New research reveals delayed evolutionary origin of Asteriidae sea stars

PeerJ

 

image: 

Artificial cast of Germanasterias amplipapularia, holotype Nr. 18869a–b in abactinal view (A), and actinal view (B). (C) Details of the disc and arm in abactinal view. (D) Detail of the arms and oral frame in actinal view.

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Credit: DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18169/fig-7

A  study published in PeerJ Life and Environment has reshaped our understanding of the evolutionary history of sea stars, particularly the family Asteriidae. The study, titled Phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions of Jurassic sea stars support a delayed evolutionary origin of the Asteriidae, introduces new findings that challenge longstanding assumptions about the evolutionary timeline of these marine invertebrates.

Sea stars of the superorder Forcipulatacea, comprising approximately 400 species, are integral to marine ecosystems. Over the past century, scientists have debated the systematics of this group, leading to varying classifications. This new research reassesses six well-preserved Jurassic sea star fossils and reveals that none of these Jurassic taxa belong to modern families like Asteriidae. Instead, they represent stem-forcipulatids, suggesting that Asteriidae likely originated later in the Late Cretaceous, rather than the Jurassic, as previously thought.

Key Findings:

• Comprehensive Phylogenetic Reassessment: The study employed cutting-edge phylogenetic methods to analyses 42 fossil and extant sea star species, creating the largest phylogenetic dataset for Forcipulatacea to date. This comprehensive matrix of 120 morphological traits provided a fresh perspective on the evolution of this group.
• Discovery of New Genera: Researchers described two new Jurassic sea star genera, Forbesasterias and Marbleaster, which contribute to our understanding of early sea star diversity and morphology.
• Delayed Origin of Asteriidae: The research concludes that Asteriidae, the largest family within Forcipulatacea, and the third largest family of sea stars, likely evolved during the Late Cretaceous, up to100 million of years after the Jurassic species analyzed in this study. This contradicts previous assumptions that placed the origin of Asteriidae in the Triassic or Early Jurassic.
• Early Diversity of Forcipulatacea: The findings also suggest that Forcipulatacea was more diverse in its early evolutionary stages than previously believed, providing new insights into the adaptive radiation of these species.

Methodology:

The research utilized a Bayesian tip-dating analysis incorporating the fossilized birth-death process to estimate evolutionary relationships and timelines. This method enabled the time calibration of the phylogenetic tree, resulting in a more accurate representation of the evolutionary history of the group.

Lead author Dr. Marine Fau noted, “Our study reshapes how we think about the evolutionary trajectory of one of the most significant clades of sea stars. The delayed origin of Asteriidae has major implications for understanding the diversification of marine species in the Mesozoic era.”

Implications for Marine Biology:

The findings from this research have wide-ranging implications for the field of marine biology, especially for paleontologists and evolutionary biologists. By identifying these Jurassic sea stars as stem-forcipulatids, the study pushes back the timeline for the evolution of modern sea star families and opens new avenues for future research into how these ancient species adapted to their environments.

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Journal

PeerJ

DOI

10.7717/peerj.18169 

Method of Research

Observational study

Article Title

Phylogenetic and taxonomic revisions of Jurassic sea stars support a delayed evolutionary origin of the Asteriidae

 

A paper-aluminum combo for strong, sustainable packaging

American Chemical Society

 

image: 

By replacing plastic with paper, researchers have created a sustainable aluminum-backed packaging material prototype, shown here, that doesn’t compromise on performance.

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Credit: Hamed Zarei

Takeout containers get your favorite noodles from the restaurant to your dining table (or couch) without incident, but they are nearly impossible to recycle if they are made from foil-lined plastics. Research published in ACS Omega suggests that replacing the plastic layer with paper could create a more sustainable packaging material. The researchers used mechanical demonstrations and computer simulations to identify paper-aluminum laminate designs that won’t compromise on performance.

Protective packaging, like containers made from polyethylene and aluminum laminates, combines the strength and durability of plastic with the moisture- and light-blocking properties of aluminum foil. While these materials are effective, there’s been a shift toward consumers desiring less plastic and more environmentally friendly materials in the packaging that comes into their homes. To create such an option for protective packaging without sacrificing functionality, Hamed Zarei and colleagues designed a variety of paper-aluminum laminates and compared their strength and durability to common polyethylene-aluminum packaging.

First, Zarei’s team manufactured two paper-aluminum laminates:

• A machine-direction (MD) laminate made from aluminum and paper with fibers that run parallel to the direction of machine loading (with the grain).
• A cross-direction (CD) laminate made from aluminum and paper with fibers that run perpendicular to the direction of machine loading (against the grain).

The researchers then compared the tensile strength of MD and CD paper-aluminum laminates to polyethylene-aluminum laminate by stretching samples of each material with gradually increasing force on laboratory machines. They also created a digital model, verified with their tensile strength data, that could replicate these laminate stretching tests and reliably predict the material’s response under different scenarios.

