Evaluation of the intracellular lipid-lowering effect of polyphenols extract from highland barley in HepG2 cells

Active ingredients from highland barley have received considerable attention as natural products for developing treatments and dietary supplements against obesity.In practical application,the research of food combinations is more significant than a specific food component.This study investigated the lipid-lowering effect of highland barley polyphenols via lipase assay in vitro and HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid(OA).Five indexes,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(T-CHO),low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),were used to evaluate the lipidlowering effect of highland barley extract.We also preliminary studied the lipid-lowering mechanism by Realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR).The results indicated that highland barley extract contains many components with lipid-lowering effects,such as hyperoside and scoparone.In vitro,the lipase assay showed an 18.4%lipase inhibition rate when the additive contents of highland barley extract were 100μg/m L.The intracellular lipid-lowering effect of highland barley extract was examined using 0.25 mmol/L OA-induced HepG2 cells.The results showed that intracellular TG,LDL-C,and T-CHO content decreased by 34.4%,51.2%,and 18.4%,respectively.ALT and AST decreased by 51.6%and 20.7%compared with the untreated hyperlipidemic HepG2 cells.q PCR results showed that highland barley polyphenols could up-regulation the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as PPARγand Fabp4.

Fecal microbiota transplantation:whole grain highland barley improves glucose metabolism by changing gut microbiota

Highland barley(HB)is a high-altitude cereal with rich nutritional components and potential health benefits.To clarify its hypoglycemic effect and mechanism,we investigated the effect of whole grain HB and fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT)on glucose metabolism and gut microbiota in high-fat diet and streptozotocin(HFD/STZ)-induced diabetic mice.The results showed that HB(40%)significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and the area under the glucose tolerance curve,significantly increased insulin secretion and improved insulin resistance in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice(P<0.05).Inflammatory factors and blood lipid indices were also significantly alleviated after 12 weeks of 40%HB intervention(P<0.05).Additionally,beneficial bacteria,such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia,were significantly enriched in the gut of diabetic mice after whole grain HB intervention.Meanwhile,the results of further FMT experiments verified that the fecal microbiota after the 40%HB intervention not only significantly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia but also effectively improved glucose metabolism and alleviated the inflammatory state in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice.Collectively,our study confirmed the bridge role of gut microbiota in improving glucose metabolism of whole grain HB,which could promote the development of precision nutrition.

Interdecadal Variations of the March Atmospheric Heat Source over the Southeast Asian Low-Latitude Highlands

Based on the fifth-generation reanalysis dataset from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts for 1979–2019,we investigated the effects of the circumglobal teleconnection(CGT)on the interdecadal variation of the March atmospheric heat source(AHS)over the Southeast Asian low-latitude highlands(SEALLH).The dominant mode of the March AHS over the SEALLH features a monopole structure with an 8–11-year period.Decadal variations in the AHS make an important contribution to the 11-year low-pass filtered component of the AHS index,whichexplains 54.3%of the total variance.The CGT shows a clear interdecadal variation,which explains 59.3%of the total variance.The March AHS over the SEALLH is significantly related to the CGT on interdecadal timescales.When the CGT is optimally excited by a significant cyclonic vorticity source near northern Africa(i.e.,in its positive phase),the SEALLH is dominated by anomalous southerly winds and ascending motions on the east of the anomalous cyclone.The enhanced advection and upward transfer result in a high-enthalpy air mass that converges into and condenses over the SEALLH,leading to a largerthan-average March AHS over this region.The key physical processes revealed by this diagnostic analysis are supported by numerical experiments.

