Related Behaviors Research Articles

The influence of family function and structure on depression in middle aged women

Background: Depression is both a mood disorder and a chronic illness of public health importance that accounts for a great socioeconomic burden worldwide. The family influences the health beliefs and health related behavior and it is supposed to provide emotional, financial, physical and emotional support during this period. Aim of the study was to assess the influence of family function and structure on depression in middle-aged women. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study. Three hundred and two (302) middle-aged women were recruited by simple random sampling method. Relevant data were collected using pretested interviewer administered questionnaire that incorporated family structure, family APGAR and major depression inventory (MDI). Results: More than half (56%) of the participants had a functional family, 66.2% of them were in a monogamous marriage while 64.7% were from a nuclear family. The prevalence of depression was 5.3%; 31.3% of these were from functional family while 68.7% were from dysfunctional family. There was a significant association between family functionality, spousal characteristics such as wife beating and spousal alcohol use with depression. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression was low amongst married middle-aged women currently living with their spouses while no relationship was noted between family structure and depression. Family assessment especially family functionality is highly recommended in assessing depression.

Trade and consumption of buffalo meat in Brazil

Due to the lack of information concerning the buffalo production chain, the aim of this survey was to identify consumer behaviour, acceptance and trends in relation to buffalo meat. The survey research method was used, for which an online questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms, and distributed via digital platforms to Brazilian consumers. Using the exploratory technique of multivariate statistics, ordination was carried out by principal component analysis (PCA), where the words were grouped into dimensions. Of the respondents, 44.82% had already consumed buffalo meat; however, many did not know whether they had already tried it, since 50.24% of the respondents said they could not identify any difference between buffalo meat and beef. An identification and indication of the origin were considered important by 44.82% of respondents. The respondents cited 1130 different terms, the word ‘quality’ appearing in most responses. Principal component analysis explained 93.32% of the variations in the consumer perception of buffalo meat. A part of Brazilian consumers is unaware of the buffalo production chain, and have never had the opportunity to consume the meat. The creation and divulgation of a certificate of identification, together with the benefits to health from consuming buffalo meat is fundamental for consumer confidence, which, together with the ready availability of the product, would allow expansion, consolidation and improvement of the production chain. The results of the study show the potential for increasing the consumption of buffalo meat among Brazilian consumers, providing the product included a guarantee of origin, quality and healthiness.

Information sharing as a determinant of pro-environmental behaviour in student population in Ghana

People have always struggled to find a lasting solution to the persistent problem of the management and segregation of waste. The amount and variety of waste produced globally has grown exponentially with the ongoing rise in human population. As a result, there have been several studies conducted in this field, some of which have been supported by private organizations, NGOs, and governments. To protect the environment while progressively achieving global sustainable development, Pro-Environmental Behavior (PEB) has been advocated as a universal endeavor for each individual. In affluent nations like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and France, there is a lot of research on PEB. There is, however, a dearth of research on PEB in developing nations, the majority of which are found in Africa, where poor management and segregation of waste is a major problem. Our goal with this study was to better understand how students at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana, a developing country, acquire and share knowledge on management and segregation of waste. Our study would provide further details on the main channels by which the student body communicates information about the environment. A chi-square analysis was done to ascertain the association among gender, academic level, and the students’ garbage sorting. Ultimately, we investigated how students’ attitudes or behaviors change after receiving thorough instruction on the significance of acting in an environmentally friendly manner. The following conclusions were drawn from the study: The association between a student’s characteristics, such as gender and academic level, and their propensity to act in an environmentally friendly manner appears to be weak or even nonexistent. Also, a subsequent examination on students’ garbage-sorting behaviors in relation to their academic level produced outcomes that were comparable to those of gender. The benefit of practicing PEB has been made clear to pupils, and we determined that they were ready to accept these standards after receiving this information.

Social Cognitive Theory and Willingness to Perform Recommended Health Behavior: The Moderating Role of Misperceptions

More than 6 million people have died due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to slow down the spread of COVID-19, health authorities have created numerous guidelines. In the current study, we use survey data from the U.S. and social cognitive theory (SCT) to examine the associations among self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and willingness to perform recommended COVID-19 related health behavior. Considering the misinformation-filled information ecology during the pandemic, we also examine the moderating role of misperceptions in these relationships. Our findings show that in general the SCT hypotheses hold for COVID-19 related behavior willingness. The interaction effects with COVID-19 misperceptions show that self-efficacy is not enough to understand people’s health behavior. Higher outcome expectancies are important and may be able to overcome even if people held high misperceptions. Our findings have direct implications for communication theory and for health organizations in the contemporary information ecology.

