Changes In Behavior Research Articles

Describing the effect of COVID-19 on sexual and healthcare-seeking behaviours of men who have sex with men in three counties in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWhile the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV preventative services in sub-Saharan Africa, little is known about the specific impacts the pandemic has had on men who have sex with men (MSM)...

Bacterial peptidoglycan signalling in microglia: Activation by MDP via the NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Bacterial peptidoglycan (PGN) fragments are commonly studied in the context of bacterial infections. However, PGN fragments recently gained recognition as signalling molecules from the commensal gut microbiota in the healthy host. Here we focus on the minimal bioactive PGN motif muramyl dipeptide (MDP), found in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative commensal bacteria, which signals through the Nod2 receptor. MDP from the gut microbiota translocates to the brain and is associated with changes in neurodevelopment and behaviour, yet there is limited knowledge about the underlying mechanisms. In this study we demonstrate that physiologically relevant doses of MDP induce rapid changes in microglial gene expression and lead to cytokine and chemokine secretion. In immortalised microglial (IMG) cells, C–C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5/RANTES) expression is acutely sensitive to the lowest physiologically prevalent dose (0.1 µg/ml) of MDP. As CCL5 plays an important role in memory formation and synaptic plasticity, microglial CCL5 might be the missing link in elucidating MDP-induced alterations in synaptic gene expression. We observed that a higher physiological dose of MDP elevates the expression of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, indicating a transition toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype in IMG cells, which was validated in primary microglial cultures. Furthermore, MDP induces the translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 into the nucleus, which is blocked by MAPK p38 inhibitor SB202190, suggesting that an interplay of both the NF-κB and MAPK pathways is responsible for the MDP-specific microglial phenotype. These findings underscore the significance of different MDP levels in shaping microglial function in the CNS and indicate MDP as a potential mediator for early inflammatory processes in the brain. It also positions microglia as an important target in the gut microbiota-brain-axis pathway through PGN signalling.

Exploring Behaviour Change of Healthcare Professionals while Implementing a Complex Nursing Intervention: A Survey Study

AbstractIn this study we explore the change in behaviour in terms of capability, opportunity and motivation of all healthcare professionals involved in the implementation of the complex nursing intervention PREDOCS in twelve cardiac surgery centres in the Netherlands. A multicentre survey in twelve Dutch cardiac surgery centres, implementing a complex nursing intervention: the PREDOCS consultation. Convenience samples of involved healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire, in 2018 (n = 92) and 2019 (n = 73). The COM-B-QP questionnaire based on COM-B items, MIDI items and open fields was developed and adapted to context-specific factors of every participating hospital. Depending on their role, participants rated their level of agreement with 14–26 predefined statements. The median and interquartile range and the difference/delta in medians at two-time points were calculated. At both moments in time, high scores were identified with no significant difference in five COM-B items: psychological capability, physical and social opportunity and reflective and automatic motivation. Professionals were generally well informed about the PREDOCS consultation and the PREDOCS consultation fits within their current work and profession. Staff shortages, staff turnover and insufficient insight into the effect were reported as reasons that hindered further implementation. We measured no significant change in the behaviour of healthcare professionals over time. It is unclear to what extent staff shortages, staff turnover and insufficient insight into effect influenced behaviour. Given the complexity of implementation, repeated monitoring of behaviour seems useful, so that continuous adjustment of the implementation strategy can take place.

Association between childhood family structure and longitudinal health behaviour changes in adulthood –Northern Finland birth cohort 1966 study

BackgroundChildhood family structure is considered to play a role in person’s health and welfare. This study investigated the relationships between the longitudinal changes of adult health behaviours and childhood family structure.MethodsFrom Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 questionnaires, we collected data on childhood family structure at the age of 14 (‘two-parent family’, ‘one parent not living at home/no information on father’, and ‘father or mother deceased’), and on health behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity status) at the ages of 31 and 46. We used the multinomial logistic regression model to estimate the unadjusted and adjusted associations between childhood family structures and the longitudinal changes between 31 and 46 years of health behaviours (four-category variables).ResultsOf the study sample (n = 5431; 55.5% females), 7.1% of the offspring were represented in the ‘One parent not living at home/no information on father’ subgroup, 6.3% in the ‘Father or mother deceased’ subgroup and 86.6% in the ‘Two-parent family’. ‘One parent not living at home/no information on father’ offspring were approximately twice as likely to smoke (adjusted OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.70–2.81) and heavily consume alcohol (adjusted OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.25–3.16) at both times in adulthood, relative to not smoking or not heavily consume alcohol, and compared with ‘two-parent family’ offspring. We found no statistically significant associations between childhood family structure and physical activity status changes in adulthood.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the offspring of single-parent families in particular should be supported in early life to diminish their risk of unhealthy behaviours in adulthood.

