Behavioral Variables Research Articles

Cancer clinical trial participation in socioeconomically vulnerable patients: A risk model to aid in targeted interventions.

1529 Background: In patients with cancer, those with lower income are 30% less likely to participate in clinical trials. Lower income individuals face direct and indirect costs that can make participation in a clinical trial prohibitive. However, a broader evaluation of specific behavioral, information, insurance, and area-level variables that could contribute to this disparity has not been conducted. We aimed to develop and validate a model to identify socioeconomically vulnerable patients at high risk of non-participation in clinical trials. Methods: We used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a national cross-sectional survey about knowledge of, attitudes toward, and use of health-related information. We analyzed HINTS survey databases that included questions about whether patients with cancer participated in a clinical trial (survey years 2014, 2017, and 2020). We examined 21 different demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, geographic, and health information questions. We derived a risk model to predict clinical trial participation in a random set of 60% of participants using best subset selection with k-fold cross validation. The derived model was validated in the remaining 40% of participants. Logistic regression was used. Results: We examined N=1,023 participants with household income <$75,000, the current median in the U.S. In the training dataset of n=614 participants, a model with 5 variables was identified. Non-Hispanic White patients and patients without a college education, with high levels of distrust, with high levels of anxiety or depression, and from non-urban areas were all at lower risk of trial participation. We summed the adverse risk factors for all individuals; a risk score with 4 levels was constructed based on distribution quartiles. In the independent validation cohort (n=409), each increase in level of adverse risk factors was associated with a 42% reduction in the odds of trial participation (OR=0.58, 95%-CI, 0.40-0.84, p=.004), indicating successful model validation. Among all individuals, trial participation rates decreased from 18.6% to 7.5% to 4.6% to 2.8%, respectively, as the number of adverse risk factors increased (in quartiles) from 0-1 to 2 to 3 to 4-5. Individuals with 4 or 5 risk factors (vs. those with 0-1 factors) were 87% less likely to participate (OR=0.13, 95% CI, 0.05-0.31, p<.0001). Conclusions: We developed and validated a 5-variable risk model that identified a large set of lower income individuals at lower risk of trial participation. In a first-time observation, psychosocial variables were shown to be meaningful predictors of lower trial participation. These findings could aide in the early identification of patients who may benefit from additional support to navigate the treatment trial decision making process, in the name of more equitable participation in trials for all patients.

Applying behavioral economics to understand changes in alcohol outcomes during the transition to adulthood: Longitudinal relations and differences by sex and race.

Population drinking trends show clear developmental periodicity, with steep increases in harmful alcohol use from ages 18 to 22 followed by a gradual decline across the 20s, albeit with persistent problematic use in a subgroup of individuals. Cross-sectional studies implicate behavioral economic indicators of alcohol overvaluation (high alcohol demand) and lack of alternative substance-free reinforcers (high proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement) as potential predictors of change during this developmental window, but longitudinal evidence is sparse. Using a sample of emerging adults (N = 497, Mage = 22.61 years, 62% female, 48.69% White, 40.44% Black), this study examined prospective, bidirectional relations between both past-week heavy drinking days (HDD) and alcohol problems and proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement (reinforcement ratio), alcohol demand intensity (consumption at zero price), alcohol demand Omax (maximum expenditure), and change in demand elasticity (rate of change in consumption across escalating price) over five assessments (every 4 months) using random intercept cross-lagged panel models. Alcohol problems and HDD decreased across assessments. Significant between-person effects indicated that each behavioral economic variable was associated with increased drinking risk. Change in reinforcement ratio was positively associated with decreases in alcohol problems. Multigroup invariance modeling revealed distinct risk pathways in that change in demand intensity and Omax predicted change in alcohol problems for male participants and change in intensity predicted change in alcohol problems for non-White participants. The study provides consistent support for proportionate alcohol-related reinforcement and mixed support for demand as within-person predictors of reductions in drinking. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Habitat Structure Impact on the Occurrence Preferences and Behaviour of the Endangered Species Hipparchia hermione (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae) in Slovakia

