everyman’s sciencesciencecongress.nic.in/pdf/e-book/aug_sept_2014.pdf · 2016-12-02 · prof. m....

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Everyman’s ScienceEveryman’s ScienceEveryman’s ScienceEveryman’s ScienceEveryman’s Science VVVVVololololol..... XLIX No. 3 XLIX No. 3 XLIX No. 3 XLIX No. 3 XLIX No. 3 August ’14August ’14August ’14August ’14August ’14 — September— September— September— September— September ’14’14’14’14’14

141

EVERYMAN’SSCIENCE

Vol. XLIX No. 3 (Aug ’14 – Sept ’14)

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 :

Epidemiology of Neurological Disease : Answer to many questions

Ashok Kumar Saxena 144

ARTICLES :

Gnotobiotic Animals : A Potent Tool for Life Science Research 146

S. Parthiban, S. Malmarugan, J. Johnson Rajeswar and V. Kumar

Water Based Coatings 149

P. C. Thapliyal and Kirti

Assessment of the Environment Safety Issues Related to Genetically 153

Modified Crops

Bhausaheb D. Pawar and Ashok S. Jadhav

Biofuels : The Fuel of the Future 159

Dalvi Sanjaykumar N.

Aerobiology is Essential for Biological Science 164

R. Pavan and K. Manjunath

Bridging the Gap Between Scientists and Clinicians 168

Janet Jeyapaul

Life Sketches of Office Bearers, Sectional Presidents & Recorders 170

of The Indian Science Congress Association, 2014-2015

KNOW THY INSTITUTIONS 198

CONFERENCES / MEETINGS / SYMPOSIA / SEMINARS 204

S & T ACROSS THE WORLD 206

CONTENTS

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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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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE : ANSWER TO MANY QUESTIONS

EDITORIAL

With the increasing lifespan of Indians,probably due to the available medical facilitiesand better nutritional intake, the problem ofold age health has emerged. As the oldpopulation is increasing, the old age healthproblems need to be addressed by the healthcare system. The neuropsychiatric andneurodegenerative disorders are increasinglyfound in the old age. These diseases alsoaccount for one of the greatest burdens ofdiseases in the developed world. Though themortality rate in these diseases is not highlike that of many infectious diseases, themorbidity is immense and the support ofhealthcare system is required increasingly. Asthe number of traditional large families isdecreasing in India due to changes ofsocioeconomic ambience, the healthcare giversare employed in many places. The trainedcaregivers for neurological diseases are notavailable often and the patients are mostlymanaged by non- professional personnel. Eventhis type of management is expensive andmany families failed to provide the care to thepatients. The life of these hapless patients isreally miserable.

One can argue about the statistics anddiagnostic standards of the neurologicaldisorders, but the bottom-line is to find outways to improve the situations. Some drugsare available which were discovered by thepharmaceutical industry (Nature, 507, 273,2014). There are problems with some of thesedrugs. Many patients do not respond to thesedrugs and it is far from clear how these drugs

work in many places. The requirement of newdrugs and therapies for these patients isunderstood. The understanding of thepathophysiology of some of these diseases isnot sufficient to initiate research for drugdevelopment.

The neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatricdisorders are broadly explained on the basis ofgenetic and environmental factors. Though thegenetic implication in many of these diseasesin developed countries has been reported, theinformation in these regard in Indianpopulation is not sufficient. Someenvironmental factors related with thesediseases were identified from the studiescarried out in Europe and North America. Theprevention of disease is apparent if the linkbetween disease and environmental factors areclearly known. For example, the seasonalaffective disorder (SAD), a mental depressionfound in North America in winter due to shortday- light may be treated with phototherapy.However, this seasonal factor may not beimportant in India as the duration of day- lightdoes not greatly differ between winter andsummer. To identify the environmental factorsfor a disease, the need of epidemiologicalstudies are imminent. Because it provides thedistribution of patients in the population andmay indicate factors related to the disease.

In one study (published in British Journalof Psychiatry, 158, 758-63, 1991) the month ofbirth of about 13,000 schizophrenic patientsborn in Scotland between 1914-1960 was noted.

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It was found that disproportionately morepatients were born in February to May.Therefore, seasonality effect was noticed. It wasfurther observed that the relative number ofschizophrenic birth in late winter and earlyspring was especially high if the temperaturewas lower than normal during the previousautumn. Probably in that condition peoplepreferred to stay indoors which favoredtransmission of viral infection. From otherstudies, it was indicated than the braindevelopment of fetus is adversely effected iftheir mothers are affected viral illness duringthe critical phase of the development (secondtrimester of pregnancy). The toxin producedby virus or the mother's antibodies against thevirus may affect the development of the brain.If the viral infection is a causative factor, theschizophrenia should be seen in the babies bornfew months after an influenza epidemic,irrespective of season. This viral hypothesishas been supported from several studies. Theserum level of Interleukin 8 (IL-8), a proteinsecreted by the cells of the immune system,was measured from the stored blood samplescollected during pregnancy of mothers ofchildren who developed schizophrenia later inlife. This IL 8 is an indicator of inflammationand it’s level was found to be elevated duringpregnancy in the mothers of the babies wholater developed schizophrenia. The maternalinfection in the critical period of fetal

development may increase the incidence ofschizophrenia in the women's children. Theseasonal effect on the month of birth ofschizophrenic patients may be due to the viralinfection. It was reported that schizophreniais approximately three times higher in peoplewho live in the middle of the large cities thanin those who live in rural areas. Thetransmission of infections/illnesses is easier indense population. Probably viral hypothesis isalso applicable to explain this observation.

This epidemiological study in schizophreniashows the importance of such study in differentclimatic conditions. Considering the differentclimatic conditions in India compared to thatof the countries where the previous studieswere carried out, the environmental factorsrelated to schizophrenia in India must operatein different ways. The answers of manyquestions related to a disease may come outfrom epidemiological study. Not onlyschizophrenia, other neurological disorderssuch as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer' sdisease, Multiple sclerosis, Major affectivedisorders are influenced by environmentalfactors. Epidemiological study on these diseasesin India is important to identify these factors,if any. Unfortunately, a paucity of informationin this area is felt by many. It is the righttime to initiate epidemiological study for suchtype of diseases in India.

Dr. Ashok Kumar Saxena

“Believing is easier than thinking. Hence so many morebelievers than thinkers.”

—Bruce Calvert

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GNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS : A POTENT TOOL FOR LIFEGNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS : A POTENT TOOL FOR LIFEGNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS : A POTENT TOOL FOR LIFEGNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS : A POTENT TOOL FOR LIFEGNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS : A POTENT TOOL FOR LIFESCIENCE RESEARCHSCIENCE RESEARCHSCIENCE RESEARCHSCIENCE RESEARCHSCIENCE RESEARCH

S. Parthiban, S. Malmarugan, J. Johnson Rajeswar and V. Kumar

Gnotobiotics is the scientific study of animals or other organisms that are raisedin germ free environments or ones that contain only specifically known germs.The gnotobiotic laboratory animal is potentially a very valuable tool forinvestigating any suspected interaction between the host and its associatedmicroflora or between different components of that flora. However, like manyother good ideas, the production of gnotobiotes is simple in concept butcomplicated in execution. In the early stages the greatest obstacles to thegeneral use of germ free animals were the expense and the restricted amount ofspace that could be maintained free from contaminants. Nowadays, with modernisolators and facilities it is easier to produce gnotobiotic animals at relativelymodest price.

INTRODUCTION

G notobiotic animals (or) gnotobiote arean animal stock or strain in which

only certain known strains of bacteria andother microorganisms are present. Technically,the term also includes germ-free animals, asthe status of their microbial communities isalso known4. Gnotobiotic animals are derivedby aseptic hysterotomy or hysterectomy,embryo transfer or sterile hatching of eggsand are continuously maintained using aseptictechnique where the microbial status of theanimal is fully defined; includes both germfree and defined flora animals. Animals rearedin a gnotobiotic colony are devoid of normalflora, has poorly developed immune systems,

lower cardiac output, thin intestinal walls,low antibody titers low metabolism rate andhigh susceptibility to infectious pathogens3.Lower amounts of serum gamma-globulinshave been observed in germ-free animals ofseveral species, and the quantity increases onassociation with microorganisms. Nuttall andThierfelder are considered pioneers ofgnotobiotics and germ free research. Germfree mice have adapted anatomically andphysiologically to life without microbes.

DERIVATION OF GNOTOBIOTICANIMALS

The production of germ-free animals orbirds depends upon the fact that embryosdeveloping inside an egg or the mammalianuterus are microbiologically sterile, providedthat they come from healthy parent stock. Theuterus is removed and passed into the isolator

* Department of Veterinary Microbiology, andDepartment of Veterinary Pathology, VC & RI,Tirunelveli and TANUVAS. Email: [email protected].

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through germicidal dip tank. Once inside theisolator, the uterus is opened and young onesare removed, cleaned, and then placed withfoster germ free females. Hysterectomy doesnot eliminate pathogens that may contaminatefetus after uterine implantation or that isvertically transmitted. Vertical transmissionof pathogens can be avoided by using embryotransfer2.

Birds are relatively easy to be producedgerm-free. Germfree chicks, turkeys, andJapanese quail can be obtained by passingsurface-sterilized eggs through a germicidaltrap into a sterile isolator, where they areallowed to hatch. The fertilized eggs must beobtained from flocks free from microorganismsthat invade the egg in the oviduct.

Rats and mice have been bred germ-freethrough many generations; other species havebeen bred but are not yet availablecommercially. The guinea-pig is well-developedat birth and readily takes solid food within aday or two, but the operator must work fastduring delivery into the isolator as the fetusesdo not survive more than few minutes afterremoval from the mother.

ISOLATOR TECHNOLOGY INGNOTOBIOTICS

Isolators are enclosures used to create thesterile environment. They must be made ofmaterial with an impervious physical barrier;main components are the chamber, air supply,air inlet and outlet, transfer port, and gloves;they come as rigid, semi-rigid, and flexiblefilm isolators made of plastic or stainless steel. All manipulation of animals and suppliesoccurs within the chamber via the use ofgloves and sleeves that are attached to theisolator walls. The glove is the most vulnerablepart of the isolator in terms of contamination

potential. The transfer port is the enclosurethat provides a transition between the isolatorchamber and room environment; used forloading and removing items from the chamberit is the physical barrier to preventcontamination of the chamber. Isolators haveHEPA filtration on air entry and exhaust. Positive pressure is used to preventintroduction of airborne contaminants throughany punctures and is maintained when rearinggermfree or gnotobiotic animals. If biohazardousagents are used in the incubator, negativepressure should be used. Air exchange ratesare usually higher than the animal room someare 30 or more air exchanges per hour insidethe chamber. Test the chamber for leakageusing the gas leak detection test. The longterm success of any gnotobiotic operationdepends on the sterilization of the isolatorchamber and the equipment/supplies that enterit6.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE OFGNOTOBIOTIC ANIMALS

Mammals must be aseptically derived byhysterectomy or hysterotomy as late as possiblebefore term. Inside the isolator the young arehand-fed on a sterilized liquid diet similar incomposition to the mother’s milk. If the animalsare successfully brought to sexual maturitynatural breeding can continue in the germ-free environment and other strains or evenother species may be fostered on to lactatingfemales. Rats and mice have been bred germ-free through many generations; other specieshave bred but are not yet availablecommercially. Among the larger animals thedifficulties of sterile delivery increase withtheir size. Beagle dogs have been satisfactorilyreared and used for physiological experiments.Germ-free pigs have been produced for manyyears, although the problems of handling and

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caging limit their usefulness beyond the firstfew weeks of life. Lambs, calves and goatshave all been maintained germ-free throughoutthe life.

TERMINOLOGIES RELATED TOGNOTOBIOLOGY

Germfree (axenic) animal is free of allforeign life forms (e.g., bacteria, viruses, etc.)apart from it thought to be hypothetical statebecause indigenous or heretoforeuncharacterized viruses may be integrated intohost genome.

Defined flora animals are maintained inisolated environment and are intentionallyassociated with one or more known life forms,usually microorganisms.

Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) areanimals free from specific pathogens butotherwise have an undefined flora.

Restricted flora – gnotobiote associatedwith altered Schaedler flora from isolator butis then moved into a maximum barrier roomwhere it can become colonized with additionalorganisms (but remains free of adventitialpathogens); higher level of SPF.

Conventional animal – animal reared ina room with an unknown microflora andunknown disease status.

IMPORTANCE OF GNOTOBIOTICANIMAL

The gnotobiotic principles used in theproduction of infection free laboratory animalsevolved from the efforts to rear and studyanimals in the absence of microbes or in

association with one or more pure cultures ofmicrobes3. The gnotobiotic animal is potentiallya very valuable tool for investigating anysuspected interaction between the host and itsassociated microflora or between differentcomponents of that flora. The study of nutritionand metabolism is one to which the gnotobiotehas made a significant contribution1. Germfreeanimals are used in research involving variousfields like toxicology, pollution control,autoimmune disorders, drug metabolism,genetic expression and vaccine tests5.

REFERENCES

1. M. E. Coates, D. Hewitt and P. Golob.British Journal of Nutrition, 24, 223-225, 1970.

2. J. W. Foster, and J. L. Slonczewski,Microbiology, an Evolving Science, 2010,Second edition. 871 W. W. Norton &Company.

3. B. S. Wostmann, Germfree andGnotobiotic Animal Models :Background and Applications 1996, 54-124 CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.

4. J.A.Reyniers, Annals of the New YorkAcademy of Sciences, 78, 1, 3, 1959.

5. D.W. Van Bekkum, Radiation biology:In the germ-free animal in research1968, 202-243, Academic Press London& New York.

6. J. Fox, S. Barthold, M. Davisson,C.Newcomer, F. Quimby and A. Smith,The Mouse in Biomedical Research,2006, 2nd edition, 52-78, 200-246.Elsevier Academic Press, San Diego.

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WATER BASED COATINGSWATER BASED COATINGSWATER BASED COATINGSWATER BASED COATINGSWATER BASED COATINGS

P. C. Thapliyal and Kirti*

The high performance requirements continue to be the most important criteriafor various industrial markets such as automotive, agricultural and constructionequipment, marine and others, including the plastics and wood segments.However, environmental regulations and ecological concerns now have becomethe main driving forces behind the development of new coatings. Researchefforts in various laboratories have focused on reducing the Volatile OrganicCompounds (VOC), while avoiding the use of toxic raw materials and striving toimprove the coatings performance. Hence, water-based coatings have becomethe most practical approach to lower the emissions of VOC.

INTRODUCTION

Corrosion is the major reason of energyand material loss. It was reported that

1/5 of energy globally and average 4.2% ofGross National Product (GNP) is lost eachyear due to corrosion and the economic impactof corrosion is estimated to be greater than$100,000,000,000 per year in the United Statesalone. Paint and coatings are widely used forthe protection of concrete and metal structuresagainst corrosion. Their protectivecharacteristics can be enhanced by employinga suitable pigment. This improvement in theanticorrosive performance of the paint systemsgreatly depends on the kind, distribution anddosage of the pigments as well as theircompatibility with the paint binder. Somepigments, e.g., lead-based and those containing

* Organic Building Materials Group CSIR–CentralBuilding Research Institute, Roorkee-247667,Uttarakhand, E-mail: [email protected]

hexavalent chromium (VI), pose environmentalconcerns, and are regarded to be detrimentalto health. Thus, despite their effectiveness incorrosion protection, they must be removedfrom paint formulations. Therefore, extensiveresearch has been dedicated to the study ofnew anticorrosive coatings and pigments1-4.

Organic coatings are effectively used forthe protection of concrete and metal structuresdue to their capacity to act as a physicalbarrier between the substrate surface and thecorrosive environment in which they performtheir function. Nevertheless, all polymers arepermeable to corrosive species such as oxygenand water. Water molecules localized at theconcrete/metal-film interface may induce adecrease in the coating adhesion, thusfavouring the corrosion of the substrate underthe film. The permeability characteristics of acoating are determined by diverse coatingproperties such as the nature and polymeric

2

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structure of the polymer, the existence of pores,the distribution of pigments and additives,etc. The protectiveness of organic coatingsagainst corrosion can be enhanced byintroducing pigments and anticorrosiveadditives in the coating matrix. In this way,paint systems are developed that contain eitheradditives exhibiting active barrier properties,or pigments performing some additionalprotective actions to those originating fromthe barrier characteristics of the coating. Inthis last case, pigments may perform anelectrochemical protection on the metallicsubstrate through galvanic or passivationmechanisms, or they may contribute to thebarrier properties of the coating through thechemical precipitation of solid compounds.Either epoxy, acrylic or urethane chemistry isthe leading technology behind most of thecoatings systems.

The best coatings for corrosion protectionprovide not only barriers to corrosion, but alsoa 'smart' release of a corrosion inhibitor asdemanded by coating damage and the presenceof a corrosive environment. Past examplesinclude coatings containing metallic Zn andchromate. Present and future efforts will takeadvantage of inherently conducting polymersas carriers for controlled release of inhibitors.Development of this technology requires anassay for evaluating the release of inhibitorsfrom coatings. Similarly, the development andapplication of nano-functional materials andnano-structural materials made it possible toreform the coating materials 5, 6.

WATER BASED COATINGS

In recent years, government regulationshave become stricter on Hazardous AirPollutants (HAPs) and Volatile OrganicCompounds (VOCs), creating higher demandfor cleaner and safer synthesis of coatings.

Water-based coatings create very low VOCsand virtually no HAPs, making them idealmaterials in industry. Further, when applyingwater based coatings, equipment can be cleanedmuch more easily, without the use of solventsor other chemicals7.

Water based coatings have been knownsince many years in the past although historyof these coatings is not so old. Different typesof water based systems known so far are:

1. White wash2. Powder distempers3. Cement paints4. Oil-bound distempers5. Oleo resinous and alkyd emulsion paints6. Latex paints7. Water soluble resin paintsThe first three types, though extinct in the

advanced countries, still continue to be usedin India and other economically backwardcountries in variable amounts because of theircomparatively lower price. Water basedcoatings, whether clear or pigmented, aredesigned by their behavior with water and thenature of the resin present therein, such aswater dilatable, water reducible, water soluble,lattices and aqueous dispersions.

The main requirement for water-basedcoatings come from (a) to reduce the need forhydrocarbon solvents which are becomingexpensive and short in supply (b)environmental legislation which was intendedto reduce emissions to the atmosphere and (c)as a means of reducing the fire risk fromflammable solvents. The major concern of thislegislation is the reduction of air pollutioncaused by emission of toxic or irritating VolatileOrganic Compounds (VOC) or breakdownproducts, into the atmosphere.

Resin and paint manufacturers are fullyaware of unfavourable properties of water,

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such as slow rate of evaporations, high surfacetension and high latent heat of vaporization.Fundamental properties of water cannot bechanged. However, deficiencies due to theseproperties have been shadowed by thetremendous success achieved by water-basedcoatings in reducing the use of solvent-basedcoatings on a performance basis 1, 2.

Waterborne, higher solids, electro-coatingand powder coatings are the most practicalapproaches used to lower the emissions ofVOC. In general, chemical reactions are neededto cure these systems at either ambient or lowor high bake temperatures, depending on theend-use applications. In the past two decades,several coatings systems have been studiedand developed. Among the reported systemsare those based on acid-epoxy chemistry,anhydride-hydroxyl reactions, epoxy-tertiaryamine acrylic polymers, and othercombinations. Among various commercialsystems developed for the machinery,protective coatings or industrial maintenancemarkets, acrylic system, 2K polymeric tertiary-amine acrylic and epoxy acrylic, exhibitsoutstanding exterior durability with bettergloss retention. These coating systems areeither waterborne or solvent-based systemswhich are curable at ambient or bakeconditions. The quaternization reactionbetween the tertiary-amine, epoxy andcarboxylic acid is among the major curereactions. While the performance properties ofthese systems are satisfactory for many of themore economical end-use applications, such asthe machinery and protective coatings markets,additional improvements are needed to matchthe resistance properties of premium-gradesolvent based urethane or epoxy systems.Especially anhydride containing "all acrylicsystems" (AAA) have unique properties due to

the combination of covalent and ionic bondswhich contribute to a tightly-formednetwork5, 6.

Considering the importance of the water-based coating systems, CBRI has doneconsiderable R&D work in this area. As aresult of this work, a team of scientists atCBRI developed the technology for water-basedacrylic coating system for protection of concretestructures and epoxy based polymer latex forrepair work. Water dilutable cement paintswere developed earlier using white cementand alkali fast pigments. They are appliedboth as decorative and water proofing coatingsfor exterior wall surfaces. Bituminouspolyurethane based coating system and sealingcompounds were also developed andcommercialized 8.

