Lepiotaceous fungi of West Bengal, India: the genus Chlorophyllum

The state West Bengal, India was thoroughly investigated and a total of ten specimens belonging to the genus Chlorophyllum was collected. Detailed morphological and molecular studies revealed that the collected specimens were distributed over three species among which two viz. Chlorophyllum hortense and C. molybdites were previously known from the region, and one, Chlorophyllum squamulosum sp. nov., is described herein as new to science. The new species is distinguished by its small plate-like squamules over the pileus coloured greyish brown to reddish brown or dark brown; truncate, hyaline basidiospores with a prominent germ-pore; relatively small (17–25 × 7.5–11.5 μm), clavate or spheropedunculate cheilocystidia; and a tightly packed hymeniderm type pileus covering. A comprehensive morphological description, field photographs of the basidiocarps, comparisons with phenotypically similar and phylogenetically related species and a phylogram showing the placement of each of the collected species are provided. Besides, earlier records of Chlorophyllum species from West Bengal as well as in India are consulted and information related to diversity of the genus in the country are discussed with notes on the previous records. An artificial dichotomous key is provided to aid in the identification of the presently available Chlorophyllum species in India.

Contribution to the macromycetes of West Bengal, India: 51–56

The West Bengal is a treasure house for macro-fungal diversity due to its varied geo-climatic conditions. Detailed macroscopic and microscopic characterization was made to identify the collected specimens. Altogether six species belonging to the family Xylariaceae (three species), Hypoxylaceae (one species), Ascobolaceae (one species) and Pyronemataceae (one species) were collected from different corners of the state. Literature survey revealed that all of the collected taxa represent their first detailed description and distributional record from the state. A comprehensive macro-morphological description, field photographs along with microscopic observations are provided. The outcome of the present study will enrich data related to the diversity of macrofungi from the state West Bengal.

New record of Tulostoma squamosum (Agaricales: Basidiomycota) from India based on morphological features and phylogenetic analysis

Tulostoma squamosum is reported for the first time from India. A comprehensive macro-morphological description, field photographs along with microscopic observations, and comparisons with morphologically similar and phylogenetically related taxa are provided. Nucleotide sequence comparison and an estimation of evolutionary divergence between Tulostoma squamosum sequences across different geographic origin are also provided.

Pseudechinolaena (Humb.,Bonpl. & Kunth) Stapf (Poaceae): new generic record for Andhra Pradesh, India

Pseudechinolaena (H.B.K.) Stapf, represented by Pseudechinolaena polystachya (Humb.,Bonpl. & Kunth) Stapf, collected from the forests of Chintapalli and GudemKothaveedhi of Visakhapatnam district is being reported as addition to grass flora of Andhra Pradesh, India. Description, field photographs, illustration and important notes have been provided for the species.

A Note on Distribution of Juniperus semiglobosa in Uttarakhand, India

Distribution of Juniperus semiglobosa in India have been examined through literature, available herbarium specimens and with field observations. The density of individuals are found in decreasing trend in India due to fuel wood extraction coupled with natural calamity in high altitude regions, especially in Trans Himalaya. Available population status, brief description, field observations and photographs are provided in the communication, for conservation of Juniperus in natural habitats.

STEREOLOGY AND 3D MICROSCOPY: USEFUL ALTERNATIVES OR COMPETITORS IN THE QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF MICROSTRUCTURES?

With the rapid development of modern techniques for producing 3D images, the assessment of 3D geometry from 2D sections of projections by stereological methods seems to become more and more redundant. The paper aims to show the limits of the two approaches and to outline their relative advantages in practical applications. It is concluded that, for a large variety of applications, classical stereological methods are the most effective way to characterize 3D geometry of irregular microstructures. The basic equations for useful global (field) parameters are summarized and their assessment by manual techniques is indicated. For other types of applications asking for complex parameters like shape, arrangement or size distribution, preference should be given to direct 3D measurements. Parameters obtained by 2D analysis of sections or projections are useful for comparison purposes, for empirical correlation analysis or for fingerprinting-type description. Field and feature parameters and the problems of data reductions are discussed.

Intelligent Personalization Agent for Product Brokering

A good business to consumer environment can be developed through the creation of intelligent software agents (Guan, Zhi, & Maung, 2004; Soltysiak & Crabtree, 1998) to fulfill the needs of consumers patronizing online e-commerce stores (Guan, 2006). This includes intelligent filtering services (Chanan, 2001) and product brokering services (Guan, Ngoo, & Zhu, 2002) to understand a user’s needs before alerting the user of suitable products according to his needs and preference. We present an approach to capture user response toward product attributes, including nonquantifiable ones. The proposed solution does not generalize or stereotype user preference but captures the user’s unique taste and recommends a list of products to the user. Under the proposed approach, the system is able to handle the inclusion of any unaccounted attribute that is not predefined in the system, without reprogramming the system. The system is able to cater to any unaccounted attribute through a general description field found in most product databases. This is useful, as hundreds of new attributes of products emerge each day, making any complex analysis impossible. In addition, the system is selfadjusting in nature and can adapt to changes in user preference.

Intelligent User Preference Detection for Product Brokering

We present a generic approach to capture individual user responding towards product attributes including non-quantifiable ones. The proposed solution does not generalize or stereotype user preference, but captures the user’s unique taste and recommends a list of products to the user. Under the proposed generic approach, the system is able to handle the inclusion of any unaccounted attribute that is not predefined in the system, without reprogramming the system. The system is able to cater for any unaccounted attribute through a general description field found in most product databases. This is extremely useful as hundreds of new attributes of products emerge each day, making any complex analysis impossible. In addition, the system is self-adjusting in nature and can adapt to changes in a user’s preference.