Abstract The aim of this study is to elaborate on the prior information about Hipparchia hermione ecology, examine its behaviour and find the habitat preferences of the species in specific study areas. The obtained results contribute to better management and conservation of the species and its habitats in Slovakia. Six types of behaviour were observed, with the exception of courtship dances, mating and perching. The most common types of behaviour observed were flight and food intake. The RDA analysis of behaviour and environmental variables resulted in a positive effect of free substrate and tall-herb vegetation on H. hermione abundance. The free substrate had a significant positive effect on all types of H. hermione behaviour. The results of the RDA analysis indicate butterflies’ shrub preference. The notion of shrubs’ presence having a positive effect on the representation of H. hermione is supported by another data set, according to which shrub vegetation provided ideal conditions for all types of observed behaviour. The abundance and diversity of nectaring plants did not have a statistically significant effect on species representation. Due to the environmental variables, the tree crowns’ significance plays a vital role. The average values are of 50%. The number of H. hermione individuals in the study areas increased with the growing number of tree trunks over 20 cm and heights over 3 m and the growing number of caterpillar host plants (Festuca ovina). The data show that Hipparchia hermione butterflies depend more on the spatial and structural arrangement of the forest than on abundance or diversity of the flora in the study areas.

Comparative Analysis of Gender-Based Differences in Behavioral Mastery, Goals, and Characteristics in Autistic Individuals: An Applied Behavior Analysis Study.

Introduction It is widely recognized that the prevalence and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more common in males than in females. Despite this, there is a significant gap in the body of autism research that investigates gender differences for treatment effects of applied behavior analysis (ABA) across a variety of measured variables. This research aims to comprehensively evaluate gender distinctions concerning target behavioral objectives, goals, and deficit variables. Materials and methods This study analyzed retrospective data from 100 participants, including 89 juveniles and four adults, with seven cases lacking age documentation, who underwent a three-month ABAprogram from March 19 to June 11, 2023. The ABA program included various methodologies such as functional analysis, discrete trial training, mass trials, and naturalistic training. Data on outcome measures, including target behavioral proficiency, age, average trials to proficiency, average teaching days to proficiency, open behavioral objectives, and target trends, were collected using the "Catalyst"software (Catalyst Software Corporation, New York, NY). Participant demographics were summarized using statistical analyses for categorical (gender and race/ethnicity) and continuous variables (percentage of mastered behavioral objectives, age, average trials, average teaching days, open objectives, percentage of failed objectives during maintenance, percentage of objectives with upward, downward, and flat trends). These statistics included mean, standard deviation, median, and rangeand were analyzed inferentially using nine separate two-sample independent t-tests and corresponding effect sizes using Cohen's d. Results There were no statistically significant disparities based on gender (p > 0.05) across all nine variables examined: Percentage of Targets Mastered, Age, Average Trials to Mastery, Average Teaching Days to Mastery, Open Targets, Percentage of Targets Failed in Maintenance, Percentage of Targets Trending Up, Percentage of Targets Trending Down, and Percentage of Targets Trending Flat, and wide confidence intervals were detected. Conclusions Non-significant gender differences in response to ABA treatments regarding these nine behavioral goals, mastery, and deficitvariables may be relevant. They suggest that ABA treatments could be equally beneficial for both male and female autistic individuals. These results should be interpreted cautiously. The general pattern observed, characterized by broad confidence intervals, carries a degree of statistical uncertainty, which may suggest substantial gender differences. These results might question the prevailing beliefs about the variation in treatment response based on gender. This could profoundly impact clinical practices, implying that healthcare professionals should not favor one gender over another when suggesting ABA therapies. Instead, the treatment advice should be tailored to each child's unique requirements and traits, regardless of gender. The investigators expect these results to encourage additional research in this field. Comprehending the elements that affect treatment response is vital for improving treatment results and customizing care.

The Relationship between Political Image and Voting Behavior in First-time Voters: Demographics of Generation Z Voters in the 2024 Election in Indonesia

Purpose: This research aims to determine the relationship between voting behavior and political image as well as the demographic characteristics of the voting behavior tendencies of Generation Z in the 2024 Election in Indonesia. Methods: Data collection uses a questionnaire that has good validity and reliability, the questionnaire contains a measurement scale for voting behavior and political image. The measurement of voting behavior variables uses a scale that includes aspects of knowledge, attitudes and actions. Meanwhile, the measurement of the political image variable uses a scale that includes aspects of competence, benevolence, integrity, fairness and reliability. Respondents are given alternative answers to choose one of the four answers provided starting from the options Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Scoring for each answer choice for each variable is 1-4. Apart from that, the questionnaire also contains descriptive questions regarding respondents’ voting tendencies. The number of samples that met the criteria for first-time voter respondents was 453 respondents taken using a purposive sampling technique. The data analysis technique uses the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Test (r) which aims to determine the level of closeness of the relationship between variables which is expressed by the correlation coefficient (r). Results: The research results show a significant positive correlation between political image and voting behavior. The findings also show that the categorization of respondents’ political image is medium and the categorization of voting behavior is in the high category. The majority of respondents chose candidates based on their track record, ethnicity and religion, having a nationalist and religious image, and looking cool and trendy. Conclusion: The political image and voting behavior of Generation Z can be concluded to be correlated with each other. This research also shows how the candidate’s political image is desired by first-time voters.

