Activity Patterns In Relation Research Articles

Diversity and vertical distribution patterns of wildlife in Tianzhushan, Shaanxi Province, China.

Biodiversity monitoring is an important means by which to evaluate management effectiveness and develop sound conservation plans. In this study, 52 cameras were installed in the study area of Tianzhushan to assess wildlife diversity and elevational patterns from 2018 to 2019. In total, 9 541 independent photos were collected within 26 565 camera-days. We analysed the relative abundance index (RAI), activity patterns and seasonal activity rhythms of the five most abundant species at 200-m elevational intervals throughout the study area (elevation range 1 400–2 000 m a.s.l.). Based on RAI results, the activity patterns of the five most abundant species (i.e. Susscrofa, Naemorhedusgriseus, Muntiacusreevesi, Arctonyxcollaris and Capricornismilneedwardsii) were analysed. Amongst the detected wild mammals, Susscrofa had the highest RAI value of 9.91, while the occurrence of Tamiopsswinhoei had the lowest RAI at 0.004. In addition, there were significant differences in species activity during the daytime and night-time. RAI of the ungulate community peaked at the 1 600–1 800 m a.s.l. elevational range, thus showing a mid-elevational peak pattern. Differences in vertical distribution patterns were detected for the five most abundant species. Mainland serows and wild boars preferred mid-elevation habitats (1 600–1 800 m a.s.l.), long-tailed gorals preferred mid- and high altitudes (1 600–2 000 m a.s.l.) elevation habitats and Chinese muntjacs and hog badgers preferred low elevation habitats (1 400–1 600 m a.s.l.). Taken together, this is the first study to reveal the five dominant species activity patterns in Tianzhushan, which is of importance for wildlife conservation.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Its Association With Sleep Quality and Chronotype Among Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundEvidence indicates that many university students have poor adherence to a healthy diet accompanied by unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. Chrono-nutrition is an emerging field of research that examines the pattern of optimum daily activity in relation to the human's dietary patterns, and their reflections of variable health indicators such as sleep quality. However, there is a scarcity of research that examines the relationship between adherence to the healthy eating pattern, like the Mediterranean diet (MD), with sleep quality and chronotype among university students.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, and convenience sampling was used. Participants were assessed for adherence to the MD using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and for chronotype using the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire (MEQ).ResultsThe study included 503 university students, most of them (81.5%) were females. Only 15.1 and 16.9% reported morningness chronotype and good sleep quality, respectively. About half of the students showed medium and high adherence to the KIMED. In-depth analysis revealed that students with good adherence to the MD were more likely to have a good sleep quality (OR = 0.35; 95%CI: 0.21–0.59; P < 0.001) even after adjustment for age and sex (OR = 0.36; 95%CI: 0.21–0.62; P < 0.001). The regression analysis also showed that those with good adherence to the MD had a significant association with better subjective sleep quality, less sleep latency, sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction even after adjustment for age and sex. Those with morningness chronotype had about a six-fold higher chance to have good adherence to the MD (OR = 5.67; 95%CI: 2.86–11.26; P < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionsGood adherence to the healthy diet presented in the MD among university students is associated with morningness chronotype and with improved overall sleep quality and sleep components. Long-term, controlled intervention research works are warranted for more elaboration on the impact of chronotype and dietary habits on sleep quality and other important aspects such as mental health and academic achievement.

A Long Short-Term Memory Network for Sparse Spatiotemporal EEG Source Imaging.

EEG inverse problem is underdetermined, which poses a long standing challenge in Neuroimaging. The combination of source-imaging and analysis of cortical directional networks enables us to noninvasively explore the underlying neural processes. However, existing EEG source imaging approaches mainly focus on performing the direct inverse operation for source estimation, which will be inevitably influenced by noise and the strategy used to find the inverse solution. Here, we develop a new source imaging technique, Deep Brain Neural Network (DeepBraiNNet), for robust sparse spatiotemporal EEG source estimation. In DeepBraiNNet, considering that Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) are usually "deep" in temporal dimension and thus suitable for time sequence modelling, the RNN with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is utilized to approximate the inverse operation for the lead field matrix instead of performing the direct inverse operation, which avoids the possible effect of the direct inverse operation on the underdetermined lead field matrix prone to be influenced by noise. Simulations on various source patterns and noise conditions confirmed that the proposed approach could actually recover the spatiotemporal sources well, outperforming existing state of-the-art methods. DeepBraiNNet also estimated sparse MI related activation patterns when it was applied to a real Motor Imagery dataset, consistent with other findings based on EEG and fMRI. Based on the spatiotemporal sources estimated from DeepBraiNNet, we constructed MI related cortical neural networks, which clearly exhibited strong contralateral network patterns for the two MI tasks. Consequently, DeepBraiNNet may provide an alternative way different from the conventional approaches for spatiotemporal EEG source imaging.