In tensile strength tests, the polyethylene-aluminum laminate could be stretched further without breaking than both paper-aluminum laminates. And of the two paper-containing materials, the one made from MD paper could be stretched further but formed cracks along the paper’s grain faster than the CD paper. By running simulations of the MD, CD and a mixed MD/CD paper on their digital model, the researchers predicted that an aluminum film paired with a paper layer made from both MD and CD fibers would result in mechanical properties nearly identical to conventional polyethylene-aluminum laminate.

While they haven’t yet created the MD/CD paper-aluminum laminate in the lab, the researchers say this study provides packaging engineers with information to create sustainable materials that could perform like conventional options.   

The authors acknowledge funding from the Tuscany Region Development and Cohesion Fund.

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The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, e-books and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

Registered journalists can subscribe to the ACS journalist news portal on EurekAlert! to access embargoed and public science press releases. For media inquiries, contact newsroom@acs.org.

Note: ACS does not conduct research but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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Journal

ACS Omega

DOI

10.1021/acsomega.4c05798 

Article Title

“Digital Twin Model of Paper−Aluminum Laminates for Sustainable Packaging”

 

How COVID-19 transformed family dinners

Greater frequency resulted in more positive interactions, study says

American Psychological Association

WASHINGTON — While the lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic led many families to eat more meals at home, they had an additional benefit: an increase in the quality of family time during those dinners, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. 

The study, published in the journal Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, found that families who ate together more often during the pandemic also had more positive interactions, shared news and information, and even embraced technology such as videoconferencing to connect with distant family members.

"The predominance of past research on family dinners has focused on frequency as the key predictor of benefits for children and adolescents," said lead author Anne Fishel, PhD, a clinician and researcher in family therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital. "This study highlights the importance of examining both frequency and quality to understand the full picture of how shared meals can impact families."

Researchers examined data from a survey of 517 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse parents across the United States, administered in May 2021. Their aim was to investigate changes in family dinner frequency and quality during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Participants were asked about dinner frequency, quality and post-pandemic expectations. The survey included questions about positive and negative interactions, family support and incorporation of the outside world. They were asked questions such as, “During the pandemic, did all or most of the people living in your home eat dinner together less, about the same, or more than compared to before the pandemic?” Participants then provided answers ranging on a scale of 1-5, 1 being “much less” and 5 being “much more.”

Over 60% of respondents reported eating dinner together more often during the pandemic compared with pre-pandemic times. There was also a significant increase in positive interactions (e.g, expressing gratitude, laughing or feeling connected) during family meals.
 
“Specifically, 56% said they increased talking about their days during dinner, 60% said they increased talking about their identity as a family, 60% said they increased expressing gratitude, 67% said they increased laughing together and 59% said they felt more connected to each other around the dinner table,” said Fishel. This positive association was evident across income levels, education, age, gender and race.

The pandemic introduced new aspects to family dinners, including remote dining with extended family members and more discussions about current events, according to Fishel. Many families turned to videoconferencing to connect with extended family, potentially strengthening a sense of belonging to a larger family unit. Most parents who increased the use of technology for remote dinners during the pandemic reported that they plan to continue this practice as the pandemic subsides. 

The researchers also found an increase in families incorporating news and information from the outside world into their dinner conversations, potentially offering a safe space for children to discuss anxieties and questions with their parents.

Overall, this study suggests that the increased frequency of family dinners during the pandemic may have had lasting positive effects on family dynamics, according to Fishel. 

“The pandemic changed many aspects of our lives, some for the better. Even though parents did not purposely sign up to have more shared mealtimes, increases in family dinners were largely linked with improvements in the quality of pandemic-era family dinners,” she said. 

The findings also highlight the potential benefits of using technology to connect with extended family and incorporating current events into dinner conversations. 

“The continued use of remote technology to connect with those not physically present may bring ongoing opportunities for family bonding and children's feeling a sense of belonging to a larger unit, which we know is protective for their well-being,” said Fishel.

ARTICLE: “How COVID-19 expanded the family dinner table: Greater frequency linked with improved quality and new ways of eating together,” by Anne Fishel, PhD, and Melinda I. Morrill, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, published online Oct. 31.

CONTACT: Dr. Fishel can be reached at afishel@mgh.harvard.edu.

The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA’s membership includes over 157,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve lives.

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Journal

Couple and Family Psychology Research and Practice

Is Germany drawing the curtain on nudism?

Brenda Haas

DW

The German Association for Free Body Culture turns 75 this year but has seen dwindling membership and changing attitudes towards a textile-free lifestyle.

'Free body culture' has long been part of the German cultural fabric

Image: Bernd_Wüstneck/ZB/picture-alliance


Here's the naked truth: Generally, Germans are unfazed by bare bodies.

Some of the country's lakes, parks and beaches are sectioned off for naturists; those who prefer keeping their threads on are usually unruffled when sharing spaces with those who don't.

This nonchalance could be attributed to one of the country's most iconic (and sometimes misunderstood) movements: Freikörperkultur (FKK), or free body culture.

