iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Bots! No, not twitter #bots - flesh-eating #botfly larvae! (fun!) These #parasites are surprisingly common in #cats & #dogs, & can be #deadly if left untreated. The larvae can migrate through organs and deep tissues, causing #infection. peskylittlecritters.com/how-to-ident...

Botfly larvae. Source: https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/parasitology/cuterebriasis-in-dogs-and-cats/

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Echinops hoehnelii, a flowering #plant in the same family as daisies, is used in #Ethiopian folk #medicine to treat #malaria thanks to its high content of chemicals called "acetlylenic thiophenes." Its efficacy has been #scientifically validated in mice models: www.researchgate.net/publication/...

The spiky globe-shaped flower of Echinops hoehnelii. (c) Marco Schmidt – some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA) Source: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/926407-Echinops-hoehnelii

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"When resources are under pressure, innovation becomes even more important." This rings true across the entirety of #science, especially in this moment of #history. #Creativity in the #sciences is essential!

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Will Smith @willpjsmith.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

🚨 We're recruiting! 🚨 Are you interested in antimicrobials and their evolution? Join Me, @coytelab.bsky.social and Tucker Gillman as we build a "silicon colosseum" to model their advantages in bacterial communities! Do share with anyone who might be interested :) willsmithlab.com/2026/10/06/n...

willsmithlab.com

New vacancies opening! - SMITH lab @ Manchester University

Delighted to announce that the lab is recruiting! Bacteria poison prey and rivals using a diverse arsenal of weaponised toxins, spanning a huge diversity of molecular and interaction lengthscales. But...

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Happy #Caturday! Let's talk about #cat #parasites! Woot! This includes roundworms, hookworms, & some types of tapeworm. Then there's toxoplasma - a common #parasite infecting nearly half of the world's population! And of course there's fleas, which prefer cats but will also bite humans.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

When scientists talk about "the food web" in ecosystems, we tend to focus on #predator and #prey. But there's a third option: #parasite. Like it or not, #parasites are part of the food web . Therefore ecological #conservation includes parasites! www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxJf...

youtube.com

Some Scientists Are Racing to Save Parasites. Why?

YouTube video by Scientific American

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Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) @mmv.org · 01/10/2026

Following encouraging Phase 2a results, MMV will lead the next phase of cabamiquine's development. Long-acting cabamiquine, with potential to become a single-dose treatment or prevention option, could help address drug resistance & block transmission: bit.ly/4ypoy9x

bit.ly

Promising long-acting malaria drug cabamiquine will move to next phase of development under MMV leadership | Medicines for Malaria Venture

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Biological Theory @biologicaltheory.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

📣🌟The September issue of Biological Theory is out now! link.springer.com/journal/1375... Read the editors’ summary, with free reading links for all the articles: www.kli.ac.at/en/the_kli/n...

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Tamarack (Larix laricina) is a unique kind of coniferous #tree that turns yellow & sheds its needles in the winter! It has a wide selection of #phytochemicals with many #medicinal uses, including as an #antidepressant. Check out my article here: uniofnomi.substack.com/p/tamarack

uniofnomi.substack.com

Tamarack

An ancient, medicinal tree

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ASM @asm.org · 29/09/2026

Join the next JMBE Live! webinar to learn how a student-driven podcast project helped increase motivation, interest and community while introducing undergraduate students to STEM career pathways. 📅 Oct. 9, 12 p.m. ET 🎓 Free registration: asm.social/36J

Grab Your Seat for JMBE Live!
Integrating STEM Career Exploration Into Busy Introductory Biology Courses Through a Student-Driven Podcast Project
Register Now

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

New #tickborne #illness detected in China! The Asian Longhorned Tick Nairovirus (ALTNV) causes mild flu-like illness on its own, but when co-infected with Dabie bandavirus, a deadlier #virus carried by the same #tick, #disease is worse than either virus on its own. outbreaktracker.live/altnv

outbreaktracker.live

ALTNV Tracker | New Tick-Borne Virus in China (2026) | Outbreak Tracker

Asian longhorned tick nairovirus (ALTNV): a tick-borne virus newly identified in China in 2026. What it is, how it spreads, symptoms, who is at risk, and the danger of coinfection with the SFTS virus.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Check out this #parasitology #webinar! Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled #parasite that spreads through #cat feces or raw meat, causing neurological problems and miscarriages in humans. Up to half of the world's population is infected with this parasite but have no symptoms.

