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The origin of the Martian Crustal Dichotomy is a long-standing mystery since its discovery in the Mariner 9 era. Among various proposed hypotheses, a single giant impact origin (i.e. the Borealis impact) is the most well known, and the most studied. However, studies that include realistic impact models often adapt a simplified geological and geophysical model for predicting the final crustal distribution, while long-term mantle convection studies have mostly employed an over-simplified parametrization of the impact. Here we use a coupled SPH-thermochemical approach to first simulate an impact event, and then use the result of this realistic model as the initial condition for the long-term mantle convection model. We demonstrate that a giant impact collision results in a mantle-deep magma pond, which upon crystallization leads to more crust production on the impacted hemisphere. In other words, an impact-origin of Mars's southern highlands requires the giant impact to occur in the southern hemisphere. We find that both the impact scenario and the mantle properties affect the geometry of the impact-induced crust ("highlands") and the subsequent state of the interior, and that the formation of "highlands" extends beyond the initial magma pond. We show that a near head-on (15° from the normal) impact event with impactor radius intermediate between 500–750 km, together with a mantle viscosity of 1020 Pa s, can best reproduce the southern highlands of Mars with a geometry similar to that of present-day observations. • The formation mechanism of the Martian Crustal Dichotomy is investigated. • Coupled impact and interior evolution models are performed. • Crustal thickening of the impacted hemisphere forms the Martian southern highland. • An impactor radius between 500-750 km and a mantle viscosity of 1020 Pa s is favored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve highland barley noodles (HBNs) quality, the highland barley flour (HBF) was pre-fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum in this study. The changes in the quality of HBNs, the hydration properties and microstructure of the dietary fiber (DF), and the conformation and cross-linking of the protein in HBNs were measured. With the extension of pre-fermentation time (0–4 h), the overall acceptance of HBNs increased from 7.83 to 8.27, along with a 5.9% reduction in hardness and a 4.5% increase in springiness of HBNs. Meanwhile, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) revealed that the physical structure of the DF gradually disintegrated, which caused a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in its water retention capacity. In addition, spectral analysis showed a continual increase (from 19.62% to 30.15%) in β-turn content of the protein. The content of the free sulfhydryl group and sodium dodecyl sulfate extractable protein (SDSEP) decreased by 18.1% and 4.12%, respectively. However, with the further extension of pre-fermentation time (6–8 h), the degradation in HBNs sensory quality occurred, accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in pH (5.95–5.01). These findings suggested that a moderate duration (4 h) of HBF pre-fermentation could effectively improve the quality of HBNs. [Display omitted] • HBF pre-fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum degraded the dietary fiber. • HBF pre-fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum weakened the water-binding capacity of dietary fiber. • Highest sensory quality of HBNs was obtained by 4 h of HBF pre-fermentation. • Optimal network structure in HBNs was formed through 4 h of HBF pre-fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding is an important process in natural fluvial floodplains. How the flood shapes aquatic community diversity in highland floodplains is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to unravel the multi-faceted responses of benthic macroinvertebrate diversity to flooding and habitat environments in the Baihe River Basin from a taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional perspective. We examined the alpha and beta diversity patterns of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the mainstream, tributaries, and oxbow lakes during the normal water and flood periods. The results showed that the traditional alpha taxonomic diversity (TD) varied across habitats, despite minor changes after flood pulse. Alpha phylogenetic diversity (PD) decreased and alpha functional diversity (FD) markedly increased after flooding, with functional traits transiting toward risk avoidance. While all the three facets of beta diversity significantly responded to habitat differences, beta TD and PD shifted in response to flooding. Species turnover prominently increased in beta TD and PD after flood pulse, which contrasted with a weaker response of this process in FD. The explanatory power of significant environmental factors on both alpha and beta diversity was reduced by flooding. Compared with traditional TD, cooperating multi-faceted diversity could better depict the responses of benthic macroinvertebrate communities to flooding. The assessment and conservation of aquatic biodiversity in highland floodplains should take into account the three facets of alpha and beta diversity. • The benthic responded significantly to flood pulse in a highland floodplain. • TD varied across habitats, whereas PD and FD changed after flooding. • βsor and βsim respectively characterize habitat differences and flooding. • Functional traits shift to risk avoidance abilities after flooding. • Flooding weakens environmental effects on macroinvertebrate diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A population of chromosome segment substitution lines was developed using KDML105 as the recurrent parent and one of DH212 (IR68586-F2-CA-143) or DH103 (IR68586-F2-CA-31) as the donor parent. The donor parents are part of a doubled haploid population from a cross between CT9993, an upland japonica accession, and IR62266, a lowland indica accession. Multiple QTL that are relevant to drought avoidance, drought tolerance and yield traits under drought stress were mapped in this doubled haploid population and the segments selected for the chromosome segment substitution lines were chosen to capture these QTL. The chromosome segment substitution line population was phenotyped under irrigated and mild drought stress conditions, which identified that many yield traits under drought stress had been introduced into the chromosome segment substitution lines. • The review covers a population of CSSL developed using KDML105 as the recurrent parent and one of DH212 or DH103 as the donor parent. • The review highlights the research that was performed on the population and the potential for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the optimal degree of milling (DOM) for processing highland barley rice (HBR), a comprehensive assessment of the nutritional composition, polyphenol content, antioxidant capacity, edible quality, and aroma compounds was conducted in 10 cooked HBR with varying DOM. Gas chromatography-ion mobility spectroscopy (GC-IMS) and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis were employed to identify the key volatile flavor compounds in cooked HBR. The results demonstrated that an increase in DOM led to a decrease in protein, fat, fiber, ash, total phenol, total flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity of the cooked HBR. Conversely, total starch and β-glucan exhibited an increasing trend. The cooked HBR achieved its optimal overall sensory quality when the milling mass loss rate reached 14.54%. Additionally, 35 aroma substances in different cooked HBR samples were identified, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. Out of these compounds, 14 were deemed key volatile flavor compounds with a ROAV ≥1, and 7 compounds significantly contributed to the flavor differences among the samples. A comprehensive analysis found that a DOM of 14.54% was more suitable for preserving the nutritional function and improving the flavor characteristics of cooked HBR. This study offers valuable theoretical support for the development of HBR products. [Display omitted] • Milling reduced most of the nutrients, phenolics and antioxidant capacity of highland barley rice (HBR). • Milling led to increased starch and β-glucan and improved edible quality of HBR. • Fourteen key aroma compounds of cooked HBR were screened based on GC-IMS and ROAV. • Seven key aroma compounds were crucial for tracking the flavor change of cooked HBR. • Optimal milling degree for processing HBR was comprehensively selected to be 14.54%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the impact of ascorbic acid (AA) on physicochemical and emulsifying properties of highland barley protein (HBP). Emulsifying and solubility of AA-modified HBP increased compared to its native state. However, excessive AA concentration induced protein reaggregation, leading to a deterioration of these properties. At a concentration of 0.3 % (w/v) AA, the highland barley protein emulsion (HBPE) exhibited the smallest average particle size (0.59 μm), and the protein demonstrated superior emulsification properties. The observed alterations stem from the formation of covalent bonds between HBP and AA through the Maillard reaction. These changes also relate to modifications in the secondary structure, marked by a notable increase of 60.25 % in β-turns, accompanied by reductions of 16.45 % in α-helices and 33.84 % in β-sheets. This was confirmed through analyses of disulfide bond content and FTIR. The outcomes of this study hold promise for enhancing the stability of emulsion formulations based on HBP, achieved by harnessing the complex formation between HBP and AA. [Display omitted] • Ascorbic acid increases the disulfide bond content of protein. • Ascorbic acid reduces the particle size of the emulsion. • Ascorbic acid modification enhances the storage stability of the emulsion. • Ascorbic acid improves the physicochemical and emulsifying properties of protein. • The optimal modification effect is observed with 0.3 % (w/v) ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Anomaloglossus frogs diversified within the Guiana Shield during the Miocene through Pleistocene. • Its center of origin has been identified in the Pantepui, and the genus dispersed to the lowlands during the middle Miocene. • Dispersal to the lowlands is linked with acquisition of endotrophy in tadpoles development. • Reversal from endotrophy to exotrophy led to diversification in the lowlands during late Miocene and early Pleistocene. Two main landscapes emerge from the Guiana Shield: the highlands to the west called the