Mitochondrial morphology in the mouse adrenal cortex: Influence of chronic psychosocial stress

Mitochondria within the adrenal cortex play a key role in synthesizing steroid hormones. The adrenal cortex is organized in three functionally specialized zones (glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis) that produce different classes of steroid hormones in response to various stimuli, including psychosocial stress. Given that the functions and morphology of mitochondria are dynamically related and respond to stress, we applied transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine potential differences in mitochondrial morphology under basal and chronic psychosocial stress conditions. We used the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) paradigm, a murine model of chronic psychosocial stress. Our findings quantitatively define how mitochondrial morphology differs among each of the three adrenal cortex zones under basal conditions, and show that chronic psychosocial stress mainly affected mitochondria in the zona glomerulosa, shifting their morphology towards the more typical glucocorticoid-producing zona fasciculata mitochondrial phenotype. Analysis of adrenocortical lipid droplets that provide cholesterol for steroidogenesis showed that chronic psychosocial stress altered lipid droplet diameter, without affecting droplet number or inter-organellar mitochondria-lipid droplet interactions. Together, our findings support the hypothesis that each adrenal cortex layer is characterized by morphologically distinct mitochondria and that this adrenal zone-specific mitochondrial morphology is sensitive to environmental stimuli, including chronic psychosocial stressors. Further research is needed to define the role of these stress-induced changes in mitochondrial morphology, particularly in the zona glomerulosa, on stress resilience and related behaviors.

Why Do People Sometimes Wear an Anonymous Mask? Motivations for Seeking Anonymity Online.

Anonymous environments are more accessible than ever. As such, it is important to understand not only how anonymity can change human behavior but also why people are motivated to seek anonymity in online spaces. In four studies, we investigated differences in motivations for seeking anonymity online and their associations with related dispositional factors and online behavior. We found that some people were motivated to seek anonymity to self-express or behave toxically. Both motivations to seek anonymity were associated with low self-concept clarity and high Machiavellianism but differed in their relation to traits such as self-consciousness and psychopathy. Further analyses suggested that people selectively engage in behaviors in anonymous online environments, in line with the specific gratifications they seek through anonymity. We conclude that people seek anonymity to pursue self- or other-related goals that are otherwise more difficult or costly to pursue when identifiable.

Developing Critical Thinking Dispositions through Academic Assertiveness among Higher Education Students in Thailand

This research delves into the intricate landscape of academic assertiveness among higher education students in Thailand, focusing on developing critical thinking dispositions and related behaviors. Our investigation uncovered noteworthy patterns that resonated across diverse institutions, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges faced by students. These encompassed a common fear of negative consequences, the profound influence of cultural norms on assertive behaviors, a pervasive lack of self-confidence, a genuine desire for improved communication skills, susceptibility to peer influence, and the impact of the educational context itself.
 
 While an incremental improvement in academic assertiveness scores was discernible in the post-discussion phase, it is vital to acknowledge that this improvement did not attain statistical significance. This finding prompts reflection on the efficacy of the conducted discussion and suggests that it may need to be augmented by continuous and more potent interventions. It underscores the importance of cultivating an academic environment that values and nurtures academic assertiveness as an essential component of critical thinking development.
 
 The culmination of this study offers valuable insights into the intricate web of factors that influence academic assertiveness among higher education students. It underscores the necessity for a nuanced approach, encompassing ongoing interventions and creating a learning environment that empowers students to express themselves assertively, ultimately fostering the growth of critical thinking dispositions and behaviors.

Repurposing fluphenazine as an autophagy modulator for treating liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive system with a low early diagnosis rate. Owing to the side effects, tolerance, and patient contraindications of existing therapies, effective drug treatments for HCC remain a major clinical challenge. However, using approved or investigational drugs not initially intended for cancer therapy is a promising strategy for resolving this problem because their safety have been tested in clinic. Therefore, this study evaluated differentially expressed genes between liver cancer and normal tissues in a cohort of patients with HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas and applied them to query a connectivity map to identify candidate anti-HCC drugs. As a result, fluphenazine was identified as a candidate for anti-HCC therapy in vitro and in vivo. Fluphenazine suppressed HCC cell proliferation and migration and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, possibly owing to disrupted lysosomal function, blocking autophagy flux. Additionally, in vivo studies demonstrated that fluphenazine suppresses HCC subcutaneous xenografts growth without causing severe side effects. Strikingly, fluphenazine could be used as an analgesic to alleviate oxaliplatin-induced pain as well as pain related anxiety-like behavior. Therefore, fluphenazine could be a novel liver cancer treatment candidate.

