—likebuilding complxes, housing, offices, toilets anddormitories for drivers, a fuel filling station.9

Elephant population has risen in Orissafrom 1841 in 2002 to 1862 in 2007, but failureto restore elephant corridors owing todevelopment activities and non-implementationof vital schemes have caused an increase inpachyderm deaths. The rate of elephant deathsthat was 32 per year on an average during1990-2003 had increased to 56 on an averageduring 2003-2008, according to a recentComptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reporttabled in the Orissa State Assembly. As manyas 280 pachyderms have died due to variousreasons during the period 2002-200710. Miningactivities in the state, like iron one andmanagenesa, has also caused loss of corridorfor elephants resulting in isolation of theirpopulation, inbreeding and rising man-animalconflict.11

Distress of the elephants rises due toreckless driving of trains through the elephantcorridors in the deep forests to north Bengal.This train line was earlier a metre gaugeconverted to broad guage. This unthoughtfulgauge conversion by the Indian Railways hasresluted in increase number of deaths of theelephants. The original Broad Gauge line inNorth Bengal was running through NewJalpaiguri to New Alipurduar passing throughnon forested areas whereas the metre gaugeline ran through some of the beautiful forestsof north Bengal namely Mahananda WildlifeSanctuary, forests of Kalimpong Division,Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, Diana forests,

Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctury and Buxa TigerReserve. The decision of guage conversion wastaken without even consulting forestauthorities. Since at no point the distancebetween the Broad Gauge and Metre Gaugelines were more than 25 kms, it would havebeen wiser to make the existing Broad Guageline as double line rather than converting theMetre Gauge passing through an excellentwildlife habitat to Broad Gauge. Statisticsshow that between 1974 and 2002 during theexistence of Metre Gauge 27 elephants werekilled due to rail accidents.12

An extent of about 12 acres of green landsin Madhugatta at Bokkapuram, in Tamilnadu,an elephant corridor, which comes under thepurview of Supreme Court’s definition offorests, has been cleared, presumably for thepurpose of constructing a resort. The area isrich in natural regeneration of rosewood andteak wood. A Press release issued by S.Jayachandran, Joint Secretary of TamilnaduGreen Movement (TNGM) stated that, of late,scale violation of all Forest Acts in the Nilgiriswith the active support and connivance offorest officials in being withnessed.13

Loss of Habitat

A desperate battle between elephants andhumans for the forests of India’s remotenortheast has reached alarming proportions,resulting in hundreds killed on both sides.M.C. Malakar, the Chief Wildlife Warden ofAssam, said that, “The main reason for thisconflict is the depletion of the elephant habitatsdue to deforestation and encroachment onforested areas by illegal settlers”. The illegalsettlers inhabit as much as 44,480 acres spreadover 10 national parks and game sanctuaries.Satellite imagery shows that between 1006and 2000 some 691,880 acres of thick forestsin Assam were cleared by humans. The loss ofhabitat has forced elephants into villagesraiding crops, knocking down houses and

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killing people. In retaliation, villagers havekilled elephants by electrocution, shooting themwith poison-tipped arrows or spiking food withpoisons. In one instance, 19 elephants werepoisoned in Sonitpur district, 180 kms northof Guwahati.14

Belinda Wright, the founder of WildlifeProtection Society of India, had argued that,‘human-animal conflict, generally, is going tobe the biggest challenge of the next 10 years”.Elephants are becoming endangered inKeonjhar, in Orissa. Their population haddwindled from 112 in 2002 to 51 in 2007 andthis largely due to unplanned miningactivities.15

Recently human intervention in the WesternGhats has caused an annual deforestation rateof 1.16 percent despite 15 percent of their landarea being protected as wild life sanctuaries.Due to timber logging and rampant poachingfor ivory, the forests have become a fragmentof a once pristine wildlife hahitat.16 Althoughthis form of environmental degradation isprobably quite extensive, it is, paradoxically, aless serious problem with regard to findingsolutions. The second process concerns thedestruction of mountainous forest ecosystemsby the resident populatin. The main processcan be summarized as follows : as the humanpopulation expands in the mountains andplains and forests are depleted the water-retaining capacity of the natural vegetation isreduced and run-off is increased, both inquantity and speed. This fact, deforestationitself, and the use of inappropriate agriculturaltechniques on unsuitable land lead to differentforms of soil erosion and loss of cultivableland. Expansion and encroachment on bothsides are inevitable and a resultant conflictensues.

An increase in the elephant population inthe forests of Jalpaiguri district andcorrespondingly land becoming fallen to

agriculture in the forest periphery has becomea scourage for the forest department officials.As there is little or no scope to expand theforest areas, which is possibly the only solutionto prevent them from venturing outside theforests, has added to the growing number ofman-animal conflict incidents. A total of 68elephants have died unnaturally in the pasttwo years in the forests of Dooars. Accordingto the official of an animal lovers’ association,Mr. Victor Basu, food has become scarce forthe elephants, as the herbivore population hasincreased in the forests in general. “Otheranimals like deer, rhino, bison consume ashare of the vegetation, which forces theelephants to stray out of jungle ultimatelyleading to unnatural deaths”.17

Assam and Maghalaya have a projectedelephant population of 7000. As people havecleared, 2,80,000 hectare of woodland areabetween 1996 and 2000, the elephants arestrained to wander away into humansettlements for food, habitually standing crops.Problem lies not with elephant population, butwith the enormous contraction of its territory.18

CURING OF IDENTITY

Emergency steps are mandatory to alleviatethe sufferings of subsistence farmers andstarved elephants. The report “Review ofHuman-Elephant Conflict Mitigation MeasuresPracticed in Sough Asia”, complied by WWF,Nepal, the Centre for Conservation andResearch, Sri Lanka (CCR) and the NatureConservation Foundation, notes that acomprehensive strategy is needed to mitigatehuman-elephant conflict. Prithiviraj Fernando,Chairman of CCR, Sri Lanka, said that, “Mostmitigation measures currently being used arejust akin to bandaging the wounds and nottreating the root cause......Good land useplanning that takes both people and elephantneeds into account are the only long-termsolution”.19

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Project elephant, a centrally sponsoredscheme was launched in February 1992 toprovide financial and technical support to majorelephant bearing states in the country forprotection of elephants, their habitats andcorridors. The project was circumscribed tothe following states : Andhra Pradesh,Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand,Karnataka, Kerala, Meghalaya, Orissa, TamilNadu, Uttaranchal. Uttar Pradesh and WestBengal.20

Worried over increasing cases of man-elephant conflict, the Orissa government haschalked out an Rs. 53 crore integrated elephantmanagement plan—setting squads to checkpoaching and chasing of elephants from humanhabitation areas, developing of pachydermhabitation areas and introduction of GISmonitoring system.21

CONCLUSION

To the animal lovers the conflict owes toloss of habitat due to human encroachments.The government is elated for a modest increaseas elephant population in recent years; whereasthe forest officials believe that, owing to lackof concrete plans or strategies the loss ofhuman and elephant lives has been increasing.

Factors such as rapid industrialization,mining activities, tardy progress of elephantcorridors, shortage of fodder for elephants inforests and lack of proper utilization of fundsfor wildlife management and conservation haveadded to the problem. A mandatory approachis needed to save the situation for both animalsand humans.

REFERENCES

1. K. Kamat, The Quarterly Jour. of theMythic Society, 85, 1994.

2. Ramesh Bedi, Lord of the Jungle, NBT,New Delhi, 1969.

3. Anand & G. N. Pereira, WildlifeProtection Society of India, Bulletin, 8,June 2008.

4. S. Chakraborty, Ekhon Aranyak, 32, 11,2012.

5. Sumanta Ray Chaudhuri, DNA, India,21 June, 2007.

6. Bosky Khanna, Daily News andAnalysis, 4 october, 2008.

7. The Hindu, 12 July, 2007.

8. NDTV, 16 November, 2006.

9. Hance Jeremy, mongabay. com, 5 April,2009.

10. The Hindu, 16 February, 2009.

11. Newindpress. com, 26 June, 2007.

12. Shakti Banerjee, Ekhon Aranyak, 32,21-22, 2012.

13. B. Ravichandran, Newindpress. com, 29December, 2007.

14. Associated Press, 20 September, 2006,Guwahati.

15. The Statesman, 27 September, 2007.

16. Dr. Anand & G. N. Pereia, “WildlifeProtection Society of India”, Bulletin, 8June, 2008.

17. Statesman New Service, 2 January, 2008.

18. Meri News, 13 November, 2008.

19. WWF, 17 November, 2008.

20. “Project Elephant”, Press Release,Government of India, 20 June, 2008.

21. Indopia, 30 December, 2008.

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INTRODUCTION

R adar (ellipsis for Radio Detection AndRanging) is an object-detection

system that uses radio waves to determine analtitude, range, direction, or speed of objects.The radar antenna transmits pulses of radiowaves that bounce off any object in their path.The object returns a tiny part of the wave’s

A SNEAK PEEK INTO GROUND PENETRATING RADARA SNEAK PEEK INTO GROUND PENETRATING RADARA SNEAK PEEK INTO GROUND PENETRATING RADARA SNEAK PEEK INTO GROUND PENETRATING RADARA SNEAK PEEK INTO GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

Suresh Sahni, Mohit Singhal, Purushottam Kumar Garg, Reet Kamal Tiwari*

* Centre for Glaciology, Wadia Institute of Hima-layan Geology, 33-G.M.S Road, Dehradun,Uttarakhand, Email: [email protected]

The possibility of detecting buried objects remotely has spellbound mankindover centuries. As yet, no single method has been found which could provide theground and its contents clearly visible. Ground penetrating,-probing or surface-penetrating radar has been found to be an especially attractive option.The last two decades have witnessed major advances and the range of applicationsis ever-increasing for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) methods and thecomplexity of signal recovery techniques, hardware designs and operatingpractices is increasing as the technology is maturing. Now we are in a muchbetter position to understand that in which type of geographical settings GPRis effective. Not only do we understand the fine scale geological texture betterthan we ever did before, we also have attained a good understanding of thephysical properties which can control the penetration and reflection of radiowaves.Instrumentation developments are also on the progressing note. Radar systemswith higher power and high quality digital data recording capability have beendeveloped. Furthermore, digital data processing capability and presentation isenhanced over the years which were thought to be an impossible task just a fewyears ago. The evolution of quantitative interpretation tools for GPR is justbeginning. Though the technique is still not infallible and much is still to beexplored, GPR is now a recognized weapon in the geophysical arsenal. Infavourable geographical settings, GPR is unparallel in possession of detailedinformation.

energy to an antenna that is usually locatedat the same site as the transmitter. Themodern uses of radar are highly diverse,including air-defence systems, anti-missilesystems, air traffic control, marine radars tolocate landmarks and other ships, guidedmissile target locating systems, and ground-penetrating radar for geological observations.

GPR as the name suggests is a kind ofradar system which is used for object-detectionand its mapping in the subsurface by usingradio waves which can penetrate the surface.

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In other words, GPR is a high resolutionsystem which is primarily designed toinvestigate the shallow subsurface objects usingradio waves. GPR system has been developedsubstantially over the past thirty years1.GPRuses the principle of scattering ofelectromagnetic waves to locate buried objects.In many respects GPR is the electromagneticcounterpart of sonar or geophones.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The history of GPR is a relatively shortone; the foundation for radar systems ingeneral was laid by Christian Hülsmeyer whenhe obtained the worldwide first patent in radartechnology on April 30, 1904. Six years laterGotthelf Leimbach and Heinrich Löwy appliedfor a patent to use radar technology to locateburied objects with radar technology. Thissystem used surface antennas together withcontinuous-wave radar. In 1926, a pulse radarsystem was introduced and filed for a patentby Dr. Hülsenbeck. The particular inventionimproved the depth resolution and is stillwidely used today.

One of the first GPR survey was performedin Austria in 1930 by W. Stern when hemeasured the depth of a glacier. ThereafterGPR technology was not used any longeralthough some patents were filed in the fieldof “subsurface radar”. Over the next threedecades there was very little activity in thefield, mainly due to lack of applicationidentification2.

This changed after the Second World War.Different scientific teams began to work onradar systems for viewing into the ground inthe early 1970’s. In the beginning, these radarswere developed for military applications suchas locating tunnels in the demilitarized zonebetween North and South Korea. Soon,thereafter public utility and constructioncompanies were interested in such radars and

systems were designed for applications suchas measuring ice thickness, mapping bedrockstructures in underground mines, and findingthe location of hidden pipes and utilities. Somework was done on measuring the depth ofshallow water; however, the study of glaciers,ice caps, salt, coal, and hard rock minesdominated this early work with GPR. Duringthe same period Morey and others formedGeophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI) whichhas been manufacturing and selling groundpenetrating radars since that time (Morey,1974). In addition, a better understanding ofelectrical properties of geologic materials atradio frequencies has developed during pastdecades. Work such as that by Olhoeft (1975)led to a much better understanding of theelectrical properties such as relationshipbetween electrical conductivity and dielectricpolarization of naturally occurring geologicalmaterials. One major issue noted by theGeological Survey of Canada was the greatdifficulty in using existing equipment in remoteareas because at that time equipment wasvery heavy, bulky and power hungry. Inaddition, digital data was needed to exploitthe digital seismic processing advances rapidlyevolving in the petroleum seismic field.