Holistic personas to increase the novice developer productivity

A deeper understanding and integration with system users' thoughts and emotional experiences are required for user-engaged development. User experience (UX) journey integrates user requirements and problem-solving approaches. The integration of data-driven techniques and user-centric approaches in software development is investigated in this study. It focuses on using the Markov chain model to predict developer productivity based on data gathered while creating personas across three projects. Organizations can gain valuable insights into user needs and requirements by conducting purposeful activities such as strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, competitor analysis, hypothesis formulation, identification of behavioral variables, mapping interviews, and defining characteristics and objectives. The model has predictive capabilities that allow for more informed decision-making, more efficient resource allocation, and better project planning. The goal of the activity and the model ensure the development of software products that effectively meet the needs of users, resulting in a higher success rate for software development initiatives. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating quantitative and qualitative analysis to drive successful software development projects and increase productivity while meeting user needs. According to the findings of the research conducted from the three projects completed, the proposed methods have similarities, and predictions using the Markov chain can determine the success of novice developers.

Influences on COVID-19 Vaccine Adherence among Pregnant Women: The Role of Internet Access and Pre-Vaccination Emotions.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about global uncertainties and fears, escalating the dissemination of fake news. This study aims to analyze the impact of fake news on COVID-19 vaccine adherence among pregnant women, providing crucial insights for effective communication strategies during the pandemic. A cross-sectional, exploratory study was conducted with 113 pregnant women under care at a Women's Health Reference Center. Data analysis included relative frequency and odds ratio to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and behavioral variables regarding vaccination. In the behavioral context of vaccination, internet access shows a significant association with decision-making, influencing vaccine refusal due to online information. Nuances in the odds ratios results highlight the complexity of vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing the importance of information quality. Pre-vaccination sentiments include stress (87.61%), fear (50.44%), and anxiety (40.7%), indicating the need for sensitive communication strategies. Results revealed that pregnant women with higher education tend to adhere more to vaccination. Exposure to news about vaccine inefficacy had a subtle association with hesitancy, while finding secure sources was negatively associated with hesitancy. The behavioral complexity in the relationship between online information access and vaccination decision underscores the need for effective communication strategies. In the face of this challenging scenario, proactive strategies, such as developing specific campaigns for pregnant women, are essential. These should provide clear information, debunk myths, and address doubts. A user-centered approach, understanding their needs, is crucial. Furthermore, ensuring information quality and promoting secure sources are fundamental measures to strengthen trust in vaccination and enhance long-term public health.

Interest of Muslim Youth: Purchasing Halal Korean Restaurants in West Java

Purpose: The objective aim this study is to investigate the factors influencing young Muslims' inclinations in West Java to purchase Korean food through visits to Halal-certified Korean restaurants, Employing the Knowledge-Based Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework as the main variables under investigation.Design/Method/Approach: The research methodology utilizes purposive sampling, targeting individuals aged between 16 and 30 years old. Data analysis employs the Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (PLS-SEM) method.Findings: Consumer knowledge exerts a positive and notable influence on attitudes, similar to the effects observed with attitudes and subjective norms, which positively and significantly influence the interest of Muslim youth in Halal-certified Korean restaurants. However, perceived behavioral control variables could not be identified as factors significantly influencing the purchase interest of Muslim youth in MUI-certified Halal Korean restaurants.Originality/Values: This article presents several updates, including geographical scope limitations, explanations of the variables used, and novelties in the research period. It is anticipated that the research's findings will significantly enhance marketing tactics and the administration of Halal-certified Korean restaurants in the culinary industry. Additionally, it is hoped that it will also assist business players in this sector in understanding the factors driving the purchase interest of Muslim youth to increase visits to Halal-certified Korean restaurants.

