bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disguised Tourism and the Electoral Process in Africa: A Study of International Observers and the 1998 Local Government Elections in Nigeria
Authors: Soremekun Kayode 
Published: August 2021

This article is based on the premise that the aid establishment views Africa as probably the world’s last backwater. Simply put, bureaucrats, politicians, and other policymakers in the western world are rather content with Africa’s present status, an attitude that not only accords with their career aspirations, but also spawns a certain amount of sybaritic pleasure about the inclement condition of the continent. It is against this background that this article examines the motives and aspirations of the international observers in the Nigerian electoral process, focusing on the attitudes and the impact of the observers in the 1998 local government elections.International electoral observation and monitoring are an integral part of the global dimensions of democratization. Many writers have averred that one major reason for the upswing in Africa’s quest to democratize is the cessation of the power play between Moscow and Washington.
Topography as a determinant of bird distribution in secondary Atlantic Forest fragments
Authors: Ribon Rômulo , dos Santos Luane Reis , De Marco Paulo , Marini Miguel Ângelo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe spatial distribution of Neotropical birds at local scales is often associated with plant successional stages and unique microhabitats such as bamboo stands and treefall gaps. Only 15% of the Atlantic Forest remains, yet this habitat is home to more than 200 endemic birds. Understanding the distribution of bird species within the Atlantic Forest can improve the test of ecological hypotheses related to habitat use and habitat selection. This study analyses the distribution of birds among different types of relief (lowlands, ravines, hillsides, and hilltops) in 41 forest fragments of different sizes (1 to 384.5 ha) within the Atlantic Forest, south east Brazil. The presence and absence data were analysed with dynamic occupancy models to determine the influence of area and topography in the distribution of bird species. Of the 169 species detected, we were able to estimate an occupancy probability of 67. Among them, relief type was an important variable for 26 species (39%). Most species showed a preference for lowlands and ravines, and some showed an association of combinations of these two reliefs with hillsides and hilltops. These preferences might be related to distribution of preferred food, nesting microhabitats, and thermoregulation. For the endemic and threatened Atlantic Forest mountain birds, the ecological association with areas of relief is a strong, and previously unsuspected, spatial distribution pattern. Our results suggest that the ecology and distribution of birds in tropical forests across hilly regions could be better understood if topography is considered. This pattern should be better investigated among other taxa in tropical forests.
ELICITED IMITATION TASKS AS A MEASURE OF L2 PROFICIENCY
Authors: Kostromitina Maria , Plonsky Luke 
Published: August 2021

AbstractElicited imitation tasks (EITs) have been proposed and examined as a practical measure of second language (L2) proficiency. This study aimed to provide an updated and comprehensive view of the relationship between EITs and other proficiency measures. Toward that end, 46 reports were retrieved contributing 60 independent effect sizes (Pearson’sr) that were weighted and averaged. Several EIT features were also examined as potential moderators. The results portray EIT as a generally consistent measure of L2 proficiency (r= .66). Among other moderators, EIT stimuli length was positively associated with stronger correlations. Overall, the findings provide support for the use of EITs as a means to greater consistency and practicality in measuring L2 proficiency. In our Discussion section, we highlight the need for more transparent reporting and provide empirically grounded recommendations for EIT design and for further research into EIT development.
Cardiovascular anomalies in Seckel syndrome: report of two patients and review of the literature
Authors: Donmez Yasemin Nuran , Giray Dilek , Epcacan Serdar , Goktas Emine , Aypar Ebru 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSeckel syndrome is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder also known as bird headed dwarfism”. It is characterised by proportional short stature, low birth weight, dysmorphic facial appearance, and mental retardation. In addition to its dysmorphic features, skeletal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, haematologic, genitourinary, and nervous system has been involved. Cardiovascular features very rarely associate with Seckel syndrome. We report two patients with Seckel syndrome, one with dilated cardiomyopathy and the other with multiple ventricular septal defects. Dilated cardiomyopathy and isolated ventricular septal defect have not been previously reported in Seckel syndrome. Cardiovascular evaluation should be performed in all patients with Seckel syndrome. Early diagnosis of congenital and acquired heart diseases will reduce morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Isolated partial anomalous origin of a branch pulmonary artery from the descending aorta
Authors: Liu Wei-Li , Lin Ming-Chih , Jan Sheng-Ling 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe condition of partial anomalous origin of a branch pulmonary artery from the descending aorta could be found in several diseases and should be carefully differentiated. We report an unusual case of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the left lower lung and another case of intralobar pulmonary sequestration. These two cases were treated successfully by transarterial embolisation using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug. We also set up a diagnostic algorithm to differentiate these diseases from anomalous systemic arterial supply to the pulmonary region. It is possible to make the correct diagnosis using the step-by-step diagnostic algorithm and careful interpretation of chest computed tomography angiography.
Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS): psychometric characteristics of a Spanish adaptation in a clinical population
Authors: Vázquez Morejón Antonio J. , Vázquez-Morejón Raquel , Conde Álvarez Patricia 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background:
The Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) is an instrument that can be easily applied for routine evaluation of the impact of mental disorders on patient functioning. In spite of the interest in its use, there is very little information available on its psychometric characteristics and even less in Spanish.