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Brian Stevenson Ph.D. spirochete lab @bstevensonlab.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture Free zoom presentation October 8, 7:00PM Central time Information and registration: www.aldoleopold.org/news-and-eve...

aldoleopold.org

Upcoming Programs and Events | Aldo Leopold Foundation

Stay updated on upcoming programs and events at the Aldo Leopold Foundation. Browse our calendar, learn more, and register for events to secure your spot.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Black #pepper - a modest #spice gracing dinner tables across the world - packs a punch against #mosquitoes, potentially providing protection against #malaria in areas where mosquitoes are resistant to bug-spray. Check out this quick read to learn more! uniofnomi.substack.com/p/black-pepper

uniofnomi.substack.com

Black Pepper

...An insecticide for malaria control

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

#LymeDisease is often regarded as controversial, but why? Isn't #science supposed to be objective? Without a complete scientific understanding of #Lyme and its #diagnosis, we're left with conflicting perspectives. Learn more here at the University of Nomi: uniofnomi.wordpress.com/lecture-4-ly...

uniofnomi.wordpress.com

Lesson 4: Lyme Disease

The following presentation is an introduction to Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread by ectoparasites, namely ticks. Lyme disease is common in North America, Europe, and is rapidly spreadi…

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Scientists found that ingredients from certain #flea and #tick medications for #pets pass thru pet feces into the environment, exposing other, non-threatening organisms to #toxic chemicals. This is bad for the #environment and bad for the food chain! doi.org/10.1093/etoj... 1/2

doi.org

Prolonged fecal elimination of isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs in dogs and cats: is there a risk for nontarget species?

Abstract. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs are a new class of ectoparasiticides used in veterinary medicine for companion animals. Four active substances—fl

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Highlights of #MPMXXXVII: advocating for #parasitology #research! Parasitology may be a neglected field of #science, but #parasites are not neglecting us. Drug resistance & expanding geographical range pose major challenges. Got parasites? Want #solutions? SUPPORT THE RESEARCH! @parasitesrule.org

A small selection of parasitic worms and their eggs. There are so many, many more parasites to research!

Photo credit: medicine.wustl.edu

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Aaand that's a wrap on #MPMXXXVII! Many thanks to the organizers for another successful meeting of #parastiologists. So many familiar #faces, so many hilarious #stories, and of course, so many remarkable developments in #research. See you again next year! @parasitesrule.org

The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, USA, where MPMXXXVII was held. Photo credit: mbl.edu

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Highlights from #MPMXXXVII: Schistosomes are #parasitic flatworms that cycle between mollusk & mammal (or bird) hosts, causing #disease in humans. Larvae swim thru water, then shed their tails as they pierce & burrow through host skin. Gnarly! But tail proteins may help in developing a #vaccine.

Image: “Schistosoma” by CDC/Dr. D.S. Martin. Public Domain.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Highlights from #MPMXXXVII: On day 1, Plasmodium won the vote for "most beautiful parasite!" This single-celled #parasite is what makes the #mosquito the most deadly animal in the world. How? By causing #malaria! (Which parasite do YOU think is the prettiest?) @parasitesrule.org

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The #parasitology conference #MPMXXXVII is in full swing! With 387 registrants from 41 countries, 118 of us are tuning in #virtually. "The #parasitology community is #inclusive" note the opening speakers. Indeed it is! The #virtual option & recorded talks make that possible. @parasitesrule.org

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The 37th Molecular #Parasitology Meeting ( #MPMXXXVII) begins tomorrow! @parasitesrule.org The organizers' courageous work to provide virtual participation removes the obstacle of travel for #parasitologists around the world. Because why limit engagement of experts in this niche, neglected field?

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Drug resistance is a major issue in #parasitology. #Parasites across the world are learning to survive exposure to drugs that normally kill them or limit their growth. So our drugs aren't working well anymore. Now what? We #research, #experiment, we support #science!

