Behavioral Assessment Research Articles

Linking crown fire likelihood with post-fire spectral variability in Mediterranean fire-prone ecosystems

Background Fire behaviour assessments of past wildfire events have major implications for anticipating post-fire ecosystem responses and fuel treatments to mitigate extreme fire behaviour of subsequent wildfires. Aims This study evaluates for the first time the potential of remote sensing techniques to provide explicit estimates of fire type (surface fire, intermittent crown fire, and continuous crown fire) in Mediterranean ecosystems. Methods Random Forest classification was used to assess the capability of spectral indices and multiple endmember spectral mixture analysis (MESMA) image fractions (char, photosynthetic vegetation, non-photosynthetic vegetation) retrieved from Sentinel-2 data to predict fire type across four large wildfires Key results MESMA fraction images procured more accurate fire type estimates in broadleaf and conifer forests than spectral indices, without remarkable confusion among fire types. High crown fire likelihood in conifer and broadleaf forests was linked to a post-fire MESMA char fractional cover of about 0.8, providing a direct physical interpretation. Conclusions Intrinsic biophysical characteristics such as the fractional cover of char retrieved from sub-pixel techniques with physical basis are accurate to assess fire type given the direct physical interpretation. Implications MESMA may be leveraged by land managers to determine fire type across large areas, but further validation with field data is advised.

The sedentary behavior reduction in pregnancy intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility randomized trial

Pregnant individuals rarely achieve moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity recommendations.Purpose The sedentary behavior reduction in pregnancy intervention (SPRING) pilot and feasibility randomized trial aimed to demonstrate feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a lower intensity intervention targeting reduced sedentary behavior and increased standing and steps.Methods First trimester pregnant individuals at risk for high sedentary behavior and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO) were randomized 2:1 to a multi-component sedentary behavior reduction intervention or no-contact control. Intervention components included biweekly remote health coaching, wearable activity monitor, height-adjustable workstation, and a private Facebook group. Evidence-based behavioral targets included sedentary time < 9 h/day, increasing standing by 2–3 h/day, and ≥ 7500 steps/day. Participants completed all-remote assessments (baseline, second trimester, third trimester) of sedentary behavior and activity (thigh-worn activPAL) along with exploratory pregnancy health outcomes abstracted from medical records. Intervention effects vs. control were evaluated using generalized mixed models and an intention-to-treat approach. Intervention participants also provided feedback on perceived benefits and acceptability.Results Participants (34 intervention; 17 control) had mean age 32 years, were 83% White, with mean pre-pregnancy BMI 28 kg/m2. Retention was high (90% and 83% at second and third trimester follow-up visits). Intervention participants decreased sedentary time (-0.84 h/day, p = 0.019) and increased standing (+0.77 h/day, p = 0.003), but did not increase steps/day (+710, p = 0.257) compared to controls. Intervention participants reported many perceived benefits and identified the wearable, height-adjustable workstation, and behavioral lessons as most useful.Conclusion For pregnant individuals at risk for high sedentary behavior and APOs, a sedentary behavior reduction intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may offer a viable alternative to more intense physical activity recommendations during pregnancy. Further testing in a fully powered clinical trial is warranted.Trial registration NCT05093842 on clinicaltrials.gov

Validation of the shortened version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) using participants from the Dog Aging Project.

The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a 100-item owner-completed survey instrument used for assessing behavior and temperament of companion dogs. The shortened version of the C-BARQ (C-BARQ(S)) consists of 42 items of the long C-BARQ. We aimed to validate the shortened C-BARQ(S) by comparing it with the long questionnaire in the same human-dog pair. We examined data from a nationwide cohort of companion dogs enrolled in the large-scale longitudinal Dog Aging Project (DAP) study. Among 435 participating owners who completed both the long and shortened versions of the C-BARQ within 60 days of each other, agreement between individual questions of the long and shortened C-BARQ using an unweighted kappa statistic and percent agreement was examined. Associations between the two questionnaires for mean behavior and temperament domain scores and mean miscellaneous category scores were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Of 435 dogs in the study, the mean (SD) age was 7.3 (4.3) years and 216 (50%) were female. Kappa values between the long and shortened C-BARQ for individual questions within the 14 behavior and temperament domains and a miscellaneous category ranged from fair to moderate (0.23 to 0.40 for 21 items and 0.41 to 0.58 for 26 items, respectively). Pearson correlation coefficients above 0.60 between both questionnaires for 12 of the 14 mean behavior and temperament domain scores and a category of miscellaneous items were observed. Kappa values for individual questions between the long and shortened C-BARQ ranged from fair to moderate and correlations between mean domain scores ranged from moderate to strong.

