Analysis Of Behavior Research Articles

Pesticide-Induced Alterations in Locomotor Activity, Anxiety, and Depression-like Behavior Are Mediated through Oxidative Stress-Related Autophagy: A Persistent Developmental Study in Mice.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), dichlorvos (DDV), and cypermethrin (CP), as commonly used pesticides, have been implicated in inducing neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression-like behaviors, and locomotor activity impairment. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of these adverse effects, particularly in both sexes and their next-generation effects, remain unclear. In this study, we conducted behavioral analysis, along with cellular assays (monodansylcadaverine staining) and molecular investigations (qRT-PCR and western blotting of mTOR, P62, and Beclin-1) to clear the potential role of autophagy in pesticide-induced behavioral alterations. For this purpose, 42 adult female and 21 male inbred ICR mice (F0) were distributed into seven groups. Maternal mice (F0) and 112 F1 offspring were exposed to 0.5 and 1 ppm of CPF, DDV, and CP through drinking water. F1 male and female animals were studied to assess the sex-specific effects of pesticides on brain tissue. Our findings revealed pronounced anxiogenic effects and impaired locomotor activity in mice. F1 males exposed to CPF (1 ppm) exhibited significantly elevated depression-like behaviors compared to other groups. Moreover, pesticide exposure reduced mTOR and P62 levels, while enhancing the Beclin-1 gene and protein expression. These changes in autophagy signaling pathways, coupled with oxidative and neurogenic damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, potentially contribute to heightened locomotor activity, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors following pesticide exposure. This study underscores the substantial impact of pesticides on both physiological and behavioral aspects, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive assessments and regulatory considerations for pesticide use. Additionally, the identification of sex-specific responses presents a crucial dimension for pharmaceutical sciences, highlighting the need for tailored therapeutic interventions and further research in this field.

Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices.

Slow feeding devices (SFDs) are useful tools in order to improve the horse well-being and to reduce wastage, but their use may result in unnatural posture during feeding and frustration behaviours. Moreover, it may be important to evaluate the laterality during feeding. The aim of the study was to investigate ponies' feeding behaviour (i.e., lateralisation, frustration, postural eating style) with different hay feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled hay net (HF), a partially filled hay net (HL), and a slow feeder hay box (HB). Nine ponies of two different breed types (Shetland and Welsh/Cob) were evaluated. Video recordings were obtained and then behavioural analysis was conducted. Data were analysed statistically using k-means cluster analysis, repeated measurement mixed model procedure, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Head tilting was more often performed during feeding from HF and HL compared to G and HB. Forelimb forward, referring to the position that ponies assumed during feeding, was performed less frequently with the hay nets. Ponies, in particular Welsh/Cobs, tended to be more left-lateralized and performed more backward ears when feeding from the hay nets. Blink rate was observed to be greater when ponies were fed from G. No head pushing, striking with forelimb and pawing while feeding was seen. Animals fed from HF tended to eat from the top of the hay net and consequently showed an arched neck; while HL and HB showed for elongated neck an intermediate pattern between G and HF. From our results, HB seemed to be a useful compromise between natural feeding on the ground and the use of hay nets.

Psilocybin reduces alcohol self-administration via selective left nucleus accumbens activation in rats.

The use of psilocybin to treat alcohol use disorder is very promising, but the mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We combined behavioral, pharmacological and gene expression analyses to decipher the mechanisms of action of psilocybin, for the first time injected into the brain. Male Long Evans rats underwent chronic operant ethanol self-administration before testing the effect of intraperitoneal psilocybin or directly within the nucleus accumbens core or the ventral tegmental area. Transcripts from the dopaminergic system were quantified in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. Psilocybin significantly reduced (50%) ethanol self-administration when injected 4 hours before the session either intraperitoneally (1mg/kg) or directly within the left nucleus accumbens (0.15μg) but not the right nucleus accumbens or the left ventral tegmental area. The effect of intraperitoneal injection of psilocybin was prevented by intra left nucleus accumbens injection of 0.3μg of the 5-HT2AR antagonist ketanserin. In rats that self-administered ethanol but not in those self-administering saccharin, dopamine D2 receptor mRNA were increased in both the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex by psilocybin, while D1R mRNA was increased only in the prefrontal cortex. As in humans, psilocybin reduced ethanol self-administration in rats through the 5-HT2AR within the left nucleus accumbens possibly through increased D2R expression. Our results open unexpected perspectives regarding the hemispheric lateralization of psychedelic effects.

