Levels Of Behavior Research Articles

The Divergent and Bidirectional Relationships Between Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry and Prosocial Behaviors.

Previous studies have identified narcissism as one of the dark triad personalities. However, contradictory findings were found regarding the relationship between grandiose narcissism and prosocial behaviors. The present research further explored their relationships and reconciled the contradictions by distinguishing between narcissistic admiration and rivalry facets, as well as investigating the bidirectional relationships between narcissism and prosocial behaviors, and the mediating effect of basic psychological needs satisfaction/frustration. This study utilized three-wave panel data of Chinese adolescents (N = 1641, 52.3% female, Wave 1 Mage = 15.26, SD = 0.52). Cross-lagged panel models revealed that admiration predicted a higher level of basic psychological needs satisfaction and prosocial behaviors, while rivalry predicted a higher level of basic psychological needs frustration and a lower level of prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors, in turn, predicted higher levels of needs satisfaction and admiration, and lower levels of needs frustration and rivalry subsequentially. These effects were not observed by random-intercept cross-lagged panel model. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complexity of narcissism and its intra- and interpersonal outcomes among adolescents, providing practical implications for future studies and educational practices.

Personality traits, peer influence as a correlate of Nomophobic behaviour among undergraduate students in Obafemi Awolowo university, ILE-IFE, Nigeria.

The study investigated the prevalence of Nomophobic behaviour among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. It also ascertained the correlate of each of students’ psychosocial factors (personality traits and peer influence) and Nomophobic behaviour among undergraduates. It examined the correlates of students’ social factor (peer influence) and Nomophobic behaviour and ascertained the correlates of psychological factor (personality traits) and Nomophobic behaviour among students in the study area. These were with a view to providing information on psychosocial factors that have relationship with Nomophobic behaviour among the students. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population for the study consisted of Obafemi Awolowo University undergraduate students. A sample of 1080 undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Six faculties out of 13 were selected using simple random sampling technique and two departments were selected from each of the six faculties using simple random sampling technique to give a total of 12 departments in all. Convenient sampling technique was used to select 90 (100 level to 400/500 level) students from each of the two departments selected in each faculty to make a total of 1080 respondents in all. One instrument titled Psychosocial and Nomophobic Behaviour among Undergraduate Students which contained five sections; Section A comprised item on students’ Nomophobic behaviour, Section B, contained items on students’ personality traits, and Section C comprised items on peer influence, Data collected were analyzed using percentage, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression analyses. The results showed that (83.8%) of the undergraduate students exhibited moderate level of Nomophobic behaviour. Furthermore, the results established that there was a significant relationship between each students’ personality traits and Nomophobic behaviour among the students (extraversion and Nomophobic behaviour r = 0.04, agreeableness and Nomophobic behaviour r = 0.12, conscientiousness and Nomophobic behaviour r = 0.13, neuroticism and Nomophobic behaviour r = 0.26 and openness to experience and Nomophobic behaviour r = -.01p-value< 0.05). The results also showed that there was significant relationship between peer influence and Nomophobic behaviour among the students with ([r =.18, p value< 0.05). The study concluded that peer influence had the strongest relationship with Nomophobic behaviour of university undergraduates in Obafemi Awolowo University, followed by personality traits, religiousity and depression respectively.

How Does Students’ Negative Feedback Affect University Teachers?

The relevance of student evaluation of teaching (SET) for both development of individual teaching as well as for institutional quality management in higher education (HE) contexts has been investigated in numerous studies. However, how educators incorporate students’ feedback into their teaching, especially in the case of negative evaluations, depends on how educators perceive and deal with students’ feedback. To address this issue, we conducted an experimental vignette study to document how university teachers (N = 107) respond to negative SET at cognitive, emotional, and behavioral levels. Further, we varied the focus (student- vs. teacher-oriented) and the content (learning outcomes, interest in course, and learning activities) of feedback messages in the vignettes. Our results show that students’ negative feedback, especially concerning learning outcomes, evoked predominantly negative emotions of sadness or anxiety in HE teachers. Further, participants perceived the students’ negative feedback as moderately unstable and as to some extent limited within their control. Student-oriented negative comments regarding students’ interest in course or students’ engagement in learning activities were interpreted as more trustworthy and valid than negative feedback on teacher-focused characteristics related to the educators’ instructional competences. On average the participants indicated higher approach tendencies than avoidance tendencies after receiving students’ negative feedback. Finally, how HE teachers perceived and dealt with negative SET was linked to teachers’ perceived value of students’ feedback. Our findings underline the importance of incorporating more student-focused elements into SET and introducing activities that assist HE teachers in handling negative feedback within the SET process.

