Pivotal Period Research Articles

Assessing the impacts of low-carbon intensity hydrogen integration in oil refineries

This paper evaluates the potential impacts of introducing low-carbon intensity hydrogen technologies in two oil refineries with different complexity levels, emphasizing the role of hydrogen production in reducing CO2 emissions. The novelty of this work lies in three key aspects: Comprehensive system analysis of refinery complexity using real site data, integration of low-carbon Hydrogen technologies, long-term and short-term strategies. Two Colombian refineries serve as case studies, with technological solutions adapted to their complexity levels. The methodology involves evaluating different options for hydrogen production, accounting for improvement in technological efficiency over time.The refinery systems were evaluated in a cost-optimization model built in Linny-r. Three different scenarios were considered, Business-As-Usual (BAU), high, and low-ambitions decarbonization scenarios, focusing on the time horizons of 2030 and 2050.When comparing the two case studies, the preferred decarbonization strategy for both facilities involves the substitution of SMR technology with water electrolyzers powered by renewable electricity. Post-2030, biomass-based hydrogen technology is still a costly alternative; however, to achieve CO2 neutrality, negative emissions storage of biogenic CO2 emerges as an achievable alternative.Our results indicate the achievability of CO2 reduction objectives in both refineries. Our results show that achieving long-term CO2 neutrality requires both refineries to increase renewable electricity production by 5 to 6 times for powering water electrolyzers, steam production by 2 to 2.5 times for CO2 capture, and supply of dry biomass by 2.6 to 4.5 kt/d.The two most significant factors influencing the refining net margin in the decarbonization scenarios are primarily the CO2 and the renewable electricity prices. The short-term horizon emerges as the pivotal period, particularly within the high-ambition decarbonization scenarios. In this context, the medium complexity refinery demonstrates economic viability until a CO2 price of 140 €/t CO2, while the high complexity refinery endures up to 205 €/t CO2.The high complexity refinery is better prepared to face the challenges of decarbonization and the impacts generated on the refining margin. Compared to the BAU scenario, the high complexity refinery shows a negative impact on the net margin that corresponds to a 40 % and 5 % reduction in the short and long term, respectively. Meanwhile, for the medium complexity refinery, the impact on net margin amounts to a 52 % reduction in the short term and a 27 % improvement in the long term.Furthermore, our research highlights the significant potential for reducing CO2 emissions by fully eliminating the use of refinery gas as fuel, providing alternative applications for it beyond combustion.

Written Ladakhi and the Future of Ladakh’s Culture

This study explores Written Ladakhi and the future of Ladakh’s culture in the newly formed Union Territory of Ladakh, India. The Ladakhi language is at a critical pivotal period. Its survival in the next two generations depends directly on the introduction of the Ladakhi language in its written form in the educational system. Using written Ladakhi for real communication is the key to survival. Spoken Ladakhi is still widely used in the home and in public, as well as at formal events, All India Radio Leh, television, and millions of audio and video recordings on social media and internet sites. However, because Ladakhi is not used in schools, the next generation is likely to find other languages more suitable for daily use, and the language is on the verge of extinction. Historically, no doubt, Ladakh and several other regions of the Indian Himalayas have shared a common literary heritage with Tibet. The Ladakhi language and culture have immense potential for development: it is shared by Buddhists, Muslims, Christians and others; the culture is valued by many non-local Indians and tourists; and it houses a major monument of world literature, the Kesar Epic. Therefore, an effort is being made in the present article to highlight the existing written corpus in Ladakhi and provide some information about the differences between literary varieties present in the region, and some language policy issues facing the Ladakhi language, its survival and potential development.