Definition of "drug resistance."
Photo credit: Dr Tejaswini Mahesh Sastry on slideshare.net

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

As a neglected field of #science, #parasitology is filled with #oppportunity for new discovery! This discovery of new #parasites echoes the "central dogma" of parasitology: for every organism, there is a parasite that makes that organism its host. Investigate new host -> discover new parasite.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Work by Paul Selzer et al. shows that antiparasitic chemicals banned in #agriculture but still used in companion #animals have a significant #toxic effect on the #environment. The drugs also persist in the environment and accelerate drug resistance. #parasitology #pets

Dog receiving tick and flea treatment.
Photo credit: seg-holstein.de

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Highlights of #ICOPA2026: #Chicory can provide cheap & easy worm-control for grazing #livestock without contributing to the growing problem of drug resistance. Work by Daniel Petrič et al., shows #lambs grazing on pastures with chicory have significantly less intestinal #worms and better growth.

Original photo of chicory growing in a field.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Work by Kathryn Morales et al. from #SanDiego State University aims to understand & idenfify potentially #therepeutic links between the human #microbiome & T. vagnialis, the most common non-viral #STI many would be surprised to know is actually a #parasite. #parasitology

Scanning electron microscopy images of Trichomonas vaginalis organisms (left) numerous organisms attached to epithelial cells (right)

Photo credit: https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2023/03/27/finger-prick-test-developed-for-trich-a-common-undiagnosed-sti/

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Dr. Marina Eremeeva spoke on an interesting, unexpected phenomenon: the #COVID lockdowns caused a drastic decrease in head-lice infestations, only to return to pre-COVID levels once lifted. This suggests #lice mainly spread by close contact between infected individuals.

Back-to-school tips for staying lice-free.
Photo credit: licedoctors.com

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: James Duffy spoke on the challenges of treating #malaria. Only 2 #drug regimens are used to protect millions of people, & drug #resistance is developing fast. The solution? Develop drug candidates that are low-cost, long-acting, and less likely to accrue resistance.

© UNICEF/US CDC/Daylin Paul On 25 April 2022, a detailed shot of vials of the malaria vaccine at a government cold storage facility in Lilongwe, Malawi.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Paleoparasitology? What's that? Why, the study of ancient #parasites, of course! ICOPA2026 had an entire lineup of excellent speakers on the topic, shedding light on our long #history co-evolving together. Because nothing says "Ancient Times" like #lice infestations.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Keynote speaker Dr. Peter Hotez spoke of how common #parasite infections are in industrialized countries like the US, in underprivileged communities. Since parasites know no socioeconomic boundaries, this affects everyone. The solution? Support #science and #research!

Dr. Peter Hotez, keynote speaker at ICOPA2026. Photo credit: edited version of original photo by @JnlParasitology on X (formally known as Twitter)

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: Work by Lucienne Tritten et al. at #McGill tackles the problem of drug resistance in intestinal #roundworms. The team is building solutions by genetically engineering #gut #bacteria to deliver anti-parasitic molecules directly to the infection. #parasitology

This is a micrograph of the nematode Heligmosomoides Polygyrus, the gastrointestinal parasite used to test the bioengineered bacteria that produce and secrete therapeutic, anti-parasite molecules directly in the gut.

Photo credit: © Lalit Kumar Dubey/EPFL

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

#ICOPA - "the world cup of #parasitology" - brings together experts in this niche field once every 4 years. In 2030, it will be hosted South East Asia for the 1st time! In #Malaysia - a beautiful country with great resilience & commitment to eliminating #malaria. bizandleisure.com/2026/08/mala...

bizandleisure.com

Malaysia Secures Hosting Rights for ICOPA 2030, Bringing Global Parasitology Congress to Kuching - BIZ+Leisure

Malaysia wins hosting rights for ICOPA 2030, bringing 2,500 global delegates to Kuching, Sarawak, for the first congress in Malaysia and Southeast Asia

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Highlights from #ICOPA2026: According to many speakers, #lice have evolved to parasitize #humans over our entire history. Yet, we need still new solutions to control modern lice infestations, as an estimated 75% of lice globally are resistant to the typical drugs we use to treat them. #parasitology

A 19th-century de-lousing comb made in India. (Photo: Science Museum, London, Wellcome Images)

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

#ICOPA2026 - a congress of parastiologists - took place in the Palais des Congrès, a unique venue for a unique event in the beautiful city of #Montreal. Every continent was represented - yes, including #Antarctica! (1,506 attendees from 95 countries!) #parasitology #scicomm #science #conference

Original photo of Palais des Congrès, where ICOPA2026 took place.