The Psychological, Physiological, and Behavioral Responses of Patients to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

MRI is generally well-tolerated although it may induce physiological stress responses and anxiety in patients. Investigate the psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses of patients to MRI, their evolution over time, and influencing factors. Systematic review with meta-analysis. 181,371 adult patients from 44 studies undergoing clinical MRI. Pubmed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Quality appraisal was conducted with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Meta-analysis was conducted via Meta-Essentials workbooks when five studies were available for an outcome. Psychological and behavioral outcomes could be analyzed. Psychological outcomes were anxiety (State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, STAI-S; 37) and willingness to undergo MRI again. Behavioral outcomes included unexpected behaviors: No shows, sedation, failed scans, and motion artifacts. Year of publication, sex, age, and positioning were examined as moderators. Meta-analysis, Hedge's g. A P value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Of 12,755 initial studies, 104 studies were included in methodological review and 44 (181,371 patients) in meta-analysis. Anxiety did not significantly reduce from pre- to post-MRI (Hedge's g = -0.20, P = 0.051). Pooled values of STAI-S (37) were 44.93 (pre-MRI) and 40.36 (post-MRI). Of all patients, 3.9% reported unwillingness to undergo MRI again. Pooled prevalence of unexpected patient behavior was 11.4%; rates for singular behaviors were: Failed scans, 2.1%; no-shows, 11.5%; sedation, 3.3%; motion artifacts, 12.2%. Year of publication was not a significant moderator (all P > 0.169); that is, the patients' response was not improved in recent vs. older studies. Meta-analysis of physiological responses was not feasible since preconditions were not met for any outcome. Advancements of MRI technology alone may not be sufficient to eliminate anxiety in patients undergoing MRI and related unexpected behaviors. 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5.

Determinants of ethically minded consumer behavior in relation to climate change: a cognitive hierarchal model perspective

Determinants of ethically minded consumer behavior in relation to climate change: a cognitive hierarchal model perspective

The association between cultural and social occasions and smoking cessation: The case of Saudi Arabia.

Tobacco use remains high in Saudi Arabia, necessitating an understanding of the influence of cultural and social events on smoking cessation. This study examined whether cultural and social events like Ramadan, Eids, and birthdays, motivate Saudi adults to quit smoking. Convenience sampling of 742 Saudi tobacco users was conducted between July 2021 and May 2022. A cross-sectional survey was used to assess self-reported desire to quit (1 = 'least desire' to 10 = 'highest desire') and behaviors in relation to special occasions. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine the association between cultural and social occasions and the desire to quit, while logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between cultural and social occasions and historical quit attempts, medicinal nicotine product use, visiting smoking cessation clinics, and calling the national Quitline. Demographic variables and tobacco types were controlled for in the analyses. Considering quitting during Ramadan, Eids, and birthdays was associated with a higher desire to quit (Ramadan: B=2.99; 95% CI: 2.51-3.47, Eids: B=2.83; 95% CI: 2.12-3.54, and birthdays: B=2.76; 95% CI: 1.93-3.60, p<0.01) and a greater likelihood of past quit attempts (Ramadan: AOR=8.2; 95% CI: 5.5-12.1, Eids: AOR=5.8; 95% CI: 3.2-10.5, and birthdays: AOR=4.8; 95% CI: 2.4-9.4). Only considering quitting during Ramadan was associated with calling the national Quitline (AOR=2.9; 95% CI: 1.8-4.9). Cultural and social events like Ramadan and Eids motivate adults in Saudi Arabia to attempt tobacco cessation. Targeting interventions around meaningful cultural occasions may promote successful quitting. These findings highlight the importance of understanding cultural and religious influences on cessation behaviors in Saudi Arabia and in other countries.