Pantepui region and the Amazonian lowlands to the east, both harbouring numerous endemic species. With 32 currently recognized species, the genus Anomaloglossus stands out among Neotropical frogs as one that diversified only within the Guiana Shield both in the highlands and the lowlands. We present a time-calibrated phylogeny obtained by using combined mitogenomic and nuclear DNA, which suggests that the genus originates from Pantepui where extant lineages started diversifying around 21 Ma, and subsequently (ca. 17 Ma) dispersed during the Miocene Climatic Optimum to the lowlands of the eastern Guiana Shield where the ability to produce endotrophic tadpoles evolved. Further diversification within the lowlands in the A. stepheni group notably led to an evolutionary reversal toward exotrophy in one species group during the late Miocene, followed by reacquisition of endotrophy during the Pleistocene. These successive shifts of reproductive mode seem to have accompanied climatic oscillations. Long dry periods might have triggered evolution of exotrophy, whereas wetter climates favoured endotrophic forms, enabling colonization of terrestrial habitats distant from water. Acquisition, loss, and reacquisition of endotrophy makes Anomaloglossus unique among frogs and may largely explain the current species diversity. The micro evolutionary processes involved in these rapid shifts of reproductive mode remain to be revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to propose a rapid and nondestructive method for quantitatively detecting the hardness of black highland barley kernels using hyperspectral imaging. Initially, a regression model was established to predict hardness based on β-glucan content. Spectral reflectance within the 400–1000 nm wavelength range was gathered for black highland barley, and six preprocessing techniques were applied. Once preprocessing was completed, three characteristic wavelength screening methods were employed. Finally, three different models were utilized to construct a dependable prediction model for β-glucan content. The results indicated that the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), in combination with the moving average (MA) preprocessing method, exhibited the best performance. To validate the hardness prediction model, the β-glucan content prediction model was integrated with the hardness regression model. The hardness prediction model attained a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.8093 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.2643 kg. The visual images exhibit characteristics feature of hardness in different varieties of black highland barley. These findings offer insights into the feasibility of designing a noncontact system to monitor the quality of black highland barley. • We established a non-destructive testing method for black highland barley hardness. • Hyperspectral imaging and a one-dimensional convolutional neural network were used. • We verified a linear relationship between black highland barley β-glucan and hardness. • We used black highland barley β-glucan content to determine its hardness indirectly. • The visual images exhibit hardness characteristics feature of black highland barley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An automated system for counting small craters at lunar landing sites has been expanded to include selected locations on the Moon's far side and high latitudes. Highland areas were generally excluded from this new survey, because sloping terrain can have a significant effect on crater lifetimes. But some locations on highland light plains units were analysed, as were some young Copernican age crater ejecta blankets and impact melts. This study focuses on craters having diameters between 2.5 m and 50 m, for which counts are so high that they are best plotted as Crater Size Frequency Histograms (CSFHs), rather than the conventional cumulative plots (CSFDs). This histogram representation enables the finest details of the plots to be compared across sites. Using multiple precisely aligned images of each site enables false negatives to be included and false positives rejected, ensuring that no visually recognisable craters are missed, a capability that is not possible when analysing single images. There are some very distinct differences between the curves at different sites. Based on the known ages of boulder tracks and counts of craters formed over the last 50 years, the largest craters within the size range up to 50 m are thought to be no more that a few hundred million years old. A model for the evolution of small crater populations on an absolute time scale is presented and the absolute ages of young features are estimated. There is no evidence in the data for secondary cratering, nor is there any clear variation of counts and slopes with longitude or latitude, so other possible explanations for the variabilities between sites must be found. The results obtained by this project should prove useful for modelling crater formation and destruction and also as training data for machine learning systems. • Automated counting of small lunar craters. • Results plotted as Crater Size Frequency Histograms rather than CSFDs. • Confirmation of recent resurfacing of lunar maria. • Dating estimates for mare resurfacing and young Copernican age craters. • Model for evolution of cratered lunar maria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine plausible groundwater recharge fluxes on early Mars, we developed analytic and numerical solutions for an unconfined steady-state aquifer beneath the southern highlands. We showed that the aquifer's mean hydraulic conductivity, K , is the primary constraint on the plausible magnitude of the mean steady recharge, r. By using geologic constraints, a mean hydraulic conductivity of K ∼ 1 0 − 7 m/s , and varying shoreline elevations and recharge distributions, the mean recharge must be of the order of 1 0 − 2 mm/yr. Recharge for other values of K can be estimated as r ∼ 1 0 − 5 K. Our recharge value is near the low end of previous estimates and significantly below published precipitation estimates. This suggests that, in a steady hydrologic cycle, most precipitation forms runoff as opposed to infiltrating into the subsurface. Alternatively, high rates of runoff production combined with a sufficiently slow transient aquifer response to recharge may limit major groundwater upwelling prior to the cessation of climatic excursions causing precipitation. • Models for Mars' highlands aquifer provide estimates of groundwater table heights. • Groundwater table height is controlled by recharge to hydraulic conductivity ratio. • Recharge must be at the lower end of the estimated range of recharge fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, freeze-dried highland barley sourdough powder containing inulin (SPN) was prepared, and its stability during storage, as well as the effects of SPN on dough network structure and bread quality, were investigated. Results showed that SPN retained a higher number of viable lactic acid bacteria and acid-producing ability in comparison to sourdough powder without inulin when stored at 4 °C for 60 d. The use of SPN was advantageous in the formation of gluten network structure in the dough. Bread prepared with SPN (B2) exhibited a larger specific volume and a softer texture than the highland barley-wheat (1:8, w/w) bread prepared without sourdough (B0) (P < 0.05) and the one prepared with fresh highland barley sourdough (B1) (P > 0.05). Sourdough usage decreased in vitro starch digestibility, yet increased protein digestibility and antioxidant activity, with no significant differences between B1 and B2. Ultimately, B2 showed the highest overall acceptability. The positive effects of SPN may provide insights into future innovations in this area. • Inulin maintained a higher number of LAB and acid-producing ability of sourdough powder. • Highland barley sourdough powder incorporating inulin enhanced bread dough gluten network. • Bread B2 exhibited a higher specific volume, softer texture, and lower baking loss rate. • The overall acceptability of bread B2 was the highest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land use changes such as transformation of natural landscapes, forest degradation and increase in croplands due to human activities are considered amongst the most influential ecological disturbances affecting soil, ecosystems and environmental sustainability. The previous works from India are limited to show that soil disturbances influence abiotic and biotic factors along a rural–urban gradient. However, variations in soil microbial biomass (SMB) –C, –N and –P quantity due to land use changes at different soil depths across different land use types remain poorly understood on comparative ground. We investigated the impact of land use types on soil properties and SMB –C, –N and –P levels across different soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in dry tropical uplands. Four land use types/covers (natural forest, mixed forest, savanna and agriculture land) were selected. The present study is based on two hypotheses: i) different land use types affect SMB levels in top surface soil (0–10 cm), but have less effects in deeper soil profiles (20–30 cm); and ii) SMB levels in top surface soil are highest in natural forest, followed by mixed forest and then savanna and agriculture lands. ANOVA showed significant differences in SMB values due to land use covers (P < 0.001), soil depths (P < 0.001) and land use types × soil depths interaction (P < 0.001). Although, there had no effect of land use types on SMB levels in deeper soil profiles (20–30 cm) but soil parameters (soil pH, soil moisture, soil temperature, total-N, C/N ratio and organic-C) significantly affect SMB levels in top surface (0–10 cm) soil. The study suggests that SMB may be considered as a key indicator of soil fertility index, while land use practices are a major cause for loss of microbial community composition/biomass in dry tropical upland soil. Image 1 • Land use changes (LUCs) involve manipulation of forests to farmlands. • Organic matter decrease due to LUCs reduces soil microbial biomass levels. • Higher soil organic matter supports greater soil microbial biomass in forest. • Reforestation may restore beneficial soil microbial communities and biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We use historical specimen DNA to explore biogeography of Dendrortyx wood-partridges. • Phylogenies reveal divergences from the Pliocene through Pleistocene. • D. macroura consists of several monophyletic lineages in the Mexican highlands. • Divergence across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec is especially old. • These results add to