bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of indigenous the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in combination with chlorantraniliprole against Spodoptera species
Authors: Sarwar Ghulam , Maan Naeem Arshad , Ayub Muhammad Ahsin , Shahid Muhammad Rafiq , Malik Mubasher Ahmad , Farooq Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Background

The armyworms, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner), and S. litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are polyphagous pests of many cash crops. Heavy crop losses have been reported for the fruit and vegetable crops each year owing to the diverse impact on global economies. The present study was aimed to sort out a novel method of pest control using the insect’s own nucleopolyhedrosis virus (NPV) alone and in combination with a new chemistry insecticide chlorantraniliprole.

Results

In the study, the effect of indigenous isolated nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) and the chemical insecticide (chlorantraniliprole) formulations against the 2nd and 4th larval instars of S. litura and S. exigua, collected from the different geographical region of Punjab (Pakistan) province, was evaluated. Three concentrations of the NPV isolate, sub-lethal (1 × 104, 6 × 104 POB ml−1), lethal (3 × 105 POB ml−1), and chlorantraniliprole 0.01 μl l−1, were applied alone and in combination against the 2nd and 4th larval instars of both pest species. The lethal concentration of NPV + chlorantraniliprole exhibited synergistic interaction and caused high larval mortality against both instars, while in all other combinations, additive effect was observed. Moreover, NPV + chlorantraniliprole at lethal concentration exhibited decreased pupation, adult emergence, and egg eclosion.

Conclusion

The implications of using NPV alone and in combination with an insecticide are discussed briefly in this study.
Fungal entomopathogens: a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Rajat , Sharma Priyanka
Published: March 2021

Background

Apprehensions about the safety and the environment regarding the insecticidal application against insect infestations have directed our attention toward advancement of biological mediators so that they are assimilated into the concept of integrated pest management stratagems to develop a more practical approach for the management of insect pests. Management of insect pests by making use of biological approaches (such as fungal entomopathogens (EPF) or others which are antagonistic to insect population) provides a substitute approach which reduces the continuous use of chemical amalgams against insect pests.

Main body

The present review provides a framework of the present status of information on EPF as it identifies with their current use as biological control of pest infestations. To utilize a variety of biological control methodologies against insect hosts, it is essential to improve our comprehension of the ecology of EPF and also their role in nature. This article may assist us with understanding the virulence and the virulence factors related with EPF and present the latest developments and accomplishments in the significant field. We focus on recent instances of studies that show the overall patterns in interactions among insect pests and EPF prompting the advancement of epizootics. Also, we sum up the topical discoveries on current status of mycoinsecticides and propose future research needs.

Conclusions

As the current mechanism of fungal pathogenesis on insects is moderately slow and needs improvement, there is likewise the requirement for additional comprehension of the interactions among entomopathogens and insect pests so as to grow soundly planned procedures by identifying potential targets and via the improvement of fungal strains for improving the adequacy of these organisms in field applications.
COVID-19 in a pediatric cohort—retrospective review of chest computer tomography findings
Authors: Pina Prata Rita , Forjaco Ana , Ruano Carina A. , Lopes Dias João , Fernandes Lúcia , Ferreira Alexandra , Alves Pedro , Cabrita Carneiro Rita , Nunes Ana , Soares Eugénia
Published: March 2021

Background

Radiological features of the novel 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been mainly described in adults. Available literature states that imaging findings in children are similar but less pronounced. The aim of this study is to describe and illustrate the chest computer tomography (CT) features of pediatric COVID-19.

Results

This retrospective study was based on the review of all the chest CTs performed in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease between March 8th and May 26th 2020 (n = 24). The presence of comorbidities and coinfection was assessed, as well as timing of CT examination in relation to the onset of symptoms. CT findings were categorized as typical, indeterminate, atypical, and negative for COVID-19 according to International Expert Consensus Statement on Chest Imaging in Pediatric COVID-19 Patient Management. This study found that CT findings were abnormal in 17 (71%) patients, with 5 (21%), 9 (38%), and 3 (13%) patients considered to have typical, indeterminate, and atypical findings, respectively. The most common CT patterns were multiple ground-glass opacities (58%), followed by consolidations (50%). Six patients showed predominantly peripheral distribution of parenchymal abnormalities. A halo sign was identified in 3 patients and a perilobular pattern was identified in one of the cases with typical findings.

Conclusions

Chest CT findings in children infected with SARS-CoV-2 can be subtle or absent. Besides recognizing typical findings, radiologists should be able to identify features that favor different or concomitant diagnosis.
Green chemistry approach: method development and validation for identification and quantification of entecavir using FT-IR in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Naz Asia , Tabish Itrat , Naseer Ayesha , Siddiqi Ahsan Zamir , Siddiqui Farhan Ahmed , Mirza Agha Zeeshan
Published: March 2021

Background

Chemical hazard is one of the most prominent side effects that come out along with the benefits of pharmaceutical production. Chemicals usage and waste production are involved in each step of production and are found to be in high percentage at the stage of quality testing. Conventional quality testing (assay) involves the use of solvents and reagents that generates high flammable and non-flammable waste and also enhanced the per batch cost of the medicine, whereas green chemistry offers a benign environment for drug designing, manufacturing, and analysis.

