Levels Of Behavior Research Articles

The Impact of Puzzle Feeders, Ice-Pops and Artificial Seaweed on Captive Harbour Seals (Phoca vitulina) Behaviour

Environmental enrichment is used in zoos and aquaria to improve animal welfare through the stimulation of naturalistic behaviours and reduction of stereotypic behaviours. This study investigated the impact of new enrichment items on the behaviour of a group of captive adult harbour seals. Data were collected in summer-autumn 2023 using continuous scan sampling and all behaviours one-zero recording method for 1-minute intervals (4 hours/day, 8 days). Under standard enrichment conditions, more than 90% of the seals’ behavioural budget was represented by naturalistic behaviours, with low levels of pattern group swimming, which occurred mainly before the two daily shows. Group swimming decreased and random swimming increased before the seal shows on days with new enrichment, but these differences were not statistically significant. The presence of new enrichment items led to a significant increase in exploration and a significant decrease in group swimming only during the morning periods when the new items were actually present in the enclosure (p<0.05, Kruskal Wallis test). During these periods the seals interacted most frequently with the submersed fish-filled puzzle feeders and least frequently with the floating artificial seaweed. This study concluded that new environmental enrichment may be beneficial even for seals displaying low levels of stereotypic behaviours as it provides more behavioural choices and helps promote active naturalistic exploratory behaviours which may alleviate captivity induced stress and improve welfare.

How to prevent suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury? An analysis of adolescent typologies

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior in adolescence are global mental health concerns. These behaviors are often interconnected, but can also manifest independently. This study aimed to assess the predictive abilities of neuroticism, emotional competencies, and the school social climate on four typologies based on the presence of NSSI and levels of suicidal behavior. The study included 713 participants aged 11–16 years who completed questionnaires assessing suicidal behavior, NSSI, neuroticism, emotional competencies, and the school social climate. The data were analyzed using logistic regression techniques. The findings revealed that adolescents with high levels of neuroticism and emotion perception, low levels of emotion expression and regulation and an inadequate school social climate were more likely to belong to typologies characterized by NSSI and/or high suicidal behavior. This study underscores the importance of enhancing the school social climate as a crucial step toward reducing the likelihood of NSSI and suicidal behavior.

An intervention on climate change anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours in Italian young people

Abstract Background The climate crisis greatly affects mental health, often leading to climate change anxiety. In Italy, there is a lack of research and school programs to help manage climate anxiety and other climate-related psychological consequences. The aim of the CAMBIO CLIMA project is to evaluate the levels of eco-anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours (PEBS) in a sample of Italian middle and high school students, before and after a tailored intervention on the climate crisis. Methods The intervention involves one hundred middle and high school classes from three Italian regions. The students will complete a set of surveys, including psychometric scales and questions on socio-demographic factors and climate change awareness. The students will then participate in a two-hour online workshop. A video will be shown at the beginning to raise awareness about climate change. The instructor will ask the students which solutions could be found to solve specific problems caused by climate change. The instructor will then propose and explain a list of PEBS that students can implement to fight against climate change. Finally, students will be invited to put into action these behaviours. A week after the intervention, students will be asked to take part in a post-intervention survey, completing the same set of questionnaires they completed at enrolment. Results Currently, the research team is in the preparatory stage, establishing contacts with schools and organizing materials for the online workshop. The intervention is scheduled for the upcoming school year. Conclusions The intervention, focused on enhancing the sense of self-efficacy, is expected to increase the resilience of adolescents, making them less vulnerable to the impact, both direct and indirect, of climate change on mental health. The project is funded by PRIN: PROGETTI DI RICERCA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE - Bando 2022 (Prot. 2022N22J5F). Key messages • Climate change has a disproportionate impact on young people. • It is essential to plan adequate school programs that stimulate the sense of awareness and encourage PEBS simultaneously.

