Changes In Behavior Research Articles

A multi-faceted view of the X-ray spectral variability in Seyfert galaxy Ark 120

Abstract Utilizing a range of techniques including multi-band light curves, softness ratio analysis, structure functions, rms spectra, cross-correlation functions, and ratios of spectra from different intervals, we present a comprehensive study of the complex X-ray spectral variability in Seyfert 1 galaxy Ark 120, through re-analyzing its six XMM-Newton observations taken between 2003 and 2014. We find a clear ``softer-when-brighter" trend in the 2--10 keV power-law component over long timescales, with this trend being timescale dependent, as it is much weaker on shorter timescales, similar to that previously detected in NGC 4051. Notably, a rare ``harder-when-brighter" trend is observed during one exposure, indicating dynamic changes in the spectral variability behavior of the power-law component. This exceptional exposure, with the spectral variability indeed marked by a power-law pivoting at an unusually low energy of $\sim$ 2 keV, suggests intricate variations in the thermal Comptonization processes within the corona. Furthermore, when the data below 2 keV are included, we identify that the soft excess component adds significant complexity to the spectral variability, such as evidenced by a transition from ``harder-when-brighter” to ``softer-when-brighter” during another single exposure.Such extra complexity arises because the variability of the soft excess sometimes follows and sometimes does not follow the changes in the power-law component.Our findings underscore the necessity of applying multiple analytic techniques to fully capture the multifaceted spectral variability of AGNs.

Telerehabilitation with a Patient Diagnosed with Acromegaly and Bilateral Total Loss of Vision Secondary to Pituitary Macroadenoma: A Case Report

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused unprecedented disruptions in the lives of people, inducing a change in social behavior because of quarantine and physical distancing measures for health safety. It greatly affected not only the general population but also the healthcare system, forcing healthcare providers and consumers to adjust from the traditional mode of in-person consultation to telemedicine to enable safe and prompt delivery of adequate and efficient patient care. A 35-year-old female was diagnosed with acromegaly secondary to pituitary macroadenoma, presenting as a 10-year history of weight gain, amenorrhea, hand and feet enlargement, coarse facial features, and bilateral vision loss. Patient then underwent craniotomy, right petrosal cranialization of frontal sinus, and tumor excision during the height of the pandemic in a COVID-19 referral center. Post-operatively, she was assisted in all activities of daily living. She was discharged after a few days of in-patient rehabilitation in order to decrease risk of contracting COVID-19. Telerehabilitation was then done using both asynchronous and synchronous methods while the patient stayed at home. Given the patient’s functional and visual disabilities, it was a challenge to do the traditional telerehabilitation techniques that highly rely on intact visual senses. We hereby share our experiences in providing virtual care amid these challenges towards achieving the patient’s optimal rehabilitation goals.

Navigating the intersection between postponement strategies and additive manufacturing: insights and research agenda

Postponement is a popular principle used to improve supply chain responsiveness and increase customisation by delaying manufacturing and logistics operations until more accurate market demand information is available. In business environments where responsiveness and customisation are increasingly important, additive manufacturing (AM) has recently emerged as a high-potential manufacturing technology. Due to changes in customer behaviours that affect product life cycles and variety, AM could disrupt traditional manufacturing and greatly impact postponement decisions. However, the intersection between postponement and AM is largely underexplored. This study aims to investigate the intersection between postponement and AM to meet the escalating demand for customised products. We conceptualise opportunities and challenges related to when customisation is introduced, concerning the positioning of the customer order decoupling point and to where customisation takes place, as operations could shift across supply chain tiers or even jurisdictions. By shedding light on the intersection of postponement and AM and its implications for customisation, this study formulates a research agenda focusing on five main postponement improvement dimensions: uncertainty, volume, lead time, supply chain design, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, it formalises a set of managerial implications to pragmatically foster the strategic implementation of AM across different postponement scenarios.

Mescaline-induced behavioral alterations are mediated by 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors in rats.