As the Deutscher Verband für Freikörperkultur (DFK) — the umbrella body representing the interests of organized supporters of FKK — celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, we peel back the layers of this movement's evolution in Germany and its role in the country's cultural fabric.

Bare facts: Germany's nudism movement

Germans find it easier to strip naked on a beach or in a sauna than people from many other countries. A brief history of the country's nudism movement, known as FKK.

Image: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Pedersen

A 'free body': Germany's nudist culture

It's a part of German culture, just like techno music and "Spargelzeit," the asparagus season. Even though the practice of Freikörperkultur (FKK), which translates as "free body culture," is dwindling among the younger generations of Germans, you'll still find lots of FKK areas on beaches as well as nude culture enthusiasts in spas — and even parks.

Imago/D. Matthes

The healthy hobby

By the late 19th century, many Germans believed it was healthy to strip off and bathe "textile free" at one of the country's many lakes. At the time there was a move away from polluted industrialized cities to nature in pursuit of good health. Some people also enjoyed hiking or doing exercise in the nude. This picture dates back to 1933 and shows two women at Lake Chiemsee in Bavaria.

A culture promoted in film

Increasing health through free movement in nature was an ethos featured in the 1925 film Wege zu Kraft und Schönheit (Ways to Strength and Beauty). Starring controversial German actor and filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl, it was one of the country's most popular educational films of the silent era. It contained scenes of physical exercise such as dance and bathing.


FKK and the Nazis

Leni Riefenstahl later became Hitler's favorite filmmaker, and glorified the Aryan athletic physique in her two-part film Olympia, based on the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin. While the Nazis initially banned FKK, nude swimming was once again allowed in 1942, if done discreetly in remote areas. Many promoters of the FKK movement were however leftists


A strong tradition in the former GDR

While FKK in the GDR was initially promoted by avant-gardists in the 1950s, it became widespread and tolerated by the 70s. As life in the GDR was so tightly controlled in other ways, bathing nude could be seen as a rare liberty — and people made full use of it. In this picture from 1986, dozens of nudists bask in the sun at Müggelsee, a lake in the suburbs of East Berlin


FKK on the Baltic coast



FKK was also particularly strong on Baltic Sea beaches. However, the practice didn't spread to the Polish side of the coast. After Poland joined the EU, it became easier to walk from one country to the other's beach, but nudism was a cause of tensions between the localities on both sides of the German-Polish border.Image: Imago/argum/C. Lehsten


Getting into the FKK spirit

At this beach in Leipzig in 1980, nudists hang out together on a hot day. The FKK spirit is about celebrating the body and being free from clothes. According to FKK enthusiasts, the practice is not connected to sex; it's about freeing yourself from social constraints. And it's certainly one way to make sure that you don't get any pesky tan lines from wearing a swimsuit.


Not only in the east: Munich's designated spots

While public nudity is generally forbidden in Munich, there are various specific areas where FKK is allowed, for example in the English Garden and along the Isar River, including the Flaucher beach area, a popular destination for nudists, as this picture on a hot day from 2002 shows. FKK areas usually have a clear sign, and people chilling there do not want to be seen as a tourist attraction.


Berlin's park life

The practice is not as strong as it used to be, but some parks still have a certain FKK tradition — so you might come across more flesh than you were expecting on an afternoon walk. While public nudity is illegal, sunbathing naked is tolerated in different Berlin parks, such as the Mauerpark, Volkspark Friedrichshain (picture, from 1999) and Tiergarten — as long as it's not disturbing anyone.


A passion for millions of Germans

Angela Merkel was famously taking a sauna the night the Berlin Wall came down; it was her Thursday ritual. Figures show that around 30 million people in Germany visit the country's 2,300 saunas regularly. The majority of spas are open to all genders and require users to be textile-free.Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Pleul


Bare all in the wild

It may not be for everyone, but if you really want to get in touch with nature you could try going for a hike — au naturel. Deep in Germany's Harz mountain region is where you'll find an 18-kilometer naked hiking route. Stretching from the town of Dankerode to the Wippertal reservoir and back, the route welcomes FKK aficionados. Just watch out for nettles

To be clear, no law in Germany expressly prohibits (non-sexual) nudity.

Nakedness on private grounds is considered legal, even if visible from outside. The same applies to naked sunbathing, unless otherwise stated by local laws.

FKK's roots date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Germany was abuzz with social reform movements aiming to redress industrialization's impact on people's health.

At the time, living in cramped, polluted cities was wreaking havoc on their physical and mental well-being.

The movement's proponents believed that enjoying the feeling of sun, air and water on bare skin amidst a community of like-minded individuals was beneficial, fostering not only a healthy body image but helping heal an assortment of maladies that included TB, rickets, and seasonal affective disorder — now known as SAD.

It was also a form of rebellion against the rigid moral attitudes of the 19th century.

The first FKK groups emerged in the 1890s, advocating for nude sunbathing as a healthy — albeit non-sexualized — natural activity.