Analyzing Consumer Preferences in Selecting Halal Tourism Destination

Purpose: This paper examines consumer behavior, specifically the Indonesian society's preference for making halal tourism in the Riau region a tourism destination.Design/Method/Approach: The methodology applied in this research is quantitative with the SEM-PLS approach. Sampling was done using purposive sampling method. The number of respondents involved was 256 people with an age range of 16 to 55 years old. This study adopts variables based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, which identifies three exogenous latent variables (ɛ), namely Attitude, Subjective Norm, and Perceived Behavioral Control. Meanwhile, the endogenous latent variable (η) in this research is the Preference for Halal Tourism.Findings: The results of this study revealed that the perceived behavioral control variable has the largest, positive, and significant influence.Originality/Values: The implications of this research can assist in the development of the halal tourism industry in Indonesia, particularly in the Riau region. Industry players and stakeholders can take steps and policies to enhance aspects such as subjective norms and perceived behavioral control to meet tourists' preferences. Academics can also contribute to advancing digital literacy, research, and innovation in the halal industry, thereby making a significant contribution to the dynamic and innovative digital ecosystem within the halal value chain.

AFFIRMING THE LINK BETWEEN WORKERS’ SAFETY BEHAVIOR AND ORGANISATIONAL SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF SME MANUFACTURING

In the Malaysian context, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) encountered workplace accidents. Scholarly consensus attributes a substantial portion of these accidents and injuries to the human factor, specifically unsafe behaviours. This study, conducted in Malaysia’s northern region, focused on Safety and Health/Human Resource professionals within the manufacturing sector of SMEs. We compiled a robust dataset comprising 107 responses garnered through a meticulously designed self-administered questionnaire. To scrutinise the intricate relationship between safety behaviour and safety performance, we subjected the data to rigorous analysis using SmartPLS 3.2.9, employing advanced partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques. The research outcomes unequivocally underscore the palpable and consequential impact of safety behaviour variables, namely safety compliance and safety participation, on improving safety performance, gauged through parameters such as accidents, injuries, and property damages. These results resoundingly validate the research hypotheses. Consequently, this study accentuates the importance of cultivating employee safety behaviour, particularly in resource-constrained SME settings, as an imperative step toward enhancing workplace safety.

Nutritional status of toddlers, education level, and habitual hygiene behaviour among mothers in West Java, Indonesia

Background: Malnutrition in toddlers can cause impaired growth and become one of the risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Mothers with a good level of education will affect their ability to select and serve foods with balanced nutrition for toddlers. Meanwhile, maternal hygiene behavior related to the cleanliness of food, drinks, body, and the environment is an important factor in preventing various diseases that can influence the nutritional status of children under the age of five. Purpose: To identify the correlation between maternal education level and hygiene behavior with the nutritional status of toddlers in Hamlet III Sukamulya Village. Method: Cross-sectional. The data used is primary data collected through a questionnaire. Data include maternal demographics, toddler characteristics, and maternal hygiene behaviors. The population of this study consisted only of mothers with toddlers from Hamlet III Sukamulya village using a total sampling technique with a total of 145 respondents. Data were analyzed with univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using Spearman rho test. Results: Showed that the majority of mothers had a basic education level (79.3%), and had good hygiene behavior (90.3%), and most toddlers had normal nutritional status (63.4%). This study found a p-value of 0.772 on the mother's education level variable and a p-value of 0.085 on the hygiene behavior variable. Conclusion: there is no correlation between maternal education level and nutritional status of toddlers and there is no correlation between hygiene behavior and nutritional status of toddlers.

Investigation of Gambling Behavior, Self-Confidence and Psychological Resilience Levels of University Students.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gambling behavior, self-confidence, and psychological resilience levels among university students. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between gambling behavior and socio-demographic variables. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2023. The research employed a questionnaire, the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and the Self-Confidence Scale. The study was carried out online, reaching 229 students through Google Forms. According to the SOGS scores, 4.8% of the students are at risk of gambling addiction. Male students have statistically significantly higher SOGS scores than female students. The SOGS score is significantly higher in working students, smokers, and alcohol drinkers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between the students' SOGS scores and the self- confidence scale (p = 0.637) and the brief resilience scale (p = 0.675). It is thought that training should be given to risky groups in order to prevent gambling behavior. In addition, it is thought that supporting university students to be active in different arts and sports fields may have a positive effect on preventing and reducing addictions.

Individual behavioral variability across time and contexts in Dendrobates tinctorius poison frogs

Individual behavioral variability across time and contexts in Dendrobates tinctorius poison frogs

Different state-dependence of population codes across cortex.