CONCLUSIONS

Corrosion is a global phenomenon in today'sindustrially advanced world. The awareness ofcorrosion and the need for protection againstit is being felt more and more everyday, thusleading to the emergence of newer materialsfor corrosion protection. Coatings are the majorsource of corrosion protection and there arenewer formulations and newer binders beingtried to accomplish the job more efficiently. Inthis direction waterborne and higher solidcoatings can contribute significantly to thegreen buildings and environment. Hydrosols,group transfer polymerization and aqueousmicrogels are some of the recent developmentsin this area. Still there is huge gap betweendemand and supply of the cost effective andenvironment friendly water-based coatingsystems and hence there is further need todevelop new water-based coatings. At CBRIwork is still going on to develop water basedcoatings for concrete structures.

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Acknowledgment: Authors are grateful tothe Director, CSIR-CBRI for his continuousguidance and encouragement.

REFERENCES

1. C.G. Munger, Corrosion Prevention byProtective Coatings, NACE Texas, 101-109, 1984.

2. P. Oldring & G. Hayward, Resins forSurface Coatings, SITA Technology,London, 3, 225-241, 1987.

3. T.N. Nguyen, J.B. Hubbard, G.B.McFadden, J. Coat. Technol, 63, 43,1991.

4. T.L. Metroke, R.L. Parkhill, E.T.Knobbe, Prog. Org. Coat., 41, 233, 2001.

5. (a) M.D. Shalati, J.H. McBee, W.J.DeGooyer, F. Thys, L.V. Ven & R.T.M.Leijzer, Prog. Org. Coat., 48 236-250,2003. (b) S. González, I.C.M. Rosca &R.M. Souto, Prog. Org. Coat., 43 282-

285, 2001. (c) L. Xu-rnei, F. Zhao-bin,Z. Fu-dad, Z. Shu-qingz & H. Xu-sheng,Agric. Sci. China, 5, 700-706, 2006.

6. S. González, F. Cáceres, V. Fox & R.M.Souto, Prog. Org. Coat., 46, 317-323,2003.

7. B.P. Mosher, C. Wu, T. Sun & T. Zeng,J. Non-Cryst. Solids, 352, 3295-3301,2006.

8. (a) L.K. Aggarwal, P. C. Thapliyal &N. Attray, New Build. Mater. Constr.World, 12, 88-92, 2003. (b) L.K.Aggarwal, P.C. Thapliyal & S.R.Karade, Prog. Org. Coat., 59, 76-80,2007. (c) S.M. Singh & J. George,Building Research Note, CSIR-CentralBuilding Research Institute, BRN, 21,1-3 2000. (d) B. Singh, M. Gupta & L.Kumar, J. Appl. Poly. Sci., 101, 217-226, 2006.

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ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SAFETY ISSUESASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SAFETY ISSUESASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SAFETY ISSUESASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SAFETY ISSUESASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT SAFETY ISSUESRELATED TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPSRELATED TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPSRELATED TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPSRELATED TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPSRELATED TO GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS

Bhausaheb D. Pawar* and Ashok S. Jadhav

Agriculture has many constraints in crop production and conventional breedingis not able to overcome many of these constraints. Introduction of GM crops hasdemonstrated that they will play a key role in mitigating these constraints.Therefore, it is essential to have unambiguous national policy so as to efficientlyexploit GM crops for second green revolution without any hazards to humanhealth and the environment.

INTRODUCTION

The first green revolution resulted insignificant increase in yield due to the

introduction of high yielding varieties.Intensive agriculture practiced without concernto the scientific principles and ecological sideresulted in loss of soil health, depletion offreshwater resources and agro biodiversity.During the past several years, growth inagricultural production has remained at a lowlevel of around two per cent. In India, theyield of major food grain crops is reaching aplateau although its population continues torise and is expected to reach 1.5 billion peoplein 2050. Also, 27 % of world's undernourishedpeople live in India. This will require anincrease of more than 50 % in agriculturalproduction. To meet the growing demand forfood and to contrast the detrimental effects ofclimate change on crop yields, it is essential todevelop new crop varieties.

The wider exploitation of GM approacheswill be needed for the increase in crop yield

via introduction of novel genes and allelesfrom diverse sources, and particularly for traitsthat are absent from plant genomes. Sinceapproval for commercial use of GM crops in1996, the global area under GM crops reached148 million hectares in 2011 across 29 differentcountries. In India Bt cotton got approval inMarch 2002 since then the area under BTcotton increased substantially covering 86 %of total cotton area.

Plant breeders have continuously introducednew crops, genes, and traits into our diet.However, concerns with GM crops persist tosome extent because of the perception thatgaining access to a wider range of geneticdiversity, crossing species barriers, andintroducing foods with additional proteinspresent safety concerns. The approval of Btbrinjal by the Genetic Engineering ApprovalCommittee on October 14, 2010 and thesubsequent indefinite moratorium imposed bythe Ministry of Environment & Forests onFebruary 10, 2010, brought the issue of GMcrops into the public eye. A number of biosafety

issues of transgenic crops are being debated.

* State Level Biotechnology Centre, Mahatma PhuleKrishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Ahmednagar,Maharashtra 413722, E-mail: [email protected]

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SAFETY CONCERNS ABOUT GENETICALLYMODIFIED CROPS

Assessment of Possible Toxicity AndAllergenicity

The possibility that genetically modified(GM) foods could be a source of novel allergenscontinues to concern consumers, and hascontributed to the lack of acceptance of GMfoods. The allerginicity and toxicity assessmentfor the GM crops should be set on a case-by-case basis. The issue of GM-related allergiesburst up for the first time in 1996, whenresearchers showed transfer of a major allergenfrom Brazil nut into soybeans also transferredits ability to activate allergic reactions inindividuals with pre-existing Brazil nutallergies. The gene in question, coding for the2S albumin, was being used to improve thenutritional quality of soybeans for animal feed.This discovery prompted consumer groups, aswell as scientists, to push for comprehensivetesting of the potential allergenicity of GMfoods. Another example of allergenic concernsarose, when traces of StarLink™ corn weredetected in some food products, such as tacoshells. StarLink™ was only approved for usein animal feed, but not for human consumption.Approval for human consumption was withheldbecause the Bt Cry9c protein in corn did notdisappear as quickly as other Bt proteins intest assays. The FDA evaluated the actualcase samples against reference samples andthese studies found no allergenic reactionsassociated with Cry9c.

There is enough scientific data proving Btprotein is non toxic to human and animals. Btprotein is denatured upon cooking. There isnot a single report of adverse effect on humanhealth. Bt crops have been grown around theworld since 1996 without any reported adversehealth implications. It has been well

established that the Cry protein cannot causeany toxic effect in mammals because of lack ofhighly specific receptors and acidicenvironment in the gut.

Use of Antibiotic Resistance Gene

Selectable marker genes, that conferresistance to antibiotics or herbicides, aregenerally incorporated along with the gene ofinterest in a transformation process so as toallow the recognition of the transformed cellsfrom a background of untransformed ones.Certain selectable markers like kanamycinand hygromycin resistance genes, that areproven to be safe, and other antibiotics thathave outlived their clinical utility may beutilized till better alternatives are available.Although, there is no scientific evidence of theadverse environmental effects of selectablemarkers still there is a need to applyalternative principles of selection, as moretransgenic traits have to be incorporated intoa transgenic crop and because of concern thatthe use of conventional marker genes maypose a threat to humans and environment.New classes of marker genes are now available,conferring metabolic advantage to thetransgenic cells over the non-transformed cells.Transgenic plants are can be produced by theuse of marker genes that do not rely onantibiotic or herbicide resistance but insteadpromote regeneration after transformation.Also, the information regarding biosafety ofthe selectable markers should be upgraded tofacilitate objective decisions by the regulatoryauthorities.

Genes Escape from GM Groups

Genes may escape from GM crops throughpollen transfer, as seed escapes, horizontalgene transfer through transformation andtransduction processes. Advantageous genes

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from the transgenics may be introgressed intothe related wild species. Crossing of GM cropplants to wild and weedy relatives was majorconcern to environment. Although gene flowitself is a natural phenomenon and a risk,gene flow can be of concern if there is apossibility of the gene introgression into therecipient wild population that leads toundesirable consequences especially in case ofherbicide tolerant transgenic plants. Theoveruse of particular herbicides, such asRoundup, has repeatedly led to the appearanceof weeds resistant to Roundup or otherherbicides. Such weeds have often originatedin and around crops where any herbicide wasused extensively, and their appearance is notdirectly related to whether GM crops are beinggrown. If weeds are present that are closelyrelated to the crops, they may acquireimmunity to the effects from which the cropswere protected and be more difficult to controlamong them. Another concern is the transferof genes from GM crops of a given species andother non-GM crops of that species. The effectsof such gene transfer will depend on the natureof the genes, and the persistence of thesegenes will in turn depend on the selectivepressures to which the plants with the newgenes are subjected. The recipient crops maybecome resistant to particular herbicides, pests,and diseases. Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT)is the transfer of genetic material directly to aliving cell or an organism followed by itsexpression. Horizontal gene flow amongunrelated species is very common amongbacteria and very rare in human and higherspecies.

Increased Weediness

Weediness means the tendency of the plantto spread away from the field where it wasfirst planted. There are apprehensions about

GM crops becoming weeds. For example, asalt tolerant GM crop if escapes into marineareas could become a potent weed there. Thereis also fear about the development of superweeds i.e. a weed that has acquired theherbicide tolerant gene due to geneticcontamination with a herbicide tolerance GMOthrough in field cross breeding to relatedspecies or through horizontal gene transfer.When genetically modified oilseed rape isgrown on a large scale, the plants also growon uncultivated land. According to a recentstudy presented at the Ecological Society ofAmerica conference in Pittsburgh, Scientistsat the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville,USA) have now shown for the first time howfar the GM rape has spread in the uncultivatedenvironment. 86 per cent of canola plants, avariety of oilseed rape, found on verges and atpetrol stations are genetically modified. Thescientists warn that the feral GM canola couldbecome a weed problem for farmers.3 Thescientists fear that the uncontrolled spread ofGM rape that is resistant to both herbicidescould become a stubborn weed in other cropsbecause it would not be possible to control itwith two of the most widely availableherbicides.

Adverse Effect on Non Target Organism

One of the concerns related to the releaseof GM crop is their potential adverse impacton non-target organisms. It has been reportedpotential negative impact in a laboratorysetting of the Cry1Ab protein on larvae of thetwo spotted ladybird Adalia bipunctata.7 Thisinvestigation along with some other studiesshowing negative impact of the transgenicMON810 maize on non-target organisms wasused in Germany, to temporarily ban thecultivation of this Bt-maize. The study has

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consequently been criticized as methodologicalshortcomings that make it doubtful whetherthe observed effects were due to direct toxicityof the two Cry proteins.5 Cohik demonstratedno adverse effects of Cry1Ab and Cry3Bb1 tolarvae of Adalia bipunctata.1 In addition, anumber of peer-reviewed laboratory studies inwhich ladybird beetles were fed Cry1Ab- orCry3Bb1-expressing maize material (pollen)or Bt maize-fed herbivores have revealed nonegative effects on different life-historyparameters of C. maculate. Scientists presenteda clear conclusion during International GreenWeek in Berlin that genetically modified Btmaize is as safe as conventional maize. In fact,they say it is better for protecting speciesdiversity in fields and that cultivation of Btmaize could help prevent soil erosion andconserve soil fertility. This is one of the resultsof research projects on the environmentalimpacts of GM plants that have been fundedby Germany's Federal Ministry of Educationand Research (BMBF) over the past 25 years.3

In another case, it was claimed that Bttoxin from residual plant material waspoisoning caddis fly larvae but both reportswere found to be wrong. An analysis of 25studies similarly revealed no significance of Bton honeybee survival, which is important forpollination of several crops. Similar influenceon soil microbes has not been confirmed byseveral investigators.2

Adverse Impact On Biodiversity

The protection of biodiversity and ofecosystem should be a top priority, as it isalready in danger due various human activityand we depend on it fully now and for thefuture. There have been concerns aboutreduction in the genetic diversity in croppingsystems due to use of improved crop varieties.

This decline in genetic diversity has occurredas the farmers have substituted traditionalvarieties with monocultures and with thedevelopment of more transgenic crops thisproblem will exaggerate. The introduction ofgenetically modified plants into theenvironment has been increasinglycontroversial, as illustrated by the ongoingdebates concerning the commercialisation ofBt brinjal. There has been much research onecology of transgenic crops; it has beenobserved that the ecological problems relatedto the cultivation of GM crops are same asecological problems associated withconventional agriculture. EuropeanCommission published a compendium of theresults of EU-funded research projects on theuse and risk assessment of GM crops in 2010.The Commission concludes that geneticengineering per se does not entail any greaterrisks than conventional plant-breedingmethods. The conclusion drawn from the effortsof more than 130 research projects, covering aperiod of more than 25 years of research andinvolving more than 500 independent researchgroups.4,3

Varieties developed from GM technologymay lead to monoculture in different regionsof the world. An alternative for this could bethe use of transgene in suitable local varieties.The erosion of genetic diversity is a realityand needs to be contained. As a consequence,various nations, including India, have initiatedwide collection of land races along with wildspecies to be conserved and maintained ingene banks. However GM technology hascertain advantages over conventionalagriculture which includes requirement oflower quantities of chemical pesticides andfertilizers which is more environment friendlythan the conventional ones. Due to higher

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productivity, GM crops protect biodiversity bylands not intensively cultivated, whereasconventional agriculture practices are highlydestructive to biodiversity. Care needs to betaken for cultivation of transgenic as well asnon-transgenic crops near the centers of cropdiversity and impact assessment should be aregular activity. Uncertainties aboutenvironmental impacts are often cited asreasons for controversial and lengthy decisionmaking over the cultivation of transgenic crops.In an attempt to reduced uncertainty, therehas been much research in ecology oftransgenic crops, however, this research seemsto confuse rather clarify decision making.6

Confusion between environment riskassessment and basic ecological research canlead to ineffective risk assessment. It shouldbe noted that the concerns linked with the GMcrops was due to inappropriate agriculturepractice, lack of consideration to suitableplanting plans.

CONCLUSION

Environment risk assessment of transgenicplants should be carried out on a case by casebasis considering the biology of the plant, thenature of the transgene and protein it produces,the phenotype conferred by the transgene, useof the plant and the environment where it willbe introduced. Before their commercial release,GM crops must undergo an environmentalrisk assessment to ensure that they do notcause unacceptable detrimental effects to theenvironment. While discussing on GM cropswe take into account only risks, and not thebenefits. It is essential to convince the publicabout both risks and benefits of GM technology.Risk/benefit analysis is important to convincethe public that in spite of certain risks, theGM products are more advantageous, and that

hazards can be mitigated. Needless regulatoryload will increase costs of regulation andregulatory compliance and may results in morecostly technology, and can seriously hampertechnology development. Therefore, it isessential to carry out appropriate riskevaluation and regulate it systematically asthe identified risks require. A transgene thathas undergone broad biosafety assessmentshould not be treated as new, even if it is anew transgenic event, only the agronomicperformance and the level and stability oftransgene expression should be examined. Theregulations must always be based on scientificrisk assessment alone for safe utilization ofGM crops.

GM crops are comprehensively tested, andthere is no indication that they are less safethan their other counterparts. But still we areunable to use this technology because of somemisperceptions which are not on the basis ofscientific evidence. It is essential to haveunambiguous national strategy so as toefficiently exploit GM crops for sustainableincrease in crop yield without any hazards tohuman health and the environment. TheIndian Biosafety Guidelines, developed duringthe last two decades, do tackle most of thebiosafety concerns which are raised. It isessential to realise that GM crops are strictlyevaluated and examined for any risk they maypose to human beings and environment. Onlyafter confirmation through a standard set ofinvestigations and protocols about its safety, aGM crop is released in the environment forcultivation. In India where the inputs weretoo costly, GM crops can immensely increaseyields by providing the input in the seed.Agriculture needs GM crops to meet the needsof a human population that now exceeds sevenbillion people.

3

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REFERENCES

1. F Alvarez-Alfageme, F Bigler, and JRomeis. Transgenic Res 20, 467-479,2011.

2. Anonymous, Inter Academy Report onGM Crops. Prepared under the auspicesof The Indian Academy of Sciences, TheIndian National Academy ofEngineering, The Indian NationalScience Academy, The National Academyof Agricultural Sciences, the NationalAcademy Medical Sciences, The NationalAcademy of Sciences India 2010.

3. Anonymous, http://www.gmo-safety.eu/2012.

4. I Econmidis. Three decades of EU-funded GMO research. South Asia

conference on current approaches tothe environment risk assessment ofgenetically engineered crops, New Delhi,22, 2011.

5. S Rauschen Transgenic Res, 19, 13-16.

6. A Raybould. Problem formulation inenvironment risk assessment: reducinguncertainty in decision making. SouthAsia conference on current approachesto the environment risk assessment ofgenetically engineered crops, New Delhi,23, 2011.

7. JEU Schmidt, CU Braun, LPWhitehouse and A Hilbeck. Arch

Environ Contam Toxicol, 56(2), 221-228.

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BIOFUELS : THE FUEL OF THE FUTUREBIOFUELS : THE FUEL OF THE FUTUREBIOFUELS : THE FUEL OF THE FUTUREBIOFUELS : THE FUEL OF THE FUTUREBIOFUELS : THE FUEL OF THE FUTURE

Dalvi Sanjaykumar N.

The twentieth century came with the attention of the people towards the use ofbiofuels. Biofuels are produced either from living organisms or from metabolicby-products (organic or food waste products). In order to be considered abiofuels, the fuel must contain over 80 percent renewable materials. It isoriginally derived from the plants through photosynthesis process and can,therefore, be referred to as a solar energy source. There are many pros and consin using biofuels as an energy source.

Henry Ford’s1 seemingly prescient outlook is becoming much more relevantafter many decades: ‘We can get fuel from fruit, from that shrub by the roadside,or from apples, weeds, saw-dust-almost anything ! There is fuel in every bit ofvegetable matter that can be fermented. There is enough alcohol in one year’syield of a hectare of potatoes to drive the machinery necessary to cultivate thefield for a hundred years. And it remains for someone to find out how this fuelcan be produced commercially - better fuel at a cheaper price than we knownow’.

TYPES OF BIOFUELS

With petroleum reserves dwindling, the search is on to replace gasoline/diesel

with a cleaner, greener alternative2. Theintroduction of biofuels would benefit developedcountries through increasing energy securityby reducing the dependence on fossil fuels andcontributing to lower greenhouse gasemissions3. Vegetable oil is used in several olddiesel engines that have indirect injectionsystems. This oil is also used to create biodiesel,which when mixed with conventional dieselfuel is compatible for most diesel engines.Used vegetable oil is converted into biodiesel.

Sometimes, water and particulates areseparated from the used vegetable oil andthen this is used as a fuel.

It is observed that in several nations, thediesel engines under warranty are convertedto 100% biodiesel use. It has also been provedthat most people can run their vehicles onbiodiesel without any problem4. A large numberof vehicle manufacturers recommend the useof 15% biodiesel mixed with mineral diesel. InEurope, a 5% biodiesel blend is generally usedat fuel stations4.

Biodiesel is a famous biofuel in Europe.Biodiesel is a fuel composed of monoalkylesters of long-chain fatty acids derived fromrenewable vegetable oils or animal fats.Vegetable oils and animal fats are principally

* Department of Physics, S N Arts, D J M Commerceand B N S Science College, Sangamner- 422605,(MS), E-mail : harishdops@yahoo. co.in

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composed of triacylglycerols (TAG) consistingof long chain fatty acids chemically bound to aglycerol. The chemical process by whichbiodiesel is prepared is known as thetransesterification reaction, which involves aTAG reaction with a short-chain monohydricalcohol normally in the presence of a catalystat elevated temperature to form fatty acidalkyl esters (FAAE) and glycerol .Biodiesel iscomposed of long-chain FAAE, whereaspetrodiesel is a mixture of aliphatic andaromatic hydrocarbons that containapproximately 10 to 15 carbons6.

When biodiesel is mixed with mineral diesel,the mixture can be used in any diesel engine.This blend will exhibit properties differentfrom neat biodiesel or petrodiesel fuels.Specifically, the most important fuel propertiesinfluenced by blending of biodiesel withpetrodiesel are lubricity, exhaust emissions,CN, flash point, oxidative stability, low-temperature operability, kinematic viscosity,and energy content6. Biodiesel reducesparticulate, carbon monoxide, and sulfurdioxide emissions compared to diesel fuel7.Specifically, the most important fuel propertiesinfluenced by blending of biodiesel withpetrodiesel are lubricity, exhaust emissions,cetane number, flash point, oxidative stability,low-temperature operability, kinematicviscosity, and energy content7.

Bioalcohols are biologically producedalcohols. Fermenting and distilling sugar crops,starch crops that have been converted intosimple sugars or processing cellulose bio-masscan produce bio-alcohols. These bio-alcoholsare mainly bio-ethanol,bio-methanol8 and rareamong these are propanol and butanol.Biobutanol can be used directly in a gasolineengine and hence is considered a directreplacement for gasoline. The butanol can be

burned straight in the existing gasoline engineswithout any alteration to the engine or car. Itis also claimed that this butanol producesmore energy. Also, butanol has a less corrosiveeffect and is less soluble in water than ethanol4.