Peran Komunikasi Orang Tua Dengan Pihak Sekolah Tadika Didik Bestari Gemilang Dalam Layanan Anak Autisme di Lembaga Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini

This research aims to analyze the role of inclusive education in optimizing the development of children with autism, with a focus on the Tadika Didik Bestari Gemilang School in Malaysia. The research method used is a case study with a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques used in this research include interviews, in-depth observations with parents and teachers and documentation studies at the research location. The data analysis technique used is qualitative data analysis technique, which includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that BL, a child with autism, experienced significant positive changes in social interaction, language, behavior and fine motor skills after joining an inclusive school. Effective collaboration between parents, teachers, and special educators in schools plays a crucial role in supporting BL development. The conclusion of this research is that inclusive education not only facilitates the active participation of children with autism in the learning process, but also supports them in achieving their full potential in a supportive educational environment.

Implementation of a Parent Training Program During Community-Based Dissemination (From In-Person to Hybrid): Mixed Methods Evaluation.

Parent training interventions support and strengthen parenting practices and parent-child relationships and improve child behavior. Between March 2018 and February 2020, a community-based parenting program conducted 38 in-person Chicago Parent Program (CPP) groups. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we modified the delivery of the in-person CPP to hybrid delivery using the self-administered, web-based version of the CPP (ezParent) paired with web-based, videoconferenced group sessions. This study aims to describe the delivery transition and implementation outcomes of the hybrid delivery of the CPP (ezParent+group) during community-based dissemination. This single-group, mixed methods retrospective evaluation examined the implementation outcomes using the RE-AIM (Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. We report on data from hybrid ezParent delivery between September 2020 and August 2022. Parents completed pre- and postprogram surveys that included motivation to participate and perceived changes in parent-child behavior. Digital analytics captured ezParent completion. Facilitators completed fidelity assessments and participated in postintervention interviews. In total, 24 hybrid ezParent groups (n=240 parents) were delivered by 13 CPP-trained facilitators. Parents reported high levels of satisfaction with the program and improvements in their feelings of parenting self-efficacy and their child's behavior following their participation in hybrid ezParent. On average, parents completed 4.58 (SD 2.43) 6 ezParent modules. The average group attendance across the 4 sessions was 71.2%. Facilitators found the hybrid delivery easy to implement and reported high parent engagement and understanding of CPP strategies. Using the hybrid ezParent intervention is a feasible and effective way to engage parents. Lessons learned included the importance of academic and community-based organization partnerships for delivering and evaluating robust programs. Implementation facilitators and barriers and future research recommendations are discussed.

Exploring newcomer voice and silence dynamics: The role of organizational socialization

AbstractThis paper examines the temporal dynamics of newcomer voice and silence in organizations, focusing on the role of organizational socialization. While prior research has explored the antecedents and effects of newcomer voice behaviour, little attention has been given to how voice and silence evolve over time as newcomers become more familiar with their roles and the organizational context. Drawing on multiple goal pursuit theory, this study investigates how organizational socialization influences the trajectories of newcomer promotive voice, prohibitive voice and employee silence. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 198 organizational newcomers over four waves of data, employing random coefficient growth models. The findings suggest that employee voice and silence follow distinct trajectories and provide partial support for the influence of organizational socialization on these changes in newcomer behaviour. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Heart Zone as a measure to influence traffic safety culture: which factors influence culture change?

Measures to influence traffic safety culture in designated areas (e.g. schools) exist in several different countries across the world. The Norwegian traffic safety scheme Heart Zone is a measure that aims to influence the traffic culture within a specific geographical area. The study examines whether four Norwegian schools have managed to establish a Heart Zone traffic safety culture, factors facilitating and impeding the implementation of Heart Zone traffic safety culture and subsequent changes in parents' traffic safety behavior. The study is based on survey data from four Norwegian schools (n = 220) and qualitative interviews (n = 19). Although the level of implementation varies, results from the interviews and the survey suggest that the schools have established Heart Zone cultures, where large proportions of the parents drop the children off at the recommended drop-off zone, when driving, are attentive to students who come walking/cycling within the Heart Zone and walk or cycle when transporting children within the Heart Zone. The Heart Zone culture is related to changes in parents' traffic safety behaviors and reductions in dangerous traffic situations. The study identifies specific factors facilitating and impeding traffic culture change, related to enclosed geographical areas like the Heart Zone, developing an analytical model that researchers and future traffic culture measures like this can learn from.