Real-Time Vibration Feedback from a Smartphone Application Reduces Sedentary Time but Does Not Increase Physical Activity Among Medical Students

Background: Sedentary behavior is associated with various adverse health outcomes. Medical students often experience high academic demands, leading to increased sedentary time. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile app providing real-time feedback in reducing total sedentary time and prolonged sedentary bouts and in promoting physical activity among medical students. Methods: Seventy-seven medical students from Jazan University (mean age: 21.4 years; range: 20–25 years) participated in this study. Participants were assigned to either the control group (n = 40) or the intervention group (n = 37). The intervention group received real-time vibration feedback via a mobile app, prompting movement every 30 min of sedentary time, while the control group received no intervention. Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels were assessed using the Activities Completed Over Time in 24 h. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine within-group changes, and a two-way ANOVA was used to assess the interaction effect of time and group on sedentary time and physical activity. Results: After six weeks, the intervention group showed significant within-group reductions in their total sedentary time of 1.82 h (p = 0.01) and prolonged sedentary bouts of 1.91 h (p = 0.001), while the control group had no significant changes. Physical activity levels did not significantly change within either group. The two-way ANOVA revealed that there was no significant change over time between the two groups in their total sedentary time F (1, 75) = 1.590, p = 0.21, prolonged sedentary bouts F (1, 75) = 3.499, p = 0.06, or physical activity F (1, 75) = 0.565, p = 0.45. Conclusions: Real-time feedback from mobile apps resulted in significant within-group reductions in total and prolonged sedentary time among medical students in the intervention group. Low-cost mobile apps providing real-time feedback may be an effective intervention for reducing sedentary behavior among medical students, potentially improving their health and well-being.

Impact of Experimentally Induced Pain on Logical Reasoning and Underlying Attention-Related Psychophysiological Mechanisms

Background. Pain is known to negatively impact attention, but its influence on more complex cognitive abilities, such as logical reasoning, remains inconsistent. This may be due to compensatory mechanisms (e.g., investing additional resources), which might not be detectable at the behavioral level but can be observed through psychophysiological measures. In this study, we investigated whether experimentally induced pain affects logical reasoning and underlying attentional mechanisms, using both behavioral and electroencephalographic (EEG) measures. Methods. A total of 98 female participants were divided into a pain-free control group (N = 47) and a pain group (N = 51). Both groups completed the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) task, with EEG recordings capturing task-related power (TRP) changes in the upper alpha frequency band (10–12 Hz). We used a mixed design where all participants completed half of the APM task in a pain-free state (control condition); the second half was completed under pain induction by the pain group but not the pain-free group (experimental condition). Results. Logical reasoning performance, as measured by APM scores and response times, declined during the experimental condition, compared to the control condition for both groups, indicating that the second part of the APM was more difficult than the first part. However, no significant differences were found between the pain and pain-free groups, suggesting that pain did not impair cognitive performance at the behavioral level. In contrast, EEG measures revealed significant differences in upper alpha band power, particularly at fronto-central sites. In the pain group, the decrease in TRP during the experimental condition was significantly smaller compared to both the control condition and the pain-free group. Conclusions. Pain did not impair task performance at the behavioral level but reduced attentional resources, as reflected by changes in upper alpha band activity. This underscores the importance of incorporating more sensitive psychophysiological measures alongside behavioral measures to better understand the impact of pain on cognitive processes.

Hepatitis C treatment and behavioural risk among men who have sex with men with HIV: comparing interferon and direct-acting antiviral eras.

Little is known about the effect of HCV treatment on sexual risk behaviour among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV by treatment type (IFN-based vs DAA-based). MSM with HIV and recently acquired HCV infection enrolled in the observational MOSAIC cohort. Using data from 2009-2018, we evaluated risk behaviour through a validated HCV risk score (where ≥2 indicated high risk) and its individual risk behaviours. Levels of risk behaviour before, during and after treatment were modelled for each treatment episode using linear and logistic regression with Generalized Estimating Equations adjusting for DAA availability and number of re-infections. 140 MSM with a median age of 45 years (interquartile range=40-49) yielded 180 treatment episodes (n=131 IFN-based, n=49 DAA-based). Adjusted mean risk score before, during and after treatment was 2.4 (95% confidence interval (CI)=2.1-2.6), 0.9 (95%CI=0.8-1.0) and 1.7 (95%CI=1.5-1.8), respectively. Before treatment, no differences in mean HCV risk score or proportion of specific behaviours were found between the regimen groups. During treatment, MSM treated with DAAs had a higher average risk score and proportion of receptive condomless anal sex, sharing toys and unprotected fisting than those treated with IFN. After treatment, the proportion sharing straws were significantly higher in MSM treated with DAAs than IFN. MSM treated with DAAs, compared to IFN, had higher levels of HCV-related risk behaviour during treatment. The higher risk of HCV re-infection in the DAA-era underscores the need for ongoing HCV testing and behavioural interventions against HCV.

