Publications
Approaches to low carbon development in China and India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Low carbon development has gained policy prominence and is a concern of both environment and development policy globally and in China and India. This paper discusses the role of China and India as important global actors in light of development imperatives in the two countries. The article then looks at emerging approaches in the two countries related to financing, science, technology & innovation policy, and sub-national actions. The objective is to review efforts in China and India for contributing to learning experiences for other countries.
Aquatic plant Azolla as the universalfeedstock for biofuel production
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The quest for sustainable production of renewable and cheap biofuels has triggered an intensive search for domestication of the next generation of bioenergy crops. Aquatic plants which can rapidly colonize wetlands are attracting attention because of their ability to grow in waste waters and produce large amounts of biomass. Representatives of Azolla species are some of the fastest growing plants, producing substantial biomass when growing in contaminated water and natural ecosystems.
Assessment of Biomass Potential and Current Status of Bio-fuels and Bioenergy Production in India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
There is the growing demand for biofuel and bio based energy due to the depletion of the conventional fossil based resources. Thus, the estimation of the current resources of these alternatives and their future availability become imperative to maintain a sustainable supply in the future. The information presented in this study was collected through an intensive search and consultation of existing databases, which was thereafter corroborated by coordinating with authenticated sources of several national and state level departments, universities, institutes and agencies.
Communities and Sustainable Practices: Lessons from the Traditional Fisher Communities
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Traditional fishing communities have always relied on set of codes and practices, developed over ages. Although the penetration of modernized fishing techniques has helped increase the income, it has also led to overexploitation. This paper is about the sustainable practices followed by the traditional fishers in India which ensures environmental sustainability. The possibility of these practices getting merged with the current practices and policies to achieve sustainability is discussed.
Comparative study of dielectric and mechanical properties of HDPE-MWCNT-SiO2 nanocomposites
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT?s) and Nano-Silicon dioxide (SiO2) reinforced HDPE composites have been developed. The MWCNT and Nano- SiO2 filler content was varied up to 5 wt% in HDPE with the addition of Polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate compatibilizer and 3-aminopropyl triethoxy silane coupling agent. The dielectric and mechanical properties of the HPDE nanocomposites have been investigated in this study. Addition of MWCNT and Nano-SiO2 are observed to enhance the tensile strength and modulus of the nano-composites.
Comparison of Spatial Interpolation Methods for Mapping Rainfall in Indian Himalayas of Uttarakhand Region
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Reliable estimation of rainfall distribution in mountainous regions poses a great challenge not only due to complex relationships between irregular topography and precipitation, but also due to non-availability of abundant rainfall measurement points. This study presents a comparison of univariate and multivariate methods for spatial interpolation of rainfall in complex terrain of Indian Himalayas in Uttarakhand region.
Economic Modeling, Analysis, and Policy for Sustainability
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
As the global economy continues to grow and change, issues concerning sustainability practices have become more prevalent. The implementation of efficient sustainability procedures offers significant assistance in the development of modern economies. Economic Modeling, Analysis, and Policy for Sustainability focuses on interdisciplinary perspectives concerning the social, environmental, and economic spheres of sustainability science.
Elite hairy roots of Ocimum basilicum as a new source of rosmarinic acid and antioxidants
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
This study reports Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation of three cultivars of Ocimum basilicum for hairy root establishment, screening and selection for the production of rosmarinic acid and antioxidants. Hairy root development was found to be explant-specific and virulence-dependent. Distinct inter-cultivar morphological variability was found between the seven axenically developed hairy root lines and morphological traits were found to be correlated with the presence of aux2 genes, their expression and endogenous IAA content.
Emission Factors for Continuous Fixed Chimney Bull Trench Brick Kiln (FCBTK) in India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Uncertainty in emissions from brick manufacturing is a major concern and more primary monitoring based datasets are required. This study presents latest emission factors for continuous fixed chimney bull trench brick kilns (FCBTK), which is the main technology used for brick production in India. Stack monitoring of kilns in a typical brick manufacturing cluster in India is carried out to monitor emissions of pollutants like PM, SO2 and CO. Average concentrations of PM, SO2 and CO in the stacks are measured to be 172±76, 114±47 and 484±198 mg/Nm3, respectively.
Enabling policies for advancing sustainability of electricity access programs
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
As 1.3 billion people lack access to electricity globally, the challenge of ensuring universal electricity access in accordance with the Sustainable Energy for All initiative remains herculean. This chapter maps policy linkages, identifies the gaps in policies and recommends options for developing the enabling environment. The chapter suggests that the policy environment governing electricity access at present is weak and that improvements are required to deliver a sustainable outcome.