Human Factors in AI-Driven Digital Solutions for Increasing Physical Activity: Scoping Review.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance physical activity (PA) interventions. However, human factors (HFs) play a pivotal role in the successful integration of AI into mobile health (mHealth) solutions for promoting PA. Understanding and optimizing the interaction between individuals and AI-driven mHealth apps is essential for achieving the desired outcomes. This study aims to review and describe the current evidence on the HFs in AI-driven digital solutions for increasing PA. We conducted a scoping review by searching for publications containing terms related to PA, HFs, and AI in the titles and abstracts across 3 databases-PubMed, Embase, and IEEE Xplore-and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they were primary studies describing an AI-based solution aimed at increasing PA, and results from testing the solution were reported. Studies that did not meet these criteria were excluded. Additionally, we searched the references in the included articles for relevant research. The following data were extracted from included studies and incorporated into a qualitative synthesis: bibliographic information, study characteristics, population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and AI-related information. The certainty of the evidence in the included studies was evaluated using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). A total of 15 studies published between 2015 and 2023 involving 899 participants aged approximately between 19 and 84 years, 60.7% (546/899) of whom were female participants, were included in this review. The interventions lasted between 2 and 26 weeks in the included studies. Recommender systems were the most commonly used AI technology in digital solutions for PA (10/15 studies), followed by conversational agents (4/15 studies). User acceptability and satisfaction were the HFs most frequently evaluated (5/15 studies each), followed by usability (4/15 studies). Regarding automated data collection for personalization and recommendation, most systems involved fitness trackers (5/15 studies). The certainty of the evidence analysis indicates moderate certainty of the effectiveness of AI-driven digital technologies in increasing PA (eg, number of steps, distance walked, or time spent on PA). Furthermore, AI-driven technology, particularly recommender systems, seems to positively influence changes in PA behavior, although with very low certainty evidence. Current research highlights the potential of AI-driven technologies to enhance PA, though the evidence remains limited. Longer-term studies are necessary to assess the sustained impact of AI-driven technologies on behavior change and habit formation. While AI-driven digital solutions for PA hold significant promise, further exploration into optimizing AI's impact on PA and effectively integrating AI and HFs is crucial for broader benefits. Thus, the implications for innovation management involve conducting long-term studies, prioritizing diversity, ensuring research quality, focusing on user experience, and understanding the evolving role of AI in PA promotion.

How Do Male Celebrity Endorsers Promote Women's Makeup Products?

This research aims to identify the marketing strategies used by Social Media Influencer objects, namely the Tiktok media @azkhategar391 along with testimonials on the media, collaboration products and Follower informants, in influencing consumer behavior, against the background of significant changes in marketing paradigms and gender perceptions in modern society. Using qualitative research methods with a cyber phenomenology approach, using a simple design with Triangulation Theory and data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation, analyzed using Manual Data Analysis Procedures (MDAP). Findings show that being an effective celebrity endorser requires three main aspects: credibility , attractiveness, and celebrity likability, which play an important role in building consumer trust. Transparent testimonials from celebrity endorsers can increase consumer buying interest. Other factors that contribute to changes in consumer behavior include consumer trend analysis, consumer preferences, market segmentation, consumer loyalty, and purchasing decisions.