Which reference groups matter for Taiwanese high school adolescent smoking? A card sorting study

BackgroundAdolescence represents a pivotal period for the initiation of smoking behaviours. While family, peer and social groups serve as significant reference groups influencing adolescents’ decision-making process, there remains a paucity of research that examines how diversified reference groups influence their smoking decisions.ObjectiveThe objective is to compare normative and informative influences given by different reference groups on adolescents’ smoking decision-making.DesignThis study applied reference group theory and used the card sorting technique. Adolescents were presented with 16 cards portraying various reference groups and 27 cards portraying different types of reference group influences. They were asked to construct sentences as smoking-elicited and smoking-inhibited cues and ranked these influences based on their relevance to their smoking decision-making.ParticipantsThe participants were recruited from four cities in the North, Central, South and East regions of Taiwan. The study sample consisted of 297 Taiwanese 11th graders drawn from high schools, vocational high schools and night schools.Primary outcome measuresThe most influential reference group among smokers, former smokers and never smokers.ResultsOur results of multivariable logistic regression show that for current smokers, having a smoking best friend (aOR=7.58,p<0.01), having a smoking colleague (aOR=3.83,p<0.01) and participating in ceremonial dance performances (aOR=4.62,p<0.01) are more likely to smoke. Peers play an important role in providing smoking-elicited cues for current smokers. Families provided the most smoking-inhibited cues for former and never smokers. Normative influences such as encouraging adolescent smoking provided more cues for adolescents than informative influences such as releasing stress by smoking.ConclusionsAdolescent smoking behaviour was influenced by peer norms, while former and non-smoking behaviours are associated with family norms. Therefore, tobacco prevention efforts should focus more on family-level interventions to discourage smoking initiation. Smoking cessation programmes for current smokers should address the reduction of peer pressure to smoke. Moreover, schools and community partners should collaborate to develop effective smoking cessation strategies, particularly for high-risk groups such as adolescents who involved in ceremonial dance performance.

Cicada nymph trace fossils from South American Maastrichtian paleosols

The Cretaceous was a pivotal Period in the evolution of major insect groups, including cicadas. Insect diversification led to an increased complexity in the paleosol ichnofabrics due to the emergence of chambers associated with reproductive and feeding behaviors. Therefore, any new record of trace fossils attributed to cicadas from the Cretaceous period represent a significant advancement in understanding the diversification of this group and the emergence of insect feeding chambers, throughout the geological record. This work describes the record of the ichnogenus Feoichnus attributed to feeding chambers of cicada nymphs (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) from Maastrichtian paleosols developed in floodplain deposits of The Marília Formation (Bauru Basin, Brazil). The described Feoichnus chambers are elongated, hemispherical, and upwardly concave, with a lining covering the inner surface of the wall. The inner surface exhibits thin, irregular ridges and grooves, likely associated with fine roots. Feoichnus occurs in association with Beaconites antarcticus and root traces found within the feeding chamber, it could be indicating the movement of the trace maker and the feeding chamber from one root to another. These characteristics indicate the xylem-feeding behavior of Feoichnus trace maker in accordance with extant cicada nymph ecology. The presence of Beaconites antarcticus associated with Feoichnus and rhizoliths probably represents the foraging behavior of cicada nymphs and the displacement of feeding chambers in well-drained, rooted soils. Therefore, the cicada nymph could be the trace maker of both traces representing feeding and locomotion behavior. This contribution expands the knowledge about plant–insect interactions and insect groups that compose the Cretaceous paleosols ichnofabrics from South America.

The Problem of Internal Circulation of Foreign Coins in Russia in the 1830s

The monetary circulation of the Russian Empire in the 1st half of the 19th century went through several stages: from silver monometallism to the assignation monetary system and back to silver monometallism. The assignation monetary system, established in 1812, represented a unique phenomenon of world monetary circulation. The issue of internal circulation of foreign coins persisted throughout this period. Despite the prohibition of the internal circulation of foreign coins at the inception of the first silver monometallism in 1810, this regulatory decree was not consistently enforced, leading to the illicit circulation and accumulation of foreign coins. The 1830s emerged as a pivotal period during which the challenges associated with internal circulation significantly disrupted monetary turnover. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the financial management, led by Finance Minister E. F. Kankrin, demonstrated reluctance to implement drastic measures. The analysis concludes that the financial management under E. F. Kankrin did not perceive the circulation of foreign coins as a substantial threat to the Russian monetary system and exhibited hesitation in pursuing radical interventions, save for certain individuals aligned with Emperor Nicholas I.