In 1920, Germany established its first official nude beach on the island of Sylt. A few years later, Adolf Koch founded the Berlin School of Nudism that, amongst others, encouraged mixed-gender open-air exercises. The school hosted the first international nudity congress in 1929.

Clearly demarcated spaces for 'textiles-on or off' spaces on a beachImage: Axel Heimken/dpa/picture alliance

Thumbing noses at authority

During the Nazi era, nudism faced mixed fortunes due to moral restrictions.

In 1933, laws limited mixed-sex nudism, citing concerns over Weimar-era immorality.

Furthermore, nudity was linked to Marxism and homosexuality — despite naturism reportedly being popular among some SS members. In 1942, some rules were relaxed but still bore Nazi biases, especially against Jews and other marginalized groups.

After World War II, Germany's division into East and West created two environments for FKK.

For many East Germans, going nude in public was a statement of individual liberty in an otherwise tightly controlled society. Even though East Germany's GDR leadership initially tried to suppress FKK for fear it would undermine socialist ideals, they eventually conceded.

Meanwhile, the DFK or the Association for Free Body Culture was founded in the West German city of Kassel in 1949. Today, it is part of the German Olympic Sport Federation, and is the largest member of the International Naturist Federation.

There's generally a live-and-let-live attitude in Germany towards a clothing-optional lifestyleImage: Hartmut Schwarzbach/DUMONT Bildarchiv/picture-alliance

Loving your lumps and bumps

So, what does one actually do at an FKK club besides being in the buff? Basically, the same things you'd do at any other social gathering — minus clothes and minus anything sexual.

Activities range from swimming and sunbathing to team sports like volleyball. There are also designated nude hiking trails in Germany that allow naturists to commune with, well, nature.

Besides affording the body better air circulation and optimum Vitamin D absorption, FKK proponents say that the lifestyle encourages people to appreciate their bodies as they are — complete with all the lumps, bumps, and quirks that come with being human.

Furthermore, stripped of designer wear or flashy accessories, nudity is a great equalizer.

A 2017 study published in The Journal of Happiness Studies states that spending time naked with others can lead to improved body image, greater self-esteem, and higher levels of life satisfaction.

The lead researcher, Dr Keon West from Goldsmiths, University City of London, noted that "naturist environments help people see real, unfiltered bodies, which reduces anxiety around appearance"​

Social media has also put off younger people from naturism for fear of falling short of the perfect 'curated' bodyImage: Matej Kastelic/Zoonar/picture alliance

Pressure to be perfect

Paradoxically, while platforms like Instagram and TikTok celebrate the human body in highly curated, filtered ways, they are believed to have contributed to a decline in FKK membership.

"The rise of the cult of the perfect body on TikTok or Instagram is increasing the pressure to not want to undress," DFK's President Alfred Sigloch told the press in June.

In fact, the DFK had to call off some plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary owing to a lack of interest. Sigloch added that DFK membership has slumped from 65,000 people 25 years ago to fewer than 34,000 now, with many remaining members said to be losing interest.

Furthermore, some current FKK practioners are also disuaded by digital technology that could secretly photograph them and post them online without consent.

Sigloch also partly blamed the rising popularity of glamping for the closing down of FKK-dedicated holiday sites. Campsite owners earn better from campers willing to pay for a more luxurious outdoor experience than simpler naturists.

The DFK president noted however that many nudist clubs had seen an uptake of interest during the COVID crisis. He attributed this, among other factors, "to the fact that the pandemic has encouraged many people to seek alternative and healthy outdoor leisure activities.”

But the fact remains that clubs are struggling to retain or attract new members.

Sigloch intends to revive the movement. "We will fight to keep onboard every single naked person who wants to be with us," he said.

"FKK is an ancient culture that cannot and will not die."


Edited by: Stuart Braun

Brenda Haas Writer and editor for DW Culture

 KULTURKAMPF DEFEATED DEMS

 THEY FAILED TO ADDRESS MAGA ATTACKS ON TRANS  (LGBTQ+) RIGHTS

U.S., South Korea agree to greater cooperation on civil nuclear energy

WHILE DENYING THE NORTH THE SAME RIGHT TO CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY

By UPI Staff


According to one trade organization, South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol has set a target for nuclear energy to provide a minimum of 30% of electricity to the nation by 2030. 

File Photo by Nathan Howard/UPI | License Photo

Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Earlier this month, the United States and the Republic of Korea reached an agreement on greater cooperation between the two nation's civil nuclear energy industries.

On Nov. 1, the two nations reached a so-called "memorandum of understanding" on topics affecting nuclear exports and cooperation, according to a statement released from the U.S. Department of Energy on Monday.

In that statement, U.S. and Republic of Korea officials reaffirmed their mutual commitment to promoting peaceful nuclear energy while "upholding the highest standards of nonproliferation, safety, safeguards and security.

"Toward this end, the parties strengthened their administration of export controls on civil nuclear technology," officials said in the statement.