A numerical critical shear crack model and its application to post‐peak behavior assessment of RC and SFRC beams

AbstractIn this paper, a numerical critical shear crack model, in which the shear‐flexural coupling effect is considered and the full process of stress and strain is captured, is proposed to evaluate the post‐peak behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams. The shape of critical shear crack is identified by combining the modified compression field theory considering the bridge effect of steel fibers and the section analysis method. Based on the shape of critical shear crack, the shear capacity of beam members is provided by the shear tension zone and the shear compression zone. The shear capacity of the shear tension zone is calculated by the modified compression field theory and that of the shear compression zone is determined by multiaxial strength criterion of concrete. The vertical displacements caused by the flexure deformation and shear deformation are deduced by the moment area method and integration of shear strain. To verify the proposed numerical approach, a test database of 486 RC beams and 313 SFRC beams was established to predict the shear strength, and the force‐displacement relationships of twelve beam members are used to validate the feasibility for full process analysis. The stochastic analysis of beams with different failure modes is conducted via GF‐discrepancy‐based point selection method and probability density evolution method. The limitation between different failure modes is defined according to the degradation percent of shear capacity and it is taken as threshold value of failure domain, and the failure probability analysis indicates that the designed flexure beam member suffered severe degradation of shear capacity, resulting in a significant decline in safety probability.

Relationship Between Directly Observed Sensory Reactivity Differences and Classroom Behaviors of Autistic Children.

Differences in sensory reactivity are a core feature of autism; however, more remains to be learned about their role in classroom learning. To use direct observational measures to investigate whether there is a link between sensory reactivity differences and classroom behaviors of autistic children. Correlational study. Two special educational needs schools. Children with a clinical diagnosis of autism, ages 5 to 18 yr (N = 53). Sensory reactivity differences were assessed with the Sensory Assessment for Neurodevelopmental Differences. Classroom behaviors were measured using the Behavior Assessment for Children-Second Edition Student Observation System. Total sensory reactivity differences were correlated positively with behaviors that impede learning (r = .31, p < .05) and negatively with behaviors that facilitate learning (r = -.38, p < .05). Hyporeactivity differences were correlated positively with behaviors that impede learning (r = .28, p < .05) and negatively with behaviors that facilitate learning (r = -.31, p < .05). Hyperreactivity and sensory-seeking differences were not significantly correlated with behavior. Results suggest a link between sensory reactivity differences and classroom behaviors, highlighting a need for further research using observational measures in special education settings. Plain-Language Summary: Differences in hyporeactivity for children with autism may play a bigger role in classroom behavior and learning than previous literature has suggested. This has implications in occupational therapy practice for how to tailor support for children with hyporeactivity differences.

Cultural adaptation and validation of the caring behaviors assessment tool into Spanish

BackgroundThe aim of the research was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) tool in Spain, ensuring its appropriateness in the Spanish cultural context.MethodsThree-phase cross-cultural adaptation and validation study. Phase 1 involved the transculturation process, which included translation of the CBA tool from English to Spanish, back-translation, and refinement of the translated tool based on pilot testing and linguistic and cultural adjustments. Phase 2 involved training research assistants to ensure standardized administration of the instrument. Phase 3 involved administering the transculturally-adapted tool to a non-probabilistic sample of 402 adults who had been hospitalized within the previous 6 months. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess the consistency of the item-scale, demographic differences, validity of the tool, and the importance of various caring behaviors within the Spanish cultural context. R statistical software version 4.3.3 and psych package version 2.4.1 were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe overall internal consistency of the CBA tool was high, indicating its reliability for assessing caring behaviors. The subscales within the instrument also demonstrated high internal consistency. Descriptive analysis revealed that Spanish participants prioritized technical and cognitive aspects of care over emotional and existential dimensions.ConclusionsThe new version of the tool proved to be valid, reliable and culturally situated, which will facilitate the provision of objective and reliable data on patients beliefs about what is essential in terms of care behaviors in Spain.

