Publications

Remembering the forest while viewing the trees: Evolutionary thinking in the teaching of molecular biology

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Given the centrality of evolutionary theory to the study of biology, we present a strategy for reinforcing its importance by appropriately recontextualizing classic and well-known experiments that are not explicitly linked with evolution in conventional texts. This exercise gives students an appreciation of the applicability of the theory of evolution in diverse contexts, including those where it is not explicitly mentioned.

Renewable Energy based Mini-grids for Enhancing Electricity Access: Experiences and Lessons from India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Conventional grid extension has been the predominant mode of electrification in India. However, renewable energy based mini-grids have also been used for providing electricity access in remote areas, forested habitations, and islands. This paper, based on extensive literature review, interview with key stakeholders, and field visits to selected sites, captures the nuances of renewable energy based mini-grid developments in India.

Renewable Energy Programs for Rural Electrification: Experience and Lessons from India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Grid electrification has been the predominant mode for electrification covering almost 94.5% of the inhabited area in India. However, renewable energy based off-grid technologies have also been disseminated extensively in the country. This paper attempts to capture the development of off-grid rural electrification through renewable energy in India and analyses the experiences and lessons, which can contribute for the better program designing and policy making.

Resource Efficiency for Sustainability in Ferrous Foundry - A Case of Kolhapur MSME Cluster

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) play a vital role in the Indian economy. There are more than 4500 foundries in India and 80% of them are small-scale industries. The erratic global economic slowdown, has threatened the sustainability of MSME foundries. The paper emphasises on the importance of resource efficiency parameters for sustainability of a ferrous foundry.

Road Map Towards Net Zero Energy Building

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

To reduce the gap between demand and supply of energy of buildings in India, it is important that policies are framed to provide standards and road map for implementing net zero buildings in India.This can be achieved by methodologies that involve climate analysis, bioclimatic architectural design and selection of materials, innovative system design for air conditioning and lighting. The result of these methodologies would be reduction in energy demand which is met by renewable resources.

Room temperature solvent free aza-Michael reactions over nano-cage mesoporous materials

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

An efficient highly acidic three dimensional mesoporous aluminosilicate nano-cage material Al-KIT5, exhibited excellent catalytic activity in solvent free room temperature aza-Michael reactions of amines with ?, ?-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to produce ?-amino carbonyl compounds with 100% product selectivity in a short reaction time. The high acidity, 3D pores, and a huge space in the nano-cages materials make them attractive candidate for carrying out important organic reactions.

Smart Systems and Smart Grids for Effective Governance of Electricity Supply in India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Despite several reform measures, the electricity sector in India is grappling with multiple challenges including significant system losses, supply shortages, demand management and integrating renewable energy into the system network. At the same time institutional arrangements and relations have also transformed and consumers are asserting their demand for improved quality and services through the regulatory process. Both utilities and policy makers see Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as an important tool in meeting growing aspirations in the electricity sector.

Solar power potential mapping in India using remote sensing inputs and environmental parameter

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The present paper maps the district-wise potential for concentrating solar power (CSP) and centralized solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology based power plants in India.

Spatiotemporal analysis of the effects of forest covers on stream water quality in Western Ghats of peninsular India

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

The hydrological research has largely concentrated on two extremes – undisturbed forest cover versus cleared forest land, whereas most tropical forest areas are now a mix of secondary vegetation, and old forest interspersed with patches cleared for agriculture or other non-forest use (Bruijnzeel, 2004; Giambelluca, 2002). For this reason, research on spatiotemporal variations in the effects of a mix of primary forest, mature secondary forests and disturbed forests on stream water quality was conducted in four watersheds in the Western Ghats of peninsular India.

Sphere of influence of indole acetic acid and nitric oxide in bacteria

Research Paper
| January 11, 2018

Bacterial biosynthesis of the phytohormone, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) is well established and along with the diffusible gaseous molecule, nitric oxide (NO) is known to positively regulate the developmental processes of plant roots. IAA and NO act as signaling molecules in plant?microbe interactions as they modulate the gene expression in both, plants and microorganisms. Although IAA and NO may not be required for essential bacterial physiological processes, numerous studies point towards a crosstalk between IAA and NO in the rhizosphere.