Stone Altars, Wooden Tables, Silver Chalices, Unleavened Hosts, and Plain Bread: The Long Reformation of the Eucharist’s Materiality in the Pays de Vaud (1400–1600)

Recent scholarship on the late medieval Pays de Vaud has allowed for a better understanding of the Reformation (1536) in this region, revealing it as a period marked not only by ruptures but also by significant adaptations and continuities. This article employs a trans-periodic approach to explore the material culture of the Eucharist, tracing its developments across the late medieval and Reformation periods. Key findings include the transition from stone altars to wooden communion tables, the contested continuity in the substance and shape of chalices, and the gradual shift from unleavened hosts to plain bread. These changes highlight a complex interplay of theological and practical concerns. The study provides a nuanced perspective on the Reformation in the Pays de Vaud, emphasizing the ongoing influence of medieval ecclesiastical reforms and the gradual nature of liturgical transformations. This analysis underscores the importance of material culture in understanding religious and cultural shifts during this pivotal period.

Assessment of Hydraulic Oil Properties during Operation of a Mini Loader

This study employs a rigorous methodology to assess the condition of the hydraulic oil in a recently introduced mini skid-steer loader. The assessment is conducted through laboratory analysis, which adheres to a range of international standards. The objective is to provide accurate insights into the viscosity, particle count, and characterisation of the oil, along with thermographic data. The friction of oil is evaluated at specific time points: 0, 10, 100, 125, and 150 h of operation. This examination offers a comprehensive insight into the alterations in oil characteristics during a pivotal period when machine components are undergoing initial consolidation and abrasion to attain the factory-defined performance thresholds. The principal aim of this research is to provide valuable insights into the wear of oil and hydraulic system components through an in-depth analysis of a range of variables. Moreover, the investigation aims to ascertain the impact of this factor on the temperature elevation of system components and accessories to formulate enhanced technical guidelines for implementation. The main results indicate the presence of particles in the oil, resulting in a cleanliness code of 23/21/13, which exceeds the permissible threshold of 20/18/15 specified in ISO 11171. In addition, hydraulic oil shows a viscosity instability of more than 10% due to moisture absorption, leading to wear of mechanical components composed of iron, nickel, copper, zinc, and silicon. This deterioration is corroborated by thermographic evaluations, which reveal a considerable temperature increase in components such as cylinders and system accessories.

The Historical Expression and Aesthetic Trends of Lotus in Literati Painting during the Ming and Qing Dynasties

The lotus, celebrated for its cultural symbolism and aesthetic allure, has been a recurring muse for flower and bird painters in Chinese art history. This article explores lotus paintings during the Ming and Qing dynasties, pivotal periods of ideological liberation and societal complexities. Traditional lotus artworks across dynasties have woven a rich tapestry in Chinese painting. Focusing on the lotus, the article intricately combines symbolic meanings and historical contexts, unraveling the flower's intrinsic artistic essence. It sheds light on the evolving aesthetic qualities within lotus depictions, using this exploration as a lens to understand cross-cultural exchanges and clashes between Chinese and Western influences. Emphasizing the inherent artistic will of lotus-themed painting, the research delves into the nuanced development and aesthetic significance of this genre. By elucidating the beauty expressed in the evolution of lotus images, the study provides valuable insights with contemporary relevance. It highlights the symbolic significance of the lotus in Ming and Qing China, incorporating concrete examples of renowned lotus paintings and artists. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance reader-friendly comprehension and explicitly articulates the contribution of these findings to current artistic practices. The research not only deepens our understanding of lotus culture but also serves as a reference for contemporary lotus-themed creative endeavors, connecting historical expressions with modern artistic sensibilities.

The Different Strategies of the Italian Regions within the 2023 2027 Rural Development Programme

Following the European Commission’s approval of the CAP Strategic Plan and the 21 Italian region (CSR)-related strategic documents, the financial aspect that characterized the single national CAP plan was made available. Here, we present and analyze the final data on the distribution of public resources for interventions between 2023 and 2027. This marks a pivotal period of strategic information for those who follow the evolution of the rural development policy, providing vital indications of policymakers’ priorities. In Italy, where rural development policy is highly regionalized, it is difficult to acquire an overall view of the strategic choices adopted by the individual regions. The primary objective of this article is to offer a comprehensive and enlightening synopsis of the regional choices in the CSRs. It aims to identify shared strategic paths in rural development, with a specific focus on the financial allocation in each of the three historical macro-objectives of the CAP: the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, the protection of the environment, and the revitalization of rural areas. Cluster analysis classification allows for aggregating the strategies adopted, allowing for comparisons across the Italian regions. The results show three regional groups focused on environmental strategy, structural investment measures, and resource distribution that is more balanced between these two approaches. Identifying the strategic choices made by the regions allows policymakers to predict different development trajectories and the progress of the expenditure indicators over the years. At the moment, it is impossible to verify whether the policy mix defined in the budget allocation is consistent with the strategic statements.