Though most of today's recent news about nuclear topics on the Korean peninsula seemingly involve North Korea's expansion of its nuclear weaponry capabilities, the south's use and promotion of nuclear energy for civil and peaceful needs has been noteworthy.

South Korea is one of the world's most prominent nuclear-reliant nations, according to the World Nuclear Association, an international pro-nuclear organization that tracks such information. Twenty-six reactors provide about one-third of South Korea's electricity, the organization says, adding that President Yoon Suk Yeol set a target for nuclear energy to provide a minimum of 30% of electricity to the nation by 2030.

Additionally and according to the International Trade Association, a private group that promotes U.S. exports, South Korea currently is seeking to transform its "energy-generation mix" by adopting an expanded use of nuclear power as a way to also increase the source of carbon free energy in its overall energy mix from the current 40% to 70.2% by 2038.

That seemed to be echoed in the release this week in which DOE officials said the commitments made by the United States and the ROK "will provide a springboard for the expansion of our bilateral work in combatting climate change, accelerating global energy transitions, and assuring critical supply chains while creating billions of dollars worth of new economic opportunities and the creation or maintenance of tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs for both of our industries."

The memorandum will now face a final review by both U.S. and ROK officials.

Israel war seriously impacts Lebanon's healthcare system, raising fear of Gaza scenario

ISRAEL IS CREATING A MID EAST NO MAN'S LAND BETWEEN IT AND IRAN

By Dalal Saoud

 A firefighter stands amid the smoldering debris Friday at the site of overnight Israeli airstrikes that targeted the neighborhood of Kafaat in Beirut's southern suburbs. Photo by Fadel Itani/UPI | License Photo

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- Israel must immediately stop its devastating war against Lebanon -- that Tel Aviv says aims at destroying the Iran-backed Hezbollah -- to avoid the collapse of the healthcare system and spare the tiny Arab country the same fate as Gaza, Lebanese and international medical officials said.

Israel has been violating international humanitarian laws by targeting hospitals, medical care centers and health workers, 178 of whom have been killed so far, according to recent comments by Lebanese Health Minister Dr. Firas Abiad.
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International humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and Première Urgence Internationale, have denounced the regular targeting of Lebanon's health infrastructure, calling on Israel to stop its "indiscriminate bombing campaigns" that do not spare civilians or medical and humanitarian workers.

Amnesty International went a step further in expressing fears that Lebanon may face the same dramatic situation as the occupied Gaza Strip.

The new round of Israel-Hezbollah war came to add tremendous pressure on the country's health care sector, which was barely recovering from the shocks it suffered in recent years, including the 2019 financial collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Beirut port explosion.

The World Health Organization saw hope for the revival of the health system in late 2023 after the return of some health workers to the country. During the financial crisis, almost 40% of the Lebanese doctors left the country, leaving many hospitals and medical facilities suffering because of the emerging shortages and financial distress.

With the raging war, "Now, we went back to [point] zero." Dr Abdinasir Abubakar, the WHO representative in Lebanon, told UPI.

The "turning point," Abubakar said, was the highly sophisticated unprecedented pager and talkie-walkie attacks carried out by Israel against Hezbollah followers Sept 17 and 18.

Twelve people, including two children, were killed and more than 3,000 were wounded, with severe injuries mainly to eyes, hands and waists.

In less than an hour, hospitals became overwhelmed with such a great number of wounded people.

"Some 100 hospitals were involved in managing that day alone, and we have reached the level where some hospitals were running out of supplies. Doctors and nurses continued to work 24, 48 and 72 hours continuously. That was the beginning of a major crisis," Abubakar said.

The situation worsened when Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah and several of his military commanders in a huge airstrike targeting his bunker in Beirut's southern suburbs Sept 27.

It then stepped up its air attacks against Hezbollah officials, headquarters and bases, while its forces started to advance inside southern Lebanon.

The relentless Israeli air and ground bombardment led to large destruction of villages, property, hospitals and schools in the targeted areas. Some 3,002 have been killed and 13,492 wounded since October 2023, according to Lebanese Health Ministry counts.

Health workers were not spared, with some 178 killed and 306 injured. Eight out of 40 hospitals targeted from a total of 160 are now out of service while seven continue to partially operate. Some 244 ambulances and other medical vehicles were destroyed.

Abubakar said WHO and all humanitarian organizations "are seriously concerned" about the repeated attacks on the health care sector.

"Almost every day, we are losing health care workers, ambulances and facilities. If this continues, we will reach a breaking point where hospitals will be full and health workers will be overwhelmed," he said. "We don't want to [reach] the same level as in Gaza."

During their planning for the conflict, Lebanon Health Ministry and WHO estimated that 5,000 people would be injured in six months, but the country reached that number within a few days with the pager attacks.

Hospitals have been so far able to deal with the growing number of injured due to the ministry leadership and dedication of the medical staff, the WHO representative stressed.

But it is getting "harder every day," according to Suleiman Haroun, president of the Syndicate of Private Hospitals.

