Common Behavior Research Articles

Latrine site selection by African clawless otters, Aonyx capensis, and their behavior during latrine visitations.

Latrine sites are used as areas for the deposition of scent-containing excretions and play important roles in intraspecific olfactory communication, territoriality, sexual attraction, and defense behaviors of many mammals. African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) likely use latrine sites as primary areas for scent marking and scent communication but no studies to date have investigated their potential role or site selection. We assessed latrine site selection at 2 spatial scales (micro- and macroscale) and recorded behaviors via camera trap recordings. Thirty-eight latrine sites were identified and assessed at 2 locations in Mtunzini on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (uMlalazi Nature Reserve and Zini Fish Farm) during the months of August to November 2021. Latrine sites were identified through several intensive surveys, while we characterized nonselected sites through a systematic sampling approach. Latrine and control sites were inventoried along a 52-m buffer around all water bodies in both study areas. At each site we measured a series of potential environmental predictors, including horizontal and vertical vegetation cover, surface slope, and averaged wind speeds for days classified as relatively wind-still and relatively windy. To assess the relative role of various environmental predictors, we used a binomial generalized linear model resource selection function to model both spatial scales of latrine site selection. The majority of latrine sites were located at the ecotone between 2 vegetation units or between a vegetation unit and a water source. At a macroscale, latrine sites were associated with areas containing little vegetative substrate cover and minimal canopy cover. The top-ranked models at the microscale also indicated that latrine sites were characterized as occurring in open areas with less canopy and horizontal cover and on flatter areas that are relatively protected against wind. The most common behaviors recorded at 3 latrine sites were the "jiggle dance" (42%) and sniffing (29%). We hypothesize that otters evaluate numerous environmental parameters to enhance the functionality of latrine sites. For example, sites with little vegetative cover may increase the conspicuousness of latrines to conspecifics, while areas exposed to less wind likely aid in the retention of scent. Ongoing research is characterizing the behaviors of otters around latrines and chemical signatures of latrine sites in an effort to facilitate interpretation of their social function to African clawless otters.

Social Exclusion and Social Anxiety Disorder: The Temporal Need-threat Model of Ostracism

Social exclusion, or ostracism, is being excluded or rejected by others. It is the common behaviour within social situations. Detecting social exclusion could be essential for the survival of human creatures, as social exclusion could threaten the basic needs of human creatures: self-esteem and feelings of belongingness. Williams temporal need threat model introduces how individuals react toward ostracism. Usually, individuals can recover from social exclusion quickly by behaving pro-socially to reconnect to others and fortify the basic need(s) threatened by social exclusion. However, for individuals with higher social anxiety or social anxiety disorder, the negative social belief about themselves (unpopular, shyness) within a social situation inhibits their recovery speed from exclusion and desire to reconnect to others. When social exclusion happens, individuals with higher social anxiety or social anxiety disorder become more vulnerable in social situations. Individuals lose their ability to get used to social situations when they suffer long-term social exclusion. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is suggested to be a helpful therapy for individuals suffering from long-term social exclusion and social anxiety disorder.

On the duration of face-to-face contacts

The analysis of social networks, in particular those describing face-to-face interactions between individuals, is complex due to the intertwining of the topological and temporal aspects. We revisit here both, using public data recorded by the sociopatterns wearable sensors in some very different sociological environments, putting particular emphasis on the contact duration timelines. As well known, the distribution of the contact duration for all the interactions within a group is broad, with tails that resemble each other, but not precisely, in different contexts. By separating each interacting pair, we find that the fluctuations of the contact duration around the mean-interaction time follow however a very similar pattern. This common robust behavior is observed on 7 different datasets. It suggests that, although the set of persons we interact with and the mean-time spent together, depend strongly on the environment, our tendency to allocate more or less time than usual with a given individual is invariant, i.e. governed by some rules that lie outside the social context. Additional data reveal the same fluctuations in a baboon population. This new metric, which we call the relation “contrast”, can be used to build and test agent-based models, or as an input for describing long duration contacts in epidemiological studies.