The Psychological and Social Factors That Contribute to The Abuse and Addiction to Drugs Among Adolescents in Jordan

Adolescence represents a pivotal period in an individual's life, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood. During this phase, adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with substance abuse. This study, therefore, sought to identify the psychological and social factors contributing to drug abuse and addiction among adolescents in Jordan. To achieve this objective, a qualitative procedural research approach was employed, drawing upon existing literature and prior studies as a foundation for inquiry. The study identified a number of psychological and social factors that contribute to the use and addiction to drugs. These were found to include: a love of tradition; a love of excitement; a lack of maturity in personality; disturbances in the relationship between adolescents and parents; a desire to reduce stress and anxiety; a weak religious conscience; parents' preoccupation with children; excessive cruelty to children; and other factors.

Exploring in the Ancient Urban Center of Samatata: Initial Documentation of Archaeological Discoveries in the Lalmai Hill Range, Cumilla, Bangladesh

The study aimed to investigate the Lalmai Hill range in Cumilla, Bangladesh, which was the capital center of ancient Samatata, to uncover new archaeological sites. Over the years a total of 50 archaeological sites have been identified on the hills' flat tops and slopes through multiple phases of exploration conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India's Eastern Circle, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Pakistan, and the Department of Archaeology under the cultural ministry of the Bangladesh Government. The archaeological sites discovered provide a captivating glimpse into the 7th to 8th century AD. This era is characterized by significant cultural and societal transformations, making it a compelling and pivotal period to explore. While most of these sites were discovered in the northern and middle parts of the Hill range, this study specifically focused on the southern part. Through several field surveys, a new archaeological site was discovered in the south zone of the Hill range. The findings revealed ancient bricks, wall structures, and potshards, indicating the presence of past human activities at the site. These findings provide insights into the historical and cultural significance of the region. Further exploration and excavation of this site and other potential areas within the Lalmai Hill range are warranted to enrich our understanding of the past culture and unearth other hidden treasures

Energy Balance and Dietary Intake in Young Rugby Players during a Pre-Season Micro-Cycle: A Cluster Analysis.

Rugby players must develop excellent levels of conditioning during adolescence. However, this pivotal period of life is also characterized by a surge in biological growth, which further increases the energy and nutritional requirements of this population. This study examined within-individual differences in energy intake (EI) and energy balance (EB) of 46 young rugby players during a pre-season micro-cycle. Two clusters were identified with significantly different characteristics and EB states, suggesting that young rugby players adjust their EI to match their body composition goals. The first cluster is characterized by players with a low body fat% (12.87 ± 2.53). They had a positive EB (330 ± 517 kcal), suggesting a goal of increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the second cluster is characterized by a higher body fat% (23.1 ± 1.6, p < 0.005) and reported a negative, lower EB (-683 ± 425 kcal, p < 0.005), suggesting a goal focused on reducing fat mass. Although our study provides more optimistic results than previous ones regarding the high risk of inadequate EI in young rugby players, we emphasize the importance of rigorous nutritional support, especially for players aiming to lose weight, to avoid severe caloric restriction, as well as the downstream effects of such practices on their nutritional status, given the higher risk of macro- (e.g., CHO < 6 g/kg/d) and micronutrient (e.g., iron < 11 mg/d, calcium < 1300 mg/d, vitamin D < 5 mg/d) deficiencies.