Effects of different thermal processing methods on bioactive components,phenolic compounds,and antioxidant activities of Qingke(highland hull-less barley)

Qingke(highland hull-less barley)is a grain replete with substantial nutrients and bioactive ingredients.In this study,we evaluated the effects of boiling(BO),steaming(ST),microwave baking(MB),far-infrared baking(FB),steam explosion(SE),and deep frying(DF)on bioactive components,phenolic compounds,and antioxidant activities of Qingke compared with the effects of traditional roast(TR).Results showed that the soluble dietary fiber,beta-glucan and water-extractable pentosans of Qingke in dry heat processes of TR,SE,MB and FB had a higher content compared with other thermal methods and had a better antioxidant activity of hydroxyl radical scavenging and a better reduction capacity,while those in wet heat processes of BO and ST had a better antioxidant activity of ABTS radical scavenging and a better Fe^(2+) chelating ability.DF-and SE-Qingke had a higher content of tocopherol,phenolic,and flavonoid.Overall,6 free phenolic compounds and 12 bound phenolic compounds of Qingke were identified,and free phenolic compounds suffered more damage during thermal processing.Principal component analysis showed that SE had more advantages in retaining and improving the main biological active ingredients of Qingke,and it may be the best method for treating Qingke.

Morphometric Traits Differentiation and Phenotypic Diversity of Two Snail Species Ecotypes Archachatina marginata and Achatina fulica in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

This study was conducted from June 2021 to January 2023 to assess the genetic diversity of giant African snails in the western highlands of Cameroon. A total of 652 snails were randomly collected from the wild in three localities in the western highlands (Bafang, Bafoussam, and Santchou). The study revealed significant variations in morphobiometric characteristics both between species and localities. The predominant shell coloration was brownish with yellow zigzag stripes (65%), while the dominant coloration for shell openings was whitish (48%). Regarding foot coloration, both brown with spotted black and black with spotted brown colorations were dominant (29%). The highest recorded live weight of snails (39.33 ± 34) was found in the species Archachatina marginata. In terms of length measurements (in mm), the length of the right and left sides of the shell was higher in the A. fulica species (49.8 ± 19.7 mm and 40.07 ± 18 mm, respectively). Bafang exhibited the highest values for shell length (56 ± 11 mm) and shell width (46.52 ± 11.46 mm). A. fulica recorded the highest shell length (81.5 ± 27 mm), while A. marginata recorded the highest shell width (49.6 ± 12.1 mm), with the highest values observed in A. fulica from fulica having a slightly higher aperture width value (30 ± 10 mm) compared to A. marginata, while A. marginata had the highest value for aperture length measurement (54.5 ± 12 mm). A. fulica also exhibited the highest values for the length from apex to the first whorl and the length from left to right of the first whorl (43.2 ± 18 mm and 39 ± 19.8 mm, respectively). Strong and positive correlations were observed between the live weight of snails and body measurements regardless of species, except for the number of whorls, which showed very weak or negative correlations with other body measurements. The results of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed three distinct snail population types. These findings provide valuable insights into the phenotypic diversity of edible land snails in the western highlands of Cameroon and can be considered in improvement and conservation programs aimed at enhancing snail meat yield.

New constraints on the P-T path of HT/UHT metapelites from the Highland Complex of Sri Lanka

We report here rare evidence for the early prograde P-Tevolution of garnet-sillimanite-graphite gneiss(khondalite)from the central Highland Complex,Sri Lanka.Four types of garnet porphyroblasts(Grt_1,Grt_2,Grt_3 and Grt_4)are observed in the rock with specific types of inclusion features.Only Grt_3 shows evidence for non-coaxial strain.Combining the information shows a sequence of main inclusion phases,from old to young:oriented quartz inclusions at core,staurolite and prismatic sillimanite at mantle,kyanite and kyanite pseudomorph,and biotite at rim in Grt_1;fibrolitic sillimanite pseudomorphing kyanite±corundum,kyanite,and spinel+sillimanite after garnet+corundum in Grt_2;biotite,sillimanite,quartz±spinel in Grt_3;and ilmenite,rulite,quartz and sillimanite in Grt_4.The pre-melting,original rock composition was calculated through stepwise re-integration of melt into the residual,XRF based composition,allowing the early prograde metamorphic evolution to be deduced from petrographical observations and pseudosections.The earliest recognizable stage occurred in the sillimanite field at around 575℃ at 4.5 kbar.Subsequent collision associated with Gondwana amalgamation led to crustal thickening along a P-T trajectory with an average dP/dT of ~30 bar/℃ in the kyanite field,up to ~660℃ at 6.5 kbar,before crossing the wet-solidus at around 675 ℃ at 7.5 kbar.The highest pressure occurred at P > 10 kbar and T around 780℃ before prograde decompression associated with further heating.At 825℃ and 10.5 kbar,the rock re-entered into the sillimanite field.The temperature peaked at 900℃ at ca.9-9.5 kbar.Subsequent near-isobaric cooling led to the growth of Grt_4 and rutile at T ~880℃.Local pyrophyllite rims around sillimanite suggest a late stage of rehydration at T<400℃,which probably occurred after uplift to upper crustal levels.U-Pb dating of zircons by LAICPMS of the khondalite yielded two concordant ^(206)Pb/^(238)U age groups with mean values of 542±2 Ma(MSWD=0.24,Th/U=0.01-0.03)and 514±3 Ma(MSWD=0.50,Th/U=0.01-0.05)interpreted as peak metamorphism of the khondalite and subsequent melt crystallization during cooling.

