Behavioral Activity Research Articles

Fuzzy modelling as an intelligent tool to study animal behaviour: An application to birds with environmental enrichment

This study aimed to apply fuzzy modeling to the behavioral responses and physical activity of broiler chickens with and without environmental enrichment. 96 Cobb broiler chicks, raised in a controlled environment, 48 birds for each treatment (T1 = presence and T2 = absence of environmental enrichment) at different ages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks old) during the two production cycles were used. The behavioral assessment was carried out by recording the images for later analysis at the following observation times: 8–9 am, 12–1 pm and 4–5 pm, totaling three hours of observation per rearing week (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) at 5 min intervals of between image compositions. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot, and the treatments and subplots were allocated to the weeks of rearing of the birds, containing 48 repetitions. The activity level of birds was based on behavioral data of broiler birds, in which fuzzy modeling was applied. Input variables (locomotion and activity) and output variables (activity level) of the fuzzy system were applied. During the first three weeks of life, the birds showed a moderate activity level, according to the fuzzy classification (between 0.300 and 0.450) between the two proposed treatments. At weeks 5 and 6, high levels of flock activity were characteristic of the group housed in an environment with the presence of environmental enrichment, while birds housed in the environment without enrichment showed a moderate level of activity at all times. At the times when high levels of activity were reported, the same behavior as in week 4 was observed: the activity level increased due to high values of “activity” behaviors, while “walking” behaviors remained in the moderate range. The fuzzy modeling revealed that the use of environmental enrichment (ladder with perch) increased the activity level of broilers in the last weeks, which displayed the highest levels of activity (mobility) of the birds. The use of fuzzy logic in behavioural responses allowed a greater global clarification of the birds' behavioural response pattern, while the traditional approach showed an increase in specific responses, which leads us to conclude that both approaches can be used synergistically.

Diurnal Activity Patterns of Burchelli Zebra (Equus burchelli) in Captivity at Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, India

A study was conducted on the diurnal behavioural pattern and activity time budget of a captive female burchelli zebra (Equus burchelli) in the Zoological Garden, Alipore, West Bengal, India, from 10.00 to 17.00 h between October 2022 to June 2023including winter and summer seasons by using focal sampling method with 25,200 minutes of observations. Data were analyzed by assessing mean time spent percentage for different activities in different hours and different seasons. Differences in the seasonal and hourly time budget were tested using one-way ANOVA, followed by DMRT. Grazing was dominant with significantly (P<0.05; DMRT) maximum time spent, followed by standing, feeding of offered feed, resting and then locomotion during both the seasons. Between seasons, significantly higher (P<0.05; DMRT) grazing (32.72%±0.92), walking (7.58%±0.77) and sleeping (7.18%±0.24) behaviours were observed during summer, while the other activities during the winter. During summer, from 12:00-13:00 h, grazing was the lowest, while resting was most. During winter, resting was more in the 1st hour of observation. The zebra devoted 2.12% to 2.21% of their time towards vigilance behaviour which was with higher rate during winter. This individual-based behavioural study on captive zebra will be useful for taking a well comprehensive management plan to ensure its successful in-situ conservation as well as its welfare.

Virtual reality relaxation for mental health staff in complex care services: A feasibility and acceptability study