During perceptual decision-making, behavioral performance varies with changes in internal states such as arousal, motivation, and strategy. Yet it is unknown how these internal states affect information coding across cortical regions involved in differing aspects of sensory perception and decision-making. We recorded neural activity from the primary auditory cortex (AC) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) in mice performing a navigation-based sound localization task. We then modeled transitions in the behavioral strategies mice used during task performance. Mice transitioned between three latent performance states with differing decision-making strategies: an 'optimal' state and two 'sub-optimal' states characterized by choice bias and frequent errors. Performance states strongly influenced population activity patterns in association but not sensory cortex. Surprisingly, activity of individual PPC neurons was better explained by external inputs and behavioral variables during suboptimal behavioral performance than in the optimal performance state. Furthermore, shared variability across neurons (coupling) in PPC was strongest in the optimal state. In AC, shared variability was similarly weak across all performance states. Together, these findings indicate that neural activity in association cortex is more strongly linked to internal state than in sensory cortex.

Evaluating the impact of anatomical and physiological variability on human equivalent doses using PBPK models.

Addressing human anatomical and physiological variability is a crucial component of human health risk assessment of chemicals. Experts have recommended probabilistic chemical risk assessment paradigms in which distributional adjustment factors are used to account for various sources of uncertainty and variability, including variability in the pharmacokinetic behavior of a given substance in different humans. In practice, convenient assumptions about the distribution forms of adjustment factors and human equivalent doses (HEDs) are often used. Parameters such as tissue volumes and blood flows are likewise often assumed to be lognormally or normally distributed without evaluating empirical data for consistency with these forms. In this work, we performed dosimetric extrapolations using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for dichloromethane (DCM) and chloroform that incorporate uncertainty and variability to determine if the HEDs associated with such extrapolations are approximately lognormal and how they depend on the underlying distribution shapes chosen to represent model parameters. We accounted for uncertainty and variability in PBPK model parameters by randomly drawing their values from a variety of distribution types. We then performed reverse dosimetry to calculate HEDs based on animal points of departure for each set of sampled parameters. Corresponding samples of HEDs were tested to determine the impact of input parameter distributions on their central tendencies, extreme percentiles, and degree of conformance to lognormality. This work demonstrates that the measurable attributes of human variability should be considered more carefully and that generalized assumptions about parameter distribution shapes may lead to inaccurate estimates of extreme percentiles of HEDs.

Transformative Work Behavior: Development and Validation of a Measurement Scale

The Transformative Work Behavior (TWB) concept is able to build optimal SME performance in a dynamic business environment, especially post-pandemic, through a strategic human resource and socio-emotional approach. Reflecting the important role of leadership in forming an innovative and adaptive work culture, which is one of the keys to the long-term success of an organization amidst market dynamics and an ever-changing environment. This paper aims to develop, validate and measure the variable mechanism of Transformative Work Behavior (TWB) as a concept scientific novelty. This research uses transformative learning theory, organizational knowledge creation theory, leadership theory, open innovation, social exchange theory as the basis for forming the novelty variable. The population in this study were digital creative MSMEs, questionnaires were given randomly, using non-probability sampling. Meanwhile, the sample size using the 10 times rule method is 280 samples. The analysis method used uses the SEM method. This paper is a concept development, validation and explanation of the mechanism for measuring the novel variable of transformative work behavior which has never been studied before.

Positive and Negative Correlates of Psychological Well-Being and Distress in College Students' Mental Health: A Correlational Study.

Recognizing the positive or negative effects of students' mental health promotes personal development, well-being, and academic success. Academic life exposes college students to multiple adjustments, demands, and vulnerabilities that can cause stress and mental health problems. This study aims to identify psychological well-being and psychological distress effects on college students' mental health. A correlational study was designed involving a non-probabilistic 560 sample of students (446 women) aged 18 to 41 years (M = 19.6; SD = 1.68). An online self-report questionnaire was used including demographic, relational, academic, and health behaviors variables, and the measures: Mental Health Inventory; Satisfaction with Social Support Scale; Academic Life Satisfaction Scale; and Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Regression analyses indicate that male students, dating, good academic performance, exercise, sleeping seven hours, satisfaction with social support, and academic life satisfaction were significant correlates (p < 0.05) of psychological well-being, with the last two having great weight in the model. Females, low income, aged 21-24 years, sleeping less than 6 h, moderate psychological vulnerability, and perception of vulnerability were significant (p < 0.05) negative effects of psychological distress. This study addresses the positive and negative effects of psychological well-being and distress in college students. Specific mental health promotion and morbidity prevention programs can improve students' mental health literacy and resilience.

