Form Part Research Articles

Discovery of a Pleistocene megafaunal assemblage in a cave in Sierra de El Abra, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

The Calera cave system in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with a large Pleistocene megafaunal assemblage is described. Hundreds of fossil bones have been found throughout the 1324 m of mapped galleries. The fossils are well preserved resulting from partial permineralization by manganese oxide. A preliminary taxonomic identification of the recovered specimens indicates Equus sp. is the most abundant taxon. Other groups include mammoths, gomphotheres, cervids, bovids, camelids, sloths, glyptodonts, felids, canids, lagomorphs, and testudines. It has been estimated that the cave would have started to form between 1.17 and 0.29 Ma. Since the fossils are found on top of or form part of the fluvial sedimentary deposits inside the cave passages, fossil deposition is much younger and probably occurred during the latest stage of cave formation and the fauna represents a time-averaged accumulation. A few specimens are covered with secondary calcite incrustations. The locality described in this study stands out because it contains one of the largest Pleistocene megafaunal assemblages of the region.

Rate-Compatible, Bandwidth-Efficient, Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) Codes for Aeronautical Telemetry

Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes form part of the IRIG-106 standard and have been successfully deployed for the Telemetry Group version of shaped-offset quadrature phase shift keying (SOQPSK-TG) modulation. Recently, LDPC code solutions have been proposed and optimized for continuous phase modulations (CPMs), including pulse code modulation/frequency modulation (PCM/FM) and the multi-h CPM developed by the Advanced-Range TeleMetry program (ARTM CPM), the latter of which was shown to perform around one dB from channel capacity. In this paper, we consider the effect of the random puncturing and shortening of these LDPC codes to further improve spectrum efficiency. We perform asymptotic analyses of the ARTM0 code ensembles and present numerical simulation results that affirm the robust decoding performance promised by LDPC codes designed for ARTM CPM.

Beyond sword and shield: the UN human rights system and criminal law

ABSTRACT Growth in the scope and mandate of the United Nations human rights system sees it increasingly wrestle with questions of national criminal law. The UN human rights system today forms part of a wider transnational socio-legal process that shapes decisions on whether to criminalise conduct or not. Issues such as sexual orientation, defamation, hate speech, and homelessness have emerged as key human rights (de)criminalisation debates. The notion of the human rights sword and shield continues to describe the activation or restraint of the criminal law, but human rights is not always able to provide simple criminalisation conclusions and its exact application to the criminal law often remains contested. Meeting future criminalisation challenges will likely require a more nuanced approach, such as human rights guidelines for the criminal law, informed by frameworks and inspiration from fields including criminal theory.

The Impact of Objects with a Potential Odour Nuisance on the Life Comfort of the Urban Agglomeration Inhabitants

Odour nuisance is one of the main causes of environmental complaints. People exposed to long-term odorants may experience headaches, nausea, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, stress, insomnia, and discomfort. Some chemical compounds, besides unpleasant odours, can cause adverse symptoms, diseases, and even death in human bodies. One of these compounds that make up BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene) is benzene, which is present in the environment, mainly in the air, because of emissions from traffic, the petrochemical industry, and combustion processes. Factories, such as refineries and petrochemicals, that form part of some urban agglomerations constitute extensive industrial facilities. This paper presents the survey research results in an urban agglomeration, which enabled, among others, an indication of significant sources of odour nuisance and the areas most exposed to this nuisance. In addition, an analysis of residents’ complaints about odour nuisance over a 10-year period was carried out, which showed, on the one hand, the variability of the number of complaints and, on the other hand, the areas of the city where there were the most complaints. This work aims to evaluate the problem of odour nuisance in an urban agglomeration and to identify its causes through the analysis of residents’ complaints and the results of surveys.

Identification of Host Factors Interacting with Movement Proteins of the 30K Family in Nicotiana tabacum.