recent studies showing pre-Pleistocene divergence in birds. Natural history collections are increasingly valued as genomic resources. Their specimens reflect the combined efforts of collectors and curators over hundreds of years. For many rare or endangered species, specimens are the only readily available source of DNA. We leveraged specimens from a historical collection to study the evolutionary history of wood-partridges in the genus Dendrortyx. The three Dendrortyx species are found in the highlands of central Mexico and Central America south to Costa Rica. One of these species is endangered, and in general, Dendrortyx are secretive and poorly represented in tissue collections. We extracted DNA from historical museum specimens and sequenced ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to assess their phylogeny and divergence times. Phylogenies built from hundreds to thousands of nuclear markers were well resolved and largely congruent with an mtDNA phylogeny. The divergence times revealed an unusually old avian divergence across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in the Pliocene around 3.6 million years ago. Combined with other recent studies, our results challenge the general pattern that highland bird divergences in Mesoamerica are relatively young and influenced by the Pleistocene glacial cycles compared to the older divergences of reptiles and plants, which are thought to overlap more with periods of mountain formation. We also found evidence for monophyletic genetic lineages in mountain ranges within the widespread D. macroura , which should be investigated further with integrative taxonomic methods. Our study demonstrates the power of museum genomics to provide insight into the evolutionary histories of groups where modern samples are lacking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Soil degradation has become an emerging global problem limiting sustainable upland crop production. Soil erosion, soil acidity, low fertility, inorganic/organic contamination, and salinization challenge food security and lead to severe economic constraints. Therefore, a new research agenda to develop cost-beneficial amendments for improving upland soil quality and productivity is urgently required. Biochar has been used in recent years to mitigate the problems mentioned above. Application of biochar improves the upland soil quality through significant changes in soil physicochemical and biological properties, thereby substantially increasing crop yield. This review article aims to discuss the effects of biochar on upland soil quality and productivity based on biochar-soil interactions. The yield of various upland crops can be enhanced by biochar-induced increases of nutrient availability and topsoil retention/recovery. Furthermore, biochar can assist in controlling unsuitable soil acidity/alkalinity/salinity and remediating a contaminated soil while increasing the retention of soil organic carbon, water content, and thereby high crop yield. Biochar is strongly recommended as one of the best management practices to meet the challenges of upland agriculture. However, the properties of biochar and soil type should be considered carefully prior to application. Graphical abstract Image 10028 Highlights • Potential uses of biochar to address the emerging global problem of soil degradation are reviewed. • Biochar-soil interactions trigger beneficial changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. • Biochar is a cost-effective amendment for remediating upland soil quality and improving crop productivity. • Selection of biochar must match substrate type and production conditions to desirable soil attributes and intended uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-recognised that to achieve long-term sustainable and resilient land management we need to understand the coupled dynamics of social and ecological systems. Land use change scenarios will often aim to understand (i) the behaviours of land management, influenced by direct and indirect drivers, (ii) the resulting changes in land use and (iii) the environmental implications of these changes. While the literature in this field is extensive, approaches to parameterise coupled systems through integration of empirical social science based models and ecology based models still need further development. We propose an approach to land use dynamics modelling based on the integration of behavioural models derived from choice experiments and spatially explicit systems dynamics modelling. This involves the specification of a choice model to parameterise land use behaviour and the integration with a spatial habitat succession model. We test this approach in an upland socio-ecological system in the United Kingdom. We conduct a choice experiment with land managers in the Peak District National Park. The elicited preferences form the basis for a behavioural model, which is integrated with a habitat succession model to predict the landscape level vegetation impacts. The integrated model allows us to create projections of how land use may change in the future under different environmental and policy scenarios, and the impact this may have on landscape vegetation patterns. We illustrate this by showing future projection of landscape changes related to hypothetical changes to EU level agricultural management incentives. The advantages of this approach are (i) the approach takes into account potential environmental and management feedbacks, an aspect often ignored in choice modelling, (ii) the behavioural rules are revealed from actual and hypothetical choice data, which allow the research to test the empirical evidence for various determinants of choice, (iii) the behavioural choice models generate probabilities of alternative behaviours which make them ideally suited for integration with simulation models. The paper concludes that the modelling approach offers a promising route for linking socio-economic and ecological features of socio-ecological systems. Furthermore, our proposed approach allows testing of the underlying socio-economic and environmental drivers and their interaction in real environmental systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Wet-rice cultivation in Ifugao emerged soon after the arrival of the Spanish in the northern Philippines. • Resistance to Iberian colonialism is investigated through Habitus and agency. • Prestige economy is argued to be resistant to assimilation to the political and economic systems. Abstract Environmental practice in Ifugao, Philippines is considered to have anchored the successful resistance against Spanish conquest in the highlands of the Philippine Cordillera. The social practice associated with wet-rice production in the region is argued to promote community solidarity and cohesion, past and present. By looking at the wet-rice cultivation and its associated rituals, this paper contends that habitus played a major role in the perpetuation and preservation of Ifugao culture during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines. Recent dating of the Ifugao rice terraces suggests that the agricultural marvels were constructed as late as ca. 400 years ago. Previously thought to be at least 2000 years old, the recent findings of the Ifugao Archaeological Project (IAP) show that landscape modification for terraced wet-rice cultivation started at ca. 1650 CE. The archaeological record implies that economic intensification and political consolidation occurred in Ifugao soon after the appearance of the Spanish empire in the northern Philippines (ca. 1575 CE). The foremost indication of this shift was the adoption of wet-rice agriculture in the highlands, zones that served as refuge for local populations. I argue that the subsistence shift was precipitated by political pressures and was then followed by political and economic consolidation. The imperial resistance was expressed through wet-rice agriculture; it also facilitated political integration. Using paleoethnobotanical, faunal, and artifactual datasets, this paper documents the process that allowed the Ifugao to resist conquest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Pit house architecture and status in the southern Brazilian highlands. • Excavation and dating of pit houses with various dimensions at Baggio 1. • Oversized dwelling at hilltop was the founder of the settlement. • Disparities in artefact assemblages and practises of house renewal. • Household size and status relationship supported by Jê ethnographies. Abstract Disparities in domestic architecture are a potential correlate of emergent status inequality between households. In the southern Brazilian highlands, pit house settlements exhibit significant variations in structure size and site layout. Particularly relevant are the oversized structures whose function has been debated but remained unresolved. Here, I present data from Baggio 1, a large site including an oversized structure (cal CE 1365–1790). I show how the oversized pit house emerged earlier and was distinguished not only by its dimensions, but also by its privileged hilltop position and practices of floor renewal. When the settlement expanded with the addition of smaller pits, some of which were small houses, whereas others were specialized facilities, the precinct around the oversized structure continued to be the focus of activities of the settlement. Based on ethnography of the Jê peoples of Brazil and cross-cultural relationships between household size and status, I argue that the dwellers of the oversized pit house could have derived a higher status from their more numerous kin and connection to the founders of the site. Finally, the appearance of oversized pit houses must be understood in a broader context of landscape and social transformations in southern Brazil after the turn of the second millennium AD, which was also reflected in other material signs of emergent status inequalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poorly defined occupation surfaces restrict the ability to interpret the use of space in archaeological structures and settlements around the world. Integrated geoarchaeological methods, such as soil chemistry and micromorphology, can provide information about site preservation and characterise the use of archaeological space when stratigraphy is lacking but have rarely been applied in such contexts. This paper presents a comparative study of multiple geoarchaeological methods that were used to study ephemeral occupation surfaces in a 7th to 9th century AD turf longhouse in the upland settlement of Lair in Glen Shee, Perthshire, Scotland. When subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and k-means clustering, the combined data were successful in identifying