Logical Form in the Second Language: An Investigation into Quantification in Interlanguage

In coping with variability in morphological production in L2 acquisition, which represents a challenge for the parameter (re-)setting theories, Lardiere (2008) proposed the feature reassembly hypothesis in which sequential difficulty in L2 acquisition of morpho-syntactic features is captured by the processes of (re-)assembly and mapping of features onto their morphological realizations. Slabakova (2009, 2013) incorporated Lardiere’s proposal in establishing a scale of difficulty in learning semantic properties (e.g. definiteness) which is based on whether reassembly is needed and whether the universal meaning is obtained by overt morphology or context (See also Ramchand & Svenonius, 2008). In considering the truth-conditional aspect of meaning, the feature-based framework is not powerful enough to account for the variability of interpretations that L2 learners come to learn. Take as an example the acquisition of English comparatives by Japanese L2 learners. We discuss the L2 acquisition of a special type of syntaxsemantics mismatch in which in which a certain meaningprimitive (i.e., comparative and tense) is expressed using different truth conditions in the native and target language

On Dimensional Property Concepts in Levantine Arabic: Evidence for Uniformitarianism

The goal of this paper is two-fold: First, I present and analyze a restricted set of dimensional nominal property concepts (DNPC) in Levantine Arabic (LA) (e.g., Tuul tallness , ?arD width ) whose semantics supports the syntactic analysis of property concepts under the uniformitarian view (Menon and Pancheva, 2014) and presents a direct theoretical challenge to the semantic analysis under the transparent view (Francez and Koontz-Garboden, 2015). Second, I propose an explanation to the facts based on uniformitarian assumptions along with other independently motivated standard assumptions

Biomechanical Assessment of Restored Mandibular Molar by Endocrown in Comparison to a Glass Fiber Post-Retained Conventional Crown: 3D Finite Element Analysis

Purpose: To compare equivalent and contact stresses in a mandibular molar restored by all-ceramic crowns through twomethods: ceramic endocrowns and ceramic crowns supported by fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts and core, by using 3D finite element analysis during normal masticatory load. Materials and Methods: Three 3D models of a mandibular first molar were made and labeled as such: intact molar with no restoration (A); ceramic endocrown-restored molar (B); ceramic crown supported by FRC posts and core restored molar (C). By using 3D FE analysis with contact components, normal masticatory load was simulated. The mvM stresses in all models were calculated. Maximal mvM stresses in the ceramic of restorations, dentin, and luting cement were contrasted among models and to values of materials’ strength. Contact shear and tensile stresses in the restoration/tooth interface around restorations were also calculated. Results: The highest mvM stress levels in the enamel and dentin for the tooth restored by ceramic endocrown were lower in the crown ceramic than in tooth restored with FRC posts and all-ceramic crowns; however, in the resin adhesive cement interface it was lower for ceramic crown supported by FRC posts than the in ceramic endocrown restoration. Themaximum contact shear and tensile stress values along the restoration/tooth interface of ceramic endocrowns were lower than those with ceramic crowns supported by FRC posts. Conclusions: Ceramic endocrown restorations presented a lower mvM stress level in dentin than the conventional ceramic crowns supported by FRC posts and core. Ceramic endocrown restorations in molars are less susceptible to damage than those with conventional ceramic crowns retained by FRC posts. Ceramic endocrowns properly cemented in molars must not be fractured or loosen during normal masticatory load. Therefore, ceramic endocrowns are advised as practicable, minimally invasive, and esthetic restorations for root canal treated mandibular molars.The authors of this study thank Professor Chen Zhong Zhong and Mr. Zhang Jian Fei from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhengzhou University for their technical support rendered for the 3D FEA

Characteristics of electromagnetic waves in slab waveguide structures comprising chiral nihility film and left-handed material claddings

We analytically present the dispersion equation of an asymmetric three-layered chirowaveguides, in which the core and the claddings are different chiral materials. Then, we produce the dispersion equation for a symmetric three-layered chirowaveguides, in which the claddings chiral materials are the same, but different from the one in the core. After that, two modes of propagation through a chiral nihility core and left handed material (LHM) claddings waveguide are treated in details. The characteristic equations and the cut-off frequencies for both even and odd modes are derived. The electric field profiles are plotted and discussed. We show that each mode (odd and even) can be separated into right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized (RCP and LCP) modes. The results reveal that novel properties such as peculiar dispersion curves

COVID-19 impact on poultry production and distribution networks in Bangladesh

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected numerous economic sectors across the world, including livestock production. This study investigates how the pandemic has impacted the poultry production and distribution network (PDN), analyses stakeholders' changing circumstances, and provides recommendations for rapid and long-term resilience. This is based on a literature review, social media monitoring, and key informant interviews (n = 36) from across the poultry sector in Bangladesh. These included key informants from breeder farms and hatcheries, pharmaceutical suppliers, feed companies, dealers, farmers, middlemen, and vendors. We show that the poultry sector was damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, partly as a result of the lockdown and also by rumors that poultry and their products could transmit the disease. This research shows that hardly any stakeholder escaped hardship. Disrupted production and transportation, declining consumer demand and volatile markets brought huge financial difficulties, even leading to the permanent closure of many farms. We show that the extent of the damage experienced during the first months of COVID-19 was a consequence of how interconnected stakeholders and businesses are across the poultry sector. For example, a shift in consumer demand in live bird markets has ripple effects that impact the price of goods and puts pressure on traders, middlemen, farmers, and input suppliers alike. We show how this interconnectedness across all levels of the poultry industry in Bangladesh makes it fragile and that this fragility is not a consequence of COVID-19 but has been revealed by it. This warrants long-term consideration beyond the immediate concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic

First report of mobile colistin resistance gene mcr-1 in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from turkeys in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background and Aim: Colistin is used to treat avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), a microorganism that affects turkey meat production in the Gaza Strip and worldwide. However, the recent emergence of plasmid-borne mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes in pathogenic E. coli strains is a serious antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge for both human and animal health. In December 2018, colistin was banned as a veterinary antimicrobial in the Gaza Strip. This study aimed to detect and track the prevalence of colistin-resistant APEC isolated from turkey flocks in the Gaza Strip. Materials and Methods: This study investigated 239 APEC isolates from turkey flocks in the Gaza Strip between October 2018 and December 2021 (at 6-month intervals). The colistin-resistant APEC strains were detected using the broth microdilution method. The mcr-1 gene was identified using a polymerase chain reaction. Results: The overall colistin resistance among the isolated APECs was 32.2% during the study period. The average resistance in the first interval was 37.5%, which significantly decreased to 9.3% in the last interval. Among the 77 phenotypically resistant isolates, 32.4% were positive for mcr-1. The average abundance of mcr-1 in the first interval was 66.6%, which decreased to 25% in the last interval. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the presence of the mcr-1 gene among the APEC isolates from turkeys in the Gaza Strip. Banned veterinary use of colistin significantly decreased the percentage of resistant APEC isolates from turkeys in Gaza Strip. Further studies are needed to investigate other colistin resistance genes and track the emergence of AMR

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020