Changes of Soil Properties along the Altitudinal Gradients in Subarctic Mountain Landscapes of Putorana Plateau, Central Siberia

Changes of soil properties along elevational gradients were studied in a less accessible and explored forest-tundra ecotone in the NW part of Central Siberia. Data on soil physical and chemical properties were collected along three horizontal transects at an elevation of 100–420 m a.s.l., at two localities differing in the slope angle. At each transect, five soil pits were excavated to a depth of 0.3–0.4 m. Soil samples were taken from the depths of 0–0.1 m, 0.1–0.2 m, and 0.2–0.3 m. The results showed a pronounced effect of slope angle on the pattern of soil properties along the elevational gradient. At the locality with a gentle slope, soils exhibited 2.5 times larger thickness of the surface organic layer (SOL), higher pH, and Na+ content, and lower C, N, Ald, and Fed concentration indicating slower pedogenic processes on this site. On the other hand, at the locality with a steeper slope, soil properties were better differentiated between transects situated along elevational gradient especially at the depths of 0.1–0.2 and 0.2–0.3 m. However, a clear positive or negative trend with the altitude was observed only for some soil characteristics, e.g., SOL, C, N, or Ald concentrations on the Lama location.

PERCEPTIONS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINES FOR SELF-MEDICATION AMONG PEOPLE IN DIENG PLATEAU CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE, INDONESIA

Traditional medicines are commonly used in the community. One type of traditional medicines that is popular among people is "jamu". "Jamu" can be made from plants, animals, minerals, or a mixture of them that has been used for generations based on empiric experience. This study aimed to describe perceptions of the use of traditional medicines for self-medication among people in Dieng Plateau, Kejajar, Wonosobo, Central Java Province. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Respondents were adults more than 18 years old who had experience in using traditional medicines and were selected with non-random accidental sampling. Thirty-one (31) respondents signed informed consent. Data were collected using an interview guideline and analyzed using enumerative approach. Most of the respondents used traditional medicines for self-medication one to five times a month. They expressed that traditional medicine is like "Jamu", primarily liquid, with limited or no side effects. Traditional medicine was mostly obtained from local groceries at affordable prices. Most of the respondents have a positive attitude towards the use of traditional medicines. They have the willingness to use traditional medicines to deal with their symptoms or minor illnesses. Their satisfaction experience in using traditional medicine will motivate them to do so in the future. Based on the results, it can be said that traditional medicines have an important role in the health care system particularly for self-medication.

Neglected malaria parasites in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha, India: implications in elimination programme

Background Information on the foci of Plasmodium species infections is essential for any country heading towards elimination. Odisha, one of the malaria-endemic states of India is targeting elimination of malaria by 2030. To support decision-making regarding targeted intervention, the distribution of Plasmodium species infections was investigated in hard-to-reach areas where a special malaria elimination drive, namely Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) began in 2017. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2228 households during July to November 2019 in six districts, to evaluate the occurrence of Plasmodium species. The species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing, in case of Plasmodium ovale. Results Of the 3557 blood specimens tested, malaria infection was detected in 282 (7.8%) specimens by PCR. Of the total positive samples, 14.1% were P. ovale spp. and 10.3% were Plasmodium malariae infections. The majority of P. ovale spp. (75.8%) infections were mixed with either Plasmodium falciparum and/or Plasmodium vivax and found to be distributed in three geophysical regions (Northern-plateau, Central Tableland and Eastern Ghat) of the State, while P. malariae has been found in Northern-plateau and Eastern Ghat regions. Speciation revealed occurrence of both Plasmodium ovale curtisi (classic type) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (variant type). Conclusions In the present study a considerable number of P. ovale spp. and P. malariae were detected in a wide geographical areas of Odisha State, which contributes around 40% of the country’s total malaria burden. For successful elimination of malaria within the framework of national programme, P. ovale spp. along with P. malariae needs to be incorporated in surveillance system, especially when P. falciparum and P. vivax spp. are in rapid decline.