Top-down effects of intraspeciflic predator behavioral variation.

Among-individual variation in predator traits is ubiquitous in nature. However, variation among populations in this trait variation has been seldom considered in trophic dynamics. This has left unexplored (a) to what degree does among-individual variation in predator traits regulate prey populations and (b) to what degree do these effects vary spatially. We address these questions by examining how predator among-individual variation in functional traits shapes communities across habitats of varying structural complexity, in field conditions. We manipulated Chinese mantis (Tenodera sinensis) density (six or twelve individuals) and behavioral trait variability (activity level by movement on an open field) in experimental patches of old fields with varying habitat complexity (density of plant material). Then, we quantified their impacts on lower trophic levels, specifically prey (arthropods > 4mm) and plant biomass. Predator behavioral variability only altered prey biomass in structurally complex plots, and this effect depended on mantis density. In the plots with the highest habitat complexity and mantis density, behaviorally variable groups decreased prey biomass by 40.3%. In complex plots with low mantis densities, low levels of behavioral variability decreased prey biomass by 32.2%. Behavioral variability and low habitat complexity also changed prey community composition, namely by increasing ant biomass by 881%. Our results demonstrate that among-individual trait variation can shape species-rich prey communities. Moreover, these effects depend on both predator density and habitat complexity. Incorporating this important facet of ecological diversity revealed normally unnoticed effects of functional traits on the structure and function of food webs.

Quantifying Variability in Zebrafish Larvae Locomotor Behavior across Experimental Conditions: A Learning-Based Tracker

This study investigated the effects of environmental changes on zebrafish larval behavior, using single-factor and orthogonal experiments to assess locomotion during temperature and pH changes. In single-factor experiments, zebrafish larvae were exposed to variations in temperature (22 to 30 °C) and pH levels (6.0, 7.0, 9.0). The simultaneous temperature and pH changes were investigated by orthogonal tests. In both experiments, each zebrafish larva was recorded in three 5 min videos at different stages (before exposure, during short-term exposure (10 min), and after long-term exposure (60 min)). You Look Only Once (YOLOv5) and Deep Simple Online Real Time Tracking (DeepSORT) models were adopted to develop a zebrafish larva tracking system, and YOLOv5 was improved in two aspects of anchor clustering and network structure. The tracking accuracy of the tracking system for small targets effectively improved, reaching more than 98% MOTA (Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to extract three behavioral features from 13 motion parameters, namely motion activity, edge behavior, and motion direction preference. Our findings reveal that lower temperatures and acidic conditions both led to a decrease in motion behavioral activity, and the former also increased edge behavior. Conversely, elevated temperatures and alkaline conditions had a muted impact on these behaviors. Interestingly, concurrent changes in temperature and pH significantly altered directional preference. Additionally, we observed that lower temperatures elicited distinct temporal behavioral patterns at a constant pH level. In summary, we recommend the precise control and explicit reporting of ambient temperature and pH in both breeding devices and experimental wells to minimize the environmental impact on zebrafish behavior and enhance experiment repeatability and reliability.

Related barriers to using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among MSM: A multicentre cross-sectional survey.

The objective of this study was to gain insight into the barriers hindering the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities in China. MSM were recruited via community-based organizations in an online "snowball" manner. Participants completed the questionnaire anonymously and shared it with key MSM peers (seeds) in five cities in China. Based on the results of univariate analysis, we used a structural equation model to analyse the role of PrEP knowledge awareness, PrEP counselling, and other behavioural variables on PrEP use. The study collected a total of 4223 valid questionnaires, and 18.2% of participants reported PrEP use. The results of the standardized total effects showed that the following paths were statistically significant (p < 0.05): from the age of first sex with men to PrEP knowledge awareness (β = -0.113) and PrEP use (β = 0.042); from high-risk sexual behaviour scores to PrEP counselling (β = 0.039) and PrEP use (β = 0.103); from the number of HIV tests in the last year to PrEP knowledge awareness (β = 0.034), PrEP counselling (β = 0.170), and PrEP use (β = 0.197); from the level of self-perceived risk of HIV infection to PrEP counselling (β = -0.115); from PrEP knowledge awareness to PrEP use (β = -0.049); and from PrEP counselling to PrEP use (β = 0.420). The proportion of PrEP use among MSM was relatively low. Age at first sex with men, number of HIV tests, high-risk sexual behaviour, and PrEP counselling had a positive effect on PrEP use, whereas PrEP knowledge awareness had an inverse effect on PrEP use.