KNOWLEDGE, PERCEPTION, AND STIGMA IN THE JAKARTA COMMUNITY TOWARD TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION

Introduction: The Corona Virus Infectious Disease (COVID)-19 pandemic has impacted tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment in Indonesia, making Indonesia rank second in the world’s tuberculosis cases. Tuberculosis epidemiology worsened during the pandemic; an estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with tuberculosis worldwide in 2021, an increase of 4.5% from the previous year (Falzon et al., 2023). Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between knowledge, perception, and stigma toward tuberculosis prevention in the community in Jakarta. Methods: Respondents in this study were selected using simple random sampling with the criteria at least 17 years of age and currently not diagnosed as a TB patient. Those who were diagnosed with active TB and were on treatment were excluded from the study. Using a cross-sectional design, this study was analyzed with logistic regression. Results: Two factors were found to be associated with the level of tuberculosis prevention behavior. Respondents with better knowledge about tuberculosis were 5.13 times more likely to make good prevention in tuberculosis (OR=5.129; 95% CI=2.341-11.238; p-value <0.001). In addition, having a positive perception of tuberculosis prevention was also associated with better tuberculosis prevention practices (OR=3.301; 95% CI=1.402-7.772; p-value=0.006). Conclusion: Knowledge and perceptions can also eventually lead to stigma, which results in delayed diagnosis, increases the source of transmission, and hinders efforts to reduce its prevalence. A possible recommendation is to educate the community about TB transmission, treatment, and prevention to dispel myths and negative perceptions.

Longitudinal markers of cognitive procedural learning in fronto-striatal circuits and putative effects of a BDNF plasticity-related variant

Procedural learning and automatization have widely been studied in behavioral psychology and typically involves a rapid improvement, followed by a plateau in performance throughout repeated training. More recently, brain imaging studies have implicated frontal-striatal brain circuits in skill learning. However, it is largely unknown whether frontal-striatal activation during skill learning and behavioral changes follow a similar learning curve pattern. To address this gap in knowledge, we performed a longitudinal brain imaging study using a procedural working memory (pWM) task with repeated measurements across two weeks to map the temporal dynamics of skill learning. We additionally explored the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, a common genetic polymorphism impacting neural plasticity, to further inform the relevance of the identified neural markers. We used linear and exponential modeling to characterize procedural learning by means of learning curves on the behavioral and brain functional level. We show that repeated training led to an exponential decay in a distributed set of brain regions including fronto-striatal circuits, which paralleled the exponential improvement in task performance. In addition, we show that both behavioral and neurofunctional readouts were sensitive to the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, suggesting less efficient learning in 66Met-allele carriers along with protracted signal decay in frontal and striatal brain regions. Our results extend existing literature by showing the temporal relationship between procedural learning and frontal-striatal brain function and suggest a role of BDNF in mediating neural plasticity for establishing automatized behavior.

Enhancing English Proficiency in Korean Schoolchildren with Problematic Behaviors: Efficacy of Digital Game-Based Learning.

Objective: Language learning through computer games has been suggested to enhance language abilities compared with traditional learning methods. Training in language skills may also improve self-control and reduce problematic behaviors in children and adolescents. We hypothesized that computer game-based language training could be more effective than classical language instruction. Furthermore, we propose that the enhanced language skills obtained through computer game language training could correspond with improvements in problematic behaviors within this group. Materials and Methods: This was an 8-week crossover trial consisting of 4 weeks of gaming rounds and 4 weeks of control rounds for two groups. Wise-Ax English is a casual digital game developed for English vocabulary education targeting Korean children. The game incorporates 500 English words selected from a pool designated by the Korean Ministry of Education. The study included 38 Korean students. At the 4-week and 8-week marks, all students were assessed with English competency tests. Results: Over 80% of the participants expressed satisfaction with the digital game-based English education, noting significant improvements in their English abilities compared with those achieved using traditional English classes. During the gaming rounds, children with problematic behaviors demonstrated improvement in test scores relative to their peers without such behaviors. Conclusion: The educational game Wise-Ax English can effectively enhance English language skills among Korean elementary school students. Notably, the effectiveness of Wise-Ax English was more pronounced in students exhibiting higher levels of problematic behavior and anxiety.

The Impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms on Depressive Symptoms and Health-Promoting Behaviors Among Korean Coast Guards: The Mediating Role of Social Support.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result in severe depression. Yet, it is not clear how to improve health-promoting behavior and reduce depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine whether social support mediates the link between PTSD, depression, and health-promoting behaviors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 308 Korean Coast Guards in Gangwon-do, South Korea, in October and November 2020. The variables of PTSD and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Korean versions of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressive Scale-Revised. Health-promoting behaviors and social support were assessed using the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II and the Korean version of the Personal Resource Questionnaire 85-Part 2. Multiple regression analysis and Sobel tests were performed. Higher levels of PTSD symptoms and lower levels of social support were significantly associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms. Social support had a significant partial mediating effect on the association between PTSD and depressive symptoms. In addition, lower levels of PTSD symptoms and higher levels of social support were significantly associated with higher levels of health-promoting behaviors. Social support has a full mediating effect on the association between PTSD symptoms and health-promoting behaviors. Our findings indicate that social support may mediate the association between PTSD symptoms and health outcomes. Occupational health nurses can use these findings to proactively develop interventions which improve social support for coast guard workers who are at risk of developing PTSD due to exposure to traumatic events on their job.

Association Between The Level of Habit of Playing Online Games and Social Behavior In Adolescents

The increasing prevalence of habit of playing online games among adolescents has raised concerns about its potential impact on their social behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the connection between the level of habit of playing online games and social behavior in adolescents at SMK N 1 Loli. Employing a cross-sectional research design, the population consisted of 50 teenagers, with a purposive sampling technique yielding a sample of 34 teenagers. The study designated habit of playing online games as the independent variable and social behavior as the dependent variable. Data collection involved online game habit questionnaires and social behavior questionnaires, while data analysis employed Fisher's exact test. The finding revealed that most of the respondents have high online game habits (55.9%) and similarly, a significant proportion demonstrated high levels of social behavior (67.6%) The analysis found a statistically significant relationship between the level of online game habits and social behavior in Adolescents at SMK N 1 Loli with a value (P-value = 0.000). To broaden the scope of understanding, future research can consider additional factors that potentially influence both habit of playing online games and social behavior that remained unexplored within this study.

Noninvasive brain–computer interfaces for children with neurodevelopmental disorders: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder

Background:Brain–computer interface (BCI)-mediated neurofeedback training (BCI-NFT) has emerged as a highly promising treatment in the field of neurorehabilitation. Many previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of BCI techniques in clinical rehabilitation, but children are largely neglected in BCI research. Purpose:This systematic review aimed to synthesize existing studies from technical and clinical application perspectives to identify the current state of research on noninvasive brain–computer interface (NBCI) technology in children with two major neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods:Five relevant electronic databases were searched (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature). The publication dates ranged from the inception of each database to June 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of NBCI technology in children with ASD or ADHD were included. Manual searches of the clinical trial registry platforms and the reference lists of reviews related to the study topic were also conducted. Two independent reviewers performed the literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Results:A total of 24 RCTs involving 1998 children with ASD or ADHD were included in this systematic review. With respect to input brain signals, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (4.2%), electroencephalography (EEG) combined with fMRI (4.2%), and EEG combined with galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors (4.2%) were utilized in one study each. Seven studies employed EEG combined with electrooculogram (EOG) (29.1%), and the remaining fourteen studies used EEG alone (58.3%). Compared with those of the controls, significant improvements in both behavioral aspects and brain activity in patients were observed in eleven studies (45.8%). NBCI technology has a positive effect on both the behavioral and brain activity levels of children with ASD or ADHD, while it still faces challenges in the paediatric population, particularly in terms of signal processing and the unique cognitive and physiological developmental stages of children, which may complicate the application of these technologies in this population. Conclusion:It demonstrated that there has a high potential for NBCI application in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders. Future research should focus on developing advanced machine learning algorithms to improve neural signal decoding capabilities and on creating child-appropriate application paradigms to explore the long-term efficacy of these algorithms.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, BEHAVIORS, AND INCIDENTS REGARDING DENGUE FEVER AMONG FARMERS IN THE KALITIDU SUBDISTRICT, BOJONEGORO

