Comparative Analysis Of Behavior Research Articles

How collaborators make sense of tasks together: A comparative analysis of collaborative sensemaking behavior in collaborative information‐seeking tasks

Collaborative information‐seeking (CIS) tasks, such as holiday planning, academic research, medical/health information seeking, cannot be tackled without making sense of the task and the encountered information together with collaborators, that is, collaborative sensemaking. In CIS, collaborative sensemaking is an important but understudied aspect. A thorough understanding of collaborative sensemaking behavior in CIS tasks is essential to develop tools to support collaborative sensemaking activities in CIS. In this article, we investigate the general patterns and differences in collaborative sensemaking behavior in travel planning and topic research tasks using the data from 2 observational user studies. The results show the common stages of the collaborative sensemaking process and the differences in users' collaborative sensemaking strategies and activities between the 2 tasks. This comparative study enhances our understanding of the collaborative sensemaking process in CIS tasks and the differences in user's sensemaking behavior according to tasks, and describes implications for supporting collaborative sensemaking behavior in CIS tasks.

Solid self-nanoemulsifying systems of olmesartan medoxomil: Formulation development, micromeritic characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The current studies entail development and evaluation of solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) employing porous carriers for enhancing the oral bioavailability of olmesartan medoxomil. Equilibrium solubility studies and pseudoternary phase diagrams revealed suitability of oleic acid, Tween 40 and Transcutol HP as the lipid, surfactant and cosolvent for formulation of the liquid SNEDDS (L-SNEDDS). The L-SNEDDS were systematically optimized using optimal mixture design, evaluated for emulsification time, globule size andin vitrodrug release. S-SNEDDS formulations were prepared by adsorbing L-SNEDDS onto the porous carriers,viz.Aerosil 200, Aeroperl 300, Sylysia 550, Neusilin US2 and Fujicalin SG, and evaluated for oil adsorption tendency, micrometric behavior, flow properties and compaction characteristics using Kawakita, Heckel and Leuenberger plots for identifying the suitable solid carrier for formulation of S-SNEDDS tablet.In vitrodissolution studies were performed for comparative analysis of the drug release behavior from the S-SNEDDS formulation. Among the various solid carriers employed, Neusilin US2 exhibited superior oil adsorbing capacity, micrometric properties, excellent flowability and compactibility. Nearly 2.6-fold improvement in the drug release rate was observed from the optimized S-SNEDDS, followed by no significant difference in the drug release rate as compared to the L-SNEDDS (p>0.05).In vivopharmacokinetic studies in Wistar rats revealed 2.32 and 3.27-fold enhancement in Cmaxand AUC of the drug from the optimized S-SNEDDSvis-à-visthe pure drug solution. Also, high degree of prognostic ability ofin vitrodissolution performance within vivoperformance was revealed from level Ain vitro/in vivocorrelations (IVIVC). In a nutshell, the present studies report successful development of S-SNEDDS of olmesartan medoxomil as one of the promising formulation strategies with distinctly improved biopharmaceutical attributes.

A comparative analysis of rapid antennation behavior in four species of Odontomachus trap-jaw ants

The exchange of rapid antennal strikes between individuals is a behavior exhibited by many social hymenopterans, largely in dominance contexts within the nest and in aggressive contexts towards non-nestmates. Despite being widely reported, the behavior itself has not been well described or compared between species for the majority of social insect groups. We first document how often rapid antennation is used as an aggressive response to non-nestmates for four species of Odontomachus ants. We then use high-speed videography to measure the rate of rapid antennation behavior for these species. We find that rates are neither conserved nor species-specific and average between 19.5 and 41.5 strikes/s. Next, with O. brunneus, we compare this behavior as it is performed between nestmates and non-nestmates. We find no context-specific differences in rate, bout length, or number of strikes. We conclude by discussing the evolution of this behavior and its potential utility as a model for understanding aggressive behaviors both inside and outside of the nest.

Сравнительный анализ стереотипного поведения на примере процесса охоты у мелких млекопитающих

Comparative analysis of stereotypical behavioral patterns including elements of flexible behavior is presented, with hunting behavior of small mammals as an example. Reactions towards live prey (cockroaches) were investigated in rodents possessing different feeding specialization, in comparison with the insectivorous common shrew. Quantitative analysis was used, and Markov chains were constructed to generate schemes of stereotypes of hunting behavior in different species. The characteristic feature of hunting stereotypes in rodents is that after seizing an insect with teeth, they seize and hold it with their forepaws. This is the more evolutionary progressive feature than seizing the prey with teeth only, like shrews do. As schemes of stereotypes and tactics of hunting appeared to be similar in herbivorous narrow-headed voles and granivorous striped field mice, one can assume that these rodents possess specific adaptations to carnivorous life style. Norway rats display the less specialized hunting stereotypes. The studied rodent species demonstrate more primitive hunting stereotypes than specialized hunting rodents; however, their hunting stereotype is rather specific, and this can be considered behavioral adaptation allowing rodents to broaden feeding resources by the use of active hunting towards insects. A suggested scheme of comparative analysis of stereotypical behavior can be used in ethological and psychological studies. The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant No. 14-14-00603).