ObjectiveVirtual reality (VR) relaxation has been implemented in workplaces for staff wellbeing. However, little is known about potential benefits for mental health staff who work in challenging settings who can experience high stress levels and poor wellbeing. MethodsThis study evaluated implementation of a single-session VR relaxation intervention for staff in complex care mental health settings. Pre- and post-VR visual analogue scales (VAS) explored the effect of VR on wellbeing. Post-VR, VAS on helpfulness and immersiveness were recorded, participants planned a behavioural activity to explore the real-world application of VR relaxation, and narrative feedback was collected. ResultsParticipants (N = 22) were mostly of Black ethnicity, in their early forties, and just over half were female. There was an even mix of outpatient and inpatient staff from various professions. Most were nurses, occupational therapists, or doctors. Post-VR, for the total sample, there were significant increases in relaxation, happiness, connectedness to nature (all d>1.00 and p<0.00); and decreases in stress, anxiety (both d>1.00 and p<0.00) and sadness (d = 0.53, p = 0.02). There was no significant effect of sadness for outpatient staff, whereas inpatient staff experienced a significant decrease post-VR (d = 68, p = 0.03). Mean helpfulness and immersiveness ratings were high. All participants planned a behavioural activity, and 15 participants (68 %) carried it out. Participants found the VR intervention to be relaxing, soothing, exciting and an immersive respite from work. ConclusionThe positive findings indicate potential for wider implementation of VR-based wellbeing interventions in mental health settings and other workplaces where staff experience high stress levels.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND IMPACT ON PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIOR SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the impact of physical activity during hospitalization on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among older adults, after controlling for covariates (age, gender, race, comorbidities, care interactions, and treatment group) and examine the association of physical and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia among hospitalized older adults living with dementia. Data from the first 365 participants in the FFC-AC-EIT study was used. Physical activity was measured over 24 hours and was based on the Physical Activity Survey which included the following activities: walking, wheeling, bathing, dressing, feeding, grooming, and toileting. Behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia were based on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The mean age of participants was 83.18 years, the majority was female (63.6%) and White (69.4%), the mean NPI was 1.28(SD=1.85) and mean activities was 8(SD=5). A total of 16% of individuals performed no activity. The most common activity was eating and the least commonly performed was self-propelling in a wheelchair. A total of 40% engaged in walking and 60% performed some bathing and dressing while hospitalized. After controlling for covariates, physical activity explained an additional 2% of the variance in NPI scores (beta=-.13., p=.05). There was no evidence that engaging patients in physical activity resulted in behavioral symptoms and activity may help to decrease these symptoms. Continued focus is needed to engage older adults living with dementia when hospitalized to engage in routine physical activity by performing activities of daily living.

Spatial distribution and circadian locomotor activity of invasive armored catfish (Loricariidae) in the freshwater and brackish water.

Invasive suckermouth armored catfish Pterygoplichthys spp. successfully spread during one decade into many river systems of Vietnam. Wide and rapid invasion of armored catfish might be associated with using brackish water in estuaries to spread from one river system to another. The first goal of our study was to assess the horizontal and vertical distribution of invasive fish in freshwater (Da Rang River) and in brackish water (Da Rang River estuary) associated with circadian rhythm. In the both sampling locations, fish were mainly caught at nighttime at the bottom and near the surface using the net traps and vertical nets. In estuary, fish were caught in the net traps with distance 2.0-7.5 m from the right or left banks where water was predominantly fresh. In freshwater of the Da Rang River, fish were often caught near the left bank with gravel and stone substrate. The second goal of our study was to experimentally evaluate the circadian (12 hours of the night and 12 hours of the day) rhythm of locomotor activity (LA) of fish. Fish from different freshwater locations (Am Chua canal and Da Rang River) had a similar diurnal dynamic of LA with mostly movements (77-83% of total diurnal LA) at nighttime (18:00-6:00, GMT+7) at the end of the wet season. Armored catfish from the brackish water location (Da Rang River estuary) also were mostly active (76% of total diurnal LA) overnight. However, fish from freshwater and brackish water had difference in the timing of behavioral activity. Fish LA from estuary was significantly lower than LA of fish from freshwater locations during 18:00 to 21:00 before low tide. The results of our field and experimental studies established that armored catfish in estuary moved in horizontal and vertical planes predominantly at nighttime. Tide level regulates locomotor activity of invasive fish and could influence on the possibility of their spreading through the estuary.

Transcranial focused ultrasound to human rIFG improves response inhibition through modulation of the P300 onset latency.