Overall Description and Predictors of Disruptive Behavior Toward Nurses in the Perioperative Arena

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence, characteristics, causes, consequences, and predictors of and responses to disruptive behavior toward nurses in the perioperative arena. DesignA cross-sectional design using a network questionnaire platform. MethodsNurses in the perioperative arena were recruited online in March 2020. Data on disruptive behavior toward nurses in the past 6 months and nurses’ sociodemographic and environmental factors were collected. FindingsNurses (N = 496) responded validly to the survey. In total, 82.1% of participants experienced disruptive behavior. Assignment of overwhelming workloads and verbal aggression were the most common behaviors, and surgeons were the major perpetrators. Perpetrators’ intrapersonal issues were the most commonly perceived causes. A positive strategy was the most common strategy adopted by participants. Further, 80.8% of participants recounted their negative experiences, and more than half of respondents (59.9%) talked with their nursing colleagues. Nearly half of respondents (45.9%) did not report disruptive behavior. Negative emotions as an immediate effect were reported by 53.1% of the participants, and the most common long-term impact was decreased passion for work. Middle age, job position, practice environment, and system help were risk factors for experiencing disruptive behavior. ConclusionsThe prevalence of disruptive behavior toward nurses in the perioperative arena is high, and its ramifications should not be ignored. Health care institutions should urgently implement intervention strategies to reduce disruptive behavior toward nurses.

Impact of supervisor phubbing on workplace incivility and workplace presenteeism: mediation and moderation effect of self-esteem and power distance

PurposeSupervisor phubbing is an increasingly common behavior depicted by supervisors despite the significance of supervisor–subordinate interactions. This study explores the impact of this behavior on workplace incivility and workplace presenteeism and analyzes the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of power distance.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from employees belonging to IT sector. The research was cross-sectional in nature and the data were collected using a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe findings indicate a significant impact of supervisor phubbing on self-esteem, workplace incivility and workplace presenteeism. Additionally, results reveal the mediating role of self-esteem between supervisor phubbing and workplace presenteeism. However, the moderating effect of power distance on the relationship between supervisor phubbing and self-esteem was not supported.Originality/valueThe research contributes to the existing literature and theory, especially in the area of supervisor phubbing and communications management. The study suggests a need for comprehensive approach that involves both organizational policies and individual behavior change.

First published records of six-banded armadillo Euphractus sexcinctus carrying offspring in its mouth in Brazil

We recorded the first event of six-banded armadillo carrying offspring in their mouth in Brazil on October 2022, at 06:36, Goiás. We searched for additional records in Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube). We found two articles and seven Brazilian videos depicting armadillos carrying offspring in their mouths. While this is a common reproductive behavior, it might also relate to shelter disturbance. Despite incomplete social media records regarding date, time, location, and collector, they underscore the significance of citizen science in showcasing Brazilian biodiversity and contributing to our understanding of armadillos' natural history.

Using structural equation modeling to explore the influences of physical activity, mental health, well-being, and loneliness on Douyin usage at bedtime.

Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. Using Douyin at bedtime is a very common behavior among Douyin users. However, the reasons why users like using Douyin before sleep are yet unclear. We conducted a cross-section survey from January 1st to January 16th, 2023 to capture data to examine the associations of depression, anxiety, life satisfaction, well-being, loneliness, and physical activity with Douyin usage at bedtime. The mediation role of insomnia in these associations was examined. A total of 3,392 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Our structural equation modeling analysis showed that depression on (β = 0.08; p < 0.05), anxiety (β = 0.06; p < 0.05), and loneliness (β = 0.14; p < 0.05) were directly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (depression: β = 0.18; p < 0.05, anxiety: β = 0.16; p < 0.05, and loneliness: β = 0.12; p < 0.05). Life satisfaction (β = -0.05; p < 0.05) and well-being (β = -0.20; p < 0.05) were directly associated with decreased Douyin usage at bedtime, and were also indirectly associated with Douyin usage through insomnia (life satisfaction: β = -0.09; p < 0.05, and well-being: β = -0.11; p < 0.05). However, physical activity was unexpectedly associated with increased Douyin usage at bedtime (β = 0.20; p < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings shed new light on the specific reasons why Douyin users like using Douyin at bedtime.