Correlation Between Symptom Clusters and Self-Management Among Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between symptom clusters and self-management among maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. MHD patients experience disease progression and multiple symptom burdens that severely impact quality of life, and self-management of symptoms may significantly improve patient-reported outcomes. A cross-sectional study. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 194 patients undergoing MHD. The patients were assessed using the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) and the Haemodialysis Self-Management Instrument (HD-SMI). We used descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis, Pearson's correlation analysis and linear regression analysis to examine (1) the level of individual self-management, (2) the presence of symptom clusters by symptom severity and (3) the correlation between symptom clusters and self-management behaviours. This study was conducted in accordance with the STROBE checklist. The top five most severe symptoms among the patients were itching, feeling tired or lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth and dry skin. We identified five groups of symptoms: (1) poor sleep, (2) neuromuscular, (3) gastrointestinal, (4) skin irritation and (5) psychological. In the present study, MHD patients reported low to moderate levels of self-management behaviours (50.84 ± 10.56), and low self-management ability was correlated with greater severity of the five symptom clusters (p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed that all five symptom clusters were included in the regression equation, explaining 30% of the total variance in self-management skills among MHD patients. Enhanced awareness of symptom clusters and comprehensive symptom management are necessary to improve patients' quality of life. Nursing practices should incorporate comprehensive symptom assessments to help patients develop effective self-management strategies to improve quality of life.

Assessment of cell-binding capacity of shed rAAV particles after gene therapy vector administration: implications for environmental risk and hygiene recommendations

ABSTRACT Background Currently, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are the most commonly used in vivo gene therapy (GT) vector platform. Risks posed to the environment, including the public, have not been well studied in the past. There is uncertainty concerning the necessary level of biocontainment and appropriate hygiene behavior for the handling of secreta/excreta of GT patients during the shedding phase. Research design and methods Here, feces and urine samples from non-human primates, treated with an AAV9-based vector at 2 × 1013 vector genomes per kilogram body weight (vg/kg), were analyzed for vector presence and subsequently analyzed for their capacity to bind to cells. Results Both sample types contained particles which bound to cells at concentrations in the range of ~104 (and higher) vg/mL of culture medium. Novel control rAAV vector displayed a ~2-3 orders of magnitude higher affinity to cells than shed particles. Conclusions The lower binding capacity of the shed vector particles speaks in favor of a more relaxed containment and hygiene approach in the context of GT. It is recommended that current hygiene and contact-avoidance-based containment measures after GT administration are reduced. The results also support the efforts to achieve a simplification of the regulatory review process of medicinal genetically modified organisms.

Distinct acute stressors produce different intensity of anxiety-like behavior and differential glutamate release in zebrafish brain

Anxiety disorder is one of the most well-characterized behavioral disorders in individuals subjected to acute or chronic stress. However, few studies have demonstrated how different types of stressors can modulate the neurochemical alterations involved in the generation of anxiety. In this study, we hypothesize that subjects exposed to different aversive stimuli (mechanical, chemical, and spatial restriction) present varied intensities of anxiety-like responses associated with distinct patterns of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate release in the brain. Adult zebrafish, Danio rerio (n = 60), were randomly divided into four experimental groups; control, acute restraint stress (ARS), conspecific alarm substance (CAS), and chasing with net (CN). After the stress protocols, the animals were individually transferred to a novel tank diving test for behavioral analysis. Subsequently, their brains were collected and subjected to GABA and glutamate release assay for quantification by HPLC. Our behavioral results showed that all aversive stimuli were capable of inducing anxiety-like behavior. However, the impact of anxiogenic behavior was more prominent in the CN and CAS groups when compared to ARS. This phenomenon was evident in all analyzed behavioral parameters (time on top, freezing, mean speed, maximum speed, and erratic swimming). Our data also showed that all aversive stimuli significantly decreased GABA release compared to the control group. Only animals exposed to CN and CAS presented an increase in extracellular glutamate levels. Different acute stressors induced different levels of anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish as well as specific alterations in GABAergic and glutamatergic release in the brain. These results demonstrate the complexity of anxiety disorders, highlighting that both behavioral and neurochemical responses are highly context-dependent.