Hippocampal excitation-inhibition balance underlies the 5-HT2C receptor in modulating depressive behaviours.

The implication of 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor (5-HT2CR) in depression is a topic of debate, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. We now elucidate hippocampal excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance underlies the regulatory effects of 5-HT2CR in depression. Molecular biological analyses showed that chronic mild stress (CMS) reduced the expression of 5-HT2CR in hippocampus. We revealed that inhibition of 5-HT2CR induced depressive-like behaviors, reduced GABA release and shifted the E/I balance towards excitation in CA3 pyramidal neurons by using behavioral analyses, microdialysis coupled with mass spectrum, and electrophysiological recording. Moreover, 5-HT2CR modulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand of nNOS (CAPON) interaction through influencing intracellular Ca2+ release, as determined by fiber photometry and coimmunoprecipitation. Notably, disruption of nNOS-CAPON by specific small molecule compound ZLc-002 or AAV-CMV-CAPON-125C-GFP, abolished 5-HT2CR inhibition-induced depressive-like behaviors, as well as the impairment in soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex assembly-mediated GABA vesicle release and a consequent E/I imbalance. Importantly, optogenetic inhibition of CA3 GABAergic neurons prevented the effects of AAV-CMV-CAPON-125C-GFP on depressive behaviors in the presence of 5-HT2CR antagonist. Conclusively, our findings disclose the regulatory role of 5-HT2CR in depressive-like behaviors and highlight the hippocampal nNOS-CAPON coupling-triggered E/I imbalance as a pivotal cellular event underpinning the behavioral consequences of 5-HT2CR inhibition.

A computational analysis of thermoelectric behaviour of $$d^{0}$$ half-Heusler alloys GeKCa and GeKSr

A computational analysis of thermoelectric behaviour of $$d^{0}$$ half-Heusler alloys GeKCa and GeKSr

Long-term, medium-term and acute stress response of urban populations of Eurasian red squirrels affected by different levels of human disturbance.

Animals in urban areas often encounter novel and potentially stressful conditions. It is important to understand how wildlife cope with anthropogenic disturbance. To investigate this specific adaptation we live-trapped squirrels in two study sites in Warsaw: a forest reserve and an urban park and we estimated stress responses at three levels: long-term and medium-term stress (the level of stress hormones, i.e. cortisol and cortisone concentrations, in hair and feces) and acute reaction to human-induced stress (measured during handling with the aid of the three indices: breath rate, struggle rate, and vocalization). According to GLMM models no difference in the stress hormones level was found between the two populations. The only differences in cortisol concentrations clearly depended on the season, i.e. being higher in autumn and winter comparying to other seasons. There was no influence of sex, or reproductive status on stress hormones. Forest squirrels had significantly higher breath rates, suggesting they were more stressed by handling. There was no difference in the struggle rate between study areas, this index was mostly affected by season (i.e. being highest in winter). First-trapped squirrels vocalized less than during the subsequent trappings. Assumingly, during the first, and more stressful trapping, squirrels used 'freezing' and/or little vocalization, while during next captures they used alarm calls to warn conspecifics. Overall, we showed that the two squirrel populations differed only in terms of their breath rate. This suggests that they did not differ in medium-term and long-term stress in general, but they can differ in acute response to handling. This also suggests that both populations were similarly affected by environmental factors. The lack of clear effects may also be due to population heterogeneity. Thus, in order to assess the effects of anthropogenic stressors a broader range of indicators and diverse analytical methods, including behavioral analyses, should be employed.

Symbiotic Success: Unveiling the Crucial Link Between Human Resources Strategies and Elevated Customer Satisfaction an Analytical Study of a Sample of Small Companies

The study aims to understand the role of the availability of skilled people in marketing activities for Iraqi technology companies c to acquire nice hangs in Consumer behavior, which maintains the business enterprise’s position in the marketplace price stability It was obtained by conducting a survey, whereby the survey obtained various objectives and hypotheses. The important finding of study is that marketing activity is one of the most important functions in firms that are directly connected with the public, as that activity helps to create an enabling environment in which the public also accepts these firms’ products. The most important recommendation of the study is the importance of increasing the interest of Iraqi companies in marketing and human activities that can have a better analysis of consumer behavior and pursue best marketing practices of Iraqi industrial companies internationally between comparisons In sectors and obtain positive attitudes results related to customer satisfaction.