Haroun told UPI that the pressure is increasing on the hospitals, especially in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as the southern suburbs, where "they are not functioning in a normal way ... just for emergencies."

Hospitals in more secure areas are not only taking in war wounded, but also have to treat sick, displaced people who fled for safety and need special assistance, such as cancer patients and those who require dialysis.

"The main challenge we are currently facing is the fact that the medical teams are exhausted morally and physically from working in an intensive way for many consecutive days," Haroun sadi.

Recalling the Sept. 17 pager attacks and the resulting injuries, he said "we have never seen such a thing before; every patient needed 2 or 3 surgeons to operate on him for his eye and hand injuries. ... Many still need more surgeries to recover."

Medications and supplies still are available, but the fear is the lack of funding.

"So far, we are managing but it doesn't mean that we will be able to function for a long time," Haroun said, "We are speaking of several weeks, not months -- thus the need for an immediate cease-fire."

Among the 1 million displaced scattered in various parts of the county, some 300,000 live in poor conditions at overcrowded shelters and public schools.

A cholera case was confirmed by the Health Ministry because of poor water and sanitation conditions, highlighting the escalating health risks amidst the ongoing conflict.

"You have the ingredients for diseases to spread. We have seen the first case of cholera. The number of diarrheas is increasing ... the risk of outbreaks is very high," Abubakar warned.

Last month, the United Nations launched a flash appeal for $426 million to assist civilians affected by the escalating conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. However, only 17% of the targeted amount has been raised so far.

Sahel Hospital in Beirut's southern suburbs, which continues to provide medical care despite the relentless Israeli shelling, found itself under additional threats after Israel claimed that Hezbollah was keeping $500 million in cash and gold in a bunker under the hospital.

Shocked by the Israeli allegations, the hospital evacuated its staff and patients and called on journalists to inspect the site. Despite that Israel repeated its threats, no Hezbollah assets were found.

Fadi Alame, a deputy in the parliament and president of the Sahel Medical Group, denied the Israeli claims saying they meant to create "fear and confusion" and force another hospital in the targeted area to stop operating.

"This is what happened, and we evacuated the hospital," Alame told UPI. "It was part of the [Israeli] psychological war."

A few days later, the hospital resumed providing medical services to cancer patients and those in need of dialysis because "they have no other place to go to."

Arab and international urgent humanitarian assistance has been pouring on Lebanon, but the most urgent is to stop the "killing and destruction," according to Alame.

Forcing Israel to respect international humanitarian laws to protect civilians, medical staff and facilities, is an immediate urgent issue.

With WHO documenting and collecting information on what he called Israel's violation of international human rights, Abubakar said, "There should be accountability .... There will be one day when judgement will come .... The world is not [the] accepting Gaza [tragedy], not accepting [the one developing in] Lebanon and not accepting Ukraine['s]."

MINISTER OF GENOCIDE

'Bulldozer': Israel's new Defence Minister Israel Katz is longtime Netanyahu ally

In a surprise announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday kicked his popular defence minister Yoav Gallant to the curb and replaced him with Israel Katz, the country's former foreign minister. Nicknamed a “bulldozer” in Israeli media, the 69-year-old is a close confidante more likely to be in tune with Netanyahu than his predecessor.

Issued on: 06/11/2024 
By: NEWS WIRES

Israel Katz speaks during a joint press conference in Budapest, Hungary, on June 17, 2024. © Attila Kisbenedek, AFP

Israel's new Defence Minister Israel Katz, known for his abrasive style, is a long-time ally and loyalist of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

In a dramatic announcement late on Tuesday, Netanyahu sacked defence minister Yoav Gallant over what he said was a breakdown in trust during the Gaza war against Hamas.

"Over the past few months that trust has eroded. In light of this, I decided today to end the term of the defence minister," Netanyahu said in a statement issued by his office.

Read more

Netanyahu fires Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in surprise announcement


The statement added that he had appointed Foreign Minister Israel Katz to take Gallant's place.

Katz, 69, labelled by Israeli media as a "bulldozer" for his direct and sometimes abrasive style, is considered both close and loyal to Netanyahu.

After his appointment, Katz vowed to defeat Israel's enemies and achieve the country's war goals.

"We will work together to lead the defence establishment to victory over our enemies and to achieve the goals of the war: the return of all hostages as the most important moral mission, the destruction of Hamas in Gaza, the defeat of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the containment of Iranian aggression, and the safe return of the residents of the north and south to their homes," he said in a statement.

A member of Netanyahu's ruling Likud party, in which he was previously president of the party's convention, Katz has held multiple cabinet roles going back to 2003.

Attacks on the UN

As foreign minister, Katz drew international attention for his pointed attacks on world leaders and international organisations that had expressed opposition to Israeli military actions, particularly in Gaza.

He spearheaded a diplomatic battle against the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, and last month Israel's parliament banned the agency from working in Israel and occupied east Jerusalem.

On Monday, Katz instructed his ministry to formally notify the United Nations that Israel was cancelling its agreements with UNRWA.