activity areas and relating this to maintenance practices, the organisation of space, and post-depositional processes. Most significantly, the integrated multi-method approach demonstrated that ephemeral occupation surfaces retain surviving characteristics of the use of space, even if floors are not preserved well enough to be clearly defined in the field or in thin-section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid decline of freshwater biodiversity caused by overfishing has led to the implementation of a series of conservation measures, including fishing bans. However, existing studies have mostly focused on the effects of fishing bans on economically important species, while impacts on freshwater macroinvertebrates in lake ecosystems have been rarely studied. This study used a before-and-after methodology to determine the short-term effects of the "ten-year fishing ban" on the macroinvertebrates of the Dianchi Lake, the largest highland freshwater lake in the upper Yangtze basin, between 2015 and 2022. Following the fishing ban, the overall macroinvertebrate species richness (median [interquartile]) across sites increased from 4 [2–6] to 5 [4–7]. The total density increased from 128 [80–272] to 212 [140–325] n/m2. The median biomass increased from 0.18 [0.08–0.41] to 0.51 [0.26–2.36] g/m2. In particular, the Chironomidae density in the offshore sites increased from 16.00 [0.00–32.00] to 33.30 [16.00–48.00] n/m2, and the biomass increased from 0.03 [0.00–0.09] to 0.16 [0.07–0.22] g/m2. Within the inshore sites, the aquatic insect density increased from 4 [1.33–15.33] to 56 [22.00–86.67] n/m2. The Malacostraca density increased from 34.67 [11.67–95.33] to 110 [53.33–223.33] n/m2, and the biomass increased from 0.43 [0.11–1.00] to 1.48 [0.50–2.00] g/m2. Two endangered Margarya species were rediscovered at multiple sites compared to the pre-fishing ban period. A significant change in macroinvertebrate community structure across the lake was observed, which can be largely attributed to the fishing ban. The immediate increase in species richness, density, and biomass of most macroinvertebrate species suggests a combination of effects from both reduced exploitation pressure and lessened disturbances on lake habitats. The findings indicate that the fishing ban is beneficial for the recovery of most macroinvertebrate species in freshwater lakes. • Fishing ban led to significant changes in macroinvertebrate communities. • Density and biomass of most macroinvertebrate taxa increased after the fishing ban. • Endangered Margarya spp. showed signs of recovery. • This study revealed positive effects of fishing ban on macroinvertebrate faunas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a clear need for the development of management strategies to control dominant, perennial weeds and restore semi-natural communities and an important part of this is to know how long control treatments take to be effective and how long they last after treatments stop. Here, we report the results from a 17-year long experiment where we compared the effects of five control treatments on dense Pteridium aquilinum (L. Kuhn) relative to an untreated experimental-control in Derbyshire, UK. The experiment was run in two phases. In Phase 1 (2005–2012) we controlled the P. aquilinum by cutting and bruising, both twice and thrice annually, and a herbicide treatment (asulam in year 1, followed by annual spot-re-treatment of all emergent fronds). In Phase 2 (2012–2021) all treatments were stopped, and the vegetation was allowed to develop naturally. Between 2005 and 2021 we monitored P. aquilinum performance annually and full plant species composition at intervals. Here, we concentrate on analysing the Phase 2 data where we used regression approaches to model individual species responses through time and unconstrained ordination to compare treatment effects on the entire species composition over both Phases. Remote sensing was also used to assess edge invasion in 2018. At the end of Phase 1, a good reduction of P. aquilinum and restoration of acid-grassland was achieved for the asulam and cutting treatments, but not for bruising. In Phase 2, P. aquilinum increased through time in all treated plots but the asulam and cutting ones maintained a much lower P. aquilinum performance for nine years on all measures assessed. There was a reduction in species richness and richness fluctuations, especially in graminoid species. However, multivariate analysis showed that the asulam and cutting treatments were stationed some distance from the untreated and bruising treatments with no apparent sign of reversions suggesting an Alternative Stable State had been created, at least over this nine-year period. P. aquilinum reinvasion was mainly from plot edges. The use of repeated P. aquilinum control treatments, either through an initial asulam spray with annual follow-up spot-spraying or cutting twice or thrice annually for eight years gave good P. aquilinum control and helped restore an acid-grassland community. Edge reinvasion was detected, and it is recommended that either whole-patch control be implemented or treatments should be continued around patch edges. [Display omitted] • The effect of five Pteridium aquilinum -control treatments was tested for 19 years. • In Phase 1 we tested the effectiveness of control and vegetation restoration. • In Phase 2 we stopped the control treatments and measured recovery. • Cutting 2 x or 3 x per year or asulam (spray + annual spot sprays) were effective. • Edge invasion was detected and should be tackled where P. aquilinum is controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pre-Hispanic pathways meshwork of the Atacama Desert. • Internodal spaces with a diversity of practices and travelers revealing a variety of mobility strategies and dynamics. • Pre-Hispanic social imaginaries through ceremonial sites, rock art and geoglyphs. • Knowing the people who travelled and their connections through isotopes and burial offerings. • Direct evidence of transit from the Archaic Period (c. 7000 BP) until the end of Late or Inka Period (c. 450 BP). • Sites in Ancachi and Calate show a greater concentration of evidence for the entire sequence. We present a synthesis of our investigation into pre-Hispanic pathways of the Atacama Desert Pampa -one of the driest and harshest environments on our planet- where we have identified a variety of mobility strategies and dynamics deployed by the different communities that inhabited both the Pacific coast and the inland oases of this region. Specifically, we focus on the inter-nodal archaeological and biogeochemical data that provides direct evidence of the presence of individuals from myriad regions traversing this area from the Middle Archaic to Late periods (c. 7000 BP-400 BP). Moreover, we analyze how, beginning in the Formative Period, this multiplicity of peoples employed different mobility systems, circulation, relationships, and social exchanges to integrate this apparent "empty space". In doing so, we discuss and reformulate the classic highland caravanning model of the Andes, which considered highland caravanning groups as the only agents promoting long-distance mobility and exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smooth plains units attributed to fluidized basin ejecta occur over much of the lunar highlands. We examined 4–20 km diameter Imbrian- and Eratosthenian-period craters in the southern highlands that have high 12.6-cm wavelength radar backscatter and circular polarization ratios associated with their interior walls but not with their proximal ejecta. Of these craters, about 70% occur on or very near deposits of Imbrian highland plains. We propose that melt-rich ejecta from basin-forming impact events, near the top of the stratigraphic section, supplies fragmental material that is exposed in the interior wall regolith of these small craters. These results support previous interpretations of 70-cm radar data, which provide insight on the near-surface morphology and rock provenance in proposed smooth plains landing sites such as that of Chandrayaan-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant body of knowledge suggests that soil solution pH and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) strongly influence metal concentrations and speciation in porewater, however, these effects vary between different metals. This study investigated the factors influencing soil and soil solution concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) under field conditions in upland soils from UK having a wide range of pH, DOC and organic matter contents. The study primarily focussed on predicting soil and soil solution metal concentrations from the data on total soil metal concentrations (HNO 3 extracts) and soil and soil solution properties (pH, DOC and organic matter content). We tested the multiple regression models proposed by Tipping et al. (2003) to predict heavy metal concentrations in soil solutions and the results indicated a better fit (higher R 2 values) in both studies for Pb compared to the Zn and Cu concentrations. Both studies observed consistent negative relationships of metals with pH and loss on ignition (LOI) suggesting an increase in soil solution metal concentrations with increasing acidity. The positive relationship between Pb concentrations in porewater and HNO 3 extracts was similar for both studies, however, similar relationships were not found for the Zn and Cu concentrations because of the negative coefficients for these metals in our study. The results of this study conclude that the predictive equations of Tipping et al. (2003) may not be applicable to the field sites where the range of DOC and metal concentrations is much lower than their study. Our study also suggests that the extent to which metals are partitioned into soil solution is lower in soils with a higher organic matter contents due to binding of these metals to soil organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enset ( Ensete ventricosum ) provides staple food for 15 million people in Ethiopia after fermentation into kocho. The fermentation process has hardly been investigated and is prone to optimization. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical and microbial dynamics of fermentation practices in the Gamo highlands. These practices show local variation, but two steps were omnipresent: scraping of the pseudostem and fermenting it in a pit or a bamboo basket. Enset plants were fragmented and fermented for two months in order to investigate the physicochemical (temperature, moisture content, pH and titratable acidity) and microbial dynamics (total viable aerobic counts, counts of Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and moulds and Clostridium spores counts, and Illumina Miseq sequencing). Samples were taken on days 1, 7, 15, 17, 31 and 60. The pH decreased, whereas the titratable acidity increased during fermentation. Of all counts those of lactic acid bacteria and Clostridium spores increased during fermentation. Leuconostoc mesenteroides initiated the fermentation. Later on, Prevotella paludivivens, Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium minimum dominated. These three species are potential candidates for the development of a starter culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the solubility of phenolic compounds (PCs) from highland barley (HB) on their antioxidant property and protein binding affinity was investigated. HB-PCs from the phenolic extract (HBE) were analyzed through the UPLC-QTOF-MS, and five fractions were further divided based on their water solubility. Representative compounds of proanthocyanidins, (+)-catechins, and (−)-epicatechin from water fraction (HB–W, 197.67 ± 4.8 μmol GAE/100 g) were significantly correlated with the antioxidant activity of the HBE. In contrast, the PCs enriched in the acetone fraction (HB-A, 60.2 ± 3.1 μmol GAE/100 g) with a structure of 2-phenyl chromogen ketone group (such as rutin, kaempferol, hesperidin, and quercetin) were positively correlated with the protein binding affinity. Further analysis showed that the water-insoluble HB-A fraction significantly lowered the starch digestibility (37.5%) and postprandial glycemia (17.8%) compared to HB-W fractions. Thus, the solubility of PCs is intimately associated with their biological functions as antioxidants or protein-binding ligands, indicating PCs with strong antioxidant properties or high protein binding affinity are structurally distinct from each other, and the physical properties of phenolic compounds might be an important factor to further the understanding of their health functions and mechanisms. • Antioxidant and protein binding are two important modes of phenolics' actions. • The water-solubility (a physical property) of phenolics affects their modes of action. • Insoluble phenolics with 2-phenyl chromogen ketone groups favor protein binding. • Soluble phenolics with more aromatic-OH groups have high antioxidant capacity. • The polarity can be applied to screen specific phenolics for target health functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impacts of UV-B radiation and cooking methods on the content and release of bioactive components in germinated highland barley. Optimal UV-B radiation (0.2 W m−2 for 6 h/d) increased flavonoid content by the third day, whereas excessive radiation (0.4 W m−2) caused a decrease. Under 0.1 W m−2 UV-B radiation for 9 h/d, polyphenol content rose by 34.40%, and under 0.2 W m−2 for 6 h/d, it increased by 49.40%. After three days of germination under 0.2 W m−2 irradiation for 12 h/d, riboflavin content reached up to 2.5 μg/g. GABA content in the control group increased by 40.21% on the third day compared to the initial, with the highest content in samples irradiated for 3 h/d under 0.2 and 0.4 W m−2. β-glucan content in the control group decreased by 20.15% on the third day compared to the initial, with a more pronounced decrease under long-time high radiation. Different cooking methods affected the release of these components during in vitro digestion. Microwaving proved to be the most effective treatment for promoting the release of flavonoids, polyphenols, riboflavin, and β-glucan, but it was less favorable for GABA release. These findings offer insights for optimizing the nutritional quality of germinated highland barley. • Appropriate UV-B dose boosts bioactive compounds in germinated highland barley. • Excessive UV-B radiation inhibits synthesis of bioactive components. • Heat treatments greatly influence bioactive components in highland germinated barley. • Microwaving enhances the release of flavonoids, polyphenols, and β-glucan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesh tracks on peatlands are often granted permits on a temporary basis under the presumption that the tracks are either removed at the end of their permitted use or remain unused in situ. However, the fragility of peatland habitats and poor resilience of the specialist plant communities within them, mean that these linear disturbances may persist post-abandonment or post-removal. We removed sections of mesh track, abandoned five years earlier, from a blanket peatland using two different removal treatment methods (mown and unprepared) and studied a third treatment with sections left in place over a period of 19 months. On abandoned tracks, invasive species including Campylopus introflexus and Deschampsia flexulosa had established, while track removal led to extensive loss of Sphagnum species. Loss of surficial nanotopographic vegetation structures during track removal was extensive, and micro-erosion features were prevalent in both removal treatments. Abandoned sections of track performed comparably better across all metrics than removed sections. However, similarity between the vegetation assemblage of the abandoned track and the controls was <40% at the study outset, with NMDS (Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling) highlighting divergences. There was a mean species loss of 5 per quadrat for the removed sections. Bare peat was present in 52% of all track quadrats by the finish of the study. Our findings suggest that mesh tracks left in situ and track removal both present significant barriers to recovery and additional conservation interventions may be required after peatland tracks are abandoned. • Access tracks both surfaced and unsurfaced are a growing problem in peatlands globally. • Temporary tracks are designed to attenuate negative impacts of vehicular passage over peatlands. • We studied changes in the vegetation community after a temporary track is removed. • Track abandonment and removal both led to significant alterations to the vegetation. • Removal led to extensive bare peat areas which are vulnerable to erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we explore the long-run settlement and economic activities in the highlands of Asia. The highland terrains uniquely determined seasonal migration paths by nomadic pastoralists (so called "nomadic corridors"), along which trade routes and settlements formed. Using simulated nomadic corridors as a proxy for ancient transportation networks, we study how closely contemporary economic activities remain around these routes. We find that in the highlands, the ancient routes are associated with positive economic outcomes in the long run; trade hubs along the routes continued to draw people and are more populated today relative to other areas in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH 3) is an important alkaline reactive nitrogen (Nr) species which is involved in global nitrogen (N) biogeochemical cycling, but which has negative impacts on the environment and human health. In order to better understand and control the NH 3 loss potential in soil-upland crop systems in China, an integrated data analysis including 1302 observations from 236 published articles between 1980 and 2021 was conducted. The typical NH 3 volatilization rate (AVR) and the main factors influencing AVR in the major Chinese upland crops (maize, wheat, openfield vegetables and greenhouse vegetables and others) were estimated and analyzed. The mean AVR for maize, wheat, openfield vegetables and greenhouse vegetables were 7.8%, 5.3%, 8.4% and 1.8%. The most important influencing factors were fertilizer placement, meteorological conditions (especially temperature and rainfall) and soil properties (especially SOM). Subsurface N application produced a significantly lower AVR compared to surface application. High N recovery efficiency and N agronomic efficiency were generally associated with low AVRs. In conclusion, high N application rates, inefficient application methods and the use of loss-prone N fertilizer types are the main factors responsible for high AVRs in major Chinese croplands. [Display omitted] • We analyzed ammonia emission rates from fertilized upland crops in China. • Greenhouse vegetables had the lowest ammonia emission rates. • Placement of nitrogen fertilizer was a major control of ammonia loss. • High N recovery efficiency and agronomic efficiency were generally associated with low ammonia loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straw returning is suggested as a sustainable agricultural practice to promote soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration, whose magnitude can be influenced by climatic, edaphic and agronomic factors simultaneously. However, the driving factors regulating straw returning-induced SOC increase in China's uplands remain uncertain. This study conducted a meta-analysis by collecting data from 238 trials at 85 field sites. The results showed that straw returning significantly increased SOC content by an average of 16.1% ± 1.5% with an average sequestration rate of 0.26 ± 0.02 g kg−1 yr−1. The improvement effects were significantly better in the northern China (NE-NW-N) than in the eastern and central (E-C). SOC increases were more pronounced in C-rich and alkaline soils, in cold and dry climates, and under larger amounts of straw-C and moderate nitrogen fertilizer inputs. Longer experimental period resulted in higher SOC increase rates but lower SOC sequestration rates. Furthermore, partial correlation analysis and structural equation modelling revealed that total straw-C input was the key driving factor of SOC increase rate whereas straw returning duration was the dominant limiting factor of SOC sequestration rate across China. Climate conditions were potential limiting factors of SOC increase rate in NE-NW-N and SOC sequestration rate in E-C. It was suggested that straw returning with large application amounts should be more strongly recommended in uplands in NE-NW-N especially in the straw applications at the beginning, from the perspective of SOC sequestration. • A meta-analysis of 238 trials at 85 field sites across China's uplands was conducted. • Straw returning significantly increased SOC content with variations at regional scale. • The amount of input straw-C was the key driving factor of SOC increase rate across China. • Straw returning duration was the dominant limiting factor of SOC sequestration rate across China. • Strong limitations of climate conditions on SOC increase and sequestration rates occurred in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the responses of arid-land birds to ongoing climate warming is to shift their ranges towards higher altitudes to track species climatic optima. As this can influence their life history traits, more