Background: Dengue Fever (DF) is a type of fever that comes on suddenly and lasts for 2 - 7 days. It is caused by the dengue virus and is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about DF and the incidence of dengue. Method: This research utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional design with a correlational research approach. The data were collected using a probability sampling technique called simple random sampling. This research surveyed 67 family heads, who worked as farmers, to become respondents and their data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Result: The statistical analysis using the Chi-square test resulted in p-values of 0.000055 for knowledge, 0.00001 for attitudes, and 0.003316 for behavior. All of which were significant at a level of p-value < 0.05. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents 83% had a high level of knowledge about dengue, 77% had a high level of attitudes, and 66% exhibited a high level of behaviors. Out of the 67 respondents, a large percentage 85% had not contracted dengue fever. Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the level of knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes regarding Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and the incidence of dengue fever.

Sex-specific perturbations of neuronal development caused by mutations in the autism risk gene DDX3X.

DDX3X is an X-linked RNA helicases that escapes X chromosome inactivation and is expressed at higher levels in female brains. Mutations in DDX3X are associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are predominantly identified in females. Using cellular and mouse models, we show that Ddx3x mediates sexual dimorphisms in brain development at a molecular, cellular, and behavioral level. During cortical neuronal development, Ddx3x sustains a female-biased signature of enhanced ribosomal biogenesis and mRNA translation. Female neurons display higher levels of ribosomal proteins and larger nucleoli, and these sex dimorphisms are obliterated by Ddx3x loss. Ddx3x regulates dendritic outgrowth in a sex- and dose-dependent manner in both female and male neurons, and dendritic spine development only in female neurons. Further, ablating Ddx3x conditionally in forebrain neurons is sufficient to yield sex-specific changes in developmental outcomes and motor function. Together, these findings pose Ddx3x as a mediator of sexual differentiation during neurodevelopment and open new avenues to understand sex differences in health and disease.

Evaluating an e-learning course's impact and challenges on genomic literacy among medical professionals.

The aim of this study was to confirm and evaluate the learning effect of a physician-facing e-learning course on genetic medicine for improving genomic literacy. We employed qualitative and quantitative methodology to survey 103 physicians who took the course at a national university in Japan. Evaluations were conducted at the levels of participant feedback, learning, and behaviour. Participants completed a questionnaire and test (full score = 100) before and after the course. Pre- and post-test scores were compared using paired-samples t-tests and Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference their clinical experience. The effect size was estimated using Cohen's d. Responses were obtained from 96 physicians. Approximately 80% (n = 75-93) of participants responded positively to the course, a result supported by the qualitative data. The mean scores for the pre- and post-test showed an increase from 71.25 to 74.58 (p=0.008). In particular, mean test scores increased significantly from 68.94 to 75.53 (p<0.001) in physicians with no clinical experience in genetic medicine, while no significance was observed scores for physicians with clinical experience in genetics from 73.47 to 73.67 (p=0.903). Behavioural assessment was carried out for 28 participants; however, no statistically significant differences were identified. Our findings indicate that our e-learning course was useful for physicians with no experience of genetic medicine. For those with experience, it may be necessary to provide more practice-based education and educational methodologies. Behavioural assessment needs to be examined further.

Age-dependent effects of vaping on the prefrontal cortex, ventral tegmental area, and nucleus accumbens

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are unique from combustible cigarettes due to the availability of flavor options which make these devices popular among adolescents. However, there are no preclinical investigations into the impact of vaporized nicotine on late-developing brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex. Here, we investigated how neuronal function and drug self-administration differed between adult-exposed and adolescent-exposed mice. Male and female adolescent and adult C57BL/6J mice were used in a 20-session e-Vape® self-administration (EVSA) assay. Brains were then extracted and acute slices were used for either patch-clamp electrophysiology or fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Adolescent-exposed males exhibited greater reinforcement-related behavior compared to their adult-exposed counterparts. However, adolescent-exposed and adult-exposed females exhibited similar levels of reinforcement-related behavior. Adolescent-exposed mice exhibited significant increases in intrinsic excitability of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) pyramidal neurons. Additionally, reinforcement-related behavior observed during EVSA assays correlated with adolescent-exposed mPFC neuronal excitability. This did not occur in adult-exposed mice. In the ventral tegmental area (VTA), we observed that upregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) only correlated with nicotine self-administration in adult and not adolescent-exposed mice. The relationship between self-administration and changes in neuronal excitability in adolescent mice indicates that the mPFC may be important for adolescent nicotine dependence.