Last month Katz triggered outrage when he declared UN chief Antonio Guterres "persona non grata in Israel" and wrote in a post on X that he would ban him from entering the country.

Before serving as foreign minister, Katz's most notable role was as minister of transport.

He spent a decade in the post from 2009-2019, but had also held the energy and finance portfolios in various Netanyahu cabinets.

Aviv Bushinsky, a political commentator and Netanyahu's former chief of staff, told AFP that Katz was likely to be more in tune with the prime minister than his predecessor Gallant.

"I cannot recall an incident when Israel Katz was in opposition to Netanyahu with anything," Bushinsky said.

"It is true he does not have any military experience, but he was a very good transport minister and has sat in the cabinet for many years," he added.

"Besides, Netanyahu thinks he can run the show himself – and he has managed to run the show even though Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, two generals, quit the government."

Born in the coastal city of Ashkelon, Katz has been a prominent player in Israeli politics since becoming a member of parliament, the Knesset, in 1998.

Today he is among the highest-ranking ministers in the Likud party.

Married with two children, Katz is a resident of Moshav Kfar Ahim in southern Israel.

(AFP)

It’s not official yet but Mount Fuji gets its trademark snowcap after the longest delay in 130 years


Mt. Fuji in Japan is covered with snow Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. 

Mt. Fuji in Japan is covered with snow Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.

Mt. Fuji in Japan is covered with snow Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024

Mt. Fuji is snowcapped, seen from Shizuoka prefecture, central Japan Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. 

 Mount Fuji in the early morning sunlight is seen from Lake Kawaguchi, Japan, on Aug. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI
 November 5, 2024

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s Mount Fuji finally got its trademark snowcap early on Wednesday, more than a month after it normally would and after setting a record for the most-delayed snowfall in 130 years.

The first snowfall on Mt. Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, could be seen from the southwestern side of the mountain, according to the Shizuoka branch of the Japan Meteorological Agency.

But the JMA’s Kofu Local Meteorological Office, which is on the other side of the mountain and has been in charge of making the announcement since 1984, still could not see the snow due to cloudy weather — meaning it’s not official yet.

The lack of snow on Mt. Fuji on Tuesday broke the previous record set on Oct. 26, 2016, meteorological officials said.

Usually, the 3,776-meter- (nearly 12,300-foot-) high mountain has sprinkles of snow falling on its summit starting Oct. 2, about a month after the summertime hiking season there ends. Last year, snow fell on the mountain on Oct. 5, according to the JMA.

The snowless Mt. Fuji has captured attention on social media. People posted photos showing the bare mountain, some expressing surprise and others concerned over climate change.


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The JMA’s Kofu office has cited October’s surprisingly summery weather as the reason. The temperature earlier this year has been higher across Japan, including Mt. Fuji.

“Many people are waiting to see the snowcap and we’ve received many inquiries recently,” Kiryu said. He said clouds around the mountaintop have blocked the view since Wednesday morning, delaying the confirmation of the snowcap, but officials are continuing to try to get a peak at the first snowfall.

Kiryu said it is too early to link this year’s late snowcap to global warming, noting Mt. Fuji’s first snow last year was in early October, adding: “I think we need to examine data for a longer period of time to make any conclusion.”

The average October temperature is minus 2 degrees Celsius (28.4 degrees Fahrenheit) at the summit, but this year, it was 1.6 C, (34.9 F), a record high since 1932.

Japan this year also had an unusually hot summer and warm autumn.

A symbol of Japan, the mountain called “Fujisan” used to be a place of pilgrimage. The mountain with its snowy top and near symmetrical slopes have been the subject of numerous forms of art, including Japanese ukiyoe artist Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.

Today, it attracts hikers who climb to the summit to see the sunrise. But tons of trash left behind and overcrowding have triggered concern and calls for environmental protection and measures to control overtourism.

Jun Kubota, a weather forecaster and a climber who grew up in Yamanashi, one of the two prefectures that are home to Mt. Fuji, says he is concerned if this year’s delayed snowfall is part of a trend.

“I wonder if the season we can enjoy the snow is getting shorter, not just at Mt. Fuji but also on other mountains in central Japan or on Hokkaido,” Kubota said in a Zoom call. i


He noted reports of snow shortage on ski slopes in recent years. “I’m afraid there could be an impact not only on snow mountain climbing, but also winter sports in general.”
___

AP video journalist Mayuko Ono contributed to this report.

Puerto Rico awaits historic results in four-way gubernatorial election



A supporter waves a Puerto Rican Independence Party flag while holding a campaign poster promoting the Citizens’ Victory Movement mayoral candidate Manuel Natal, during a caravan in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)

Voters line up at a polling station during general elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)

Juan Dalmau, Puerto Rico’s Independence Party candidate for Governor, arrives with his family to vote in general elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)

Jenniffer González, Puerto Rico’s New Progressive Party candidate for Governor, arrives to vote in the general elections in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Alejandro Granadillo)


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico awaited election results late Tuesday that will be historic regardless of which of the two top candidates in the lead wins.