Exploring Organisational Agility's Impact on Nurses' Green Work Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Climate Activism.

To examine the relationship between organisational agility and nurses' green work behaviour and to assess how climate activism mediates this relationship. Understanding this relationship is crucial for promoting sustainable practices in healthcare. A cross-sectional research design was employed. This approach was chosen to examine how organisational agility and climate activism simultaneously influence green work behaviour in the present context, providing a snapshot of their synergistic interactions. This study was conducted in 2024 at eight hospitals in Egypt, with a total of 781 nurses conveniently selected for participation. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Agility Survey, Employee Green Behaviour Scale and Environmental Action Scale. Correlation and path analyses were utilised to test the study hypotheses. Nurses reported moderate levels of organisational agility, climate activism and green work behaviour. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between organisational agility, climate activism and green work behaviour. Organisational agility and climate activism emerged as significant predictors of green work behaviour, with climate activism acting as a partial mediator between organisational agility and green work behaviour. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on fostering sustainable nursing practices as results indicate that agile organisations, which embrace flexibility and nurse-led climate initiatives, are better positioned to promote sustainable behaviour. Practical strategies include selecting nurses with high climate literacy, designing agile working strategies and promoting eco-conscious behaviours. Nurse leaders should develop policies that integrate climate initiatives into everyday practice to enhance green work behaviour. The healthcare sector faces increasing environmental challenges, making it crucial to foster green work behaviour. Our study addresses a gap in the literature by revealing that organisational agility and climate activism are essential drivers of green behaviour among nurses, offering actionable insights for greening healthcare practices. This study was reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). No patient or public contribution.

Parents' income has influence on levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviour of junior high school student

This study aims to determine physical activity (PA level) and sedentary behavior (SB level) in students with various parents' income levels. This study used a cross-sectional design. The subjects used in this study were 900 students from 10 schools and ten cities in East Java, Indonesia. Data on students' parents' income were grouped into five categories based on their income level (very low: n = 360; low: n = 231; medium: n = 123; high: n = 79; very high: n = 107). The research instruments used were the Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ) to measure the level of physical activity (PA level) and the Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) to measure the level of sedentary behavior (SB level). The results of the Mann-Whitney statistical test showed significant differences in PA level and SB level between the very low-income group of parents and the low, medium, high, and very high-income groups (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the higher the level of parental income, the better the students' physical activity, and the lower their sedentary behaviour. Keywords: Family monthly income, physical activity, sedentary behavior, junior high school student

Prenatal ethanol exposure impairs hippocampal plasticity and cognition in adolescent mice

BackgroundPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) induces a wide range of neurodevelopmental disabilities that are grouped under the term ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorders’ (FASD). The effects of PAE on brain development are dependent on complex neurochemical events, including modification of AMPA receptors (AMPARs). We have recently found that chronic ethanol (EtOH) exposure decreases AMPA-mediated neurotransmission and expression through the overexpression of the specific microRNA (miR)137 and 501-3p, which target GluA1 AMPA subunit, in the developing hippocampus in vitro. Here, we explored how PAE mice may alter AMPAergic synapses in the hippocampus, and its effects on behavior. MethodsTo model PAE, we exposed C57Bl/6 pregnant mice to 10 % EtOH during during the first 10 days of gestation (GD 0–10; equivalent to the first trimester of pregnancy in humans). AMPA subunits postsynaptic expression in the hippocampus, electrical properties of CA1 neurons, memory recognition, and locomotor functions were then analyzed in adolescent PAE-exposed offspring. ResultsPAE adolescent mice showed dysregulation of AMPAergic neurotransmission, and increased miR 501-3p expression, associated with a significant reduction of spontaneous AMPA currents and intrinsic somatic excitability. In addition, PAE reduced the phosphorylation of AMPAR-containing GluA1 subunit, despite an increase in its total levels. Of note, the total levels of GluA2 and GluA3 AMPA receptors were enhanced as well. Consistently, at behavioral level, PAE reduced object recognition without altering locomotor activity. ConclusionsOur study shows that PAE leads to dysfunctional formation of AMPAergic synapses that could be responsible for neurobehavioral impairments, contributing to the understanding of the pathogenesis of FASD.