O-103

Abstract In the mid-1970s, when women born immediately after the Second World War were at full reproductive age, the demographic transition in Europe could be considered concluded. Birth and death rates were around 10 per thousand (a quarter compared to a century earlier), fertility was around two children per woman, and the differences in fertility between countries were modest. It seemed like the end of a path towards a new demographic stability. In reality, for subsequent cohorts, things continue to change: fertility in many countries declines, while differences between countries grow. The fertility of women born around 1980 in Europe is not far from two children for France and Northern Europe, around 1.6 children in Central and Eastern Europe, around 1.4 children in Southern Europe. Although these differences may seem minimal, the medium-long term consequences on age distributions are enormous. It would be wrong, however, to say that no similar patterns of fertility exist after the end of the demographic transition. First of all, as already mentioned, there are strong similarities between countries and regions of the same geographical area: Italian fertility patterns, for example, are similar to those of other countries on the northern shore of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Balkan states. Furthermore, all European countries share a progressive increase in the age at birth, both of the first and subsequent children, while late fertility (35+ years of age) increases greatly. The differences between countries are far from irrelevant. However, the variability between countries has been progressively decreasing for thirty years now. These changes in reproductive behaviours are intertwined with other important changes in Europe's natural demography. The most important is undoubtedly aging, determined by the lengthening of the average lifespan, especially by the spectacular increase in survival beyond fifty years of age. This phenomenon has also been very diversified among European states, less accentuated in particular in Eastern Europe and Russia. The imbalances in the age structure of the population generated by the joint effect of low birth rates and high survival of the elderly are attenuated by consistent and growing immigration flows from poor countries, where – contrary to what happened in Europe – the working age population grows. These population movements are accompanied by those within Europe, in particular from Eastern and Balkan countries to the other part of the continent. The future prospects of European demography are traced starting from this global description, underlining in particular what can reasonably be predicted about reproductive behaviour.

Verbal pairing to transfer functions by classical conditioning: An experimental study

The transfer of functions is key to explain the change in behavior resulting from a therapeutic intervention and has traditionally been explained based on operant conditioning processes. This exploratory study sought to find experimental evidence of transfer of functions using classical conditioning procedures. Three conditioned visual stimuli (EC1, EC2 and EC3) and one aversive unconditioned (EI) auditory stimulus were used. EC1 was associated with EC2, EC3 with EI and then verbally paired EC1 with EC3 seeking to transfer the function of the EI to EC2 without ever having been directly associated. Electrodermal activity was measured in four adults and a transfer test was performed. We found only some evidence of transfer of the function of the elicitor EI of electrodermal activity (a chirp) to a visual image (EC2) through the pairing of the previously conditioned words “Antonio” (EC1) and “chirp” (EC3). This exploratory finding tentatively suggests that Pavlovian conditioning could explain some therapeutic processes, related to the effect that the verbal interaction between client and therapist has on the behavior of the former and its control outside the clinic, completing the traditional explanations based on operant conditioning. However, it is insufficient and limitations and suggestions for the continuity of this line of research are discussed.

Modification of eating habits and lifestyle during COVID-19 in university students from Mexico and Peru

ObjectiveIt was to evaluate changes in lifestyle habits and health behavior among university students in Peru and Mexico during periods of confinement associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify possible relationships between these changes and sociodemographic variables, health status, and technology consumption.MethodsIt was a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study conducted among a population of 739 Mexican students and 305 Peruvian students, most of whom were women (n =778, 74.5%) and non-graduates (n =921, 88.2%). The questionnaire scale for changes in lifestyles during the quarantine period has been previously validated.ResultsThe association between sociodemographic factors and dimensions of change in healthy lifestyles was evaluated, and it was shown that gender and country of residence were significant for all dimensions of healthy lifestyle (p < 0.05), except for the level of education, which did not show significance about the change in the dimensions of media consumption (p = 0.875) and physical activity (p = 0.239). Within the dimensions mentioned, it can be stated that women are more likely than men to change their eating habits (adjusted prevalences (aPR) = 1.08, p < 0.001), media consumption (aPR = 1.04, p < 0.001), and physical activity (aPR = 1.02, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, participants from Peru are more likely than participants from Mexico to change physical activity (aPR = 1.14, p < 0.001) and media consumption (aPR = 1.22, p < 0.001). Finally, graduate students were more likely than undergraduate students to change eating habits (aPR = 1.09, p = 0.005) and unhealthy habits (aPR = 1.06, p = 0.030).ConclusionIt was concluded that there were lifestyle changes in Mexican and Peruvian university students in their eating habits, physical activity, internet consumption, and food delivery.