Gameful systems for corporate sustainability: systematic review, conceptual framework and research agenda on gamification and sustainable employee behavior in companies

PurposeGiven the urgency of corporate engagement in sustainable development, companies seek ways to involve their employees in sustainability efforts. In this regard, gamified systems have gained attention as a novel tool to promote sustainable employee behavior. However, as the research field matures, researchers and practitioners are confronted with a scattered academic landscape that makes it difficult to grasp how gamification can be designed to engage employees in sustainable behavior and to understand how gamification effects unfold at psychological, behavioral and corporate levels of sustainability.Design/methodology/approachThis paper uses a systematic literature review to consolidate the existing knowledge on gamification designs and their effects on sustainable employee behavior.FindingsStudies have explored a variety of utilitarian and achievement-, immersion- and social-related gameful affordances to promote positive behavior- and system-related psychological effects as a basis for employee engagement in sustainable behavior. However, the evidence regarding their impact on rational decision-making processes and overcoming the intention-action gap inherent in sustainability is still limited. Nevertheless, several studies in focused areas indicate the potential to elicit behavioral changes that drive sustainability outcomes at the corporate level as well.Originality/valueOur study provides three main contributions. First, we develop a conceptual framework that illustrates how gamification can drive sustainable behavior in the workplace. Second, we derive seven agenda points to guide future research on gamification for corporate sustainability. Third, we deduce three practical approaches to use gamification as a strategic intervention to promote sustainable behavior in organizations.

Influencing Factors of Self-Management Behavior Among Chinese Patients With Chronic Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to describe the self-management behavior levels and further explore its influencing factors among patients with chronic disease. A cross-sectional study. 460 convenient samples of patients with chronic disease in Zhejiang Province were investigated using a demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6), and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Behavior Scale between October and December 2023. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation analysis, Spearman correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. The mean score of the self-management behavior of the patients with chronic disease was 32.27 (standard deviation [SD]=8.67). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that self-management behavior among patients with chronic disease was influenced by the individual factor (frequency of health check-ups), the family factors (number of children, spouse status, and family network), and the social factor (place of residence). The self-management behavior among patients with chronic disease was at a moderate level and needed further improvement. The self-management behavior among patients with chronic disease was influenced by three kinds of factors. Specifically, for the individual factor, patients who had a higher frequency of health check-ups reported better self-management behavior; for the family factors, patients who had no spouse, few children, and a strong family network showed better self-management behavior; for the social factor, patients living in urban areas had better self-management behavior.

Comparisons between obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania in terms of autistic traits and repetitive behaviors in adolescents

Background Our study aims to reveal the relationship between autistic traits and repetitive behaviors in adolescents diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania and to compare them to healthy controls. Method A total of 100 adolescents, 33 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, 32 of whom were diagnosed with trichotillomania and 35 healthy controls, aged 11-18 years, who applied to a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic between February 2023 and July 2023, were included in the study. Participants were evaluated with the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)-Adolescent, Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), Children’s Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (CY-BOCS), and Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity (CGI-S). SPSS 25.0 program was used in the analysis. p < 0.05 was accepted as the significance level. Results It was found that adolescents diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania had higher autistic trait levels compared to healthy controls, while there was no significant difference between the obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania groups. While stereotypic, routine, sameness, and restricted repetitive behaviors were more common in the obsessive-compulsive disorder and trichotillomania groups as opposed to healthy controls, it was found that compulsive behavior was more common in the obsessive-compulsive disorder group, and self-injurious behavior was more common in the trichotillomania group compared to healthy controls. Conclusion The findings of our study indicate that adolescents diagnosed with trichotillomania, similar to those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, have a higher level of autistic traits and repetitive behaviors. The authors believe it is crucial to focus on the social skill difficulties these adolescents may be experiencing.

Isolated and Combined Effects of Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity on Muscle Strength in Older Adults: AProspective Cohort Study.