The effect of end-of-life care awareness education on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses: A randomized controlled trial.

Education in end-of-life care (EoLC) is essential for improving the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of online awareness education, based on the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium, on the knowledge levels, attitudes and behaviours of intensive care nurses. This single-centre randomized controlled study. This study was performed in a tertiary intensive care unit in a university-affiliated hospital. Seventy-six intensive care nurses were selected and equally randomized. In the education, the group was given an EoLC awareness education programme on an online platform as 40-60-min sessions once a week for 4 weeks. The descriptive Information Form, EoLC Knowledge Test and the Nurses' Attitudes and Behaviours towards the EoLC Scale were used. In the study, intensive care nurses' knowledge, attitude and behaviour levels towards EoLC were evaluated before and after 4 weeks (±3 days) following the education. When the mean post-education scores of the nurses in the education group were compared with the control group, it was found that their mean scores on the EoLC Knowledge Test (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.354, 95% CI = 3.240-6.549), the attitude sub-dimension (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.520, 95% CI = 4.510-7.858), the behaviour sub-dimension (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.425, 95% CI = 3.206-6.214) and the total attitude and behaviour (p = .001, Cohen's d = 1.927, 95% CI = 8.408-13.643) were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group. This study showed that EoLC awareness education positively affected nurses' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Accordingly, planning EoLC awareness education online at regular intervals may be recommended for intensive care nurses. Intensive care nurses may be given online EoLC awareness education to positively affect their knowledge, attitudes and behaviours about EoLC. Online EoLC education can be effective in terms of reaching a large number of nurses, time and cost.

Close relationships with caregivers as protective factor for the mental health and functioning of war-affected Congolese youth

BackgroundSupportive social connections are a crucial determinant of the mental health and adjustment of youth in conflict-torn regions. Conflict-affected youth face particular risks to their well-being due to high levels of trauma exposure and perpetration of violent acts as members of armed groups and post-conflict discrimination. However, little is known about the possible protective role of close relationships with caregivers in the aftermath of trauma. This study examined whether a higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers would attenuate the associations between exposure to traumatic experiences and four indicators of adjustment (posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS], emotional problems, behavioural problems, criminal behaviour) in a sample of 268 war-affected youth (61.2% male, Mage = 16.31 years) living in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of the present sample (56.7%) were former members of armed groups.MethodsData were collected using quantitative structured interviews and analyzed through regression models using the PROCESS macro.ResultsHigher cumulative trauma exposure was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS and emotional problems, while more frequent perpetration of war-related violence was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS, behavioural problems, and criminal behavior. The perceived quality of relationships with caregivers significantly moderated the associations between youth’s cumulative trauma exposure and all four outcomes. At higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers, the associations between trauma exposure and emotional problems, behavioural problems, and criminal behaviour were no longer significant and the association with PTSS was significantly weakened. Higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers was also directly significantly related to lower levels of mental health problems and criminal behaviour.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that interventions that focus on strengthening relationships with caregivers are crucial for supporting the mental health and functioning of youth who experienced and perpetrated war-related violence.

Associations of maternal sedentary behavior and physical activity levels in early to mid-pregnancy with infant outcomes: A cohort study.

Physical activity during pregnancy is beneficial for the woman and the fetus. However, non-objective methods are often used to measure physical activity levels during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate objectively measured maternal early to mid-pregnancy sedentary behavior and physical activity in relation to infant well-being. This cohort study included 1153 pregnant women and was performed at Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, between 2016 and 2023. Sedentary behavior and physical activity levels were measured by accelerometers during 4-7 days in early to mid-pregnancy. Outcome measures were infant birthweight standard deviation score, small-for-gestational-age, large-for-gestational-age, preterm birth (<37 weeks' gestation), spontaneous preterm birth, iatrogenic preterm birth, Apgar <7 at 5 min of age, umbilical artery pH ≤7.05, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There were no associations of sedentary behavior and physical activity levels with infant birthweight standard deviation score, small-for-gestational-age, or large-for-gestational-age. After adjustment for BMI, age, smoking, parity, maternal country of birth, and a composite of pre-pregnancy disease, the most sedentary women had higher odds of preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-5.24, p = 0.018), and NICU admission (AOR 1.93, CI 1.11-3.37, p = 0.021) than the least sedentary women. The most physically active women had lower adjusted odds for NICU admission (AOR 0.45, CI 0.26-0.80, p = 0.006) than the least physically active women. Objectively measured levels of sedentary behavior and physical activity in early to mid-pregnancy were not associated with standardized infant birth size. Sedentary behavior was associated with an increased likelihood of preterm birth and NICU admission, while high level of physical activity was associated with a decreased likelihood of admission to NICU.

