No abstract

This study documents the traditional uses of Cheura or Chyur (Diploknema butyracea) by a tribal group (Van-Raji) in Eastern Uttarakhand part of western Himalayan region. Cheura is one of the economically important but lesser known and underutilized multipurpose tree of Himalaya. It has a great spiritual and cultural importance along with livelihood association along the Himalayan communities especially the Van-Rajis, which are among the most ancient primitive vulnerable tribes (PVTs) of India with a population of around 700 in Uttarakhand. Field surveys were conducted during 2015-2017 to collect data on the availability and uses of various parts of this tree by the tribals in their 9 hamlets in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. These tribals use almost all the parts of the tree and has a great economic value in respect of food, fuel wood, timber, fodder and other products. It is also used to cure many diseases and body disorders by the community people such as in inflammation of tonsils, rheumatism, itching, ulcers, hemorrhage, etc. All such uses are discussed. An attempt has also been made to document the current causes of habitat loss of this socio-economic important tree and traditional knowledge thereof along with a suggested action plan.

The local environment defines the traditional designs and color of buildings in remote wilderness areas. Color, an integral element of the traditional architecture, is related to the culture, experience, perception, and beliefs, which forms a part of the traditional knowledge of the user. Some ethnic groups have been using some specific color patterns in their houses for generations, which have been carried forward in their traditions and customs. Recognizing this, a study to document the color preference and motivations for the preference of specific colors by an ethnic community residing in the interior valleys of western Himalaya was conducted. By group discussions, 13 indicators, which further merged into five motivation categories, were identified. Semistructured interviews (n = 159) were conducted to assess the perception of selected ethnic groups toward color preference. This study reveals that color preference in architecture is influenced by psychological and sociocultural reasons that vary with gender and age classes.

Invasion of alien species in high altitude ecosystems is a potent threat to the species diversity as well as it can cause severe environmental and economic issues. The invasion of alien plant species can be facilitated by many eco-climatic factors. The present study was conducted to assess patterns and trends of invasion by Ageratina adenophora in major land use and land cover types; in Gokerneshwergad watershed of Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) in western Himalaya. Extensive surveys were conducted to map the species in each season and habitat type. Sites with high biotic pressure and open forest canopy were the most suitable habitats for its growth. A negative correlation was found between distribution and altitude. The highest invasion was recorded in between 1700 -1800m elevation gradient, between 20° and 30° slope positions and at North (33.33%), whereas, the lowest invasion was recorded between 700 -800m in South-East directions (3.70%). Several other parameters such as distance from the disturbance site such as road, villages or settlements, drainage and soil texture were also found to be affecting the distribution pattern of this species. Interestingly results reveal that the alien plants also start competing among themselves after reaching their threshold level.

Tin (IV) oxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) have received a lot of interest because of their interesting features. SnO2 NPs have proven productive in a range of fields, including water purification, supercapacitors, batteries, antibacterial and antioxidant agents, and others. SnO2-based nanoparticles found a wide range of applications after incorporating materials with varying chemical compositions. SnO2 NPs and their nanocomposites have been used effectively as antibacterial agents against various pathogenic bacteria, photocatalysts for dye degradation, and electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs). This article covers the characteristics of SnO2 NPs, SnO2 nanocomposite materials, applications of SnO2 NPs and their composite materials, including antibacterial, energy storage, and photocatalysis, as well as some significant recent studies.