Mescaline is a classical psychedelic compound with a phenylethylamine structure that primarily acts on serotonin 5-HT2A/C receptors, but also binds to 5-HT1A and 5-HT2B receptors. Despite being the first psychedelic ever isolated and synthesized, the precise role of different serotonin receptor subtypes in its behavioral pharmacology is not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate how selective antagonists of 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, and 5-HT1A receptors affect the behavioral changes induced by subcutaneous administration of mescaline (at doses of 10, 20, and 100 mg/kg) in rats. We used adult male Wistar rats in all our experiments. We evaluated locomotor activity using the open field test, and assessed sensorimotor gating deficits by measuring prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle reaction (ASR). While the highest dose of mescaline induced hyperlocomotion (p < 0.001), which almost all the other antagonists reversed (p < 0.05-0.001), the PPI deficits were selectively normalized by the 5-HT2A antagonist (p < 0.05-0.01). The 5-HT2C antagonist partially reversed the small PPI deficit induced by lower doses of mescaline (p = 0.0017). Our findings suggest that mescaline-induced changes in behavior are primarily mediated by the 5-HT2A receptor subtype, with less pronounced contributions from the 5-HT2C receptor. The other antagonists had limited effects.

Understanding walking behaviour during COVID-19: Binary Logit and ANN approach

The COVID-19 pandemic had severe impacts on society. It negatively affected many sectors, and transportation is one of those. Naturally, the walking trip behavior of individuals was also altered. This study aims to investigate the changes in walking trips of individuals with two models: Binary Logit (BL) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). An online survey was conducted with 387 individuals. BL model investigated if respondents' walking trips would increase during and after the pandemic. On the other hand, ANN models were developed to determine the significant factors in changes in walking behavior. Results indicate that ANN models capture more factors than BL models. Demographics and attitudes towards public transportation, taxi, and walking trips during the pandemic are found to be effective in walking behavior changes. Policies can be made to increase public transit ridership, and infrastructure for walking can be improved. Future research suggestions are given.

Identifying the geographic leading edge of Lyme disease in the United States with internet searches: A spatiotemporal analysis of Google Health Trends data.

The geographic footprint of Lyme disease is expanding in the United States, which calls for novel methods to identify emerging endemic areas. The ubiquity of internet use coupled with the dominance of Google's search engine makes Google user search data a compelling data source for epidemiological research. We evaluated the potential of Google Health Trends to track spatiotemporal patterns in Lyme disease and identify the leading edge of disease risk in the United States. We analyzed internet search rates for Lyme disease-related queries at the designated market area (DMA) level (n = 206) for the 2011-2019 and 2020-2021 (COVID-19 pandemic) periods. We used maps and other exploratory methods to characterize changes in search behavior. To assess statistical correlation between searches and Lyme disease cases reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2011 and 2019, we performed a longitudinal ecological analysis with modified Poisson generalized estimating equation regression models. Mapping DMA-level changes in "Lyme disease" search rates revealed an expanding area of higher rates occurring along the edges of the northeastern focus of Lyme disease. Bivariate maps comparing search rates and CDC-reported incidence rates also showed a stronger than expected signal from Google Health Trends in some high-risk adjacent states such as Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio, which may be further indication of a geographic leading edge of Lyme disease that is not fully apparent from routine surveillance. Searches for "Lyme disease" were a significant predictor of CDC-reported disease incidence. Each 100-unit increase in the search rate was significantly associated with a 10% increase in incidence rates (RR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.12) after adjusting for environmental covariates of Lyme disease identified in the literature. Google Health Trends data may help track the expansion of Lyme disease and inform the public and health care providers about emerging risks in their areas.

Persistence With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in an Active-Duty Military Population.