Results

In the present study, a green FTIR method for assay of antiviral drugs entecavir is developed and validated as per ICH Q2_R1 guidelines. A calibration curve is plotted between absorbance and concentration, yielding excellent linearity with a correlation coefficient (r2) value of 0.9991 in the concentration range of 0.25–0.75 mg.

Conclusion

The developed method was validated and was very specific, accurate (99.9–100%) at three levels of 80, 100, and 120% of test concentration and precise with < 1% RSD. The LOD of the method is 0.0674 mg and is able to quantify the active at the limit of 0.2042 mg. Four different drug brands available in the local market are assayed by the validated method, and %recoveries are found to be in the range of 99–101%.

Graphical abstract

Green Chemistry Approach: Method Development and Validation for Identification and Quantification of Entecavir using FT-IR in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
In vitro antibacterial and in silico docking studies of two Schiff bases on Staphylococcus aureus and its target proteins
Authors: K Ragi , Kakkassery Joby Thomas , Raphael Vinod P. , Johnson Reeja , K Vidhya Thomas
Published: March 2021

Background

Schiff base compounds have extensive applications in various fields such as analytical, inorganic, organic, and biological fields. They have excellent pharmacology application prospects in the modern era and are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. In the present work in vitro antibacterial and in silico docking studies of two Schiff base compounds 2,2’-(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-diylidene)bis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)diphenol (DmChDp) and N,N’-(5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-diylidene)dianiline (DmChDa) were carried out against the bacterial strain Staphylococcus aureus and its target proteins.

Results

The tests proved that the ligands have potential antibacterial activity. In the computational analysis, the drug-like properties of the compounds were first pre-filtered using the Lipinski rule of five. Then, molecular docking study was conducted using the AutoDock 4.2 program, to establish the mechanism by which the molecules inhibit the growth of S. aureus. For this purpose, 6 different target proteins (PDB ID: 1T2P, 3U2D, 2W9S, 1N67, 2ZCO, and 4H8E) of S. aureus were selected. Both the Schiff bases showed a good binding affinity with the target protein dihydrofolate reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 2W9S) but in different sites. Maximum binding energies of about − 10.3 and − 10.2 kcal/mol were observed when DmChDp and DmChDa were docked with 2W9S.

Conclusion

Schiff base compounds DmChDp and DmChDa have appreciable growth-inhibitory power against S. aureus, which can be attributed to the deactivation of the enzyme, dihydrofolate reductase.
Cancer and COVID-19 Experiences at African Cancer Centers: The Silver Lining
Authors: Grossheim Linda , Ruff Paul , Ngoma Twalib , Vanderpuye Verna , Mwango Gladys , Ochieng Primus , Palmer Dennis , Kouya Francine , Lasebikan Nwamaka , Ntekim Atara , Ngoma Mamsau , Bih Noella , Malloum Abba , Elzawawy Ahmed , Kerr David , Ngwa Wilfred
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted cancer care in Africa, further exposing major health disparities. This paper compares and contrasts the experiences of 15 clinicians in six different African cancer centers to highlight the positive aspects (silver linings) in an otherwise negative situation.

METHODS

Data are from personal experience of the clinicians working at the six cancer centers blended with what is available in the literature.

RESULTS

The impact of COVID-19 on cancer care appeared to vary not only across the continent but also over cancer centers. Different factors such as clinic location, services offered, available resources, and level of restrictions imposed because of COVID-19 were associated with these variations. Collectively, delays in treatment and limited access to cancer care were commonly reported in the different regions.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of data on cancer patients with COVID-19 and online COVID-19 and cancer registries for Africa. Analysis of the available data, however, suggests a higher mortality rate for cancer patients with COVID-19 compared with those without cancer. Positive or silver linings coming out of the pandemic include the adoption of hypofractionated radiation therapy and teleoncology to enhance access to care while protecting patients and staff members. Increasing collaborations using online technology with oncology health professionals across the world are also being seen as a silver lining, with valuable sharing of experiences and expertise to improve care, enhance learning, and reduce disparities. Advanced information and communication technologies are seen as vital for such collaborations and could avail efforts in dealing with the ongoing pandemic and potential future crises.
A Case Report of the Anesthetic Management of a Parturient With Congenital Hypofibrinogenemia and Complete Placenta Previa
Authors: Winebrenner Hans , Gelfand Harold , Roman-Banegas Luciano , Angelo Tiffany , Jabaut Joshua M.
Published: March 2021