Response inhibition in humans is important to avoid undesirable behavioral action consequences. Neuroimaging and lesion studies point to a locus of inhibitory control in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG). Electrophysiology studies have implicated a downstream event-related potential from rIFG, the fronto-central P300, as a putative neural marker of the success and timing of inhibition over behavioral responses. However, it remains to be established whether rIFG effectively drives inhibition and which aspect of P300 activity uniquely indexes inhibitory control-ERP timing or amplitude. Here, we dissect the connection between rIFG and P300 for inhibition by using transcranial-focused ultrasound (tFUS) to target rIFG of human subjects while they performed a Stop-Signal task. By applying tFUS simultaneously with different task events, we found behavioral inhibition was improved, but only when applied to rIFG simultaneously with a 'stop' signal. Improved inhibition through tFUS to rIFG was indexed by faster stopping times that aligned with significantly shorter N200/P300 onset latencies. In contrast, P300 amplitude was modulated during tFUS across all groups without a paired change in behavior. Using tFUS, we provide evidence for a causal connection between anatomy, behavior, and electrophysiology underlying response inhibition.

Характеристики личности современного лидера в представлениях студенческой молодежи

The relevance of the research is due to the public demand for the development of youth leadership programs. Additionally, the leaders themselves express the need to take into account the ideas of the youth about their personal characteristics in order to develop effectively. The objective of the study is to identify characteristics that are significant for a modern youth leader as seen by students themselves depending on their gender and age. Hypothesis: while young women attach more importance to ethic qualities of a youth leader, young men put more value on a leader’s professional qualities; and as students grow older, they are more focused on professional traits of their leader. Participants: students (N = 332) of Saratov universities aged between 18 and 25 (M = 20.4; SD = 1.9), 60.2% of young women. Methods (tools): questionnaire for the analysis of behavior and personal characteristics of youth leaders (I. V. Arendachuk, M. A. Klenova, N. V. Usova), which is based on the constructs of the “I am a leader” test (E. S. Fedorov, O. V. Eremin, in the modification of T. A. Mironova), as well as the results of the research on the personal qualities of youth leaders (I. M. Filippov). Results. Regardless of their gender, students put most value on behavioral activity of their leader. For young women, the leader’s focus on self-development is important, young men attach importance to professional qualities. As young women grow older, these same qualities of a leader increase in importance; and with age, young men put less value on professional qualities of their leader. The main conclusions. Students are more focused on the behavioral activity of their leaders than on personal qualities, however, young women are more demanding of the personality of the leader than young men. Practical significance. The results of the study can be used in psychological and pedagogical work with students to develop their leadership qualities that would allow them to be socially active and create positive changes in society.

Searching for cognitive specializations of neurons using mutual information framework

Of particular interest for researching the cognitive specializations of neurons is their correlation with environmental variables and animal behavior. Mutual information (MI) is a preferable method for measuring such correlations, as it allows for the assessment of non-linear relationships between variables, detects synchronization, and provides both significance and strength quantification. However, calculating MI for real data is significantly challenging. In this study, we used updated MI calculation techniques to analyze the connection between calcium fluorescence signaling and behavioral variables. Our approach encompasses novel strategies which we compiled into a software program known as INTENS (Information-Theoretic Evaluation of Neuronal Specializations), and it enabled to identify specialized neurons in mice hippocampal calcium activity data while they explored the arena with varying levels of novelty. Numerous methods exist for analyzing the relationship between neuron spikes and behavioral variables, including information-theoretical approaches [1]. Extracting information about the relationship between calcium fluorescent signals and behavior is of particular interest due to the signal’s ability to provide crucial information about subthreshold activations of the neuron. In this study, we use the GCMI Gaussian copula entropy method to calculate mutual information [2]. This method relies on the fact that mutual information between two random variables is independent of their marginal distributions and only depends on the type of copula used (a multidimensional distribution where each marginal distribution is uniform). The actual MI was compared to its corresponding values computed on the time-shifted signals for assessing the statistical significance of the computed information association between the calcium signal and the behavioral variable. Additionally, we devised a technique for gauging the strength of the coupling effect. This involved normalizing the mutual information between the fluorescence signal and the behavior with the entropy value of both variables, previously calculated as random variables. Importantly, the approach outlined earlier is effective for analyzing continuous variables such as calcium signal and animal speed, as well as pairs of continuous and discrete variables such as calcium signal and the presence or absence of grooming. The analysis of calcium signals recorded from the CA1 region of the hippocampus revealed neuronal specializations related to the animal’s external environment, such as place cells, and specializations related to its behavioral activities, including neurons activated during running, rearing, and freezing. Some neurons selectively activated in response to discrete parameters included the animal’s location within the arena (center, walls, and corners) and its speed (rest, slow, and fast). A total of 781 specializations were detected across 472 neurons throughout all four sessions of the experiment. Notably, a single neuron could have several specializations. However, more than half (55%) of the neurons were found to have only one specialization.

