Ecosystem Responses in the Distribution of Black Clam (Villorita cyprinoides) Beds in Vembanad Estuary during Environmental Changes Using GIS and RS

The biomass and distribution of black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) in Vembanad, a tropical estuary located along the southwest coast of India varied significantly. Sampling was done in freshwater-dominated zone in the south (distal) and brackish water zone in the north (proximal), during pre and post monsoon seasons. Clam biomass was estimated from samples, collected from different stations during the study period. Water transparency and temperature were measured at the sample sites. Water samples were collected and analysed for salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH and hardness. There was a significant difference in the clam biomass during the two seasons in the distal zone, and those collected from the distal and proximal zones during premonsoon season. The data were further analysed to determine the factors affecting the clam biomass distribution in the two zones and seasons. Factor analyses, comparing the distal zone during two seasons and zonal variations were similar to earlier observations. Step wise regression analyses found that dissolved oxygen (adjusted R2 = 0.3) is the only variable affecting clam survival during pre-monsoon period in the distal and proximal zones. A geographic map of the region obtained from the Indian satellite sensor LISS (Linear Image Self Scanner) was used along with in situ data to map the results using inverse distance weightage model

A CHECKLIST OF MICROALGAE IN THE FRESHWATER LAKES OF SOUTHERN BANGALORE (KAR) AND HOSUR (T.N) BORDER, INDIA

A checklist of freshwater microalgae from the Southern Bangalore-Hosur border region was compiled. The studies included 4 major lakes and 2 smaller ponds of the area and conducted seasonally in sessions for a period of 2 years, from May 2017 to May 2019. The investigations resulted in the documentation of a large variety of algal communities and the discovery of the presence of one new species, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, which has never been recorded or documented in the past from India. A total of 119 species of algae were recorded. The maximum species were identified under class Cyanophyceae (47 taxa) followed by Bacillariophyceae (42 taxa), Chlorophyceae (23 taxa), Euglenophyceae (6 taxa), and Xanthophyceae (1 taxa)

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF APPLYING VARIOUS CUTTING EDGES ON WIPER MILLING INSERTS IN FACE MILLING AISI 1070 STEEL

In metal cutting industry, edge preparation on carbide inserts have a significant effect on the productivity of a machine. In this study, the effect of various cutting edge preparations on wiper facet which influences various force components and surface finish in the rough milling operation of AISI 1070 steel were experimentally investigated. Tungsten Carbide inserts with three distinct edge preparations and AISI 1070 steel blocks were used. Three-factor (Cutting speed, Feed and Geometry), three-level full factorial design experiments were conducted under dry conditions. During the rough milling operation, three components of forces and surface finish of the machined surface were measured. This study shows that the effect of various edge geometries is more significant on surface finish and has very little impact on the force components

LHC Magnet Tests: Operational Techniques and Empowerment for Successful Completion

The LHC magnet tests operation team developed various innovative techniques, particularly since early 2004, to complete the superconductor magnet tests by Feb. 2007. Overall and cryogenic priority handling, rapid on-bench thermal cycling, rule-based goodness evaluation on round-the-clock basis, multiple, mashed web systems are some of these techniques applied with rigour for successful tests completion in time. This paper highlights these operation empowerment tools which had a pivotal role for success. A priority handling method was put in place to enable maximum throughput from twelve test benches, having many different constraints. For the cryogenics infrastructure, it implied judicious allocation of limited resources to the benches. Rapid On-Bench Thermal Cycle was a key strategy to accelerate magnets tests throughput, saving time and simplifying logistics. First level magnet appraisal was developed for 24 hr decision making so as to prepare a magnet further for LHC or keep it on standby. Web based systems (Tests Management and E-Traveller) were other essential ideas to track & coordinate various stages of tests handled by different teams

Cerebellar ataxia in systemic lupus erythematosus: three case reports.

Three patients presented with cerebellar ataxia among 350 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) seen over the last 14 years. Cerebellar signs were unilateral in one and bilateral in the other two patients. Other neurological findings were present in all three patients. One initially presented with only cerebellar ataxia; other features of SLE appeared a few years later. Lupus anticoagulant test was positive in one patient. Corticosteroids given in the early stages appeared to benefit these patients by ameliorating cerebellar dysfunction