Optimization of Formula of Matsutake Highland Barley Biscuit by Response Surface Methodology

Taking refined flour,matsutake powder,and highland barley powder as main raw materials,this experiment studied the optimal formula of matsutake highland barley biscuit. Besides,single factor experiment was carried out for the amount of highland barley powder,white granulated sugar,and shortening. Then,the response surface optimization analysis was made on crispness and sensory score of the biscuit. The experiment indicates that taking the refined flour as the base 100 g( 100%),the formula of 20% highland barley powder,25% white granulated sugar,and 26% shortening can bake crisp biscuit with complete shape,pure flavor and high quality.

Impact of Altitude and Land Use Type on Some Physical and Chemical Properties of Acidic Soils in Tsegede Highlands, Northern Ethiopia

A study was conducted in the Tsegede highlands of Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia to determine the changes in some physical and chemical attributes across three adjacent acidic soil sites with different elevation and three land use types. Analytical results of the collected surface layer soil samples showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) correlation of soil bulk density, OM and total N with elevation. In the lower elevation site (Indaslasie), soil OM content declined by about 43 and 52% compared with that of the two higher elevation sites (Cheguarcudo and Indamariam), respectively. Soil pH, exchangeable acidity, exchangeable Al, OM, total N and available phosphorus also exhibited significant (P ≤ 0.05) disparity across the three land use types of the area. Soils of the forest land were less acidic by 0.43 and 0.68 pH units than the cultivated and grazing lands, respectively. The soil OM content of the cultivated land was significantly lower by about 25 and 35% than the grazing and forest land soils, respectively. Available soil P status was low and showed significant correlations with pH (r = 0.65), exchangeable acidity (r = –0.58) and Al (r = –0.53). In general, the study results revealed altitude did not impose any significant effect in aggravating soil acidity whereas land use type affected significantly not only soil acidity but also the important soil fertility related parameters such as OM, total N and available P contents. Therefore, it can be suggested that besides to the usual acid soil management and/or reclamation practices, introducing proper land use management systems are of paramount importance.

A systematic review of highland barley:Ingredients,health functions and applications

Due to its high nutritional and dietotherapy values,highland barley has attracted the attention and favor of people all over the world in recent years.It has been demonstrated that the nutritional components of highland barley are comprehensive and unique,with the characteristics of high protein,high fiber,high vitamin,lowfat,low sugar and variety of bioactive components.As the most important component in highland barley,highland barley starch not only has low digestibility,but also has good freeze-thaw stability,high solubility,good emulsion stability and superior film forming performance,which makes it have great application value in food,medicine and industrial production.The content of highland barley protein,which is rich in 18 kinds of amino acids,is higher than that of most grains,and its derivatives play an important role in medical treatment.Unfortunately,highland barley protein cannot form gluten network structure,which limits the application in daily staple food to a certain extent.Highland barley also contains a large amount of dietary fiber,especiallyβ-glucan.Long-term consumption could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and metabolic syndromes such as heart disease and diabetes.However,the research on the application of highland barley is still in the laboratory stage,which failed to achieve large-scale application in the actual production.The value of highland barley has not been brought into full play,which leads to the waste of its resources and the reduction of its added value.This paper reviewed themacronutrients,health functions and applications of highland barley,aiming to provide some reference for the development of highland barley in food and health industry.