Effects of MC4R activation on behavioral activity in mice

effects of MC4R activation on behavioral activity in mice

Neurophysiology of creativity and machine learning applications for creative process’ stages differentiation through assessment of EEG/VP signals

Of particular interest for researching the cognitive specializations of neurons is their correlation with environmental variables and animal behavior. Mutual information (MI) is a preferable method for measuring such correlations, as it allows for the assessment of non-linear relationships between variables, detects synchronization, and provides both significance and strength quantification. However, calculating MI for real data is significantly challenging. In this study, we used updated MI calculation techniques to analyze the connection between calcium fluorescence signaling and behavioral variables. Our approach encompasses novel strategies which we compiled into a software program known as INTENS (Information-Theoretic Evaluation of Neuronal Specializations), and it enabled to identify specialized neurons in mice hippocampal calcium activity data while they explored the arena with varying levels of novelty. Numerous methods exist for analyzing the relationship between neuron spikes and behavioral variables, including information-theoretical approaches [1]. Extracting information about the relationship between calcium fluorescent signals and behavior is of particular interest due to the signal’s ability to provide crucial information about subthreshold activations of the neuron. In this study, we use the GCMI Gaussian copula entropy method to calculate mutual information [2]. This method relies on the fact that mutual information between two random variables is independent of their marginal distributions and only depends on the type of copula used (a multidimensional distribution where each marginal distribution is uniform). The actual MI was compared to its corresponding values computed on the time-shifted signals for assessing the statistical significance of the computed information association between the calcium signal and the behavioral variable. Additionally, we devised a technique for gauging the strength of the coupling effect. This involved normalizing the mutual information between the fluorescence signal and the behavior with the entropy value of both variables, previously calculated as random variables. Importantly, the approach outlined earlier is effective for analyzing continuous variables such as calcium signal and animal speed, as well as pairs of continuous and discrete variables such as calcium signal and the presence or absence of grooming. The analysis of calcium signals recorded from the CA1 region of the hippocampus revealed neuronal specializations related to the animal’s external environment, such as place cells, and specializations related to its behavioral activities, including neurons activated during running, rearing, and freezing. Some neurons selectively activated in response to discrete parameters included the animal’s location within the arena (center, walls, and corners) and its speed (rest, slow, and fast). A total of 781 specializations were detected across 472 neurons throughout all four sessions of the experiment. Notably, a single neuron could have several specializations. However, more than half (55%) of the neurons were found to have only one specialization.

Metabolic syndrome risk among adolescents in the Deep South and the relationships with behavioral health, food insecurity, and physical activity.

A combination of physical and psychosocial risk factors put adolescents at risk for poor cardiometabolic health and chronic disease burden, often recognized as metabolic syndrome. The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk among adolescents, utilizing the metabolic syndrome severity index, and (2) determine the relationship between metabolic syndrome risk and behavioral health, food insecurity, and physical inactivity among adolescents. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational design was deployed in an inner-city high school in the Deep South. An 8-month recruitment and enrollment period yielded a sample of 55 adolescents. A battery of measures included assessment of demographic data, anthropometric, cardiovascular, and psychosocial data. Utilizing these data elements, a progressive methodological approach was used to identify metabolic severity risk as a continuous variable for use in the adolescent population. All participants identified as African American/Black. Among them, 71% (N = 39) were female and an average age of 16 (SD = 1.3) years old, with 67.3% (N = 37) of the sample at risk for metabolic syndrome. There was not a statistically significant relationship between metabolic syndrome severity score and behavioral health risk, food insecurity, and physical inactivity in this sample. Future use of the continuous metabolic syndrome severity score may guide practice by utilizing longitudinal data to assess the trends of metabolic syndrome severity scores in relation to disease outcomes in adolescents. This may promote the identification of psychosocial and physical interrelationships with metabolic syndrome, thus improving overall health through the development of age-appropriate interventions.