An interest in GPR waned to a degreeduring 1980’s. The initial optimism for thetechnology gave way to the reality that manyenvironments were not favourable for GPR.Considerable confusion often existed as towhether failures were equipment related ordue to natural material responses. In addition,little money was available for technologydevelopment during this phase. A-Cubed Inc.was formed in 1981 in Canada and starteddevelopment of ground penetrating radars. Thelow frequency digital GPR developments werereported.4 This technology development led tothe pulseEKKO series of GPR’s. Many non-commercial developments occurred with

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prototypes that embodied the ideas forportability, digital recording and the use offibre optic cables. In 1988, Sensors & SoftwareInc. was spawned from A-Cubed Inc. andcommenced commercialization of thepulseEKKO technology.

The real explosion in the advancement ofGPR occurred during 1990’s. Many groupsworldwide became interested in the technology.Both the geophysical and electrical engineeringcommunity had started to pay much attentionon research during this phase. Developmentssuch as multi-fold data acquisition, digitaldata processing, and 2D numerical simulationoccurred. Initial three dimensional numericalsimulation was reported3.

PRINCIPLE

The basic principles and theory of operationfor GPR have evolved through the disciplinesof electrical engineering and seismicexploration. The fundamental principle ofoperation of GPR is similar to that used todetect aircraft overhead1. In order to detect anaircraft the electromagnetic waves are radiatedfrom a transmitting antenna which travelthrough a medium whose permittivity is knownto us, these waves travel until they hit anaircraft that has different electrical propertiesfrom the surrounding medium, after whichthey are scattered from the aircraft and aredetected by the receiving antenna. Antennasare like transducers that convert electriccurrents on the metallic antenna elements totransmit electromagnetic waves that propagateinto a material and vice-versa. But the notabledifference between GPR and radar used todetect an overhead aircraft is that in GPR theantennas are moved over the surface ratherthan rotating about a fixed point.

Electromagnetic waves travel at a particularvelocity that is determined primarily by thepermittivity of the object. The relationship

between the velocity of the wave and materialproperties forms the fundamental basis forusing GPR to investigate the subsurface. Alsothe velocity is different between materialswith different electrical properties, and a signalpassed through two materials with differentelectrical properties over the same distancewill arrive at different times.

In GPR, the transmitted wave travelsdownward until it hit objects that havedifferent permittivity, this wave is thenscattered from those objects, and is detectedby a receiving antenna and recorded on adigital storage device for later interpretation.The time taken by this reflected wave to berecorded on each trace is used to determinethe depth of the buried object, if the velocity ofthe wave in the subsurface is known.GPRfrequencies predominantly lie in the 1 MHz to1000 MHz range but the depth of explorationgenerally depends upon the electricalconductivity of the material/site to be explored,for example, in sea water radio signals willonly penetrate a few millimetres whereas inhighly resistive granite formations signals canbe transmitted through tens and even hundredsof metres of rock and still be detected1, 4. Asimplified chart of exploration depth forcommon materials is presented in Figure 15.

Sea WaterConcrete

AsphaltClay, Shale

Silt, MudstoneWood

Fresh WaterSand, Gravel

LimestoneSalt (dry)

GraniteIce, Air

Fig 1: Chart indicating exploration depthfor common materials

0.01 0.1 1 10 100 1000Depth(metres)

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INSTRUMENTATION

Presently a number of different GPRsystems are available in the market, thoughthey all have slightly different configurations,however, they are all comprised of five maincomponents (a) control unit, (b) transmitter,(c) receiver, (d) antennas, and (e) interface,data storage, and display module. The completelow frequency pulseEKKO PRO hand heldAssembly is presented in Figure 25.

The control unit receives the survey

parameters from the interface and generates

the timing signals for the transmitter and

receiver. It also receives the data from the

receiver and does the initial processing before

sending it to the storage device. In somesystems the interface, data storage, displayand control unit are all incorporated into oneunit.

On the command of the control unit, thetransmitter generates the electromagneticpulse that is emitted through an antennaconnected to it. The transmitter-antennadetermines the centre frequency andbandwidth of the signal that is sent into the

ground. Another antenna which is identical tothat attached to the transmitter is attached tothe receiver. This antenna intercepts reflectedenergy and sends it to the receiver where it isamplified, digitized and sent to the controlunit2.

Fig. 2 : The complete low frequency pulse EKKO PRO hand held Assembly

Back of DVL

CanbusBeeper/Trigger

Controlmodule

12 VBattery

Control Moduleto Power Cable

Dual FibreOptic Cables

Electrical toFibre OpticConverters

AdjustableHandle

Transmitter

Receiver

Mounting BlockAntennas

Front ofDVL

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GPR operation is mainly governed by itsfive system parameters, namely, (a) AntennaFrequency, (b) Time Window, (c) SamplingInterval, (d) Antenna Separation, and, (e)Antenna Step Size, which are interrelated toeach other5.

Depending on the objectives of the survey,antenna frequency must be selected to getoptimum penetration and resolution. Asfrequency decreases, the depth of explorationgenerally increases but spatial resolutiondecreases. Therefore, the ideal survey will beone that uses the highest frequency thateffectively penetrates to the target depth. Thisis not always easy to determine and often,field experimentation with several differentfrequencies is necessary.

The Time Window determines how long(and therefore how deep) the radar systemwill explore the subsurface. It is importantthat it is set to a value appropriate for thedepth of the survey target. An entire surveycould fail if the window is not sufficiently longenough to sample to the depth of the target.Conversely, too long a time window increasesthe data volume and decreases productivity.

The system samples the GPR signalsreturning to the receiver. The sampling intervalis dependent on the frequency of the antennas

being used. It is important not to choose asampling interval that is too large for aparticular frequency otherwise the data maybe aliased. Choosing a sampling interval toosmall will increase the data volumeunnecessarily and may slow down the datacollection process.

If the antenna spacing is too small, receiverelectronics may be overloaded by the transmitsignal resulting in data clipping. The rule ofthumb says that the minimum antennaseparation should equal the antenna length.

Antenna Step Size specifies the distancethe antenna pair will be moved each time tocollect a new trace. To properly determinesubsurface targets spatially, it is importantthat a proper Antenna Step Size must beselected. Too larger step size may result inmissed subsurface targets whereas relativelysmaller step size will result in large datavolumes and slow survey productivity. Asimplified table representing correlationbetween five system parameters is presentedin Table 15.

APPLICATIONS

The applications of GPR are endless. So farGPR has been used for numerous purposes,some of them being, snow, glacier thickness

Center Antenna Depth Time Sampling Minimum AntennaFrequency Length (m) Window Interval Antenna Step Size

(MHz) (m) (ns) (ns) Separation (m)(m)

12.5 8 50 1600 6.4 8 225 4 30 800 3.2 4 150 2 10 400 1.6 2 0.5100 1 5 200 0.8 1 0.25200 0.5 2 100 0.4 0.5 0.1250 0.3 2 100 0.4 0.38 0.05500 0.15 1 50 0.2 0.225 0.0251000 0.08 0.5 25 0.1 0.15 0.01

Table 1: Correlation amongst various system parameters of GPR

4

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measurements, archaeological investigations,geophysical investigations, forensicinvestigations, security applications, etc.

GPR is used to measure the ice thicknessand bedrock topography of glaciers. Theinternal structure of glacial ice such asfractures, deformation and embedded debrisin the glacial ice can also be detected. Thoughmost of the GPR systems are used in closeproximity to the ground, airborne systemshave also been developed to map snow cover,glaciers, and even the snow lying under theforest cover.

To detect and detonate abandoned anti-personnel land mines and unexploded ordnanceare major problem for many countries. Most ofthe detection is done with metal detectors,which respond to the large amount of metallicremains and hence have difficulty in detectingthe minimum metal or plastic mines. GPRtechnology is being applied to this problem asa means of providing improved detection oflow metal content mines.

Though we can say that the technology andapplications of GPR had evolved to a muchgreater extent in such a short span of time,but still GPR is in an era where it is exploringand making way to being explored newerdimensions and applications6.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We gratefully acknowledge the Prof. AnilK. Gupta, Director, Wadia Institute ofHimalayan Geology who continually andconvincingly conveyed a spirit of adventure inregard to research. We would also like to givespecial thanks to Dr. D.P Dobhal, for his helpand support. Finally, we would like to thankour colleagues and friends who have given ustheir valuable suggestions and support as andwhen needed.

REFERENCES

1. Jeffrey J. Daniels, Ground penetratingradar fundamentals: Appendix to reportto USEPA, Region 5, 1–21, 2000.

2. Tracking Environmental Change UsingLake Sediments, 2001, 23-47, KluwerAcademic Publishers, Dordrecht.

3. A. P. Annan, Subsurface SensingTechnologies and Applications, 3, 4, 253-270, 2002.

4. A.P. Annan, J.L Davis, Proceedings ofExploration 97: Fourth DecennialInternational Conference on MineralExploration, 512–522, 1997.

5. Sensors & Software Inc., pulseEKKOPRO User’s Guide.

6. Ground Penetrating Radar, 2nd Edition,2004, 3-4, Institution of ElectricalEngineers, Cornwall.

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INTRODUCTION

T he term “green chemistry” is definedas “the invention, design and

application of chemical products and processesto reduce or to eliminate the use and generationof hazardous substances”. Green Chemistrycan diminish the need for other approaches toenvironmental protection. Ideally, theapplication of green chemistry principles andpractice renders regulation, control, clean-up,and remediation unnecessary, and theresultant environmental benefit can beexpressed in terms of economic impact.

Green Chemistry is an effort towardseliminating pollution by making chemicalproducts that do not harm either our health orthe environment and by using productionprocesses that reduce or eliminate hazardouschemicals. Green Chemistry prevents pollutionat it’s source rather cleaning up the messlater.

It is high time that the chemists startthinking about chemical process in the sameway i.e. instead of finding ways to dispose off

PROMINENT TOOLS IN SYNTHETIC PATHWAYS OF GREENTECHNOLOGY : MICROWAVE & ULTRASONIC

IRRADIATION

A.P. Mishra, Brajendra S. Kusmariya and Rajendra K. Jain

* Synthetic Bioinorganic Chemistry Laboratory,Department of Chemistry, Dr. H. S. Gour CentralUniversity, Sagar, 470003.E-mail : apm19@ rediffmail.com

the waste produced during the process, thelater should be modified in a way that nowaste is produced. Scientists must design saferand cleaner approaches to manufacture theproducts we need.

Green Chemistry with its 12 principleswould like to see changes in the conventionalways that were used for decades to makesynthetic organic chemical substances and theuse of less toxic starting materials. GreenChemistry would like to increases the efficiencyof synthetic methods, to use less toxic solvents,reduce the stages of the synthetic routes andminimize waste as far as practically possible.Prof Paul Anastas (father of Green Chemistry)and Prof John Warner have postulated 12principles for practicing Green Chemistry1.

1. Prevention : It is better to prevent wastethan to treat or clean up waste after ithas been created.

2. Atom Economy

3. Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses

4. Designing Safer Chemicals

5. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries

6. Design for Energy Efficiency

7. Use of Renewable Feedstock.

Scientists must design safer and cleaner approaches to manufacture the productsneeded by mankind.

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8. Reduce Derivatives.

9. Catalysis

10. Design for Degradation

11. Real-time Analysis for PollutionPrevention

12. Inherently Safer Chemistry for AccidentPrevention

The use of microwave radiation has becomea widespread and convenient method forheating food and beverage in modern societydue to the energy efficient and volumetricheated observed with microwave radiation.The use of microwave or dielectric heating inchemistry has been limited, however, withmost applications occurring in organicchemistry. The fast and volumetric heating oforganic reactions has lead to extraordinaryreaction rate enhancements.2 In recent yearmicrowave assisted organic reaction hasemerged as new tool in organic synthesis.Important advantage of this technology includehighly accelarated rate of the reaction,Reduction in reaction time with animprovement in the yield and quality of theproduct. Microwave chemistry is applicable invarious industries such as the biotechnology,pharmaceuticals, petroleum; plastics, chemicalsetc. and major applications have beendeveloped in the field of analytical chemistryand chemical synthesis. Due to the successfuldevelopment of commercial instrumentation,microwave dielectric heating is now beingincreasingly applied in chemical reactions.

In the coordination and organometallicchemistry, the microwave-assisted synthesisin not developed such sufficiently as for thepreparation of inorganic compounds,composites and materials or in the organicsynthesis, where microwave heating can beconsidered as a common preparative tool.

