bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuronal activation in the geomagnetic responsive region Cluster N covaries with nocturnal migratory restlessness in white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis)
Authors: Brodbeck Madeleine I. R. , Bingman Verner P. , Cole Lauren J. , Sherry David F. , MacDougall‐Shackleton Scott A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCluster N is a region of the visual forebrain of nocturnally migrating songbirds that supports the geomagnetic compass of nocturnal migrants. Cluster N expresses immediate‐early genes (ZENK), indicating neuronal activation. This neuronal activity has only been recorded at night during the migratory season. Night‐to‐night variation in Cluster N activity in relation to migratory behaviour has not been previously examined. We tested whether Cluster N is activated only when birds are motivated to migrate and presumably engage their magnetic compass. We measured immediate‐early gene activation in Cluster N of white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) in three conditions: daytime, nighttime migratory restless and nighttime resting. Birds in the nighttime migratory restlessness group had significantly greater numbers of ZENK‐labelled cells in Cluster N compared to both the daytime and the nighttime resting groups. Additionally, the degree of migratory restlessness was positively correlated with the number of ZENK‐labelled cells in the nighttime migratory restless group. Our study adds to the number of species observed to have neural activation in Cluster N and demonstrates for the first time that immediate early gene activation in Cluster N is correlated with the amount of active migratory behaviour displayed across sampled individuals. We conclude that Cluster N is facultatively regulated by the motivation to migrate, together with nocturnal activity, rather than obligatorily active during the migration season.
Hearing in catfishes: 200 years of research
Authors: Ladich Friedrich 
Published: April 2023

AbstractErnst Weber stated in 1819, based on dissections, that the swimbladder in the European wels (Silurus glanis, Siluridae) and related cyprinids serves as an eardrum and that the ossicles connecting it to the inner ear function as hearing ossicles similar to mammals. In the early 20th century, K. von Frisch showed experimentally that catfishes and cyprinids (otophysines) indeed hear excellently compared to fish taxa lacking auxiliary hearing structures (ossicles, eardrums). Knowledge on hearing in catfishes progressed in particular in the 21st century. Currently, hearing abilities (audiograms) are known in 28 species out of 13 families. Recent ontogenetic and comparative studies revealed that the ability to detect sounds of low‐level and high frequencies (4–6 kHz) depends on the development of Weberian ossicles. Species with a higher number of ossicles and larger bladders hear better at higher frequencies (>1 kHz). Hearing sensitivities are furthermore affected by ecological factors. Rising temperatures increase, whereas various noise regimes decrease hearing. Exposure to high‐noise levels (>150 dB) for hours result in temporary thresholds shifts (TTS) and recovery of hearing after several days. Low‐noise levels reduce hearing abilities due to masking without a TTS. Furthermore, auditory evoked potential (AEP) experiments reveal that the temporal patterns of fish‐produced pulsed stridulation and drumming sounds are represented in their auditory pathways, indicating that catfishes are able to extract important information for acoustic communication. Further research should concentrate on inner ears to determine whether the diversity in swimbladders and ossicles is paralleled in the inner ear fine structure.