The Pathway To Peace And Harmony: A Buddhist Perspective

Buddhism has long been recognized as a non-violent, peaceful philosophy and religion. The suggested study aims to illustrate the Buddhist concept of harmony and serenity through a journey. Through the theory of dependent origination, Buddha preached that everything exists in relation to another and so do we human beings and our reactions to others depend on these factors and evils arising out of ignorance. The paper tries to examine the possibility of how global peace and harmony can also be accomplished through this dependency on ourselves as well as others in society. Buddha speaks of various causes of violence especially those arising within the human mind out of ignorance and false understanding of ourselves and our self-constructed world-views. Buddha also gives ways to tackle these violent forces within the individual and without. These have the potential to lead us to the pathways of realization of peace and harmony. Buddha is an exemplary visioner, practitioner and peacemaker; the Buddhist philosophy has contributions to the peace-making process while holding the potential to promote peace and harmony as a way of life through self-examination and self-reflection. In addition to the five precepts, they plant seeds and provide stability and footing for responding to oneself and others with kindness, love, affection, empathic delight, and serenity. This will result in a new way of thinking, believing, behaving, and living. As human behavior changes, the world around shall also respond accordingly and the attainment of peace and harmony becomes a reality. The peaceful means suggested by Buddha and emphasis on a holistic framework for all of mankind and to be practiced every moment of one’s existence, Buddhist philosophy plays a vital role in the peace and harmony-oriented paradigm having a practical outlook and impacting human lives globally.

A qualitative study of stakeholders' experiences with and acceptability of a technology-supported health coaching intervention (SHARE-S) delivered in coordination with cancer survivorship care.

Healthy cancer survivorship involves patients' active engagement with preventative health behaviors and follow-up care. While clinicians and patients have typically held dual responsibility for activating these behaviors, transitioning some clinician effort to technology and health coaches may enhance guideline implementation. This paper reports on the acceptability of the Shared Healthcare Actions & Reflections Electronic systems in survivorship (SHARE-S) program, an entirely virtual multicomponent intervention incorporating e-referrals, remotely-delivered health coaching, and automated text messages to enhance patient self-management and promote healthy survivorship. SHARE-S was evaluated in single group hybrid implementation-effectiveness pilot study. Patients were e-referred from the clinical team to health coaches for three health self-management coaching calls and received text messages to enhance coaching. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 patient participants, 2 referring clinicians, and 2 health coaches to determine intervention acceptability (attitudes, appropriateness, suitability, convenience, and perceived effectiveness) and to identify important elements of the program and potential mechanisms of action to guide future implementation. SHARE-S was described as impactful and convenient. The nondirective, patient-centered health coaching and mindfulness exercises were deemed most acceptable; text messages were less acceptable. Stakeholders suggested increased flexibility in format, frequency, timing, and length of participation, and additional tailored educational materials. Patients reported tangible health behavior changes, improved mood, and increased accountability and self-efficacy. SHARE-S is overall an acceptable and potentially effective intervention that may enhance survivors' self-management and well-being. Alterations to tailored content, timing, and dose should be tested to determine impact on acceptability and outcomes.

Function-Focused Care for Cognitive Impairment Training Among Formal Caregivers in Long-Term Care Facilities in Taiwan: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

To examine behavior changes among formal caregivers in Taiwanese long-term care facilities (LTCFs) after receiving training in function-focused care for cognitive impairment (FFC-CI). The current study was a clustered randomized controlled trial. Formal caregivers (i.e., RNs and nursing assistants) (N = 98) from four LTCFs were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Training was based on four components of FFC-CI. Data were collected four times within 9 months using five observational outcome measurements: Self-Efficacy for Restorative Care (SERCS), Outcome Expectations for Restorative Care Scale (OERCS), Restorative Care Knowledge Scale (RCKS), Restorative Care Behavior Checklist (RCBC), and Job Attitude Scale (JAS). Statistically significant changes were noted in each activity of restorative care behavior among the four observational measurements. Results also indicated that job satisfaction was a statistically significant main effect for the experimental group; however, SERCS, OERCS, and RCKS scores were not statistically significant. To eliminate gaps between translating research outcomes to clinical practice, this study applied a theory-based caring model for caregivers to improve knowledge and skills in caring for older adults with dementia. Caregivers who received training in FFC-CI not only had higher job satisfaction but could also provide specific FFC activities for residents during their daily care. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(7), 42-50.].

What factors influence consumer attitudes towards alternative proteins?