However, during the last decade a considerablegrowth of related reports has been registered.The most number of reports corresponds toMW-reactions of the N-, N,O-, and N,S-containing ligands with sources of metal ions3.Microwave method has been proved to be asuccessful method in Synthesis of variousintercalation compounds, Synthesis of ceramicproducts, Polymer Chemistry etc.4

Ultrasonic is the branch of acoustics, whichconsists of high frequency wave beyond theaudible range of human ear. These aregenerally sound waves. Ultrasounds aremechanical waves with frequencies higher than20 KHz. The propagation space of theultrasound is named as ultrasonic field.Applications of ultrasonic irradiation areplaying and increasing role in chemicalprocesses, especially in cases where classicalmethods require drastic conditions or prolongedreaction times, Ultrasound irradiation enablesmany chemical reactions to proceed, even withsome reactions which could not be carried outunder conventional condition. The use ofultrasound in organic transformations is wellknown because it can enhance the reactionrate and can alter selectivity perfomance ofthe reaction. Ultrasonic irradiation has beenincreasingly used in organic synthesis in lastthree decades. Comparing with traditionalmethods, this method is more convenient andeasily controlled. A large no. of organicreactions has been carried out in higher yield,shorter reaction time and milder conditionunder ultrasound irradiation.5,6

● A rapid and enviromentally benignmethod for the coupling of 2-naphtholsis described using copper(II)acetylacetonate under microwaveirradiation in dry media.7

● Studies have been carried out incomparative manner between

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conventional and microwave synthesisof some transition metal complexescontaining 2-amino-5-methylthiazolemoiety.8

● Microwave method was used for inducedsynthesis and characterization ofsemiconducting 2-thiophencearbox-aldehyde metal complexes.9

● Microwave synthesis method wasdeveloped for the synthesis of a series ofcyclometalated platinum complexes withlong chain β-diketone ancillary ligands,with this the reaction time was greatlyreduced from 32 h to several minutes.10

● Ultrasonic method was used for-Ultrasound mediated Green synthesisof Hexa-hydro Triazines.11

● Choline chloride.ZnCl2: green, effectiveand reusable ionic liquid for synthesisof 7-amino-2, 4-dioxo-5-phenyl-2, 3, 5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrano [2, 3-d]pyrimidine-6-carbonitrile derivative.12

ADVANTAGES

Microwave is simple, convenient, fast, highyielding, efficient and environment friendlysynthetic methodology.13 Microwave synthesisis considered as a “green technology, principallysince many organic reactions can be carriedout in solvent-free conditions. Microwaveradiation has proved to be a highly effectiveheating source in chemical reactions.Microwaves can accelerate the reaction rate,provide better yields and uniform and selectiveheating, achieve greater reproducibility ofreactions and help in developing cleanersynthetic routes.

Practically in all reports, main attention ofresearchers is paid to extreme fastness of MWassisted reactions in comparison with classic

protocols. The same reactions in the MW-fieldtake place in 10-100 times more rapidly.Moreover, higher or comparable yields arefrequently reported. Sometimes the MW-routeleads to products, which it is impossible to getvia traditional routes, for instance preparationof several metal cluster complexes.14

Sonochemistry is one of the green chemistryresearch area in which molecules undergo areaction due to the application of powerfulultrasonic radiation. The ultrasound irradiationis a powerful technique for establishing uniquechemical and physical conditions, such as alocal increase in temperature of severalthousands of Kelvins and pressure by severalbars by which reaction proceeds.15 This methodhas several advantages such as higher atomeconomy, energy efficiency, environmentalfriendly, waste and hazards minimization etc.16

DISADVANTAGES

Temperature measurement undermicrowave conditions, particularly for thereaction is dense and solvent-less medium isdifficult. Heating in microwave cavities is basedupon the ability of some liquid and solids toabsorb and transform electromagnetic energyinto heat. When a strongly conducting materialis exposed to microwave irradiation,Microwaves are largely reflected from itssurface. So the material is not effectivelyheated by microwaves, in response to theelectric field of microwave radiation, electronsmove freely on the surface of the material,and the flow of electrons can heat the materialthrough a resistive heating mechanism. While,in the case of insulators microwaves canpenetrate through the material without anyabsorption, losses or heat generation. Theyare transparent to microwave. Passage ofmicrowave radiation which is electromagnetic

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in nature can give rise to absorption ofmicrowave energy and heat generation due tothe so called dielectric heating mechanism.

Heat force control is difficult. Waterevaporation occurs. Therefore, its applicationshave been limited to small-scale use inlaboratories and have not been extended tothe production level.17

In ultrasonic synthesis changes in theenvironment, such as temperature, pressure,humidity, air turbulence, and airborne particlesaffect ultrasonic response.

REMARKS

In 21st century the main objective is todevelop environmental friendly and pollutionfree techniques; microwave and ultrasonicirradiation both fit into this profile. So manyadvantages and superiority over conventionalmethods make these techniques prominenttools of green technology.

REFERENCES

1. PT Anastas, JC. Warner Chemistry :Theory and Practice. Oxford UniversityPress, New York, 1998.

2. V. K. Ahluwalia, Alpha Science Int’l Ltd.,280 pp., 2007.

3. J. A. Ahn, D. H. Chang, Y. J. Park, Y. R.Yon, A. Loupy, C. H. Jun, AdvancedSynthesis & Catalysis, 348, 1+2, 55-58,2006.

4. AJ, Berteaud, JC. Badot, J. MicrowavePower, 11, 351-320, 1976.

5. Anjali Jha, Shabana Yashmeen and D NKumar, Int. J Pharm Bio Sci Oct; 4, 4,(P) 197–204, 2013.

6. VV Dabholkar and FY Ansari, IndianJournal of Chemistry, 48B, 1759-1761,2008.

7. H. M. Meshram, G.S. Reddy, IndianJournal of Chemistry, Section B : OrganicChemistry Including MedicinalChemistry, 42B, 10, 2615-2617, 2003 .

8. A. P. Mishra, Rajendra K. Jain, Journalof Saudi Chemical Society, DOI : 10.1016/j.jscs.2011.09.013, 2011

9. A. P. Mishra, A. Tiwari, Rajendra K.Jain; Adv. Mat. Lett., 3, 3, 213-219, 2012.

10. K.J. Luo, L.I. Xu, X.Q. Wei, M.G. Xie, Q.Jiang. Huaxure Yanjiu Yu Yingyong, 19,9, 991-993, 2007.

11. Ashish K Singh, Sudhish K Shukla,Mumtaz A. Quraishi. J. Mater, Environ.Sci. 2, 4, 403-406, 2011.

12. Dileep Kumar Yadav, M. A. Quraishi, J.Mater. Environ. Sci. 5, Y, xxx-xxx, 2014.

13. G. Roussy and J.A. Pearce, Foundationsand Industrial Applications of Microwaveand Radio Frequency Fields, John Wiley& Sons. 1995, Chichester-New York-Brisbane-Toronto-Singapore.

14. Rafael Martinez-Palou, J. Mex. Chem.Soc., 51, 4, 252-264, 2007.

15. J.T. Li, W.Z. Yang, S.X. Wang, S.H. Li,T.S. Li, Ultrason, Sonochem. 9, 237, 2002.

16. T.J. Mason, Advances in Sonochemistry;JAI Press 1990, London.

17. A. Loupy, Ed. Microwaves in OrganicSynthesis; Wiley-VCH Verlag Gmbh &Co, 2002 Weinheim, pp 1-73.

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THE SOLUTION OF POWER CRISIS THROUGH RENEWABLETHE SOLUTION OF POWER CRISIS THROUGH RENEWABLETHE SOLUTION OF POWER CRISIS THROUGH RENEWABLETHE SOLUTION OF POWER CRISIS THROUGH RENEWABLETHE SOLUTION OF POWER CRISIS THROUGH RENEWABLESOURCES OF ENERGYSOURCES OF ENERGYSOURCES OF ENERGYSOURCES OF ENERGYSOURCES OF ENERGY

Md. Rashid Tanveer*, Deepak Mishra and Aradhana Kashyap

Crisis of power is one of the major problems in developing countries particularlyin India. Day by day the gap between demand and production is increasing.Moreover, most of the power plants are fossil fuel based which will be phasedout in future. Misuse and system loss in power sector are supposed to be themain issue regarding this crisis. It is possible to fulfill load demand by reducingtransmission loss, by using compact fluorescent or LED lamps, transformationof holiday, proper load management and encouraging Independent PowerProducers (IPP). Priority is given to control the misuse and mismanagement inpower sector than to increase the generation of power. But proper utilization ofrenewable energy should be the up most choice for the solution of the powercrisis. This is because it requires low cost and has lesser risk. Initiative shouldbe taken to develop new technology and skilled manpower required for thepower sector considering renewable energy sources. By incorporatingIndependent Power Producers (IPP), it is possible to increase the powergeneration and ensure its proper use in the country. This review article dealswith the factors responsible for the power crisis in the country and its possiblesolution.

* Department of Chemistry, St. Andrew’s College,Gorakhpur -273001 (UP).E-mail: [email protected]

INTRODUCTION

India is one among the fastest developingcountries which is facing the critical

problem of power crisis. There is acuteshortage of electricity. This crisis consists in apeculiarly interlocked group of shortages, notonly of electrical generating capacity but alsoof every major fuel supply1. Behind theseshortages lies a system of controls andinterventions which not only have failedindividually to achieve their intended purposesbut have also worked at cross-purposes with

one another. It is difficult to design a systemthat would succeed better than the currentpatchwork of interventions to wreak havoc inthe field of power generation.

The ultimate source of power for bothheating as well as for electricity is fuel. Thefour primary types of fuel currently in use arecoal, oil, natural gas and uranium. Nuclearpower plants provide less than 1% of thenation’s total electricity at present althoughthere is no shortage of uranium2. However, anumber of nuclear power plants which wereexpected to be in operation by this time havebeen delayed, often by several years. Thus,although the delay in nuclear plants

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contributes to the power shortage, it is not initself a part of the fuel shortage. It hascontributed to the problem because electricutility officials, were counting on the increasednuclear capacity and consequently, did notpay sufficient attention to assure adequatesupplies of coal, oil and gas to the thermalpower plants3,4. Constraints in the availabilityof coal and natural gas, coupled with poorfinancial health of distribution companies,continue to remain major concerns for thegrowth prospects of the power sectors.

Total consumption of electricity in Indiais 698.8 billion kWh. This data consists oftotal electricity generated annually plusimports and minus exports. The discrepancybetween the amount of electricity generatedand/or imported and the amount consumedand/or exported is accounted for as loss intransmission and distribution. As of March2013, the per capita total electricityconsumption in India was 917.2 kWh. Electricenergy consumption in agriculture ishighest (18%) in India. The per capitaelectricity consumption is lower compared tomany countries despite cheaper electricitytariff in India.

Recently India’s Central ElectricityAuthority has anticipated, a base load energydeficit and peaking shortage to be 5.1% and2% respectively. India also expects all regionsto face energy shortage up to a maximum of17.4% in north eastern region. Gujarat hasthe highest power surplus of any Indian state,with about 1.8 GW more power available thanits internal demand. The state was expectingmore capacity to become available. AndhraPradesh leads in the greatest power deficitwith peak power being less by 3.2 GW againstdemand. Despite an ambitious ruralelectrification program, some 400 millionIndians lose electricity access during

blackouts. While 80% of Indian villages haveat least an electricity line, just 52.5% of ruralhouseholds have access to electricity. In urbanareas, the access to electricity is more than93%. The overall electrification rate in Indiais 64.5% while 35.5% of the population stilllives without access to electricity.

ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION IN INDIA

So far as total production of electricity isconcerned, the electricity sector in India hadan installed capacity of 255.012 GW as of endNovember 2014 and generated around 703.1BU for the period April - November 2014. Indiabecame the world’s third largest producer ofelectricity with 4.8% global share in electricitygeneration surpassing Japan andRussia. Renewable Power plants constituted28.43% of total installed capacity and Non-Renewable Power Plants constituted theremaining 71.57%. India generated around967 TWh (967,150.32 GWh) of electri-city (excluding electricity generated fromrenewable and captive power plants). The totalannual generation of electricity from all typesof sources is 1102.9 TWh.

In addition to hydropower, coal, oil, gasand nuclear power generation, it coversgeneration by geothermal, solar, wind andtide-wave energy, as well as that fromcombustible renewable and waste. Productionincludes the output of electricity plants thatare designed to produce electricity only aswell as that of combined heat and powerplants.

The 21st century finds a huge number ofelectric power plants located across country.India has sufficient technology and expertiseto generate electricity through the use of coalpower5,6 wind power7, water power8 andnuclear power9. However, coal based plants isthe main source of fuel for the production ofelectricity in India.

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MAJOR ELECTRICITY GENERATORPLANTS

India has a number of power plants. Theproduction of electricity by different sourcesis given in Fig 1. These power plants aresituated across the country. The entire countryis dependent on these power stations for itsenergy requirement. The important powerplants in India are given below;

Fig 1. The production of electricity by differentsources.

(a) Thermal power plants : The installedcapacity of natural gas based power plants is21,727 MW. These base load power plants areoperating at overall PLF of 25% only due tosevere shortage of Natural gas in the country.These power plants include Suratgarh statethermal power station, Paras thermal powerstation, Chhabra State thermal power plant,Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Project (RGTPP),Panipat thermal power Station and Nashikthermal power station, NTPC (singrauli, Korbaetc.)

(b) Nuclear power plants : India has 4.8GW of installed electricity generation capacityusing nuclear fuels. India’s nuclear plantsgenerated 32455 million units or 3.75% oftotal electricity produced in India. The nuclearpower plants include Kaiga Atomic powerstation, kakrapar atomic power station,Madras atomic power station and Naroraatomic power station. Few more proposed areat Jaitpur, Kudankulam, Mithi virdi, Kovvada,Haripur and Kumharia.

(c) Hydroelectric power plants : Thepresent installed capacity is approximately40,661.41 MW which is 16.36% of totalelectricity generation in India. These powerplants are located at Bhakra dam, Srisailamdam, Uri Hydroelectric dam, Madikheda damand Bansagar dam.