Camera trap placement for evaluating species richness, abundance, and activity

Information from camera traps is used for inferences on species presence, richness, abundance, demography, and activity. Camera trap placement design is likely to influence these parameter estimates. Herein we simultaneously generate and compare estimates obtained from camera traps (a) placed to optimize large carnivore captures and (b) random placement, to infer accuracy and biases for parameter estimates. Both setups recorded 25 species when same number of trail and random cameras (n = 31) were compared. However, species accumulation rate was faster with trail cameras. Relative abundance indices (RAI) from random cameras surrogated abundance estimated from capture-mark-recapture and distance sampling, while RAI were biased higher for carnivores from trail cameras. Group size of wild-ungulates obtained from both camera setups were comparable. Random cameras detected nocturnal activities of wild ungulates in contrast to mostly diurnal activities observed from trail cameras. Our results show that trail and random camera setup give similar estimates of species richness and group size, but differ for estimates of relative abundance and activity patterns. Therefore, inferences made from each of these camera trap designs on the above parameters need to be viewed within this context.

Differential effects of long-term aerobic versus cognitively-engaging physical activity on children’s visuospatial working memory related brain activation: A cluster RCT

Different types of physical activity are thought to differentially affect children’s brain activation, via physiological mechanisms, or by activating similar brain areas during physical and cognitive tasks. Despite many behavioral studies relying on these mechanisms, they have been rarely studied. This study looks at both mechanisms simultaneously, by examining effects of two physical activity interventions (aerobic vs. cognitively-engaging) on children’s brain activation. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data of 62 children (48.4% boys, mean age 9.2 years) was analyzed. Children’s visuospatial working memory related brain activity patterns were tested using a Spatial Span Task before and after the 14-week interventions consisting of four physical education lessons per week. The control group followed their regular program of two lessons per week. Analyses of activation patterns in SPM 12.0 revealed no activation changes between pretest and posttest (p > .05), and no differences between the three conditions in pretest–posttest changes in brain activation (p > .05). Large inter-individual differences were found, suggesting that not every child benefited from the interventions in the same way. To get more insight into the assumed mechanisms, further research is needed to understand whether, when, for whom, and how physical activity results in changed brain activation patterns.

Seasonal variation in the ecology of tropical cavity-nesting Hymenoptera on Mt. Kilimanjaro

Insect communities vary seasonally with changing climatic conditions and related changes in resource availability, strength of competition, or pressure by natural antagonists. But seasonal dynamics, particularly in tropical mountain ecosystems, are not well understood. We monitored cavity-nesting Hymenoptera communities on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to analyse temporal patterns of nest-building activity, ecological rates, and life-history traits in relation to seasonal climatic variation and elevation. We installed trap nests on 25 study sites in natural and disturbed habitat types covering the colline (&lt;1,300&nbsp;m) and submontane zones (≥1,300&nbsp;m a.s.l). We analysed patterns of seasonality in the cavity-nesting ecology of Hymenoptera at three different trophic levels –bees, caterpillar-hunting wasps and spider-hunting wasps– over a complete annual period, covering two rainy and two dry seasons. Nest-building activity showed strong seasonal trends in all three investigated trophic levels and peaked at the end of the short rainy season at low elevations. Nest-building activity was considerably higher and seasonal trends were better synchronised between the different trophic levels in the colline zone at low elevations. We also detected seasonal patterns for parasitism and natural mortality rates, sex ratio, and development time, which varied with trophic level and between elevation levels. Climate and flower abundance were important predictors for seasonal patterns in nest-building activity, ecological rates and life-history traits. These results reveal that seasonal trends in nest-building activity of lowland Hymenoptera seem to be linked to changes in climate and resource availability that reflect the seasonal patterns in plant growth and flowering documented in lowland savanna ecosystems. Higher resource availability also increased the sex ratio in bees towards the more costly females and enhanced their survival rates. These spatiotemporal links between climate, resources, ecological rates, and life-history traits indicate high sensitivity of plant-host-antagonist interactions to environmental changes.