Achieving the sustainability of protein is central to creating a sustainable food system. Current meat consumption patterns require a paradigm shift, as the status quo is unsustainable. However, at present, consumer participation in this shift is limited necessitating a change in consumer behaviour. This review seeks to understand consumer willingness to consume alternative proteins (cultured meat, edible insects, plant and fermentation-based proteins) and the factors influencing their decisions, considering variations across protein categories and cultural backgrounds. Understanding these factors is vital for designing interventions that effectively enhance acceptance levels. Consumer behaviour is complex, influenced by a spectrum of personal and societal factors, which must be interpreted within the specific context of the target society or demographic segment.

Effect of inlet flow turbulence on hydro–acoustic coupling and flame–vortex interactions in a premixed dump combustor

The present work examines the effect of inlet flow turbulence on the flame-vortex modulations, hydro-acoustic coupling and recirculation zone dynamics at the onset of instability. The flow turbulence intensity varied using a custom-designed turbulence generator with different slot-width blockage plates placed upstream to the nominal flame-stabilization zone. The high-speed recordings of the CH*/OH* chemiluminescence and particle image velocimetry are used to deduce the relation between the flame-acoustic, flame-vortex and hydrodynamic-acoustic features during the unsteady combustion. The bifurcation analysis map revealed the effect of high inlet flow turbulence on postponing the onset of instability to higher inlet flow parameters. The initial observations showed potential changes in the acoustic behaviour and dynamical state of premixed turbulent combustion with an increase in inlet flow turbulence. The spatial Rayleigh index map illustrates a significant change in the acoustic driving region at high inlet flow turbulence based on the flame stabilization, heat release zone and flame-acoustic modulation in the shear layer and recirculation zone. The velocity spectral analysis and dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) spectrum suggested a correlation between the acoustic modulation and hydrodynamic instabilities, resulting in higher heat release rate oscillations. The high inlet flow turbulence modulates the vertical flapping motion of the flame front and flame roll-up in the recirculation region as evident by DMD spectrum and spatial modes. The flame-vortex dynamics during the dynamic transition events showed that the high inlet flow turbulence influenced the vortex shedding along the shear layer and recirculation zone dynamics. At low turbulence intensity, the vortex, in turn, supports the bulk flame movement through the induced velocity, which interacts with the free stream to create regions of low velocity. In contrast, the vortex in the shear layer and flame resides along the shear layer at higher turbulence. The paper concludes that at higher inlet flow turbulence, the recirculating flame reduces the hydro-acoustically modulated flow velocity fluctuations, which significantly affect the upstream flame propagation propensity.

Affective and Cognitive Impairments in Rodent Models of Diabetes.

Diabetes and related acute and long-term complications have a profound impact on cognitive, emotional, and social behavior, suggesting that the central nervous system (CNS) is a crucial substrate for diabetic complications. When anxiety, depression, and cognitive deficits occur in diabetic patients, the symptoms and complications related to the disease worsen, contributing to lower quality of life while increasing health care costs and mortality. Experimental models of diabetes in rodents are a fundamental and valuable tool for improving our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the close and reciprocal link between diabetes and CNS alterations, including the development of affective and cognitive disorders. Such models must reproduce the different components of this pathological condition in humans and, therefore, must be associated with affective and cognitive behavioral alterations. Beyond tight glycemic control, there are currently no specific therapies for neuropsychiatric comorbidities associated with diabetes; animal models are, therefore, essential for the development of adequate therapies. To our knowledge, there is currently no review article that summarizes changes in affective and cognitive behavior in the most common models of diabetes in rodents. Therefore, in this review, we have reported the main evidence on the alterations of affective and cognitive behavior in the different models of diabetes in rodents, the main mechanisms underlying these comorbidities, and the applicable therapeutic strategy.

Utility-based context-aware multi-agent recommendation system for energy efficiency in residential buildings

A significant part of CO2 emissions is due to high electricity consumption in residential buildings. Using load shifting can help to improve the households’ energy efficiency. To nudge changes in energy consumption behavior, simple but powerful architectures are vital. This paper presents a novel algorithm of a recommendation system generating device usage recommendations and suggests a framework for evaluating its performance by analyzing potential energy cost savings. As a utility-based recommender system, it models user preferences depending on habitual device usage patterns, user availability, and device usage costs. As a context-aware system, it requires an external hourly electricity price signal and appliance-level energy consumption data. Due to a multi-agent architecture, it allows for easy integration of new agents, enabling seamless functionality expansion, or the disabling of existing agents to tailor the system to specific needs. Empirical results show that the system can provide energy cost savings of 18% and more for most studied households.