Citizen engagement with sustainable energy solutions - understanding the influence of perceived value on engagement behaviors

Citizen engagement with Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) is considered essential for the current energy transition, since decarbonization requires individuals to shift from passive consumers to citizens actively involved with the energy system. However, citizen engagement research has remained peripheral and scattered, particularly in what regards the drivers of engagement behaviors.To address this challenge, this study examines how different forms of perceived value of SES (utilitarian, social, and environmental) influence different types of citizen engagement behaviors (information seeking, proactive managing, sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating). To this end, we developed a quantitative study in the context of a H2020 EU project, with a sample of 456 citizens from the city of Alkmaar (the Netherlands).Our findings show that the utilitarian value of SES has a significant effect on all the engagement behaviors, except for sharing feedback. Social value has a significant influence on the more socially related engagement behaviors, such as sharing feedback, helping other users, and advocating. Finally, environmental value has an indirect effect on information seeking, proactive managing, and advocating, but only when mediated through awareness of consequences. The implications of this study should allow SES providers to design more relevant offerings and policymakers to develop better citizen engagement strategies.

Parenting Behaviors and Parental self-efficacy: A comparative study of parents of children with intellectual disabilities and typically developing children

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the parenting behaviors and parental self-efficacy of parents of typically developing and child with an intellectual disability, considering their children’s groups of with or without intellectual disability and other relevant variables. The study involved 1194 parents with children aged 3-6 years, of whom 521 parents had children with intellectual disabilities and the remaining 673 parents had typically developing children. Method: The data collection instruments used in this study were the Parental Behavior Scale Short Form and Parental Efficacy Scale. A t-test was used to compare parenting behavior and parental efficacy according to the child with or without an intellectual disability. In addition, MANOVA was used to compare parenting behavior and parental efficacy in relation to parents’ level of education and to examine the possible interaction effect between these two independent variables. Results: The findings indicate that parents of typically developing children exhibit more positive parenting behaviors than parents of children with intellectual disabilities. However, the negative parenting behaviors of both groups were similar. In terms of parenting self-efficacy, parents of children with intellectual disabilities display higher self-efficacy than parents of typically developing children. The study also investigated whether there was a common effect in relation to child with or without an intellectual disability and parental education level, but no common effect was observed. Conclusion: Positive parenting behaviors and parental self-efficacy differed according to whether child with or without an intellectual disability.

Exploring tourists’ preference to visit domestic destination: a locavorism perspective

ABSTRACT Locavorism, often known as the consumer’s ideology of consuming only local food, was religiously practised by a legion of devout followers – the locavores. These consumers have not only consumed food but also expressed various related behaviours, such as patronizing locally sourced restaurants or visiting similar shops. However, its extension outside of food consumption has been neglected. Based on the VAB framework, the current study examined, locavorism, within the tourism product context and empirically tested its antecedents and consequences. Using collected data from 226 Vietnamese consumers during the vacation-planning period in 2023, we critically examined the newly adapted measurement of locavorism in tourism and found strong evidence supporting a strong tendency to consume local tourist products. Theoretical findings and managerial implications for hospitality researchers and practitioners are then discussed.

Dynamic modeling and nonlinear analysis for lateral–torsional coupling vibration in an unbalanced rotor system

Imbalance is a common problem in rotating machinery. In addition to the unbalanced force, lateral–torsional coupling vibration can also be induced by the mass imbalance. However, the related nonlinear behaviors and coupling mechanism are still not well understood, especially when lateral-angular motion is incorporated in a model. In this paper, a model for coupling lateral and torsional vibrations of an unbalanced rotor is developed by Lagrangian dynamics, in which the coupling of lateral-angular and torsional motions is first considered. Based on the model, the lateral responses, torsional responses, coupling excitation characteristics and coupling mechanisms are investigated in detail. The results show that mass imbalance can lead to nonlinear time-varying characteristics in the dynamic equations. When the imbalance is small, the lateral vibration can be degraded to a traditional imbalance problem. Meantime, very small transient torsional vibration with torsional natural frequency ft in frequency domain can be observed at the beginning. The coupling excitation applying on the torsional DOF caused by the lateral synchronous whirling is demonstrated to behave the feature of static torque, consequently, there actually exists no steady-state torsional vibration in small unbalanced rotor. Under largely unbalanced conditions, both resonant and unstable behavior can be observed in the lateral and torsional responses. The combined resonance is induced by the lateral translational–torsional coupling, while the instability is caused by lateral angular–torsional coupling. By increasing the lateral damping, the instability phenomenon can be suppressed, and the lateral amplitude in the resonance region can be effectively reduced.