information is needed on breeding output from these border populations. We studied the breeding biology of the Trumpeter finch ( Bucanetes githagineus ) during three years in the center of the Saharan Atlas (ca. 1400 m a.s.l). Compared to lowland populations, breeding season was shorter and egg hatchability lower, but breeding success higher, as the main difference regarding previous studies was the lack of predation in the 23 nests we monitored. This is an advantage for this arid-land species breeding at the limit of its altitudinal range. However, in the face on future climate warming, predator ranges are also expected to shift towards higher altitudes, thus minimizing this current advantage, while breeding limitations due to harsh weather could prevail, what could compromise population viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern N 2 ice glaciers flow from highlands to the east of the 750 × 1400 km 2 lowland of Sputnik Planum [ SP ] and merge with the ices of similar composition on SP. We explore the possibility that glaciation may be fed by N 2 sublimation from SP followed by redeposition on the highlands. The uplands to the northeast, north, and west of SP have been erosionally sculpted into a variety of dissected terrains that feature linear depressions (valleys), locally in dendritic networks. We interpret these dissected terrains to have been carved by N 2 glaciers formerly covering the uplands. Depositional glacial landforms (moraines, eskers, outwash) have not been identified, however. N 2 glaciation would have a different erosional manifestation because the substrate (porous water ice and CH 4 -rich mantles) probably has lower density than N 2 , and also because of the lack of freeze-thaw weathering. If sufficiently thick (1–4 km), N 2 glaciers might have experienced basal melting. Past flow of N 2 glaciers from the highlands into SP may have detached and transported the prominent mountainous water ice mountains along the western border of SP . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geology and stratigraphy of the feature on Pluto informally named Sputnik Planitia is documented through geologic mapping at 1:2,000,000 scale. All units that have been mapped are presently being affected to some degree by the action of flowing N 2 ice. The N 2 ice plains of Sputnik Planitia display no impact craters, and are undergoing constant resurfacing via convection, glacial flow and sublimation. Condensation of atmospheric N 2 onto the surface to form a bright mantle has occurred across broad swathes of Sputnik Planitia, and appears to be partly controlled by Pluto's obliquity cycles. The action of N 2 ice has been instrumental in affecting uplands terrain surrounding Sputnik Planitia, and has played a key role in the disruption of Sputnik Planitia's western margin to form chains of blocky mountain ranges, as well in the extensive erosion by glacial flow of the uplands to the east of Sputnik Planitia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kuk Swamp is a globally significant archaeological site of early agriculture in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Mixed-method and multi-scalar investigations of the stratigraphy and selected feature fills at Kuk were instrumental in determining the character of plant exploitation and agricultural practices there during the early and mid Holocene. In this paper, macro-scale (field recording), meso-scale (X-radiography) and micro-scale (thin section micromorphology) analyses are presented in summary form for a stratigraphic column, as well as for a palaeochannel and palaeosurfaces associated with plant exploitation at c.10,000 cal BP and cultivation at 7000–6400 cal BP. Major and minor stratigraphic units have been characterised, primary and secondary formation processes differentiated, and the anthropic associations of specific stratigraphic units determined, especially in regards to cultivation. The Kuk research highlights several methodological problems with the investigation of early cultivation on allophane-rich soils in tropical environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of gradual milling on the distribution of nutrients, bioactive components, and storage properties of highland barley graded powder (HBP) were investigated in this study. The results suggested that the contents of protein, crude fiber, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and γ-aminobutyric acid were the highest in the outermost layer (F-1), which were 16.01 ± 0.54 g/100 g, 9.18 ± 0.12 g/100 g, 717.34 ± 10.86 mg GAE/100 g, 209.68 ± 2.49 mg QE/100 g, 1.10 ± 0.03 mg/g DW, respectively. Conversely, the innermost layer (F-5) displayed the greatest β-glucan level with a value of 8.40 ± 0.18 g/100 g DW, which was 4.3 times of the amount of F-1. Additionally, the samples were subject to the heat-moisture steam treatment for 30 min (HM-30) and enjoyed optimal storage suitability. Consequently, the enzyme activity and free fatty acid value of the external fraction (mixture) and the removed-bran fraction (remainder) under HM-30 fell far below those of the control group. The remainder fraction presented a more stable storage ability as compared to the mixture fraction. Overall, these findings would gain a better insight into the comprehensive effect of milling on HBP and provide possible opportunities for building tailored-health highland barley in versatile foods. [Display omitted] • Gradual milling allows agreeable distribution of various health-promoting compounds. • The innermost layer with plentiful β-glucan could be served as food fortification. • Heat-moisture steam treatment for 30 min can be identified as a valid approach for inactivating enzymes. • The removed-bran fraction exhibits superior storage stability to the external fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to investigate the differences in the physicochemical characteristics, digestibility, and lipolysis inhibitory potential of blue highland barley resistant starches (BHRSs) produced by autoclaving (BHSA), microwave-autoclaving (BHSM), isoamylase (BHSI) and pullulanase (BHSP) debranching modifications. Results showed that the resistant starch amount of native starch was evidently elevated following modifications while remaining slightly variable across BHRSs. In comparison to BHSI and BHSP, BHSA and BHSM had noticeably larger swelling powers and water-binding capabilities with reduced amylose contents and solubilities (p < 0.05). BHSP, which had a combination of C B - and V- type polymorphs, demonstrated the highest degree of crystallinity and crystalline region. BHSA and BHSM, on the other hand, were distinguished by their substantial proportion of the amorphous region with a combination of B- and V- type polymorphs. Owing to the structure diversities, structure-based morphology, and particle sizes of BHRSs, the strongest inhibitory activities on lipolysis were found in BHSA and BHSM, while the lowest digestibility was observed in BHSP. This study provided significant insights into developing the modified native starch from blue highland barley as an alternative functional food. [Display omitted] • Physical and enzymatic modifications were performed to prepare blue highland barley resistant starches (BHRSs). • The resistant starch amounts were promoted after modifications, with slight differences among BHRSs. • The crystalline pattern was altered after modifications, with relatively higher crystallinities of the debranched starches. • Physical modifications resulted in higher promotions in lipolysis inhibitory activities. • Enzymatic modifications led to higher decreases in digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colored highland barley (CHB) contains various bioactive constituents and thus has excellent potential for roasting into functional beverages. This study aimed to investigate the differences in brewing characteristics, physicochemical components, and antioxidant activities of the infusions of CHB roasted at 6.0 min, 9.0 min, and 12.0 min. The roasted CHB (RCHB) components were primarily leaching after three steeping times, with the highest persistence of the roasted black cultivar during brewing. Roasting treatment of CHB endowed characteristic aromas and taste to their infusions, and the roasted white cultivar infusions showed relatively higher sensory quality scores. The infusions brewed with CHB roasted at 6.0 min generally revealed higher releases of β-glucan and lower antioxidant activities, whereas 9.0 min and 12.0 min roasting of CHB were beneficial for leaching total sugar, protein, polyphenols, flavonoids, and free amino acids in their infusions, among which polysaccharides and polyphenols might contribute to their elevated antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of the infusions brewed with white and black cultivars were susceptible to roasting, resulting in apparent increases and decreases in their abilities, respectively. These results suggested that the RCHB infusions were potential candidates for cereal beverages and functional foods. [Display omitted] • The potential of colored highland barley (CHB) roasted at different times for tea infusions was assessed. • Long-time roasting of CHB endowed caramelized aromas, yellow color, and fresh mellow taste to their infusions. • 6.0 min roasting of CHB promoted β-glucan release during brewing and decreased their infusions' antioxidant activities. • 9.0 min and 12.0 min roasting promoted CHB infusions' antioxidant acticities due to polysaccharides and polyphenols. • The roasted white cultivar was fitter for preparing tea infusion based on sensory evaluation and antioxidant capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Agarabi speakers are the only pottery producers known from the PNG Highlands. • The chaîne opératoire for Agarabi pottery differs from nearby pottery industries. • They produce generally elongated vessels from coiling and gentle beating. • Vessel trade was not extensive, but occurred with neighbouring communities. • Data informs on the dynamics that led to non-Austronesian pottery in the Highlands. The only pottery known to have been produced in the New Guinea Highlands is associated with communities speaking Agarabi, a non-Austronesian language in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of Agarabi pottery forms and production processes, combining published sources with previously unpublished records, notes, sketches and photographs from ethnoarchaeological fieldwork amongst Agarabi speakers in the Kainantu District in 1987. Agarabi vessels are characterised by their ovoid elongated shape with gently pointed bases and out-curving rims. Decoration, where it is present, occurs on the rims and / or around the neck and consists of incisions or punctate impressions, often from multi-toothed combs. These characteristics clearly distinguish Agarabi ware from pottery produced in communities speaking Austronesian languages in the neighbouring Upper Markham and Middle Ramu valleys. The multi-faceted description of Agarabi pottery production presented here provides a foundation for further enquiry into the cultural processes and historical trajectories that have shaped this unique Highlands ceramic ware. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsamba, roasted highland barley flour, is the traditional staple food of Tibet Autonomous Region. In this work, a sensitive and fast method was developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of furfural, 5-methylfurfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in tsamba by UPLC–MS/MS with APCI source. The extracted tsamba samples were purified by optimized QuEChERS purification sorbents. The target compounds were detected by tandem mass spectrometry in MRM mode, and quantified by using internal standards of D 4 -furfural and 13C 6 -5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. Good linearities were obtained (r > 0.999) in the range of 2–100 μg/L for furfural, 1–50 μg/L for 5-methylfurfural and 10–500 μg/L for 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. The mean recoveries ranged from 89.5% to 106% for all the analytes, with coefficients of variation less than 10%. Low limits of quantification of the method were obtained. Finally, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of tsamba samples from Lhasa (Tibet, China). The results showed that furanic compounds were detected in all tsamba samples. The health risk assessment of furfural indicated potential risk for human consumption of tsamba for rural residents in Lhasa, and a per capita consumption of tsamba less than 180 g/person/day was recommended. [Display omitted] • Novel UPLC–MS/MS method with APCI source was established. • Chromatographic behavior of analytes compared for ESI and APCI sources. • Consumption of tsamba at less than 180 g/person/day is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fossil record of North American Eocene mammals is best known from relatively low-elevation 'basin center' fossil localities in intermontane depositional basins of the Western Interior. This sampling bias, largely drawn from preservational bias, has limited our understanding of fauna from higher elevation Eocene fossil localities. Here we describe new specimens of crown primates and microsyopid plesiadapiforms from a middle Eocene (Bridgerian) locality ('Fantasia') from the western margin of the Bighorn Basin in Wyoming. Fantasia has been considered a 'basin-margin' site and geological evidence suggests that it was already at a high elevation relative to the basin center at the time of deposition. New specimens were described and identified using comparisons across museum collections and published faunal descriptions. Linear measurements were used to characterize the patterns of variation in dental size. Contrary to expectations derived from other Eocene basin-margin sites in the Rocky Mountains, Fantasia has low anaptomorphine omomyid diversity and lacks evidence for the co-occurrence of ancestor-descendant pairs. Fantasia also differs from other Bridgerian sites in having low abundance of Omomys and unusual body sizes of several euarchontan taxa. Some specimens of Anaptomorphus and cf. Omomys are larger than those found in coeval sites, while specimens of Notharctus and Microsyops are intermediate in size between middle and late Bridgerian samples of these genera from basin-center sites. These findings suggest that high elevation fossil localities like Fantasia may record atypical faunal samples that should be more thoroughly explored to understand faunal dynamics during the periods of significant regional uplift like that represented by the middle Eocene record of the Rocky Mountains. Furthermore, modern faunal data indicate that species body mass may be influenced by elevation, which may further complicate the use of body mass to determine species identity in the fossil record in the regions of high topographic relief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) coast, natural resource managers continually struggle with managing coastal uplands due to front-end costs, prolonged maintenance, and habitat-specific ecological needs. Prescribed fire, mechanical removal, and chemical treatments are common habitat management techniques used to remove invasive species, clear understory, and achieve other management goals. However, rapid development and changing climate exacerbate the difficulty in using these techniques. A potential alternative or complementary technique is using livestock for habitat management (i.e., targeted or controlled grazing). In other regions of the world, using livestock for conservation or restoration of managed lands has shown to be a less intrusive and more financially viable alternative. To better understand the research needs, logistical, and environmental concerns related to using livestock for habitat management in the coastal uplands of the GoM, we developed and distributed a survey to three groups of land users, including natural resource managers, researchers, and livestock producers in the region. Survey results show that over 96% of respondents are interested in using livestock for habitat management, but less than 10% of respondents were aware of any information that could be used to inform grazing practices for coastal upland habitat management along the Gulf of Mexico coast. There were differences among surveyed groups, but generally small-sized cattle breeds and goats were identified as the livestock with the most potential for environmental benefit and ease of containment. General concerns and areas for further investigation were implementation (e.g., which livestock type to use and grazing intensity), logistical considerations (e.g., fencing and rotational frequency), impacts of grazing on water quality, wildlife, vegetation, and livestock nutrition. Survey respondents overwhelmingly (at least 75% of each group) indicated that livestock grazing ideally would not be a standalone management practice and should be used in conjunction with other habitat management techniques such as prescribed burns, mechanical clearing, or chemical treatments. The results of the survey could be used to develop applied research projects and guidance documents that directly address informational needs related to using livestock for habitat management of coastal uplands along the Gulf of Mexico coast. • There is interest in exploring livestock grazing for coastal habitat management. • Few resources exist to inform livestock grazing for coastal habitat management. • Cattle and goats were identified as the most beneficial livestock in coastal uplands. • Research to inform livestock type and grazing frequency in coastal uplands is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lunar crater chronology has been built by connecting radiometric ages of sampled terrains with the areal crater densities on those terrains, particularly the density at diameters (D) ≥ 1 km (aka N(>1)). In the past, very few crater chronologies have considered the effect of terrain properties on the crater densities and size-frequency distributions (SFDs) used to build them. This influence is especially important when N(>1) cannot be directly measured. Here we study this influence by using the Model Production Function (MPF) chronology, which incorporates terrain properties into computing N(>1) and absolute model ages (AMAs) through computing crater diameters using standard crater scaling laws. Furthermore, we also gain a better understanding of actual lunar terrain properties by adjusting the MPF to reproduce AMAs close to the radiometric ages of several Apollo sample sites. The properties examined are the consolidation state of the terrain, its effective cratering strength, and density. Overall, we find that the impact melt of Copernicus crater (∼0.8 Ga) is stronger and more consolidated than the mare and highland terrains investigated. The mare become less consolidated and weaker as they age (from 3.1 to 3.8 Ga) – likely due to fracturing and regolith formation by subsequent impacts. The highlands (∼3.8 Ga) are the weakest terrain. The analysis of terrain proprieties allows our MPF computations to reproduce the radiometric ages, and the impact melt and ejecta of Copernicus crater to have the same age, as expected. The new lunar terrain property constraints can be used with the MPF to derive more robust absolute model ages for unsampled terrains. The values presented in this work for impact melt, ejecta, mare, and highlands can serve as references. • Model Production Function used to infer how terrain properties affect age derivation. • New constraints on strength terrain properties of Apollo sampling sites are given. • Crater model ages should consider terrain properties, particularly for D < 200 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary permissions are often granted for track use on peatlands. However, even when peatland track designs attempt to minimise environmental impacts via use of mesh systems, such linear disturbances may have persistent impacts. We evaluated the surface peatland structure of five abandoned tracks (four with a mesh surface, one unsurfaced) with varying past usage frequencies, at an upland site in northern England. Simplification of the surface nanotopography was found on all tracks compared to surrounding control areas, with increased micro-erosion patterns in rutted areas, and invasive species on some treatments. The frequency of previous usage was not found to be a significant factor controlling nano-topographic loss. Edge effects and hillslope position were influential in places, but these effects were not consistent across treatments. Nano-topographic recovery was found to be inhibited when track usage commenced within a short time frame after track construction. Mesh tracks appear to create a spatial constraint leading to poor development of plants and a reduced ability to form characteristic structures which are integral to mire function. • Tracks on blanket peatlands cause large scale alteration to the nanotopography. • Loss of complex features occurred even when tracks had low usage rates. • Tracks were associated with increased occurrence of invasive plant species. • Sward heights were significantly reduced compared to control sites. • Effects persist; our study took place ∼7 years after the tracks were abandoned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermenting yogurt with plant-based ingredients for nutritional and health benefits is an emerging trend. The growth