Diverse migratory strategies for a hawksbill sea turtle population

Abstract Outside of short, infrequent visits to reproductive habitats, sea turtle lifespans are largely spent in foraging areas. Supporting imperilled populations in an era of biodiversity declines and environmental change requires improvements in the understanding of foraging distributions, plus the migratory corridors that connect foraging and reproductive habitats. This study evaluates the migratory strategies and foraging geography of hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) in the Western Atlantic. The post‐nesting migrations of 22 females were tracked via satellite telemetry from Long Island, Antigua, during 2016–2019, and a state‐space model was utilized to estimate true turtle locations from Argos satellite fixes. Model output was used to characterize migratory routes and home ranges occupied during non‐migratory inter‐nesting and foraging periods. Hawksbill migrations (N = 19) resulted in displacements to foraging areas ranging 7–2300 km. Foraging geography varied considerably—whereas eight turtles remained in the immediate vicinity of Antigua and Barbuda (&lt;30 km), there were also longer‐distance migrations (&gt;470 km) to locations such as The Bahamas and Nicaragua. Inter‐nesting core home ranges (50% utilization distributions) ranged from 7 to 72 km2, while foraging core areas ranged from 7 to 46 km2. These results add to evidence suggesting that, broadly, post‐nesting hawksbills forage in neritic habitats throughout the Wider Caribbean, including several high‐use areas. Short displacements to foraging habitats relatively nearby to nesting beaches appear to be the most common migratory behaviour, but individuals in a single population may exhibit various migratory strategies, resulting in basin‐wide connectivity between nesting and foraging sites. Given that a single individual or nesting population may inhabit several management jurisdictions, an idealized scenario for regional hawksbill conservation would entail data sharing between managers at linked nesting areas, foraging habitats and migratory corridors such that policies to protect key habitats and mitigate human impacts are designed and evaluated based on best‐available science.

Could care giving have altered the evolution of human immune strategies?

Life history theory indicates that individuals/species with a slow pace of life invest more in acquired than innate immunity. Factors that decrease the pace of life and predict greater investment in acquired immunity include increased nutritional resources, increased pathogen exposure and decreased risk of extrinsic mortality. Common care behaviors given to sick individuals produce exactly these effects: provisioning increases nutritional resources; hygiene assistance increases disease exposure of carers; and protection can reduce the risk of extrinsic mortality to sick individuals. This study, therefore, investigated under what conditions care giving behaviors might impact immune strategy and pace of life. The study employed an agent-based model approach that simulated populations with varying levels of care giving, disease mortality, disease transmissibility, and extrinsic mortality, enabling measurements of how the immune strategy and age structure of the populations changed over evolutionary time. We used multiple regressions to examine the effects of these variables on immune strategy and the age structure of the population. The findings supported our predictions that care was selected for an acquired immunity. However, the pace of life did not slow as expected. Instead, the population shifted to a faster, but also more cost-intensive reproductive strategy in which care improved child survival by subsidizing the development of acquired immune responses.

Exploring domestic cat behavior using the Fe-BARQ

Exploring domestic cat behavior using the Fe-BARQ

Genome-wide Association Study of Caffeine Consumption Using Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative Data

More than 90% of Americans consume caffeine daily, but the amount consumed varies widely. Previous studies have shown that genes related to caffeine metabolism and receptor binding may influence caffeine consumption. A better understanding of the relationship between genotype and caffeine consumption has the potential to inform mechanisms of this common dietary behavior. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of self-reported consumption data combining a wide range of caffeinated beverages including coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks in the Coriell Personalized Medicine Collaborative (N=2,830) using a generalized linear model. Our analysis identified several candidate loci implicated in caffeine consumption. One previously identified SNP associated with caffeine consumption and replicated in the current study, rs2472297 (P-value=3.8x10-6), is located in an intergenic region between CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 (the gene that encodes the enzyme primarily responsible for caffeine metabolism), and has been associated with caffeine consumption in prior studies. Our results further support follow-up functional studies focused on the role of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 on caffeine consumption habits, metabolism, and health status and outcomes.

The role of BaTiO[formula omitted] polarization on CO oxidation

The influence of polarization on the probe reaction CO oxidation is studied thanks to DFT calculations. Following recent experimental results and common behaviors on metal oxides, a Mars–Van Krevelen mechanism is adopted. The adsorption of CO is thus firstly studied, illustrating both the role of polarization and the one of termination. While Pup TiO2 termination presents the most favorable interaction with CO, allowing a spontaneous oxidation in CO2, an activation barrier has to be overcome on Pdown domain. Given the ability of BaTiO3 for CO oxidation, desorption of CO2 appears as the rate determining step on both terminations, but again polarization can be used to go over this issue. Finally, recovery of BaTiO3 slab through O2 dissociation also behaves diversely depending on the termination and on the polarization. Through this study we thus demonstrated the key role of polarization to improve CO oxidation.