Bio-methanol can be produced from bio-mass and biodegradable fraction of waste andit isequivalent to methanol from non-renewableresources8. Fuel ethanol can be produced fromdirect fermentation of simple sugars orpolysaccharides like starch or cellulose thatcan be converted into sugars10.

About 95% of ethanol produced in the worldis from agricultural products9. Ethanol fuel isthe most commonly used biofuel in the worldand particularly in Brazil. In Brazil, theethanol use as bio-fuel is very common. In the80s, more than half of the Brazilian cars used95% anhydrous ethanol, however, the lack ofsugar and its high prices decreased this valuein the subsequent years11.

Ethanol can be put to use in petrol enginesas a substitute for gasoline. Also, it can bemixed with gasoline in any ratio. Thecontemporary automobile petrol engines canwork on mixtures of gasoline and ethanol thathave 15% bioethanol. This mixture of gasolineand ethanol has more quantity of octane. Thisindicates that the engine would burn hotterand more efficiently. In high altitude areas,the mixture of gasoline and ethanol is used asa winter oxidizer and thereby atmosphericpollution is decreased4.

The Ethanol fuel has less British thermalunit energy content. Thus, to drive the samedistance, more fuel is required as compare tousual fuel. Also ethanol has a corrosive effecton combustion chambers, aluminum, rubberhoses and gaskets and fuel systems4.

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Biogas is created when organic material isanaerobically digested by anaerobes. Duringproduction, there is a solid byproduct calleddigestate. This can be used as a biofuel orfertilizer. Biogas consists of methane. Landfillgas is created in landfills due to naturalanaerobic digestion and is a less clean form ofbiogas. Dried manure, charcoal and wood areexamples of solid biofuels4.

The combined processes of gasification,combustion and pyrolysis gives rise to Syngaswhich is a biofuel. Bio-syngas resulting frombiomass gasification contains CO, H2, CO2,CH4, and N2 in various proportions 12, 13.The average bio-syngas from a downdraftgasifier with air as the oxidant contains 22.16%CO, 17.55% H2, 11.89% CO2, 3.07% CH4, withN2 and other gases as the balance14.

By using the Fischer-Tropsch process, itcan be transformed to a synthetic petroleumsubstitute.Biomass to Liquid via Fischer-Tropsch (BTL-FT) synthesis is gainingincreasing interests from academia andindustry because of its ability to produce carbonneutral and environmentally friendly cleanfuels; such kinds of fuels can help to meet theglobally increasing energy demand and to meetthe stricter environmental regulations in thefuture15.

SECOND AND THIRD GENERATIONBIOFUELS

Some second generation biofuels that arebeing developed are Fischer-Tropsch diesel,bio-DME (Bio Dimethyl ether), DMF(Dimethylfuran), biomethanol, biohydrogen,wood diesel, mixed alcohol and biohydrogendiesel. Besides the development of an ef?cientand economically viable technology for ethanolproduction from lignocellulosic materials, other

processes based on the use of microalgae andcontinuous reactors with immobilized cells havealso been strongly evaluated being consideredas promissory strategies for a futuredevelopment of this sector16.

Algae fuel, also called oilgae or thirdgeneration biofuel, is a biofuel from algae.Algae are low-input, high-yield feedstock toproduce biofuels. As a matter of fact, averagebiodiesel production yield from microalgae canbe 10 to 20 times higher than the yield obtainedfrom oleaginous seeds and/or vegetable oils17,18

(Table 1).With the higher prices of fossil fuels(petroleum), there is much interest inalgaculture (farming algae).

The United States Department of Energyestimates that if algae fuel replaced all thepetroleum fuel in the United States, it wouldrequire 15,000 square miles (38,849 squarekilometers), which is roughly the size ofMaryland2. Algae, such as Botryococcus

braunii and Chlorella vulgaris, are relativelyeasy to grow, but the algal oil is hard toextract. There are several approaches, some of

Table-1 : Comparison of some sources ofbiodiesel17, 18

Crop Oil yield (L ha–1

)Corn 172

Soybean 446

Canola 1,190

Jatropha 1,892

Coconut 2,689

Palm 5,950

Microalgaea 136,900

Microalgaeb 58,700a 70% oil (by wt) in biomassb 30% oil (by wt) in biomass

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Com.-3/S. Congress/Folder-2014-15/Aug-Sept-2014/Aug-Sept-2014 ShuvankarDate : 30/08/2014

which work better than others. Somemicroalgae have high oil content (Table 2) andcan be induced to produce higher concentrationof lipids.

Table 2 : Lipid content of somemicroalgae (% dry matter)18

Species Lipids

Scenedesmus obliquus 11-22/35-55

Scenedesmus dimorphus 6-7/16-40

Chlorella vulgaris 14-40/56

Chlorella emersonii 63

Chlorella protothecoides 23/55

Chlorella sorokiana 22

Chlorella minutissima 57

Dunaliella bioculata 8

Dunaliella salina 14-20

Neochloris oleoabundans 35-65

Spirulina maxima 4-9

Macroalgae (seaweed) also have a greatpotential for bioethanol and biogas production.Three marine macroalgae (Chondrus crispus,Himanthalia elongata, Undaris pinnatifida) areused as solid raw material for direct base-catalyzed transesterification19.One advantageof many biofuels over most other fuel types isthat they are biodegradable3, and so relativelyharmless to the environment if spilled4.

WORLDWIDE PRODUCTION OFBIOFUELS

A number of countries adjusted priceregulation, modified tax incentives, or adjustedtargets, and national biofuels targets andblending mandates continued to evolve. Forexample, in a concession to market realities,Germany lowered the mandatory biofuels blendrate for all transport fuels from 6.25 percentto 5.25 percent for 2009. The rate will again

increase to 6.25 percent for 2010-14.Theworldwide figures for ethanol production(annual) increased from 53 billion liters in2007 to 76 billion liters in 2009.The biodieselproduction (annual) increased from 10 billionliters in 2007 to 12 billion liters in 20095.

India approved a new target of 20 percentbiofuels blending in both gasoline and dieselover 10 years, along with tax incentives forgrowers of biofuels crops. The initial mandatewas for E5 blending in 2008 but ethanol supplyissues may have delayed that mandate.Countries with new biofuels targets identifiedin 2008 include Australia (350 million litersby 2010), Indonesia (blending 3 percent by2015 and 5 percent by 2015), Japan (500million liters by 2012), Madagascar (blending5 percent by 2020), and Vietnam (300 millionliters by 2020). Several blending mandateswere enacted or modified in 2008, including inBrazil, India, Jamaica, Korea, and Thailand.

As per REN21 (The Renewable EnergyPolicy Network for the 21st Century):Renewables 2010 Global Status Report, theethanol industry faced multiple challenges in2009, both for corn ethanol and sugar caneethanol. This resulted in limited additions toproduction capacity and to widespreadconsolidation as the assets of many formermarket leaders were acquired. The industryoutlook had fundamentally improved by theend of 2009, with lower corn prices and highercrude oil prices than in the autumn. Europeremains the world's top biodiesel producer. Itis currently home to almost 280 productionfacilities across 27 member states, but thesector continued to become stagnant. Thesecond generation biofuels are not yet producedcommercially as per this report, but the EU,USA and Canada, along with China, Brazil,India, and Thailand, are investing in researchand pilot production projects5.

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CONCLUSION

There are various current issues with biofuelproduction and use, which are presently beingdiscussed in the popular media and scientificjournals. These may include the effect ofmoderating oil prices , the "food vs. fuel"debate, carbon emissions levels, sustainablebiofuel production, deforestation and soilerosion, impact on water resources, humanrights issues, poverty reduction potential,biofuel prices, energy balance and efficiency,and centralized versus decentralized productionmodels. Apart from every debate we have tokeep in mind that thebiofuels are the best wayof reducing the emission of the greenhousegases3. They can also be looked upon as a wayof energy security which stands as analternative of fossil fuels that are limited inavailability and also biofuels are renewablesources of energy. As one can realize fromabove discussion that today, the use of biofuelshas expanded throughout the globe.

REFERENCES

1. “Ford Predicts Fuel from Vegetation,”New York Times, p. 24, Sept. 20, 1925.

2. Hartman, Eviana, “A Promising OilAlternative: Algae Energy,” TheWashington Post, January 6, 2008.

3. “Press Conference LaunchingInternational Biofuels Forum”,UnitedNations Department of PublicInformation, New York, 2007-03-02.

4. <http://www.biofuel.org.uk>, Retrievedon 2011-05-25.

5. REN21. 2009& 2010, Renewables GlobalStatus Report: 2009&2010, RenewableEnergy Policy Network for the 21stCentury (Paris: REN21 Secretariat),France.

6. Bryan R. Moser, In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol.Plant, 45, 229-266, 2009.

7. John Sheehan, Vince Camobreco, et. al.,Overview of Biodiesel and PetroleumDiesel Life Cycles, NREL/TP-580-24772,May 1998,National Renewable EnergyLaboratory, Colorado.

8. Marina Enguídanos, Antonio SoriaBoyan, Kavalov Peder Jensen, Techno-economic analysis of Bio-alcoholproduction in the EU: a short summaryfor decision-makers, May 2002,ReportEUR 20280 EN,European Commission.

9. F. Rossillo-Calle, A Walter, EnergSustain Dev, 10, 20-32, 2006.

10. S.I. Mussatto, et. al., BiotechnologyAdvances, 28, 817-830, 2010.

11. B. D. Solomon, J. R. Barnes, K. E.Halvorsen , Biomass Bioenerg, 31, 41625, 2007.

12. D. L. Klass, Encyclopedia of Energy, 1,193-212, 2004.

13. A.A.C.M. Beenackers, W.P.M. Swaaij,Thermochemical Processing of Biomass,91-136, 1984, Butterworth, London, UK.

14. L. Wei, et. al., Trans. ASABE, 52, 21-37,2009.

15. Hu Jin, Yu Fei , Lu Yongwu, Catalysts,2, 303-326, 2012.

16. S.I. Mussatto, et. al., BiotechnologyAdvances, 28, 817-830, 2010.

17. Y. Chisti, Biotechnol Adv, 25, 294-306,2007.

18. Luisa Gouveia, Ana Cristina Oliveira, JInd Microbiol Biotechnol, 36, 269-274,2009.

19. Angeles Cancela, Rocio Maceiras,Santiago Urrejola and Angel Sanchez,Energies, 5, 862-871, 2012.

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AEROBIOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCEAEROBIOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCEAEROBIOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCEAEROBIOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCEAEROBIOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

R. Pavan* and K. Manjunath

Aerobiology is an interdisciplinary field covering environmental science, medicalscience, agricultural science and biological science. In fact all forms of life whichbecome airborne are now included in the studies of aerobiology has emerged asa specialized branch of investigation in biological science.

INTRODUCTION

T he term aerobiology came into useduring 1930 for the studies of airborne

bioparticulates which include pollen grains,fungal spores, etc. In fact aerobiology dealswith bioaerosols, which are usually theparticles, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, dustmites, pollens, spores, and decomposers ofcracked animals or plants1. Aerobiologicalinvestigations have been started in thebeginning of 20th century. They are mainlyderived from soil, water bodies, animals, plantsand human beings2. Diffused and transmittedthrough the air, bioaerosols spread humandiseases, such as infectious diseases, allergiesor poisoning, as well as animal and plantdiseases3. Interest in bioaerosols has risensharply in recent years as their relevance tooccupational and environmental health hasbecome better understood. Their generalimportance in infectious disease, acute toxiceffects, allergies and even cancer is now wellrecognized and their specific importance inrelation to respiratory symptoms and lungfunction impairment has become a particularpublic health priority. Natural substances are

present in tiny amounts in an unfiltered airsample, including dust, gases, dried vapordroplets, pollen and spores, sea spray andvolcanic ash apart from number ofmicroorganisms.

Aerobiology has become an interdisciplinaryscience of great significance and applicationsdrawing information from palynology, ecology,mycology, pathology4, agriculture, forestryimmunology, clinical medicine andmeteorology4. Most of the aerobiological workis carried out with reference to theAerobiological Triangle5, described by apathway like Source-Release-Dispersion-Deposition and Impact where environmentalfactors affect at each state. There are variousways of dispersal of pollen and fungal sporesin the atmosphere and the most importantfactor is wind which transmits pollen andspores from the sources to target area. Theworld population is more than 7 billion withan annual growth of 1.8 %, approximately 1.5billion houses, 1.21 billion People in India(about 17 % of Earth) and 330 million housesin India with 32% increase over past 10 years.Annually 2 million death and 3 to 4% globalburden of diseases are due to air-pollution.The number of respiratory allergy to pollenand spores is estimated at 20 to 30% in atopic

* Department of Microbiology and BiotechnologyBangalore University, Bangalore - 560 056, Karnataka,India E-mail: pavanrgowda@ rediffmail.com

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population and upto 6% in general populationand Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases(COPD) is also seems that climate change isincreasing the abundance of aeroallergens suchas fungi, pollen which may result in greaterincidence are severity of allergic diseases5,6.

AIR

Air is an essential and important componentof the ecosystem. Humans are in continuousexposure to air environment either outdoor orindoor. Hence the air environment is a crucialfactor that affects human health. Air mediacontain microorganisms such as viruses,bacteria, fungi and their spores, pollen grains,algal fragments, apart from the fragments ofthese microbes, glucans and mycotoxins affecthuman health adversely. Exposure to toxinscan lead to health effects such as fever, fatigue,nausea, headache, depression and the longterm effect include respiratory diseases andcardiovascular problems. A range of airborneparticles such as pollen, fungal spores, insectdebris, animal dander, mites etc. are therecognized allergens5. Air quality has been aconcern for more than 100 years and startedaround 1850 during the hygienic revolution,followed by outdoor environmental issues7.While indoor pollutant levels in most casesare higher than those of outdoor levels,researchers also found that most individualsspend 90% of their time indoors and inhalearound 35 gallons of air each day. Since theair breathed in most often comes from theenclosed buildings, good indoor air quality istherefore very essential and critical to humanhealth.

ENVIRONMENT

In many environments including hospitals,schools, animal sheds, shopping malls,pharmaceutical facilities, food storages and

spacecraft environments, the presence ofbioaerosols can compromise normal activities,making efficient monitoring crucial dependson numerous physical, chemical and biologicalfactors8. Regarding microbial pollutants, amongtheir typical indoor reservoirs are people,plants and animals, to some extent soil andwater as well as human-made materials. Inthis type of work environment, biological agentscan cause adverse health effects whentransported in the air as bioaerosols9.

The research works on bioaerosols includethe identification of source, the way of releaseand take off the particles, their dispersion andthe manner of the deposition, identification,the objects of impact and the interactionbetween particles10. The sampling devicesinvolve techniques that separate particles fromthe air stream and collect them in or apreselected medium. Impaction, filtration andimpingement are three common samplingtechniques used to collect and separate theparticles. Air monitoring was usually done byusing different types of voluemetric samplers,such as Andersen sampler, Burkard sampler,Rotorod sampler, etc5. The seasonal airmonitoring for at least three seasons (summer,winter and rainy) helps in understanding thecomponent of air quality.

BIOAEROSOLS

Airborne microorganisms are not regardedas air pollutants but should be considered asan important factor affecting air quality andhuman health. Bioaerosols enter and aredispersed into the atmosphere from a varietyof sources. Nevertheless, weather variablessuch as wind speed, relative humidity, rainfalland temperature also influence spore behaviorand dispersion in the atmosphere11. Thechanges in meteorological factors also affectaeroallergen production, which, in turn,

4

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impacts the prevalence or severity of allergicillness via sensitivity and response pathways12.Climate change, caused in part by increasedatmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxideand other greenhouse gases, is likely to resultin increases in temperature, relative humidity,wind speed and rainfall were changes in theamount, distribution, and intensity ofprecipitation events, and increases in theintensity and frequency of certain extremeweather events10. Researchers summarized thecurrent understanding of the science on theimpacts of climate change on aeroallergensand on the interaction between aeroallergensand air pollution related to allergic diseases13.

A recent review took the further step ofoutlining adaptation options focused on therole of qualitative and quantitative analysesof airborne microorganisms by identificationmethod, the predominant microorganisms andtypes are taken into consideration withindividual microorganisms show movement ofseasonal variations. In a particular type ofallergy if the microorganisms load is more, wecan suggest the peoples about the predicationof the allergy and made the peoples alert toprotect themselves from that particular allergy.The concentration of the investigatedparameters and the resulting adverse healtheffect, then on the basis of the measurementsof the concentration of the biological agent,reference values should make it possible toevaluate the quality of the environment andto determine specific type of setting14. On thevalues in occupational and non occupationalenvironments for several microbial agents, thatcan be present in the air as bioaerosolcomponents15. Although the air is not conduciveto the growth and survival of microorganisms,it is the most important medium for carryingand spreading of biological agents. Biological

particles suspended in the air can be presentin viable as well as nonviable forms. They caneither exist as individual entities or createaggregates of biological structures. Thepresence of air is related to multipleaerodynamic factors, such as spore size, shape,weight and hydroscopic and electrostaticproperties of their walls16. Such inhalationexposure can initiate numerousimmunopathogenic reactions includingallergies, infections, toxic reactions and otherunspecified symptoms like the sick buildingsyndrome.

CONCLUSION

Epidemiological studies have shown that afew hundred million people around the worldare exposed to biological agents. Unfortunately,there are no quantitative health basedguideline values or thresholds for acceptablelevels of microbial contamination. This is sobecause a dose response relationship for mostbiological agents has not been determined yetand is controversial in many aspects. It is notpossible to identify individual species ofairborne microorganisms or other specificbiological agents responsible for health effects.Susceptibility to a specific biological agent isan individual feature of each organism withsource data on environmental and occupationalconcentrations of biological agents are stillinsufficient and sampling methods usingsamplers and experimental procedures havenot yet been properly standardized. We canconclude that the standardized air monitoringinspection with appropriate protocols mayhopefully improve our understanding of theenvironment, such as how it affects humanhealth? or how does it eventually lead to ourunderstanding in procedures for improvingthe quality of the air that we breathe.

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REFERENCES

1. W. C. Jacobs, American MeteorologicalSol. Boston, 1103-1111, 1951.

2. P.A Ariya and M. Amyot, AtmosphericEnvironment, 38, 1231-1232, 2004.

3. J. Ho and S. Duncan, Journal of AerosolScience, 36, 701-719, 2005.

4. R. L. Edmonds and W. S. Berninghoft,Aerobiology and its modern applications,Report No. 3, IBP AerobiologyProgramme, 17, 1973.

5. K. Bhattacharya, Majumdar M. R. andS. Gupta Bhattacharya A text book ofPoloynology, New Central Book Agency(P) Ltd, India, 168-169, 2006.

6. S.N. Agashe, B.E. Rangaswamy and K.Mamlakatoi, Monitoring environmentalbiopollution and its relevance in publichealth, Proceedings of NationalSymposium on Environmental, 11, 252-255, 2002.

7. J.D. Spengler, J.M. Samet and J.F.McCarthy, Indoor air quality handbook,In Burge HA, The fungi. NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, 45, 16, 2000.

8. L.D. Stetzenbach, Introduction toaerobiology, C.J. Hurst, R.L. Crawford,J.L. Garland, D.A. Lipson, A.L. Mills,L.D. Stetzenbach, Manual ofEnvironmental Microbiology, ASM Press,D.C. Washington, 925-938, 2007.

9. J. Skowron and M. Golofit-Szymczak,Bromat Chem Toksykol, 37, 91-98, 2004.

10. S. Solomon, D. Qin, M. Manning, R.B.Alley, T. Berntsen and N.L. Bindoff,Technical summary. In: Climate Change2007: Cambridge, United Kingdom :Cambridge University Press, 2007.

11. A. Adhikari, M. Sen, S. GuptaBhattacharya and S. Chanda.Environmental International, 29, 1071-1078, 2004.

12. P. Chakraborty, A. Chakraborty, D.Ghosh, J. Mandal and S. GuptaBhattacharya. Aerobiologia, 30(2), 137-148, 2014.

13. D. Ghosh, P. Chakraborty, J. Gupta, A.Biswas and S. Gupta Bhattacharya.Allergy, 65, (6), 795-796, 2010.

14. R.L. Gorny, E. Anczyk and J. Dutkiewicz,The Role of Standards and limit valuesfor biological agents in protection ofworkers health a view from Europe, InXVIII World Congress on Safety andHealth at Work [CD-ROM], 2008.