The interaction of viral proteins with host factors represents a crucial aspect of the infection process in plants. In this work, we developed a strategy to identify host factors in Nicotiana tabacum that interact with movement proteins (MPs) of the 30K family, a group of viral proteins around 30 kDa related to the MP of tobacco mosaic virus, which enables virus movement between plant cells. Using the alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) MP as a model, we incorporated tags into its coding sequence, without affecting its functionality, enabling the identification of 121 potential interactors through in vivo immunoprecipitation of the tagged MP. Further analysis of five selected candidates (histone 2B (H2B), actin, 14-3-3A protein, eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (elF4A), and a peroxidase-POX-) were conducted using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). The interactions between these factors were also studied, revealing that some form part of protein complexes associated with AMV MP. Moreover, H2B, actin, 14-3-3, and eIF4A interacted with other MPs of the 30K family. This observation suggests that, beyond functional and structural features, 30K family MPs may share common interactors. Our results demonstrate that tagging 30K family MPs is an effective strategy to identify host factors associated with these proteins during viral infection.

MS O06 - HPB The ORDEAL Study: A National Survey of Surgeon Operative Preferences for Resection of Duodenal Adenocarcinoma

Abstract Background Duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) accounts for over 50% of all small bowel adenocarcinomas, however there is a paucity of data on outcomes, no UK guidelines for surgical management, and current national standards of practice are unknown. There is ongoing debate whether long-term survival, perioperative outcomes, resection margin, and lymph node yield differ between pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) and classical PD (cPD) in proximal DA (D1/D2), and between PD and limited resection (LR) in distal DA (D3/D4). The study aimed to discern current standards of practice and identify underlying reasons for operative preferences for proximal and distal DA. Method An anonymised survey was included as part of the registration form for a wider multicentre retrospective study looking at outcomes following resection for proximal and distal DA on Google Forms®. The survey was distributed via direct surgeon email correspondence, weekly newsletters and surgical society endorsement by PSGBI. Responses were collected between February-June 2024 and responses were analysed with quantitative and qualitative (inductive thematic analysis) methods. Results Responses were received from 61 surgeons across 27 centres. For proximal DA, surgeons are more likely to consider a classical Whipple’s (93.4%) compared to PPPD (29.5%). For distal DA, surgeons are equally likely to consider LR (73.8%) as PD (classical Whipple’s -37.7%, PPPD - 41%). These preferences have mostly remained consistent over time. Key themes identified from thematic analysis included oncological considerations, morbidity, surgeon preference, tumour characteristics, standards of practice, patient factors and anatomical considerations, with the former two themes being the most prominent. Conclusion For proximal DA, cPD is preferred over PPPD and for distal DA, LR and PD are equally considered, with oncological and morbidity considerations largely influencing decision making. This qualitative data will be compared to actual practice following completion of the wider ORDEAL study to identify discrepancies in practice and possible effect on patient outcomes.

Litigating the Arbitration Clause: Considering Uber-Driver Arbitration in India

In Canada, hundreds of Uber drivers came together for a class action lawsuit against Uber seeking benefits under Ontario employment laws. In India, drivers engaged by an instant delivery service platform went on strike against a new pay structure under which the minimum pay-out per delivery was reduced, leading to a drop in the earnings of the service provider by 50% per day. The terms of service form part of standard form non-negotiable agreements. Companies that include a mandatory arbitration clause with such standard form contracts are increasingly facing lawsuits across jurisdictions. The Canadian Supreme Court held such an arbitration clause invalid, largely on the ground that it was part of a ‘standard form contract’ that was ‘non-negotiable’ and ‘realistically unattainable’. Enforcing such arbitration clauses with users have had mixed success, leading to business uncertainty and raising transaction costs due to litigation across jurisdictions. This article explores implications of decisions across jurisdictions regarding such arbitration clauses in the Indian context. The article then argues for a universal harmonization of rules from a global perspective by formulating a general principle to afford certainty to businesses operating at a global level.

Novel CYCLIN-O pathogenic variants in a patient presenting with bronchiectasis secondary to reduced generation of multiple motile cilia.