(d) Wind power plants : India has thefifth largest installed wind power capacity inthe world. Wind power accounted for 6% ofIndia’s total installed power capacity, and1.6% of the country’s power output. Theinstalled capacity of wind power in India was15.9 GW. The state of Gujarat is estimated tohave the maximum gross wind power potentialin India, with a potential of 10.6 GW.Important wind power plants are MuppandalWind Farm, Vankusawade Wind Park,Arasinagundi (ARA) Wind Farm, MadhyaPradesh Wind Farm and Kanjikode WindFarm. A wind farm is soon to be set up inWest Bengal. This is supposed to generate 50MW of electric energy.

ENERGY CRISIS IN INDIA

(a) India is slow to set up new powercapacity principally because it is shortof fossil fuels. Coal is mined hesitantlyand natural gas, the other feedstock forpower plants, is just beginning to flowin from new offshore finds.

(b) The immediate response to a powersector in distress-thermal plants areidling a quarter of their capacity is togive it a bigger slice of the pie. Thesustainable response will need the pieto grow overall.

(c) India’s basic energy shortage iscompounded by the policy of sellingelectricity to consumers at politicallycorrect prices.

116,333.38

24,832.68

39,291.40

478018,903.05

1,199.75 CoalHydroelectricityRenewableenergysourceGasNuclearOil

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REASONS BEHIND ENERGY CRISIS

There are several reasons behind the energycrisis or shortage of electrical energy in India.Some of the very crucial factors are beingdiscussed here :

(a) Sharp increase in demand : Being afast developing country the number ofindustries and other sectors power demand isbeing increased. The number of companies ismultiplying each year and the power demandis increasing very fast. This is the most seriousmatter to match production of electricity withthe demand.

(b) Poor utilization of electricalequipment : Apart from insufficient powersupply the power which is being supplied isnot utilized properly. Around 30-40% power iswasted due to low power factor. If we can savethat 30% of power, we have to produce lesselectricity as that wastage can serve thepurpose.

(c) High transmission loss : In India,the efficiency of electrical equipments used inpower transmission and distribution liketransformers and other equipments is verypoor as compared to developed countries, sothere is a chance to save power.

(d) Power theft : The biggest reason forpower shortage is the theft of its resources.Due to importance of power, it is consideredas one among the crucial resource but this isstolen by some people and this has to bestopped.

(e) Delay in commissioning of powerproject : Due to non-availability of fundspower projects are delayed in India andsometimes some political problems are alsofaced. This delays the project and henceincreases the supply versus demand ratio.

(f) Shortage of coal : Coal is not availableat power generating locations like thermalpower plants, on time and this causes delay inthe power generation.

(g) Faculty planning and plantoutages : The planning in Indian powerindustry is of 20 years behind the time. Itshould be upgraded like that in developedcountries.

THE GRID FAILURE

The blackout may have been caused by amix of coal shortages and other problems onthe grid. The power deficit was worsened by aweak monsoon that lowered hydroelectricgeneration and kept temperatures high,feeding the appetite for electricity. Farmersusing energy in intensive water pumps forirrigation to save their recently sown cropsmay also have pushed up the demand. If themonsoon does not pick up, the grids areexpected to come under more stress. Hydro-power accounts for about 20% of installedpower capacity but reservoirs have only 24%of water, they can hold.

STEPS TO MINIMISE POWER CRISIS

We can minimize the power shortage byswitching off the electrical gadgets when theyare not in use. To overcome the energy crisisfollowing steps are required:

(a) Saving energy : Energy saved is theenergy produced. So we all should take care ofthis and should save as much power as wecan.

(b) Use of efficient equipments : Alwaysconsider power saving of the device whilebuying a new electrical equipment.

(c) Pay for what one use : If one isusing electricity one must pay its cost. Thefact is that from the fund earned from sellingelectricity is utilized in setting up new power.

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(d) Checking of power factor : Mostlydue to motors and other similar loads ourpower factor is not unity. It increases thecurrent and hence wastage. Power may besaved by increasing power factor near unity.

SOLUTION OF POWER CRISISTHROUGH RENEWABLE ENERGYSOURCES

The demand for electric power increaseseach second and there is an alarming andmounting power crisis throughout the globe.The efforts are being made to solve the existingcrisis. There are several counter measuresbeing planned such as generating powerthrough diesel generators, solar, wind andother green initiatives. However, they mayincur huge costs and consume more time foractual implementation. In India renewableenergy sector is said to be still in its infancyalthough Indian electricity sector is very activein renewable energy utilization,especially wind energy. India had an installedcapacity of about 31.15 GW of non-conventionalrenewable technologies-based electricity, about13.32% of its total. The percentage ofproduction of electricity by different sourcesis given in Fig 2. The major renewable energysources are as following :

(a) Solar energy : Solar energy is theultimate solution to power crisis10-12. Indiahas an ideal location for solar energyutilization. In a recent study conducted byRenewable Energy Research Centre, it is foundthat average solar radiation varies between 4to 6.5 kWh per day and maximum amount ofradiation are available in the month of Marchto April and minimum in December toJanuary. Moreover, in the rural areas wherethere is no electricity connection, photovoltaictechnology can be a blessing. Under Solar

Mission, a central government initiative, Indiaplans to generate 1 GW of power.

It is needed that newly built apartmentbuildings use solar panels along with the gridconnection to get support during the loadshedding period. But solar photovoltaic islagging behind due to some hurdles. Althoughit can give service up to 20-25 years withproper maintenance, its installation cost isvery high. Further, conventional batteries arevery costly and have life span of around twoto five years. These batteries are suitable forsmall scale power generation. The electricitygenerated by solar cells is therefore about fivetimes to the conventional electricity. Unlessthe technology allows us to develop efficientstorage devices which are cost effective too,solar photovoltaic is going to remain confinedin limited domain. This is the reason thatgrid interactive solar energy is getting popularin European countries as it does not require abattery to store generated energy. Solar platestap the solar power and provide it to gridwhere it gets stored.

In the area where solar intensity is veryhigh, solar thermal power plant can beinstalled. It is already well accepted in thecountry. Solar dryers, water heaters havedirectly contributed in conservation ofelectricity.

Coal59%

Hydroelectricity17%

NaturalGas17%

Renewableenergysource12%

Nuclear2% Oil

1%

Fig 2. The percent of electricity producedby different sources.

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(b) Nuclear Power : In India, a total of20 nuclear power plants are operational. Ourhistory in nuclear power traces back to 1969when Tarapur Atomic Power Station wassetup. Foreseeing the ever growing powerneeds of the future generation and depletingnatural resources, India has planned another20 plants, while four are under construction.

Working of nuclear power plant is complexand each stage of energy production is closelymonitored. A fission process of controllednuclear reaction takes place where heavynucleus splits into two or more lighter nucleiproducing huge amount of power. NuclearPower Plant works according to theinternational safety standards set by AERB(Atomic Energy Regulatory Board).

Nuclear Power Plants in India are spreadacross the country in zones which are non-earthquake prone. Most of the plants belongto the 3rd generation of plants, which havehighly safety and security standards. It isnotable that the operational plants like KaigaNuclear Power Plant, Madras Nuclear PowerPlant, etc are standing example of optimaltechnological utilization. In addition, theplanned and under construction nuclear powerplants like Jaitpur Nuclear Power Project andKudankulam Nuclear Power Plant are set tomultiply nuclear energy generation potentialof India.

(c) Hydroelectric Power : Hydroelectricand coal-fired power plants produce electricityin a similar way. In both cases a power sourceis used to turn a turbine, which then turns ametal shaft in an electric generator, thisproduces electricity. A coal-fired power plantuses steam to turn the turbine blades; whereasa hydroelectric plant uses falling water toturn the turbine.

I. Turbine Blades

The dams are built on large rivers thathave a large drop in elevation. The dam storeslot of water behind it in the reservoir. Nearthe bottom of the dam wall there is waterintake. Gravity causes it to fall through thepenstock inside the dam. At the end of thepenstock there is a turbine propeller. Ahydraulic turbine converts the energy offlowing water into mechanical energy. Ahydroelectric generator converts thismechanical energy into electricity. In a largegenerator, electromagnets are made bycirculating direct current through loops ofwire wound around stacks of magnetic steellaminations. These field poles are mounted onthe perimeter of the rotor. The rotor isattached to the turbine shaft, and rotates at afixed speed. When the rotor turns, it causesthe field poles (the electromagnets) to movepast the conductors mounted in the stator.This, in turn, causes electricity to flow. Powerlines are connected to the generator thatcarries electricity to consumers. The watercontinues past the propeller through thetailrace into the river past the dam.

II. Pumped storage : Reusing water forpeak electricity demand

Demand for electricity is not constant andit goes up and down during the day, andovernight. Hydroelectric plants are moreefficient at providing for peak power demandsduring short periods than are fossil-fuel andnuclear power plants, and one way of doingthat is by using “pumped storage”, whichreuses the same water more than once.

Pumped storage is a method of keepingwater in reserve, for peak period powerdemands by pumping water that has alreadyflown through the turbines back up a storagepool above the power plant at a time when

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the demand for energy is low, such as duringthe middle of the night. The water is thenallowed to flow back through the turbinegenerators at times when demand is high anda heavy load is placed on the system.

The reservoir acts much as a battery,storing power in the form of water whendemand is low and producing maximum powerduring daily and seasonal peak periods. Anadvantage of pumped storage is thathydroelectric generating units are able to startup quickly and make rapid adjustments inoutput. They operate efficiently when used forone hour or several hours. Because pumpedstorage reservoirs are relatively small,construction costs are generally low comparedwith conventional hydropower facilities.

(d) Ocean wave energy

Ocean wave energy is generated directlyfrom the waves of the oceans13-15. It is anotherspecial type of renewable energy which helpsto decrease the harmful emissions of greenhouse gases associated with the generation ofpower. India has the oceans surrounding thecountry. It can be potentially a significantsource of electricity for our country. Thoughthe main purpose of ocean wave energy iselectricity generation, it can also be used forpumping of water, water desalination etc. Theoscillation water column method is technicallyfeasible and becoming economically attractivein this purpose. This type of wave energyharnessing device is being commissioned byseveral countries.

(e) Tidal energy

Tidal power or tidal energy is a form ofhydropower that converts the energy of tidesinto electrical power16,17. As tides are morepredictable than wind and sunlight, tidalenergy can easily be generated from thechanging sea levels. The coastal area has atidal rise fall of several meters.

(f) Biodiesel

Biodiesel is chemically trans esterified lipid.It is mono-alkyl ester and said to behydrogenated alkane renewable diesel. Thisterm refers to a vegetable oil- or animal fatbased diesel fuel consisting of long-chain alkyl (methyl, ethyl, or propyl) esters.Biodiesel is typically made by chemicallyreacting lipids e.g., vegetable oil, animal fator tallow with an alcohol producing fatty acidesters.

Biodiesel is meant to be used in standarddiesel engines and is thus distinct from thevegetable and waste oils used to fuel converteddiesel engines. Biodiesel can be used alone, orblended with petrodiesel in any proportions.Biodiesel can also be used as a low carbonalternative to heating oil.

In recent years fossil fuel depletion andglobal warming issues are the point of concernaround the world. To reduce carbon emissionsand decreasing reserves of fossil fuels, biofuelcan be an attractive source of energy. Incomparison to fossil fuels, biofuel can reducethe emission of CO2. Next generation biofuelscan be a great solution to the global warmingand the crying need of fossil fuels. Thebiodiesel can be used in the diesel generatorto produce electricity. This will be cost efficientand also environmental friendly.

(g) Geothermal energy

The thermal energy which is generatedand stored inside the earth surface is calledgeothermal energy. It is very much costeffective and environment friendly18. With thistechnology, the steam and hot water producedinside the earth surface is used to generateelectricity. Geothermal energy is generatedabout 4000 miles below the surface, in earthcore. This energy is produced due to slowdecay of radioactive particles in rocks. As a

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result high temperature is produced insidethe earth. About 10715 MW of geothermalenergy is generated in 24 countries worldwide.The demand of electricity in urban as well asin the rural areas are increasing, but ourproduction of electricity is not increasing. Therural demand for electricity can be covered bythe production of electricity throughgeothermal energy. The electricity demand ofurban can be met by this saved electricitywhich is supposed to be provided in the ruralareas. Geothermal energy can balance theelectricity consumption.

(h) Wind energy

The wind sector is progressing fast. Thereare many hilly and coastal areas in Indiawhich have huge potential for wind energygeneration. Wind energy is a technique whichconverts the air flow into mechanical energywhich is eventually converted into electricitywithout generating pollutants.

CONCLUSION

Power crisis can be solved by the use ofrenewable energy sources. Such sources arebio-diesel, biogas, solar energy, micro hydro,wind energy, ocean wave energy, ocean tidalpower, geothermal energy etc. Some renewableenergy resources like small hydro, micro hydro,wind, solar thermal, bio-mass based stand-alone power generation units have succeededin India to some extent, whereas there is noserious study for tapping the potential ofgeothermal energy. Potential of wave and tidalenergy remains untapped just without anysatisfactory reason. Solar energy can also be agreat source for solving power crisis in thecountry. But due to some technical limitationsand cost solar photovoltaics has failed to gainnecessary popularity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors are grateful to the Principal,St. Andrew’s College, Gorakhpur, for providinglaboratory facilities. Financial assistanceprovided by University Grants Commission,New Delhi in the form of minor project – F.No. 8 - 3(38) / 2011(MRP / NRCB) is alsothankfully acknowledged.