Research on Enhancement Strategies for the Integration of Industry-Education Information Technology Platforms in Vocational Colleges

During this pivotal period in which China's vocational education is transitioning from a scale-oriented to a connotation-oriented development, efforts to reform vocational education are continuously intensifying, with the integration of industry and education consistently serving as the key logical thread in the reform of the modern vocational education system. Educational informatization stands as a crucial indicator of educational modernization, and the comprehensive promotion of educational modernization through educational informatization is a significant strategic decision for China's educational reform and development. However, integration of industry and education has not formed mutual integration and commonality between the entire school and enterprise levels in aspects such as talent cultivation, faculty construction, and scientific research cooperation, leading to a lack of a scientific evaluation system for assessing the effectiveness of this integration. Therefore, vocational colleges should actively construct an integration of industry and education information management platform based on the thinking of integration of industry and education and the ISO 25010 software quality model. This will further improve and enhance the service capabilities of the integration of industry and education information technology platform, facilitate multi-party interactive cooperation among governments, industries, enterprises, and schools, better meet the requirements of talent cultivation model transformation and innovative development in the construction of higher vocational colleges, and standardize the process of integration of industry and education, making it more transparent, visualizing data analysis, and comprehensively evaluating effectiveness.

Coping with ethnic-racial discrimination: Protective-reactive effects of shift-and-persist coping on internalizing symptoms among Black American adolescents.

Ethnic-racial discrimination has pervasive negative effects on Black youth's mental health; therefore, it is crucial to identify factors that provide resilience against discrimination. Two promising factors to help youth cope are ethnic-racial identity (how one feels about their ethnicity/race) and shift-and-persist coping (reappraising and accepting an uncontrollable stressor while remaining optimistic about the future). While there is existing scholarship on ethnic-racial identity among Black youth, this work has not yet assessed the impacts of shift-and-persist in this population. Using a sample of 155 Black youth (ages 13-17), the current study examined the interplay between discrimination, ethnic-racial identity, shift-and-persist coping, and internalizing symptoms. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were positively associated with discrimination and negatively associated with shift-and-persist. Significant interactions between discrimination and shift-and-persist predicting both depressive and anxiety symptoms revealed significant negative associations between shift-and-persist and internalizing symptoms at low and average, but not high discrimination levels. Effects are, thus, protective-reactive; the protective effects of shift-and-persist are not significant for youth facing high levels of discrimination. Ethnic-racial identity, surprisingly, was not significantly associated with either depressive or anxiety symptoms, nor did it interact with shift-and-persist as it has in studies of Latinx youth. By understanding the protective benefits of shift-and-persist and ethnic-racial identity in Black youth, during a pivotal period for mental health, we can provide this growing population with tools to lessen the maladaptive outcomes associated with discrimination.

Acute Chagas disease outbreaks in Colombia in 2019

This study seeks to address the critical knowledge gap surrounding the acute phase of Chagas disease in Colombia, with a specific focus on cases reported in 2019. The acute phase of Chagas disease is a pivotal period for intervention, yet it remains poorly understood, particularly in regions where oral transmission is presumed to be a significant factor. By analyzing these recent cases, our research aims to provide a deeper understanding of the dynamics of Chagas disease during its acute phase in Colombia in 2019. This understanding is essential not only for improving disease management and treatment strategies but also for enhancing public health responses to this neglected tropical disease. In particular, our study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing the unique challenges posed by oral transmission routes, which have been increasingly recognized within Colombia's Chagas disease landscape.

Firm-level climate risk and accounting conservatism: International evidence

We examine the impact of climate-risk exposure on accounting conservatism, and document a significant positive association. Utilizing a firm-level climate-exposure measure (CRI) for a large international sample covering 46 countries from 2002 to 2021, we find that firms facing climate risk tend to adopt more conservative reporting practices. This effect is notably stronger during pivotal periods of climate awareness, such as that around the Paris Climate Agreement, and in jurisdictions governed by common law. Our results remain valid under a series of robustness tests and after addressing endogeneity concerns. Further analyses indicate that this positive association is more pronounced in well-governed firms and in firms with high levels of environmental and social performance, but less pronounced in firms with high degrees of complexity and information asymmetry. Additional tests reveal that firms in environmentally sensitive industries and those operating in developed countries adopt more conservative reporting than counterparts in non-environmentally sensitive industries or in developing countries. Our final analysis suggests that regulatory risks have a greater effect on accounting conservatism than physical risks. Our paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on climate change, documenting the ‘bright side’ of firms' exposure to climate risk.