There is limited data on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use and persistence in the military. Despite universal access to care, there is concern that PrEP persistence may be lower in military populations due to logistical challenges and perceived stigma. This study evaluated the persistence rates as well as reasons for PrEP discontinuation in a military cohort. This study evaluated all active-duty service members who received PrEP between 2020 and 2022 at a large military infectious diseases clinic. All charts were examined to determine patient characteristics. Patients who discontinued PrEP were contacted to determine the reason for discontinuation and invited to restart PrEP. In total, 112 service members received PrEP during the study period. The cohort was predominantly male (99%) with a median age 30 [IQR: 26-34] and a median of 2 years [IQR: 0-3] receiving PrEP. The most common indication was multiple sexual partners with less than 100% condom use (88%). At the end of the study, most (79%) patients were still receiving PrEP including 33 (37%) at other facilities. Of the twenty-four service members who were no longer receiving PrEP, 18 (75%), were able to be contacted. No patients contacted were interested in restarting PrEP. In this cohort with universal access to care, PrEP persistence rates were greater than seen in other populations. While the most common reason for discontinuation was changes in sexual behavior, systemic factors still contributed to PrEP discontinuation. Future studies should elucidate the challenges to PrEP care in the military.

Strain As An Indicator For Stress Fractures In Racehorses

Abstract The horse racing industry, despite its financial significance, grapples with significant welfare issues, particularly stress fractures in racehorses. Third metacarpal (MC3) bone fractures, constituting about one-third of all limb fractures, severely impact horse health and performance. The frequent occurrence of condylar fractures in the MC3, often resulting in bone comminution, poses high risks-sometimes necessitating euthanasia, and complicates the management and recovery processes for the rest. Comprehensive methods for quantitatively determining fracture risks in horses are lacking, with strain measurements on the MC3 during racing conditions showing promise as an indicator of high loads and potential fracture risks. This study investigated the mechanical properties of MC3 under high compressive loads. Six MC3 bones from euthanized horses were instrumented with strain gauge rosettes at four key locations: Lateral Condyle (CondL), Medial Condyle (CondM), Dorsal DistoLateral (DisL) and Dorsal DistoMedial (DisM). Each bone underwent a pre-loading phase and five cycles of 12kN sinusoidal loading to replicate galloping forces. Strain patterns were observed before and after introducing an artificial slot in the lateral condylar groove to simulate a fatigue crack. A strong correlation was found between load and minimum principal strain in both intact and fatigue crack-induced (FCI) bones, with R-squared values over 0.99. Post-FCI, 83% of bones exhibited an increase in the minimum principal strain-load response slope, indicating uniform changes in material behavior. Additionally, a rise in post-FCI y-intercept values across MC3 locations indicated higher initial strain and possible changes in bone properties.

High frequency post-pause word choices and task-dependent speech behavior characterize connected speech in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, including impairments in speech production and fluency. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodrome of AD, has also been linked with changes in speech behavior but to a more subtle degree. This study aimed to investigate whether speech behavior immediately following both filled and unfilled pauses (post-pause speech behavior) differs between individuals with MCI and healthy controls (HCs), and how these differences are influenced by the cognitive demands of various speech tasks. Transcribed speech samples were analyzed from both groups across different tasks, including immediate and delayed narrative recall, picture descriptions, and free responses. Key metrics including lexical and syntactic complexity, lexical frequency and diversity, and part of speech usage, both overall and post-pause, were examined. Significant differences in pause usage were observed between groups, with a higher incidence and longer latencies following these pauses in the MCI group. Lexical frequency following filled pauses was higher among MCI participants in the free response task but not in other tasks, potentially due to the relative cognitive load of the tasks. The immediate recall task was most useful at differentiating between groups. Predictive analyses utilizing random forest classifiers demonstrated high specificity in using speech behavior metrics to differentiate between MCI and HCs. Speech behavior following pauses differs between MCI participants and healthy controls, with these differences being influenced by the cognitive demands of the speech tasks. These post-pause speech metrics can be easily integrated into existing speech analysis paradigms.

Ethical challenges of telepsychiatry

Telepsychiatry is shifting the focus of psychiatry and psychotherapy from personal interaction and relationship building to communication with technological mediators in the form of telecommunication, virtual reality (VR), social robots or artificial intelligence (AI). This article discusses the opportunities and risks of new technologies in psychiatric treatment, taking into account the principles of medical ethics. Telepsychiatric treatments can promote self-determination in the home environment as opposed to institutionalisation but carry the risk of uncontrolled data sharing. They harbour risks of potential harm such as social isolation, negative effects on the doctor-patient relationship and long-term changes in patient behaviour through, for example, VR. In terms of justice, demographic and psychopathological factors could result in unequal access to telepsychiatry, with questionable sustainability effects. The anonymity of telepsychiatry threatens alienation, while moral considerations cannot be replaced by AI for the time being. It is obligatory to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of telepsychiatry, but especially in rural areas they could optimise care.Precisely because of ethical concerns, further intensive research is necessary to weigh up the risks and benefits. The development of telepsychiatric systems requires transdisciplinary co-operation. At a societal level, the significance of technologies as a supplement or replacement for the doctor-patient relationship needs to be discussed.