REFERENCES

1. Subhes C. Bhattacharyya, Journal ofCleaner Production, 15, 235-246, 2007.

2. Michael Dittmar, Science of The TotalEnvironment, 461–462,792-798, 2013.

3. Lihua Zhao, Yin Lin, ProcediaEngineering, 26, 2032-2037, 2011.

4. R.C. Bhangare, P.Y. Ajmal, S.K. Sahu,G.G. Pandit, V.D. Puranik, InternationalJournal of Coal Geology, 86 , 349-356,2011.

5. Marcos L.S. Oliveira, FabianeMarostega, Silvio R. Taffarel, Binoy K.Saikia, Frans B. Waanders, KátiaDaBoit, Bimala P. Baruah, Luis F.O.Silva, Science of The TotalEnvironment, 468–469, 1128-1137, 2014.

6. Ananth P. Chikkatur, Ambuj D. Sagar,Nikit Abhyankar, N. Sreekumar, EnergyPolicy, 35, 3744-3758, 2007.

7. C. Marimuthu, V. Kirubakaran,Renewable and Sustainable EnergyReviews, 23, 80-90, 2013.

8. Priyamvada Zutshi, Preety M. Bhandari,Energy Policy, 22, 75-80, 1994.

9. Jessica Jewell, Energy Policy, 39, 1041-1055, 2011.

10. Matías Hanel, Rodrigo Escobar,Renewable Energy, 49, 96-100, 2013.

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11. Antonio Urbina, Renewable Energy, 68,264-269, 2014.

12. D. Azofra, E. Martínez, E. Jimenez, J.Blanco, J.C. Saenz-Díez, AppliedEnergy, 121, 28-37, 2014.

13. T.R. Anoop, V. Sanil Kumar, P.R.Shanas, Ocean Engineering, 81, 150-157,2014.

14. S.C. Pryor, R.J. Barthelmie, ReferenceModule in Earth Systems andEnvironmental Sciences, from ClimateVulnerability, 3, 65-81, 2013.

15. Raymond Alcorn, Chapter 17 - WaveEnergy Future Energy (Second Edition),357-382, 2014.

16. C.D. Rakopoulos, D.C. Rakopoulos, E.G.Giakoumis, A.M. Dimaratos Fuel, 89,3814-3826, 2010.

17. R. Prakash, R.K. Singh, S. Murugan,Energy, 55, 610-618, 2013.

18. S.I. Yang, T.C. Hsu, C.Y. Wu, K.H.Chen, Y.L. Hsu, Y.H. Li, Energy, 66,172-180, 2014.

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INTRODUCTION

E veryone wants to be sure what theyare eating is a healthy diet. It has

been demonstrated that vegetarian diets canmeet the nutritional needs for people of allages. ”Appropriately planned vegetarian diets,including total vegetarian or vegan diets, arehealthful, nutritionally adequate, and mayprovide health benefits in the prevention andtreatment of certain diseases.” [AmericanDietetic Association]

Now a days omega (ω) 3 is a matter ofconcern among the weight conscious people.However, due to radical changes in foodprocessing, manufacturing and dietary shifts,vegetarians have been found to be moredeficient in essential omega-3 fatty acids thantheir omnivorous neighbors. This maypredispose vegetarians to a variety of healthailments.

FLAX : THE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 SOURCEFLAX : THE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 SOURCEFLAX : THE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 SOURCEFLAX : THE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 SOURCEFLAX : THE VEGETARIAN OMEGA-3 SOURCE

Mamta Kumari* and Shashi Jain**

Nutritionally important omega-3 fatty acids include ααααα-linolenic acid (ALA),eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all of which arepolyunsaturated. Flax and fish contains highest amount of omega-3 fatty acidsamong vegetarian and non-vegetarian sources respectively. Nutrition Scientistshave recommended an appropriate ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids intake of 5 : 1 to10 : 1. Taking sufficient omega-3 is important to maintaining good health, as wellas reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack and has many other health benefits.

So, it’s necessary to know about its benefitsfor our better health.

WHAT IS OMEGA 3 ?

Omega 3 is poly-unsaturated fatty acids.These are the fatty acids that contain morethan one double bond in their backbone.Nutritionally important ω 3 fatty acids includeα-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), all ofwhich are polyunsaturated. The ultimatevegetarian diet should include a high qualitysource of omega-3 fatty acid, such as freshflaxseed oil in order to avoid omega-3 fattyacid deficiency and to provide an optimalbalance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids inthe diet.

MECHANISM AND STUDIES

The cells in our body are made up of fat.The type of fat that make up these cells isdetermined by the type of fat consumed.Saturated fat, which is solid at roomtemperature, will make the cell walls of ourbody hard and inflexible. While unsaturatedfats will allow our cell walls to be fluid allowingnutrients to pass easily into the cell andwastes to be easily discharged. EFAs are

* Polytechnic in Home Science, JunagadhAgricultural University (JAU), Keriya Road, Amreli,Gujarat-365601.Email- [email protected]

** Department of Food & Nutrition, College of HomeScience, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture& Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, Rajasthan.313001. Email- [email protected]

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unsaturated fats that will allow our body cellsto easily discharge wastes and absorb nutrient.In addition, it has been suggested by recentstudies, that cells composed of omega-3 fattyacids, protect against breast cancer.

Although omega-3 fatty acids have beenknown as essential to normal growth andhealth since the 1930s, but the awareness oftheir health benefits has dramaticallyincreased in the past few years. Studies showthat a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids mayhelp lower triglycerides and increase HDLcholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega 3fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulantto prevent blood from clotting. Several otherstudies also suggest that these fatty acidsmay help to lower high blood pressure.1

Omega 3 fatty acids may protect againstthe accumulation in the body of a proteinbelieved to be linked to Alzheimer’s disease,according to the results of a new study. Thisstudy specifically investigated one particularkind of omega 3 fatty acids - Docosahexaenoicacid (DHA), and the results are encouraging.2

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

The following symptoms indicate a needfor high omega-3 foods : depression, Type 2-Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dry, itchyskin, brittle hair and nails, inability toconcentrate, fatigue, joint pains, etc.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Omega-3’s are necessary for normalbiological functions but it is also importantfor many other benefits3; some are as follows:

● They can help to increase your energylevel.

● Might prevent certain types of cancer

● Improve your sleep

● Reduce inflammation

● Improve muscle recovery from trauma

● Help with arthritis.

● Provide lubrication to the skin, arteries,veins and intestinal tract.

● Help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

● Help to improve concentration

● Benefit for diseases like: Alzheimer’s,depression and many other cognitivelyimpaired situations.

● Reduces high blood pressure and lowerscholesterol.

● Might improve the healing capabilityfor various health problems.

● Can improve constipation.

● For proper brain function

RDI (RECOMMENDED DIETARYINTAKES) FOR OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

National Institute of Health (NIH)recommended that people consume at least2% of their total daily calories as omega-3fats. To meet this recommendation, a personconsuming 2000 calories per day shouldconsume at least 4 grams of omega-3 fattyacids. This can be easily met by adding justtwo foods to the diet, flaxseeds and wild-caught salmon. Two table spoon of flaxseedcontain 3.5gm of omega-3fats. 4 Ounce ofsalmon contain-1.5 gm of omega-3 fats.(1 ounce = 28.35gm). According to the Foodand Drug Administration (FDA), 2 servings offish a week is recommended. Further a dailyintake of 500mg omega-3 fats for infants,

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benefits of nutritionally required omega-3 fattyacids. The absolute best choice is unrefined,fresh, organic flax seed oil. Which containsmore omega-3 fatty acid than any othersource.6

Flax seeds come in two basic varieties:brown and yellow or golden. Most types havesimilar nutritional characteristics and equalamounts of short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.They are an excellent dietary supplement andcontain several other essential nutrients suchas vitamin B6, magnesium, and folate.

Omega 3 fish oil is more preferable becauseit contains greater levels of EPA and DHA,which are essential for the brain and bodyhealth.6

The Omega-3/Omega-6 Ratio

In the human body, LA and ALA competefor metabolism by the enzyme Ä6-desaturase.It has been suggested that this is importantto health, as too high intake of LA wouldreduce the amount of Δ6-desaturase availablefor the metabolism of ALA, which may increasethe risk of heart disease. Several sources ofinformation suggest that human beings areevolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 toomega-3 essential fatty acids of approximatelyone. But due to technological advancementscoupled with shifts in dietary patterns in therecent past have contributed to a shift in theratio of these EFAs mainly due to eitherexcessive amounts of omega-6 or due todeficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in the diets.Thus, Nutrition Scientists of leading healthorganizations have recommended anappropriate ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids to5:1 to 10:1. The following chart lists the omega-6 and omega-3 content of various vegetableoils and foods :

750mg for 1-3 yrs children and 900mg for 4-8 yrs children are recommended. Thesuggested intake for boys and girls aged 9-13yrs are 1200mg and 1000mg/day, respectively.The recommended intake of omega-3 for boysmore than 13 yrs and adult males and girlsmore than 13 yrs and females are 1600mgand 1000mg/day, respectively.4

DIETARY SOURCES

Fish, plant, and nut oils are the primarydietary source of omega-3 fatty acids.Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) anddocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, halibut,sardines, tuna, and herring. ALA is found inflaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola (rapeseed) oil,soybeans, soybean oil, pumpkin seeds,pumpkin seed oil, walnuts, and walnut oil.Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids includesea life such as krill and algae.5

World’s Healthiest Food rich inOmega 3 Fatty Acids

Calories % Daily Value

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50Flaxseeds 95

Walnuts 164

Salmon, Chinook 262

Sardiners 191

Soybeans, cooked 296

Halibut, back/broiled 159

Shrimp, Steamed/boiled 112

Tofu, raw 86

Snapper, baked/broiled 145

Scallops, baked/broiled 152

OMEGA-3 : PLANT / ANIMAL

The omega-3 fatty acid derived fromvegetable sources such as flax seed (rich inALA) once ingested, are converted to the typesof omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood. Thus,vegetarians need not to consume animal meatsor fish oil supplements to obtain the health

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Oil Omega-6 Omega-3Content Content

Safflower 75% 0%Sunflower 65% 0%Corn 54% 0%Cotton seed 50% 0%Seasame 42% 0%Peanut 32% 0%Soybean 51% 7%Canola 20% 9%Walnut 52% 10%Flaxseed 14% 57%Fish 0% 100%

CONCLUSION

Taking sufficient omega-3 is important tomaintaining good health, as well as reducingthe risk of stroke and heart attack. In addition,it has many other health benefits includingweight loss. Omega-3 fats play an importantpart in the production of hormone-similarsubstances called prostaglandins; thesesubstances help maintain normal bodyfunctions; some of these functions include bloodpressure, nerve transmission, and allergicresponses. Also, the functions of the kidneysand gastrointestinal tract, and the productionof other hormones are also influenced byomega-3’s too.

However, to receive the most benefit,consumers should make a conscious choice toremove extraneous sources of omega-6 fattyacids from the diet, such as refined foods,

grocery-store oils and salad dressings high inomega-6 fatty acids. It would be prudent forvegetarians to use flaxseed oil, which has avery high percentage of omega-3 fatty acid asthe basis for salad dressings and in baking,instead of sunflower, corn, safflower, and soywhich have a poor ratio in comparison.Therefore, by regular exercising following theadvice of personal physician, and takingdietary supplements quality of life can beimproved.

REFERENCES

1. Cathy Wong, http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/omega3.htm2010.

2. MC. Morris, DA. Evans, JL. Bienias,CC. Tangney, DA. Bennett, RS. Wilson,N. Aggarwal, J. Schneider. Arch Neurol.60, 7 : 940-6 2003.

3. Joyce A. Nettleton. http://albatuna.com/Info/OmegaFacts.htm 2003.

4. Workshop on the essentiality anddietary reference intakes (DRIs) foromega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.Sponsored by National Institute onAlcohol Abuse and Alcoholism-NIH.1999. Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

5. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/omega-3-000316.htm

6. Gloria Tsang, http://www.healthcastle.com 2005.

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INTRODUCTION

T he science of laboratory animal medi-cine has extended a great scope for

the growth of medicine, which is in consequentto flagrant outcomes of numerous infectiousdiseases, emerging needs for expertisation infood safety and continual development of newtherapies. Undoubtedly, laboratory animalveterinarians have extended an unflinchingsupport to play an important role in biomedicalresearch involving animals with requisitewelfare policies. The diverse nature ofresponsibilities of laboratory animalveterinarians includes prevention andtreatment of diseases, relieve from pain anddistress, research and support, developmentand formulation of appropriate animalhusbandry programs, synthesis of policies onanimal use protocols, designing and framingof experiments and finally operation of goodlaboratory animal facilities. Besides this, there

are certain auxiliary which relies greatly on ashoulder of laboratory animal veterinarian,involves consultation and advice on compliancewith laws and regulations specific toexperimentation, training scientific and animal-care to paramedical staff, direction of usageand selection of suitable animal models forresearch.

WHY A VETERINARIAN IS REQUIRED?