Reduced generation of multiple motile cilia (RGMC) represents a rare variant of Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD), associated with CYCLIN-O (CCNO) mutations. We report a novel compound mutation in the CCNO gene in an adult Chinese Singaporean exhibiting chronic productive cough since childhood and recurrent sino-pulmonary infections. Low nasal nitric oxide and bronchiectasis suggests PCD. Bronchoscopy for epithelial and nasal brushings for ciliary studies were repeated after adequate treatment of lower respiratory tract infections. Demonstration of oligo-cilia via transmission electron microscopy, and detection of CCNO mutation through genetic analysis were utilized to diagnose RGMC. Repeated courses of antibiotics including nebulised antibiotics were used to treat recurrent infections and exacerbations. Airway clearance techniques, immunizations and collaboration with otorhinolaryngologist form part of the long-term management. Heightened clinical suspicion and adherence to established diagnostic algorithms are essential for timely recognition of this entity.

Distrust and reflexive impotence in the net zero transition: findings from a longitudinal deliberative mini-public

Responding to climate change requires that people engage in different forms of climate citizenship. These span from individual consumption choices, to taking part in forms of collective action to steer the behaviour of governments and in the private sector. Here we analyse data from the Net Zero Diaries project to explore how attitudes to different forms of climate citizenship develop as people become more aware about the scale of societal change required to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Net Zero Diaries project was a deliberative mini-public, composed of 41 citizens broadly representative of the UK adult population, which convened over five months between 2021 and 2022 to debate the UK policies for reaching net zero emissions by 2050. We show that people identify government as the prime actor needed to drive the transition, but doubt that they will act due to a range of constraints vis-à-vis the public and private sector. This tension provides a novel explanation for why some people prioritise forms of individual and consumption focused climate citizenship, whilst also doubting the efficacy of such actions. We conclude by suggesting that efforts to drive more engaged forms of climate citizenship need to attend to underlying feelings about state efficacy, rather than focus on just how the issue of climate change is framed.

An alternative look at John 14:6

This article takes an alternative look at John 14:6 in its pericope John 14:1–14 as part of Jesus’ Farewell Discourse to his disciples (Jn 13–17). This verse forms part of the seven ‘I am’ sayings in the Gospel of John. Traditionally the two καί terms in John 14:6 are translated with ‘and’ I am the way and the truth and the life. However, this article opts for the epexegetical or explicative (also called explanatory) way to translate καί. The reason is that the focus of this pericope and specifically this verse is on ὁδός, and not like the traditional translations treat all three terms, ὁδός, ἀλήθεια and ζωή on an equal basis.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This is a New Testament piece of research that interacts and intersects with Dogmatic and Practical Theology, and the traditional interpretation of the text of John 14:6. It is therefore more intradisciplinary than interdisciplinary by nature.

Fast Clinical Response of Bimekizumab in Nail Psoriasis: A Retrospective Multicenter 36-Week Real-Life Study

(1) Background/Objectives: Nail psoriasis (NP) is a chronic and difficult-to-treat disease, which causes significant social stigma and impairs the patients’ quality of life. Moreover, nail psoriasis is a true therapeutic challenge for clinicians. The presence of nail psoriasis can be part of a severe form of psoriasis and can have predictive value for the development of psoriatic arthritis. Our real-world-evidence multicenter study aims to evaluate the efficacy of bimekizumab in nail psoriasis. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter observational study included 834 patients affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis, in 33 Dermatologic Units in Italy, treated with bimekizumab from December 2022 to September 2023. Clinimetric assessments were based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) for the severity of nail psoriasis at 0, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. (3) Results: Psoriatic nail involvement was present in 27.95% of patients. The percentage of patients who achieved a complete clearance of NP in terms of PGA-F 0 was 31.7%, 57%, and 88.5% at week 4, 16, and 36, respectively. PASI 100 was achieved by 32.03% of patients at week 4, by 61.8% at week 16, and by 78.92% of patients at week 36. The mean baseline PASI was 16.24. The mean DLQI values for the entire group of patients at baseline, at week 4, at week 16, and at week 36 were 14.62, 3.02, 0.83, and 0.5, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Therapies that promote the healing of both the skin and nails in a short time can also ensure a lower risk of subsequently developing arthritis which is disabling over time. Bimekizumab proved to be particularly effective to treat NP, with a fast response in terms of complete clearance, with over 88.5% of patients free from NP after 36 weeks. The findings of our real-world study showed that patients with moderate-to-severe PsO and concomitant NP had significantly faster and more substantial improvements in NP up to 36 weeks with respect to previous research findings. Considering the rapid healing of the nail, the dual inhibition of IL17 A and F might have a great value in re-establishing the dysregulation of keratin 17 at the nail level.