Occupational therapy in the Snoezelen® Room: Teachers’ and therapists’ knowledge and perceptions of the changes in children's behaviour and performance

Introduction: The Snoezelen® room, a multisensory environment (MSE), is often used in conjunction with sensory integrative techniques. Therefore, it may be of support in school-based occupational therapy intervention. Research has documented positive changes in children’s performance in the MSE. However, research to suggest that changes could be carried over to external environments is limited. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of teachers and therapists regarding changes in children's behaviour and performance after therapy in the Snoezelen® room. Methodology: A descriptive quantitative cross-sectional survey design by purposive sampling was used. Teachers and therapists working with children who received occupational therapy intervention in the Snoezelen® room participated. Results: Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to determine strong positive, significant correlations found between the total impact of the Snoezelen® room and the children’s level of arousal, as well as their behaviour and scholastic performance, as conveyed by 30 participants. After therapy in the Snoezelen® room, improvement in level of arousal was ranked as the biggest change, which appeared to improve for hours upon return to the classroom. Conclusion: Children’s arousal levels changed positively due to sensory input, which carried over to the external environment. Due to this, most teachers and therapists perceived that the Snoezelen® room positively changed behaviour and scholastic performance, through improved level of arousal. Implications for practice: The use of Snoezelen® rooms in schools, combined with sensory integration therapy (SIT), enhances children's self-regulation, which in turn positively impacts behaviour and academic performance. Strong, positive correlations were found between children's level of arousal and improvements in their behaviour and scholastic performance. Thus, Occupational therapy interventions in the Snoezelen® room significantly contribute to children’s ability to self-regulate, a key factor in achieving positive classroom behaviour and learning outcomes. Teachers and therapists perceive Snoezelen® rooms as beneficial, with 96.7% supporting their presence on school campuses to improve child behaviour through better self-regulation. Consistent with extensive research surrounding self-regulation of children, acquiring self-regulation skills in the early years lays the foundation for positive classroom behaviour and academic performance later.

Abstract 4136614: The design of novel therapeutics that target the L-type calcium channel to prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited autosomal dominant disease of the sarcomere. Pathogenic features include ventricular hypertrophy, increased myofilament calcium sensitivity, myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. At the level of the myocyte there is cytoskeletal disarray, hypercontractility and altered mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial dysfunction is considered to be a key driver in HCM pathology. Research question: We previously demonstrated that the L-type Ca 2+ channel plays a role in the development of HCM facilitated by a structural-functional communication with mitochondria that can be regulated via the alpha interaction domain (AID) of the channel. In search of a preventative HCM therapy, we explored the efficacy of amino acid peptide variants that correspond to the AID of the cardiac L-type Ca 2+ channel. Methods and Results: Consistent with in silico predictions , competition binding assays confirmed that 4 variant peptides bound with higher affinity to the beta subunit than the AID peptide. In vitro studies confirmed that 3 of the 4 peptides could decrease the characteristic hypermetabolic state in myocytes isolated from a murine model of human HCM ( cTnI-G203S ). In vivo treatment of cTnI-G203S mice with peptide variants prevented the development of HCM and the development of fibrosis, in the absence of alterations in blood pressure, or kidney and liver function or changes in behaviour. Of note, the peptide variants also significantly improved contractile function. Similar effects were measured in αMHC 403/+ mice expressing the MYH6 mutation. Conclusions: Here we describe a first in class therapy that uniquely targets the L-type Ca 2+ channel to modify mitochondrial function and prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The peptides may be effective for treatment of HCM broadly because the mechanism of action involves the modification of mitochondrial function and impaired energy metabolism that is a common characteristic and driver of the pathology.