A multidisciplinary approach among the obstetric, hematological, pharmaceutical, nursing, and anesthetic team proved essential for the successful peripartum management of a gravida 3, para 2 female with a new diagnosis of congenital hypofibrinogenemia complicated by a complete placenta previa. The patient presented to labor and delivery triage with vaginal bleeding. This case report describes the management of this parturient and presents a review of the literature available for the anesthetic management of parturients with congenital hypofibrinogenemia.
The SARS-CoV-2 receptor and other key components of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System related to COVID-19 are expressed in enterocytes in larval zebrafish
Authors: Postlethwait John H. , Massaquoi Michelle S. , Farnsworth Dylan R. , Yan Yi-Lin , Guillemin Karen , Miller Adam C.
Published: March 2021

People with underlying conditions, including hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, are especially susceptible to negative outcomes after infection with coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19. Hypertension and respiratory inflammation are exacerbated by the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS), which normally protects from rapidly dropping blood pressure via Angiotensin II (Ang II) produced by the enzyme Ace. The Ace paralog Ace2 degrades Ang II, counteracting its chronic effects, and serves as the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. Ace, the coronavirus, and COVID-19 comorbidities all regulate Ace2, but we do not yet understand how. To exploit zebrafish (Danio rerio) to help understand the relationship of the RAAS to COVID-19, we must identify zebrafish orthologs and co-orthologs of human RAAS genes and understand their expression patterns. To achieve these goals, we conducted genomic and phylogenetic analyses and investigated single cell transcriptomes. Results showed that most human RAAS genes have one or more zebrafish orthologs or co-orthologs. Results identified a specific type of enterocyte as the specific site of expression of zebrafish orthologs of key RAAS components, including Ace, Ace2, Slc6a19 (SARS-CoV-2 co-receptor), and the Angiotensin-related peptide cleaving enzymes Anpep (receptor for the common cold coronavirus HCoV-229E), and Dpp4 (receptor for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome virus, MERS-CoV). Results identified specific vascular cell subtypes expressing Ang II receptors, apelin, and apelin receptor genes. These results identify genes and cell types to exploit zebrafish as a disease model for understanding mechanisms of COVID-19.
COVID-19 and the HIV care continuum in Uganda: minimising collateral damage
Authors: Kagimu Enock , Martyn Emily M. , Gakuru Jane , Kasibante John , Rutakingirwa Morris  K , Kwizera Richard , Ssebambulidde Kenneth , Williams Darlisha , Ellis Jayne , Cresswell Fiona  V , Meya David B.
Published: March 2021

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread across the world within months of its first description in Wuhan, China in December 2019, resulting in an unprecedented global health emergency. Whilst Europe and North America are the current epicentres of infection, the global health community are preparing for the potential effects of this new disease on the African continent. Modelling studies predict that factors such as  youthful and rural population may be protective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region, however, with 220 million infections and 4.6 million hospitalisations predicted in the first year of the pandemic alone, fragile health systems could still be placed under significant strain. Furthermore, subsequent disruptions to the provision of services for people living with HIV, or at risk of acquiring HIV, are predicted to lead to an extra 500,000 adult HIV deaths and a 2-fold increase in mother to child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa in 2020-2021. Ignoring these predictions may have severe consequences and we risk “stepping back in time” in AIDS-related deaths to numbers seen over a decade ago. Reflecting on our current experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, we explore the potential impact of public health measures implemented to mitigate spread of COVID-19 on the HIV care continuum, and suggest areas of focus for HIV services, policy makers and governments to urgently address in order to minimise the collateral damage.
Biochemical and clinical characterization of metabolic phenotypes: a cross-sectional study from Maracaibo city, Venezuela
Authors: Bermudez Valmore , Rojas Joselyn , Salazar Juan , Martinez Maria Sofia , Olivar Luis Carlos , Calvo Maria Jose , Mindiola Andres , Añez Roberto , Wilches-Duran Sandra , Cerda Marcos , Graterol Modesto , Graterol Rosemily , Hernandez Juan Diego , Garicano Carlos , Velasco Manuel
Published: March 2021

Background: In 1980, Reuben Andresen observed that in certain individuals, obesity did not increase mortality, introducing an atypical phenotype called “healthy obese”. Other studies reported that 10-15 % of lean individuals presented insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The objective of this study was to evaluate biochemical and clinical characteristics of metabolic phenotypes in Maracaibo city.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional sub-analysis of The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study, with a randomized multistage sampling was performed including 1226 non diabetic individuals from both sexes. For phenotype definition, the subjects were first classified according to their BMI into Normal-Weight, Overweight and Obese; then divided in metabolically healthy and unhealthy using a two-step analysis cluster being predictive variables: HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-βcell, triglycerides. To evaluate the relationship with coronary risk, a multiple logistic regression model was performed.

Results: In the studied population, 43.9% (n=538) were healthy normal weight, 5.2% (n=64) unhealthy normal weight, 17.4% (n=217) healthy obese and 33.5% (n=411) unhealthy obese subjects. Atypical phenotypes, Metabolically Unhealthy Normal-Weight (MUNW) was more frequent in males (56.3%), whereas Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUO) was more frequent in females (51.3%). This phenotypes had a higher coronary event risk, especially for obese individuals (MHO: OR=1.85 CI95%: 1.11-3.09; p=0.02 and MUO: OR=2.09 CI95%: 1.34-3.28; p<0.01).