kinetics, metabolomics changes, and antioxidant activity of probiotics in fermented highland barley-based yogurt were investigated in this study. Highland barley (HB) (Hordeum vulgare , Poaceae) enzyme hydrolyte was mixed with soy protein concentrate as ingredients for preparation of HB-based yogurt fermented by Lactobacillus bulgaricus VHProbi R03 and Streptococcus thermophilus VHProbi R08. After 4 h of fermentation, both strains grew to the stationary phase with the viable counts of 1.9 × 108 CFU/mL for each strain. The viable bacterial count in HB-based yogurt was approximately 9.3 × 107 CFU/mL after 21 days of storage at 4 °C. Compared with the control yogurt made using white sugar (as a substitute for HB enzyme hydrolyte) and soy protein concentrate, HB-based yogurt had higher concentrations of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, glycerophosphocholine, hypoxanthine and arginyl-proline, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, greater antioxidant activity, and higher sensory scores. In conclusion, HB-based yogurt is a potential novel food product that provides a good source of probiotics and antioxidants. • Highland barley-based yogurt has higher antioxidant activity. • Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Highland barley-based yogurt significantly higher after fermented. • 27 top metabolites with significant changes in fermented Highland barley-based yogurt. • The properties of Highland barley-based yogurt were stable during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of significant extension on the Moon is associated with nearside mare. The load induced by the mare basalts resulted in lithospheric flexure and graben forming extension. We use high-resolution topographic and image data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the SELenological and ENngineering Explorer (SELENE) to generate detailed fault displacement-length (D/L) scaling observations for graben bounding normal faults. Specifically, we focus on the D max /L relations of graben within three geologic settings: lunar highlands, mare, and mixed highlands-mare terrains. The population scaling factor γ for the measured lunar graben is 4.5 × 10−3 (n = 50), falling within the range for terrestrial normal faults. The scatter in the D max / L data for mare graben (γ = 4.9 × 10–3, n = 25) is significantly higher than that for graben in highlands (γ = 6.3 × 10−3, n = 16) and mixed terrains (γ = 3.0 × 10−3, n = 9). The shape of a displacement profiles for faults is indicative of the mode of growth (i.e., restricted or unrestricted). Displacement plots show 52% of mare graben exhibit plateau-shaped profiles, indicating restricted fault growth, compared to 19% and 33% for highlands and mixed terrain graben, respectively. We attribute the large percentage of plateau-shaped profiles and the scatter in mare graben D max / L data to restricted fault growth controlled by the local thickness of the mare basalts. Finally, we consider whether observationally based estimates of the distribution of mare basalt thicknesses is consistent with the width-depth relation of the inferred restricted graben. • Graben-bounding normal faults within lunar mare show evidence of restricted growth. • Normal faults in the mare may be restricted by the local thickness of the basalts. • Displacement profiles of highland graben show less evidence of restricted growth. • Restricted graben may reach depths equal to the local thickness of mare basalts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While climate change is confirmed to have serious impacts on agricultural production in many regions worldwide, researchers have proposed various measures that farmers can apply to cope with and adapt to those changes. However, it is often the case that not every adaptation measure would be practical and adoptable in a specific region. Farmers may have their own ways of managing and adapting to climate change that need to be taken into account when considering interventions. This study aimed to engage with farmers to: (1) better understand small-holder knowledge, attitudes and practices in relation to perceived or expected climate change; and (2) document cropping practices, climate change perceptions, constraints to crop production, and coping and adaptation options with existing climate variability and expected climate change. This study was conducted in 2015 in Sala Krau village near Pailin (12°52′N, 102°45′E) and Samlout (12°39′N, 102°36′E) of North-West Cambodia. The methods used were a combination of focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews where 132 farming households were randomly selected. We found that farmers were conscious of changes in climate over recent years, and had a good understanding of likely future changes. While farmers are aware of some practices that can be modified to minimize risk and cope with anticipated changes, they are reluctant to apply them. Furthermore; there are no government agricultural extension services provided at the village level and farmers have relied on each other and other actors in the value chain network for information to support their decision-making. There is a lack of knowledge of the principles of conservation agriculture that urgently require agricultural extension services in the region to build farmer ability to better cope and adapt to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exceptional deposit covering an area of ∼7700 km 2 , displaying morphology indicative of an originally fluid material, occurs near 42.2°N, 167.4°E on the lunar farside. The material occurs as smooth, flat deposits (here termed “ponds”) on the bottoms of many craters and in other topographic depressions, as well as a veneer across the majority of the region. Within this area, the ponded deposits and widespread-veneer have an estimated volume of ∼8 km 3 ; the veneer constitutes the great majority of this volume. This material appears to have flowed downslope across the surface, collecting in flat-surface accumulations. The surfaces of the ponds and veneer are only lightly cratered, indicating a young (i.e., late Copernican) age. Four possible modes of origin are investigated: basin ejecta, pyroclastic volcanism, effusive volcanism, and ballistically emplaced impact-melt. Volcanism and basin ejecta appear to be inconsistent with the observed morphology: an implausible number of vents are required for volcanism and the morphological properties do not resemble basin ejecta. We suggest that ballistically emplaced impact melt is most consistent with the observations. Possible source craters for impact melt, based on minimum required size (>20 km diameter) and age, are at least 250 km distant and cannot be definitively tied to the pond deposits. This discovery places important new constraints on our knowledge of the distribution of impact melt relative to the parent crater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lunar swirls – the enigmatic, magnetically-anomalous regions – are observed for the first time at far-UV (FUV) wavelengths using LRO/LAMP. Swirls in both highlands and mare regions are spectrally relatively red (or less blue) than surrounding terrains, indicating a difference in weathering and/or composition in the swirls vs. non-swirl regions. We compare spectra of the highlands swirl Gerasimovich with mature and immature low-Fe highlands regions as measured by LAMP and show that the swirl itself does not have the spectral characteristics of either the mature or the immature regions. Mature, weathered highlands regions are spectrally blue in the FUV; immature highlands are less blue, especially at wavelengths > ∼160 nm. In contrast, the Gerasimovich swirl is spectrally red at wavelengths > ∼160 nm. We also compare Reiner Gamma, a mare swirl, with mature and immature high-Ti mare regions as measured by LAMP. We find that the mature and immature high-Ti mare regions are spectrally indistinguishable while the Reiner Gamma spectra are less blue at wavelengths > ∼160 nm. We conclude that both swirls (Reiner Gamma and Gerasimovich) are consistent with less mature spectra than the immature terrains studied here, in accordance with the lower amounts of weathering expected in a solar wind standoff scenario. However, the swirl spectra are also consistent with greater abundances of feldspathic material, as we show that anorthite exhibits a characteristic red spectrum at wavelengths > ∼160 nm. Thus, the LAMP data are also consistent with a model wherein compositional sorting occurs at swirls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African river frog genus Amietia is found near rivers and other lentic water sources throughout central, eastern, and southern Africa. Because the genus includes multiple morphologically conservative species, taxonomic studies of river frogs have been relatively limited. We sampled 79 individuals of Amietia from multiple localities in and near the Albertine Rift (AR) of Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda. We utilized single-gene ( 16S ) and concatenated ( 12S , 16S , cyt b and RAG1 ) gene-tree analyses and coalescent species-tree analyses to construct phylogenetic trees. Two divergence dating approaches were used in BEAST, including secondary calibration points with 12S , 16S , cyt b and RAG1 , and a molecular clock with the 12S , 16S , and cyt b genes. All analyses recovered Amietia as monophyletic with strong support, and revealed several well-supported cryptic lineages, which is consistent with other recent phylogeography studies of AR amphibians. Dating estimates were similar, and Amietia diversification is coincident with global cooling and aridification events in the Miocene and Pliocene, respectively. Our results suggest additional taxonomic work is needed to describe multiple new species of AR Amietia , some of which have limited geographic distributions that are likely to be of conservation concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land conflicts in developing countries are costly both directly and through increased land degradation. An important policy goal is to create respect for borders. This often involves mandatory, expensive interventions. We propose a new policy design, which in theory promotes neighborly relations at low cost. A salient feature is the option to by-pass regulation through consensus. The key idea combines the insight that social preferences transform social dilemmas into coordination problems with the logic of forward induction. As a first, low-cost pass at empirical evaluation, we conduct an experiment among farmers in the Ethiopian highlands, a region exhibiting features typical of countries where borders are often disputed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]