Use of ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) fallout radionuclides for spatial soil erosion and redistribution assessment on steeply sloping agricultural highlands

The steeply sloping agricultural highlands in Korea have severe soil erosion.Estimation of both soil erosion and sedimentation in these highlands is necessary to make plans for soil-conservation measures,but it is not feasible using existing soil-erosion models.This study measured the site-specific concentrations of ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) on both a highland slope(33%slope)and a reference site(undisturbed flat area)to estimate soil erosion and redistribution.The use of the fallout radionuclide(FRN)method was evaluated to see if it is a suitable method for characterizing soil erosion.Results were compared with those obtained with the Universal Soil Loss Equation(USLE),which is an empirical model that estimates annual soil erosion.The average concentrations of ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) at the reference site were 11.57±0.24 Bq kg^(-1) and 59.74±4.2 Bq kg^(-1),respectively.Concentrations of ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) in the experimental slope were 16.4%and 10.8%,respectively,of those at the reference site.Radionuclide inventories were lower at the upper point of the slope than those at the basal point of the slope.Concentrations of ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) were significantly correlated with available phosphorus,organic matter,CEC,and exchangeable cations.Estimation of soil redistribution rate using ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) showed site-specific variations at different points along the slope,and respective ranges were^(-1)7.46~-207.51 and 1.55~-581.38 Mgha^(-1) yr^(-1),which indicated that more erosion was assessed by ^(210)Pb_(ex) than by ^(137)Cs.Redistribution analysis showed that soil erosion occurred along the entire slope,except for the bottom point of the slope where 1.55 Mgha^(-1) yr^(-1) of sediment accumulated.The USLE provided a single value of the average annual soil loss in the entire slope,which was either 166 or 398 Mgha^(-1) yr^(-1),depending on the soil erodibility factor(soil series factor and calculated factor from soil sample analysis)used in the model.We conclude that the FRN method using ^(137)Cs and ^(210)Pb_(ex) radionuclides can be used to assess soil erosion and redistribution in steeply sloping agricultural highlands.Verification of soil-erosion values using the FRN method and soil-erosion models has been controversial,but it merits further study at many locations with different soils,topography,and management practices.

Climate Variability and Soil Nutrients Status along Altitudinal Gradient in Kigezi Highlands, Southwestern Uganda

Kigezi highlands currently experiences changes in precipitation and temperature which modify the evaporation and soil moisture storage leading to alterations in runoff and other components of hydrological systems. Extreme events, like floods and droughts, are more intense and frequent. Furthermore heavy unpredictable rainfall has become frequent in the area, causing soil erosion and floods that destroy crops. Soil erosion is particularly a pressing challenge due to steep-sided hills leading to deterioration of soil nutrients including soil fertility. The unpredictable rains and droughts are attributed to climate change and variability. Consequently, climate change and variability have caused a significant impact on soil nutrients which have affected the agricultural productivity in the area. This paper presents findings of empirical study which explored the climate variability and soil nutrient status along altitudinal gradient. The paper particularly addresses key questions of: land management practices in the study area, nutrient availability and their effects on productivity of selected crops along altitudinal gradient in changing climate and variability. Independent variables such as topographic sequence along altitudinal gradient were evaluated against dependent variables such as yield harvests of selected grown crops and soil nutrients. Samples for crop yields were collected along transect of 0.5 kilometer using a quadrant of 4 × 4 m2 along attitudinal gradient. Soil samples were taken from selected plots at 0-20cm soil depth for nutrient analysis. Analysis of physical and chemical soil parameters was carried out on soil samples and these include: soil pH, soil organic content, total nitrogen, available soil phosphorous and exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K and Na). The study showed that middle parts of the transects had the highest concentration of most soil nutrients, probably because the middle parts could have been a deposition centre for some organic matter from the upper parts of the hills, and lower lying areas were being affected by floods that affects the decomposition of organic matter which is the main source of nutrients. Similarly, the middle parts of the study were the most fertile due to the high concentration of soil nutrient compositions. This indicates that crop yields were significantly affected by availability of soil nutrients along same gradient, attributable to the severity in soil erosion, nutrients leaching and farming practices.