Renewing Systems Analysis: The Impact of Game-Based Learning on Repeating Students

Systems Analysis and Design, a second-year subject offered over two semesters, is experienced as challenging. The subject is offered at a South African university and form part of several baccalaureus courses, of which the BSc. Information Technology course is the most prominent. Several reasons contribute to the situation where a substantial percentage of students struggle to pass the first of two modules; the extensive theoretical concepts covered, the necessity to understand their implementation, and the ability to apply the theory in real-life scenarios simulated in a learning context. To address this issue, the class was split, to afford repeating students inverted learning with a gaming focus. The selection of games was aiming to suit the type of learning that were expected to take place. In support, students competed in their project groups. Students new to the module were taught as per the status quo. The mixed method enquiry of this changed setting focused on the group of repeating students. Quantitative data extracted focused on the success of students as repeaters, and their evaluation of the module compared to newcomer students. Qualitative data was gathered using interviews with purposively selected participants who passed the first semester as a repeating student and improved much based on the difference in participation marks, before and after the intervention. Qualitative data analysis focused on identifying codes to allow the categorization of responses into categories to elucidate the value of this endeavour. The participants on which reporting of this paper focuses, formed part of a larger study with a wider perspective. In this paper the focus is on the impressions of the individual regarding this experience. The intervention reported on occurred over a four-year period and was concluded six years ago. This allowed participants to complete their studies and start a career. Results show that the intervention did have a substantial impact on the progress of these students’ studies and helped them to overcome study and work-related obstacles. The approach to this game-based may guide future lecturers experiencing similar challenges.

Porutham - Creating varied Rhythmic Cadences with Chart Templates

Porutham is a Tamil word meaning ‘matching’. The word has varied meanings according to the context in which it is used in Tamil language. Porutham in Astrology means ‘match making between two astrological charts’ at the time of marriage. Porutham also means perfectly matched partners or friends. ‘Nalla Porutham’ is the phrase which means ‘Good Match’. It also means that it will be ideally suited for the particular object.Musically ‘Poruthams’ can be used as part of various cadential forms like Korvai, short ending items like Muktayi, theermanam, arudi etc. This can also be used in ‘Jati Pallavis’, in the Pallavi portion of Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi and in Kritis where neravals are sung. Porutham is generally done as a rhythmic exercise, where Jatis are employed when a percussion artiste uses Poruthams and Swaras are used when a Vocalist/instrumentalist uses them.This article also covers various examples covering porutham ideas for various kritis where neravals are popularly sung. Sample kritis have been taken from different Talas like Adi Tala, Rupaka Tala and Misra Chaapu Tala. Ragam-Tanam-Pallavis and Jati Pallavis have not been covered in this article, as we propose to cover them extensively in a separate article.