Conceptual expansion via novel metaphor processing: An ERP replication and extension study examining individual differences in creativity

The aims of the present ERP study were twofold. First, to determine whether a previous study on creative cognition could be replicated, and second, to extend these findings by examining individual differences in creativity. Conceptual expansion, a capacity that is central to creativity, was induced via the processing of novel metaphors. Brain activity patterns in relation to these were compared to the processing of literal and nonsense phrases. The previous findings were replicated in that the N400, known for its sensitivity to semantic anomalies, indexed the originality of the phrases, while a post-N400 late component (LC), which is linked to semantic integration processes, indexed the appropriateness of the phrases. Moreover, only the LC was significantly sensitive to individual differences in creativity in the processing of these phrases. Differences at the level of semantic integration processes as well as the structure of knowledge organization are thereby implicated in individual differences in creativity.

Perceived anxiety and physical activity behaviour changes during the early stages of COVID-19 restrictions in community-dwelling adults in Canada: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic changed daily routines, including physical activity, which could influence physical and mental health. In our study, we describe physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns in relation to...

Diel activity patterns of two syntopic range-restricted geckos suggest idiosyncratic responses to climate change

Measures of activity patterns in relation to environmental conditions provide insights into ecologically driven requirements and climate preferences of species, particularly for ectotherms, due to the strong relationship between body temperature (Tb) and environmental temperatures. Lygodactylus incognitus (cryptic dwarf gecko) and Lygodactylus soutpansbergensis (Soutpansberg dwarf gecko) are range-restricted endemics to the Soutpansberg Mountains, South Africa, and have recently been shown to be potentially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. This prompted us to study the relationship between the thermoregulatory characteristics and environmental temperatures for these syntopic species. Active geckos (i.e. those outside of a refuge) and environmental variables were recorded during scan surveys across two seasons. Binomial logistic regressions were used to predict and explain activity based on presence/absence measures and environmental variables for each species. Of the variables measured, air temperature (Ta) was the main predictor of activity for both species. Cryptic dwarf geckos were active in cooler Ta than warmer temperatures in comparison to Soutpansberg dwarf geckos. Cryptic dwarf geckos are thus well adapted to temperate conditions. Soutpansberg dwarf geckos appear well adapted for warmer conditions, as they were more likely to be active at higher Ta. Our findings suggest that both species will alter their daily activity times in response to changing climate, but that the cryptic dwarf gecko is likely to be more negatively impacted than the Soutpansberg dwarf gecko, due to their affinity for cooler temperatures and avoidance of the hottest temperatures exhibited during the study period. Therefore, although these broadly sympatric, syntopic, range-restricted species are closely related and have similar life histories, they occupy different thermal niches and are likely to respond to climate change idiosyncratically. Our findings caution against the overuse of proxy species in predicting species geographic distribution changes in response to climate change.

Effect of COVID-19 confinement on physical activity patterns in relation to sociodemographic parameters in Spanish population

The main purpose of the present study was to determine the sociodemographic parameters associated to physical activity (PA) patterns changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in the Spanish population. Participants were recruited by sending a survey through various social network channels via the snowball method. A voluntary sample of 2430 individuals consisting of 1203 men and 1227 women (aged between 18 to 73 years old) from the Spanish national territory participated in this study. An online survey was performed to collect the information, which was tested through ad hoc analysis with different sociodemographic variables. Participants were a median of 34 years old (18-73 years old) with a mean BMI of 23.6 kg/m2. The risk factors associated with the change in PA hours during confinement showed that to do sports (β=-56.88, 95% CI: -79.35 to -34.40, P<0.001), male sex (β -34.78, 95%CI;-54.02 to -15.52, P<0.001) and the educational level (i.e., elementary school category) (β=-54.21, 95%CI;-89.10 to -19.32, P=0.002) reported negative changes with hours of PA during confinement. By the contrary, the employment status (passive work) and to be student reported positive association (i.e., increase PA hours per week). The COVID-19 lockdown led to a reduction PA patterns in Spanish population. Mostly men showed a drastic decrease in hours of PA compared to the women's group. Likewise, the groups of people with elementary and high education showed a decrease in hours of weekly PA, as well as unemployed people.