Non‐majoritarian institutions, media coverage, and “reinforced accountability”
Authors: Koop Christel , Scotto di Vettimo Michele 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs non‐majoritarian institutions are deliberately insulated from electoral pressure and ministerial hierarchy, they face an accountability deficit. This deficit can be reduced by embedding the organizations in a wider accountability landscape with multiple forums. Of particular relevance in this landscape are the news media, who may not only serve as account‐holders, but can also reinforce other forms of accountability. Yet, we know little about the conditions under which the media cover non‐majoritarian governance, and the existence of “reinforced accountability”. Focusing empirically on news articles about the Bank of England (1997–2020), we trace coverage levels back to the announcement of key policy decisions and, to some extent, policy outcomes. We also find evidence of reinforced accountability, both in relation to parliamentary oversight and the Bank's own, voluntary account‐giving. These results provide reason for cautious optimism about non‐majoritarian accountability, at least in the case of a salient organization.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Treatment Can Be Sustainable During on‐Site Wastewater Disposal
Authors: Robertson William D. , Elgood Richard J. , Van Stempvoort Dale R. , Brown Susan J. , Schiff Sherry L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMonitoring of a seasonal‐use, on‐site wastewater disposal system (septic system) in Canada, over a 33‐year period from 1988 to 2021, showed that during recent sampling the groundwater plume had TIN (total inorganic nitrogen) averaging 12.2 mg/L that was not significantly different than early values, representing 80% removal, whereas SRP (soluble reactive phosphate), although higher than early values averaging 0.08 mg/L, was still 99% lower than the effluent concentration. Evidence suggests that the anammox reaction and possibly also denitrification contribute to TIN removal, whereas SRP removal is primarily the result of mineral precipitation. Most of the removal occurs in close proximity to the drainfield infiltration pipes (within about 1 m) demonstrating that reaction rates are relatively fast in the context of typical groundwater plume residence times. This long‐term consistency demonstrates that sustainable nutrient treatment can be achieved with conventional on‐site wastewater disposal systems that have low capital costs and require minimal energy input and maintenance.
OPTIMAL PAYMENT CONTRACTS IN TRADE RELATIONSHIPS
Authors: Fischer‐Thöne Christian 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn buyer–seller relationships, offering trade credit to buyers fosters long‐term collaboration but seller provision varies systematically as relationships evolve. We study the optimal provision dynamics of trade credit when the seller's information about the buyer is incomplete. We show how the interaction of self‐enforcing relational contracts and formal contracts determines optimal payment contract choice. We find that payment contracts can be interpreted as screening technologies and imply distinct learning opportunities about the buyer's type. In line with empirical evidence, the model predicts that all transitions between payment terms lead to seller trade credit provision in the long run.
Digital food and beverage marketing appealing to children and adolescents: An emerging challenge in Mexico
Authors: Nieto Claudia , Espinosa Fiorella , Valero‐Morales Isabel , Boyland Emma , Potvin Kent Monique , Tatlow‐Golden Mimi , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Barquera Simon 
Published: April 2023

SummaryBackgroundDigital food marketing is increasing and has an impact on children's behaviour. Limited research has been performed in Latin America.ObjectivesTo determine the extent and nature of Mexican children's and adolescents' exposure to digital food and beverage marketing during recreational internet use.MethodsA crowdsourcing strategy was used to recruit 347 participants during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Participants completed a survey and recorded 45 minutes of their device's screen time using screen‐capture software. Food marketing was identified and nutrition information for each marketed product was collected. Healthfulness of products was determined using the Pan‐American Health Organization and the Mexican Nutrient Profile Model (NPM). A content analysis was undertaken to assess marketing techniques.ResultsOverall, 69.5% of children and adolescents were exposed to digital food marketing. Most frequently marketed foods were ready‐made foods. Children and adolescents would typically see a median of 2.7 food marketing exposures per hour, 8 daily exposures during a weekday and 6.7 during a weekend day. We estimated 47.3 food marketing exposures per week (2461 per year). The most used marketing technique was brand characters. Marketing was appealing to children and adolescents yet most of the products were not permitted for marketing to children according to the NPMs (>90%).ConclusionsMexican children and adolescents were exposed to unhealthy digital food marketing. The Government should enforce evidence‐based mandatory regulations on digital media.