Structural integrity and corrosion behavior assessment of the dissimilar gas tungsten arc welded joint of sDSS 2507/ IN625 superalloy

This study investigates the effect of filler materials on the structural integrity of dissimilar welded joints (sDSS 2507/IN625) employed in marine subsea manifold applications. Multi-pass gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) using ER2594 and ERNiCrMo-3 fillers investigates microstructure evolution, solidification mechanisms, mechanical characteristics, residual stresses, and corrosion behavior. Optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed an unmixed zone (peninsula/island-shaped) at the weld interface and weld zone (WZ) in both filler weldments. Segregation of Mo, Nb, and Ni was observed in the interdendritic region of ERNiCrMo-3 filler WZ, whereas the skeletal ferrite matrix of ER2594 filler WZ revealed the existence of the Laves phase (Fe2Nb form). Electron beam scattered diffraction (EBSD) investigation showed austenitic solidification for ERNiCrMo-3 and fully ferritic solidification for ER2594 with distinct dendrite formations. Inhomogeneity has been observed in microhardness maps, with ER2594 and ERNiCrMo-3 WZ averaging 310 ± 7 Hv0.5 and 270 ± 10 Hv0.5, respectively. ERNiCrMo-3 (165 ± 5 J and 180 ± 3 J) and ER2594 (100 ± 3 J and 110 ± 6 J) fillers exhibited distinct effects on toughness in the weld cap and root due to laves phase precipitation. Additionally, ER2594 (750 ± 6 MPa) and ERNiCrMo-3 (790 ± 7 MPa) fillers exhibited lower tensile strength than base metals. The structural integrity of WZ can be better understood by residual stress analysis, which showed compressive cap pass and tensile root pass residual stresses for both fillers. In a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, both fillers exhibited outstanding corrosion resistance in marine conditions. These findings improve subsea manifold structure integrity and performance in corrosive marine environments.

The effect of low dose intra-articular S(+) ketamine on osteoarthritis in rats: an experimental study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the analgesic impact of S(+)-ketamine on pain behavior and synovial inflammation in an osteoarthritis (OA) model. MethodsAnimals were grouped as follows: OA-Saline (n = 24) and OA-Ketamine (n = 24), OA induced via intra-articular sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA); a Non-OA group (n = 24) served as the control. On the 7th day post OA induction, animals received either saline or S(+)-ketamine (0.5 mg.kg−1). Behavioral and histopathological assessments were conducted up to day 28. ResultsS(+)-ketamine reduced allodynia from day 7 to 28 and hyperalgesia from day 10 to 28. It notably alleviated weight distribution deficits from day 10 until the end of the study. Significant walking improvement was observed on day 14 in S(+)-ketamine-treated rats. Starting on day 14, OA groups showed grip force decline, which was countered by S(+)-ketamine on day 21. However, S(+)-ketamine did not diminish synovial inflammation. ConclusionLow Intra-articular (IA) doses of S(+)-ketamine reduced MIA-induced OA pain but did not reverse synovial histopathological changes. IRB approval number23115 012030/2009-05.

Chemical Speciation, Leaching Behavior, and Environmental Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in the Bottom Ash from Biomass Power Plant.

Biomass combustion for power generation stands as a pivotal method in energy utilization, offering a promising approach for renewable energy utilization. However, the substantial volume of slag produced by biomass burning plants poses environmental challenges, impeding sustainable energy practices. This article systematically studies the characteristics of ash generated from typical biomass direct combustion power plant ash and analyzes the chemical composition, trace element content characteristics, leaching characteristics, and chemical forms of biomass bottom ash. Furthermore, it assesses the environmental ecology and bioavailability of trace elements in bottom ash using the ecological risk assessment method and RAC method. The results demonstrate that the biomass bottom ash contains plant nutrients, such as K, Ca, Mg, and P, while the content of harmful trace elements is lower than the relevant Chinese standards. In dissolution experiments, the leaching rate of nearly all elements remains exceptionally low, primarily due to the distribution of trace elements within the lattice structure of stable minerals. Trace elements predominantly exist in the residual phase, Cu and Zn primarily found in organic compounds and sulfide bound states, while other elements mostly exist in the form of iron manganese oxide bound states. Ecological risk assessment indicates a significant risk level for Cd, contrasting with the slight risk associated with other elements. RAC results indicated no ecological risk of all of the trace elements. Consequently, the utilization of bottom ash in agricultural and forestry soils is deemed to be viable. These findings serve as a crucial foundation for biomass bottom ash resource utilization and underpin the sustainable utilization of biomass energy.

Neurobehavioral Symptom Profiles for the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury.