Timings of early crustal activity in southern highlands of Mars:Periods of crustal stretching and shortening

Extensional and compressional structures are globally abundant on Mars. Distribution of these structures and their ages constrain the crustal stress state and tectonic evolution of the planet. Here in this paper, we report on our investigation over the distribution of the tectonic structures and timings of the associated stress fields from the Noachis-Sabaea region. Thereafter, we hypothesize possible origins in relation to the internal/external processes through detailed morphostructural mapping. In doing so, we have extracted the absolute model ages of these linear tectonic structures using crater size-frequency distribution measurements, buffered crater counting in particular. The estimated ages indicate that the tectonic structures are younger than the mega impacts events(especially Hellas) and instead they reveal two dominant phases of interior dynamics prevailing on the southern highlands, firstly the extensional phase terminating around3.8 Ga forming grabens and then compressional phase around 3.5-3.6 Ga producing wrinkle ridges and lobate scarps. These derived absolute model ages of the grabens exhibit the age ca. 100 Ma younger than the previously documented end of the global extensional phase. The following compressional activity corresponds to the peak of global contraction period in Early Hesperian. Therefore, we conclude that the planet wide heat loss mechanism, involving crustal stretching coupled with gravitationally driven relaxation(i.e.,lithospheric mobility) resulted in the extensional structures around Late Noachian(around 3.8 Ga). Lately cooling related global contraction generated compressional stress ensuing shortening of the upper crust of the southern highlands at the Early Hesperian period(around 3.5-3.6 Ga).

Water Requirement Rules and Production of Highland Barley in Different Sowing Time and Irrigation Levels

Water requirement rules and production of highland barley in different sowing time and irrigation levels were studied according to the data in field trial of 2016-2017.Based on analyzing the experimental results,the optimal irrigation scheduling and amount in the growth period of highland barley were proposed,which was of great significance to the unification of water saving and high yield of highland barley in the arid agricultural area of Tibet.

Frost Resistance of Magnesium Oxychloride Cement Mortar Added with Highland Barley Straw Ash

In order to study the influence of highland barley straw ash (HBSA) prepared under certain conditions on the durability of magnesium oxychloride cement mortar (MOCM) under freeze-thaw damage,rapid freeze-thaw cycle tests were carried out firstly.The relative mass evaluation parameters and the relative compressive strength evaluation parameters,which represent the degradation of freeze-thaw resistance,were used as the indices to study the degradation rule of MOCM.Secondly,nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tests were carried out on MOCM under different freeze-thaw cycles to analyze the pore diameter changes in the freeze-thaw process.The microstructure of MOCM was tested by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM),and then the effect mechanism of HBSA on the anti-freezing performance of MOCM was revealed.Finally,the two-parameter Weibull distribution function was used to analyze the reliability of durability degradation of MOCM added with HBSA under freeze-thaw cycles.The specific conclusions are as follows:With the increase of HBSA's addition,the freeze-thaw resistance of MOCM increase firstly and then decrease.When the addition of HBSA is 10%,the decay rate of relative mass evaluation parameters and relative compressive strength evaluation parameters is the slowest,and the frost resistance is the best.The proportion of harmful pores and more harmful pores in MOCM added with 10% HBSA decreases by 25.11% and 21.34%,compared with that without HBSA before and after freeze-thaw cycles.A lot of magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) gels are generated in MOCM with HBSA content of 10%,which fills part of the pores,so that the proportion of harmful pores and more harmful pores is the lowest.The Weibull function can be effectively applied to the reliability analysis of the freeze-thaw cycle of MOCM added with HBSA,and the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental results.