Novel approach to modeling high-frequency activity data to assess therapeutic effects of analgesics in chronic pain conditions

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition often associated with pain, affecting approximately fourteen percent of the population, and increasing in prevalence. A globally aging population have made treating OA-associated pain as well as maintaining mobility and activity a public health priority. OA affects all mammals, and the use of spontaneous animal models is one promising approach for improving translational pain research and the development of effective treatment strategies. Accelerometers are a common tool for collecting high-frequency activity data on animals to study the effects of treatment on pain related activity patterns. There has recently been increasing interest in their use to understand treatment effects in human pain conditions. However, activity patterns vary widely across subjects; furthermore, the effects of treatment may manifest in higher or lower activity counts or in subtler ways like changes in the frequency of certain types of activities. We use a zero inflated Poisson hidden semi-Markov model to characterize activity patterns and subsequently derive estimators of the treatment effect in terms of changes in activity levels or frequency of activity type. We demonstrate the application of our model, and its advance over traditional analysis methods, using data from a naturally occurring feline OA-associated pain model.

Physical Activity and Health: Does the Pattern Matter?

It is well-known that physical activity is key in the prevention of many diseases and disability in old age. Much less is, however, known about the pattern of activity in relation to health. While there are differences in how people spread their activity and sedentary behavior over the day or over the week, we don’t know which activity pattern of most beneficial for health. This symposium focuses on patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior and health in five different studies with accelerometry data in Europe and the USA. Dr. Rosenberg will show how sedentary behavior patterns are associated with various health outcomes in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study. Using data from The Maastricht Study, Dr. Vandercappellen will present how weekly activity patterns, in particular comparing regularly actives to weekend warriors, are associated with arterial stiffness. Dr. Shiroma will show how patterns of physical activity and sedentary behavior, taking the volume, intensity, and frequency of sessions into account, are associated with mortality in the Women’s Health Study. Dr. Caserotti will present the association between physical activity fragmentation and physical function in the SITLESS Study. Dr. Stenholm will present data from the Finish Retirement and Aging Study, using latent class trajectory analyses to identify daily activity patterns and how these patterns are associated with health-related physical fitness. Taken together, this symposium will provide insight into different ways patterns of activity can be operationalized using accelerometer data and if the patterns of activity and sedentary behavior are associated with health.

The neural substrates of visual organization in children and adolescents: An fMRI study

Deficient visual organization ability not only indicates possible brain dysfunctions but further affects an individual’s daily activities. This study aimed to use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural network contributing to visual organization abilities in children and adolescents. A two-choice version of the Hooper Visual Organization Test (T-HVOT) was adapted as the fMRI task for the present study. The effects of age and gender on overall visual perceptual functions and related neural foundations were also analyzed. Seventy children and adolescents were administered with the Test of Visual Perceptual Skill-Third Edition and 41 completed the fMRI scans. The whole-brain fMRI mapping results showed the cortical activation of multiple brain areas relating to visual organization. The greatest cortical activities were seen in the middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, middle frontal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus, and two age groups showed significant differences in cortical activation patterns as well. Gender had no significant effects on visual perceptual functions nor related cortical activation patterns. The overall visual perception functions improve with age, and the different cortical activation patterns indicated that the two groups adopt different strategies while performing visual organization tasks. The sensitivity and spatial resolution of fMRI allowed us to make specific conclusions about cortical regions involved in visual organization function and to provide a reference for objectively judging rehabilitative outcomes.

Relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals in Península Valdés, Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract The purpose of this study was to assess the relative abundance and activity patterns of terrestrial carnivorous mammals living in San Pablo de Valdés Wildlife Reserve, which is located in Península Valdés (PV), Chubut province, Argentina. To this end, camera traps were placed in different plant communities of this reserve and they were used from January 2015 to December 2016. A total of 256 independent events, with a sampling effort of 1811 camera nights, were obtained. The following species were identified in order of relative abundance: Conepatus chinga, Lycalopex gymnocercus, Leopardus geoffroyi, Puma concolor, and Leopardus colocolo, and the activity patterns of the first three were estimated. Those of P. concolor and L. colocolo could not be estimated as insufficient independent events were obtained. Our results show a cathemeral activity pattern in C. chinga and L. geoffroyi and a more nocturnal pattern in L. gymnocercus. Our results highlight the need to expand the sampling area to obtain further details on the behavioral patterns and population parameters of the carnivores identified. Knowledge of ecological issues, such as relative abundance and activity patterns of carnivorous mammals, is imperative to formulate monitoring and conservation programs.