15. D. Augustynska and M. Posniak,Harmful agents in the workingenvironment admissible values.Warszawa, CIOP-PIB, 2007.

16. S. S. Okten, A. Asan, Y. Tungan and M.Ture, Journal of Science, 6 (1), 97-106,2005.

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS ANDBRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS ANDBRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS ANDBRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS ANDBRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENTISTS ANDCLINICIANSCLINICIANSCLINICIANSCLINICIANSCLINICIANS

Janet Jeyapaul

This article focuses on the wide divide between scientists and clinicians engagedin cancer research. Highthoroughput studies and extensive microarrying haveoccupied centre stage without taking into account the cell types involved andthe progression of disease. This has resulted in 'inhibitors' of little clinicalimportance.

Ever wondered why doctors emphasizeon early detection of cancer? It is

true. Only early detection can maximizecomplete recovery. Yet the aam aadmi arrivesat the doorstep of the Cancer Hospital, wellpast the early stage. No doubt we hear ofnumerous heart touching stories of cancersurvivors, and the many improvements inmedication and treatment. But this articlefocuses on the billions of dollars and rupeespoured into scientific research worldwide, andthe gap that exists between scientists andclinicians. Last year the American Associationof Cancer Research sent an importantattachment along with its regular fundingannouncements, that of the staggering figuresof cancer deaths.

According to the International Agency forResearch in Cancer, WHO report, 2014, anestimated 14 million new cases will bediagnosed per year. Within the next twodecades, this figure would rise to 22 millionannually. Cancer deaths are estimated to risefrom 8.2 million to 13 million per year. Asia,

Africa and Central and South America accountfor 60% of worlds total cases.

Its seems cancer research has more or lessmoved supersonically in one direction- oftechnological finesse. Cultural compulsionshave led scientists to do hyped uphighthoroughput studies with little clinicalsignificance. Scientists have been preoccupiedwith genomics and proteomics and the latest‘omics’ of the day without weaving it into thebiology, pathology, progression of disease andclinical significance Clinicians, instead oftaking the onus of such studies on themselveshave taken their cue for research from theformer.

Funding, has in the past, see-saweddangerously according to the latest 'in thing'.When I was post-doc ing in Philadelphia, USAin the late 80s, the 'in thing' was to do, whatwas called in scientific banter, ‘promoterbashing’. ‘Promoter bashing’ was nothing butmutagenesis of the promoter- systematicallychopping and cutting the promoter todetermine the minimum region of promoterrequired for gene expression. So major fundingwas allotted to ‘promoter bashing’ studies.Then came cloning, antisense RNAs, siRNAs,

* Former Prof. of Biotechnology, SRM University,Chennai Currently, Founder, Jeyapaul Labs, Chennai,India, E-mail : [email protected]

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microarrays, highthoroughput genomics,proteomics, and microRNAs- the list is endless.Somewhere in the stampede to stay fundedthe cancer patient’s fate was adversely sealed.

The biological nature of disease, theinteraction of various cell types, thepathogenesis and progression of disease hasnot been dealt with in depth. This has resultedin a spurt of 'inhibitors' but none that havemade it to clinics in a significant way. Basicscience is important in cancer research todissect out aberrant genes-oncogenes, mutatedtumour suppressor genes, signalingmoleculesetc. However, there is little value inmicroarraying whole sets of genes at a giventime point, with no information on the statusof genes during progression of disease. Moreimportantly, the interaction between cell typesin pathogenesis and progression of diseaseneeds to be taken into consideration. Forexample in tumours induced by BRCA1mutation in luminal cells resemble humanBRCA1 mutated breast cancer and basalcancers. BRCA1 mutation in basal cells formtumours that do not phenocopy histologicallyhuman breast cancer. Thus the aberrationsthat occur in distinct cell types is important.

Another important aspect is establishingappropriate xenograft models of cancer thatphenocopy human cancers. It has been shownin breast cancer stem studies that cancers canbe induced in mouse that do not phenocopyhuman breast cancer. In such models it is oflittle benefit to study the effect of inhibitors.While it is true that not one mouse model can

encompass the entire spectrum of heterogeneityof human cancers, it is important to establishthe different mouse models that phenocopyhistologically, pathologically and molecularlythe human cancers.

Effective translational cancer researchwould involve a team of clinicians,epidemiologists, pathologists, radiologists,scientists from various disciplines -chemotherapy, biological sciences, oncology,genetics, basic sciences and educators /professors from teaching profession engagedin research. The last addition may be a surprisebut professors often have a clearer perspectivethat is devoid of the strong scientific culturalcompulsions/technological inclinations andtherefore more open to cell based studies.

Being a professor myself and engaged inbreast cancer, I find myself a bit detachedfrom diehard cultural and technological drivenscience. In breast cancer, I am more struckwith the heterogeneity of cell types and thediverse function of biomolecules in differentcell types. Thus there is no fascination for mein studying biomolecules en masse!!

REFERENCES

1. International Agency for Research inCancer, WHO. Press Release Lyon/London, 3 February 2014.

2. Molyneux G. Geyer FC, Magnay FA etal; Cell Stem Cell, 7(3), 403, 2010.

3. Fillimore CM and Kuperwasser C.,Breast Cancer Research, 10, R25, 2008.

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DR. SARJERAO BHAURAO NIMSE

General President

Dr. S. B. Nimse is presently Vice Chancellor,Lucknow University. He was earlier ViceChancellor, Swami Ramanand TeerthMarathwada University, Nanded(Maharashtra) (2008-2013)

Dr. Nimse completed M.Sc. (Mathematics-First Class) from Pune University, M. Phil.(Mathematics). He received U.P. Governor’sAward for distinguished achievement in M.Phil.He completed his Ph.D. (Mathematics; GeneralTopology), 1982.

Dr. Nimse previously served as Principal,New Arts, Commerce & Science College,Ahmednagar (M.S.) since March, 2004 to 16th

July, 2008, Director of Management Institute(Institute of Management, Research and RuralDevelopment, Ahmednagar (M.S.) during 1990-1998, Director, MBA Center, IBMRD,Ahmednagar (M.S.) 1986-1990, Member,Management Council, University of Pune, sinceFebruary-2006, Dean, Faculty of Science,University of Pune, during Sept. 2001 to Sept.2005, Chairman, Board of Studies inMathematics, University of Pune, 1985 to 1991and 2005 to 2008.

He is member of several National /Professional Bodies and also memberGoverning Council of the ConsultancyDevelopment Centre, Govt. of India, Ministryof Science & Technology, Department ofScientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), NewDelhi w.e.f. 10th July, 2012 (for three years),Member, Steering Committee for XIIth FiveYear Plan on Higher Education, PlanningCommission of India, New Delhi, since April2011, Secretary, (Admin), Indian MathematicalSociety (IMS), 1st April, 2007 to 31st March,2011, Executive Committee Member andSectional President (ICT Section) of ISCA(2005-06).

Dr. Nimse has published 12 books onMathematics, 21 papers in InternationalJournal and 11 papers in National Journal. 9students have completed Ph.D. under hisguidance, and presently four students areregistered to Pune University and SRTMUniversity, Nanded. He has been invited todeliver lectures lecture in different parts ofthe world.

DR. ER. NILANGSHU BHUSAN BASU

General Secretary (MembershipAffairs)

Born on 14th day of July, 1956, Dr.

LIFE SKETCHES OF OFFICE BEARERS, SECTIONAL PRESIDENTSLIFE SKETCHES OF OFFICE BEARERS, SECTIONAL PRESIDENTSLIFE SKETCHES OF OFFICE BEARERS, SECTIONAL PRESIDENTSLIFE SKETCHES OF OFFICE BEARERS, SECTIONAL PRESIDENTSLIFE SKETCHES OF OFFICE BEARERS, SECTIONAL PRESIDENTS & & & & & RECORDERSRECORDERSRECORDERSRECORDERSRECORDERSOF THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, 2014-2015OF THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, 2014-2015OF THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, 2014-2015OF THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, 2014-2015OF THE INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, 2014-2015

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Nilangshu Bhusan Basu graduated in CivilEngineering from Bengal Engineering Collegein the year 1977 with distinction. He completedhis Master’s degree in Structural Engineeringfrom Jadavpur University in the year 1983with distinction and successfully undergonetraining in River Basin Management atThames Water Authority, U. K. in the year1989. He has served as Chairman ofArchitectural Engg. Division of Institute ofEngineers, West Bengal Chapter. He is alsoadorning the honoured post of the VicePresident at the Institute of Public HealthEngineers. Presently, he is working at TheKolkata Municipal Corporation in the capacityof the Principal Chief Engineer (civil). Underthe supervision of his Engineering skills agood number of infrastructure projects for thecity of Kolkata have been completedsuccessfully. 40 MGD water treatment plantat Palta, 100 MGD pressure station for clearwater at Palta, 100 MGD intake jetty withintake station of Palta, Networking for watermains, Booster pumping stations at Parkcircus,Bagmari, Ranikuthi, Kalighat Drainagepumping station of Southern Avenue,Automated computerized car parking systemat Rowdan street (over ground ) at Lindsaystreet (underground) etc, are only a few amongthe large number of successful projects thathe has so far undertaken. All the JNNURMprojects of KMC worth 1000 crores had alsobeen formulated and is being executed in hisleadership. These prestigious projects include134 year old underground brick sewerrehabilitation of Kolkata also. He has alsobeen invited to deliver lectures in manyNational and International seminars in Indiaand Abroad and has a number of Internationalpublications in prestigeous engineeringmagazines too.

PROF. ARUN KUMARGeneral Secretary (ScientificActivities)

Prof Arun Kumar has over 31 years ofteaching and research experience inDepartment of Earth Sciences, ManipurUniversity. He initially started his research inthe field of fluvial geomorphology withapplication of GIS and Remote usingtechniques in the watersheds studies inManipur. He has carried out the landslidehazards studies along the National Highwaysin Manipur, North Eastern, Jammu & Kashmirand Himachal Pradesh India.

He has established number of seismicobservatories in Manipur as well as NE Indiato monitor the ongoing seismological status asthe region of Manipur, falls under highestSeismic Zoning map of India. He created theearthquake hazard awareness in a scientificmanner in many schools in NE region whereschool children can witness to measure theearthquake epicentre parameters in theirschool earthquake laboratories. Approximatelysixty observatories are operational in varioushigher secondary schools in the NE India.

Now, he is establishing a multi-parametergeophysical observatory at Imphal, Manipurto observe the earthquake precursoryphenomenon by using the geo-electric, electro-magnetic, magneto-telluric, seismic & micro-strain through boreholes and anomalies due to

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the crustal deformations. He has continuedthe crustal deformation measurements alongactives faults in (Swalbard) Arctic Region,which is quite interesting in estimating theIsostatic Rebound phenomenon for ongoingclimate change. The entire research activitiesare financially supported by the Ministry ofEarth Sciences (MoES), Science Technology,Ministry of Environment & Forest (MoEF)Government of India. He is presently themembers of Programme Advisory Committee(Seismology Programme) of MoES and ExpertAdvisory Committee of Hydroelectric & Rivervalley Projects of MoEF.

He has travelled various countries forattending International conferences, trainingprogrammes and research activities. More thanfifty research articles in various Internationaland national journals are published. Besides,two volumes are edited and contributed ascientific database on water balance of smallwatershed from Manipur. Ten students havebeen awarded and six are in progress for theirPh. D. degree. He has trained many of hisresearch scholars and M. Sc. students in GIS,Remote Sensing and Seismology.

He is active member of The Indian ScienceCongress Association, Kolkata and enjoyed theelected post of Sectional President (ESSSection, 98 ISCA).

PROF. DHYANENDRA KUMARTreasurer

Professor Dhyanendra Kumar is presently

Professor and Head, Department of Zoology,Veer Kunwar Singh University, Arrah, Bihar.He is Member Syndicate and Convener of thecommittee for Academic and Administrativereforms of Veer Kunwar Singh University,Arrah. He was Dean faculty of Science andwas Coordinator College Development Councilof the University. He was also Coordinator ofVidya-Sagar classes (a Video ConferencingClass-room programme) of the University. Heis also a member (eastern zone- RAC) of centralBoard of Workers Education (CBWE) underMinistry of Labour and Employment,Government of India.

He did his M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan. During hisM.Sc. Classes he was selected to representVisva-Bharati at Diamond Jubilee Session ofISCA at Chandigarh (1973) as a studentdelegate. He was also selected among 52students across the country as a Post-GraduateMeritorious Student to attend SummerInstitute at Porto-Novo, Annamalai University,organized by U.G.C. in 1972. He was SeniorResearch Fellow under Council of Scientificand Industrial Research at Visva-Bharati,Santiniketan (1976-1978) and obtained hisPh.D. degree in 1978.

Professor Kumar has more than 39 years ofteaching and research experience and hassuccessfully supervised 15 students for theaward of Ph.D. degree. He is presently workingon effect of pollutants on enzyme activity andalso working on endocrine disruptors and haspublished more than 50 papers in the journalsof National and International repute.

He was the Executive Secretary of 6th

International Congress of Asia Oceania Societyfor Comparative Endocrinology (AnInternational organization of 19 countries).

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He has also represented ISCA and the Countryat University of Kelaniya, Colombo- Sri Lankaat 65th Session of SLAAS (Sri Lanka Academyof Advances of Sciences). He was awarded50000 Yen in 1990 to attend InternationalCongress of Ecology at Yokohama, Japan. Heis in the editorial Board and reviewer/ refereein a number of Journals of National andInternational repute. His research papers wereaccepted for presentation in several Seminars/Symposia at Japan, USA, Thailand, Egypt,Netherland and China. He has organized andchaired various sessions of the Internationaland National conferences on the topics likemolecular signaling, endocrine disruptors, fish-toxicity, biodiversity and other environmentalrelated issues.

Professor D. Kumar has worked as aRecorder in the Section of the EnvironmentalScience of ISCA in 2005 at Ahmedabad. Hewas the Member Council from 2006 and 2011and member of the Executive Committee from2008 to 2011 of The Indian Science CongressAssociation.

DR. S. K. MAHAPATRAPresidentSection of Agriculture andForestry Sciences

Dr. Sankar Kumar Mahapatra was born onFebruary 25, 1959 in village Chandipur, PO

Pindrui, District Midnapur of West Bengal.He completed his schooling from Pindrui K.I.Vidyaniketan, Midnapur. He did B.Sc. (Hons)in Chemistry in 1978, M.Sc. (Ag) in 1980 inAgricultural Chemistry and Soil Science fromthe prestigious Calcutta University, Kolkata.He worked in research projects as Junior andSenior Research Fellows, in University Collegeof Agriculture, Kolkata and obtained Ph.D(Ag.) degree from Calcutta University.

Then he joined National Bureau of SoilSurvey and Land Use Planning (ICAR), asScientist in 1986 through Agriculture ResearchService (ARS) Examination of ICAR and postedat Regional Centre Delhi, IARI Campus, NewDelhi. Presently he is working as PrincipalScientist. In the past 28 years of AgriculturalResearch Services he made significantcontributions in the field of Soil Survey,Mapping, Correlation, Classification,Assessment of Soil Degradation, Agro-ecologicalZoning, Soil Site Suitability, Land Evaluationand Land Use Planning. He has handledseveral research projects (Institutional,Collaborative, Sponsored) covering all theNorth Indian states. He has about 200 researchpublications. He attended numerous nationaland international Conferences. He is the lifemember of 8 Professional Societies. He servedas Section Member (2004-05) and SectionalRecorder (2008-10) of ISCA, Councillor of theIndian Society of Soil Survey and Land UsePlanning, Nagpur (2001-03) and Vice Presidentfrom 2011 onwards, the Councillor of TheAgricultural Society of India (2001-06),Assistant Secretary (2003-2006) and JointSecretary (2007-2012) of Indian Society of SoilScience and Secretary, the Clay MineralsSociety of India (2014-2015).

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He is recipient of ISCA Best PosterPresentation Award, ISAS Best PaperPresentation Award and Distinction CertificateAward for Result Framework Documents givenby Cabinet Secretariat, Govt. of India. He wasExpert in Creation of Question Bank or ARS/NET Examination of Agricultural ScientistsRecruitment Board.

He has been actively involved in organisingseveral international and national Conferences/Seminars/Congress. He has also organized 2Training Programmes of 21 days duration asProgramme Coordinator, sponsored byNNRMS, Deptt. of Space, Govt. of India forthe Central and State Government Officials.

PROF. M. K. JYOTI

President

Section of Animal, Veterinary andFishery Sciences

Born on 17-05-1946, he had his primaryand secondary education in Jammu and Postgraduation (M.Sc. Zoology) from University ofKashmir. After having done M.Sc, he continuedwith Ph.D. programme at University ofKashmir as J.R.F of C.S.I.R. in the year 1973,He was appointed as Lecture in theDepartment of Biosciences of University ofJammu. He continued serving University ofJammu till 2006. It was during these 33 yearsof service that he was elevated to positions of

Associate Professor and Professor and duringthis period. He was also entrusted withdifferent academic and administrativepositions.

Dr. Jyoti served the University besidesProfessor of Zoology, as Head of Biosciencesand Zoology respectively, Dean of Life Sciences,Director of Distance Education, Convenor/Coordinator Environmental Sciences,Biochemistry, Migrant Cell Kashmir Universityand M.Sc. Fisheries. He has also contributedto the academic growth of other Universitiesas member of their board of studies andthrough participation as resource person intheir refresher courses.

His field of research primarily remainedFisheries and Limnology. He bagged ansuccessfully completed several research projectsawarded by U.G.C, C.S.I.R, I.C.A.R and MoEetc. He has supervised about two dozen M.Philand one dozen Ph.D. scholars and published60 research papers in Indian and Foreignjournals.

He was picked up by newly created CentralUniversity of Jammu, where he worked foranother three years and established adepartment of Environmental Sciences. Hewas sponsored by U.G.C. for visits to New-Zealand and Czechoslovakia under its academicexchange program.

During his active service carrier, heorganized 6 national seminars and worked forthe introduction of some new course in theUniversity. He has been conferred withhonours by the Inland Fisheries Society,Zoological Society of India and Indian Academyof Environmental Sciences.

Presently he is also Convener of JammuISCA Chapter.

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PROF. ANUP KUMAR KAPOOR

President

Section of Anthropological andBehavioural Sciences (includingArchaeology, Psychology,Education and Military Sciences)

Prof. Anup Kumar Kapoor, former Vice-Chancellor of Jiwaji University, Gwalior (M.P.),is an eminent Bio-Social Anthropologist of thecountry. Born on 20th Jan., 1954 in Delhi,Prof. Kapoor did his B.Sc. (Hons.) Anthropology(1973), M.Sc. Anthropology (1975) and Ph.D.(1981) from University of Delhi, Delhi. He didpostdoctoral research on the High AltitudeTribal Populations of Himalayas (1981-83)supported by Indian Council of MedicalResearch, New Delhi at Department ofAnthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi. Hewas appointed University Adhoc Lecturer(1983-86), University Lecturer (1986-1991),University Reader (1991-97) and Professor(1997-till date) in Department of Anthropology,University of Delhi, Delhi. His research interestcovers Human Population Biology; ForensicAnthropology; Cultural Biology with emphasison tribal, Himalayan and health studies;Biological Gerontology, Neuroanthropology andHuman Rights. As an anthropologist he hascarried out extensive and intensive fieldworkamong tribes, castes and ethnic groups in theStates and Union Territories. He has served

as the Principal Investigator and/or Co-PI forseveral research projects.

Prof. Kapoor has received several awardslike Ruchi Award (1991); UGC Research Award(1999); Life Time Education AchievementAward (2006); Vidya Ratan Award (2008); Manof The Year Award (2009) and Dr. PanchananMitra Memorial Lectureship Award of theAsiatic Society (2014) for his outstandingcontribution in Anthropology, Education andHuman Development.

He has acted as Chief Guest, Guest ofHonor, Chairperson, Co-Chairperson andPresided at various National and InternationalSeminars, Conferences, Sports Functions andnumerous Cultural Activities. Prof. Kapoorhas also delivered Invited Lectures, SpecialLectures and Keynote Addresses in variousConferences, Workshops and Seminars in Indiaand abroad. He has served and has beenserving as a member of the Editorial Board ofIndian Journals and Reviewer of differentInternational Journals. Besides his academicachievements, he has held variousadministrative positions like Deputy Proctor(1989-2004); Provost, D.S. Kothari Hostel(1999-2001); Treasurer, Indian Society ofHuman Ecology (1988-2002); Chairperson andMember of the Governing Bodies of NGO’sand Colleges under University of Delhi; Vice-President of Indian Anthropological Association(1993-95); Member, Advisory Committee, DelhiUniversity Students Union (1989-2004);Coordinator (Polls) between University of Delhiand National Election Commission of India(1998); Member, Academic AdvisoryCommittees, Academic Staff Colleges of fewUniversities; Member, UGC Creation of NewAcademic Staff Colleges (2009); Member,Monitoring and Evaluation Committee of M.P.