Effects of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture on anxiety-like behavior and PKC/ERK/CREB pathway in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

To observe the effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the spirit) on the protein kinase C/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein (PKC/ERK/CREB) signaling pathway in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture on alleviating anxiety and fear in PTSD. Fifty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (10 rats) and a PTSD model group (40 rats). The PTSD model was induced by using a combination of closed electric shock and forced exhaustive swimming. Thirty successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to a model group, a medication group, and an acupuncture group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the medication group were treated with paroxetine hydrochloride solution by gavage, once daily for 12 consecutive days. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Taichong" (LR 3). "Baihui" (GV 20) was needled daily, while the other acupoints were alternately needled on the left side on odd days and the right side on even days, once daily for 12 consecutive days. Anxiety and fear behaviors changes were assessed by using the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Histological changes in the BNST were observed by using HE staining and Nissl staining. The expression of PKC, phosphorylated PKC (p-PKC), ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and p-CREB proteins in the BNST were detected by using Western blot. Compared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.05); the BNST tissues in the model group exhibited a reduced number of neurons, disorganized cell arrangement, cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, abnormal neuronal structure, uneven Nissl staining, and reduced Nissl bodies. The model group showed increased protein expression of p-PKC and p-PKC/PKC ratio (P<0.05) and decreased protein expression of p-ERK1/2, p-CREB, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medication group and the acupuncture group showed increased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.05); the BNST tissues showed increased number of neurons, more organized cell arrangement, improved neuronal structure, and increased Nissl bodies; the medication group and the acupuncture group also showed decreased p-PKC protein expression and p-PKC/PKC ratio (P<0.05) and increased p-ERK1/2, p-CREB protein expression, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (P<0.05). Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture could alleviate anxiety and fear behaviors in PTSD rats, and improve neuronal damage in the BNST. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PKC/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the BNST.

Enhanced Electrocaloric Effect of PVDF-based Polymer Composite with Surface Modified AlN.

Poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE)) relaxor ferroelectric polymer exhibits a modest electrocaloric effect (ECE) at a low electric field near room temperature and a low thermal conductivity. The low thermal conductivity causes poor heat transfer when the terpolymer is used as a cooling device, even when the ECE of the polymer is substantial. By incorporating aluminum nitride (AlN) nanoparticles, which possess high thermal conductivity and good electrical insulation properties, into polymer matrices, we can enhance both the thermal conductivity and the ECE. However, weak bonding at the AlN-polymer interface can lead to a reduced breakdown electric field. Therefore, surface modification of AlN nanoparticles is performed to strengthen the chemical bonding between AlN and the terpolymer, thereby increasing the breakdown electric field. Following the addition of surface-modified nanoparticles, the breakdown electric field of the composite films remained around 240 MV/m, which is comparable to that of the pristine polymer film. Furthermore, the ECE and thermal conductivity were improved by 44% and 55%, respectively. We found three factors influencing the ECE, including the interface effect, the change in ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition behavior, and the Joule heating effect. To assess the interfacial effect on the ECE, composite films with AlN particles of four different sizes were prepared. It was found that as the size of the nanoparticles increased, which resulted in a decreased interface area, the ECE decreased correspondingly. This finding further confirms the significant impact of the interface area in the composites on the ECE.

A Quantitative Risk Assessment Model for Listeria monocytogenes in Non-Ready-to-Eat Frozen Vegetables