Electroacupuncture promotes synaptic plasticity in rats with chronic inflammatory pain-related depression by upregulating BDNF/TrkB/CREB signaling pathway.

Chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) frequently coincides with depression among patients. The onset and development of pain and depression are associated with altered neural synaptic plasticity. Electroacupuncture (EA) can effectively relieve CIP and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully illustrated. To explore whether EA can relieve CIP and depression by regulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and the present study offers foundational evidence for the efficacy of EA in treating CIP-related depression (CIPD). Rats were divided into four groups: 0.9% normal saline group, complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) group, CFA+duloxetine group, and CFA+EA group. Pain hypersensitivity was detected by mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency, and the depression level was gauged using the open field test, the sucrose preference test, and the forced swimming test. The morphology of the hippocampal neurons was observed using Nissl staining. The protein expression levels of synuclein (Syn), postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNFs), tyrosine-protein kinase B (TrKB), p-TrkB, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and p-CREB were measured by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (qRT-PCR). The content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the glutamic acid (Glu) content was determined using the ultraviolet colorimetry method. The hippocampal neuron ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. EA could alleviate CIP and related depressive behaviors as well as protect the hippocampal neuronal structure from damage and regulate 5-HT/GABA/Glu levels in the hippocampus. Additionally, EA could significantly increase the expression of synapse-associated proteins such as PSD-95 and Syn by activating the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway. EA improves pain and depressive behaviors in CIPD rats, and the mechanism may be related to synaptic plasticity mediated by the BDNF/TrKB/CREB signaling pathway.

Comparison of the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics between type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionNarcolepsy is a chronic brain disease characterized by excessive sleepiness and classified into two types based on the presence of cataplexy or reduced level of cerebrospinal fluid orexin-A (hypocretine-1): narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and narcolepsy type 2 (NT2). These two types differ in symptoms other than cataplexy, as well as in certain examination findings. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of NT1 by comparing its features with those of NT2.MethodsSubjects were 118 first diagnosed and untreated patients with narcolepsy. They underwent both polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) as a sleep test. Diagnosis was established in accordance with International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition, and the type of narcolepsy was determined by the presence or absence of cataplexy, patients with cataplexy were diagnosed with NT1, and without cataplexy were diagnosed with NT2. We investigated characteristics of the patients, PSG and MSLT outcomes, and applied a suite of duly statistical analysis to account for each parameter.ResultsAmong the 118 subjects, 35 patients (29.7%) were NT1, and 83 patients (70.3%) were NT2. Excessive daytime sleepiness which was measured by Japanese version of Epworth sleepiness scale (JESS) was significantly higher in NT1 than NT2. Furthermore, the presence of sleep hallucination (n = 29, 82.9%), sleep paralysis (n = 18, 51.4%), difficult maintaining sleep (n = 22, 62.9%), and sleep related movement and behavior disorders (n = 7, 20.0%) were significantly higher in NT1 than those in NT2. Additionally, parameters indicative of sleep fragmentation, such as the arousal index and wake time after sleep onset measured in PSG, exhibited a statistically significant increase in NT1 when contrasted with NT2.ConclusionsFragmentation of nocturnal sleep which is explained by the high arousal index and the long wake time after sleep onset on PSG was considered a characteristic finding of NT1 compared with NT2, and the patients with NT1 experienced greater difficulty of maintaining sleep. Concomitantly, the prevalence of NT1 in this study may be a representative value of the prevalence of NT1 among the patients with narcolepsy in Japan.

Affective Prosody and Its Impact on the Neurology of Language, Depression, Memory and Emotions.

Based on the seminal publications of Paul Broca and Carl Wernicke who established that aphasic syndromes (disorders of the verbal-linguistic aspects of communication) were predominantly the result of focal left-hemisphere lesions, "language" is traditionally viewed as a lateralized function of the left hemisphere. This, in turn, has diminished and delayed the acceptance that the right hemisphere also has a vital role in language, specifically in modulating affective prosody, which is essential for communication competency and psychosocial well-being. Focal lesions of the right hemisphere may result in disorders of affective prosody (aprosodic syndromes) that are functionally and anatomically analogous to the aphasic syndromes that occur following focal left-hemisphere lesions. This paper will review the deductive research published over the last four decades that has elucidated the neurology of affective prosody which, in turn, has led to a more complete and nuanced understanding of the neurology of language, depression, emotions and memory. In addition, the paper will also present the serendipitous clinical observations (inductive research) and fortuitous inter-disciplinary collaborations that were crucial in guiding and developing the deductive research processes that culminated in the concept that primary emotions and related display behaviors are a lateralized function of the right hemisphere and social emotions, and related display behaviors are a lateralized function of the left hemisphere.