Age and emplacement depth of intrusions in the southeastern Canadian Cordillera: Implications for Jurassic to Paleocene exhumation

Synorogenic exhumation is important for understanding the evolution of mountain belts but is often difficult to discern because traditional thermochronology methods mostly date the final stages of exhumation. Intrusions emplaced during orogenesis provide an alternate method to elucidate these exhumation patterns since they preserve the timing and depth of their emplacement. We apply this concept the southern Omineca belt of the Canadian Cordillera by combining new and existing zircon UPb and mica Ar/Ar ages from 43 intrusions as well as new and existing estimates of emplacement depth from 23 contact aureoles. Seventeen new zircon UPb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry results are presented in the paper, spanning the existing range of previous ages for four episodes of Phanerozoic magmatism in this region: Middle Jurassic (174–154 Ma), mid-Cretaceous (118–95 Ma), Late Cretaceous (78–76 Ma), and Paleocene (66–60 Ma). This new work has resolved two new distinct periods of Cretaceous magmatism at ∼100 and ∼ 76 Ma compared to what was previously considered to be a single mid-Cretaceous event (Bayonne magmatic suite). Furthermore, the Fry Creek batholith, previously considered to be emblematic of the Bayonne suite, the adjacent Shoreline stock, the ∼60 Ma Nelson stock located 40 km to the southwest, and the 55–62 Ma Ladybird magmatic suite form part of a newly identified phase of 66–55 Ma Paleocene magmatism in the region. Compiled intrusion ages were then combined with estimates of emplacement depth determined from metamorphic mineral assemblages in contact aureoles developed in pelitic host rocks. Jurassic intrusions typically have higher pressure staurolite + andalusite-bearing contact aureoles (3.3–4.0 kbar) corresponding to depths of 12.5–15 km, whereas Cretaceous and Paleocene intrusions mainly have lower pressure andalusite + cordierite-bearing contact aureoles (2.3–2.9 kbar) corresponding to depths of 8.5–11 km. These data indicate regional exhumation of 2–6 km occurred between the Middle Jurassic (180–160 Ma) and mid-Cretaceous to Paleocene (120–60 Ma) periods of Cordilleran orogenesis. In contrast, pluton emplacement depths changed by <2 km, suggesting minimal exhumation occurred in the southern Canadian Cordillera between the mid-Cretaceous and Paleocene. This extended lull in exhumation may be related to the partitioning of compressional deformation east into the foreland along a basal decollement beneath the study area during this time.

Antioxidant and Whitening Effects of Dahlia based on Variety, Flowering Form, Harvest Time, and Plant Part

Purpose: This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of dahlias based on variety, flowering form, harvest time, and plant parts, analyzed the content of bioactive compounds, and assessed the whitening effect of different plant parts to explore potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging assays, whereas bioactive compounds were quantified through total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) measurements. The whitening effect was evaluated based on tyrosinase inhibition rates.Results: Among the six dahlia varieties examined, &lt;i&gt;D. diva&lt;/i&gt; demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity, with purple and deep red varieties, showing particularly high levels of activity and polyphenol content. Analysis of flowering forms indicated that flowers in the early half-blooming stage exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Regarding harvest time, dahlias harvested during the third period in the fall, showed the greatest antioxidant activity. Examination of different plant parts revealed that petals had the highest antioxidant activity, whereas leaves and tubers had comparatively lower activity. Additionally, petals exhibited the highest tyrosinase inhibition rate among the plant parts, although the overall whitening effect was minimal.Conclusion: The study identified the optimal dahlia variety, flowering form, harvest time, and plant parts for maximizing antioxidant effects. These findings provide valuable insights for potential applications of dahlias in various industries.

The WARFUN taboo

The WARFUN taboo rules out the association of war with fun. This article explains why the taboo is particularly entrenched in Germany and demonstrates its effects: the taboo forms part of an anti-militarist political culture and has created soldier models that omit any soldierly qualities that contradict this culture. Oriented towards these models, German soldiers have internalised the taboo as well. However, this contradicts their experience of humour as an integral part of soldier culture. Consequently, soldiers cautiously control what they share with outsiders. Thereby the WARFUN taboo alienates soldiers from the society into which they are supposed to fit.