Prolonged lactation: Preventing obesity since infancy

Prolonged lactation: Preventing obesity since infancy Dr Vincent Prevot and Professors Markus Schwaninger and Ruben Nogueiras explain the significance of the perinatal maternal lifestyle, specifically prolonged lactation, in shielding offspring from chronic disease. In recent years, the escalating prevalence of obesity and its associated diseases has prompted numerous studies covering broad aspects of metabolism, from the genetic inheritance of disorders to the early emergence of non-genetic metabolic traits. Pregnancy and lactation are now identified as the pivotal periods for establishing these traits, which can develop from infancy into adulthood. Therefore, maternal influences are crucial in the development of pathologies arising from a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors, as well as lifestyle.

Postweaning sodium citrate exposure induces long-lasting and sex-dependent effects on social behaviours in mice

BackgroundPostweaning is a pivotal period for brain development and individual growth. As an important chemical used in medicines, foods and beverages, sodium citrate (SC) is commonly available. Although some effects of SC exposure on individual physiology have been demonstrated, the potential long-lasting effects of postweaning dietary SC exposure on social behaviours are still elusive. MethodsBoth postweaning male and female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to SC through drinking water for a total of 3 weeks. A series of behavioural tests, including social dominance test (SDT), social interaction test (SIT), bedding preference test (BPT) and sexual preference test (SPT), were performed in adolescence and adulthood. After these tests, serum oxytocin (OT) levels and gut microbiota were detected. ResultsThe behavioural results revealed that postweaning SC exposure decreased the social dominance of male mice in adulthood and female mice in both adolescence and adulthood. SC exposure also reduced the sexual preference rates of both males and females, while it had no effect on social interaction behaviour. ELISA results indicated that SC exposure decreased the serum OT levels of females but not males. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant difference in β-diversity after SC exposure in both males and females. The correlation coefficient indicated the correlation between social behaviours, OT levels and dominant genera of gut microbiota. ConclusionOur findings suggest that postweaning SC exposure may have enduring and sex-dependent effects on social behaviours, which may be correlated with altered serum OT levels and gut microbiota composition.

Revolusi dan Kontinuitas:Membahas Warisan Budaya Bani Umayyah dalam Konteks Dunia Modern

The Umayyad dynasty which rule from 661 AD from 750 AD,stands as a pivotal period in early islamic history leaving a diverse and influential cultural legacy that persists into the modern era .This research aims to explore how to the cultural heritage of the umayyads remains relevant of the context modern world,particularly in the fields of art and architecture.The Umayyad dynasty is renowned for estabilishing a strong empire that encompassed vast territories from the Middle East to Andalusia in Spain.Calliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan , a prominent figure of the time,introduced the Umayyad Dinar as the official currency and initiated the monumental project Dome of The Rock in Jerusalem,which continues to be one of the most significant symbols of Islamic architecture.Umayyad architeture reflects a blend of Roman, Persian , and newly introduced islamic elements.Their distinctive of domes, calligraphy,and intricate mosaics has deeply inspired modern artists and architect. This study explores how the cultural values from the past continue to inspire and shape contemporary works.By considering the global impact of Umayyad heritage, we can understand how continuity and evolution in human history occur through the development of art,architecture and values systems.Through this analysis, we highlight the importance of understanding how cultural values from the past can reinterpreted in different contexts to support the evolution of an inclusive and sustainable cultural future.

Late Neolithic collective burial reveals admixture dynamics during the third millennium BCE and the shaping of the European genome.

The third millennium BCE was a pivotal period of profound cultural and genomic transformations in Europe associated with migrations from the Pontic-Caspian steppe, which shaped the ancestry patterns in the present-day European genome. We performed a high-resolution whole-genome analysis including haplotype phasing of seven individuals of a collective burial from ~2500 cal BCE and of a Bell Beaker individual from ~2300 cal BCE in the Paris Basin in France. The collective burial revealed the arrival in real time of steppe ancestry in France. We reconstructed the genome of an unsampled individual through its relatives' genomes, enabling us to shed light on the early-stage admixture patterns, dynamics, and propagation of steppe ancestry in Late Neolithic Europe. We identified two major Neolithic/steppe-related ancestry admixture pulses around 3000/2900 BCE and 2600 BCE. These pulses suggest different population expansion dynamics with striking links to the Corded Ware and Bell Beaker cultural complexes.