The role of coups d’état in Africa: Why coups occur and their effects on the populace
Authors: Pryce Daniel K. , Time Victoria M. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractScholars and researchers have debated the impact of coups d’état on African nations since the first coup in West Africa, in 1963, toppled the Sylvanus Olympio government in Togo. In the current paper, we employ a potpourri of theoretical frameworks – legitimacy, democratic and political instability, justice as fairness, rational choice and deterrence – to explain why coups occur, their effects on the general population and how they can be curbed. Three research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What are coups and why do they occur? (2) Do coups represent basic characteristics of goodwill towards the collective good of the people? (3) What measures can be put in place to prevent coups? In answering the first question, we considered several factors: Coups may occur when attempts are made to ‘diversify’ militaries entrenched with disproportionate representation by certain tribes in the nation‐state; when the ruling government is civilian, rather than military; and when political and institutional structures are weak. To answer the second question, we examined the concept of altruism. We determined that if the regimes being dislodged from power were unelected or seen as too tyrannical, coups may be deemed to serve an altruistic purpose. To answer the last research question, we examined the viability of both economic and diplomatic sanctions. Our study was not without limitations. A more comprehensive understanding of coups requires a holistic approach which would comprise both qualitative and quantitative strategies. We also provide directives for future research.
Promoting children's computational thinking: A quasi‐experimental study of web‐mediated parent education
Authors: Li Wanyi , Yang Weipeng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundComputational thinking (CT) has become a crucial skill for individuals in the 21st century, and while more educators are starting to recognize the importance of CT education, there is still a lack of research on how to teach young children CT, particularly outside of traditional school settings.ObjectivesTo fill the gap in knowledge, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a web‐based parent education program on improving children's CT skills. Additionally, we sought to determine if children's age, gender and family socioeconomic status had any impact on the development of CT skills.MethodsWe selected 86 adult–child pairs in the K3 age group to participate in a 4‐week intervention program using a quasi‐experimental approach.ResultsAfter 4 weeks, children in the intervention group had improved their CT skills more than their peers in the control group. This shows that the intervention was successful in enhancing children's CT skills. Age had a moderating effect on CT enhancement, with older children showing a more significant improvement than younger children. However, children's gender and family socioeconomic status did not have any moderating effects.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that CT education can be effectively implemented in the home setting through web‐mediated parent education. Encouraging the use of unplugged CT activities at home can aid children in acquiring CT skills.
Error‐Correction Mechanisms in Language Learning: Modeling Individuals
Authors: Ez‐zizi Adnane , Divjak Dagmar , Milin Petar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSince its first adoption as a computational model for language learning, evidence has accumulated that Rescorla–Wagner error‐correction learning (Rescorla & Wagner, 1972) captures several aspects of language processing. Whereas previous studies have provided general support for the Rescorla–Wagner rule by using it to explain the behavior of participants across a range of tasks, we focus on testing predictions generated by the model in a controlled natural language learning task and model the data at the level of the individual learner. By adjusting the parameters of the model to fit the trial‐by‐trial behavioral choices of participants, rather than fitting a one‐for‐all model using a single set of default parameters, we show that the model accurately captures participants’ choices, time latencies, and levels of response agreement. We also show that gender and working memory capacity affect the extent to which the Rescorla–Wagner model captures language learning.
The effect of changes in the terms of trade on GDP and welfare: A Divisia approach to the System of National Accounts
Authors: Oulton Nicholas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWhat effect, if any, do changes in the terms of trade have on the level of output (GDP) or welfare? I examine this issue through two versions of a textbook, Heckscher‐Ohlin‐Samuelson (HOS), two‐good model of a small, open economy. In the first version both goods are for final consumption. In the second, one good is an imported intermediate input into the other. In both versions, economic theory suggests that an improvement in the terms of trade raises welfare (consumption) but leaves aggregate output (GDP) unchanged. I then show that a national income accountant applying the principles of the 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA) would reach the same conclusions. This follows from a continuous‐time analysis using Divisia index numbers. However in the case where imports are intermediate inputs and competition is imperfect, an improvement in the terms of trade does raise GDP: the size of the effect depends on the size of the markup of price over marginal revenue. I argue that the continuous time Divisia approach is the right framework for national income accounting, even though it can only be implemented approximately in practice. If the aim is to find the best approximation to the Divisia index, then the chained Fisher index (as used in the US and Canadian national accounts) or the chained Törnqvist are better approximations than is the chained Laspeyres (as used in Europe).