Conclusion: Individuals with atypical metabolic phenotypes are common in Maracaibo city. Related factors may include insulin resistance, basal glucose, and triglycerides levels. Lastly, obese subjects show a higher coronary event risk even those with normal metabolic status.
Effect of teaching leadership styles on the prevention of adolescence pregnancy: a case study conducted at Universidad César Vallejo, Peru
Authors: Delgado Bardales José Manuel , Rubio Luna Victoria Edward Freddy , Vega Orfelina Valera , Contreras Julián Rosa Mabel , Palomino Alvarado Gabriela del Pilar , Sánchez Dávila Keller , Rodríguez Espejo Yoni Meni , Lowy Daniel A.
Published: March 2021

Background: In this study we aimed to determine the effect of university teaching and leadership styles at Universidad César Vallejo on the prevention of adolescence pregnancy.

Methods:  We performed a non-experimental, quantitative, cross-sectional study, with a correlational descriptive design using a survey. Participants were students in classes enrolled in the starting two semesters at Universidad César Vallejo, Peru. The questionnaire comprised three sections: (I) General demographic data, (II) Teacher leadership styles, and (III) Pregnancy prevention teachings.

Results: According to the students (n=793), teaching leadership styles are of three types: Laissez faire, transactional, and transformational. Types of pregnancy prevention from the students’ standpoint are the following: "high" level of "primary prevention" (44.4%), "medium" level of "tertiary prevention" (36.6%), and "high" level of "secondary prevention" (36.2%). Chi-Square test revealed that the three styles of leadership significantly affect the prevention of pregnancy: transformational (X2 = 136.390), transactional (X2 = 95.539), and Laissez Faire (X2 = 80.557) (p <0.05). Overall, there is a significant impact of university teaching leadership on pregnancy prevention among higher education students (X2 = 110,634, p = 0.0000), with a significance level of 5%.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that for college students, teaching leadership style significantly affects the prevention of adolescent pregnancy.
SARS-CoV-2 and the role of fomite transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Onakpoya Igho J. , Heneghan Carl J. , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Evans David H. , Conly John M. , Jefferson Tom
Published: March 2021

Background:SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in fomites which suggests the virus could be transmitted via inanimate objects. However, there is uncertainty about the mechanistic pathway for such transmissions. Our objective was to identify, appraise and summarise the evidence from primary studies and systematic reviews assessing the role of fomites in transmission. 

Methods:This review is part of an Open Evidence Review on Transmission Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. We conduct ongoing searches using WHO Covid-19 Database, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar; assess study quality based on five criteria and report important findings on an ongoing basis.

Results:We found64 studies: 63 primary studies and one systematic review (n=35). The settings for primary studies were predominantly in hospitals (69.8%) including general wards, ICU and SARS-CoV-2 isolation wards. There were variations in the study designs including timing of sample collection, hygiene procedures, ventilation settings and cycle threshold. The overall quality of reporting was low to moderate. The frequency of positive SARS-CoV-2 tests across 51 studies (using RT-PCR) ranged from 0.5% to 75%. Cycle threshold values ranged from 20.8 to 44.1. Viral concentrations were reported in 17 studies; however, discrepancies in the methods for estimation prevented comparison. Eleven studies (17.5%) attempted viral culture, but none found a cytopathic effect. Results of the systematic review showed that healthcare settings were most frequently tested (25/35, 71.4%), but laboratories reported the highest frequency of contaminated surfaces (20.5%, 17/83). 

Conclusions:The majority of studies report identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on inanimate surfaces; however, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating the recovery of viable virus. Lack of positive viral cultures and variation in cycle thresholds create uncertainty about fomites as a mode of transmission. Heterogeneity in study designs and methodology prevents comparisons of findings across studies. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting research on fomite transmission is warranted.
SARS-CoV-2 and the role of orofecal transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Heneghan Carl J. , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Onakpoya Igho J. , Evans David H. , Conly John M. , Jefferson Tom
Published: March 2021

Background: Mode of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is of key public health importance. SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in the feces of some COVID-19 patients, suggesting the possibility that the virus could, in addition to droplet and fomite transmission, be transmitted via the orofecal route.

Methods: This review is part of an Open Evidence Review on Transmission Dynamics of COVID-19. We conduct ongoing searches using WHO COVID-19 Database, LitCovid, medRxiv, and Google Scholar; assess study quality based on five criteria and report important findings on an ongoing basis. Where necessary, authors are contacted for further details on the content of their articles.

Results: We include searches up until 20 December 2020. We included 110 relevant studies: 76 primary observational studies or reports, and 35 reviews (one cohort study also included a review) examining the potential role of orofecal transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Of the observational studies, 37 were done in China. A total of 48 studies (n=9,081 patients) reported single cases, case series or cohort data on individuals with COVID-19 diagnosis or their contacts and 46 (96%) detected binary RT-PCR with 535 out of 1358 samples positive for SARs-CoV-2 (average 39.4%). The results suggest a long duration of fecal shedding, often recorded after respiratory samples tested negative, and symptoms of gastrointestinal disease were reported in several studies. Twenty-nine studies reported finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater, river water or toilet areas. Six studies attempted viral culture from COVID-19 patients’ fecal samples: culture was successful in 3 of 6 studies, and one study demonstrated invasion of the virus into the intestinal epithelial cells.