Characterizing Dietary and Physical Activity Patterns in Relation to Hydration Among Pre-Adolescent Children

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to characterize food and fluid consumption as well as and physical activity patterns in children in relation to ad libitum hydration. Methods Child participants aged 9–11 years (N = 55, 28 females) reported beverage consumption with a 7-day fluid diary. Overall diet was reported using a 7-day diet record and analyses were run using the Nutritional Data System for Research (NDSR). Physical activity was assessed with hip worn accelerometers (Actigraph wGT3x+, Pensacola, FL) over 7 days and aerobic fitness was measured with a VO2 max test. Body composition was assessed with dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Urine was collected over a 24hr period and was analyzed separately with a refractometer and freezing point depression for specific gravity (USG) and osmolality (UOsm), respectively. Results Children reported ad libitum consumption of 1645 ± 856 mL of total fluid per day, which was comprised of 37% plain water and 12% milk. The remaining 51% was composed of juice, carbonated, sports, fruit, and caffeinated beverages. Mean 24 h UOsm was 780 ± 250 mOsm/kg and USG was 1.019 ± 0.007. Activity data showed participants spent 52 minutes of MVPA/day. Partial correlations, adjusting for VO2 max, % body fat, sex, energy intake, and accelerometer wear time per day, revealed relationships between plain water consumption and USG (r = −0.32, P = 0.05). USG was related to sedentary activity/day (r = −0.37, P = 0.03); however, there were no other relationships between physical activity and urine hydration markers or plain water intake (all p's &amp;gt; 0.05). Total healthy eating index score (HEI) was not related to plain water intake (r = 0.16, P = 0.34) but trended with UOsm (r = −0.30, P = 0.07). Further, UOsm was inversely correlated with the specific HEI subcomponents of higher vegetable (Rho = −0.32, P = 0.02) and lower saturated fat (Rho = −0.28, P = 0.04) consumption. Conclusions Water consumption in children was below recommendations, and fruit drinks, carbonated drinks, and juice comprised a significant proportion of beverages consumed. Higher water consumption was correlated with lower urine concentration, providing additional support for the importance of water for hydration in children. Finally, hydration was not related to weight status, % body fat, or habitual physical activity. Funding Sources Danone Research, Palaiseau, France.

Responses of a wild ungulate assemblage to anthropogenic influences in Manas National Park, India

Large carnivores have experienced significant global range contractions and recovering their populations is often contingent on increasing prey abundances. In Manas National Park (MNP), following nearly two decades of ethnopolitical conflict, studies document that populations of both prey and predators were depressed. Here we assess the status of wild ungulates in a section of MNP (Bansbari-Bhuyanpara) that has remained conflict-free for over a decade. For seven ungulate species, we estimate species-specific densities using distance-based sampling, assess species-specific space-use patterns in relation to habitat variables within an occupancy framework and examine patterns of temporal activity in relation to times when people access the park for resources. Further, by comparing temporal activity patterns of ungulates between MNP, a site where local communities access the park for resources, and Kaziranga National Park, where human use of the park is minimal, we examine if species activity is altered in response to human presence. We estimate that currently Bansbari-Bhuyanpara ranges of MNP support 42.66 (34.16–51.16) individual ungulates/km2. Our results highlight that current patterns of human access within the park affect both spatial and temporal behaviour of these species. Although we estimate a relatively high recovery potential for tigers in MNP given current prey densities, we suggest that further ungulate population recoveries could be supported in the park. With several ungulate species experiencing range-wide declines, efforts to minimize non-lethal human disturbances on these species also need to be considered to ensure that predator-prey systems remain intact.

Abundancia relativa y patrones de actividad de Didelphis marsupialis en un área periurbana de Medellín, Colombia

Objetivo. Determinar la abundancia relativa y los patrones de actividad de la zarigüeya común (Didelphis marsupialis) en una zona periurbana del municipio de Medellín, departamento de Antioquia. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se desarrolló en la sede de prácticas y clínica veterinaria Remington ubicada en el corregimiento de Santa Elena. Para el registro de datos se empleó la metodología de fototrampeo durante 3 meses (junio-agosto de 2017), invirtiendo un esfuerzo total de 166 días/trampa. Resultados. Se obtuvieron un total de 275 registros independientes de la especie y se estimó una abundancia relativa de 52.88. El patrón de actividad muestra un primer pico de actividad al comienzo de la noche (19:00) y un segundo pico en la madrugada (3:00), con una posterior disminución hacia las horas de la madrugada. Conclusiones. Los resultados muestran una abundancia relativa alta con respecto a otras localidades en Colombia, además de evidenciar una población reproductivamente activa. Al mismo tiempo se convierten en una herramienta para el fortalecimiento de estrategias de conservación y sensibilización a los pobladores locales sobre la fauna de la región.