An energy flow analysis for multibody dynamic behavior of cable-membrane system

An energy flow analysis for multibody dynamic behavior of cable-membrane system

Post-transcriptional regulation and subcellular localization of G-protein γ7 subunit: implications for striatal function and behavioral responses to cocaine

The striatal D1 dopamine receptor (D1R) and A2a adenosine receptor (A2aR) signaling pathways play important roles in drug-related behaviors. These receptors activate the Golf protein comprised of a specific combination of αolfβ2γ7 subunits. During assembly, the γ7 subunit sets the cellular level of the Golf protein. In turn, the amount of Golf protein determines the collective output from both D1R and A2aR signaling pathways. This study shows the Gng7 gene encodes multiple γ7 transcripts differing only in their non-coding regions. In striatum, Transcript 1 is the predominant isoform. Preferentially expressed in the neuropil, Transcript 1 is localized in dendrites where it undergoes post-transcriptional regulation mediated by regulatory elements in its 3′ untranslated region that contribute to translational suppression of the γ7 protein. Earlier studies on gene-targeted mice demonstrated loss of γ7 protein disrupts assembly of the Golf protein. In the current study, morphological analysis reveals the loss of the Golf protein is associated with altered dendritic morphology of medium spiny neurons. Finally, behavioral analysis of conditional knockout mice with cell-specific deletion of the γ7 protein in distinct populations of medium spiny neurons reveals differential roles of the Golf protein in mediating behavioral responses to cocaine. Altogether, these findings provide a better understanding of the regulation of γ7 protein expression, its impact on Golf function, and point to a new potential target and mechanisms for treating addiction and related disorders.

-COMMERCE DATA ANALYSIS

In an increasingly digital and data-driven business landscape, e-commerce has become a critical domain for companies seeking to understand customer behaviour, enhance operational efficiency, and boost profitability. This project embarks on an exploration of e-commerce data analysis, focusing on its application in business optimization. In today's digital landscape, e-commerce platforms have revolutionized the way businesses operate and consumers shop. With the exponential growth of online transactions, the need to understand consumer behaviour and optimize business strategies has become paramount. This project aims to delve into the realm of e-commerce data analysis, leveraging diverse datasets to extract meaningful insights and drive informed decision-making. The study commences with data collection from multiple sources, including user interactions, purchase histories, demographics, and website traffic. Various analytical techniques such as descriptive analytics, predictive modelling, and machine learning algorithms are employed to extract valuable patterns, trends, and correlations from the amassed data. The findings from this analysis are crucial for ecommerce businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive revenue growth. The project aims to contribute actionable insights that can be utilized by e-commerce stakeholders to make data driven decisions and stay ahead in a highly competitive market. The objectives of this study are to investigate and synthesize the existing literature on various facets of e-commerce data analysis, encompassing frameworks, data sources, metrics, customer behaviour analysis, personalization, recommendation systems, fraud detection, security measures, market basket analysis, cross-selling strategies, supply chain management, inventory control, user experience enhancement, A/B testing, and ethical considerations. By assessing these key areas, this project seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how data analysis techniques can be harnessed to improve e-commerce businesses' decision-making, customer satisfaction, and security. With the exponential growth of e-commerce platforms in recent years, there is a wealth of data available that offers valuable insights into consumer behaviour, market trends, and business performance. This study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of e-commerce data to uncover meaningful patterns and trends, providing businesses with actionable intelligence to enhance decision-making processes. The research methodology combines descriptive statistics, machine learning

Reviewing the use of zebrafish for the detection of neurotoxicity induced by chemical mixtures through the analysis of behaviour.

The knowledge and assessment of mixtures of chemical pollutants in the aquatic environment is a complex issue that is often challenging to address. In this review, we focused on the use of zebrafish (Danio rerio), a vertebrate widely used in biomedical research, as a model for detecting the effects of chemical mixtures with a focus on behaviour. Our aim was to summarize the current status of the ecotoxicological research in this sector. Specifically, we limited our research to the period between January 2012 and September 2023, including only those works aimed at detecting neurotoxicity through behavioural endpoints, utilizing zebrafish at one or more developmental stages, from egg to adult. Additionally, we gathered the findings for every group of chemicals involved and summarized data from all the works we included. At the end of the screening process 101 papers were considered eligible for inclusion. Results show a growing interest in zebrafish at all life stages for this kind of research in the last decade. Also, a wide variety of different assays, involving different senses, was used in the works we surveyed, with exposures ranging from acute to chronic. In conclusion, the results of this study show the versatility of zebrafish as a model for the detection of mixture toxicity although, for what concerns behavioural analysis, the lack of standardisation of methods and endpoints might still be limiting.