Folosirea titlului turcesc de respect efendi în unele texte din epoca fanariotă

The present article aimed to describe some particularities of the use of the Turkish title of respect effendi in some texts written in the Romanian language during the Phanariot rules, presented in detail in the doctoral thesis entitled Oriental Models in the Expression of Politeness in the Romanian Language During the Phanariot Rules, defended in November 2018 at the University of Bucharest. In the above-mentioned paper, we discussed the use of the title of respect effendi in reference and reverential address in texts written during the Phanariot rules. Taking into consideration the limitations of historical pragmatics, which strictly obliges the use of written texts existing at the time, we noted that effendi, like other oriental titles of respect, such as bei or celebi, is more frequently used in reference than in address. We highlighted that, undoubtedly, the use of the oriental pattern proper name+title of respect, the Turkish formulas İstanbul efendisi and devleti efenti, as well as the possessive structures efendin al Giurgiovului and pașa efendimiz, together with the graphic variation efendi-efenti from the Romanian language, the interpretation as an anthroponym in the form Afendulea, the common noun behavior (un efendi, acel efendi), the dislocation of the hybrid Turkish-Greek pattern bei-mu are clear evidence of the acceptance of some Oriental models in the Romanian politeness system from the Phanariot rules and indicate, in the legal and political-diplomatic context of that time, the recognition of Ottoman suzerainty.

Anomalous Pressure Response of Temperature-Induced Spin Transition and a Pressure-Induced Spin Transition in Two-Dimensional Hofmann Coordination Polymers.

Spin transition (ST) compounds have been extensively studied because of the changes in rich physicochemical properties accompanying the ST process. The study of ST mainly focuses on the temperature-induced spin transition (TIST). To further understand the ST, we explore the pressure response behavior of TIST and pressure-induced spin transition (PIST) of the 2D Hofmann-type ST compounds [Fe(Isoq)2M(CN)4] (Isoq-M) (M = Pt, Pd, Isoq = isoquinoline). The TISTs of both Isoq-Pt and Isoq-Pd compounds exhibit anomalous pressure response, where the transition temperature (T1/2) exhibits a nonlinear pressure dependence and the hysteresis width (ΔT1/2) exhibits a nonmonotonic behavior with pressure, by the synergistic influence of the intermolecular interaction and the distortion of the octahedral coordination environment. And the distortion of the octahedra under critical pressures may be the common behavior of 2D Hofmann-type ST compounds. Moreover, ΔT1/2 is increased compared with that before compression because of the partial irreversibility of structural distortion after decompression. At room temperature, both compounds exhibit completely reversible PIST. Because of the greater change in mechanical properties before and after ST, Isoq-Pt exhibits a more abrupt ST than Isoq-Pd. In addition, it is found that the hydrostatic properties of the pressure transfer medium (PTM) significantly affect the PIST due to their influence on spin-domain formation.

Review of COVID-19 Pandemics Impact on Investment Decisions under Behavioral Finance

Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, many studies have explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial markets and investors decisions. Most of the studies are conducted under the assumption of rationality and efficient market hypothesis, which imply that investors decisions are always aiming at the maximum profit. However, analyses of investors behaviors during the pandemic with a focus on irrationality are not common. Irrationality is the main theme of behavioral finance, which studies the psychological factors that bias investors decisions from rationality. This paper reviews common theories and biases studied in behavioral finance, including heuristics, mental accounting, disposition effects, overconfidence, and anchoring. In this paper, those concepts are linked to the increased volatility and strikes in financial markets during the pandemic. By analyzing the relationship between behavioral finance concepts, hypotheses are given regarding the impact of the pandemic on increase or decrease of the common irrational behaviors in the financial markets, especially in the stock market.

A real-world assessment of healthcare costs associated with agitation in Alzheimer’s dementia

Aims To describe and compare clinical characteristics, healthcare costs, and institutionalization/mortality outcomes among patients with and without agitation associated with Alzheimer’s dementia (AAD). Methods Data from the Reliant Medical Group database (01/01/2016-03/31/2020) were used, including claims, electronic medical records, and clinical information/physician notes abstracted from medical charts. Patients aged ≥55 years with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) were observed during a randomly selected 12-month study period after AD diagnosis. Using information recorded in medical charts, patients were classified into cohorts based on experiencing (agitation cohort) and not experiencing (no agitation cohort) agitated behaviours during the study period. Entropy balancing was used to create reweighted cohorts with similar characteristics. Study outcomes (patient demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments received, healthcare costs, institutionalization and death events) were compared between cohorts; agitation characteristics were described for the agitation cohort only. Results Among 711 patients included in the study, 240 were classified in the agitation cohort and 471 in the no agitation cohort. After reweighting, several comorbidities were more frequently observed in the agitation versus no agitation cohort, including infection, depression, and altered mental status. Use of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and antianxiety medications was more common in the agitation versus no agitation cohort. Common agitated behaviours included hitting (20.8%), pacing/aimless wandering (17.5%), and cursing/verbal aggression (15.0%). Total all-cause healthcare costs were $4287 per-patient-per-year higher in the agitation cohort versus no agitation cohort (p = 0.04), driven by higher inpatient costs. Death was more common and time to death and institutionalization were shorter in the agitation versus no agitation cohort. Limitations Results may not be generalizable to the US population with AD. Conclusions Among patients with AD, agitation was associated with shorter time to death/institutionalization and increased comorbidities, medication use, and healthcare costs, highlighting the additional clinical and economic burden that agitation poses to patients and the healthcare system.