To identify neurobehavioral symptom profiles among persons with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) using the Behavioral Assessment Screening Tool (BAST) and to consider participant characteristics that differ between profile groups. Community. Participants (n=615) were English-speaking adults (≥18) and had a self-reported history of at least one TBI of any severity. Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. The BAST measures neurobehavioral symptoms in the domains of Negative Affect, Fatigue, Executive Dysfunction, Impulsivity, and Substance Misuse. Using latent profile analysis (LPA), we identified 3 different neurobehavioral profiles. Overall symptom frequency and differences in the pattern of symptom frequency across domains differentiated the profile groups. Average domain scores differed significantly across the profiles (P <.001) for all domains except Fatigue (P =.076). Those in profile 3 (High-Risk group) reported the most frequent symptoms across all domains (similar Negative Affect frequency as profile 1). Substance Misuse was especially high in this group. Compared to profile 2 (High Negative Affect group), participants in profile 1 (Moderate-Risk group) endorsed significantly more frequent (and more variable) symptoms across all BAST domains, particularly Impulsivity and Substance Misuse. Participants in profile 2 endorsed the least frequent symptoms across all domains. Demographic comparison showed that groups differed based on gender, age, and injury severity (mild vs moderate-severe), with profile 3 composed of the most men and the most persons in early adulthood, and profile 2 composed of the most women and those with mild TBI. We differentiated 3 neurobehavioral symptom profiles among persons with chronic TBI and determined differences in sociodemographic factors between the groups. Future research should focus on validating these profiles in another sample of individuals with chronic TBI. Characterizing persons according to multidimensional symptom profiles could allow for more tailored approaches to predict and prevent long-term negative outcomes.

Toward Gender Understanding: Examining Ambivalent Sexism among University Students and Its Impact on Faculty Evaluation

This study examines gender differences in levels of sexism among university students and evaluates variations in assessing sexist attitudes toward professors. The aim is to analyze potential disparities between men and women regarding ambivalent sexism (both hostile and benevolent) and to determine if these differences influence the evaluation of specific behaviors by teaching faculty. Additionally, the present study seeks to validate the variability hypothesis, asserting that men are over-represented in the extremes of distributions compared to women concerning analyzed sexist attitudes. Eighty university students participated voluntarily and anonymously, completing three questionnaires on ambivalent sexism, neosexism, and the assessment of sexist behaviors by their instructors. Consistent with prior research, the results reveal higher levels of sexism among men in this context. Despite these differences, both men and women align in evaluating specific behaviors in teaching faculty, irrespective of their individual levels of sexism. Finally, the data presented support the variability hypothesis, indicating greater variability in sexist attitudes among men than women. These findings suggest that general attitudes assessed in most questionnaires might not be representative of the behaviors and attitudes that people display in real specific situations. This could change how future research and interventions approach these issues.

How do people who use opioids express their qualities and capacities? An assessment of attitudes, behaviors, and opportunities

People who nonmedically use drugs (PWUD) face intricate social issues that suppress self-actualization, communal integration, and overall health and wellness. “Strengths-based” approaches, an under-used pedagogy and practice in addiction medicine, underscore the significance of identifying and recognizing the inherent and acquired skills, attributes, and capacities of PWUD. A strengths-based approach engenders client affirmation and improves their capacity to reduce drug use-related harms by leveraging existing capabilities. Exploring this paradigm, we conducted and analyzed interviews with 46 PWUD who were clients at syringe services programs in New York City and rural southern Illinois, two areas with elevated rates of opioid-related morbidity and mortality, to assess respondents’ perceived strengths. We located two primary thematic modalities in which strengths-based ethos is expressed: individuals (1) being and advocate and resource for harm reduction knowledge and practices and (2) engaging in acts of continuous self-actualization. These dynamics demonstrate PWUD strengths populating and manifesting in complex ways that both affirm and challenge humanist and biomedical notions of individual agency, as PWUD refract enacted, anticipated, and perceived stigmas. In conclusion, programs that blend evidence-based, systems-level interventions on drug use stigma and disenfranchisement with meso and micro-level strengths-based interventions that affirm and leverage personal identity, decision-making capacity, and endemic knowledge may help disrupt health promotion cleavages among PWUD.