Effects of nonlethal tourist activity on the diel activity patterns of mammals in a National Park in Peninsular Malaysia

The activity patterns of mammals are highly variable across species and can be affected by many factors, such as daytime length (i.e., sunrise to sunset), temperature, precipitation, predator–prey or competitive interactions and human activities. However, while several studies have investigated the seasonal and diel activity patterns of mammals using camera traps, information on their diel activity patterns in relation to nonlethal tourist activity is limited. Therefore, here, we conducted video-camera-trap surveys in Endau Rompin National Park in Peninsular Malaysia to examine the detection rates and diel activity patterns of the mammals living there, as well as differences in their diel activity patterns between the open and closed tourist seasons. Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), bearded pig (Sus barbatus), wild boar (S. scrofa), greater oriental chevrotain (Tragulus napu) and Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) exhibited significant differences in their diel activities among time periods: Malayan tapir was predominantly nocturnal, the greater oriental chevrotain was predominantly crepuscular and all other species were strongly diurnal. In addition, the data indicated that the Malayan porcupine (Hystrix brachyura) was nocturnal and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) was cathemeral, although the differences between time periods were not significant for these species. The detection frequencies of barking deer, bearded pig, wild boar and Malayan porcupine were higher in the open season. However, these differences were not related to human activity recorded by the cameras, and none of the mammalian species exhibited significant differences in their diel activity patterns between the open and closed seasons, suggesting that nonlethal tourist activity has limited effects on the diel activity patterns of wild mammals in this National Park.

Seasonal and Diurnal Variation of Singing Activity: Their Possible Relationship with Intra- and Inter-Sexual Function in the Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis.

We studied seasonal and diurnal variation of singing activity in a single-song repertoire species, the savannah sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), to explore the possible functions of the song. We observed a total of 47 territorial males (11 over three years, 28 over two years) on a daily basis. For all paired and unpaired males, and across all stages of the breeding season, we recorded total number of songs produced (singing persistence), the number of instances of aggression per 10-minute period in each focal male, and the number of songs per 3-minute period (singing intensity). Male savannah sparrows showed different singing activity in different behavioural contexts: 1) unpaired males sang more persistently, but less intensely than paired males; 2) paired males markedly reduced their singing persistence, but showed higher singing intensity, especially in the evening; 3) singing intensity of paired males peaked during the egg-laying period. The different patterns of singing activity in relation to time of day, nuptial status, and female breeding stage suggest that though the birds each possess only a single song type, the differential activities may play important roles in intra- and inter-sexual communication systems: it is argued that 1) intense singing by paired males in the evening plays a role in territory defense, while persistent singing by unpaired males in the morning plays a role in mate attraction; 2) especially high evening singing activity during the egg-laying period may relate to changed female behavior at the nest associated with the onset of incubation.

Relative activation patterns associated with self-transcendent and self-enhancement core values: An fMRI study of basic human values theory concepts in males

ABSTRACTCore values have been shown to influence a variety of social behaviors, but research on the brain networks supporting their effects is sparse. While undergoing fMRI scanning, twenty male participants evaluated descriptions of real-world activities according to how worthwhile they were and how likely they were to participate in them. Each activity was categorized according to contexts conceptualized in the Basic Human Values Theory (BHVT) model of core values. We investigated two Self-enhancement values (Power and Achievement) and two Self-transcendent values (Benevolence and Universalism). Behavioral results indicated that Achievement and Benevolence activities were rated higher on both worthiness and participation willingness than Power and Universalism activities. Neuroimaging results revealed that self-transcendence activities elicited greater medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate activation relative to self-enhancement activities during participation rated trials. Contrasting Power, Benevolence, and Universalism activities against Achievement activities during participation rated trials revealed a network of regions critical for moral processing, suggesting that activities corresponding to these three values were considered within a moral framework. No brain regions demonstrated activity that tracked behavioral ratings associated with specific values. This study expands upon previous core values research by demonstrating that real-world contexts related to different BHVT values elicit different brain regions.