Assessment of Nutritional Composition of Wild Vegetables Consumed by the People of Lebialem Highlands, South Western Cameroon

Wild vegetables contribute immensely to the culinary basket and livelihoods of rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa, especially among the people of Lebialem highlands of south western Cameroon where at least 26 such species are consumed as vegetables. To promote the consumption of these vegetables, the nutritional quality of five preferred species in this area, Amaranthus dubius Mart. Ex Thell., Gnetum africanum Welw., Lomariopsis guineensis (Unerw.) Alston, Pennisetum purpureum Schumach and Vernonia amygdalina Del., was assessed using standard methods. L. guineensis had the highest carbohydrate, protein, calorific value and ash content, and the lowest fat content of 4.05%, very rich in K, Ca and Mg and the amino acids leucine, arginine, lysine, phenylalanine and histidine. The amino acid content was generally higher than 25 mg/100g. Steroids, flavanoids and tannins occurred in moderate to high levels in all five species. Alkaloids and saponins occurred at very low levels, while triterpenes only occurred at very low levels in P. purpureum. The quality of Lomariopsis guineensis, a fern recently reported for the first time as edible is very promising. Pennisetum purpureum, popular as a forage plant, has now been shown to be valuable in the human diet. The study has established the safe and rich nutritional value of these vegetables and that their consumption could combat malnutrition and prevent some of the common nutritionally-related ailments.

Application of Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer (DSSAT) to Simulate Agronomic Practices for Cultivation of Maize in Southern Highland of Tanzania

The southern highlands zone of Tanzania is the one of the most potential area for agriculture contributes up to 46% of the total country’s maize production. However, the rate of maize production tends to decrease with time due of poor agronomic practices. The aim of this study was to simulate the effect of nitrogen dose and plant spacing on grain yields from five selected maize varieties. Decision Support System for Agrotechnology transfer crop model was used for this purpose. Based on the agroecological zones, six sites were selected which includes Ihumbu farm, Mwazye and Nyera Estate Mbozi, Lupa Tinga Tinga, Santilya and Mbinga. Maize varieties H614, Kitumani Composite I, H511, H626 and H612;Spacing (90 × 30 cm and 60 × 30 cm) and nitrogen dose (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg/ha) were simulated. It was found that only H614 (4610.9 kg/ha) and Kitumani Composite I (3998.7 kg/ha) maize varieties performed well at the spacing of 60 × 30 cm and up to the nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha. Therefore the two maize varieties H614 and Kitumani Composite I could be recommended for cultivation at the spacing of 60 × 30 cm and nitrogen dose of 150 kg/ha for improving production of maize in southern highland of Tanzania.

The Genetic Relationship of Vietnamese Pigs in Central Highlands Assessed by Cytochrome b

To estimate the genetic relationship of Vietnamese pigs in Central Highlands, we compared cytochrome b sequences of Vietnamese wild boars and Vietnamese domestic pigs with other Asian and European wild boars. The results showed that there were two wild boar populations locating in Vietnam Central Highlands including wild boars of group I and wild boars of group II. The Vietnamese wild boars of group II and domestic pigs were genetically close to Asian A1 and Asian A2 wild boar groups, whereas the Vietnamese wild boars of group I were genetically distinct from Asian A1, Asian A2 wild boar groups. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the Vietnamese wild boars of group I were clustered in one clade which was distinct from Asian wild boars and Europe wild boars. In addition, the Vietnamese wild boars of group I were estimated to have diverged from European wild boars at 421500 YBP, indicating that Vietnamese wild boar of group I could be isolated from other Asian wild boars. The single nucleotide polymorphism analysis showed that three Asian haplotypes were contributed in Vietnamese wild boars including A3 (TATG) haplotype in Vietnamese wild boar of group I and A1 (CATA) haplotype and A2 (CATG) haplotype in Vietnamese wild boars of group II. The A1 haplotype and A2 haplotype were also distributed in Vietnamese domestic pigs. Thus, there is a high possibility that Vietnam Central Highlands is a principal source for research on genetic diversity in Asian wild boar and domestic pig populations.