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MARCAD Plus @marcadplus.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

#MARCADPlus was well represented at the International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA2026) in Montréal, Canada. #GlobalHealth #Parasitology #Congress #ICOPA2026

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Gabriel da Silva @gabriel93dasilva.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

This week I had the opportunity to present some of our data about Origin Recognition Complex (ORC) interactome in T. Brucei at #ICOPA2026 in Montreal/CA. Incredible meeting with fine scientists from all over the world 🌎, with exciting discussions from all fields of Parasitology! #UoG #ICOPA2026

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Molecular Parasitology Laboratory @mpl-uniofgalway.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

A fantastic week for parasitology at ICOPA XVI in Montréal! 🇨🇦🦠 We’re delighted to highlight A/Prof. Sheila Donnelly, who presented her invited talk “Uncovering the Role of Non-Coding RNAs During Fasciola hepatica Infection,” in the symposium “RNA Regulation During Parasitic Infection.”

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

ICOPA 2026 - a unique occasion where parasitologists from all over the world had the chance to convene, network, and share #research. I'm grateful to have participated and met so many amazing scientists in this #niche field! See you all again at ICOPA2030! #ICOPA2026 #parasitology

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

#Parasites: the “dark matter” of the animal world, understudied & unseen, yet incredibly important. Here at the International Congress of #Parasitology, parasitologists from around the world are sharing research & ideas. Stay tuned for highlights from this extraordinary event! #ICOPA2026

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

academic.oup.com

Prolonged fecal elimination of isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs in dogs and cats: is there a risk for nontarget species?

Abstract. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs are a new class of ectoparasiticides used in veterinary medicine for companion animals. Four active substances—fl

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

When scientists talk about "the food web" in ecosystems, we tend to focus on #predator and #prey. But there's a third option: #parasite. Like it or not, #parasites are part of the food web and the delicate balance of life. Therefore ecological #conservation includes parasites!

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

#Mosquitoes are expanding their territory and spreading into new areas of the world, bringing all sorts of #disease with them including #malaria. The problem isn't getting better; it's getting worse:

Mosquitoes are spreading, and quickly. This is a graph showing the number of regions where mosquitoes have spread, by year.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

#Ticks cause problems for all #animals - not just #humans. Studies from northern #Canada have revealed severe #tick infestations on #moose calves (up to 80,000 ticks!), causing anemia and death. With that many ticks, calves can lose up to 2/3 of their blood volume. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

cbc.ca

Early research suggests winter ticks are killing young moose in New Brunswick | CBC News

A researcher studying moose in New Brunswick and Quebec says recent data shows an infestation of ticks can be fatal for a moose calf.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Thermo Fisher is a #science & clinical #research company that provides supplies & services to researchers. But they were caught altering images to verify their antibodies work properly - aka scientific #fraud. This isn't just a waste of money (estimated at $1 billion/year), it's a waste of time.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

"Doing" #science is largely non-linear. Think: unexpected results, unexpected errors, tangents, delays, funding, time, replicate studies (hopefully). Wouldn't a non-linear career path be more conducive to objective science, then? Genuinely curious what other scientists think!

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

#Bureaucracy can be useful to organize and coordinate groups of people, but it can also restrict and suppress the creativity and free-thinking required for #scientific #innovation.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

In the US, #cyclospora has reached over 4,000 confirmed cases and 308 hospitalizations since May 1. While the source of infections still hasn't been identified, we know this #parasite is human-specific and spread through #water contaminated with feces. www.latimes.com/california/s...

latimes.com

Another cyclosporiasis outbreak investigated as cases of diarrhea-causing illness continue to mount

Officials have initiated a new investigation into a second cyclosporiasis outbreak and are trying to determine the source.

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U. Nomi @uniofnomi.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

#Vaccines are a powerful line of defence against many #diseases. But where's our vaccine for #Lyme disease, and what's taking so long? In my latest #review, I explore the complexities behind both the #science and the #business of Lyme #vaccination: uniofnomi.wordpress.com/2025/03/14/l...

uniofnomi.wordpress.com

Lyme Disease Vaccine

Introduction: Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for causing Lyme Disease, was identified relatively recently by Dr. Willy Burgdorfer in 1980 (Pavia et al., 2024). From Miklossy et al.…

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