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Council of Science and Technology (2008);Chairman, Expert Review and AssessmentCommittee of DRS/DSA (SAP Programmes ofUGC, 2007-2008); Member, UGC ExpertCommittee Human Rights Education (2008 &2009); Member, UGC Expert Committee onReforms of Affiliating System (2008). He hasbeen the Patron and Member of the variousOrganizing Committee of National andInternational Seminars and Conferences.

Prof. Kapoor has published more than 230research papers and articles in National andInternational Journals and authored/edited 15books. So far 17 students have got their Ph.D.under his guidance and eight students areworking under his supervision. He has writteneight Forwards on the various books authoredby scholars of different disciplines. He hasparticipated in 98 Conferences, Seminars andWorkshops in India and abroad.

He has been the Visiting Fellow to variousUniversities in India, Europe and NorthAmerica. He is the Founder and Life Memberof Several Prestigious Scientific Bodies and aMember of International Union ofAnthropological and Ethnological Sciences(IUAES).

PROF. A. P. MISHRAPresidentSection of Chemical Sciences

A. P. Mishra was born on 1st January, 1960

at Banda (U.P.). After the school education, hehas completed his college Graduation fromBundelkhand University, Jhansi with merit inthe year 1978 and Post-graduation fromUniversity of Allahabad in 1981 with secondrank in merit. Prof. Mishra obtained his D.Phil.and D.Sc. from the University of Allahabad in1985 and 2004 respectively. He has beenrecipient of JRF and SRF during his researchwork (1982-86). He was also awarded scientist-Pool officership (CSIR) to work in IISc.,Bangalore in 1986. Prof. Mishra started hiscareer as a lecturer in Dr. H.S.Gour University,Sagar in 1986; afterwards he moved touniversity of Allahabad and again joinedH.S.Gour University in 1997 where he becameProfessor in 2006. In between, Prof. Mishrahas also worked as UGC-Visiting Associate inIIT,Bombay in 1990 & 1991 ; under UNESCOprogram in IIT, Madras in 2000 and as INSA-Visiting Fellow in IIT Kanpur.

Co-ordination Chemistry, StructuralInorganic Chemistry, Bio-inorganic chemistry,Medicinal Inorganic chemistry, Solid Statematerials & nanoprecursors, microwave-assisted synthesis, Nanotechnology, Solutionchemistry and Ultrasonics are the majorresearch interests of Prof. Mishra. He hasexperience of more than 27 years in UG-PGteaching and 30 years in research. Under hissupervision 15 students have earned Ph.Ddegrees and currently 4 are working. He haspublished more than 110 research papers invarious reputed national and internationaljournals. He is also co-author of two books. Hehas successfully completed five researchprojects. Bioactive Compounds synthesized byProf. Mishra for metal chelation therapy havebeen recognized by NCI (USA) and TAACF(Birmingham). He has participated in more

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than 100 national and internationalconferences/workshops and delivered numberof invited lecturers in universities and colleges.His research work has been awarded severaltimes in the form of best research papers inconferences.

Prof. Mishra has been involved in organizingseveral conferences as organising Secretary.He has been associated as Life Member/Fellowwith a number of Professional/Academic bodies.He was elected as Vice-President, ICC (2011-14); Secretary, Central Zone, ICC (2001-2004),Executive Member (2005-07 & 1991-1994) ofIndian Council of Chemists and CouncilMember, Indian Chemical Society (2014-16).He has been the Sectional President-Inorganic(2013) of Indian Council of Chemists atKarnataka University, Dharwad. He waselected as Sectional Recorder, ISCA (2002-04)and Member of Sectional Committee(ChemicalSci. ISCA) in 1998-99. He was the ExecutiveMember of International Academy of PhysicalSciences in 1997-98 and Active Member ofNew York Academy of Sciences.

Besides this Prof. Mishra had undertaken anumber of administrative responsibilities inthe university viz. Chairman, All IndiaEntrance Test of Dr. H.S.G.Central University,Sagar in 2010 & 2012; Coordinator inUniversity examinations. At present he isserving also as the Director of Institute ofDistance Education, Member of UniversityAcademic Council and Coordinator,Sophisticated Instrumentation Centre, Dr.H.S.Gour Central University, Sagar.

Prof Mishra is an honorary Reviewer ofseveral national and international journals.Currently he is Associate Editor of J.ICS ;Editor of Research Journal- Madhya Bharti(Science), Dr. H.S. Gour VV, Sagar and is also

in Editorial Board of ISCA Journal Everyman’sScience. In past, he has been Associate Editor& Member of Publication Committee, IndianChemical Society in 1997-98 and AssociateEditor of Journal of Environment and Socialscience research.

Prof. Mishra has been associated with ISCAsince 1985. He was Sectional Recorder-Chemical Sciences during 2002-04.

PROF. K. L. SHRIVASTAVA

PresidentSection of Earth System Sciences

Kanhaiya Lal Shrivastava is Professor ofEconomic Geology since May 2001 at JaiNarain Vyas University, Jodhpur, India wherehe has been teaching since 1982. He was bornat Niwari (Madhya Pradesh) on 28th March1959, obtained his M.Tech (Applied Geology)from Centre of Advance Study in GeologySagar University in 1980 with University meritand Doctoral degree from Jodhpur University.

Professor Shrivastava is actively engagedin understanding different aspects of economicmineralization for the last thirty two years.His interest is purely dealing with the genesisand exploration of economic deposits of Igneousaffiliations, sulfide deposits and mineral fuels.Unexplored from mineralization point of view,the Malani Igneous Suite is his main terrainof his interest. He has discovered new

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carbonatites, signature of kimberlite andkomatiite etc. He has also developed a

‘Mossbauer log’ for source rock evaluation of

petroleum by leading first Indian working

group on Mossbauer, recognized globally.

Hon’ble President of India has given him

special responsibility to explore ‘calcrete type

non conventional uranium’ in Indian Desert.

Presently, he is engaged with, by using high

resolution Ground Penetrating Radar (first

time in India) with high resolution satellite

data and advance geochemistry.

Professor Shrivastava has edited two well

reputed International volume ‘Economic

Mineralization’ (2009) and Geo-Resources

(2014). He has published one hundred and

twelve papers. Professor Shrivastava has

supervised 15 Doctoral theses and supervising

8 more.

Professor Shrivastava is founder member

of South Asian Association of Economic Geology

(Colombo, 1995). He is Chairman of Rajasthan

chapter of the same. He has served as National

executive of ISCA (2010-2013). He has elected

Sectional President of The Earth System

Sciences, ISCA (2014-2015). He is fellow of 15

scientific societies including Geological Society

of India, AGID, ISTE etc. Professor Shrivastava

has completed various projects financed by

German Government, DST, UGC, AMD etc.

and represented Indian subcontinent in several

research working groups. His biography is

published in many global dictionaries of the

Biographic Institutes.

In Jai Narain Vyas University, Professor

Shrivastava has served as Head and Chairman

of the Department of Geology (2009-2012),

President of University Teachers Association(1997), Elected Senator (1991-1994 and 1994-1997), elected Academic Councillor (1988-1991),Incharge Deptt. of Geology, Faculty ofEngineering (2001-2009), Hostel warden (1987-1997) and Chairman Yoga (1997-2012).

Professor Shrivastava was honoured by‘Prof. S. Sambegowada Goldmedal’ for researchcontribution made on ‘Framboids’ in the year1981 and ‘Decree of Merit’ by IBC, Cambridgein the year 1995. He was nominated for VikramSarabhai Award (2003). Professor Shrivastavahas chaired eight international sessions anddelivered numerous keynote addresses andinvited talks in India and abroad.

DR. ATUL SITARAM PADALKAR

President

Section of Engineering Sciences

Dr. Atul Padalkar is born on June 1st

1962. He obtained his degree of BE and ME inMechanical Engineering. He hascompleted Ph.D. in area of ‘AlternativeRefrigerants’ under the guidance ofDr. Devotta. Dr. Devotta had been associatedon the work which recognized for award ofNoble prize to IPCC in the year 2007.

Dr. Atul Padalkar is founder of the FloraInstitute of Technology, Pune. Presently, heis working as a Principal with the sameInstitute. He started his career in 1987 as a

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Lecture at Rajarambapu Institute ofTechnology. Subsequently, he has servedvarious prestigious institutions in capacity ofDean, Principal, Professor and AssistantProfessor. Amongst, the University of Pune,Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune (2004-2011) AISSMS College of Engineering, Pune,(1996 - 2003) respectively are important.

He has been mentor for introducing variousacademic programme which include B. Tech.Biotechnology, Post graduate progammes inMechatronics, Computer Networks, andCommunication Networks while working atthe University of Pune. He is the founderDean of Faculty of Technology and startedDepartment of Technology at the Universityof Pune.

He is associated actively with varioustechnological Institutions and technical bodiesas Advisor, Member and Life Member. He hasalso worked as the Chairman, ISTEMaharashtra & Goa.

His contributions particularly developmentof room air conditioners with HC-290 andhandbook on good servicing of room airconditioner under the aegis of GermanTechnical Cooperation (GIZ), Germany hasbeen recognised widely in the field ofEngineering and Industrial Research. The workof development of hydrocarbon technology inair conditioners has been appreciated by UNEPand International Institute of Refrigeration(IIR).

He has published more than seventyresearch papers in journals of national andinternational repute. The importantpublications includes “Performance Assessmentof Air Conditioners Using Propane” in OfficialJournal of Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) and

European Energy Center (EEC), “PerformanceAssessment of Air Conditioners with HC290”appeared in the Bulletin of the IIR, 2010. Thesame work has been published in Spanish andFrench languages.

He is working as consultant for corporatehouses like Blue Star, Thermax Ltd., GodrejAppliances Ltd., India. He provides technicalsupport for design and development of productsto business houses.

He has attended more than score of nationaland international conferences and workshops.

PROF. KASHINATHBHATTACHARYA

President

Section of EnvironmentalSciences

Prof. Kashinath Bhattacharya was born on25th November 1956 at Gangarampur, a smallown of North Bengal where he completed hisschooling in 1972 from Gangarampur HighSchool under the West Bengal Board ofSecondary Education. He graduated from CityCollege, Kolkata (Calcutta University) andcompleted his M.Sc. degree in Botany fromCalcutta University. He did his Ph.D. degreein 1985 from Bose Institute (CalcuttaUniversity) in the field of Palynology andEnvironmental Biology under the guidance ofeminent Scientist Dr. Sunirmal Chanda. Prof.

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Bhattacharya joined the West BengalEducation Service in 1985 as lecturer, postedin the Krishnagar Govt. College where heserved for three years, then he joinedDepartment of Botany, Visva-Bharati (aCentral University) in 1988 as a lecturer inBotany. Dr. Bhattacharya is presentlyProfessor of Botany, Visva-Bharati and wasHead of the Department from 2009 to 2012.

Prof. Bhattacharya has about 30 years ofteaching and research experience. The maindomain of his research activities has beenPalynology in relation to assessment ofbiodiversity and climate, and role ofatmospheric pollen-spore in relation to humanrespiratory allergy and asthma. Dr.Bhattacharya has contributed significantly inHolocene climatology in Assam, Bengal Basin,and Southern West Bengal. He also madeatmospheric pollen-spore calendar of varioustownships of West Bengal which are found tobe helpful to the clinicians for easy diagnosisof pollen-spore allergy. Dr. Bhattacharya alsopurified and characterize several pollenallergens namely, Cassia (3 spp), Alstoniascholaris, Eucalyptus citroidora, Madhucaindica, Cocos nucifera, and Cycas circinalis -a gymnosperm pollen causing allergy reportedfirst time from India. He has also madesignificant contribution to the assessment ofquality of India honey throughmelissopalynological and biochemical analyses.Dr. Bhattacharya has guided eleven Ph.D.students and has published around 100scientific papers / reviews in various impactjournals and books, and participated in variousnational or international conferences/symposia,etc. Dr. Bhattacharya has authored 2 textbooks and edited one book on ‘Current concepton pollen spore research’. He has lectured at

various universities and delivered contributedtalks at national and international seminars.

Dr. Bhattacharya is currently President ofthe Indian Aerobiological Society. He has beenelected Fellow of the West Bengal Academy ofScience & Technology, Fellow of the IndianCollege of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology,and Fellow of the Indian Aerobiological Society.He is presently one of the Members ofINDSUBIO (Indian Sub-ContinentBiomization) Project sponsored by IGBP(International Geosphere BiosphereProgramme), Bristol University, UK and wasone of the Core Members, GEO Task US09-01a: Earth Observation Priorities for HumanHealth: Aeroallergens SBA project (Sponsoredby NASA). University of North Carolina, USA.

PROF. APARAJITA OJHA

President

Section of Information andCommunication Science &Technology (including ComputerSciences)

Professor Aparajita Ojha completed herbasic education from R.D. University, Jabalpur.She was the recipient of four gold medalsincluding the University medal for attainingthe first rank in M. Sc. Examination acrossthe science disciplines. As a graduate student,she was fascinated by two important areas of

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studies; spline approximation and summabilitytheory. As a CSIR Junior Research Fellow,she continued to study the quasiconformalmapping properties of complex planar splinesand approximation properties of bivariatesplines which led to her Ph.D. degree underthe guidance of Professor H.P. Dikshit. It wasshown that complex planar splines define aone-to-one onto mapping over their region ofinterpolation, which strikingly ensured thequasiconformal property. These researchfindings were published in prestigiousMathematical Proceedings of CambridgePhilosophical Society. Along with Prof. H. P.Dikshit, she also worked jointly with two otherwell-known mathematicians ProfessorAmbikeshwar Sharma of University of Alberta,Edmonton, Canada and Professor R.A. Zalikof University of Alabama, Auburn, USA onquasiconformal properties of higher degreerational complex planar splines. Later herresearch interest was oriented towardscomputer aided geometric design and geometricmodelling. Working on the constructive aspectsof finite element methods, Professor Ojha,together with Professor Dikshit and ProfessorW. Dahmen of RWTH, Germany developed anumerically efficient iterative algorithm forWachspress quadrilateral elements which couldbe suitably employed for surface generationand geometric modelling. Later, ProfessorDikshit and Professor Ojha jointly developed anovel subdivision formula and smoothnesscriteria. These important contributions werepublished as a series of papers in theprestigious journal Computer Aided GeometricDesign. She also worked with her studentAnita Bhatt on variation diminishingproperties of n-dimensional Bernsteinpolynomials and established an upper boundon the total variation of these polynomials.Professor Ojha’s current research interestsinclude path planning for robotics and gaming,

visual cryptography, data hiding and digitalwatermarking, motion estimation for digitalvideo processing, network flow optimizationand software engineering. Using interestingproperties of wavelets, Professor Ojha and herstudent Amit Kumar have devised a noveltechnique for natural path planning, suitablefor animated characters. They have alsostudied certain pursuit evasion game problemsand are now developing hardware to implementtheir algorithms.

Starting her teaching career in 1984 as alecturer in the Department of Mathematicsand Computer Science of the R.D. UniversityJabalpur, Professor Ojha served the universityfor 21 years in capacity of Reader and Professoralso. In December 2005, Professor Ojha movedto PDPM Indian Institute of InformationTechnology, Design and ManufacturingJabalpur as a Professor. Since 2009 she hasbeen serving the Institute as the Director.

Professor Ojha is a life member of Severalacademic societies. Professor Ojha has workedon a number of research projects and has beeninvited in various national and internationalconferences for delivering lectures.

DR. ARVIND KUMAR SAXENAPresidentSection of Materials Science

Dr. Arvind Kumar Saxena did his M.Sc. inOrganic Chemistry from University of

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Lucknow, Lucknow in 1975. Later on, he wasawarded Ph.D. in 1980 from the sameuniversity and carried out excellent work inthe area of Organomettalic Chemistry of maingroup 14 & 15 as is evidenced with severalinternational publications. As a postdoctoralfellow (PDF), Dr. Saxena worked at IndustrialToxicology Research Centre (Presently namedas IITR), Lucknow and has carried outremarkable work in the area of Plastic &Polymer Toxicity.

Dr. Saxena was selected in DRDO throughUPSC as Scientist ‘C’ in 1983 and posted atDMSRDE, Kanpur in April, 1984. Since thenDr. Saxena is continuously serving DMSRDEat various capacity and in 2011 as Scientist‘G’, he has assumed the charge of DMSRDEas Director. In 2012 he was promoted toScientist ‘H’.

In DMSRDE, he has carried out pioneerresearch work in the area of strategicallyimportant material & products for which hehas been given time to time several awards &recognition but most prestigious award givento him i.e., the DRDO Best Innovation/Futuristic Development Award in 2011 forthe development of ceramic precursor materialswhich will be used as structural material towithstand at very high temperature forRockets, Missiles, re-entry vehicles, EATERS,Tokomak etc. and will also be required forhigh temperature semiconducting device,armors, stealth technologies & supportmaterials/products.

He mainly worked in the area of organosilicon & organo phosphorus based Inorganicpolymers. The strategically most importantmaterial developed under leader ship of Dr.Saxena is Polycarbosilane which is a source forall poly types of SiC ceramic. PCS is the onlymaterial used for SiC fiber and future candidatefor making composites for ultrahightemperature applications as CFCMC’s & CMC’s.

Polyphosphozene (PPZ) is also a uniquestrategic material as it has fire, solvent & UVresistant properties. The PPZ rubbercomponents can be used up to -100 to +250oCand potential candidate for cryogenicapplication. Under his able leadership the PPZpolymer has been synthesized andits continuous &nano fiber have beendeveloped.

He is Life Member of several academicsocieties. He is founder President of Society ofPolymer Science of India (Kanpur – LucknowChapter) and Academy of Microscope Science& Technologies, India. Under his supervision,three students got Ph.D. degree and fivestudents are pursuing research work for Ph.D.degree.

He has published more than 75 papers inPeer Reviewed International journals & filed30 National & International Patents andtransferred the technologies of five products toindustries for production.

PROF. AJAY KUMAR

President

Section of Mathematical Sciences(including Statistics)

Prof. Ajay Kumar is presently DeanResearch (PS & MS) and Head, Department ofMathematics, University of Delhi. His researchinterest include Operator Spaces, HarmonicAnalysis, Representation theory of locallycompact groups and hypergroups, Complex

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analytic methods in partial differentialequations, Potential Theory on Lie groups. Hehas published several research papers injournals of international repute. He wasawarded several foreign post doctoralfellowship like DAAD (German AcademicExchange Service);. C.I.E.S. (French Govt.Fellowship); Commonwealth Academic StaffFellowship; Royal Society, London fellowship;DFG (German Research Foundation); JSPS(Japan Society for Promotion of Science) etc.He has supervised Nine Ph.D. thesis and fifteenM.Phil. dissertations.

He has been teaching in University of Delhisince last 37 years and has visited/worked inmore than 25 Universities in the world. Hehas been Reviewing for Mathematical Reviewsand Zentralblantt fur Mathematik and hasbeen Referee for several national andinternational journals. He has organizedseveral National and International conferencesand Advance training programmes forLecturers.

DR. SHASHI BALA SINGH

President

Section of Medical Sciences(including Physiology)

Dr. Shashi Bala Singh, Sc ‘H’ has thedistinction of serving in the immensely difficultterrain like Leh- Ladakh. She served asDirector, Defence Institute of High AltitudeResearch (DIHAR), Leh, from 1st Sep 2007 to

30 Nov 2010 before taking over as Director,Defence Institute of Physiology and AlliedScience (DIPAS), Delhi on 1st Dec 2010.

She obtained her Ph.D. degree in HumanPhysiology from All India Institute of MedicalSciences, New Delhi in 1986 and started hercareer in DRDO at DIPAS, Delhi. Dr ShashiBala Singh has substantially contributedtowards improvement in the quality of life ofthe soldiers deployed at high altitudes. Herinnovative approach has ensured fresh foodavailability in the Ladakh sector, whichresulted in close interaction between troopsand natives providing insulation from securitythreats to this region. She pioneered researchon non-conventional energy sources, permafrostbased germplasm conservation, climate changemitigation and development of herbalinterventions for improving performance athigh altitude. She has developedsupplementation with antioxidant andcholinomimetic drugs to improve high altitudeinduced impairment in cognitive functions.Using behavioral, biochemical andelectrophysiological studies, she has showedthat impairment in memory function is mainlydue to the oxidative stress leading to neuro-degeneration in brain structures (hippocampus,cortex and striatum) involved in learning andmemory. Using translational approach, shehas facilitated in bringing the research fromlaboratory to the soldier and society. Hercontributions have helped in buildingtechnologies and products that help inmodulating the microclimate of soldier thusproviding habitability in difficult terrains.

She was conferred the “Scientist of theYear Award” by Hon’ble Prime Minister in2010. She is also the recipient of Surg RearAdmiral M.S Molhotra Prize-2012 & 2007,CSIR Award for S&T Innovations for RuralDevelopment-2011, Marico Innovation Award-

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2010, Titanium Trophy-2009, DRDO Scientistof the year Award-2009, Technology Spin offaward-2008, Prof. Baldev Singh Oration award-2007, DRDO Laboratory Scientist of the yearAward-2006, Dr JN Maitra Memorial OrationAward-2003 and Bharat Nirman TalentedLadies Award-1995 amongst the variousawards and honors to her credit. She also hasmore than 100 publications in national andinternational journals.

