Publications
Nitric oxide metabolism and indole acetic acid biosynthesis cross-talk in Azospirillum brasilense SM
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Production of nitric oxide (NO) and the presence of NO metabolism genes, nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ ), nitrous oxide reductase regulator (nosR) and nitric oxide reductase (norB) were identified in the plant-associated bacterium (PAB) Azospirillum brasilense SM. NO presence was confirmed in all overexpressing strains, while improvement in the plant growth response of these strains was mediated by increased NO and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) levels in the strains. Electron microscopy showed random distribution to biofilm, with surface colonization of pleiomorphic Azospirilla.
OASYS South Asia Project Brightens Up Remote Areas
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
‘Off-grid Access Systems for South Asia’ (OASYS South Asia) project, aimed to do a systematic analysis to develop an off-grid delivery model framework and implement the framework through demonstration projects across different geographies in order to find appropriate local solutions for sustainable rural electricity supply.
Production of a non-cytotoxic bioflocculant by a bacterium utilizing petroleum hydrocarbon source and its application in heavy metal removal
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
A bacterium isolated from the activated sludge of an oil refinery of Assam, India retained efficient bioflocculating activity through production of bioflocculant when it was grown on crude oil amended media avoided of any other carbon source.The bioflocculating activity gained from the optimized media broth was 86.2%, which could be enhanced up to 89.1% with the purified bioflocculant. In course of bioflocculant production, the bacterium utilized about 77% of the petroleum hydrocarbons after incubation for 168 h when the activity was found to be the highest.
Regulating Off-grid Electricity Delivery: Exploring the Grey Areas
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Given the increasingly prominent role and scope for off-grid solutions in complementing grid-based electrification in India, especially to electrify habitations where grid electricity is yet to reach, it would be crucial to set up appropriate regulatory arrangements for the scaling up of off-grid interventions in India. In view of this, the paper attempts to analyse the role of possible regulation in the off-grid electrification sector and explores the type of regulatory incentive structures that could be put in place in order to allow the off-grid sector to do well.
Remote sensing of mountain snow using active microwave sensors: a review
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
This work provides an overview of various methods for estimating snow cover and properties in high mountains using remote sensing techniques involving microwaves. Satellite-based remote sensing with its characteristics such as synoptic view, repetitive coverage and uniformity over large areas has great potential for identifying the temporal snow cover. Many sensors have been used in the past with various algorithms and accuracies for this purpose.
Rice straw incorporation affects global warming potential differently in early vs. late cropping seasons in Southeastern China
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Paddy fields are a major global anthropogenic source of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are very potent greenhouse gases. China has the second largest area under rice cultivation, so developing valid and reliable methods for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases while sustaining crop productivity in paddy fields is of paramount importance.
Role of seed and kernel size, thickness and weight on oil content in Jatropha curcus L., - a study with Northeast India accessions
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Jatropha curcas Linnaeus (Euphorbiaceae) is commonly known as Physic nut or Purging nut or JCL (Jatropha Curcas Linnaeus) and is a native of Mexico and tropical South America. It is now found almost in all the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world (Holm et al 1979). Jatropha curcus was distributed by Portuguese ships via the Cape Verde Islands and Guinea Bissau to other countries in Africa and Asia (Heller, 1996). It is a shrub or small tree with yellowish rufescent latex.
Scaling up of off-grid electrification is one of the key priorities of developing countries across
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Scaling up of off-grid electrification is one of the key priorities of developing countries across the world trying to meet SE4ALL objective of universal energy access by 2030. However,scaling up off-grid electrification projects is beset with many challenges as most such projects end up becoming islands of excellence without being able to expand and deliver impacts at a larger scale. There are several reasons for this inability to scale up including lack of resources, lack of finance, policy and regulatory barriers, and lack of champions to steer the project.
Sequence and expression variation in SUPPRESSOR of OVEREXPRESSION of CONSTANS 1 (SOC1): homeolog evolution in Indian Brassicas
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
Whole genome sequence analyses allow unravelling such evolutionary consequences of mesotriplication event in Brassicaceae (?14–20 million years ago (MYA)) as differential gene fractionation and diversification in homeologous sub-genomes. This study presents a simple gene-centric approach involving microsynteny and natural genetic variation analysis for understanding SUPPRESSOR of OVEREXPRESSION of CONSTANS 1 (SOC1) homeolog evolution in Brassica.
Socio-technical assessment of solar photovoltaic systems implemented for rural electrification in selected villages of Sundarbans region of India
Research Paper
| January 11, 2018
The power situation in rural India continues to remain poor with around one-third of the rural population without access to any form of electricity. The consequence of which is kerosene being used as a major source of lighting for un-electrified households as well as households with intermittent access to electricity in rural areas. While grid based electrification has been the most common approach, decentralized renewable energy options especially, solar PV systems have also been adopted as a cost effective mode of electrification.