Conclusions: Varied observational and mechanistic evidence suggests SARS-CoV-2 can infect and be shed from the gastrointestinal tract, including some data demonstrating viral culture in fecal samples. Future studies should test this hypothesis rigorously to allow the development of appropriate public health measures.
Stage 2 Registered Report: Anomalous perception in a Ganzfeld condition - A meta-analysis of more than 40 years investigation
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Storm Lance
Published: March 2021

This meta-analysis is an investigation into anomalous perception (i.e., conscious identification of information without any conventional sensorial means). The technique used for eliciting an effect is the ganzfeld condition (a form of sensory homogenization that eliminates distracting peripheral noise). The database consists of studies published between January 1974 and December 2020 inclusive.

The overall effect size estimated both with a frequentist and a Bayesian random-effect model, were in close agreement yielding an effect size of .088 (.04-.13). This result passed four publication bias tests and seems not contaminated by questionable research practices.

Trend analysis carried out with a cumulative meta-analysis and a meta-regression model with Year of publication as covariate, did not indicate sign of decline of this effect size.

The moderators analyses show that selected participants outcomes were almost three-times those obtained by non-selected participants and that tasks that simulate telepathic communication show a two-fold effect size with respect to tasks requiring the participants to guess a target.

The Stage 1 Registered Report can be accessed here: https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.24868.3
Proceedings of an expert workshop on community agreement for gene drive research in Africa - Co-organised by KEMRI, PAMCA and Target Malaria
Authors: Thizy Delphine , Pare Toe Lea , Mbogo Charles , Matoke-Muhia Damaris , Alibu Vincent Pius , Barnhill-Dilling S. Kathleen , Chantler Tracey , Chongwe Gershom , Delborne Jason , Kapiriri Lydia , Nassonko Kavuma Esther , Koloi-Keaikitse Sethlomo , Kormos Ana , Littler Katherine , Lwetoijera Dickson , Vargas de Moraes Roberta , Mumba Noni , Mutengu Lilian , Mwichuli Sylvia , Nabukenya Silvia Elizabeth , Nakigudde Janet , Ndebele Paul , Ngara Carolyne , Ochomo Eric , Odiwuor Ondiek Simon , Rivera Stephany , Roberts Aaron J. , Robinson Benjamin , Sambakunsi Rodrick , Saxena Abha , Sykes Naima , Tarimo Brian B. , Tiffin Nicki , Tountas Karen H.
Published: March 2021

Gene drive research is progressing towards future field evaluation of modified mosquitoes for malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa. While many literature sources and guidance point to the inadequacy of individual informed consent for any genetically modified mosquito release, including gene drive ones, (outside of epidemiological studies that might require blood samples) and at the need for a community-level decision, researchers often find themselves with no specific guidance on how that decision should be made, expressed and by whom. Target Malaria, the Kenya Medical Research Institute and the Pan African Mosquito Control Association co-organised a workshop with researchers and practitioners on this topic to question the model proposed by Target Malaria in its research so far that involved the release of genetically modified sterile male mosquitoes and how this could be adapted to future studies involving gene drive mosquito releases for them to offer reflections about potential best practices. This paper shares the outcomes of that workshop and highlights the remaining topics for discussion before a comprehensive model can be designed.
Testing a computational model of causative overgeneralizations: Child judgment and production data from English, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese and K’iche’
Authors: Ambridge Ben , Doherty Laura , Maitreyee Ramya , Tatsumi Tomoko , Zicherman Shira , Mateo Pedro Pedro , Kawakami Ayuno , Bidgood Amy , Pye Clifton , Narasimhan Bhuvana , Arnon Inbal , Bekman Dani , Efrati Amir , Fabiola Can Pixabaj Sindy , Marroquín Pelíz Mario , Julajuj Mendoza Margarita , Samanta Soumitra , Campbell Seth , McCauley Stewart , Berman Ruth , Misra Sharma Dipti , Bhaya Nair Rukmini , Fukumura Kumiko
Published: March 2021