Aims:
The objective of this study was to analyse its psychometric characteristics.

Method:
The sample consisted of 441 patients treated in a community mental health unit. They filled out the WSAS and two psychopathology measures, one for anxiety and the other for depression. Fifty-five of them, chosen at random, were asked to fill out the scale again a second time to explore its temporal reliability.

Results:
The scale showed high internal consistency, a single factor that explained 60.4% of the variance, and temporal reliability of .78 for the total score. Significant correlations were found between the WSAS scores and the psychopathological measures, as well as significant differences between those working and those on leave.

Conclusions:
The results confirm the validity and reliability of the scale and support its possible use for routine evaluation of the functional impact of mental disorders.
Digital Language Learning (DLL): Insights from Behavior, Cognition, and the Brain
Authors: Li Ping , Lan Yu-Ju 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHow can we leverage digital technologies to enhance language learning and bilingual representation? In this digital era, our theories and practices for the learning and teaching of second languages (L2) have lagged behind the pace of scientific advances and technological innovations. Here we outline the approach of digital language learning (DLL) for L2 acquisition and representation, and provide a theoretical synthesis and analytical framework regarding DLL's current and future promises. Theoretically, DLL provides a forum for understanding differences between child language and adult L2 learning, and the effects of learning context and learner characteristics. Practically, findings from learner behaviors, cognitive and affective processing, and brain correlates can inform DLL-based language pedagogies. Because of its highly interdisciplinary nature, DLL can serve as an approach to integrate cognitive, social, affective, and neural dimensions of L2 learning with new and emerging technologies including VR, AI, and big data analytics.
Evaluation of the ‘H2NOE Water Schools’ programme to promote water consumption in elementary schoolchildren: a non-randomised controlled cluster trial
Authors: Griebler Ursula , Titscher Viktoria , Weber Michael , Affengruber Lisa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjective:This study evaluated a simple environmental intervention called ‘Water Schools’ in Lower Austria providing free refillable water bottles and educational material.Design:Non-randomised controlled cluster trial with three measurements: at baseline (T0), after the intervention at 9 months (T1) and after 1-year follow-up (T2).Setting:Half-day elementary schools in Lower Austria (Austria).Participants:Third-grade pupils from twenty-two schools in the intervention group (IG) and thirty-two schools in the control group (CG) participated in the study. Data were analysed for 569 to 598 pupils in the IG and for 545 to 613 in the CG, depending on the time of measurement.Results:The consumption of tap water increased in the IG from baseline to T1 and then decreased again at T2, but this was similar in the CG (no statistically significant difference in the time trend between the IG and CG). Similar results were seen for tap water consumption in the mornings. The proportion of children who only drank tap water on school mornings increased significantly from baseline to T1 in the IG compared to the CG (P = 0·020). No difference in the changes over time occurred between the groups for the proportion of pupils drinking approximately one bottle of tap water during school mornings.Conclusions:Not only the children in the IG but also those in the CG drank more tap water after 1 school year than at the beginning. The measurement of drinking habits in the CG may have been intervention enough to bring about changes or to initiate projects.
“Tiny Wiggles” in the Late Miocene Red Clay Deposits in the North‐East of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wei Xiaohao , Kravchinsky Vadim A. , Yue Leping , Zheng Yan , Qin Jie , Yang Lijun , Ma Minghao , Xian Feng , Gong Hujun , Zhang Yunxiang , Liu Xiaofan 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSmall amplitude or short period geomagnetic anomalies known as “tiny wiggles” (TWs) are often hard to identify because of magnetic signal smoothing in the marine record of geomagnetic reversals. We report here the late Miocene record of geomagnetic reversals in the aeolian red clay sediments of Linxia Basin in China that enables us to identify two TWs. We performed magnetostratigraphy dating and used spectral analysis to distinguish orbital cycles in the records of magnetic susceptibility (MS) and sedimentary grain size (GS) and develop an orbitally tuned age model. The presence of two TWs in the study section, that correspond to C5n.2n‐3 and C5r.2r‐1, is confirmed by orbital calibration of our age model through recognition of eccentricity, obliquity and precession in MS and GS records.
Relative Tsunami Hazard From Segments of Cascadia Subduction Zone For Mw 7.5–9.2 Earthquakes
Authors: Salaree Amir , Huang Yihe , Ramos Marlon D. , Stein Seth 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTsunamis from earthquakes of various magnitudes have affected Cascadia in the past. Simulations of Mw 7.5–9.2 earthquake constrained by earthquake rupture physics and geodetic locking models show that Mw ≥ 8.5 events initiating in the middle segments of the subduction zone can create coastal tsunami amplitudes comparable to those from the largest expected event. Our rupture and tsunami simulations reveal that the concave coastline geometry of the Pacific Northwest coastline focuses tsunami energy between latitudes 44° and 45° in Oregon. The possible coastal tsunami amplitudes are largely insensitive to the choice of slip model for a given magnitude. These results are useful for identifying the most hazardous segments of the subduction zone and demonstrate that a worst‐case rupture scenario does not uniquely yield the worst‐case tsunami scenario at a given location.
Simulated Global Coastal Ecosystem Responses to a Half‐Century Increase in River Nitrogen Loads
Authors: Liu Xiao , Stock Charles A. , Dunne John P. , Lee Minjin , Shevliakova Elena , Malyshev Sergey , Milly Paul C. D. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCoastal ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic stressors such as harmful algal blooms and hypoxia through the combined effects of eutrophication and warming. As a major terrestrial nitrogen source to the ocean, rivers play a key role in shaping coastal nitrogen budgets and biogeochemical cycling. Combining an enhanced‐resolution, global ocean biogeochemical model with temporally changing river inputs, we estimate that elevated river nitrogen loads alone resulted in a 5.8% increase (16.6 Tg) in the global coastal nitrogen inventory from 1961 to 2010, accompanied by increases in coastal net primary productivity (+4.6%) and benthic detrital flux (+7.3%). The ecosystems most sensitive to added nitrogen were those with long residence times and strong nitrogen limitation. While even enhanced‐resolution global models remain limited in their capacity to resolve shelf‐scale responses, these basic factors provide two relevant axes for frameworks assessing the comparative coastal ecosystem susceptibility to enhanced nitrogen loads, and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies.