Dr. Shashi Bala Singh is the Fellow ofNational Academy of Sciences, India (FNASc),President of Federation of Indian PhysiologicalSocieties (FIPS), Jury Member of MaricoInnovation Foundation Awards, member ofthe Academic Council of the Central Universityof Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Member of the Projectreview committee of National InnovationFoundation (NIF), Academic Board member ofSri Ram Institute of Industrial Research. Sheis a Fellow of Indian Association of BiomedicalScientists (FIABMS) and Indian Academy ofNeuroscience (FIAN). She is also Editor ofJournal of Biomedicine (Physiology section)and Annals of Neuroscience.

DR. SIB SANKAR ROY

President

Section of New Biology (includingBiochemistry, Biophysics &Molecular Biology andBiotechnology)

Dr. Sib Sankar Roy is working as Principal

Scientist at the Cell Biology and PhysiologyDivision, CSIR Indian Institute of ChemicalBiology, Kolkata. Dr. Roy passed M.Sc. in LifeScience in 1990 from Visva Bharati,Santiniketan and then joined at Departmentof Biochemistry, Bose Institute to for his Ph.D.degree in 1991. He submitted his Ph.D. thesisin 1996 and awarded degree from JadavpurUniversity. He did his Post-Doctoral work atHarvard School of Public Health, Boston, USAand joined at this Institute in the year 2000and started working on molecular mechanismsof metabolic disorders.

Dr. Sib Sankar Roy’s long term researchinterest is to understand the mechanisms ofmetabolic disorders considering two criticaldiseases like diabetes and cancer. Ovariancancer is considered as the second largestgynaecological cancer type and its mechanismof pathophysiology is not known and its earlydiagnosis remains a challenge. He madesignificant contribution in understanding themechanisms of proliferation/invasion of ovariancancer cells. While VEGF’s role is well-knownin endothelial cells, for the first time his groupdemonstrated that VEGF binds to its receptorin ovarian epithelial cancer cell. ThroughMAPK pathway, VEGF activates Ets-1, whichup-regulates MMPs important for cancer cellinvasion. He identified a novel growth factor(FGF-16) that augments proliferation/invasionof ovarian cancer cells and could be a promisingfuture drug-target and detection marker forovarian cancer. Dr. Roy works for many yearsin transcriptional regulation of key genesregulating ovarian structure/function in normaland diseased condition. He showed howcollagen metabolism is controlled in ovary byPITX2 homeodomain transcription factor,which regulates the expression of manyimportant genes in ovary that are pertinent to

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cancer progression. In addition, he hasestablished that Wnt signalling pathway andPITX2 interacts in ovarian cancer cells and apositive feedback loop controls the cellulargrowth and proliferation. He has contributedextensively on the mechanism of insulinresistance and diabetes type2 and identifiedcarp cell as new source of insulin. Thus, Dr.Roy has extensively investigated and identifiedand characterized the factors to understandthe mechanism of critical metabolic disorders.

Dr. Roy published about 26 research papersin highly reputed International journals andgot three patents. He also wrote 2 chapters intwo books. Till now nine students receivedPh.D. under his guidance from JadavpurUniversity and University of Calcutta andeight students are presently working underhim for Ph.D. degree. He has received manyawards like CSIR Raman Fellowship andelected Fellow of West Bengal Academy ofScience and Technology. Dr. Roy deliveredinvited talks in conferences and seminars inmany National and International venues. Alongwith his research activities, he teaches atvarious Universities as visiting teachers.

PROF. V. P. MAHADEVAN PILLAI

President

Section of Physical Sciences

Dr. V.P. Mahadevan Pillai is Professor andHead of the Department of Optoelectronics in

the University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala, India. He has been the Dean of Facultyof Applied Science and Technology of theUniversity of Kerala from 2011 onwards. Hewas born in 1959. He took B. Sc., M.Sc.,M.Phil. and Ph.D. Degrees from the Universityof Kerala. He started his career as lecturer in1982 in the Department of Physics of the St.Gregorios College, Kottarakara, KollamDistrict, Kerala. He was promoted Reader ofPhysics in 1996. He continued in that postuntil he got appointment in 2001 as Reader inthe Department of Optoelectronics in theUniversity of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.He was promoted as Professor ofOptoelectronics in 2005. From June 2001onwards he is the Head of the Department.

He is working in different research areasincluding spectroscopy, laser technology,holography and nanophotonic materials. Hehas successfully guided 14 Ph. D. scholars and44 M. Phil. dissertations. He has also guidedseveral M. Tech. dissertations. He haspublished around 120 research papers in peerreviewed international journals which havereceived more than 700 citations. He has morethan 200 papers which were accepted/presented at International/NationalConferences. He has delivered over 45 invitedtalks in International /National Conferences.He is the Chairman of the Board of Studies inOptoelectronics, and Member of the AcademicCouncil and Faculty of Applied Science andTechnology of the University of Kerala since2002. He is/was member of Board of Studies invarious Universities viz., Periyar University(Salem, Tamil Nadu), Cochin University ofScience & Technology (Kochi), Pt. RaviShankar Shukla University (Raipur), AlagappaUniversity (Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu) etc. He

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has been awarded the “Catholicate BestScientist Award” in 2012. He is a Member ofthe Editorial Board of the Journal of Optics(Springer).

He has served as General Secretary I of theIndian Laser Association for the period 2009-2013. He is a life member of variousprofessional organizations. He was the LocalJoint Secretary for the 97th Indian ScienceCongress 2010 held in Thiruvananthapuramand was the Co-Secretary for DAE-BRNSNational Laser Symposium (NLS 2002) heldin Thiruvananthapuram in 2002. He was theConvener of organizing committee for theconduct of four national conferences. He hadvisited the Institute of Sensorics andInformation Sciences (ISIS), KarlsruheUniversity of Applied Sciences, Germany(under DAAD fellowship) for two weeks in2011 and delivered lectures. He had also visitedKarlsruhe Institute of Technology. Recently,he visited The Robert Gordon University inAberdeen, UK as Visiting Professor for twoweeks under UGC-UKIERI project anddelivered a talk in IDEAS seminar.

PROF. ARUN KUMAR PANDEY

President

Section of Plant Sciences

Professor Arun Kumar Pandey (born 1953),received his school to University education at

Lucknow. He obtained M.Sc. Degree fromUniversity of Lucknow (1973) and worked forPh.D. degree at National Botanical ResearchInstitute, Lucknow. He joined the Departmentof Botany, TM Bhagalpur University,Bhagalpur in 1983 and rose to the position ofProfessor in 1995. He has taught taxonomy,evolution, reproductive biology and plantresources and supervised doctoral work of 18scholars. He was selected as Professor ofBotany at the University of Delhi in August2008. Thus he has more than three decades ofresearch and teaching experience.

Prof. Pandey was Post-doctoral Fellow inthe Ohio State University, USA during 1987-88. In 1994, he visited Herbarium, RoyalBotanic Gardens, Kew, England. In 2002 and2004, twice he was awarded Bass Fellowshipof the Field Museum Chicago, USA where heworked on molecular taxonomy of the ginsengfamily. He was Visiting Professor at theUniversity of Vienna, Austria (2006) and INSAvisiting Fellow at the Korea Research Instituteof Bioscience & Biotechnology (2008). He hasdelivered invited lectures at the University ofMunich, Begning and Vienna.

Prof. Pandey has carried out extensiveresearch on the systematics and reproductivebiology of families such as Asteraceae,Cucurbitaceae, Araliaceae and Fabaceae. Hehas done taxonomic revision of Tricholepis,

Inula, Aralia and Panax. He has published anexhaustive checklist of Indian Cucurbitaceaeand papers on molecular phylogeny of Aralia-

Panax complex (Araliaceae), Nassauvia

(Asteraceae), Crotalaria and Indigofera

(Fabaceae). He has published a new species,Indigofera himachalensis from Himachal

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Pradesh. Ethnobotanical studies carried out

by him have helped to record important, useful

traditional knowledge from among different

tribal groups in Santhal Paragana (Jharkhand),

Similipal (Odisha) and Chothe tribe (Manipur).

Dr Pandey has carried out extensive work on

medicinal plant wealth of Similipal Biosphere

Reserve (Odisha), and on impact of mining on

the flora of Rajmahal hills (Jharkhand).

Prof. Pandey is recipient of YS Murty medal

of the Indian Botanical Society and VV

Sivarajan medal of the Indian Association for

Angiosperm Taxonomy. He has delivered G.

Panigrahi Memorial lecture (2009) at

University of Kuvempu (Karnataka) and

Parukutty Barua Memorial Lecture (Gauhati)

in 2006. Dr. Pandey is President of East-

Himalayan Society for Spermatophyte

Taxonomy (EHSST) and Past President (2010)

of the Indian Association for Angiosperm

Taxonomy (IAAT). He is Past Recorder of the

Plant Science Section of ISCA.

He has published over 140 research papers

and has authored 14 books. Professor Pandey

is member/ office bearer of 16 national and

international societies. He has completed 16

major research projects and has organized

International symposia, Taxonomy training and

Orientation programmes, Workshops on

Ethnobotany and Molecular systematics. He

was twice Organizing Secretary of the Indian

Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy and was

Executive Editor of Rheedea (official journal

of IAAT) during 1999-2000. He is Professor-

incharge of the Delhi University Herbarium

(DUH) and the Botanical Garden of the

Department of Botany.

DR. K. G. MANDALRecorderSection of Agriculture andForestry Sciences

Dr. Krishna Gopal Mandal is presently aSenior Scientist (Agronomy) at the Directorateof Water Management (ICAR), Bhubaneswar.Born at Kumardubi in Bankura district ofWest Bengal in 1967; educated at BishnupurHigh School; B.Sc. (Ag) Hons. with 1st ClassFirst & M.Sc. (Ag) with 1st Class First, FacultyTopper from Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan 1987-91 & 1991-93; Ph.D.in Agronomy from BCKV, West Bengal 1994-1997; Post-Doctoral research from CAU atBeijing 2005-06. Dr. Mandal started hisresearch career as ARS Scientist 1998-02, thenScientist (SS) 2002-07 in the discipline ofAgronomy at IISS (ICAR), Bhopal. Since 2007,he is engaged in research and training asSenior Scientist at the present institute.

He has more than 16 years of researchexperience in ICAR on soil & plant nutrientmanagement, irrigation, watershedmanagement, conservation tillage and energymanagement in about 12 institutional/ inter-institutional (ICAR funded), and 6 externalfunded Agencies. Dr. Mandal has significantcontribution in integrated nutrientmanagement, water x nutrient interactions,development of water production functions,

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energy efficiency, crop diversification on broad-bed and furrow land configuration,conservation tillage for soybean-wheat system,water stress physiology and mitigationstrategies, nutrient starvation and root growth,irrigation water saving techniques, soil organiccarbon assessment in cropping systems,pedotransfer functions, on-farm watermanagement, agronomy of aerobic rice,improving water productivity in canalcommands and pond-based integrated farmingsystems.

Dr. Mandal is also involved in guidingstudents for thesis work and training at thepresent institute. He was the Coordinator/Convener and resource person for severalFarmers’ and Trainers' Training Programmes.He is also involved as a resource person forseveral model training & short courses,summer & winter schools organized at theInstitute, dissemination of technologies throughexhibition and farmers' fair organized by theState and Central Govt. Departments.

Dr. Mandal has very good publications with58 research papers (32 international, 26national), 13 books/ book chapters. Dr. Mandalhas received National Scholarship of the GoI,S.J. Jindal Trust Scholarship, Dr. AmitavaMukhopadhyay Memorial Gold Medal Award,Hon'ble Prime Minister's Invitation as aTopper, Tapan Memorial Award (twice) 1991& 1993; University Research Fellowship ofBCKV; ICRISAT Sr. Research Fellowship; CSCChinese Govt. Scholarship 2005-06; DoreenMashler Award 2006 of ICRISAT; DWM (ICAR)Proficiency (Scientist) Award 2011. He is theLife Member of several professional societiesand editorial board member of 3 journals. Hewas recently associated with ISCA as aSectional Member for the years 2012-14.

PROF. KALYANI PANDEYRecorderSection of Animal, Veterinary andFishery Sciences

Dr. Kalyani Pandey, M. Sc., Ph. D., FZSI,Professor & Head of Zoology, MRM College,Darbhanga has worked on different aspects ofFish Biology and Environmental Science. Shehas published over 45 research papers inreputed journals and supervised four Ph. D.students. She has worked as PrincipalInvestigator of UGC funded research projects.She is Member/Life Member and Fellow ofmany professional bodies and recipient of manyhonours/awards including ZSI Gold Medal. Shehas the honour to cochair many seminars/symposia. Her research articles have beencited in many books.

DR. RAKESH K. SRIVASTAVARecorderSection of Anthropological andBehavioural Sciences (includingArchaeology, Psychology,Education and Military Sciences)

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Dr. Rakesh K. Srivastava (born Feb. 15,1953) is presently Head. Department ofPsychology, Post-Graduate College, Malikpura,Ghazipur (U.P.) of the V.B.S. PurvanchalUniversity since 1979. He earned his M.A.(1973) and Ph.D. degree in Psychology (1979)from Kanpur University, Kanpur. Earlier heserved in research projects at I.I.T. Kanpurand I.I.M. Ahmedabad and teaching andresearch assignments at P.P.N. College,Kanpur. Dr. Srivastava has contributed morethan 50 scholarly articles in Indian and foreignjournals. He has published seven bookchapters, two books reviews, two testadaptations and also completed three researchprojects funded by the University GrantsCommission. He is also supervising Ph.D. levelresearch in Psychology. He has done extensiveresearch on tribals particularly on EthnicPsychology of Tharu tribals. He is currentlyworking in the areas of Psychology ofacculturation, Ethnic Socialization.Empowerment of tribals, Cross-cultural issuesin human development and Indigenization ofpsychology in India.

He is a member of several Indian andforeign professional associations. He was alsoa member of International Council ofPsychologists, U.S.A. (1981-82). He wasfounder member and Joint Secretary ofCommunity Psychology Association of India(1988-2001), Executive member of PraachiPsycho-cultural Research Association (2001-05), and Executive member of IndianPsychological Association (1993-94). He hasbeen an Executive member of Uttar PradeshPsychology Association since 1995 and also amember of Research Board of Advisors (since2000) of the American Biographical Institute(U.S.A.). He has been nominated as one of themembers of the 27 member international

operational group of the World Association ofCultural Psychiatry (WACP). He is awardedIPERA Prof. M.A. Hakim Memorial award forthe best Applied Psychologist (2013) at 1st

IPERA International Conference and alsoawarded Indian Psychological AssociationPresident's Gold Medal and certificate forexcellence in Psychology (2014). He was anAssociate Editor of Purvanchal Journal ofSocial Sciences (1993-94). He has attendedmore than 75 National and Internationalconferences.

Dr. Srivastava was an elected Sectionalcommittee member of Section of Psychology &Educational Sciences (82nd Session, 1994-95)and Section of Anthropological & BehavioralSciences (90th session, 2002-03 & 95th session,2007-08). He has also served as Chairperson/Rapporteaur at different conferences. Presentlyhe is the member of the editorial boards ofseveral journals of psychology and socialsciences including Indo-Indian Journal of SocialSciences and Behavioral Research Review. Hehas visited various Universities in India andAbroad.

DR. RANJANA AGGARWALRecorderSection of Chemical Sciences

Dr. Ranjana Aggarwal (September 20, 1967)Professor, Department of Chemistry,

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Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra obtainedher M.Sc. (with distinction, 1988) and Ph.D.(1992) from Kurukshetra University. In 1992,she visited Cambridge University, UK as apostdoctoral fellow where she worked in thearea of biosynthesis of erythromycin with ProfJames Staunton, FRS. Subsequently, shejoined Kurukshetra University as a faculty in1995 and is actively engaged in teaching andresearch with more than 20 years ofexperience. Dr. Aggarwal was awardedCommonwealth Fellowship in 2003 to workagain at Cambridge University in Dr. Spencer’sgroup on enantioselective synthesis ofaminolactones. She was a visiting fellow atTrieste University, Italy and worked onantibody catalysis.

Her research work is mainly focused ondeveloping green synthetic methodologies forregioselective synthesis of heterocycles ofnatural and synthetic origins. Commonlyemployed methodologies involve:mechanochemistry, multicomponent reactionsand eco-friendly hypervalent iodine reagents.The bioactive azole compounds have beenidentified as selective antitumor compoundsacting as photonucleases, minor groove bindersand caspase inhibitors. 2D NMR spectroscopyand computational modelling are beingexplored to assign isomers of fluorinated andnon-fluorinated compounds without anyambiguity.

She has completed five major researchprojects till now. Recently, she was awardedan International collaborative research projecton development of anticancer agents underIndia Ireland Cooperative Science Programmeby DST, New Delhi and Trinity College Dublin,Ireland. So far, eight students have obtainedtheir Ph.D. degree under her supervision. Shehas published more than eighty researchpapers in the National and International

journal with high impact factor. She hasdelivered many invited talks and plenarylectures at various conferences and Institutes/Universities both in India and abroad.

Besides chemistry as her academicdiscipline, Dr. Aggarwal is actively engaged inissues related to women empowerment. She isa resource person and Master trainer forSensitization, Awareness and Motivation (SAM)programme for Women in Higher Education, adrive of UGC, initiated by Prof. Armity Desai,former Chairperson UGC. She is Member andCouncillor of Gender Sensitization Committeeagainst Sexual Harassment at workplace ofKurukshetra University and other stateUniversities.

PROF. PANKAJ K. SRIVASTAVARecorderSection of Earth System Sciences

Born in the year 1966, Prof Srivastava hasobtained his Ph.D. degree in Applied Geologyfrom Indian School of Mines Dhanbad in theyear 1991. At present he is working as Professorof Economic Geology and Dean StudentsWelfare in the University of Jammu. ProfSrivastava has served different organizationslike Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology,Dehradun, and University of Rajasthan, Jaipurin different capacities before finally joiningUniversity of Jammu. He has more than 22years of Teaching and Research experience inthe field of Ore Geology, Mineral Exploration,

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Mining Geology, Fluid Inclusions andGeochemistry.

The main area of his research work involvesgenesis of hydrothermal mineral deposits withthe help of fluid inclusion and geochemicaltechniques. Tungsten and rare metal depositsassociated with acid magmatism are of specialinterest to me. Apart from this the golddeposits of Mahakoshal belt, gem bearingpegmatites, fluorite deposits of Rajasthan, andcarbonate hosted Pb-Zn and Himalayanmagnesite deposits have also been studiedparticularly with reference to evolution of orebearing fluids and genesis of these deposits.Five research projects and a number oftechnical consultancies have been completedtill date.

He has 45 refereed publications in scientificInternational and National journals and 4edited books. He has presented more than 75papers presented in different international andnational seminars.

Dr. Srivastava is DAAD Fellow and hasreceived a number of fellowships from differentorganizations. He was the Convener ofChildren Science Congress in the 101st sessionof the Indian Science Congress held at Jammuin 2014.

DR. TAPAS LAHARecorderSection of Engineering Sciences

Dr. Tapas Laha presently holds the position

of assistant professor in the Department ofMetallurgical & Materials Engineering atIndian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.Born on July 07, 1978, Dr. Laha obtained hisB.E. degree form Indian Institute ofEngineering Science and Technology (IIEST),Shibpur (formerly Bengal Engineering College)in 1999 and M. Tech. from IIT Kanpur in2002. Dr. Laha received his Ph.D. in 2006from Florida International University (FIU),Miami, USA in the area of nano-fiber reinforcedmetallic nanocomposites.

As a young researcher, Dr. Laha is currentlyinvolved in synthesis/development andmechanics of carbon nanotube reinforced bulkmetallic nanocomposites for structureapplication. The processing routes beingadopted for the synthesis of thesenanocomposites are thermal spraying, sparkplasma sintering (SPS) and microwavesintering (MWS). Dr. Laha is trying to addressthe very significant and fundamental issues of“interface engineering of CNT” to promote thebonding between CNT reinforcement and metalmatrix in his work.

Another research area, which Dr. Laha isexploring presently, is synthesis of Al basedbulk metallic glass nanocomposite (BMG-NC)via mechanical allying and spark plasmasintering (SPS). In this work, Dr. Laha isfocusing to improve the ductility and fracturetoughness of intrinsically brittle Al basedBMGs by reinforcing this material with ductilecrystalline reinforcement. Dr. Laha is alsoworking in the area of surface engineeringand coating, where investigating thetribological behaviour and interfacialphenomena in layered nanocomposite is theprimary focus. He is involved in an industrial

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problem of steel-rubber interfacial adhesionimprovement, addressed this issue bydeveloping a novel multi-layer Cu-Sn coatingstrategy and published 5 technical papers inpeer-reviewed international journals based onthis work.