Behavioral and pharmacological characterization of planarian nociception

IntroductionPain mostly arises because specialized cells called nociceptors detect harmful or potentially harmful stimuli. In lower animals with less convoluted nervous system, these responses are believed to be purely nociceptive. Amongst invertebrate animal models, planarians are becoming popular in a wide range of pharmacological and behavioral studies beyond the field of regeneration. Recent publications led the way on pain studies by focusing on nociceptive behaviors such as the ‘scrunching’ gait displayed under various noxious stimuli, as opposed to the ‘gliding’ gait planarians usually adopt in normal conditions.MethodsIn this study, we adapted commonly used nociceptive tests to further explore nociception in planarians of the species Girardia dorotocephala. By using behavioral analysis in open fields and place preferences, we managed to set up chemical, thermal and mechanical nociceptive tests. We also adapted RNA interference protocols and explored the effects of knocking down TRPA1 ion channels, one of the main effectors of chemically and thermally-induced nociceptive responses in vertebrates.ResultsConsequently, we demonstrated the reliability of the scrunching gait in this planarian species, which they displayed in a dose-dependent manner when exposed to the irritant AITC. We also showed that suppressing the expression of TRPA1 ion channels completely suppressed the scrunching gait, demonstrating the involvement of TRPA1 nociceptors in this nociceptive reaction. Besides, we also explored the effects of two common analgesics that both displayed strong antinociceptive properties. First, morphine reduced the chemically-induced nociceptive scrunching gaits by more than 20% and shifted the EC50 of the dose–response curve by approximately 10 μM. Secondly, the NSAID meloxicam drastically reduced chemically-induced scrunching by up to 60% and reduced heat avoidance in place preference tests.DiscussionThus, we managed to characterize both behavioral and pharmacological aspects of G. dorotocephala’s nociception, further developing the use of planarians as a replacement model in pain studies and more globally the study of invertebrate nociception.

Exploring Acoustic-Visual perception and satisfaction in urban Parks: Based on behavioral analysis

Exploring Acoustic-Visual perception and satisfaction in urban Parks: Based on behavioral analysis

Examining the impact of different LED road stud layouts on driving performance and gaze behaviour at night-time

The risks associated with night-time driving on dimly lit roads are substantial and are attributable to the limitations of human visual abilities. As a result, drivers often struggle to distinguish road geometry from ordinary road markings, thus increasing the likelihood of mistakes. These circumstances contribute to a 60 % higher likelihood of road crashes compared to daytime conditions. To mitigate these risks, active LED road studs, which previous studies have shown to have a positive influence on driving performance, can be used. However, there remains a gap in research regarding the optimal arrangement of these studs along road markings for an improvement in driver behaviour and traffic safety. In this study, we assessed the influence of five different LED road stud layouts (unlit, edge, centre, edge-centre, and lane) during night-time driving on two-lane rural highways with curves of different radii (120, 210, 300, 440 m) and directions (left, right). Following a within subject design, thirty-five participants drove in a simulator along a road track with 8 spiralled curves (4 radii × 2 directions) linked to straights. We monitored the longitudinal (i.e., speed), transversal (i.e., lateral position and standard deviation of lateral position) and gaze behaviours.Our findings indicate that the presence of LED road studs promotes safer driving, by helping drivers to adjust their speed when negotiating curves. Transversal behaviour analysis revealed layout-dependent effects on lateral position. The presence of road studs both at the lane centreline and edge allows drivers to maintain centred trajectories and improve steering control. Gaze behaviour analysis uncovered interesting patterns, demonstrating a strong correlation between road stud layout and the driver's focus on specific road targets. Illuminated markings prompt drivers to concentrate their gaze on distinct points, subsequently altering their transversal behaviour.