How do language learners avoid the production of verb argument structure overgeneralization errors (*The clown laughed the man c.f. The clown made the man laugh), while retaining the ability to apply such generalizations productively when appropriate? This question has long been seen as one that is both particularly central to acquisition research and particularly challenging. Focussing on causative overgeneralization errors of this type, a previous study reported a computational model that learns, on the basis of corpus data and human-derived verb-semantic-feature ratings, to predict adults’ by-verb preferences for less- versus more-transparent causative forms (e.g., *The clown laughed the man vs The clown made the man laugh) across English, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese and K’iche Mayan. Here, we tested the ability of this model to explain binary grammaticality judgment data from children aged 4;0-5;0, and elicited-production data from children aged 4;0-5;0 and 5;6-6;6 (N=48 per language). In general, the model successfully simulated both children’s judgment and production data, with correlations of r=0.5-0.6 and r=0.75-0.85, respectively, and also generalized to unseen verbs. Importantly, learners of all five languages showed some evidence of making the types of overgeneralization errors – in both judgments and production – previously observed in naturalistic studies of English (e.g., *I’m dancing it). Together with previous findings, the present study demonstrates that a simple discriminative learning model can explain (a) adults’ continuous judgment data, (b) children’s binary judgment data and (c) children’s production data (with no training of these datasets), and therefore constitutes a plausible mechanistic account of the retreat from overgeneralization.
The abTEM code: transmission electron microscopy from first principles
Authors: Madsen Jacob , Susi Toma
Published: March 2021

Simulation of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images or diffraction patterns is often required to interpret experimental data. Since nuclear cores dominate electron scattering, the scattering potential is typically described using the independent atom model, which completely neglects valence bonding and its effect on the transmitting electrons. As instrumentation has advanced, new measurements have revealed subtle details of the scattering potential that were previously not accessible to experiment.

We have created an open-source simulation code designed to meet these demands by integrating the ability to calculate the potential via density functional theory (DFT) with a flexible modular software design. abTEM can simulate most standard imaging modes and incorporates the latest algorithmic developments. The development of new techniques requires a program that is accessible to domain experts without extensive programming experience. abTEM is written purely in Python and designed for easy modification and extension.

The effective use of modern open-source libraries makes the performance of abTEM highly competitive with existing optimized codes on both CPUs and GPUs and allows us to leverage an extensive ecosystem of libraries, such as the Atomic Simulation Environment and the DFT code GPAW. abTEM is designed to work in an interactive Python notebook, creating a seamless and reproducible workflow from defining an atomic structure, calculating molecular dynamics (MD) and electrostatic potentials, to the analysis of results, all in a single, easy-to-read document. 

This article provides ongoing documentation of abTEM development. In this first version, we show use cases for hexagonal boron nitride, where valence bonding can be detected, a 4D-STEM simulation of molybdenum disulfide including ptychographic phase reconstruction, a comparison of MD and frozen phonon modeling for convergent-beam electron diffraction of a 2.6-million-atom silicon system, and a performance comparison of our fast implementation of the PRISM algorithm for a decahedral 20000-atom gold nanoparticle.
Optimization and parallelization of the discrete ordinate method for radiation transport simulation in OpenFOAM: Hierarchical combination of shared and distributed memory approaches
Authors: Moreno-SanSegundo Jose , Casado Cintia , Concha David , Montemayor Antonio S. , Marugán Javier
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the reduction in memory and computational time for the simulation of complex radiation transport problems with the discrete ordinate method (DOM) model in the open-source computational fluid dynamics platform OpenFOAM. Finite volume models require storage of vector variables in each spatial cell; DOM introduces two additional discretizations, in direction and wavelength, making memory a limiting factor. Using specific classes for radiation sources data, changing the store of fluxes and other minor changes allowed a reduction of 75% in memory requirements. Besides, a hierarchical parallelization was developed, where each node of the standard parallelization uses several computing threads, allowing higher speed and scalability of the problem. This architecture, combined with optimization of some parts of the code, allowed a global speedup of x15. This relevant reduction in time and memory of radiation transport opens a new horizon of applications previously unaffordable.
Label-free super-resolution imaging below 90-nm using photon-reassignment
Authors: Aguilar Alberto , Boyreau Adeline , Bon Pierre
Published: March 2021

Background: Achieving resolutions below 100 nm is key for many fields, including biology and nanomaterial characterization. Although nearfield and electron microscopy are the gold standards for studying the nanoscale, optical microscopy has seen its resolution drastically improve in the last decades. So-called super-resolution microscopy is generally based on fluorescence photophysics and requires modification of the sample at least by adding fluorescent tags, an inevitably invasive step. Therefore, it remains very challenging and rewarding to achieve optical resolutions beyond the diffraction limit in label-free samples.

Methods: Here, we present a breakthrough to unlock label-free 3D super-resolution imaging of any object including living biological samples. It is based on optical photon-reassignment in confocal reflectance imaging mode.

Results: We demonstrate that we surpass the resolution of all fluorescence-based confocal systems by a factor ~1.5. We have obtained images with a 3D (x,y,z) optical resolution of (86x86x248) nm3 using a visible wavelength (445 nm) and a regular microscope objective (NA=1.3). The results are presented on nanoparticles as well as on (living) biological samples.