Identification of malfunctioning quantum devices

We consider the problem of correctly identifying a malfunctioning quantum device that forms part of a network of N such devices, which can be considered as the quantum analog of classical anomaly detection. In the case where the devices in question are sources assumed to prepare identical quantum pure states, with the faulty source producing a different anomalous pure state, we show that the optimal probability of successful identification requires a global quantum measurement. We also put forth several local measurement strategies—both adaptive and nonadaptive—that achieve the same optimal probability of success in the limit where the number of devices to be checked is large. In the case where the faulty device performs a known unitary operation, we show that the use of entangled probes provides an improvement that even allows perfect identification for values of the unitary parameter that surpass a certain threshold. Finally, if the faulty device implements a known qubit channel, we find that the optimal probability for detecting the position of rank-one and rank-two Pauli channels can be achieved by product state inputs and separable measurements for any size of network, whereas for rank-three and general amplitude damping channels, optimal identification requires entanglement with N qubit ancillas. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

The spatiality of geography assessment questions: a case study of selected South African universities

ABSTRACT Spatial thinking is an essential skill for geographers and can be taught and learnt at any age. Spatial thinking should, therefore, form part of the Geography curriculum at every study level. An initial desktop study by the authors has indicated that the inclusion of spatial thinking in the undergraduate Geography curriculum at South African universities needs improvement. Up to now, published research papers have focused mostly on questions on spatiality included in Geography textbooks at the school and tertiary levels. None of these papers focused on the spatiality of assessment questions. This research aims to assess the spatiality of questions posed in formative and summative assessments of undergraduate geography modules at six selected South African universities. The taxonomy of spatial thinking was used to determine the spatiality of 2864 formative and summative assessment questions used at the first, second and third-year levels at six selected South African universities. The results indicate that the assessment questions, generally, do not reach a desirable level of spatiality and will, therefore, contribute towards developing students’ spatial thinking skills only in a limited way. Based on the results, recommendations are supplied to improve the spatiality of undergraduate Geography assessment questions using the taxonomy of spatial thinking.

Applying Integrated Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (I-CBTE) to Severe and Longstanding Eating Disorders (SEED) Paper 1: I am no longer a SEED patient

This autobiographical paper recounts the recovery journey of Lorna Collins, a survivor of severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN). Her story begins with a traumatic brain injury at the age of 18, leading to a complex eating disorder that persisted for over two decades. Despite over 30 hospital admissions and various treatment modalities, her condition only worsened, compounded by other mental health challenges. The paper describes these multifaceted struggles, including mistreatment in healthcare, self-harm, further trauma and near-fatal illness. The author aims to culminate her story in an uplifting manner, by highlighting the pivotal role that integrated cognitive behaviour therapy, artistic expression, and a renewed connection with her family have made on her recovery. Collins’ account is not only a personal testimony but also offers critical insights into the shortcomings of traditional eating disorder treatments and the importance of personalised, holistic approaches in mental health care. Lorna’s story aims to bring hope, challenge the concept of SEED and form part of a growing evidence-base that recovery is possible irrespective of duration or eating disorder severity.

Community-led vs. subsidised housing. Lessons from informal settlements in Durban

Rapid urbanization, poverty and socio-economic inequalities are causes of the backlog of informal settlements in South Africa, as dwellers cannot access formal housing schemes. Such unplanned settlements often need more basic services, social facilities and adequate housing. Nevertheless, informal settlements are core parts of the urban form rather than places for eradication. This article examines self-building and community-led upgrading practices in three case studies of partially and non-serviced informal settlements in Durban. It adopts action research participatory methods to coproduce knowledge and map various perspectives around community-led housing upgrading, building materials and construction skills in an effort to enhance community resilience and self-reliance. The findings reveal the key drivers and challenges associated with self-building, informal procurement and overall project management of the housing process. Successful grassroots practices demonstrate community ownership and dweller control beyond the physical upgrading per se. The lessons learned call for inclusive, participatory, and incremental approaches for effective community organization, self-reliance, social capital and livelihood development.