The Precipitated Electrons in the Region of Diffuse Aurora Driven by Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Collisional Processes
Authors: Khazanov George V. , Glocer Alex , Chu Mike 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTraditionally, it is widely assumed that the source of electron precipitation in the region of diffuse aurora is wave‐particle interaction processes in the Earth's plasmasheet. It is difficult to imagine that ionosphere‐thermosphere system is also actively involved in the formation of electron precipitation and provides a very noticeable energy contribution to this process. In this study, we use specifically designed simulation scenarios of the SuperThermal Electron Transport code to clearly distinguish between the magnetospheric and ionospheric contributions to the precipitating electrons in the region of diffuse aurora. It is demonstrated that atmospheric collisional processes and the overall magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐atmosphere energy circulation dynamics, with the participation of two magnetically conjugate hemispheres, play a very important role in the formation of electron energy fluxes that are coming from the magnetosphere.
Interspecific Soil Water Partitioning as a Driver of Increased Productivity in a Diverse Mixed Mediterranean Forest
Authors: Rog Ido , Tague Christina , Jakoby Gilad , Megidish Shacham , Yaakobi Assaf , Wagner Yael , Klein Tamir 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIt has been assumed that mixing of species with high physiological diversity reduces competition over water and light resources, compared to single‐species forests. Although several mechanisms to explain this observation have been proposed, quantification of these effects is lacking. Here we studied water‐use dynamics for five tree species in a mature, mixed, evergreen, and Mediterranean forest. We use empirical measurements of key tree structural attributes including root distribution, through DNA barcoding and soil cores, tree height and biomass along with measurements of species‐specific water use for two years. These measurements at the tree‐scale were used to parameterize an ecosystem model of coupled water, carbon and energy fluxes (Regional Hydro Ecologic Simulation System, RHESSys). Site‐scale empirical measurements showed contrasting diurnal and seasonal transpiration and sap flow curves across tree species, with year‐round activity in angiosperms, and mostly wet season‐activity in gymnosperms. Water‐use patterns matched the rooting depth patterns, with the deep‐ and shallow‐rooted Ceratonia and Cupressus, showing year‐round and seasonal behaviors, respectively. RHESSys estimates of species‐specific and stand‐scale transpiration, biomass and productivity across 20 years of climate variation showed substantial differences between mixed and monoculture scenarios. Stand‐scale annual net primary productivity and transpiration increased by 20–70 g C m−1 yr−1 and 40–80 mm yr−1, respectively, for mixed stands relative to average fluxes aggregated across monocultures. Model results, collaborated by field data provide evidence for niche partitioning of the soil water resource among co‐habiting tree species, and demonstrate that this mechanism can facilitate higher productivity and an enhanced forest carbon sink especially in semi‐arid regions.
Configuration and Timing of Collision Between Arabia and Eurasia in the Zagros Collision Zone, Fars, Southern Iran
Authors: Cai Fulong , Ding Lin , Wang Houqi , Laskowski Andrew K. , Zhang Liyun , Zhang Bo , Mohammadi Ali , Li Jinxiang , Song Peiping , Li Zhenyu , Zhang Qinghai 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe configuration and timing of the Arabia‐Eurasia continental collision, part of the broader Alpine‐Himalayan collisional system, remains controversial. We conducted sandstone petrology, detrital zircon U‐Pb‐Hf isotopic and trace element analysis, and Cr‐spinel electron microprobe geochemical analysis of samples from Paleocene to Miocene peripheral foreland strata in interior Fars, southern Iran. These data were used to test competing models for ophiolite obduction and Arabia‐Eurasia collision. In addition, we applied these data to compare the history of outward and upward growth of the Zagros and Himalayan‐Tibetan segments of the Alpine‐Himalayan collisional orogenic belt. The first appearance of radiolarian‐rich chert conglomerate, 100–90 Ma detrital zircons with positive ɛHf(t) values from +1 to +20 and midocean ridge geochemical affinity, and suprasubduction zone (SSZ) affinity Cr‐spinel is in the lower and middle Sachun Formation. These data indicate that obduction occurred before deposition of the upper Maastrichtian‐lower Paleocene Sachun Formation and developed in an intra‐oceanic setting rather than an Arabia‐Eurasia collision setting. Abundant continental‐arc affinity detrital zircon with 180–160 Ma and 50–27 Ma age‐probability peaks and varied ɛHf(t) values are present in the upper Oligocene‐lower Miocene Razak and Agha Jari formations, indicating sedimentary overlap with Eurasia. SSZ‐affinity Cr‐spinel in all samples indicates that ophiolitic rocks were a continual source of detritus in the foreland basin since Paleocene. The depositional age of the basal Razak Formation is between 25.7 and 21.5 Ma. Therefore, we interpret that collision between Arabia and Eurasia must have been initiated before deposition of the Razak Formation.
Computational models of adaptive behavior and prefrontal cortex
Authors: Soltani Alireza , Koechlin Etienne 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe real world is uncertain, and while ever changing, it constantly presents itself in terms of new sets of behavioral options. To attain the flexibility required to tackle these challenges successfully, most mammalian brains are equipped with certain computational abilities that rely on the prefrontal cortex (PFC). By examining learning in terms of internal models associating stimuli, actions, and outcomes, we argue here that adaptive behavior relies on specific interactions between multiple systems including: (1) selective models learning stimulus–action associations through rewards; (2) predictive models learning stimulus- and/or action–outcome associations through statistical inferences anticipating behavioral outcomes; and (3) contextual models learning external cues associated with latent states of the environment. Critically, the PFC combines these internal models by forming task sets to drive behavior and, moreover, constantly evaluates the reliability of actor task sets in predicting external contingencies to switch between task sets or create new ones. We review different models of adaptive behavior to demonstrate how their components map onto this unifying framework and specific PFC regions. Finally, we discuss how our framework may help to better understand the neural computations and the cognitive architecture of PFC regions guiding adaptive behavior.
The effect of daily intake of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink, with and without added calcium, on serum adiponectin and sirtuins 1 and 6 in adult subjects with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nikooyeh Bahareh , Hollis Bruce W. , Neyestani Tirang R. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Some evidence suggests indirect ameliorating effects of vitamin D in diabetes via adiponectin and sirtuins. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily intake of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink, either with or without added calcium, on serum adiponectin, sirtuins (SIRT)1 and 6.