A Case Study on Recommender Systems in Online Conferences: Behavioral Analysis through A/B Testing

A Case Study on Recommender Systems in Online Conferences: Behavioral Analysis through A/B Testing

Multi-sensor-based process monitoring and quality assessment during laser forming of novel titanium foam to prevent cellular structure damage

Titanium foam finds its application in different fields like battery electrodes, heat exchangers, biological prosthetics, and lightweight structures for aeronautical parts. However, the inherent property of the foam to fail during mechanical loading conditions poses a challenge in providing final shape to these materials for practical applications. The present work investigates forming of Titanium foam (Ti Foam) using inline process monitoring for achieving controlled foam deformation while maintaining its quality without failure. Infrared (IR) pyrometer and laser-based displacement sensor were used to monitor the foam deformation behavior and thermal signature. The monitoring data were used to understand the process mechanism of laser forming. The bending mechanism within the foam was analysed with respect to solid sheet bending process. The correlation of the achieved bending angles, was attempted with the process parameters for surface, microstructural, elemental, and phase transformation. A critical analysis of Ti foam behavior, like surface melting, in situ oxidation, phase transformation, and formation of nano-structures on foam surface was addressed based on process parameter combinations. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) was carried out to investigate the pore deformation mechanism. Metallurgical characterisations for foam surface and phase analysis were carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM) to determine the chemical and crystallographic states of the laser-formed surface.

Analysis of frost layer growth behavior on cryogenic surfaces in ultralow dew point environments by experimental tests and numerical simulations

Maintaining an ultralow dew point is essential for the operation of transonic cryogenic wind tunnels, as it significantly influences aerodynamic characteristics. Even in extremely dry conditions, minute quantities of frost can form on cryogenic surfaces, which compromises data quality. Conducting experiments on frost desublimation in such ultralow dew point environments poses significant challenges due to the demanding experimental conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the desublimation characteristics of cryogenic surfaces in ultralow dew point environments and to address the challenges of experimental investigations under such extreme conditions. Initially, the study experimentally investigated frost formation by assessing the impact of various factors, such as temperature and water vapor content. It was observed that the type of frost formed depended on the water vapor content, and altering the surface temperature influenced the growth region of the frost crystals. The irregular growth of the frost layer on low-temperature surfaces was evident, as temperature markedly affected both the growth rate and the diffusion direction of frost formation. Moreover, the process of trace water frost formation was simulated using a dispersive multiphase model, predicting the frost layer's thickness. The numerical results suggest that the frost layer is micrometers thick, with a minimum thickness of 20 μm. A nonlinear relationship was identified between frost growth and dew point level. This research lays the groundwork for a deeper understanding of desublimation characteristics in ultralow dew point environments and for further investigation of low-temperature heat and mass transfer phenomena.

Analysis of tribological behavior, pin temperature, and surface roughness of a brake pad material with nano coating

Analysis of tribological behavior, pin temperature, and surface roughness of a brake pad material with nano coating

Beyond borders: A cross‐cultural analysis of consumption and purchase behaviour of sweeteners in yoghurts

AbstractThe study explored the sociocultural influences on sugar consumption in three distinct countries: New Zealand, France, and Singapore. It employed the theory of planned behavior (TPB) alongside consumer perception and acceptance factors, such as sugar consciousness, product labeling, sugar substitution with sweeteners, and perceived flavor, to investigate participants’ behaviors regarding various yogurt types. Data was gathered through web surveys in each country, analyzed through partial least squares (PLS)–confirmatory factor analysis to create country‐specific conceptual frameworks, and then validated using PLS‐path modeling to assess the correlations between TPB and consumer perception constructs. The results indicated that perceived behavioral control positively influenced intentions to reduce sugar intake in participants from New Zealand and Singapore. Sugar consciousness exhibited a positive correlation with behavioral intentions across all three countries, suggesting heightened awareness of sugar intake motivates individuals to cut back. Notably, the presence of labels and claims showed negative correlation with perceived flavor, among the participants from New Zealand and France, suggesting that food researchers must navigate a delicate balance between labels and flavor to successfully design and market sugar‐reduced products. Further analysis, PLS‐multigroup analysis revealed significant difference in the impact of subjective norms on attitude between participants from different countries. Singaporeans placed stronger value on others’ approval for consuming less sugar‐sweetened yogurt, whereas French and New Zealand participants had a more neutral stance. This study's novelty lies in its comprehensive exploration of sociocultural factors, integration of TPB with consumer perception constructs, and tailoring of analysis to each country's cultural context, thereby enhancing our understanding of multicultural sugar consumption patterns.

Analysis of Picky Eater Behavior in Mustika Siwi Kindergarten Students in Terms of Eating Patterns at Home

Analysis of Picky Eater Behavior in Mustika Siwi Kindergarten Students in Terms of Eating Patterns at Home