Coach perspectives on coach-athlete relationships and characteristics of Generation Z academy level rugby union players from South Africa

IntroductionThe coach-athlete relationship is not merely a by-product of the coaching process but serves as its foundation. Coaches today must align their approaches with the characteristics (character, strengths, and growth areas) of a new generation of athletes, commonly referred to as Generation Z (Gen Z). Born between 1995 and 2012, Gen Z's grew up in a digital age, which shaped their character and behaviour. The purpose of the study was to explore coach-athlete relationships, the characteristics of Gen Z athletes that influence this relationship, and the process of building healthy coach-athlete relationships, from the perspectives of coaches.MethodsThe study used a qualitative methodology to elicit the perspectives of 11 male rugby union coaches (M ± SD age: 42.09 ± 7.56 years; with 12.83 ± 3.48 years of coaching experience), through semi-structured individual online interviews. We developed the interview script from Jowett's Coach-Athlete Relationship Questionnaire (CART-Q). The interviews were analysed using Merriam and Tisdell's six-step process.FindingsThe analysis yielded six super themes (and 17 themes). 1. Coach perspectives on coaching Gen Z players (developmental facilitators and debilitators, Covid-19's effect on development). 2. Closeness between coaches and athletes [loving and caring, getting closer, trusting, (not) respecting some players]. 3. Commitment (personally and towards the team, sacrifices). 4. Complementarity (goal setting, collectively working towards common goals). 5. Co-orientation (communicating, reciprocal relationship views). 6. Developing the coach-athlete relationship (approaches thereto, practical steps).DiscussionVarious facets of the coach-athlete relationship are interlinked and shaped by the characteristics and behaviours of this generation of athletes. Practical recommendations are offered on how to cultivate the coach-athlete relationship on emotional, cognitive, and behavioural levels.

Peer effects of health behaviors and the moderating role of Internet use among middle-aged and older adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in China

ObjectiveThis study investigates peer effects on the health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China and examines the moderating role of Internet use.MethodsA total of 16,188 respondents were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2020 data set. Ordinary Least Squares and Quantile Regression were used to validate the peer effect of health behaviors on middle-aged and older adults, and a moderating effects model was used to test the moderating roles of Internet use and Internet proficiency. Finally, the peer effect was analyzed for heterogeneity according to Internet use preferences.ResultsThe peer effect had a positive influence on the individual health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China (β = 0.5341, p &amp;lt; 0.001). Middle-aged and older adult people were more sensitive to the average health behavior level of the community when they lived in rural communities and/or had a low level of education. Internet use positively moderated the health behavior peer effect in the older adult population (β = 0.0094, p &amp;lt; 0.1), and Internet proficiency negatively moderated the peer effect of the health behaviors of the middle-aged population (β = 0.1589, p &amp;lt; 0.1). According to the magnitude of the influence of peer effect, the Internet preference type can be ranked from social and entertainment (β = 0.6250, p &amp;lt; 0.01), to cultural and entertainment (β = 0.5835, p &amp;lt; 0.01), to comprehensive (β = 0.4622, p &amp;lt; 0.01).ConclusionThere is a peer effect on the health behaviors of middle-aged and old-aged individuals, in which Internet use plays a moderating role. The construction of healthy communities should be promoted, giving full play to the community’s active role in health promotion. Attention should be paid to the health-enabling function of the Internet, encouraging middle-aged and older adult people to use the Internet actively, moderately, and diversely, and making full use of the advantages of short videos for online health education.