Methods
Briefly, 75 adults aged 30–60 years from both sexes with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: (i) D-fortified-yogurt drink (DY; containing 1000 IU vitamin D and 300 mg calcium), (ii) Ca+D-fortified-yogurt drink (CDY; containing 1000 IU vitamin D and 500 mg calcium) and (iii) plain yogurt drink (PY; containing no detectable vitamin D and 300 mg calcium). All assessments were performed initially and after 12 weeks.

Results
A significant within-group increment in serum adiponectin concentrations was observed in both DY and CDY groups (+60.4 ± 8.6, +57.5 ± 6.4 µg/L, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). The concentrations of SIRT1 and SIRT6 had a significant within-group increment only in the CDY group (p = 0.003, p = 0.001 respectively). Being in CDY group was more favorable predictor of improvement in SIRT6 concentrations. Changes of 25(OH)D were a significant predictor of changes of adiponectin. However, this association disappeared following adjustment for changes of SIRT1. In contrast, the association between changes of 25(OH)D and HbA1c remained significant even after adjustment for SIRT1.

Conclusions
Daily consumption of vitamin D-fortified yogurt drink for 12 weeks resulted in an increase in circulating concentrations of SIRT1 and SIRT6 in T2D subjects and D+Ca-fortified yogurt drink was more in favor of SIRT6 increment.