Conclusions: This cost-effective approach double the resolution of reflectance confocal microscope with minimal modifications. It is therefore compatible with any microscope and sample, works in real-time, and does not require any signal processing.
Simple and robust method for determination of laser fluence thresholds for material modifications: an extension of Liu’s approach to imperfect beams
Authors: Garcia-Lechuga Mario , Grojo David
Published: March 2021

The so-called D-squared or Liu’s method is an extensively applied approach to determine the irradiation fluence thresholds for laser-induced damage or modification of materials. However, one of the assumptions behind the method is the use of an ideal Gaussian profile that can lead in practice to significant errors depending on beam imperfections. In this work, we rigorously calculate the bias corrections required when applying the same method to Airy-disk like profiles. Those profiles are readily produced from any beam by insertion of an aperture in the optical path. Thus, the correction method gives a robust solution for exact threshold determination without any added technical complications as for instance advanced control or metrology of the beam. Illustrated by two case-studies, the approach holds potential to solve the strong discrepancies existing between the laser-induced damage thresholds reported in the literature.  It provides also an appropriate tool for new studies with the most extreme laser radiations.
Cross-over analysis of the climate-change delta situation of the cities Gdansk (Baltic-sea) and Rotterdam (Nord-sea)
Authors: Sanders Fred , Sanders Hugo , Jonkers Karen
Published: March 2021

Gdansk and the city Haarlem in the Netherlands share a long-term relationship that started with the establishment of Dutch Mennonites in the Vistula delta in the 16th Century. A small city was founded called Holland and these immigrants reclaimed the surrounding delta area. This area of 1,000 km2, with hundreds of small ‘polders’ separated and defended by 17,000 dikes, has become an important agricultural area for the whole of Poland, similar to the Rhine delta in the Netherlands. Despite these civil defense works in the past, both coastlines nevertheless experienced floods: the Dutch southwest coast in 1953, Dutch Rhine riverbank in 1993 and 1995, and Vistula delta recently in 2001. Climate change figures show that both the Polish Gdansk and Dutch Rhine deltas will suffer flooding with sea level rises, with accumulating severe rainfall accompanied by high river levels. Although both the Baltic Sea and the North Sea are next to each other and coupled to the Atlantic Ocean, there are differences in how soon or severely climate change trends, such as seawater level rises and water thrust, become critical. From cross-over analysis it can be concluded that Poland and the Netherlands have a virtually identical approach when it comes to climate change impacts on their current situation. With regard to long-term climate change, the Netherlands is exploring the future in a planned manner with the development of new scenarios for the protection of cities. The enclosure of the Baltic Sea, on the other hand, probably offers more options for exchanging knowledge with neighbor states. In that respect, the Netherlands is more isolated in their situation with the North Sea and its Delta Plan. The situation of Gdansk and Rotterdam is quite similar; these cities can take steps forward by learning from each other’s actions.
Radical freedom: Periyar and women
Authors: Manoharan Karthick Ram
Published: March 2021

This paper looks at South Indian social reformer and anti-caste radical Periyar E.V. Ramasamy's approach to the women's question. Periyar was not just an advocate of social and economic equality between the sexes but espoused a radical concept of sexual freedom for women, which is central to his concept of liberty as such. While the anti-colonialists of his period defended native traditions and customs, Periyar welcomed modernity and saw it laden with possibilities for the emancipation of women. Likewise, where other social reformers addressed the women's question within the ambit of the nation and/or the family, Periyar saw both nation and family as institutions that limited the liberties of women. This paper compares his thoughts with The Dialectic of Sex, the key work of the radical feminist Shulamith Firestone, and highlights the similarities in their approach to women's liberation and sexual freedom, especially their critique of child-rearing and child-bearing. It explores Periyar's booklet Women Enslaved in detail and engages with lesser known, new primary material of Periyar on the women's question, concluding with a discussion of his perspective of the West.
A Google Earth Engine-enabled Python approach to improve identification of anthropogenic palaeo-landscape features
Authors: Brandolini Filippo , Domingo-Ribas Guillem , Zerboni Andrea , Turner Sam
Published: March 2021

The necessity of sustainable development for landscapes has emerged as an important theme in recent decades. Current methods take a holistic approach to landscape heritage and promote an interdisciplinary dialogue to facilitate complementary landscape management strategies. With the socio-economic values of the “natural” and “cultural” landscape heritage increasingly recognised worldwide, remote sensing tools are being used more and more to facilitate the recording and management of landscape heritage. Satellite remote sensing technologies have enabled significant improvements in landscape research. The advent of the cloud-based platform of Google Earth Engine (GEE) has allowed the rapid exploration and processing of satellite imagery such as the Landsat and Copernicus Sentinel datasets. In this paper, the use of Sentinel-2 satellite data in the identification of palaeo-riverscape features has been assessed in the Po Plain, selected because it is characterized by human exploitation since the Mid-Holocene. A multi-temporal approach has been adopted to investigate the potential of satellite imagery to detect buried hydrological and anthropogenic features along with spectral index and spectral decomposition analysis. This research represents one of the first applications of the GEE Python application programming interface (API) in landscape studies. The complete free and open-source software (FOSS) cloud protocol proposed here consists of a Python code script developed in Google Colab which could be simply adapted and replicated in different areas of the world.
Ambiguity aversion, modern Bayesianism and small worlds
Authors: Pittis Nikitas , Koundouri Phoebe , Samartzis Panagiotis , Englezos Nikolaos , Papandreou Andreas
Published: March 2021

