We present a theoretical investigation of the electronic specific heat (ESH) at constant volume (Cv) of single-helical proteins modeled within the tight-binding (TB) framework. We study the effects of helical symmetry, long-range hopping, environment and biological defects on thermal properties. We employ a general TB model to incorporate all parameters relevant to the helical structure of the protein. In order to provide additional insights into our results for the ESH, we also study the electronic density of states for various disorder strengths. We observe that the variation of the specific heat with disorder is very different in low and high temperature regimes, though the variation of ESH with temperature possesses a universal pattern upon varying disorder strengths related to environmental effects. Lastly, we propose an interesting application of the ESH spectra of proteins. We show that by studying the ESH of single-helical proteins, one can distinguish a defective sample from a pure one. This observation can serve as the basis of a screening technique that can be applied prior to a whole genome testing, thereby saving valuable time & resources.

The present investigation was undertaken to study the diversity of wetland birds in Chhaya Rann (Gujarati: Deserted land) wetland complex, situated in the urban setting of Porbandar City, in the western state of Gujarat, India.  Almost 70 species belonging to 21 families of wetland birds have been reported from here with an estimated count of 35,747 and 20,981 in the year 2016 and 2015 respectively.  Anatidae and Scolopacidae represent the higher number of species (11 each) followed by Ardeidae (eight species) and Laridae (seven species).  The wetland complex supports one IUCN Red Listed Vulnerable species (Common Pochard Aythya ferina), six Near Threatened species (Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa and River Tern Sterna aurantia), and 63 Least Concern species.  The wetland meets the Criteria 5 and 6 for listing as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

The Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus is a common to uncommon winter visitor to Gujarat.  The species roosted in bushes of Prosopis juliflora in the grassland of Shiroda area, Odadar Village of Porbandar District.  Communal roosts were identified by foot surveys between 9–17 November 2016.  A total of 20 individuals co-existed with grazing cattle in the grassland of ca. 1km2.  At present due to their restricted nesting habits and nomadic nature, the species is vulnerable to habitat loss at their feeding and roosting grounds.  Conversion of open habitats to agriculture, grazing, recreation, housing and tourism development are the current threats to the species in the wetland complex.  The IUCN conservation status further confirms that though they are assessed as Least Concern, in spite of the species population constantly declining with global population estimated at 3,000,000 individuals which equates to 2,000,000 mature individuals.  The present study is the first systematic attempt to count a roost in Gujarat.

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