A Method for the Characterization of the Energy Demand Aggregate Based on Electricity Data Provided by AMI Systems and Metering in Substations

This paper presents a methodology developed to perform the processing, analysis, and characterization of AMI measurement data from the substations of three network operators of the Colombian electrical grid. This methodology includes the analysis of the data, which presents the sources of information used by the model, along with the preprocessing and exploratory analysis of the substations data. It also includes the formulation of the data reconstruction method, which uses a constrained optimization model to characterize the substations, based on the different behaviors of the end users of the Colombian electrical grid. In addition to the proposed methodology, the results of its application to the data provided by the operators are provided. These results show the capacity of the proposed methodology to adequately identify the most common behaviors of the users in a given area and characterize most of the energy demand profiles of each substation.

Pathways to financial fiteracy

Background of the study: This study explores financial behaviors and information sources among off-campus university students, emphasizing challenges in using library materials for financial literacy. Purpose: The research aims to comprehensively understand the financial landscape of off-campus university students, identifying key behaviors, information sources, and obstacles related to financial literacy. Method: A cross-sectional survey involving 245 off-campus university students was conducted to gather pertinent data. A self-administered questionnaire served as the primary data collection tool. The collected data underwent analysis using descriptive statistics to draw meaningful insights. Findings: Off-campus university students' major expenses included school-related costs and food. Common financial behaviors included living within means, avoiding borrowing, and budgeting. Despite these practices, many students expressed financial dissatisfaction. Family members were the primary information source, followed by friends, Google, and online books. Libraries were not a significant source. Limited time emerged as the main hindrance to using library materials for financial literacy. Conclusion: In conclusion, off-campus university students, constrained by limited time, face challenges accessing library resources for financial literacy, necessitating targeted programs to address their unique needs and providing valuable insights for institutions and policymakers.

On the grain growth of CeO2 nanocrystals in AC/DC electrical fields

Processing of materials using electrical field presents an important research and engineering field. It allows to process materials at less demanding conditions, synthesize new phases and compositions. Herein, nanocrystals of CeO2 were synthetized and grown in-situ under AC and DC electrical fields. Main crystallographic properties like crystallite size, morphology texture and grain boundaries were significantly influenced by the electrical field up to 600 °C. Above this temperature, the thermally driven grain growth hindered the electrical field effect and led to a common behavior, isotropic particle shape and surface properties. This can be linked to the electrical and thermal force competition for the grain boundary development. To our knowledge such comprehensive description of the field effect on the growth of nanocrystals and its limitations has never been reported and can open a new door for processing of nanocrystalline materials.

Cigarette Smoking, Risky Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Smoking among University Students in Germany: Identification of Potential Sociodemographic and Study-Related Risk Groups and Predictors of Consumption.

(1) Background: Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking are the most common behaviors related to legal and illicit drug use worldwide, including among university students. To plan effective evidence-based programs to prevent the risky consumption of these substances among university students, the present study aimed to identify potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups and predictors of consumption. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional online health survey with approximately 270 health-related items was conducted among students at the University of Mainz, Germany. Cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score: female ≥ 4, male ≥ 5), and marijuana smoking were chosen as dependent variables. Of the 270 health-related items, 56 were chosen as independent variables and collated into five groups (sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior). The prevalence of cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking was assessed using established and validated instruments. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in prevalence between the sociodemographic and study-related groups, and binary logistic regression was used for analyses with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups. (3) Results: Of the 3991 university students who entered the analyses, 14.9% reported smoking cigarettes, 38.6% reported risky alcohol consumption, and 10.9% reported smoking marijuana. The prevalence of these differed between genders, fields of study, and aspired degree level, among other factors. Binary logistic regression analyses revealed nine significant predictors (p ≤ 0.05) of cigarette smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.314), 18 significant predictors of risky alcohol consumption (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.270), and 16 significant predictors of marijuana smoking (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.239). (4) Conclusions: This study showed cigarette smoking, risky alcohol consumption, and marijuana smoking among university students in Germany to be associated with multiple factors, especially health behaviors. Furthermore, each of the substances was highly associated with each of the two other substances we examined. Other variable groups, such as psychological or psychosocial variables, seemed to play a rather minor role. Therefore, our recommendation for future prevention programs is that substance use among university students should be addressed as a whole, not just in terms of specific substances.