Geological Studies to Support the Tourism Site: A Case Study in the <i>Rafflesia</i>Trail, Near Kampung Jedip, Lojing Highlands, Kelantan, Malaysia

Some geological studies were performed in the Rafflesia Trail, near Kampung Jedip, in Lojing Highlands, Kelantan. This area is famous for its Rafflesia and has become one of the tourism attractions in Kelantan. However, the recent development of agricultural activities has significant effects on the area. The objective of these studies is to give substantial geological information including geomorphology, lithology, structural features, geohazard potentials, and water quality analysis in the study area. Desk study was conducted by reviewing some literatures related to the topic and the study area. Field work was organized during a scientific expedition in January 2014, to collect data, samples, and photographs. Geomorphologically, the study area is a mountainous area which mostly consists of mountain ridges and mountain valleys. Some fluvial features occur in the study area, such as waterfalls, cascades, rapids, runs, pools, potholes, lateral bars, and point bars. This area is composed of granitic rocks, mostly granite porphyry, and covered by superficial deposits of Quaternary age. The geological structure that is commonly found in the study area is joints, where they divide the rock body into large, roughly angular blocks, which is called as brecciation. The potential geohazard in the study area is landslides, where some of them are composed of soil only and others are mixtures of rock and soil. The water quality analysis has managed to identify that the stream water in this area generally has the quality of Class III (according to INWQS for Malaysia). These studies recommend that this area should be supported as a sustainable tourism site in Lojing Highlands.

Ground Water Harvesting through Traditional Water Harvesting Technology: Adopting Himalayan Practices in Ethiopian Highlands

The fresh water system is most critical for sustainability of life. In present days the world is facing a shortage of potable water. Though Ethiopia is known as “The water tower of East Africa” yet it is facing severe water shortage that leads to poor agricultural productivity and imparts serious negative impact on human lives. It is essential to develop water resources in a sustainable way to ensure food security and economic development. The water scarcity is due to the lack of resource management and due to the changes in environmental factors. In Ethiopia ground water is a major source of drinking water to vast rural population. The country’s perennial water budget depends on the ground and spring water system. The ever increasing population, mismanagement and global climatic changes are having an adverse impact on these resources. To harvest the available resources in a sustainable way will help to meet the needs of present era without compromising the future generation. The present study is an approach to compare and utilize the traditional water harvesting practices of Himalaya in Ethiopian highlands. A detailed study of the water sources and mechanism of ground water, geology and social management system of their water resources were studied booth side. Further application of the indigenous technical knowledge for sustainable of the ground water is proposed based on Himalayan practices. The Ethiopian “Minches” could be preserved and better utilized by adopting the merits of time tested indigenous management system of “Naule” of Himalaya.

Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Moringa oleifera Lam with Different Seeds Soaking Time and Substrates at the Yongka Western Highlands Research Garden Park (YWHRGP) Nkwen-Bamenda, North-West Cameroon

Moringa oleifera is a multipurpose tree used to remedy problems related to food insecurity and soil fertility degradation. Proper husbandry of this crop is contingent on the use of seedlings of good quality. This study aimed at assessing the germination and early seedling growth with different soaking durations and substrates composition. The seeds were obtained from the Far North region of Cameroon. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Two factors were tested;soaking duration with 4 treatment levels of 0 day, 4 days, 8 days and 12 days and substrates with 8 treatment levels: 100% soil, 75% soil + 25% poultry manure (PM), 50% soil + 50% PM, 25% soil + 75% PM, 100% sand, 75% sand + 25% PM, 50% sand + 50% PM and 25% sand + 75% PM. Germinated seeds and growth parameters were collected after every 5 days. The results showed that soaking duration and substrate composition influence germination and initial development of M. oleifera (p ≤ 0.05). At 25 days after soaking (DAS), soaking durations of 0 day (68.7%) and 8 days (53.1%) showed the highest germination percentages while seeds soaked for 12 days occupied the least position with 37.5%. At the same time, 75% soil + 25% PM (68.7%), 100% sand (64.5%) and 100% soil (60.5%) with the unsoaked seeds showed the highest germination percentages. The least germination percentages were represented by 50% sand + 50% PM and 25% sand + 75% PM with 35.5% and 27%, respectively. Unsoaked seeds with the substrates of 50% soil + 50% PM are the best practice for M. oleifera seedling production in the nursery.