Transformational Leadership of Educational Institution Administrators under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Chonburi Province

Background and Aims: This research has the following objectives: 1) to study the level of transformational leadership behavior of school administrators under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Chonburi Province. 2) To compare opinions about the transformational leadership behavior of school administrators in Chonburi Province. 3) To find ways to develop transformational leadership of school administrators under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Chonburi Province. Methodology: The sample used in this research consisted of 276 school administrators and teachers. The sample size was determined according to Krejci and Morgan's table. and use stratified random sampling The research instrument was a questionnaire with a 5-level rating scale. Which has a consistency index between 0.80 - 1.00 and the confidence value of all questionnaires is equal to 0.98. For data analysis, statistics are used, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, T-value and F-value tests. Results: The results of the research are as follows: (1) the transformational leadership of educational institution administrators under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, Chonburi Province, overall and in each area, is at a high level. (2) Results of comparing opinions about transformational leadership of school administrators classified by position and work experience. It was found that overall and in each aspect there were no differences. But when classified by educational level It was found that there was a statistical significant difference at the 0.05 level. (3) Guidelines for developing transformational leadership among school administrators are divided into 3 approaches: 1) development by external agencies, 2) development by educational institutions, and 3) development by oneself. Conclusion: The study finds that transformational leadership among educational institution administrators in Chonburi is generally high, with no significant differences based on position or work experience, but the educational level has a significant impact. External agencies, educational institutions, and personal efforts can all help to develop this type of leadership.

Self-compassion improves barrier self-efficacy and subsequently physical activity: A test of longitudinal mediation using a representative sample of the United Kingdom.

Self-compassion, which directs the awareness of suffering, sympathetic concerns and caring motives towards oneself, is an important psychological quality and resource for health and well-being. In the context of physical activity, self-compassion can help individuals overcome obstacles, recuperate from a setback or a lapse and engage in regular physical activity. The present research was the first to examine the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy of such effects. We recruited a national representative sample of 654 UK adults and followed them over three timepoints across 9 months. At each time point, participants completed an online survey assessing levels of state self-compassion, barrier self-efficacy and physical activity behaviours. We examined the longitudinal effects of self-compassion on physical activity and the mediation role of barrier self-efficacy. Baseline state self-compassion consistently correlated with physical activity levels at Times 2 and 3. Barrier self-efficacy at Time 2 mediated the longitudinal effect of baseline state self-compassion on Time 3 physical activity, after controlling for within- (e.g., Time 1 on Time 2 self-compassion) and between-person variations (e.g., covariance of self-compassion and physical activity within a timepoint). Adopting a self-compassionate mind facilitates engagement and maintenance of physical activity. Future studies could consider accelerometer-based physical activity measures and develop and validate a more context-specific state self-compassion measure tailored for physical activity contexts. Researchers and practitioners should consider incorporating self-compassion to future interventions and education programmes for promoting physical activity.

Impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the behavior and stress indicators of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to heat stress

This study was designed to assess the role of nano-zinc oxide in mitigating the deleterious effects of heat stress in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by evaluating parameters such as aggressive behavior (biting frequency and chasing duration), hematological indicators, and stress-related biochemical markers. A total of 96 catfish were divided into four distinct groups (24 fish/group): The first group (CON) served as the control group, receiving a diet free of nano-zinc oxide. The second group (HS) was exposed to heat stress at 35 °C ± 1 °C. The third group (ZN) was fed a diet containing nano-zinc oxide at 30 mg/kg of the diet, and the fourth group (ZHN) was exposed to heat stress (35 °C ± 1 °C) and fed a diet containing nano-zinc oxide at 30 mg/kg of the diet. The results clarified that the aggressive behavior and cortisol levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the HS group compared to the CON and ZHN groups. Additionally, the level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the HS group compared to the CON and ZHN groups. Meanwhile, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in red blood cells, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, alkaline phosphatase, and lymphocytes, was observed in fish belonging to the HS group, while the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, neutrophils, and monocytes showed a significant increase (P < 0.05). Supplementation with nano-zinc oxide significantly recovered most hematological and biochemical parameters. In conclusion, nano-zinc oxide contributed significantly to the regulation of the negative impacts of heat stress on fish by reducing aggressive behavior and cortisol levels. Additionally, it improved the levels of AChE and certain hematological and biochemical parameters.