Amazingly, it is has been often realized bynumerous scientists and common people thatwhy veterinarians become actively involvedwith animal experimentation, used for scientificpurposes. To answer this unique query, hereare the two important reasons. At the outset,usually in animal research, a sense of scientificinquisitivetiness always prevails around us,who consequently stimulates us to know thedifference in physiological dynamism existsbetween the two domains i.e. human andanimal (mammalian) medicine. To understandthis concept, scientist and other common peoplehave been encourage in taking help ofveterinary professional. The veterinarian usesall of the primary disciplines of veterinary

ROLE OF VETERINARIAN IN LABORATORY ANIMALROLE OF VETERINARIAN IN LABORATORY ANIMALROLE OF VETERINARIAN IN LABORATORY ANIMALROLE OF VETERINARIAN IN LABORATORY ANIMALROLE OF VETERINARIAN IN LABORATORY ANIMALRESEARCH AND MEDICINERESEARCH AND MEDICINERESEARCH AND MEDICINERESEARCH AND MEDICINERESEARCH AND MEDICINE

Manjurul Haque

* College of Veterinary Science, Mhow, NDVSU,Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.Email: manjurul_h@ rediffmail.com

Utilization of laboratory animal in medical research has great potential. When a newcompound or certain new technique is developed, it is recommended to test its efficacy(weather beneficial or harmful) on laboratory animals before introducing in humanbeing. The physiology and anatomy of these animals varies significantly and only aveterinarian can understand them properly. Besides, veterinarians also have responsi-bility to minimise the suffering of animals and conduction of experiment as per ethicalguidelines.

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science and adds unique skills to supplementthe event of experimental work with greatauthority.

In addition, the veterinarians were alsotaught about the usage of wide variety ofunusual species, their handling andmanagement, and possible outcome of theexperiment, which resultantly felt others torealize the value and need of profession inlaboratory animal medicine. Secondly, thedesire to become a veterinarian usually stemsfrom empathy for animals and it is thatempathy that is critical for veterinarians thatfulfils a role in the monitoring and care ofanimals used for scientific purposes, besidesthe veterinarian significantly and efficientlyplays a key role in ensuring the respect adoptedfor the ethics and laws enacted by thelegislative bodies. To illustrate this point, thegiven situation quintessentially elaborates theclaim made by veterinary professional inprevious realization. The adverse effects ofstress on the immune system, for example,are well documented and it is the interfacebetween the researchers and the veterinariansthat promotes the reality that good animalwelfare leads to good science.

The use of animals in laboratoryexperiments has always remained acontroversial issue. Many people are opposedto vivisection, or medical experiments usingliving animals. To this consternation, primaryconcomitant controversy also exists in theusage of animal for research; however, thereare many people who feel that animalexperiments are necessary for the prolongingof human life. According to Pardes and his co-worker animal research has been responsiblefor increasing life expectancy in the UnitedStates from 52 years in the early 1900’s to 72

years today1. On this basis, many doctors andscientists are in favour of maintaining animalexperimentation.

A new study claims the number of animalsused worldwide in laboratory experiments isclose to 115 million. The annual figure isbased on official statistics from 37 countries,but includes estimates for nations where datais unavailable and has therefore been contestedby pro-experiment groups2.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ANIMALS INBIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

The mission of medicine is maintenance ofhealth, elimination of suffering andprolongation of life3. These aims can beachieved by medicine based on experimentaldetermination, because only then it becomes areal science. The nature of human mind hasled the beginning of humanity on the earth tothe cognition of his environment and himself.Being intellectually superior to other livingcreatures, man has got power over them. Inhis endless efforts to expand knowledge aboutliving organisms, including his own, he startedto use animals.

Man has used animals for cognitive purposesfor all ages and is still doing it; howevermotivation has changed and is still changing.Cognition of functions of living organisms onthe basis of observation, without anyinterference into the living body gave a lot ofimportant information, yet, generally, thismethod was of little use for the developmentof science. Only the use of animals could giveinformation about this what was earlierunknown and impossible. The long-lastingevolution of experimental studies of livingfunctions of higher organisms resulted inachieving a perfect level in biomedical studies.

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Undoubtedly, the greatest achievements inmedicine in the 19th and 20th centuries werepossible due to the use of animals. There is astrong relationship between rapiddevelopments in experiments on animals andis evident from the progress of clinicalmedicine. Surprisingly, in the middle of 20th

century, the man left the globe for the firsttime and reached another planet. This unusualevent in the history was only possible due tospace medicine developed from the basis ofnumerous biomedical experiments performedwith ultimate usage of laboratory animals3.Despite such advances that have already beenmade, we are still reeling through the earlystages of understanding of the complex workingof human physiology. This makes thereplacement of animal experiments a slowprocess. At the same time, our increasingknowledge is opening up whole new areas ofmedical research which in turn give rise to aneed for further animal use. While it may bedifficult to envisage total replacement, theproposition of work that can be done withoutanimals is increasing all the time.

SCOPE FOR VETERINARIAN

The involvement of laboratory animals inmedicine research has yielded numerousunique insights pertaining to pathogeneticmechanism and subsequent ability to link anddevelop new drug molecules. The recentadvances in human genome research havefurther increased the usage of laboratoryanimals to get connections between diseasesand molecular factors with introduction of

molecular bio-imaging concept. This growingcontribution in medical science has been highlyappreciated and due regards has been paid toprofessional veterinarian whose activeparticipation and thorough knowledge on actualphysiological and anatomical peculiaritiesaffiliated with different laboratory animalsmodel has further propounded several valuableinformation. The animal model studies hascontinually enhanced our understanding ongenetic, molecular cellular component of humandiseases and promoted to direct animal tohuman translational application.

Many efforts are on to find suitablealternatives to animal experiments, to increasethe usefulness of those that already exist, andto refine animal research models and methods.But, at present days biomedicine, with itsexperimentation on animals, reveals the lawsof nature with which the clinician and hispatient can use to improve the life quality andprolong the life span and eliminate sufferings.We all want to lead a healthy and enjoyablelife. Most of us want the benefits of modernmedical research-benefits that we would nothave thought without the contribution ofanimal research.

REFERENCES

1. H. Pardes, A. West and H. A. Pincus, N.Engl. J. Med., 324, 1640-1643, 1991.

2. J. Randerson, Scientific correspondencein The Guardian on 13th August, 2008.

3. W.W. Pawlik, Folia Med Cracov, 39,175-182, 1998.

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INTRODUCTION

A nimal usage is a highly controversialissue unique to modern science

though it has lead to many scientificbreakthroughs. Scientists strongly favouranimal usage in spite of repeated protestsfrom animal rights activists. The academiciansand researchers claim that scientificbreakthroughs like the discovery of antibiotics,drugs and vaccines, the standardisation oftoxicological and medical procedures andsuccessful xenotransplantation of organs havesaved many human lives. The animal rightsactivists on the other hand say that thescientists should use their decision makingability to avoid/minimise animal experimenta-tion. The bleak result of deciding the moralityof experimenting on animals on the basis ofrights is probably why people always justifyanimal experiments on consequentialist

CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL USAGE :CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL USAGE :CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL USAGE :CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL USAGE :CONTROVERSIES AND ETHICS OF ANIMAL USAGE :EMERGING ISSUES AND NEW CHALLENGESEMERGING ISSUES AND NEW CHALLENGESEMERGING ISSUES AND NEW CHALLENGESEMERGING ISSUES AND NEW CHALLENGESEMERGING ISSUES AND NEW CHALLENGES

P. V. S. Kishore

* Department of Veterinary Anatomy, SriVenkateswara Veterinary University College ofVeterinary Science, Korutla - 505 326 KarimnagarDt. Telangana State.E mail: pvskishore_1963 @yahoo.com

Animal usage plays a central role in biological science. Millions of animals arekilled causing enormous degradation of biodiversity and massive ecologicalimbalance. Compassion and respect for life is achieved through focussed criticalthinking. Use of the Information Communication Technology, development ofSkill laboratories and Digital learning devices should be done to train students.Humane education where teaching objectives are met using non-animalalternatives is a valued need.

grounds; by showing that the benefits tohumanity justify the suffering of the animalsinvolved. This can be demonstrated bycomparing the moral consequences of doing ornot doing an experiment. However, it can’t beused to defend all forms of experimentationsince there are some forms of suffering thatare probably impossible to justify even if thebenefits are exceptionally valuable tohumanity.

Animal rights extremists pronounce thathumans can decide whether to give consent ornot which the animals cannot and hence testsare conducted on them. They often portraythose who experiment on animals as being socruel as to have forfeited any own moralstanding. The use of animals in researchshould evolve out of a strong sense of ethicalself-examination; a self analysis of one’s ownpersonal and scientific motives. The lack of itis common and generally involves the denialor avoidance of animal suffering, resulting inthe dehumanization of researchers and theethical degradation of their research subjects.

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Moreover, it requires recognition of animalsuffering and a satisfactory working throughof that suffering in terms of one’s ethicalvalues. The possible benefits to humanity ofperforming the experiment are completelyirrelevant to the morality of the case, becauserights should never be violated.

Another major ethical controversy withanimal usage is that it mostly involves pain,suffering and discomfort. Animals do in factsuffer, and do in fact feel pain. Rats havenervous systems similar to humans and feelthe pain of shocks in a similar way. Pain is anintrinsic evil whether it is experienced by achild, an adult, or an animal. If it is wrong toinflict pain on a human being, it is just aswrong to inflict pain on an animal.“Speciesism” is as arbitrarily unjust as racismor sexism. Experimenters wherever possiblewill use anaesthetics but for some types oftesting, using a pain reliever can mean aninteraction with the drug being tested. Theanimals therefore experience the effects ofthat drug and if it involves pain it presents anunpleasant situation. In addition, irrationalabuse, unnecessary replications and use ofindiscriminate numbers are other areas ofconcern.

EMERGING ISSUES

Many issues keep emerging and the variousbodies’ concerned need to redress theseperiodically. The laws and regulatory practicesof the various acts and committee’s viz.,Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) act,1960; Wildlife protection act, 1972; Committeefor the Purpose of Control and Supervision ofExperiments on Animals (CPCSEA) guidelines2010, UGC guidelines 2011 for discontinuationof dissection and experiments on live animalsin a phased manner and Ministry for

Environment and Forests (MoEF) guidelines2012 should be strictly enforced. Ethicalreviews and audit should be done periodically.Non scientific socially aware member’s opinionin the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee(IAEC) should be strictly considered. The non-governmental organisations viz., Society forPrevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA),People for Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA), People For Animals (PFA) etc. assistthe government, R & D institutes and thegeneral public in this regard.

UGC has issued the latest notification in2014 on dissection and animal experimentationin undergraduate, postgraduate and researchprogrammes with the objective to prevent thedisruption of bio-diversity and maintain theecological balance with the acquisition ofappropriate alternative technology in place ofanimal experimentation and to developcompetent skilled human resources. Itprojected that the enormous degradation ofbiodiversity and the massive ecologicalimbalances lead to natural calamities. It urgedthe universities to stop dissection of animalsat undergraduate and postgraduate levels withimmediate effect and use the alternativemechanisms available to provide hands-on-experience to the students. It urged that timehas come to make profitable use of theInformation Communication Technology (ICT)available around us.

It professed that higher educationalinstitutions should make it their moralresponsibility to do away with the use ofanimals for various academic purposes. Noanimal from any species should be dissected,either by teachers or students. The teachersshall demonstrate one or more aspects ofanatomy to students with the help of digitalalternatives, models and charts etc. The

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laboratory exercises should make use ofmuseum specimens, microscopic preparations,photographs, video clippings, models, charts,plastinated specimens etc. Many digitallearning devices have modules for testingwhich can be used to evaluate the students atthe examination. Skill laboratories should bedeveloped by the institutions to train studentson interactive plastic models.

However, it is mentioned that it shall bethe responsibility of the institution to ensurethat the animals permitted for dissection /experimentation in the instruction areprocured from ethical sources and if live theyshould be transported without stress or strainand if dissected upon it should be done underappropriate anaesthesia. Ensuring a closeobservance of high ethical standards, itprohibited the use of animals for dissectionand experimentation at both undergraduateand postgraduate levels except for research.Animals used in research should be procuredfrom registered CPCSEA breeders afterapproval from their Institutional AnimalEthics Committee. They should never beremoved from their natural habitat.

NEW CHALLENGES

A lot of challenges lie ahead in front of thescientists. Alternate modes for dissection andexperimentation have to be explored. Digitaland plastinated specimens, models andmannequins computer simulations, tissuecultures, invitro and insilico methods have tobe developed. Development of alternatives touse of animals in education and research hasto be done. Best experimental designs to reducethe number of animals, proper anaesthesia toreduce pain, and euthanasia if mandated haveto be ensured in justifiable cases. Animalusage for cosmetics testing has to be banned

as done in some countries which display theleaping bunny logo on the cosmetic productswhich have been produced without testing onanimals. If animal testing is to continue,animal suffering should be minimised /avoided. The pros and cons of each experimenthave to be discussed with a holistic approach.A scientific basis should prevail upon thosewho resort to experimentation preventingirrational abuse which may lead to allegations.

Use of Willed-Body programmes and otherhumane alternatives in Veterinary Educationhave to be implemented. Interactive lectures,simulation demonstrations, mannequins andsupervised clinical practice on effective andeconomical non-animal training methods thatare available to replace the use of live andhealthy animals in the curricula are to bewidely used. Numerous studies have shownthat learning outcomes generated through non-animal teaching methods are as effective asthose achieved through animal use. Manycolleges in the advanced countries have doneaway with the use of live animals for educationand yet their graduates are no way inferior toothers who have used animals. Our animalusage policy should be improvised in tunewith the changing policies in the world.