The development and validation of a milk feeding behavior alert from automated feeder data to classify calves at risk for a diarrhea bout: A diagnostic accuracy study

The objective of this diagnostic accuracy study was to develop and validate an alert to identify calves at risk for a diarrhea bout using milk feeding behavior data (behavior) from automated milk feeders (AMF). We enrolled Holstein calves (n = 259) as a convenience sample size from 2 facilities that were health scored daily preweaning and offered either 10 or 15 L/d of milk replacer. For alert development, 132 calves were enrolled and the ability of milk intake, drinking speed, and rewarded visits collected from AMF to identify calves at risk for diarrhea was tested. Alerts that had high diagnostic accuracy in the alert development phase were validated using a holdout validation strategy of 127 different calves from the same facilities (all offered 15 L/d) for -3 to 1 d relative to diarrhea diagnosis. We enrolled calves that were either healthy or had a first diarrheal bout (loose feces ≥2 d or watery feces ≥1 d). Relative change and rolling dividends for each milk feeding behavior were calculated for each calf from the previous 2 d. Logistic regression models and receiver operator curves (ROC) were used to assess the diagnostic ability for relative change and rolling dividends behavior relative to alert d) to classify calves at risk for a diarrhea bout from -2 to 0 d relative to diagnosis. To maximize sensitivity (Se), alert thresholds were based on ROC optimal classification cutoff. Diagnostic accuracy was met when the alert had a moderate area under the ROC curve (≥0.70), high accuracy (Acc; ≥0.80), high Se (≥0.80), and very high precision (Pre; ≥0.85). For alert development, deviations in rolling dividend milk intake with drinking speed had the best performance (10 L/d: ROC area under the curve [AUC] = 0.79, threshold ≤0.70; 15 L/d: ROC AUC = 0.82, threshold ≤0.60). Our diagnostic criteria were only met in calves offered 15 L/d (10 L/d: Se 75%, Acc 72%, Pre 92%, specificity [Sp] 55% vs. 15 L/d: Se 91%, Acc 91%, Pre 89%, Sp 73%). For holdout validation, rolling dividend milk intake with drinking speed met diagnostic criteria for one facility (threshold ≤0.60, Se 86%, Acc 82%, Pre 94%, Sp 50%). However, no milk feeding behavior alerts met diagnostic criteria for the second facility due to poor Se (relative change milk intake -0.36 threshold, Se 71%, Acc 70%, and Pre 97%). We suggest that changes in milk feeding behavior may indicate diarrhea bouts in dairy calves. Future research should validate this alert in commercial settings; furthermore, software updates, support, and new analytics might be required for on-farm application to implement these types of alerts.

Aspects of the production of ornamental stone plates with fragments of hyaline quartz and the potential for color development from irradiation combined with heat treatment

The present work refers to a study on the production of dimension stones slabs with hyaline quartz and its potential for color development through irradiation combined with heat treatment. The research included technical visits to a company that produces slabs (combining parts of sliced quartz crystals) for the dimension stone industry, where the stages of slabs production were described. The material used was classified as a colorless hyaline quartz, with the presence of partially healed fractures and monophasic fluid inclusions, that need more attention when in the heat treatment. The study evaluated the potential for color development through combined irradiation and thermal treatments, using analyses at the Federal University of Espirito Santo - UFES gem and characterization laboratory and at the infrared spectroscopy laboratory at the Nuclear Technology Development Center - CDTN. The results showed that hyaline quartz fragments can develop characteristic colors depending on the irradiation dose and heat treatment. If they have homogeneous behavior in relation to the spectral analysis, the crystals can develop characteristic colors from a weak green gold (yellow-green) to yellow and brown, keeping the proper irradiation doses (yellow-green, 60-100 kGy; yellow, 100- 200kGy and brown &gt;200kGy), but such colors would still have to be submitted for verification of acceptance by the dimension stone market.