We aim the isolated and combined effects of sedentary behaviour exposure time and physical activity levels on muscle strength in older adults. This prospective observational cohort study, analytical in nature, using exploratory survey methods and physical performance testing. With 5-year longitudinal follow-up (2015-2020). A total of 459 older adults participated in the baseline, with a total of 224 being included/located again in the follow-up. We evaluate muscle strength using handgrip tests and sit-to-stand tests. The international physical activity questionnaire was used to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Generalised Estimation Equations tested both independent and combined effects, reporting results as β coefficients and confidence intervals. Older adults exhibiting low sedentary behaviour displayed enhanced handgrip strength compared to those with high sedentary behaviour. Notably, older adults who were sufficiently active with low sedentary behaviour, sufficiently active with high sedentary behaviour, and insufficiently active with low sedentary behaviour showed increased handgrip strength compared to their counterparts who were insufficiently active with high sedentary behaviour. This trend was consistent for lower limb strength. Interventions that encourage a reduction in sedentary behaviour and an increase in physical activity are essential to maintain muscle strength among older adults. The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing both sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels in clinical interventions aimed at preserving muscle strength in older adults. Routine assessments of physical activity and sedentary behaviour could help tailor personalised exercise programs, potentially enhancing functional independence and reducing the risk of frailty and disability in older patients. Patients were involved in the sample of the study. This study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening Research in Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Screening for the octacosanol/triacontanol ratio in rice bran policosanol and its potential effect on testosterone secretion

AbstractThe rice bran waxes have a very interesting alcoholic moiety, a mixture of long-chain aliphatic fatty alcohols, collectively known as policosanol. This study aimed to investigate rice bran policosanol extract's effect on testosterone secretion in vitro and in vivo and explore the primary composition ratio. The proliferation of cells and the levels of testosterone in cultured rat Leydig cells were examined, while male sexual behaviour and serum testosterone levels were detected in hydrocortisone-induced mice. It was found that testosterone secretion in primary Leydig cells could be significantly stimulated by a policosanol extract featuring an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1, with a ratio of 5/1 being the most optimal. A policosanol extract containing 68.72% octacosanol and 13.65% triacontanol was capable of reversing hydrocortisone-induced Kidney-Yang Deficiency syndrome by enhancing sexual behaviour and the weight of reproductive organs, as well as increasing testosterone levels. Consequently, the rice bran policosanol extract with an octacosanol/triacontanol ratio of 3–5/1 could stimulate the secretion of testosterone.

Islamic Perspective on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Among Academic Staff in Indonesian State Islamic Higher Education: Is It Effective?

This study examines the perceived level of organizational citizenship behavior based on Islamic perspective (OCBIP) practices among academic staff in the Indonesian States' Islamic Higher Education Institutions (ISIHEIs). This study also sought to observe differences in the perceived level of OCBIP among academic staff by gender. A quantitative survey method was employed to collect the data from 450 academic staff of six State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (ISIHEIs) across Indonesia using a five-point OCBIP scale. Descriptive statistics, independent-sample t-tests, and bivariate correlations between antecedents of OCBIP were carried out with SPSS software version 25. The analysis of the study exhibits the perceived level of OCBIP practices among academic staff and gender influences on the perceived variables. The hypothesized model of the study added a new theory and knowledge of OCBIP from the Indonesian State Islamic Higher Education Institutions context that can be used to improve organizational effectiveness in ISIHEIs. The study's findings suggest that the value of the OCBIP practices by academic staff can boost the effectiveness of higher education institutions. The study tested, examined, and formulated OCBIP practices for ISIHEIs. The findings also contribute to understanding how OCBIP could be used to develop organizational effectiveness in the context of ISIHEIs.

An ERP study characterizing how trait anxiety modulates proactive and reactive response inhibition independent of different emotional contexts

BackgroundHuman's response inhibition could be classified as proactive (top-down) and reactive (bottom-up) inhibition process. Although trait anxiety has been proposed to alter an individual's response inhibition, whether and how it modulates the proactive and reactive response inhibition processes in different emotional contexts remains unclear. MethodsWe combined an adapted emotional Stop-Signal Task with high-temporal resolution electrophysiological recordings to compare the results of high and low trait anxiety participants. ResultsAt the behavioral level, no significant differences were found between high and low trait anxiety individuals in either proactive or reactive inhibition. However, the event-related potential analysis suggested that although trait anxiety might affect early object recognition, indicated by a greater P2 amplitude, high trait anxiety individuals may exhibit intact proactive inhibition but impaired reactive inhibition, signified by a delayed P3 peak latency. In addition, behavioral and event-related potential analyses revealed that negative emotional context impaired reactive inhibition independent of the effect of trait anxiety. ConclusionsTrait anxiety impairs reactive inhibition but not proactive inhibition independently of neutral or negative emotional contexts.