LEAPING BUNNY LOGO

CONCLUSION

Animal usage was and is and will be anongoing process as it will help in furthering

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Humanity Criterion, 2009. FRAME,Nottingham, UK.

2. N. Jukes and M. Chiuia, From GuineaPig to Computer Mouse, interNICHE,2003. Leicester, England.

3. H. Pederson, Humane Education, 2002.Stiftelsen Forskning utan djurforsok,Stockholm, Sweden.

4. W.M.S. Russell and R. L. Burch, ThePrinciples of Humane ExperimentalTechnique, 1959. London, UK.

medical science. It is a necessary evil;indispensible and inevitable. A focussed criticalthinking in tune with the changing attitudesof the people is very much needed. All ethicaldilemmas have to be cleared. It should beviewed in a broader perspective in the largerinterest of a nation’s progress. Transparencyshould exist which would help reduce anycontroversies.

REFERENCES

1. M. Balls, The Three Rs and the

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102ND INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS, MUMBAILIST OF ISCA AWARDEES FOR 2014-2015

1. ASUTOSH MOOKERJEE MEMORIALAWARD

No Award

2. C. V. RAMAN BIRTH CENTENARYAWARD

No Award

3. SRINIVASA RAMANUJAN BIRTH CEN-TENARY AWARD

No Award

4. JAWAHARLAL NEHRU BIRTH CENTE-NARY AWARD

No Award

5. S.N.BOSE BIRTH CENTENARY AWARD

No Award

6. S.K.MITRA BIRTH CENTENARY AWARD

No Award

7. BIRBAL SAHNI BIRTH CENTENARYAWARD

No Award

8. S. S.BHATNAGAR MEMORIAL AWARD

No Award

9. VIKRAM SARABHAI MEMORIALAWARD

Dr. M. Y. S. PrasadDirector, Satish Dhawan space centre,Sriharikota

10. D. S. KOTHARI MEMORIAL AWARD

No Award

11. M. K. SINGAL MEMORIAL AWARD

No Award

12. JAWAHARLAL NEHRU PRIZE

No Award

13. MILLENNIUM PLAQUES OF HONOUR

No Award

14. EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY AWARD

No Award

15. R.C.MEHROTRA MEMORIAL LIFE TIME

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

No Award

16. B. C. GUHA MEMORIAL LECTURE

No Award

17. G.P.CHATTERJEE MEMORIAL AWARD

No Award

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18. PROF.R.C. MEHROTRA COMMEMO-

RATION LECTURE

Dr. Manoj Kumar MisraBirla Institute of Technology, Mesra,Ranchi

19. PROF. SUSHIL KR. MUKHERJEECOMMEMORATION LECTURE

No Award

20. PROF. S.S.KATIYAR ENDOWMENTLECTURE

No Award

21. PROF.ARCHANA SHARMA MEMO-RIAL AWARD

No Award

22. DR.V.PURI MEMORIAL AWARD

No Award

23. PROF. G.K. MANNA MEMORIALAWARD

Dr. N. B. RamachandranUniversity of Mysore, Mysore

24. PROF. HIRALAL CHAKRAVARTYAWARD

No Award

25. PRAN VOHRA AWARD

Dr. Swarup Kumar ParidaNational Institute of Plant GenomeResearch (NIPGR), New Delhi.

26. PROF. UMAKANT SINHA MEMORIALAWARD

Dr. Amit Kumar MishraIndian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur,Rajasthan

27. DR. B. C. DEB MEMORIAL AWARDFOR SOIL/PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

No Award

28. DR. B. C. DEB MEMORIAL AWARDFOR POPULARIZATION OFSCIENCE

Dr. Ritesh SahaCentral Research Institute for Juteand Allied Fibres, Barrackpore,Kolkata

29. PROF.R.C.SHAH MEMORIAL LEC-TURE

No Award

30. DR. (MRS.) GOURI GANGULYMEMORIAL AWARD

Dr. Gnanavel VenkatesanIndian Veterinary Research InstituteNainital, Uttarakhand

31. PROF. (MRS) ANIMA SEN MEMO-RIAL LECTURE

No Award

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S.No. Name of Section Name of the Awardees

1. Agriculture and Forestry Sciences Dibyendu ChatterjeeICAR Research Centre, Nagaland.

2. Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences Bodhisattwa BanerjeeNEHU, Shillong.

3. Anthropological and Behavioural Sciences Monika Saini(including Archaeology, Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi.Education and Military Sciences)

4. Chemical Sciences Prabhat K. SinghBARC, Mumbai.

5. Earth System Sciences Ishya DeviUniversity of Jammu, Jammu.

6. Engineering Sciences Debarghya ChakrabortyIIT, Kharagpur.

7. Environmental Sciences Debanjana SenguptaSt.Xavier’s College, Kolkata.

8. Information and Communication Boopathy. DScience and Technology (including Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.Computer Sciences)

9. Materials Science Aditya ChauhanIIT, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.

10. Mathematical Sciences Namita(including Statistics) University of Delhi, Delhi.

11. Medical Sciences (including Physiology) Medha KapoorDRDO, New Delhi.

12. New Biology (including Biochemistry, C.Sathish KumarBiophysics & Molecular Biology and Madras Diabetes Research Foundation,Biotechnology) Chennai.

13. Physical Sciences Swarniv ChandraJadavpur University, Kolkata.

14. Plant Sciences Rajkumari Jashmi DeviNEHU, Shillong.

102ND INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS, MUMBAIYOUNG SCIENTIST AWARDEES FOR 2014-2015

334


102ND INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS, MUMBAIBEST POSTER PRESENTATION AWARDEES FOR 2014-2015

S.No. Section Name of the Awardees

1. Agriculture and Forestry Sciences 1. G. C. SatishaIndian Institute of HorticulturalResearch, Hessaraghatta, Bangalore.

2. Jyoti KaulDirectorate of Maize Research(DMR), New Delhi.

2. Animal, Veterinary and Fishery 1. B. Bibin BechaSciences College of Veterinary and Animal

Sciences, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala.2. Anubha Shukla

ETBL, Department of Zoology,University of Lucknow, Lucknow.

3. Anthropological and Behavioural 1. ShumaylaSciences (including Archaeology, Department of Anthropology,Psychology, Education and Military University of Delhi, DelhiSciences 2. Indelah Khan

Department of Anthropology,University of Delhi, Delhi

4. Chemical Sciences 1. Saikat Kumar SethMugberia Gangadhar MahavidyalayaBhupatinagar, Purba Medinipur,West Bengal.

2. Priyanka ThakralDept. of Chemistry, University of Delhi,Delhi.

5. Earth System Sciences 1. S. S.HangaragiSRN Arts and MBS CommerceCollege, Bagalkot, Karnataka.

2. Surjeet SinghDept. of Geology, University of Jammu,Jammu.

6. Engineering Sciences No Award

7. Environmental Sciences 1. Shraddha DwivediETBL, Dept. of Zoology, University ofLucknow, Lucknow.

2. Tanmoy BasakDept. of Botany, Visva-Bharati,Santiniketan.

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S.No. Section Name of the Awardees

8. Information and Communication 1. S. KanchanaScience & Technology (including Research Dept. of Computer Science,Computer Sciences) NGM College, Pollachi, Coimbatore.

2. Mamta SharmaCentral Scientific Instruments Org.,Chandigarh.

9. Materials Sciences 1. Mrinmoy GaraiCSIR, CGCRI, Kolkata.

2. Satyendra SinghDept. of Physics, Allahabad University,Allahabad/

10. Mathematical Sciences 1. Garima Manocha(including Statistics) Dept. of Mathematics, Netaji Subhas

Institute of Technology, New Delhi.2. D. K. K. Vamsi

Dept. of Mathematics & ComputerScience, Sri Sathya Sai Institute ofHigher Learning, Prasanthinilayam.

11. Medical Sciences 1. Meenakshi Batra(including Physiology) P.D.U.I.P.H., New Delhi.

2. Rupsa GhoshDept. of Physiology, University ofCalcutta, Kolkata.

12. New Biology (including 1. Sudha SBiochemistry, Biophysics & Dept. of Biotechnology, KarpagamMolecular Biology and University, Coimbatore.Botechnology) 2. Syed Mohammed Shoaib

Dept. of CS & IT, Maulana AzadNational Urdu University, Hyderabad.

13. Physical Sciences 1. Suresh SDept. of Optoelectronics, University ofKerala , Thiruvananthapuram.

2. Sudir KumarDept. of Physics, University ofLucknow, Lucknow.

14. Plant Sciences 1. Amit Kumar MishraDept. of Botany, Banaras HinduUniversity, Varanasi.

2. Nandini YadavDept. of Biochemistry, University ofLucknow, Lucknow.

336


102ND INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS, MUMBAIINFOSYS FOUNDATION—ISCA TRAVEL AWARD 2014-2015

LIST OF AWARDEES

Name of Student [Class/Std] Name of School

Arushima Pankaj IX Presentation Convent Sr. Sec. School, Jammu

Aditya Atmakuri X Springdales School, New Delhi

Anubhav Kumar XI Seth Anand Ram Jaipuria School, Kanpur

Saakshi Singh XI Seth Anand Ram Jaipuria School, Kanpur

Aditi Das XI Springdales School, New Delhi

Yashraj Dhanuka XII Seth Anand Ram Jaipuria School, Kanpur

Shaikh Mohammed Fatwir IX Navy Children School, Kochi

Vaibhav Gosain X Springdales School, New Delhi

Anjali Bharadwaj X Springdales School, New Delhi

337


ENTEROVIRUS RESEARCH CENTRE, MUMBAI

Situated at Mumbai in Maharashtra theEnterovirus Reasearch Centre (ERC) conductsresearch on disease Enteroviruses, especiallyparalytic poliomylitis, acute flaccid paralysis,acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, encephalitisand acute gastroenteritis caused by entericviruses such as Rotavirus, Norovirus andenterovirus.

Thrust Areas :

The following are the thrust areas of ERC

● Epidemiology of poliomyelitis leading tounderstanding of the virus transmissionpatterns for development of policies andstrategies for disease control anderadication.

● Studies on poliomyelitis vaccines suchas immunization schedules, vaccinationcampaigns, evaluation and improve-ments of vaccine delivery systems.

● Assistance to the Global Polio

KNOW THY INSTITUTIONS

Eradication Program through laboratorysupport for disease diagnosis,understanding disease transmission bymolecular epidemiology studies,evaluation of program progress,designing testing and validating newerassays, participating in introduction ofnewer vaccine formulations andcontributions to national policy on polioeradicaion.

International Recognition :

● ERC is a part of the WHO network of146 polio laboratories worldwide.

● ERC based on its contribution to thePolio Eradication Programme, is also aWHO recognise Laboratory for Polio(GSL) – the only laboratory, among theseven laboratories so recognize developedworld.

● ERC is accredited by the WHO forpoliovirus investigations.

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Human Resource Development :

ERC conducts hands-on training workshopsfor WHO Polio Network Laboratories ofSoutheast Asia annually with a focus onlaboratory bio-safety, cell culture, virus cultureand newer molecular diagnostic assays. TheCentre offers these subjects.

Recognition for Doctorate/Masters by aUniversity :

ERC is recognized by the University ofMumbai for M.Sc., and Ph.D degrees inMicrobiology.

Major Achievements :

Significant achievements of ERC are thefollowing

● Introduction of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV)in India.

● Generation of epidemiological data onPolio for Mumbai for over 50 years.

● Nucleotide sequencing of poliovirus RNA(Molecular epidemiology of wildpoliovirus) has provided accurateinformation of virus transmissionpathways and guided polio immunizationactivities in the 2001.

● Established enviromental sewagesamples testing as a surveillance activitysupplementing detect wild polioviruscirculation in slums in Mumbai.

● Provided unequivocal data confirmingwild poliovirus exportation from Indiato China (1999) Bangladesh (2006),Nepal (2005 onwards) and Angola (2005onwards). Also proved that theimportation in Indonesia was fromNigeria via Saudi Arabia and not fromIndia.

● Designing, development and evaluationof new testing algorithm for reducingtime for reporting wild poliovirusdetection in AFP cases resulted in

reducing reporting time from 28 days to14 days. The test algorithm has nowbeen globally implemented.

● Evaluation of immunogenicity ofmonovalent, bi-valent and trivalent OPVfor introduction of new polio vaccinesfor polio eradication. The trials, havinga global significance, were conducted bythe WHO in India with ERC as itslaboratory partner.

● Serosurvey of poliovirus antibodies inMoradabad district UP that highlightedthe risks of wild polio virus 3 and VDPVpoliovirus 2 in UP and Bihar.

● Detection and analysis of vaccine derivedpolioviruses responsible an outbreak ofpolio 1 VDPV in Indonesia in 2005.

● Detection of VDPVs (poliovirus 1 andpoliovirus 2, one case each) in India in2009.

● Reported Coxsackievirus A24v as theetiological agent of an epidemic of AHCin Mumbai in 2007.

● Reported New Enterovirus 71 genotype(genotype D) from India.

● Identification of Coxsackievirus A6 andA16 as causative agents of hand, footand mouth disease out breaks inMaharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Tripurain 2009-10.

● Development of an assay to identifymutations and attenuation sites in SabinOral poliovirus.