Ecological validity of common behavioral decision making tasks: evidence across two samples

ABSTRACT Background Clinicians and scholars routinely use behavioral decision tasks to assess real-world decision making capabilities. However, many common behavioral decision making tasks lack data on the extent to which they predict real-world risky behaviors. Across two pre-registered studies, and two timepoints, we assessed decision making abilities using common behavioral tasks and predicted participants’ real-world risky decision making from task performance. Method In Study 1, 918 Mechanical Turk (MTurk) workers completed three decision making tasks in addition to assessments of real-world risk behavior: preventive health behaviors, COVID-19 vaccination status, and virtual social distancing task performance. In Study 2, 221 college student participants completed the Study 1 tasks plus additional assessments of decision making and real world risk and protective behaviors. Results Across both studies, the selected behavioral decision tasks rarely predicted real world behavior and, when they did, the relationship was weak at best. Conclusions These data suggest that these behavioral decision making tasks may not be good predictors of real world risky behavior at present, with some evidence that the specificity of the behavior being assessed matters (i.e. the closer the task was to the specific behavior being predicted), calling for additional ecological validity research, with a greater variety of tasks in the future.

Potential Food Inclination of Crab-Eating Macaques in Laboratory Environments: Enhancing Positive Reinforcement Training and Health Optimization.

Positive reinforcement and training for health optimization are pivotal for successful studies with monkeys. Potential food inclination is important for studies on crab-eating macaques in laboratory environments, but evaluations remain scarce. We explored crab-eating macaques' potential food inclination to establish a reward system for future behavioral assessments. Twelve male and three female monkeys underwent a food inclination assessment in which they were offered four food categories-fruits, vegetables, proteins, and nuts. The monkeys exhibited a higher inclination for plant-based foods, particularly fruits and vegetables, over animal-based proteins like chicken and tuna (p < 0.0001), with a notable inclination for nuts (eaten/provided = 100%). Additionally, the consistency of potential food inclination after repeated offerings was investigated, revealing a time-dependent increase in inclination for protein items. Food consumption ratios correlated positively with caloric intake (r = 0.59, p = 0.02), implying that individuals with a regular high caloric intake and increased body weight are more likely to accept food during positive reinforcement training. Our findings suggest fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, and nuts can help with health optimization. However, animal-based protein-rich foods initially had a low preference, which may increase over time. Our study can provide guidelines for positive reinforcement training and health optimization.

The mediating role of mothers’ conflict resolution skills in the relationship between mothers’ communication skills and behavioral problems of children aged 3–6 years

AbstractAlthough studies have revealed the importance and effect of mothers' communication levels on behavioral problems seen in children, the role of the other key variable in this relationship has not been adequately examined. This study aims to test a theoretical model developed based on the relevant literature to evaluate the mediating role of the mother's conflict resolution skills in the relationship between the behavioral problems of children aged 3–6 years and the mother's communication skills. The study was prepared based on the correlational survey model. Its sample consists of 410 mothers who have children in the age group of 3–6 years and live within the borders of Northern Cyprus. The mothers included in the sample were contacted using a stratified sampling method. The personal information form, Communication Skills Scale-Adult Form, Conflict Resolution Scale, and Social Competence and Behavior Assessment Scale were used to collect the data. Statistical data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 and Amos 21.0 software. The statistical analysis of the research data indicates that the fit indices, except for RMSEA, demonstrate that the χ2/df value has an acceptable fit and the GFI, NFI, and CFI values fall within the fit limits. According to the research findings, mothers' tendencies in conflict resolution significantly predict children's social competence and behaviors. Furthermore, the study reveals that mothers' communication skills do not significantly predict children's social competence and behaviors. As a result, it is determined that mothers' conflict resolution tendencies mediate the relationship between their communication skills and children's social competence and behaviors. In light of these findings, several recommendations are proposed for future research and practical applications.

Assessment of Morbidity Profile and Health-Seeking Behaviour of Older Adults in a Rural Field Practice Area of a Tertiary Health Care Centre of Western Maharashtra

Background: The diseases prevalent in the older adults need to be identified and their early diagnosis andtreatment is facilitated by a good health seeking behaviour. The present study was conducted with the objective of assessing the morbidity profile and health-seeking behaviour of older adults residing in the rural field practice area of a tertiary health care centre of Western Maharashtra.Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 660 older adults were selected from the study population using systematic random sampling with population proportionate to sample size and assessed using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire and clinical examination. Data entry and analysis was done in Microsoft Excel.Conclusion: The major co-morbidities found in these older people were hypertension (49.4%), diabetes mellitus (43.3%), anaemia (26.1%) and cataract (15.6%). 13.0%study participants had symptoms like fever, cough, diarrhoea ,joint pain, etc. and out of these, 26 participants were not getting treatment. Health education regarding the importance of getting treatment during times of illness is necessary to bring about a change in their health-seeking behaviour.