Dr. Laha has published total 36 researchpapers in peer-reviewed journal and conferenceproceedings and presented around 40 technicaltalks in national and international conferencesbased on his research work. He has receivedthe “IEI Young Engineers Award 2010-2011”,in Metallurgical & Materials Engineeringdiscipline, given by the Institution ofEngineers, India. He was also awarded “TheOutstanding Ph.D. Graduate, Fall 2006” fromCollege of Engineering and Computing, FloridaInternational University after completion ofhis Ph.D. degree. Dr. Laha is involved withreview work in various international journalsand was selected twice as the “Top 20%reviewer” by Metallurgical & MaterialsTransactions. Dr. Laha is active member invarious professional societies.

MAITREE GOPAL TIWARIRecorderSection of EnvironmentalSciences

Maitree Gopal Tiwari was born on 15th

December, 1982 in Deoghar, Jharkhand. She

completed her B.Sc. (Botany Hons.) from SKMUniversity, Dumka, Jharkhand. Later on shedid her M.Sc. and B.Ed. from Visva-BharatiUniversity, Santiniketan, West Bengal. Shepursued her M. Phil degree at Rani DurgawatiUniversity, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh andwas an integral part of the MycologicalResearch laboratory. She conducted herresearch in Plant breeding and Genetics inHorticulture from Oregon State University,Corvallis, OR, USA.

She has research experience in diverse fieldsof Life Sciences and extremely motivatedtowards recent developments in this area. Forher master’s degree, she chose environmentalbiology and pollution with special focus on‘‘Jatropha for Biodiesel Production.’’ Based onthe results obtained by growing the shrub ondifferent types of soils, it was established thatJatropha could be cultivated on the dry barrenwastelands without the use of fertilizers. Thiscould solve the shortage of fossil fuel issue aswell as address the worsening pollutionsituation in India.

For her M.Phil project, she worked on,‘‘Gelatin Zymography as a criterion inidentification of Chrysosporium species.’’ Forthe first time, Gelatin Zymography was usedto identify species of Chrysosporium. She hasseveral publications in different nationaljournals and conference procedings. Afterqualifying GRE and TOEFL, she went to USAfor higher studies. There, she joined thegraduate program in Horticulture Departmentat Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis.She was working on Genetic Mapping forresistance to root rot desease in snap beansunder vegetable breeding program. She hasstrong inclination towards nature and believessustainable agricultural and human

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development. In her future research, she wantsto apply new techniques of molecular biologyin ecological studies.

PROF. ARUN D. GANGARDERecorderSection of Information andCommunication Science &Technology (including ComputerSciences)

Prof. Arun Gangarde , MCS, MCM, MBAfrom Pune university. At Present Working asChairman, Board of Studies in Animation,University of Pune and working as a AssociateProfessor & Head, Postgraduate Departmentof MCA New Arts, Commerce & ScienceCollege, Ahmednagar (M.S.). He hascontributed as an Expert, Observer, Convenerin various committees of university. He ismember of Board of Studies, ResearchCommittee & Academic Council of PuneUniversity and worked as External Evaluatorand / or Visiting Faculty of many colleges,Universities & Institutes., participated inDesigning & Implementation of Computer &IT related course curriculum for variousUniversities & Institutes, conducted manydevelopment programs for the students ofdifferent faculties in affiliated colleges,organized and / or participated in National &International Conferences and Seminars,

presided Technical sessions and deliveredlectures in them.

Worked as Co-ordinator for NationalConference & faculty development program atcollege level. Joint Secretary of YashwantraoChavan Vyaspeeth, (Public Trust) atAhmednagar engaged in social & educationalreforms. Life member of various Professional& Technical societies. Being a professional incomputer science and Information TechnologySince last 24 years, he has worked in variousapplication areas of the related field in termsof research, consultancy and ProjectDevelopment. About 24 years of Experience inTeaching, Training and Research in the fieldof Computer Science & InformationTechnology. Pioneer in Animation degree inPune university Education by introducing B.Sc.(Animation) course under faculty of science,the 1st under graduate level Education in thestate of Maharashtra.

DR. ASHISH KUMARRecorderSection of Materials Science

Dr. Ashish Kumar obtained his M.Sc.Degree in 1995. After qualifying CSIR-UGCNET in 1999, he was awarded PhD in 2004 forhis thesis on river water pollution. He startedhis teaching career in 1997. Since 2003 he is

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working as asst. Prof. Chemistry in AgraCollege (one of the oldest educationalinstitutions in India established in 1823). Hisresearch interests include various aspects ofwater pollution. He has presented numerouspapers at various national and internationalconferences. He has several research papersin national and international journals to hiscredit. In 2007, he visited University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara among other placesin U.S.A. as the member of Group StudyExchange team.

This year he was selected for NetherlandsFellowship Programme. Under this he wasawarded scholarship to attend a course onwater quality assessment at UNESCO-IHE(The Netherlands), which is one of the world'sbest institutions on water education. He is theonly candidate selected for this prestigiousscholarship for this course from India thisyear. Apart from above he has visited severalcountries in four continents.

DR. RASHMI VERMA

Recorder

Section of Mathematical Sciences(including Statistics)

Dr. Rashmi Verma did her B.Sc.(Hons.) inMathematics, M.Sc. in Mathematics, M.Phil.in Mathematics and Ph.D. in Mathematics

from University of Delhi in 1999, 2002, 2004and 2010 respectively. She has to her creditseveral research papers published in nationaland international journals. Her researchinterest is in Algebraic Coding Theory. She isrecipient of Shri Suresh Bhatia Memorial GoldMedal (1999), Rai Bahadur Brijmohan LalSaheb Memorial Gold Medal (1999) and Dr.J.N. Mitra Memorial Prize (1999) for beingthe best candidate in B.Sc.(Hons.) inMathematics. She was shortlisted for YoungScientist Award in the Section of MathematicalSciences (including Statistics) of 96th IndianScience Congress 2008 - 2009. She has been amember of the Jury of INSPIRE AWARD(DST program) at National Level Exhibitionand Project Competition (NLEPC) held in 2012and 2013 at New Delhi. She has participatedin several national and internationalconferences/seminars. She is currently anAssistant Professor in the Department ofMathematics at Mata Sundri College forWomen (University of Delhi).

DR. SAMIR KUMAR SILRecorderSection of Medical Sciences(including Physiology)

Dr. Samir Kumar Sil, did his B.Sc.(M.B.B.College, Agartala) and M.Sc. inPhysiology from University of Calcutta. He

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did M.Sc. in the year 1988 with first classthird position and qualified CSIR/UGC NETin 1989. He carried out his Ph.D. in theDepartment of Human Genetics, IndianStatistical Institute, Kolkata on Haemoglobinrelated genetic disorder and Genomic analysis.Using autosomal and mitochondrialpolymorphic DNA markers Dr. Sil decipheredthe origin of tribal population of Tripura fromgenetic point of view. Afterwards, he visitedTulane University, USA, to work onHaemoglobin E, haemoglobinopathypredominantly found in northeasternpopulations, and malaria.

He joined Tripura University in 1995 andat present he is the Head of the Departmentof Human Physiology, Tripura University. Hisresearch interest revolves around geneticpolymorphism and disease susceptibility.Analyzing the sequence of HbV genome, theirgroup has identified a new subtype of HBVcirculating in the population of Tripura, withclinical implications. His group is also carryingout molecular typing of HPV in cervical cancerpatients of Tripura and to decipher theassociation of host factors with the disease,genome wide association study in respect todifferent stages of cervical cancer is also beingcarried out. Another interest of his group is toassess anti-cancer, immunomodulatory andwound healing activity of molecules fromnatural sources especially from medicinalplants at molecular and cellular level. Usingdifferent cell lines (in-vitro) and in-vivo mousemodels two endogenous medicinal plants, P.Javanica and E. nummularius, have beenidentified to possess anti cancer activity andwere found to induce apoptosis in cancer cellsinvolving mitochondria. Up or down

reregulation of components of signal pathwaysin drug induced fibroblast proliferation is ofactive interest.

Dr. Sil is a member of different academicbodies and scientific organizations. He isrecipient of many honours, awards andfellowships including ICMR Young BiomedicalScientist award and Overseas Associateshipby Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.He has published his findings in national andinternational journals.

DR. PARTHA PRATIM BOSERecorderSection of New Biology (includingBiochemistry, Biophysics &Molecular Biology AndBiotechnology)

Dr. Partha Pratim Bose got his Ph.D inChemistry from Jadavpur University, Kolakata(2007). He had worked in various renowneduniversities and institutes like UppsalaUniversity, Karolinska Institute, Sweden;European Institute of Chemistry and Biology,France as post doctoral researcher. In hiscurrent assignment, he works as assistantprofessor in the Department of Biotechnology,National Institute of Pharmaceutical Educationand Research, Hajipur. His current researchinterest is the development of point of care

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diagnostic platform based on nanotechnologicalapproach.

PROF. MANISHA GUPTARecorderSection of Physical Sciences

Prof. Manisha Gupta, born on Jan 6, 1966,received her college to university education inLucknow. She obtained her graduate, master’sand doctorate degree in 1983, 1985 and 1990respectively from the University of Lucknow,Lucknow. Prof. Gupta joined the departmentof Physics as Lecturer in 1990 and rose to theposition of Professor in 2007.

Prof. Gupta started her research career asJRF (UGC) in 1985 in the department ofPhysics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow. Shehas over 25 years research and teachingexperience. Her field of research specializationis electrical, acoustical and spectroscopicstudies of materials especially industriallyimportant polymers. Prof. Gupta has vastexperience of teaching and research havingguided 12 students for Ph.D. and evaluateddoctoral work of many Ph.D. scholars. She hasalso supervised several Master’s students fortheir project work. She has nationalcollaboration as well as inter departmentalcollaboration within the University.

Prof. Gupta has more than 100 researchpapers to her credit in various National and

International peer reveiwed journals. She isalso reviewer of a number of high impactInternational journals. She has edited severalbooks/proceedings. She has participated invarious National and International conferencesand chaired various technical sessions anddelivered many invited talks. She has alsopresented papers in Paris (France) and Dubai( UAE ). She has successfully completed majorresearch project . She has received Best Posterpresentation award in the section of Physicsat 90th Indian Science Congress, Jan 2003.She had also served several times as sectionalcommittee member in then Physics / PhysicalScience section.

Prof. Gupta has also administrativeexperience as Proctor-in-Charge, AdditionalProctor, Coordinator, Treasurer, member ofseveral committees in the University. She hasbeen on the selection Committee forappointments in several Universities. She isLife member of various National Scientificbodies.

PROF. (MRS.) SESHU LAVANIARecorderSection of Plant Sciences

Professor (Mrs.) Seshu Lavania M.Sc.,M.Phil., Ph.D., MNASc, FBS, FLS (London)did her M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. from Instituteof Advanced Studies, Meerut University,

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Meerut. She joined NBRI,Lucknow for herCSIR Post Doctoral Fellowship. Later in 1985she joined as regular faculty in the departmentof Botany at Lucknow University, Lucknow.

She has 35 years of research experienceand published 37 research papers in IndexedJournals and one US Patent. She madesignificant contributions in the area of floral /vegetative morphology and polyploidy of plantsfrom phenomics and developmental biologyangle. Her notable contributions are :(i) identification of an intermediary uniqueform of axio-parietal placentation in Solanumgrandiflorum providing unique link vis-à-visplacental specialization, (ii) elucidation ofevolutionary significance of trichomes indelineating speciation and microtaxonomic

characterization, (iii) experimental strategy forelicitation of bud-sport formation for mining ofde novo diversity, (iv) development of rootideotype concept for vetiver for its dualutilization for industrial and environmentalapplications, including root-anatomy bioassay,(v) proposition of ‘vetiver grass model’ forcarbon sequestration in sub-soil horizon, (vi)demonstration of ‘polyploid model’ for fixationof heterozygosity, and (vii) pinpointing thatnative secondary metabolites in progenitordiploids have decisive bearing on growthbehavior in the derived autopolyploids ingrasses (Cymbopogon Sp.). She is a recipientof Woman Scientist Medal of Indian BotanicalSociety, King of Thailand Vetiver AwardCertificate of Excellence and Vetiver NetworkInternational Certificate of Excellence.

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N ATIONAL ATLAS AND THEMATIC MAPPING ORGANISATION (NATMO), KOLKATA

National Atlas & Thematic MappingOrganisation (NATMO), a subordinate officeunder Department of Science & Technology,Govt. of India, is the sole authority of depictingNational framework data in the form ofthematic maps and atlases to cater the actualpicture of the development and planninginitiatives of the country among the users.Keeping pace with the modern-state-of-the-arttechnologies and also to achieve the goal asper its mission to the path forward in thearena of geo-spatial technologies, NATMO hasalready progressed a lot in its axis in respectof both, the vertical growth of user base anddemands. It is an opportunity as well as theresponsibility to NATMO to reach the most ofthe citizens of our country to educate and

KNOW THY INSTITUTIONS

make them aware of the different aspects ofdevelopment and plan in the path forward ofour country through pictorial projection ofthematic mapping and also in electronic(digital) form in Hindi and in all regionallanguages. The main objective of NATMO is toeducate the people of India and to make themconscious about the changing scenario of thephysiographic, hydrologic, climatic,administrative, political, social, agricultural,industrial, cultural and economic changes inthe country. The Organization motivates theplanners and decision makers to use maps ascomplimentary documents for developmentalplanning at national, state/ UT, district, sub-division and even at block level. NATMO isalso the pioneer of Urban Mapping in India.

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Using high resolution satellite data rectifiedby GPS recordings, large scale city maps arebeing prepared with detailed informationcollected from field survey. To promote tourism,industry, tourist atlases, maps, trekking routemaps, maps showing the detailed plan/information on national parks and wild lifesanctuaries, etc. are being prepared and alsobeing updated on regular basis.

BACKGROUND

The plan of compiling a National Atlas ofIndia was formulated for the first time in thiscountry by Prof. S.P.Chatterjee, the thenProfessor of Geography, Calcutta University.A discussion on this subject with late PanditJawaharlal Nehru in 1953 resulted in hisinstant approval of the project. The thenMinistry of Natural Resources & ScientificResearch after consultations with otherMinistries decided to set up an Advisory Boardin March 1954 for formulating a scheme forpreparation of National Atlas of India. TheAdvisory Board gave a favourable report andalso provided a tentative guide line about thescope and contents of the atlas. Subsequentlyin April 1954 the same Ministry sanctioned askeleton staff of 7 posts on a temporary basisto help Professor S.P.Chatterjee in giving shapeto the Board's suggestions.

The small group of workers officially knownas National Atlas Unit drafted maps on varioustopics for the proposed atlas. These wereexamined by different experts in PlanningCommission and in the Ministries. Theauthorities were eventually impressed andconvinced about the essentiality of the projectand on August 18, 1956 an order from theGovernment of India issued by the Ministry ofN.R. & S.R. sanctioning a budget grant of Rs.12.43 lakhs for 1956-57 was received. Theorder also sanctioned creation of additional 56

temporary posts and Prof. S.P.Chatterjee wasappointed as the Honorary Director of theProject. The institution thus created wasnamed National Atlas Organisation from thatdate. The Geography Department of theCalcutta University located at Senate Housein those days provided the first shelter to theOrganisation.

It grew in strength in the successive planperiods and took up projects of great nationalimportance. The Government appointed aReview Committee in December 1975 underChairmanship of Prof. George Kurian and asper recommendation of the Committee, theDepartment of Science and Technology throughan order dated 9th August 1978, modified thename of the Organisation as “National Atlasand Thematic Mapping Organisation(NATMO)”.

The total strength of the Organisation isnow 322 persons who are engaged in scientificpursuits for thematic mapping at local,regional, national & international levels. Itemploys a large number of highly qualifiedprofessional geographers, perhaps largestunder one roof anywhere in the world.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTPROGRAMMES

(a) Brajil & Low Vision Mapping :

NATMO has pioneered in the field ofmapping of Braille Atlas and atlas for peoplehaving low vision. In this project maps andatlases are being prepared using the technologyof Braille. For low vision people colour schemehas been chosen suitable for them.

(b) Large-Scale Mapping :

In this cyber age, availability andaccessibility of accurate and reliableinformation (both micro and macro level) withgeospatial solutions, plays a pivotal role in

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planning and implementation of nationalpolicies in respect of natural resources andmanagement. Effective use of geospatialinformation and technology has become theplatform of solution for different environmentaland developmental challenges. But due toabsence of high-resolution map data inappropriate forms, many planning anddevelopment programme are lagging behindin our country. NATMO has taken initiativefor preparation of large-scale maps (1:10,000scale) on various themes to facilitate micro-level planning like irrigation, agriculture etc.using its own database and technicalmethodology.

(c) District Planning Map Series (DPMS)

Initiative :

As per the decision of DCUSPC, NATMOhas been assigned this project by DST in theyear 1992 and work on the same had beeninitiated in the year 2002 after formulatingthe detailed specification. Though this projectwas shared between NATMO and Survey ofIndia initially, but later on NATMO has beenassigned this project solely.

Objective :

To provide a ready-reckoner to the planners,researchers, students in respect of completegeographical, geological, geomorphological,demographic, cultural information and featuresalong with administrative boundary, blocks,speciality, etc. of a particular district both inpaper format and in digitized format both inHindi and English.

Achievement :

NATMO has almost completed the projectand maps of 260 districts have been publishedfor the users. Digital version of the maps arealso going on in the final stage and will be

published for the users very soon. However,revision and updation work on account offormation of new districts, are in progressalong with the rest project.

(d) Golden Map Service (GMS)

Initiative :

Accumulating the cartographic base,generated in pieces over the years underseveral projects, and with the help of theremote sensing data, now available under theIndian Remote Sensing Satellites (IRS) series,particularly the panchromatic data of IRS 1C,1D and P5 along with the recently launchedCartosat-1 & 2, (the resolution has come to 5.8and 2.5 metres and 1 metre), NATMO hasbeen taken up this project of Golden MapService with the following objectives

Objective :

(a) Primary : To provide location maps ofany site of the country in black andwhite on web either by place-names orby geographical co-ordinates.

(b) Secondary : To provide route mapsbetween two points in the country.

(c) Tertiary : To provide a basis for a varietyof social, economic, administrativeoperations related to elections, crime,rural marketing, relief and supply etc.

Achievement :

NATMO has almost completed site selectionfor GCP for adjustment of GPS data coveringwhole of the country. State/Region wise fieldsurvey has been going on in the final stage.GMS-Kolkata, GMS-Mahakashi, GMS-Mysore,GMS-Sylvassa, GMS-Gorakhpur, GMS-Bharatpur have been published in ThemaitcMap (paper print) format during this year.Conversion and patterning of the digital formatis going on.

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(e) National Atlas of India

Initiative :

In the year 1956, the then Prime Ministerof India, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru approvedthe formation of National Atlas & ThematicMapping Organisation (then it was NationalAtlas Organisation) and granted the ‘NationalAtlas Project’ to NATMO. Hence, NationalAtlas is the flagship publication of NATMO.Accordingly ‘Bharat Rashtriya Atlas’ firstpublished in the year 1957 and its EnglishVersion, ‘National Atlas of India’ was publishedin the year 1986. Since, then this publicationis being updated and revised keeping pacewith the administrative changes in respect ofstates, districts etc.

Objective :

(i) To have India's National Atlas like theother countries of the world.

(ii) To depict the country in respect of itsgeology, geography, geomorphology,demography, culture, administration, etc.in thematic map form.

Achievement :

National Atlas of India, both in Englishand in Hindi version, has been appreciated bythe users of every corner. It is for the verticaldemand of the users, NATMO is still publishingthe editions of the Atlas till today and regularupdation and revision of the same is going on.

(f) Publication of Atlases

Keeping in view the success, popularityand demand of the ‘National Atlas of India’,Govt. of India has assigned NATMO the taskof preparing different atlases on various themesfor various departments and purposes, theyhave also become the important publicationsof NATMO. Some of those Publications are :Tourist Atlas of India, Atlas of Forest

Resources, Atlas of Agricultural Resources,Atlas of the City of Calcutta and itsEnvironments, Water Resources DevelopmentAtlas, Land Resources Atlas, Indian OceanAtlas, Scoio-Economic Atlas, Science &Technology Atlas of India, Atlas on PopulationChages in India, Irrigation Atlas of India,Hydrogeological Atlases of different states forthe Central Ground Water Board, IntegratedWater Resources Development Atlas for theNational Commission of Integrated WaterResources Development and Plan, ResourceProfile for Bankura and Kolar Districts (jointlywith the Centre for Studies in ResourceEngineering, IIT, Mumbai) for the NRDMSDivision, Department of Science & Technology,Environmental Atlas of India and State-levelmaps on Environmentally Sensitive Zones andSiting of Industries for the Central PollutionControl Board, Tribal Map of India (jointlywith Anthropological Survey of India), BlockMaps for the whole State of West Bengal forthe Panchayat and Rural DevelopmentDepartment, Govt. of West Bengal, ForestAtlas of India for the Department ofEnvironment & Forest; National CulturalHeritage Atlas of India, Historical Atlas ofIndia, District level communication andInfrastructure maps of Uttaranchal State, Ato Z of Kolkata City Map, Natural ResourcesAtlas of Sikkim (as part of North-EastProgramme), Desertification Status Maps ofBalia District (1:50,000 scale), DisasterManagement Maps of Maldah, East & WestMedinipur Districts of West Bengal for theRelief Department, Govt. of West Bengal,National Atlas of India, Satellite Atlas of India,School Atlas for the Visually Impaired (inEng. & Hindi) ( in two volumes) - A TIFACsponsored Programme of DST, Electronic Atlasof India (NRDMS Programme of DST) etc.