Animal, human, and environmental perspectives on anthrax in Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, the zoonotic transmission of anthrax from animals to humans poses substantial challenges for prevention and control programs, especially in resource-constrained settings. A comprehensive literature review was conducted focusing on anthrax infections in animals, humans, and the environment to enable better design of prevention and control strategies. Materials and methodsWe followed PRISMA guidelines to collect data on anthrax infection in animals and humans from reports between 1980 and January 2023. We used a standardized data extraction template to collect data on study location, year, hosts, deaths and risk factors responsible for anthrax occurrences at the animal, human and environmental sectors. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough analysis of the data gathered to identify the factors responsible for anthrax occurrences and to propose updated strategies for anthrax prevention and control. ResultsOf the 27 articles analyzed, 20 focused on animal or human anthrax, while seven addressed environmental contaminations. A total of 6354 cases of anthrax infection in animals were recorded, with 998 fatalities and an overall case fatality of 15.7 %. In humans, inadequate knowledge about anthrax and its transmission was a significant factor. Risk factors for human cutaneous anthrax included activities such as slaughtering diseased animals and contact with contaminated raw meat or blood. Risky practices such as disposal of animal carcasses in floodwaters or water bodies were observed in some areas, contributing to the persistence of the anthrax pathogen in the environment. ConclusionsOur study highlights the necessity of a multisectoral One Health approach to effectively control and prevent anthrax outbreaks in both animals and humans. This approach should include comprehensive vaccination programs, social and behavioral change activities, environmental management, and the establishment of surveillance systems. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by anthrax in low-resource settings.

Genetic parameter estimates for the use of an aviary with winter garden by laying hens

The behavioral activity of laying hens in an aviary is indicative of their welfare and health. Furthermore, hens’ usage of the different locations within an aviary has been shown to influence laying performance and egg quality. For example, hens that spent a longer duration of time in the nest during laying were observed to have lower laying performance. Therefore, understanding genetics of laying hens’ usage of the aviary could be important for predicting egg quality, production traits and health and welfare. The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for duration of time spent at different locations within the aviary and an adjacent winter garden using a multivariate repeatability model and to compare correlations between time spent in these locations. For this study, a total of 1,106 Dekalb white laying hens (Hendrix Genetics) were genotyped using a proprietary 60K SNP array. These hens had access to five different zones within the aviary, which included the top level tier, nest box tier, lower level tier, floor littered area and a winter garden. Hens were in the aviary for a total of 290 days and daily records of duration were collected for each hen visit to any location in the aviary, culminating in a total of 937,740 records. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.05 (0.01) to 0.28 (0.03) for the duration of time spent in the different zones. The lowest heritability was estimated for time spent at the lower level tier, while a higher heritability was estimated for time spent in the floor littered area. A moderately high negative genetic correlation of -0.59 (0.08) was observed between time spent in the top level tier and time spent in the floor littered area, while a favorable correlation of 0.37 (0.14) was found between time spent in the lower level tier and time spent in the winter garden. The findings of this study show that the duration of time spent at different zones within an aviary has genetic basis and could be used for selecting animals for better performance and higher welfare.

Assessment of Climate Change Anxiety in High School Youths of Kwale County, Kenya

