pyADCIRC: A Python interface for accessing functions and variables of ADCIRC in Python

Python has a vast collection of modern open-source libraries such as PyTorch and TensorFlow for machine learning and Matplotlib for visualization. On the other hand, Fortran has a significant advantage of speed over Python and a large number of legacy software written in it, including ADCIRC. This talk focuses on one method of modernizing ADCIRC to enable certain new applications with it. Some ways to modernize ADCIRC include (a) re-implementing ADCIRC in, say, Python, (b) re-implementing modern libraries such as PyTorch in Fortran for use with ADCIRC, and (c) combining Fortran and Python using libraries such as f2py or f90wrap. The first two approaches are costly and fraught with challenges, whereas the third approach, which is the focus of this talk, is more balanced. The ADCIRC source code is compiled into a shared library using f2py and imported into Python, allowing one to access most ADCIRC variables and functions in Python. The Python interface, pyADCIRC, is non-intrusive in that it does not require modification of any existing Fortran files; instead, new files are added to the source code. pyADCIRC acts as a parallel computational library that may be used and manipulated for any purpose in Python, such as machine learning and multi-software coupling. An application of pyADCIRC is presented, in which ADCIRC and GSSHA models are two-way weakly coupled through their Python interfaces for simulating compound flooding, without requiring any file I/O for data exchange

Identification and characterization of vaccine candidates against Hyalomma anatolicum—Vector of Crimean‐Congo haemorrhagic fever virus

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease reported from different parts of the world. The distribution of the CCHF cases are linked with the distribution of the principal vector, Hyalomma anatolicum in the ecosystem. Presently, vector control is mainly dependent on repeated application of acaricides, results in partial efficacy and generated acaricide resistant tick strains. Amongst the different components of integrated management programme, immunization of hosts is considered as one of the sustainable component. To restrict CCHF virus spreading, use of anti-Hyalomma vaccines appears as a viable solution. Accordingly, present study was under taken to characterize and evaluate vaccine potential of two conserved molecules, ferritin2 (FER2) and tropomyosin (TPM). Silencing of the genes conferred a cumulative reduction (rejection + unable to engorge) of 61.3% in FER2 and 70.2% in TPM respectively. Furthermore, 44.2% and 72.7% reduction in engorgement weight, 63.6% and 94.9% reduction in egg masses in FER2 and TPM silenced ticks in comparison to LUC-control group was recorded. The recombinant protein, rHaFER2 was characterized as 35 kDa protein with pI of 5.84 and possesses iron binding domains. While rHaTPM is a 51kDa protein with pI of 4.94 having calcium binding domains. Immunization of cross-bred calves by rHaFER2 conferred 51.7% and 51.2% protection against larvae and adults of H. anatolicum challenge infestations. While rHaTPM conferred 63.7% and 66.4% protection against larvae and adults infestations, respectively. The results were comparable with the data generated by RNAi and it clearly showed the possibility for the development of anti-hyalomma vaccine to manage CCHF virus and Theileria annulata infection in human and animals.The work is supported by the infrastructure developed through funding from National Agricultural Science Fund of ICAR (NFBSFARA/BSA‐4004/2013‐14). The senior author is highly thankful to the DST, Government of India for providing INSPIRE fellowship for doctoral programme and to publication committee of ICMR—NIRTH, Jabalpur (ICMR‐NIRTH/PSC/09/2018)