Contact :DirectorEnterovirus Research CentreHaffkine Institute CampusAcharya Donde Marg, ParelMumbai 400 012 Maharashtra, INDIAPhone : 022-24134130,Fax : 022-24156484Email : [email protected]

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Conferences / Meetings / Symposia / Seminars

6th International Conference on Stem Cells and Cancer (ICSCC-2015):Proliferation, Differentiation and Apoptosis, Pune, India from 2-5 October2015.

Topics :

● Embryonic Stem Cells

● Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

● Mesenchymal and Cardiac Stem Cells

● Hematopoietic and chord blood stem cells

● Neural stem cells

● Other stem cells

● Cancer stem cells

● Proliferation, differentiation and apopt-

osis of stem cells

● Proliferation, differentiation and apopt-

osis of cancer cells

● Clinical research and trials in stem cells

and cancer

● Hematopoietic malignancies

● Myeloid leukemias

● Lymphoid leukemias

● Breast cancer

● Oral, head and neck cancer

● Cervical cancer

● Lung cancer

● Other cancers

● Cancer genomics and proteomics

● Cancer diagnostics and biomarkers

● Cancer therapeutics

● Immune systems in stem cells and cancer

● Nanotechnology applications in stem cells

and cancer

● Ethical issues in stem cells and cancer

research

● Molecular Biology of stem cells

● Molecular biology of cancer cells

● Molecular medicines for cancers

● Mathematical modeling and bioin-

formatics in stem cells and cancer

● Other topics related to stem cells and

cancer

Contact : Prof. Dr. Sheo Mohan Singh, Director, ICSCCB, R.H. 2, Ujwal Regalia, Baner Road,Opposite Cosmos Regency, Pune – 411045, India Tel Office: +91-20-32398222 (10am-6pm,weekdays) Tel Mobile: +91-9545089202 Email : [email protected] Website : http://www.icscc.in

340


Third International Conference On Counselling, Psychotherapy And WellnessAnd The 4th Congress Of SithCp3 - ICCP2016, 5th to 7th January 2016,Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Themes

● Culture, ethnicity and practice

● Diversity issues (gender, religion, class, caste, sexual orientation, special groups)

● Religion, spirituality, and transpersonal approaches

● Theories and techniques in counselling and psychotherapy

● Integrative and ecclectic practice in counselling and psychotherapy

● Research in counselling and psychotherapy

● Supervision in counselling and psychotherapy

● Integrating traditional and indigenous healing practices into counselling and psychotherapy

● Recent advances in counselling and psychotherapy

Contact : ICCP2016 Secretariat : Conference Secretariat, Department of Psychology, 7th Floor,Central Block, Christ University, Bangalore 560029, Email : [email protected]

341


S & T ACROSS THE WORLD

CLIMATE-CHANGE CLUES FROMTURTLES OF TROPICAL WYOMING

Tropical turtle fossils discovered inWyoming by University of Florida scientistsreveal that when Earth got warmer, prehistoricturtles headed north. But if today’s turtles trythe same technique to cope with warminghabitats, they might run into trouble.

While the fossil turtle and its kin couldmove northward with higher temperatures,human pressures and habitat loss couldprevent a modern-day migration, leading tothe extinction of some modern species.

The newly discovered genus and species,Gomphochelys (pronounced gom-fo-keel-eez)nanus—provides a clue to how animals mightrespond to future climate change, said JasonBourque, a paleontologist at the FloridaMuseum of Natural History at UF and thelead author of the study, which appears onlinein the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 35(1): e885441, 2015

The wayfaring turtle was among the speciesthat researchers believe migrated 500-600miles north 56 million years ago, during atemperature peak known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Lasting about200,000 years, the temperature peak resultedin significant movement and diversification ofplants and animals.

“We knew that some plants and lizardsmigrated north when the climate warmed, butthis is the first evidence that turtles did thesame,” Bourque said. “If global warmingcontinues on its current track, some turtlescould once again migrate northward, whileothers would need to adapt to warmertemperatures or go extinct.”

The new turtle is an ancestor of theendangered Central American river turtle andother warm-adapted turtles in Belize,Guatemala and southern Mexico. Thesemodern turtles, however, could face significantroadblocks on a journey north, since much ofthe natural habitat of these species is injeopardy, said co-author Jonathan Bloch, aFlorida Museum curator of vertebratepaleontology.

“If you look at the waterways that turtleswould have to use to get from one place toanother, it might not be as easy as it oncewas,” Bloch said. “Even if the natural responseof turtles is to disperse northward, they havefewer places to go and fewer routes available.”

To put the new turtle in evolutionarycontext, the researchers examined hundredsof specimens from museum collections aroundthe country, including turtles collected duringthe 1800s housed at the SmithsonianInstitution. Co-author Patricia Holroyd, avertebrate paleontologist at the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley, said the fossil history ofthe modern relatives of the new species showsthey could be much more wide-ranging, if itwere not for their restricted habitats.

The Central American river turtle is one ofthe most endangered turtles in the world,threatened by habitat loss and its exploitationas a human food source, Holroyd said. “This isan example of a turtle that could expand itsrange and probably would with additionalwarming, but — and that’s a big but — that’sonly going to happen if there are still habitatsfor it,” she said.

LONG-TERM NITROGEN FERTILIZERUSE DISRUPTS PLANT-MICROBEMUTUALISMS

When exposed to nitrogen fertilizer over aperiod of years, nitrogen-fixing bacteria

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rhizobia evolve to become less beneficial tolegumes — the plants they normally serve,researchers report in a new study.

These findings, reported in the journalEvolution, 2015 , may be of little interest tofarmers, who generally grow only one type ofplant and can always add more fertilizer toboost plant growth. But in natural areasadjacent to farmland, where fertilizer runoffoccurs, or in areas where nitrogen oxides fromthe burning of fossil fuels settle, a change inthe quality of soil rhizobia could have “far-reaching ecological and environmentalconsequences,” the researchers wrote.

“The nitrogen that we apply to agriculturalfields doesn’t stay on those fields, andatmospheric nitrogen deposition doesn’t stayby the power plant that generates it,” saidUniversity of Illinois plant biology professorKaty Heath , who led the study with JenniferLau , of Michigan State University. “So thiswork is not just about a fertilized soybeanfield. Worldwide, the nitrogen cycle is off.We’ve changed it fundamentally.”

Not that long ago, before the advent ofindustrial fertilizers and the widespread useof fossil fuels, soil nitrogen was a scarcecommodity. Some plants, the legumes, found away to procure the precious nitrogen theyneeded — from rhizobia.

“The rhizobia fix nitrogen — fromatmospheric nitrogen that we’re breathing inand out all the time — to plant-availableforms,” Heath said. “Plants can’t just take itup from the atmosphere; they have to get it inthe form of nitrate or ammonium.”

In return, legumes shelter the rhizobia intheir roots and supply them with carbon. Thispartnership benefits the bacteria and gives

legumes an advantage in nitrogen-poor soils.Previous studies have shown that nitrogenfertilizers can affect the diversity of speciesthat grow in natural areas, Heath said. Inareas polluted with fertilizer runoff, forexample, legumes decline while other plantsbecome more common.

In the new analysis, Heath and hercolleagues looked at six long-term ecologicalresearch fields at Michigan State University’sKellogg Biological Station. Two experimentalplots were located in each of six differentfields. One plot in each field had been fertilizedwith nitrogen for more than two decades; theother, a control plot, had never been fertilized.

The researchers isolated rhizobia from thenodules of legumes in fertilized and unfertilizedplots. In a greenhouse experiment, they testedhow these bacteria influenced legume growthand health. The researchers found that theplants grown with the nitrogen-exposedrhizobia produced 17 to 30 percent less biomassand significantly less chlorophyll than plantsgrown with rhizobia from the unfertilized plots.

A genetic analysis of the microbes revealedthat the composition of the bacterialpopulations was similar between fertilized andunfertilized plots: The same families of rhizobiawere present in each. But rhizobia from thefertilized plots had evolved in a way thatmade them less useful to the legumes, Heathsaid.

“This study tells us something aboutmutualisms and how they evolved,” she said.“Mutualisms depend on this balance of tradebetween the partners, this special nitrogen-carbon economy in the soil, for example. Andwhen the economy changes — say whennitrogen is no longer scarce — thesemutualisms might go away.”

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NEW X-RAY MICROSCOPE FORNANOSCALE IMAGING

Delivering the capability to imagenanostructures and chemical reactions downto nanometer resolution requires a new classof x-ray microscope that can perform precisionmicroscopy experiments using ultra-bright x-rays from the National Synchrotron LightSource II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven NationalLaboratory. This groundbreaking instrument,designed to deliver a suite of unprecedented x-ray imaging capabilities for the Hard X-rayNanoprobe (HXN) beamline, brings researchersone step closer to the ultimate goal ofnanometer resolution at NSLS-II, a U.S.Department of Energy Office of Science UserFacility.

The microscope manipulates novelnanofocusing optics called multilayer Lauelenses (MLL) — incredibly precise lenses grownone atomic layer at a time — which produce atiny x-ray beam that is currently about 10nanometers in size. Focusing an x-ray beam tothat level means being able to see thestructures on that length scale, whether theyare proteins in a biological sample, or theinner workings of a fuel cell catalyst.

The team of scientists who built thismicroscope aren’t stopping there; they areworking toward making the focused x-ray beamspot even smaller in the future. The microscopethey developed produces x-ray images byscanning a sample while collecting various x-ray signals emerging from the sample. Analysisof these signals helps researchers understandcrucial information about the materials theyare examining: density, elemental composition,chemical state, and the crystalline structureof the sample.

Getting a clear image at this scale requires

extremely high stability of the microscope tominimize vibrations and to reduce possiblethermal drifts, changes in the microscope dueto heat. It requires over twenty piezo motors— very fine motors that produce motion whenelectric currents are fed into piezo crystals —controlled down to nanometer-scale precision,crammed into a tight space about the size of acoffee maker, to meet its functionalities.

“This instrument incorporates most recentdevelopments in interferometric sensing,nanoscale motion, and position control.Recorded drifts of two nanometers per hourare unprecedented and set a new benchmarkfor x-ray microscopy systems,” said EvgenyNazaretski, a physicist at NSLS-II whospearheaded the development of themicroscope.

After construction, the MLL module, a keycomponent of the HXN x-ray microscope, wastested at the Diamond Light Source BeamlineI-13L for extensive x-ray performancemeasurements. These measurements confirmedthe stability and reliability of the new MLLsystem. Results are being published in theMarch issue of the Journal of SynchrotronRadiation.

“This instrument is a critical link connectingNSLS-II’s bright x-rays to unprecedentednanoscale x-ray imaging capabilities, whichwe believe will lead to many groundbreakingscientific discoveries,” stressed Yong Chu, theGroup Leader of the Hard X-ray NanoprobeBeamline at NSLS-II. The HXN beamline andthe HXN x-ray microscope are currently beingcommissioned and will be available for userexperiments later this year.

This work is published in the Journal ofSynchrotron Radiation, 22(2), 336, 2015.

Source : ScienceDaily, 25 February 2015.

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THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION14, Dr. Biresh Guha Street, Kolkata–700 017

Nominations for “ Asutosh Mookerjee Fellowships of ISCA ” 2016-2017

ISCA has instituted 10 senior Fellowships in the name of Asutosh Mookerjee Fellowship in theCentenary year to utilize the services of the Life Members of the Association who are active in highquality research in their specialized disciplines but have superannuated from their service.

Objective : The objective is to utilize the expertise of ISCA Members after superannuatedprimarily for research work in some R&D Center/University/Colleges/Institute in India.

Eligibility :(i) The fellowship is open to ISCA Life Members who have superannuated and are

between the age of 65 to 70 years.(ii) The applicant should possess a Ph.D. in Sciences/Engineering or MD in medicine.

(iii) The fellowship is meant for those who have a proven track record as evident fromtheir Research Publications and recognition.

Number of Fellowships : The number of Fellowship to be selected each year shall be decided bythe Executive Committee from the panel recommended by the Selection Committee, to beconstituted by Executive Committee. Usually, the number of Scientists to be selected each year willbe based on the availability of vacancies and funds available with the Association. The totalnumber of Fellowships at a time should not be more than 10.The Fellowship will start from 1st

April of every year.

Tenure : The term of Asutosh Mookerjee Fellowship will be tenable initially for a period ofthree years extendable for another two years after a review of the achievement of three yearsworks.

Emoluments :(a) The fellowship carries an honorarium of 30,000/- p.m. such that Rs. 30,000 +

pension does not exceed the gross salary drawn at the time of retirement. Thehonorarium of 30,000 will be reduced wherever. The honorarium will be taxableat source.

(b) Contingency grant will be 1,00,000/- which includes the expenditure ofchemicals glasswares, stationary, part time services of a scientific assistant/secretary for typing and travel within country only.

Nominations : Nominations for the position shall be invited from the Life Members of theAssociation. The Nominations papers duly completed in all respect, signed, and routed through theHead of the Institute, where a scientist intends to work, should be sent to the General Secretary(Membership Affairs), so as to reach latest by July 15, 2015.

Announcement Report and Renewal of Scheme : Fellows will submit an Annual Report of his/her research work at the end of each financial year along with statement of expenditure forrenewal and release of grant for the next financial year.

Contact Details : General Secretary ( Membership Affairs ),The Indian Science CongressAssociation, 14, Dr. Biresh Guha Street, Kolkata – 700 017, Fax 033 22872551, Phone : 03322874530, Email : [email protected], website : www.sciencecongress.nic.in

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