Climate change anxiety refers to negative cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and functional responses to experiences of climate change and has implications on mental health. The current study sought to determine how climate change anxiety relates to cognitive-emotional and functional impairments as well as with experience of climate change and behavioural engagement in youths. The study surveyed 388 youths (aged 13-24 years) in high schools in Kwale County, Kenya. Data were analysed in XLSTAT software using Pearson's correlation and considered significant for values of p ≤ 0.05. Over 60 % of the youths had more than "Sometimes" suffered cognitive-emotional impairment, while 63 % were more than "Sometimes" inflicted with functional impairment. Additionally, 61 % of the respondents more than "Sometimes" reported having had a climate change experience. However, 71 % of the youths were more than "Sometimes" engaged in climate change behavioural activities. There were no significant gender differences in the scores. Cognitive-emotional impairment (M = 2.507, SD = 1.267) was significantly (P = 0.0048) associated with behavioural engagement in climate change (M = 3.019, SD = 1.403). Youths attending day schools scored significantly (P = 0.022) higher in functional impairment (M = 2.897, SD = 1.182) than students in boarding schools (M = 2.535, SD = 1.395). Youths aged 13-17 years were substantially more affected by climate change anxiety than those aged 18-24 years. This study identifies a population at risk with high exposure and vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change. The study suggests the need for policies to address climate change anxiety in youths in schools and the use of the youths' pro-environmental behavioural engagements in climate change to improve their adaptive capacity

A Practical Study of Basketball Teaching Reform in Colleges and Universities Based on Big Data

Abstract In this paper, the human body posture estimation algorithm is used to locate the key points of the human body in the RGB screen, and two human body multi-objective algorithms are used to predict the posture trajectory, and they can overcome the influence of the errors contained in the information recorded by the sensors to a certain extent. Secondly, the spatio-temporal graph convolutional neural network is used to identify human behavior and extract behavioral action features, and through the analysis of the action features, we understand the basketball skill level of the students and put forward the reform strategy of college basketball teaching. Sixty students from the basketball minor class at University Q’s College of Physical Education were selected as research subjects for teaching practice. The results show that the average scores of the students in spot-up shooting, half-court folding dribbling and marching one-handed over-the-shoulder shooting after the reform are higher than those before the reform by 1.80, 1.08, and 1.85, which indicates that the reform of basketball teaching based on big data can improve the students’ interest in learning and their training scores, and enhance the students’ basketball skill level.

Acute toxicity test of the Li-Dan-He-Ji granules

To observe the acute toxic reaction of the Li-Dan-He-Ji granules, and to evaluate its safety. Sixty C57BL6/J mice were randomly divided into normal control group, vehicle group and drug treatment group, with 10 females and 10 males in each group. According to the Technical guidelines for the study of toxicity of single drug administration, the maximum administration dosage (MAD) was used to intragastric administration of Li-Dan-He-Ji granules 0.04 mL/g (42.8 g/kg), three times within 24 hours, with an interval of 6 hours. The vehicle group was fed with the same pure water. The normal control group received no treatment. The mice were observed continuously for 14 days, and the appearance characteristics, behavioral activities, body weight changes and the number of deaths in each group were recorded. At the 14 days, blood samples were collected from the eyeballs, and routine blood tests such as white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (LYM), neutrophil count (NEU), lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), neutrophil percentage (NEU%), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet count (PLT) were performed. And alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and other biochemical indicators. The mice were then sacrificed, and the histopathological changes of liver and kidney were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The organ indexes of heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and thymus were calculated. The median lethal dose (LD50) of Li-Dan-He-Ji granules were not obtained. During the MAD experiment, the animals in each group did not die, their behavioral activities were normal, and there was no significant change in liver and kidney histopathological examination. There were no significant differences in body weight, blood routine, biochemical indexes and organ index among all groups (all P > 0.05). The body weight (g) of normal control female and male group, vehicle female and male group and drug female and male group before administration were 18.96±1.14, 19.65±1.45, 19.33±1.30, 19.53±1.22, 19.28±1.69 and 19.48±1.28; 14 days after administration were 27.69±0.81, 28.19±2.22, 27.77±1.00, 27.88±1.85, 27.92±1.33 and 28.07±1.93, respectively. The Li-Dan-He-Ji granules have low oral toxicity, combined with clinical observation, can be safely used in infants.

NEUROPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF MICHELIA CHAMPACA AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN RAT MODEL

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of memory, thinking skills, language and other cognitive functions. The main objective of this work is to investigate neuroprotective activity of Michelia champaca against Alzheimer’s disease.MethodNeuroprotective activity was carried out by colchicine induced Alzheimer’s disease on Sprague‐Dawley rats. Test group animals administrated with Ethanol extract Michelia champaca at dose of 200, 400, and 600mg/kg for 28 days. The Behavioural parameters were assessed using the Morris water maze test, Spontaneous locomotor activity using Open field Apparatus and Plus maze were performed at Days 0, 7, 14 and 28 on intracerebroventricular administration of colchicine for assessing the cognitive and gross behavioural activities in all groups. Biochemical parameter such as lipid peroxidation, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, total thiols and acetylcholinesterase were assessed and histopathology of brain tissue was assessed on the final day of the experiment.ResultEthanol extract of Michelia champaca shows a dose dependent neuroprotective activity by significant decrease in time latency of Morris water maze (p&lt;0.001), Plus maze (p&lt;0.001) increase in the Spontaneous locomotor activity (p&lt;0.001) in EMC treated group compared to colchicine induced control group. Biochemical parameters showed significant decreases in lipid peroxidation (p&lt;0.001) and increased in superoxide dismutase (p&lt;0.001) catalase (p&lt;0.001) glutathione (p&lt;0.001) total thiols (p&lt;0.001) and acetylcholinesterase level (p&lt;0.001) in the EAM treated groups as compared with colchicine induced control group.ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study suggests that administration of ethanol extract of Michelia champaca (EMC) possesses neuroprotective activity against colchicine induced cognitive impairment and associated oxidative stress.

P102: Supporting Informal Carers to Undertake Regular Physical Activity from Home: a Co-design and Prototype Development Study of a novel app, “CareFit”

Background:Informal carers (unpaid family members and friends), are critical to millions worldwide for the ongoing delivery of health and well-being needs. However, the physical and mental wellbeing of caregivers is often poor including low levels of physical activity, frequently owed to contributing factors such as lack of time, lack of support and motivation. Thus, accessible evidence-based tools to facilitate physical activity for carers are urgently needed.Objective:The aim of this study was to co-design and develop a novel mobile app to educate and support carers in the undertaking of regular physical activity. This is achieved via integration of the transtheoretical model of behaviour change and UK physical activity guidelines across 8 weeks of use.Methods:We co-designed a mobile app, “CareFit,” by directly involving caregivers, health care professionals, and social care professionals in the requirements, capturing, and evaluation phases across a number of Agile Scrum development sprints. Requirements for CareFit were grounded in a combination of behavioural change science and UK government physical activity guidelines.Results:Participants identified different barriers and enablers to physical activity, such as a lack of time, recognition of existing activities, and concerns regarding safely undertaking physical activity. Requirements analysis highlighted the importance of simplicity in design and a need to anchor development around the everyday needs of caregivers (eg, easy-to-use video instructions, reducing text). Our final prototype app integrated guidance for undertaking physical activity at home through educational, physical activity, and communication components.Conclusions:Integrating government guidelines with models of behavioural change into a mobile app to support the physical activity of carers is novel and holds future promise. Integrating core physical activity guidelines into a co-designed smartphone app with functionality such as a weekly planner and educational material for users is feasible acceptable and usable. Here we will document the latest developments on the project including an ongoing national study currently taking place in Scotland to test the prototype with 50 carers.

Managing Money: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finances: A Pragmatic and Scalable Evidence‐Based Program for Caregivers