If Jenniffer González of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party wins Tuesday’s election, it will mark the first time in the island’s history that the party secures three consecutive terms.

If Juan Dalmau, who is running for Puerto Rico’s Independence Party and Citizen Victory Movement, wins, it will be the first victory for a candidate outside of the two main parties that have dominated the island’s politics for decades. If he comes in second, he will also make history as the first third-party candidate to do so.

As of late Tuesday, González had 40% of the votes and Dalmau had 32% with 73% of precincts reporting, according to partial results released by Puerto Rico’s State Elections Commission.

“Until the last vote is counted, no one here can claim a victory,” Dalmau said.

Trailing González and Dalmau was Jesús Manuel Ortiz, who conceded defeat as his Popular Democratic Party came in third for the first time in a general election.


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Javier Jiménez of Project Dignity, a conservative party created in 2019, conceded earlier after coming in fourth.

Voters began celebrating certain results early, with some clutching brooms as they talked about “cleaning house” and others cheering around a car fitted with a coffin on top.

Earlier on Tuesday, thousands of voters across the U.S. territory stood in long lines clutching umbrellas, undeterred by heavy rain.

“I feel that for the first time, there is an opportunity for change,” said Jorge Hernández, a 24-year-old arts student as he waited to cast his vote. “The bipartisanship is losing strength. I have faith that there can be real change.”

For decades, the New Progressive Party and the Popular Democratic Party would receive at least 90% of all votes, but that began to change in 2016. Newer parties are attracting more voters given Puerto Rico’s economic and political turmoil while a younger generation is decrying corruption, persistent power outages and a lack of affordable housing, among other things.

Education, health and public safety also were on voters’ minds as they marveled at the long lines despite the rain.

“I’ve never seen it like this,” said Nadja Oquendo, a 62-year-old retiree.

Faviola Alcalá, a pro surfer, said she was voting for the first time and was thrilled to see the line at her polling station.

“I love it,” she said, adding that she wants a break from Puerto Rico’s two main parties and more opportunities for young people.

Among the voters who stepped out despite the rain was reggaetón superstar Bad Bunny, who has derided the pro-statehood party and made a brief appearance at Dalmau’s campaign closer.

“I trust that we the people of Puerto Rico will make the right decision for the future of our people,” he told reporters.


Delayed results

Long lines were reported at several polling stations given malfunctioning voting machines and other issues, including power outages.

Some voters turned on their phone’s timers to see how long they stood in line while others munched on snacks as a street vendor cried out, “Cold water! Cold water!”

Ommy González, a 25-year-old bartender who was voting for the first time, carried a fold-out chair and a water bottle.

“I’m very excited,” he said. “Obviously we want something different for the people.”

González said he wants a stronger economy and education system and denounced persistent political corruption: “Stop taking money and misspending it.”

Several voters said they were surprised at how quickly minority and new parties have become serious threats to the stronghold the two main parties have had on Puerto Rico’s politics.

“I didn’t see this happening so early on, but I’m glad,” said Giulianna Abreu, a 33-year-old publicist.

Long lines persisted after the official closing of polls at 5 p.m. local time Tuesday, and people already in line were allowed to vote. Results could take days. In 2020, it took officials four days to release preliminary results.

Dalmau, however, said he believed results for the governorship would be ready by late Tuesday: “We are hopeful that this country will take a historic step.”

Puerto Rico’s State Elections Commission is still counting more than 220,000 early and absentee votes, with counting starting more than two weeks later than usual. Jessika Padilla, the commission’s alternate president, said some 40% of those votes had been counted as of Monday.

“This validation process is one that we are not going to take lightly,” she said.

More than 5,000 inmates out of some 7,400 total also have voted, although it’s unclear how many of those votes have been counted.

Officials also are still receiving allegations about electoral crimes, including from people who said they received confirmations for early voting when they made no such request.

A status question and a symbolic vote

On Tuesday, voters also were asked for a seventh time about Puerto Rico’s political status. The nonbinding referendum offers three options: statehood, independence and independence with free association, under which issues like foreign affairs, U.S. citizenship and use of the U.S. dollar would be negotiated.

“We’re going to work to give our people equality,” said Jenniffer González of the pro-statehood party.

Party officials have long noted that despite being a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico receives unequal treatment when it comes to Medicaid, Medicare and other federal programs.

Statehood obtained 56% of votes followed by independence with 32%, the first time that option clinches second place in referendums that included that choice. More than 111,000 ballots were left blank.

Regardless of the outcome, a change in status requires approval from the U.S. Congress.

Some voters on Monday said that statehood is the only thing that will help pull Puerto Rico out of its slump.

In addition, Puerto Ricans on Tuesday can support Kamala Harris or Donald Trump in a symbolic vote if they wish. While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens, those on the island are not allowed to vote in U.S. presidential elections.

Harris obtained 73% of symbolic votes versus 27% for Trump.
____

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

  

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