Boletoid fungi (Boletaceae, Basidiomycota) of protected areas of Kon Tum Plateau (Central Highlands of Vietnam)

The article continues the series of publications devoted to the boletoid fungi of Vietnam. It summarizes the results of the observation of their diversity in three nature protected areas of the Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên) – Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Kon Chu Rang (Kon Chư Răng) Nature Reserve and Kon Plong Protected Forest, where middle-mountain evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous-deciduous forests prevail at altitudes of 900–1500 m. An annotated list of 22 revealed species is presented. Of these, two species (Fistulinella aurantioflava and Tylopilus subotsuensis) have been recently described from this territory as new to science. Hortiboletus rupicapreus is reported “ad interim”. Information on eight species (Aureoboletus sinobadius, Hourangia nigropunctata, Ionosporus longipes, Neoboletus multipunctatus, Phylloporus luxiensis, Pulveroboletus subrufus, Tylopilus atripurpureus, T. atroviolaceobrunneus) is published for the first time for Vietnam. Strobilomyces aff. echinocephalus, S. aff.glabriceps, and Tylopilus aff. balloui (two different lines) are close to known species but genetically not identical. Six more specimens are identified only to the genus, and they probably represent species new to science. The color photographs of new to Vietnam and noteworthy species are presented. The nucleotide sequences obtained during the study were deposited in NCBI GenBank.

Plant diversity of Petungkriyono Forest of Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia

Damayanti I, Nurbambang A, Soeprobowati TR. 2021. Plant diversity of Petungkriyono Forest of Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3497-3507. Petungkriyono is one of the remaining forests considered as the key biodiversity site in Central Java, Indonesia. The study aimed to analyze the composition, structure, and diversity of flora. The research used 60 circular plots with 0.04 hectares on five sites: Tlogopakis, Kasimpar, Yosorejo, Kayupuring, and Tlogohendro. The result indicated that the forest was dominated by 54.6% mixed forests, 29.1% pine forests, 10.7% puspa forests, and 5.6% unproductive areas. A total of 979 individuals belong to 108 species, among 88 genera and 43 families. The dominant family was Moraceae (32.6%) and has 10 species of Ficus spp as a key pioneer in a dry habitat. According to the Red List, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there were 4 species categories of endangered species (EN), 11 species as vulnerable category (VU), 46 species as least concern (LC), and 45 species not evaluated (NE). The horizontal and vertical structure of trees was dominated by 10-20 cm diameter classes and 82% at a medium level of the Shannon-Weiner index (H’). The conclusion is that plant diversity plays a significant role to maintain ecosystem stability, therefore conservation activities have to be developed properly. Ecosystem services are produced in the social-ecological system to increase human well-being and resilience.

Interpretation of Symbols, Veneration and Divine Attributes in Dieng Temple Complex, Central Java

This study aims to discuss the divine symbols and attributes used as a medium of worship in the Dieng Plateau. The research was phased in according to Wallace's empirical cycle and was conducted in the Dieng Plateau, Central Java, Indonesia, a spiritual centre in ancient Java. The discovery of the Śiva Triśirah statue in the Dieng Temple Complex reveals new things in the past Hindu Nusantara Theology construction. Several divine symbols and attributes are served as a medium of worship at the Temple Complex in the Dieng Plateau. The concept of Deity in the Dieng Plateau is Śivaistic in character with the worship of Lord Śiva Triśirah, that is, Śiva with three faces and four hands, as the Supreme Deity. However, some divine symbols and attributes also serve as a medium of worship and connected to divinity. In Hinduism, the sacred symbols and attributes of God are inseparable. Divine attributes generally define God. In the discussion of theology, God is described with various excellent attributes. The central divine attributes found are as follows: Omnipotence, Creatorship, Omniscience, Eternity and Omnipresence, Personhood, Goodness⁄ Perfection, Non-Physicality, Necessary, Existence, Simplicity, Immutability, and Impassibility. These divine attributes are depicted in various forms of sacred symbols found in the Dieng Plateau.