AbstractBackgroundFew programs have been developed that address the financial needs of caregivers. The following presentation discusses the development of an innovative 60‐minute interactive online program led by community educators.MethodContent includes a) Introduction to the Costs of Caregiving, b) Implications of Alzheimer’s disease, c) Benefits of Early Planning, d) Avoiding Financial Abuse and Fraud, e) Conversations about Finances, Assessing Financial and Legal Needs, and f) Finding Financial Support. A randomized controlled trial was used to examine efficacy with n = 164 participants assigned to the program condition and n = 158 participants assigned to the waitlist condition. Surveys were completed at a) Time 1 (baseline); b) Time 2 (after program completion); c) Time 3 (30 days after program completion); d) Time 4 (60 days after program completion); and e) Time 5 (90 days after program completion). Program participants also completed acceptability questions.ResultParticipants on average were 54 years old (SD = 15.34) with the majority female (80.4%), Caucasian (73.3%), and married (68.9%). Most participants worked part‐ or full‐time (54.9%), had a bachelor’s or post/professional degree (71.8%), and had yearly incomes of $50,000 or more (55.9%). Participants primarily provided care to a parent/in‐law (45%) or a spouse/partner (34.2%). Significant group differences between the program and the control conditions were found for the following outcomes: Perceived Knowledge (F(1, 174) = 4.54, p = .04); Financial Unmet Needs (F(1, 176) = 16.16, p = .01); Financial Unmet Needs Distress (F(1, 176) = 15.42, p = .01); Financial Self‐Efficacy (F(1, 174) = 6.19, p = .01); Financial Behavioral Intentions (F(1, 172) = 8.02, p = .01); and Financial Behavioral Actions (F(1, 172) = 13.05, p = .01). Post‐hoc analyses indicated short‐ and long‐term impacts that will be further discussed. In terms of acceptability, participants rated the program as highly acceptable, with 82.8% to 91.9% of participants rating each statement as ‘agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ and 91.9% of participants indicated they would ‘very likely’ recommend the program.ConclusionDiscussion highlights key features thought to contribute to the successful evidence‐based program including how to develop pragmatic and scalable programs and alignment of measures with program content and dose.

FACTORS OF SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL ADAPTATION AND ANXIETY OF REFUGEES DURING THE WAR

The article provides a theoretical analysis of the problem of anxiety, the tendency of a person to experience anxiety, which is connected with the premonition of real or imagined danger. The purpose of the article is to review and analyse the factors of socio-psychological adaptation and anxiety of refugees in terms of war, as well as psychological techniques to develop in them a new attitude to stress reactions as a resource that can strengthen immunity to traumatization. The study used the methods of terminological, substantive and statistical analysis in determining the content and essence of anxiety as a state and process of experiencing, as well as modelling and projecting methods to find factors of social and psychological adaptation and reducing the level of anxiety of refugees during the war. It has been emphasized that anxiety is an individual psychological feature reflecting an increased tendency to feel alarm in various life situations, in particular those that do not objectively foresee this. Common and distinctive features between anxiety and alarm have been identified. In the structure of anxiety, cognitive, emotional and operational components have been found and described, among which the dominant position is occupied by an emotional response to an unfavourable life situation. It has been shown that anxiety is divided into two main categories: covert and overt. It has been pointed out that there is a connection between the state of alarm and the strength of the individual’s nervous system. Assumptions are expressed regarding the inverse correlation of the strength and sensitivity of the subject’s nervous system. The analysis of scientific research has shown that anxiety enables an individual to respond to a threatening situation adaptively. Anxiety also changes the nature of the behaviour, leads to increased behavioural activity, encourages more intense and purposeful efforts, and thereby performs an adaptive function. It has been emphasized that if the anxiety is intense and long-lasting, it prevents the formation of adaptive behaviour and leads to violations of behavioural integration, and sometimes to clinically expressed disorders of the psyche and behaviour. Peculiarities of the person’s psychological states in terms of war events have been analysed. It is argued that the most important self-preservation strategy is to change the subject’s attitude to war traumatization. A person should know that it is not at all necessary to become a victim of life’s trials, that not every stress causes post-traumatic disorders, and that stress energy can be transformed and used effectively. It has been established that a new attitude to stress reactions as a resource strengthens immunity to trauma and promotes post-traumatic growth. It has been noted that adaptation and the ability to adapt is a prerequisite for the future active and productive activity of an individual in any sphere of life. When a person feels free and comfortable (adapted), they perform both their social and professional roles well, which is very important in the process of social interaction both during education and in later life. Adaptation is divided into external and internal, and such types of adaptation are distinguished as pedagogical, professional, social, biological, and psychological ones. Factors have been clarified, and external and internal criteria of psychological and pedagogical adaptation have been distinguished. At the same time, it has been concluded that socio-psychological adaptation to the conditions of a military conflict occurs as an adaptation to a socially tense, constantly changing environment. Therefore, it is important to shift the emphasis from the state of adaptation to the properties of adaptability of the individual and the community, which are associated with such constructs as resilience, psychological resilience, and group efficiency.