A quantitative risk assessment (QRA) model was developed to evaluate the risk of invasive listeriosis from the consumption of non-ready-to-eat (non-RTE) frozen vegetables. On a lot basis, the QRA model simulates Listeria monocytogenes concentration and prevalence in a “Processing module” that comprises blanching, potential recontamination and packaging, any post-packaging inactivation treatment, and within-lot end-product testing and in a subsequent “Consumer’s handling module” that encompasses portioning of frozen vegetables, defrosting, and cooking. Based on available published data, the model was coded in nine sequential R functions designed to assess the effectiveness of blanching, the improvement in processing environment hygiene, the implementation of sampling schemes at the end of processing, and improved consumer instructions on the product’s package. In a reference scenario, the model estimated that 9.4% of 500 g packages of frozen vegetables would be contaminated, although at mean levels lower than 10 CFU/g, and assuming that 20% of the portions of frozen vegetables would be left to thaw at room temperature for 2 h, the lot-level mean risk of listeriosis in the susceptible population would be 2.935 × 10−14 (median 5.446 × 10−15) for uncooked 50 g servings and 2.765 × 10−17 (median 5.184 × 10−18) for cooked 50 g servings. Analysis of selected scenarios suggested that not cooking the non-RTE product contributes to the risk to a greater extent than the level of contamination in the incoming raw vegetables, the latter in turn being more influential than the level of contamination in the processing environment. The QRA model is freely available as an R package with full documentation and can be used as a tool to inform the consideration of strengthened risk management measures in view of the current changes in consumer behavior and new diet trends.

Infants show negative changes in affect and physiology when re-experiencing a stressor, its context, and a positive event 24-h later.

Exposure to early life stress shapes further development, affects later stress reactivity, and mental health outcomes. Despite the central role of early experiences, there is little understanding of how these rapidly forgotten events gain their influence. An infant's ability to cope with everyday stressors is founded on successful co-regulation through mother-infant interaction. A significant disruption of this interaction through the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm elicits a well-documented behavioral and physiological stress response in infants. What has yet to be explored is whether infants show regulatory adaptions when encountering the situation over again. To fill this gap, 80 mother-infant dyads were observed in the lab on two consecutive days. Infants in the experimental condition (n=40) were exposed to a double Still-Face paradigm on day one. Infants in the control group (n=40) completed time-matched episodes of typical play during their first visit. Mother-infant dyads from both groups returned to the lab 24h later and participated in the double Still-Face paradigm. Changes in behavior (positive and negative affect), physiology (heart rate), and salivary cortisol, compared to day one and between groups, were evaluated and used to infer adaption to the previous experienced laboratory visit. Infants in the experimental condition showed a significant decrease in positive affect (p=0.016) and an increase in heart rate (p<0.001) on day two, compared to controls, even during baseline measures and a neutral first play episode. Infants in the control condition showed a significant decrease in affect (p=0.05) and non-significant increase in heart rate on day two when first encountering the Still-Face paradigm. Infants in the experimental condition showed significant higher heart rate on day two compared to the control group (p=0.046). Infants in the experimental condition also exhibited a marginally significant increase in salivary cortisol on day two, compared to day one (p=0.054). The change in infant heart rate was independent of maternal heart rate which did not differ between day one and day two, or between groups. Findings suggest that a previous stressful experience may elicit a behavioral and physiological adaption in infants 24h later. Our results suggest that even a short, acute stressful event can elicit a lasting stress response in infants 24h later. The effect we observed was specific to the context of the stressful event, not just the stressor. More precisely, the effect "spilled over" from the stressful experience on day one into the baseline measure of day two, usually a neutral experience. The results could have implications for further research on how stressful experiences may shape the stress response.

Changes in Male Behavior in Response to Female Chemical Stimulus in an Understudied Arthropod Model

ABSTRACTIntraspecific sexual communication, crucial in reproductive interactions, often involves the interchange of signals like vibrations, visual signals, and chemical compounds like sex chemical cues. Within the arachnids, solifuges (“camel spiders”) are an understudied group in terms of the detection of chemical compounds during mate searching and sexual interactions. In solifugids, the malleoli, chemoreceptor structures located on the ventral side of legs IV, are putative structures capable of capturing chemical signals. Our study focused on chemical male perception of female cues in Titanopuga salinarum (Ammotrechidae), examining associated behavioral modifications and the role of malleoli. We analyzed alterations in the motion pattern (activity pulse) and specific behaviors performed by males in association with female chemical stimuli. Using experimental arenas, we exposed males to female chemical cues stimuli similar to those available at the field. Stimuli comprised females (F) and cuticular extracts (CE), with corresponding controls. Males with intact malleoli (N = 26 with F, N = 20 with CE) were compared to those with malleoli removed (N = 21 with F, N = 17 with CE). We found partial evidence that males detect chemical cues of females deposited on the substrate. We observed no differences in the duration and number of the activity pulses spent in the zones with and without stimuli in any of the groups analyzed. However, the males exhibit significant changes in locomotion patterns in response to female chemical cues, suggesting a behavioral response to these stimuli. This finding suggests that the males of this species detect the female chemical cues and modify their behavior, and can quickly gather the necessary olfactory information where the stimulus is located. In addition, we found a possible condition‐dependent regime for the detection of female cues by males, which would be expected from life‐history characteristics of T. salinarum. Our findings prompt discussion from a sexual selection perspective, suggesting the importance of chemical communication in intraspecific interactions in this elusive but fascinating animal model.