The central question of this paper is whether a rational agent under uncertainty can exhibit ambiguity aversion (AA). The answer to this question depends on the way the agent forms her probabilistic beliefs: classical Bayesianism (CB) vs modern Bayesianism (MB). We revisit Schmeidler's coin-based example and show that a rational MB agent operating in the context of a "small world", cannot exhibit AA. Hence we argue that the motivation of AA based on Schmeidler's coin-based and Ellsberg's classic urn-based examples, is poor, since they correspond to cases of "small worlds". We also argue that MB, not only avoids AA, but also proves to be normatively superior to CB because an MB agent (i) avoids logical inconsistencies akin to the relation between her subjective probability and objective chance, (ii) resolves the problem of "old evidence" and (iii) allows psychological detachment from actual evidence, hence avoiding the problem of "cognitive dissonance". As far as AA is concerned, we claim that it may be thought of as a (potential) property of large worlds, because in such worlds MB is likely to be infeasible.
Ineffective humoral anti-tick IgY-response in birds: reaction against pathogen constituents?
Authors: Heylen Dieter , Bisaglia Beatrice , Fracasso Gerardo , Prinsen Els , Müller Wendt , Matthysen Erik
Published: March 2021

Background:Variation in parasite burdens among hosts is typically related to differences in adaptive immunity. Comprehension of underlying mechanisms is hence necessary to gain better insights into endemic transmission cycles. Here we investigate whether wild songbirds that have never been exposed to ticks develop adaptive humoral immunity against endemicIxodes ricinusticks.

Methods: Blue tits were exposed three times in succession to wildIxodes ricinusticks. For each infestation, serum samples were obtained. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed, using tick salivary antigens, in order to quantify the bird’s IgY response against ticks. In addition, at every sampling occasion the birds’ body weight (corrected for body size) and haematocrit level was determined.

Results:Individual IgY levels against the ticks’ salivary proteins increased over three consecutive tick infestations, and large among-individual variation was observed. The responses were specifically directed againstI. ricinus; cross-reactivity against the congeneric tree-hole tickIxodes arboricolawas negligibly low. IgY responses did not impinge on tick feeding success (engorgement weight and attachment success). Yet, those birds with the highest immune responses were more capable to reduce the acute harm (blood depletions) by compensating erythrocyte loss. Furthermore, at the end of the experiment, these birds had gained more body weight than birds with lower IgY levels.

Conclusions:Latter observations can be considered as an effect of host quality and/or tolerance mechanisms. Birds anticipate the (future) costs of the activation of the immune system by ticks and/or ongoing tick-borne pathogen infections. Furthermore, although unsuccessful against tick feeding, the IgY responses may indirectly protect birds against tick-borne disease by acting against salivary protein secretions on which pathogens rely for transmission.
Presence, flow, and narrative absorption questionnaires: a scoping review
Authors: Pianzola Federico
Published: March 2021

Background: This is a review and analysis of the questionnaires most used in empirical research on psychological phenomena labelled as “presence,” “flow,” and “narrative absorption,” mostly for experiences mediated by technology (printed books, screens for games and films, and virtual reality). Overlapping concepts have been formulated in different fields according to specific disciplinary interests and based on knowledge within each field.

Objectives: This review focuses on how language is actually used in questionnaire items, rather than on how concepts are formulated top-down and arbitrarily associated with corresponding linguistic expressions that become items of a questionnaire. The goal is to highlight similarities and overlaps in order to show the core aspects of the psychological states elicited by mediated experiences.

Eligibility criteria: Questionnaires developed or used for research about VR, video games, films, or books have been selected for analysis. They should be available in English and used in empirical research since the year 2000.

Sources of evidence: A search has been performed through Google Scholar and two other disciplinary bibliographies edited by international learned societies.

Charting methods: The items of each questionnaire are categorized based on their wordings, and thus independently from the conceptual models within which they have been developed.  Based on this categorization, various domains to which the items can be ascribed are identified (e.g. space, realism, agency, etc.) and psychological phenomena are linked to them (e.g. presence, social presence, narrative absorption, etc.).

Results: 308 items in 23 questionnaires have been found to have overlapping of wordings.

Conclusions: A list of the core aspects of presence, social presence, flow, and narrative absorption is presented, together with a critical selection of items suitable to measure each construct.
Control and audit. Workshop
Authors: Gadzhiev Nazirhan , Konovalenko Sergey , Kornilovich Ruslan , Trofimov Mihail
Published: March 2021

The workshop contains situational tasks and practical tasks on the main chapters of the discipline. The presented tasks, tests and practical situations reveal the specifics of the discipline on such problematic issues as control and audit of operations with cash and securities, control and audit of operations with fixed assets and intangible assets, control and audit of settlement and credit operations, control and audit of financial results and the use of profits. Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation. For cadets, students of the specialty 38.05.01 "Economic Security", studying in higher educational institutions, including educational organizations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.