Impaired peripheral microvascular reactivity in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Sanip Zulkefli , Pahimi Nurnajwa , Bokti Nur Adilah , Yusof Zurkurnai , Mohamed Mohd Sapawi , W. Isa W. Yus Haniff , Rasool Aida Hanum 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether peripheral microvascular reactivity is impaired in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (NOCAD).MethodsStable patients presenting with angina were recruited and, based on results from coronary angiography, were categorized into OCAD (coronary stenosis of ≥50%) and NOCAD (stenosis <50%) groups. A control group with no history of angina was also recruited. Forearm skin microvascular reactivity was measured using the laser Doppler blood perfusion monitor and the process of postocclusive skin reactive hyperemia (PORH).ResultsPatients were categorized into OCAD (n = 42), NOCAD (n = 40), and control (n = 39) groups. Compared with the control group, the PORH perfusion percent change (PORH% change) was significantly lower in the OCAD and NOCAD groups. No significant differences were noted between the OCAD and NOCAD groups. Additionally, the NOCAD group without any coronary obstruction takes a longer time to reach peak perfusion and had lower PORH% change compared with the nonangina control group.ConclusionAngina patients with NOCAD have microvascular dysfunction as demonstrated by reduced magnitude of reperfusion with an ischemic stimulus. NOCAD patients without coronary obstruction also displayed a slower response to reperfusion.
A comparison of reward processing during Becker–DeGroot–Marschak and Vickrey auctions: An ERP study
Authors: Newton‐Fenner A. , Hewitt D. , Henderson J. , Fallon N. , Gu Y. , Gorelkina O. , Giesbrecht T. , Stancak A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractVickrey auctions (VA) and Becker–DeGroot–Marschak auctions (BDM) are strategically equivalent demand‐revealing mechanisms, differentiated only by a human opponent in the VA, and a random‐number‐generator opponent in the BDM. Game parameters are such that players are incentivized to reveal their private subjective values (SV) and behavior should be identical in both tasks. However, this has been repeatedly shown not to be the case. In this study, the neural correlates of outcome feedback processing during VA and BDM were directly compared using electroencephalography. Twenty‐eight healthy participants bid for household products which were then divided into high‐ and low‐SV categories. The VA included a human opponent deception to induce a social environment, while in reality a random‐number‐generator was used in both tasks. A P3 component peaking at 336 ms over midline parietal sites showed more positive amplitudes for high bid values, and for win outcomes in the VA but not the BDM. Both auctions also elicited a Reward Positivity potential, maximal at 275 ms along the central midline electrodes, that was not modulated by auction task or SV. Further, an exploratory N170 potential in the right occipitotemporal electrodes and a vertex positive potential component were stronger in the VA relative to the BDM. Results point to an enhanced cortical response to bid outcomes during VA task in a potential component associated with emotional control, and to the occurrence of face‐sensitive potentials in VA but not in BDM auction. These findings suggest modulation of bid outcome processing by the social‐competitive aspect of auction tasks. Directly comparing two prominent auction paradigms affords the opportunity to isolate the impact of social environment on competitive, risky decision‐making. Findings suggest that feedback processing as early as 176 ms is facilitated by the presence of a human competitor, and later processing is modulated by social context and subjective value.
Why trade when you can transfer the technology: Revisiting Smith and Ricardo
Authors: Acharyya Rajat , Marjit Sugata 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper explores the possibility of international technology transfer in lieu of trade in a model with absolute and comparative advantage. Countries having absolute advantage in producing a good may offer that technology to a potential trading partner against a fee and both the countries might gain depending on the extent of comparative and absolute advantages. Thus, gains from trade might be dominated by gains from technology transfer, and we provide a formal proof and conditions for this possibility. Such an avenue of fruitful exchange remains unexplored in the Ricardian model of trade. Our result extends to the many commodity case.