Analyzing the Temporal Behavior of Noisy Intermediate‐Scale Quantum Nodes and Algorithm Fidelity

AbstractIn the past decade, quantum computing has undergone rapid evolution, capturing the increasing interest of the scientific community, industry, and governments. This enthusiasm has resulted in ambitious growth plans which stimulate the development of more efficient quantum computing devices and programming environments. The easy accessibility of quantum platforms in the cloud has attracted individuals to explore quantum computing, prompting a comprehensive analysis and assessment of quantum device's behavior. The extensive benchmarking presented in this study involved all free available quantum computing devices within the IBM Quantum Platform. These devices are employed to execute tens of thousands of quantum program executions, with the objective of evaluating quantum computer behavior and performance over time and under different optimization options. Special emphasis has been placed on analyzing the transpile operation and the depth of generated quantum circuits. The machine analysis tests are conducted using Quantum Computing Run Assistant (QCRA), a versatile software tool specifically designed to streamline the effortless distribution of quantum programs across a range of quantum computing platforms. This software not only streamlines the optimization of benchmarking processes but also simplifies the assessment of different configurations and result quality through the collection of advanced job metadata.

Deep learning enhanced fluid-structure interaction analysis for composite tidal turbine blades

A precise and cost-effective prediction tool for fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis is crucial for optimizing the structural design of tidal turbine blades. However, the high computational costs associated with fluid dynamic analysis pose a significant challenge, as the current lack of efficient FSI prediction methods hinders the advancement of cutting-edge tidal turbine designs. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel consolidated framework that integrates deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNN) with blade element momentum (BEM) theory and finite element method (FEM) to perform deformation analysis of turbine blade structures. The proposed CNN-BEM-FEM integrated framework efficiently identifies the geometric features and predicts the hydrodynamic parameters of turbine blades and thus, achieving accurate assessments of the structural behavior of tidal turbines. The study applies two-step verification procedures to validate the prediction accuracy of the CNN-BEM-FEM framework and the result demonstrates excellent agreement with experimental tests for hydrodynamic performance and blade deformation. When compared with the static one-way FSI calculated by Ansys Workbench software, the computational efficiency of CNN-BEM-FEM framework increases by more than 18 times, with discrepancies in blade deformation and equivalent stress calculations generally less than 5 %. By applying the proposed method to predict the FSI performance of tidal turbine blades with various shear web structures, the practical applicability for composite turbine blade design is successfully demonstrated. The results underscore the potential of the CNN-BEM-FEM framework as an efficient and accurate prediction tool for optimizing the structural design of tidal turbine blades.

CHCHD10S59L/+ mouse model: Behavioral and neuropathological features of frontotemporal dementia

CHCHD10-related disease causes a spectrum of clinical presentations including mitochondrial myopathy, cardiomyopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We generated a knock-in mouse model bearing the p.Ser59Leu (S59L) CHCHD10 variant. Chchd10S59L/+ mice have been shown to phenotypically replicate the disorders observed in patients: myopathy with mtDNA instability, cardiomyopathy and typical ALS features (protein aggregation, neuromuscular junction degeneration and spinal motor neuron loss). Here, we conducted a comprehensive behavioral, electrophysiological and neuropathological assessment of Chchd10S59L/+ mice. These animals show impaired learning and memory capacities with reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) measured at the Perforant Pathway-Dentate Gyrus (PP-DG) synapses. In the hippocampus of Chchd10S59L/+ mice, neuropathological studies show the involvement of protein aggregates, activation of the integrated stress response (ISR) and neuroinflammation in the degenerative process. These findings contribute to decipher mechanisms associated with CHCHD10 variants linking mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal death. They also validate the Chchd10S59L/+ mice as a relevant model for FTD, which can be used for preclinical studies to test new therapeutic strategies for this devastating disease.

Behavioral Assessment of Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) Exposed to Acidic and Alkaline pH

This study presents qualitative and behavioral evaluations in Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) exposed to acidic and alkaline pH. Renewal system maintained for 96 hours was observed intermittently every 12 hours from pH 4 to 10. Qualitative indicators evaluated were (1) Repeated movement (2) Abrupt swimming (3) Body fatigue (4) Loss of physical activity (5) Loss of appetite (6) Change in body colour (7) Burnt marks (8) Decolouration of muscles (9) Mucous discharge (10) Glossy gills (11) Shedding of scale and (12) Disintegrated body parts. There was no mortality throughout the study. Majority of behavioral aversions and irregularities were observed at acidic (4 and 5) and alkaline (9 and 10) levels. The study suggests that this species is best maintained between pH of 6 to 8 in a domesticated subsystem.