Enhancing University Japanese Language Education through New Media Strategies and Impacts

With the rapid development of information technology, new media technology has gradually become an indispensable part of modern education, especially in the field of language teaching has shown great potential. This paper aims to explore the application of new media strategies in college Japanese teaching and its impact on teaching results. First of all, through the overview of the definition of new media and its advantages in the field of education, the unique position of new media in Japanese teaching is clarified. Secondly, the article introduces several new media tools and technologies in detail, such as online course resources, social platforms and mobile learning applications, and their specific application cases in actual teaching. In addition, this study evaluated the change of students' learning behavior and the improvement of Japanese teaching quality before and after new media intervention through quantitative analysis. In view of the problems that may be encountered in practice, such as technical obstacles and teacher training needs, the paper puts forward the corresponding solutions. Finally, the research results show that the rational use of new media can effectively stimulate students' interest in learning, enhance classroom interaction, and significantly improve the teaching effect. This paper not only summarizes the existing research results, but also provides direction and inspiration for further exploration of the application of new media in Japanese teaching in the future.

PROVISION OF BANKING SERVICES IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE BANKING SYSTEM: CURRENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS

The article examines banking services in the context of the stability of the banking system: current trends and directions of development. The current stage of development of the global banking system operates under conditions of intensified competition and crisis phenomena in financial markets. One of the main factors in the successful development of the domestic banking system is the policy of constant innovations.Currently, innovation is a key factor in the stability, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth of domestic banks. The sustainable development of the national economy is accompanied by an increase in the volume of financial transactions and an increase in the importance of the domestic banking sector. The banking system, being one of the most important links of the market economy, affects the life of society in many ways. It not only provides a mechanism for interregional redistribution of monetary capital, but is also a key element of the settlement and payment mechanisms of the country's economic system. This fact determines the importance of the banking sector in the socio-economic development of the state.The current realities of the banking business contribute to the identification of the main catalysts of domestic banking innovation activity: globalization of world financial markets and markets of banking services; growing competition from the banking and non-banking sectors; the world financial crisis. The above-mentioned factors significantly affect the qualitative and quantitative composition of banking institutions and their services and lead to key changes in consumer behavior, thus leaving banks with the only opportunity to preserve and increase their competitive advantages through the introduction of innovations, the direction of which determines the strategy for the development of the banking sector on medium-term perspective. Based on the results of the research, it was established that the problems accumulated in the national banking system can be solved by applying the experience of Great Britain, and the main postulates should be adapted to the national banking system, which will contribute to the development of the domestic market of banking services and increase the stability of the national banking system.

Slow motion in corona times: Modeling cyclists’ spatial choice behavior using real-time probe data

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has provided a renewed impetus for empirical research on slow and active modes of transportation, specifically bicycling and walking. Changes in modal choice appear to be sensitive to the actual quality of the environment, the attractive land use and built environment conditions, and the ultimate destination choice. This study examines and models the influence of cyclists’ health concerns during the pandemic on their spatial destination and route choices. Using a large real-time dataset on the individual daily mobility of cyclists in the province of Utrecht, the Netherlands, collected through GPS-linked sensors on bikes (VGI, or volunteered geographical information), the analysis employs spatial regression models, Shapley decomposition techniques, and spatial autocorrelation methods to unveil the backgrounds of changes in spatial behavior. The results reveal that the perceived wellbeing benefits of bicycling in green areas during the pandemic have significantly influenced cyclists’ choice behavior, in particular route and destination choice.