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There is ample scope for this organisationto serve nation through some unique projectslike School Atlas in different Indian languages,Archaeological atlas, Anthropological atlas,Indian Heritage atlas, Micro level maps as anextension of district planning maps, Landformmaps etc. All the maps with rich write up canbe prepared utilising geographers.

Vision :

As there is a full-fledged Digital MappingSystem along with necessary peripherals andapplication software in its own, NATMO is inthe process of digitization of all the atlasesand maps so that it can be reachedelectronically to the users in the near future.NATMO has also initiated to prepare WaterQuality Atlas of West Bengal (to earmark thearsenic-affected region) and Geo-Touristic Atlasof India (to provide a handy guide to thetourists) during this year.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FORS&T ADVANCEMENT OF THE COUNTRY

NATMO also provides training on ThematicCartography, Digital Cartography,Photogrammetry, GPS, Remote Sensing andGIS, Aerial Photography, Colour Cartographyto the officers and staff of various govt. andprivate departments, university and collegeteachers, scholars and students of the country.Training courses of NATMO are held in highesteem by scientific departments andorganizations all over the country as well asabroad. Last year, 450 persons were trained inNATMO.

NATMO Documentation Centre, Library &Archive, including its remote sensing archiveprovide service not only to officers and staffmembers of the organization itself, but a goodnumber of technocrats, professors, post-graduate students, under graduate students

of geography use the library for books/ CD,topographical sheets, rare maps and remotesensing imagery.

Vision :

NATMO is also in the process ofcommencing full-fledged degree and diplomacourses on thematic cartography, digitalcartography, photogrammetry. Collaborationfrom various universities in this regard hasbeen requested through Department of Science& Technology, Govt. of India. We are hopingthat the courses will be commenced very soon.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

NATMO employs a large number of highlyqualified professional geographers, qualifiedstatisticians, geologists and cartographers whoare engaged in research for the technologicaladvancement in the field of cartography in thegeo-spatial arena. A good number ofmonographs, papers has been published inthis regard which were highly held by thescholars and different departments of thecountry.

INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE ANDTECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

NATMO represents in various internationalseminars/conferences to promote the use ofgeospatial information and technology incartography and has also earned honour andfame in that field. Geo-informatics and SpaceTechnology Development Agency (GISTDA),Government of Thailand has sought NATMO'scooperation in developing technologies forcreation of data-base, preparation of large-scale maps, technological support for usingTHEOS data for mapping and also in providingtraining to GISTDA staff on mapping relatedissues. A MOU has been signed between DSTand Govt. of Thailand in this regard As per

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the MOU signed between Geoinformatics andSpace Technology Development Agency, Govt.of Thailand and National Atlas and ThematicMapping Organisation, Govt. of India, forcooperation in the field of Mapping andGeospatial Technology Applications, project onpublication of an Archaeological Atlas, jointlyby NATMO and GISTDA with thematic platesusing high-resolution satellite data andgeospatial technologies, to highlight the spreadof Buddhism from India to South East Asia.The project will include India and participatingASEAN countries is going on.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

During the year, NATMO has almostcompleted the construction of Rashtriya AtlasBhavan to get a wholly dedicated place for its

research activities which will house a completeDigital Map Laboratory and Printing &Camera Unit.

Contact :

Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Jha, Director, National Atlas& Thematic Mapping Organisation (NATMO),Ministry/ Deptt. of Science & Technology, Govt.of India, C.G.O. Complex (7th fl), DF Block,Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 064, Phone : 033-23345006/ 6331/ 6459 Fax : 033-23346460Website: www.natmo.gov.inCampus :Rashtriya Atlas Bhavan National Atlas &Thematic Mapping Organisation(NATMO), Ministry/ Deptt. of Science &Technology, Govt. of India, Block GN-35,Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 091, Phone :033-23578401/ 4949

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Conferences / Meetings / Symposia / Seminars

23rd National Laser Symposium, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati,December 3 - 6, 2014.

Topics :

● Physics and Technology of Lasers

● Lasers in Nuclear Science and Technology

● Laser Materials, Devices and Components

● Non-linear, Quantum and Atom Optics

● Ultrafast Lasers and Applications

● Lasers in Material Science

● Laser in Plasma Interaction

● Lasers in Industry and Defense

● Laser Spectroscopy and Applications

● Lasers in Chemistry, Biology & Medicine

● Laser Based Instrumentation

● Electronics and Instrumentation for Lasers

Contact : Shri A. S. Joshi, Convener, NLS-23, Laser Plasma Division, RRCAT, Indore-452013,Phone : 0731-2488461, Email : convenernls23 @ gmail.com

Fifth International Conference on Plants & Environmental Pollution (ICPEP-5), 3-6 December 2014, Lucknow, India.

Topics :

1. Bio-Indication & Bioremediation

2. Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology

3. Environmental Impact Assessment & Eco-Auditing

4. Environment & Biodiversity

5. Plant Responses to Environmental Pollution

6. Climate Change & Human Health

7. Climate Change and Global Food Security

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8. Impacts of Air Pollution & Climate Change on Forest Ecosystem

9. Role of Botanical Gardens in Climate Change Research

10. Environmental Education, Environmental Laws, Outreach & Information

11. Contemporary Environmental Issues :

(a) Paleo-environment

(b) Environmental impact on cultural heritage

(c) Environmental systems and disaster management

(d) Hospital wastes management

(e) Indoor pollutants

(f) Bio-pollutants

(g) Bio-energy/Biofuel

(h) Sustainable agriculture & food Security

(i) Alien Plant Invasion

(j) Bio-prospecting

(k) Noise pollution

(l) Urban pollution & green belt designing

(m) New & Renewable Energy

Contact : Organising Secretaries (ICPEP-5), Dr. K. J. Ahmad - Dr. R. D. Tripathi - Dr. NanditaSingh, International Society of Environmental Botanists, CSIR-National Botanical Research InstituteCampus, Lucknow-226001, India E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected], Telephone: +91-522-2297821. (Direct), +91-522-22205831-35 (PBX), Fax: +91-522-22205836, website: http://isebindia.com.

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MYSTERIOUS BURSTS OF RADIOWAVES INDENTIFIED FAR OUTSIDEGALAXY

Mysterious split-second pulses of radiowaves are coming from deep in outer space,and nobody knows what causes them, accordingto astronomers.

Researchers led by Laura Spitler from theMax Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy inBonn, Germany say they have found the firstso-called “fast radio burst” in the sky’s northernhemisphere, using the Arecibo radio telescopein Puerto Rico.

The mystery is reminiscent of that ofgamma-ray bursts, discovered in the 1960s andnow thought to come from giant starscollapsing to form black holes. The newphenomenon, in the form of radio rather thangamma-rays—a different form of light—remains an enigma.

The flashes last only a few thousandths ofa second. Scientists using the ParkesObservatory in Australia had recorded suchevents before, but the lack of similar findingsby other telescopes led to speculation that theAustralian instrument might have been pickingup signals from sources nearby Earth.

The finding at Arecibo is the first detectionusing a different telescope: the burst came fromthe direction of the constellation Auriga in theNorthern sky, according to the scientists, whodetail their findings July 10 in the online issueof The Astrophysical Journal.

“There are only seven bursts every minutesomewhere in the sky on average, so you haveto be pretty lucky to have your telescopepointed in the right place at the right time,”said Spitler, the paper’s lead author. “Thecharacteristics of the burst seen by the Arecibotelescope, as well as how often we expect tocatch one, are consistent with thecharacteristics of the previously observedbursts from Parkes.”

“The radio waves show every sign of havingcome from far outside our galaxy – a reallyexciting prospect,” added Victoria Kaspi of theMcGill University in Montreal and principal

S & T ACROSS THE WORLD

ö

investigator for the pulsar-survey project thatdetected the burst.

Possible causes, scientists said, include arange of exotic astrophysical objects, such asevaporating black holes, mergers of neutronstars, or flares from magnetars—a type ofneutron star with extremely powerful magneticfields.

The pulse was detected on Nov. 2, 2012, atArecibo, with the world’s largest and mostsensitive single-dish radio telescope.

The result confirms previous estimates thatthe bursts occur roughly 10,000 times a dayover the whole sky, said the astronomers, whoinferred the huge number by calculating howmuch sky was observed, and for how long, tomake the few detections so far reported.

The bursts appear to be coming from beyondthe Milky Way galaxy based on measurementsof an effect known as plasma dispersion. Pulsesthat travel through the cosmos aredistinguished from man-made interference bythe effect of electrons in space, which causelonger radio waves to travel more slowly.

(Courtesy of the Max Plank Institute forRadio Astronomy and World Science staff)

NEWFOUND GENE COULD PLAY ROLEIN AGING FROM BIRTH

It’s something of an eternal question : Canwe slow or even reverse aging ? Althoughgenetic manipulations can alter some cellularprocesses, not so much is known about themechanisms of the aging process in livingthings.

Now scientists have found in animal modelsthat one gene plays a surprising role in agingthat can be detected early on in development.They say the discovery could point toward thepossibility of one day using therapeutics, evensome commonly used ones, to manipulate theaging process itself.

This “developmental gene, known as Spns1,may mediate the aging process,” said ShujiKishi, a professor at the from the Floridacampus of The Scripps Research Institute wholed the study, published by the journal PLoSGenetics. “Even a partial loss of Spns1 functioncan speed aging.”

Using various genetic approaches to disturbSpns1 during the embryonic and/or larval

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stages of zebrafish—which have emerged asuseful for studying diseases associated withdevelopment and aging—the scientists saidthey produced some models with a shortenedlife span, others that lived long lives.

While most studies of “senescence”—decreases in a cell’s power of division andgrowth—have focused on later stages of life,the new study explores early stages. “Mutationsto Spns1 both disturbs developmentalsenescence and badly affects the long-term bio-chronological aging process,” Kishi said.

The study found that Spns1, along with apair of “tumor suppressor genes,” called beclin1 and p53, can influence senescence throughtwo different mechanisms: the Spns1 defectwas enhanced by Beclin 1 but suppressed by‘basal’ p53. Spns1 also was found to hinderautophagy, a process whereby cells removeunwanted or destructive proteins and balanceenergy needs during various life stages.

Building on their insights from the study,Kishi and his colleagues noted in the futuretherapeutics might be able influence agingthrough Spns1. He said a commonly usedantacid, Prilosec, has been shown totemporarily suppress autophagic abnormalityand senescence seen in the Spns1 deficiency.

(Courtesy of the Scripps Research Instituteand World Science staff)

NEW PARTICLE IS BOTH MATTER ANDANTIMATTER

Physicists used a scanning-tunnelingmicroscope to image a thin chain of iron atomsatop a superconductor made of lead (yellowbar). The colors here represent the quantumprobability that any given spot contains a so-called Majorana particle, which is both matterand antimatter. The zoomed-in portion showsthat the propability of finding a Majoranaparticle increases greatly at the ends of thewire, as theory predicts it should.

Since the 1930s scientists have beensearching for particles that are simultaneouslymatter and antimatter. Now physicists havefound strong evidence for one such entity insidea superconducting material. The discoverycould represent the first so-called Majoranaparticle, and may help researchers encodeinformation for quantum computers.

Physicists think that every particle ofmatter has an antimatter counterpart withequal mass but opposite charge. When mattermeets its antimatter equivalent, the twoannihilate one another. But some particlesmight be their own antimatter partners,according to a 1937 prediction by Italianphysicist Ettore Majorana. For the first timeresearchers say they have imaged one of theseMajorana particles, and report their findingsin the Science.

The new Majorana particle showed up insidea superconductor, a material in which the freemovement of electrons allows electricity toflow without resistance. The research team,led by Ali Yazdani of Princeton University,placed a long chain of iron atoms, which aremagnetic, on top of a superconductor made oflead. Normally, magnetism disruptssuperconductors, which depend on a lack ofmagnetic fields for their electrons to flowunimpeded. But in this case the magneticchain turned into a special type ofsuperconductor in which electrons next to oneanother in the chain coordinated their spins tosimultaneously satisfy the requirements ofmagnetism and superconductivity. Each ofthese pairs can be thought of as an electronand an antielectron, with a negative and apositive charge, respectively. Thatarrangement, however, leaves one electron ateach end of the chain without a neighbor topair with, causing them to take on theproperties of both electrons and antielectrons—in other words, Majorana particles.

As opposed to particles found in a vacuum,unattached to other matter, these Majoranasare what’s called “emergent particles.” Theyemerge from the collective properties of thesurrounding matter and could not exist outsidethe superconductor.

The new study shows a convincing signatureof Majorana particles, says Leo Kouwenhovenof the Delft University of Technology in theNetherlands who was not involved in theresearch but previously found signs ofMajorana particles in a differentsuperconductor arrangement. “But to reallyspeak of full proof, unambiguous evidence, Ithink you have to do a DNA test.” Such a test,he says, must show the particles do not obey

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the normal laws of the two known classes ofparticles in nature—fermions (protons,electrons and most other particles we arefamiliar with) and bosons (photons and otherforce-carrying particles, including the Higgsboson). “The great thing about Majoranas isthat they are potentially a new class ofparticle,” Kouwenhoven adds. “If you find anew class of particles, that really would add anew chapter to physics.”

Physicist Jason Alicea of California Instituteof Technology, who also did not participate inthe research, said the study offers “compellingevidence” for Majorana particles but that “weshould keep in mind possible alternativeexplanations—even if there are no immediatelyobvious candidates.” He praised theexperimental setup for its apparent ability toeasily produce the elusive Majoranas. “One ofthe great virtues of their platform relative toearlier works is that it allowed the researchersto apply a new type of microscope to probe thedetailed anatomy of the physics.”

The discovery could have implications forsearches for free Majorana particles outside ofsuperconducting materials. Many physicistssuspect neutrinos—very lightweight particleswith the strange ability to alter their identities,or flavors—are Majorana particles, andexperiments are ongoing to investigate whetherthis is the case. Now that we know Majoranaparticles can exist inside superconductors, itmight not be surprising to find them in nature,Yazdani says. “Once you find the concept to becorrect, it’s very likely that it shows up inanother layer of physics. That’s what’sexciting.”

The finding could also be useful forconstructing quantum computers that harnessthe laws of quantum mechanics to makecalculations many times faster thanconventional computers. One of the main issuesin building a quantum computer is thesusceptibility of quantum properties such asentanglement (a connection between twoparticles such that an action on one affects theother) to collapse due to outside interference.A particle chain with Majoranas capping eachend would be somewhat immune to this danger,because damage would have to be done to bothends simultaneously to destroy any informationencoded there. “You could build a quantum bit

based on these Majoranas,” Yazdani says. ”Theidea is that such a bit would be much morerobust to the environment than the types ofbits people have tried to make so far.

(Courtesy Princeton University)

WHERE DOES EBOLA HIDE ?

Fruit bats are the most likely carriers ofEbola but it is human-to-human transmissionthat matters most now. The people of Guineahave been locked in a life-and-death strugglewith Ebola virus since last December. Nearly60 percent of Guineans infected with the virussince then have died. To cope with theunprecedented disease, the government wentso far as to ban soup made from bats.

Why bats? Because three kinds of batsfrom the region are believed to harbor thedeadly filovirus. That’s based on a survey ofsmall animals in Gabon and the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo, where the Ebolavirus seems to be endemic. The DRC evenhosts the Ebola River that gave the virus itsname. (It is a tributary of the Congo Riverthat gives the country its name.)

Although Ebola does not kill the bats as faras scientists know, it does kill more thanhumans—the virus has devastated chimpanzeeand gorilla populations as well. So intrepidresearchers from the International Center forMedical Research of Franceville in Gabon setout to trap small animals that might harborthe disease from forest regions that hadrecently been devastated, starting in 2001.

All told, the researchers gathered 679 bats,222 birds and 129 mice and other smallmammals over several years to test forevidence of the Ebola virus. A few individualsfrom three different kinds of fruit bats testedpositive for an immune response to the diseaseor had pieces of its RNA in their cells, althoughno one has yet found the actual virus in thesebats. The three fruit bat species are thehammer-headed bat (Hypsignathusmonstrosus), Franquet’s epauletted bat(Epomops franqueti) and the little collared bat(Myonycteris torquata).

All three bats are widespread in Africa,including the regions of west Africa that arenow afflicted with the disease for the firsttime, although it is the far western edge of

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their range. All eat fruit and it is unclear howor even if the disease jumped from bats tohumans or if there was an intermediate host,such as apes. Researchers and health officialsstill do not even know whether bat-to-battransmission, bat-to-human transmission orbat-to-other animal-to-human transmission isresponsible for the beginning of the currentoutbreak. And it remains far from clear thatbats are the hosts of the deadly zoonotic diseasesince two similar surveys of thousands ofanimals, including bats, at sites where humanoutbreaks occurred in the past failed to turnup any sign of Ebola virus.

What is clear is that human-to-humantransmission is the main cause for thecontinuing outbreak this time. A geneticanalysis of the virus showed that since atleast May there has been no evidence of anycrossover from bats or any other animal tohumans. In fact, the disease bears much thesame genetics from Liberia to Guinea,suggesting a single jump from some animal toa human that happened in eastern Guinea.People afflicted with the disease suffer fromhigh fever, diarrhea, vomiting, pain andsometimes bleeding. Contact with such bodilyfluids is the way the disease spreads fromperson to person, with symptoms of infectiontaking two to 21 days to manifest themselves.In fact, the genetics suggest that the outbreakin Sierra Leone stems from a single funeralheld in Guinea in late April, according to apaper published in Science Sept 12, 2014 Fiveof the co-authors of that paper died fromEbola in the course of researching theepidemic’s roots.

Nearly 8,400 people have now suffered fromthe disease, and almost half (4,033) have died,according to the World Health Organization.Those are just the reported cases, so the WHOfigures likely underestimate the real impact ofthe disease. The epidemic has been exacerbatedby distrust of government; a persistent rumorthat Ebola does not exist still circulates in theregion as does one that it was purposefullyintroduced by international medical workers.

To counteract these rumors imams inGuinea were tasked with spreading themessage of good hygiene during some 7,000sermons over the recent Tabaski Festival. Andthe government carried out a coordinatedcampaign of text messages bearing good

hygiene information. In this case, hygieneprimarily involves staying clear of bodily fluidsfrom those afflicted with the Ebola virus—andthat involves ending traditional burial practicesthat include a thorough cleansing of the corpse,which remains contagious for several daysafter death. Other rules are relatively simple:wash hands often; do not shake hands; and donot eat meat from animals found dead in theforest.

At the same time, however, some of thesteps taken by international groups andnational governments, such as quarantines,may have exacerbated the outbreak, accordingto medical anthropologist Barry Hewlett ofWashington State University. Hewlettpublished the definitive account of the localresponse to such outbreaks in central Africain the late 1990s and early 2000s: “Ebola,Culture and Politics: The Anthropology of anEmerging Disease.” Most of those earlieroutbreaks stemmed from people finding,butchering and eating apes found dead in theforest, although some seem to have startedwith soldiers moving across regions carryingthe illness. The key to stopping an outbreak istrust, a trust developed between the sick, theinfected, the local populace and authorities, sothat hygiene rules can promulgate. Such trustis easily destroyed by a forcefully imposedquarantine that traps the healthy with thesick, Hewlett notes.

In the 41st week of the outbreak in Guineathe spread of the disease shows no signs ofslowing, with the majority of cases to datereported in just the last three weeks. Healthworkers are recording roughly 100 new casesper week, including in the capital of Conakry.And it still remains unclear where the viruscame from when it made the leap into humanslast December in the forests of eastern Guinea.“Humans have been responding to deadlyoutbreaks for thousands of years,” Hewlettnotes. “We have minds adapted to deal withthem, we have accumulated cultural knowledgeof options, we have culture to adapt relativelyquickly.” But as it stands, WHO predicts thatthe outbreak will not end before next year—and that is the best-case scenario. And thehost of the Ebola virus is still hidingsomewhere in the forests.

(Courtesy Scientific American,Octber 14, 2014)