Social capital and women's willingness to pay for safe water access: Evidence from African rural areas
Authors: Scuderi Raffaele , Tesoriere Giuseppe , Pedrini Giulio 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper investigates the relationship between women willingness to pay for water access and civic participation as social capital dimension. We use a dataset from a survey in three rural districts of Karamoja, one of the poorest regions of Uganda. Our results suggest that civic participation is not a silver bullet to empower women in rural areas; rather, its effect depends on both context and type of participation. In particular, participation in religious activities has a positive role, but only if it is strictly anchored to the progress of society in terms of gender equality improvement.
Laser capture microdissection‐based spatiotemporal transcriptomes uncover regulatory networks during seed abortion in seedless Ponkan (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Lu Liqing , Yang Haijian , Xu Yanhui , Zhang Li , Wu Juxun , Yi Hualin 
Published: April 2023

SUMMARYSeed abortion is an important process in the formation of seedless characteristics in citrus fruits. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying citrus seed abortion is poorly understood. Laser capture microdissection‐based RNA‐seq combined with Pacbio‐seq was used to profile seed development in the Ponkan cultivars ‘Huagan No. 4’ (seedless Ponkan) (Citrus reticulata) and ‘E'gan No. 1’ (seeded Ponkan) (C. reticulata) in two types of seed tissue across three developmental stages. Through comparative transcriptome and dynamic phytohormone analyses, plant hormone signal, cell division and nutrient metabolism‐related processes were revealed to play critical roles in the seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’. Moreover, several genes may play indispensable roles in seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’, such as CrWRKY74, CrWRKY48 and CrMYB3R4. Overexpression of CrWRKY74 in Arabidopsis resulted in severe seed abortion. By analyzing the downstream regulatory network, we further determined that CrWRKY74 participated in seed abortion regulation by inducing abnormal programmed cell death. Of particular importance is that a preliminary model was proposed to depict the regulatory networks underlying seed abortion in citrus. The results of this study provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism across citrus seed development, and reveal the master role of CrWRKY74 in seed abortion of ‘Huagan No. 4’.
Relaxation intervention to improve diabetic foot ulcer healing: Results from a pilot randomized controlled study
Authors: Ferreira Gabriela , Faria Susana , Carvalho André , Pereira M. Graça 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis pilot randomised controlled study (RCT) aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a progressive muscle relaxation with guided imagery intervention (experimental group [EG]) compared to a neutral guided imagery placebo (active control group [ACG]) and standard care to diabetic foot ulcer [DFU] treatment (passive control group [PCG]), to decide on the need for a definitive RCT. Diabetic foot patients with one or two chronic DFU and significant levels of stress/anxiety/depression were recruited and assessed during a period of 6 months, at three moments. Primary outcomes: feasibility rates and satisfaction with relaxation sessions. Secondary outcomes: DFU healing score, DFU‐related quality of life (DFUQoL), physical and mental HRQoL, stress and emotional distress, DFU representations, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. A total of 146 patients completed the baseline (T0) assessment with 54 participants presenting significant distress being randomised into three groups. Patients were assessed 2 months post‐intervention (T1) and 4 months after T1 (T2). Feasibility rates showed reduced values on eligibility, recruitment and inclusion in the study, although with an acceptable rate of refusal lower than 10%. On average, participants reported being satisfied with relaxation sessions and recommended them to other patients. Differences between groups showed that, at T1, PCG participants reported higher levels of stress than those from EG and ACG. Within‐group differences showed improvements in stress, distress, DFUQoL and DFU extent over time only in EG and ACG. Only EG showed significant changes in DFU representations at T1. The results suggest that relaxation may be a promising coping strategy to deal with DFU distress and an important adjuvant therapy for DFU healing, supporting the implementation of a definitive RCT.