Rheological properties of inverse emulsions stabilized by ethanolamides of tall oil fatty acids

The paper presents the comparative analysis of inverse emulsion rheological behavior stabilized by monoethanolamide and diethanolamide of tall oil fatty acids, which are promising reagents for petroleum engineering. Flow curves of emulsions and volume ratio of dispersed phase have been obtained. The analysis of the dependence of Herschel–Bulkley model parameters on concentration of emulsifiers has been carried out. It is proved that emulsifiers affect weakly on the rheological parameters in high water phase content emulsions, while in cut-back emulsions their impact is registered to be stronger. It has been found that rheological parameters of the emulsions stabilized by monoethanolamide throughout the range of concentration are considerably higher than the samples on the base of diethanolamide. The experimental data proved the key impact of viscosity of dispersion medium on rheological behavior of cut-back emulsions.

The role of taurine on anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish: A comparative study using the novel tank and the light–dark tasks

Taurine (TAU) is an amino sulfonic acid with several functions in central nervous system. Mounting evidence suggests that it acts in osmoregulation, neuromodulation and also as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. However, the effects of TAU on behavioral functions, especially on anxiety-related parameters, are limited. The adult zebrafish is a suitable model organism to examine anxiety-like behaviors since it presents neurotransmitter systems and behavioral functions evolutionary conserved. Anxiety in zebrafish can be measured by different tasks, analyzing the habituation to novelty, as well as the response to brightly lit environments. The aim of this study was to investigate whether acute TAU treatment alters anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish using the novel tank and the light-dark tests. Fish were individually treated with TAU (42, 150, and 400mg/L) for 1h and the behaviors were further analyzed for 6min in the novel tank or in the light–dark test. Control fish were handled in a similar manner, but kept only in home tank water. Although TAU did not alter locomotor and vertical activities, all concentrations significantly increased shuttling and time spent in lit compartment. Moreover, TAU 150 group showed a significant decrease in the number of risk assessment episodes. Overall, these data suggest that TAU exerts an anxiolytic-like effect in zebrafish and the comparative analysis of behavior using different tasks is an interesting strategy for neuropsychiatric studies related to anxiety in this species.

A Comparative Analysis of Energy Usage and Energy Efficiency Behavior in Low- and High-Income Households: The Case of Kitwe, Zambia

Energy efficiency has been an important topic since the latter part of the last century. This is because adoption of energy efficiency measures has been acknowledged as one of the key methods of addressing the negative impact of climate change. In Zambia, however, the need to adopt energy efficiency measures has not just been driven by the imperative to mitigate the negative effects of climate change but also by a critical shortage of energy. This research looks at households’ energy consumption behavior in low- and high-income areas of Kitwe. Recent studies on the relationship between household energy consumption and behavioral lifestyle have been descriptive, with limited emphasis on the relationships between various variables. In this study, descriptive and inferential statistics have been used to investigate relationships between the two income groups and various energy consumption-related variables such as knowledge about energy reduction measures, energy saving strategies, barriers to the use of energy saving strategies, and the motives for using energy reduction strategies. Methodologically, the study was largely quantitative in nature, with questionnaires administered to a combined total of 56 households. However, key interviews were also conducted that helped us to get a clearer understanding of some of the issues covered in the research. Key findings are that whereas the descriptive statistics show that there are behavioral differences between the two income groups, the inferential statistics show that there is no relationship between income level and the energy efficiency variables. This has been found to be consistent with results from studies done elsewhere. The key lesson is that there is low usage of energy efficiency measures in both low- and high-income areas and that the authorities need to change the way information is disseminated to consumers from the current method of advertising to social diffusion.

Commentary "A Crisis in Comparative Psychology: Where have all the Undergraduates Gone?" Collaborating with Behavior Analysts Could Avert a Crisis in Comparative Psychology.

Commentary "A Crisis in Comparative Psychology: Where have all the Undergraduates Gone?" Collaborating with Behavior Analysts Could Avert a Crisis in Comparative Psychology.

The exchange interactions and the state of manganese atoms in the solid solutions in Bi3NbO7 of cubic and tetragonal modifications

The comparative analysis of magnetic behavior of manganese-containing solid solutions Bi3Nb1−xMnxO7−δ (x=0.01−0.10) of cubic and tetragonal modifications was performed. Based on the results of magnetic susceptibility studies paramagnetic manganese atoms in solid solutions of cubic and tetragonal modifications were found to be in the form of Mn(III), Mn(IV) monomers and exchange-coupled dimers of Mn(III)–O–Mn(III), Mn(IV)–O–Mn(IV), Mn(III)–O–Mn(IV). The exchange parameters and the distribution of monomers and dimers in solid solutions as a function of the content of paramagnetic atoms were calculated.

Factors affecting Acheulean handaxe variation: Experimental insights, microevolutionary processes, and macroevolutionary outcomes

The “Acheulean” is comprised of individual knapping events undertaken by individual hominins. In other words, it is a particular component of hominin behavior that we draw out and amalgamate into a wider “pattern.” The resultant phenomenon (i.e., “the Acheulean”) is an entity that stretches over the space of three continents and spans a time period in excess of one million years. If such an exercise has any merit, it is because it provides a means of comparative (behavioral) analysis over these swathes of time and space. Comparative research can document, measure, and statistically assess temporo-spatial patterns of artifactual variation, and so test hypotheses regarding the character of that variation. However, it does not provide an independent means of examining some of the key phenomena which it is necessary to further understand in order to increase our comprehension of this archaeological legacy. Here, we review and synthesize recent experimental work that we have undertaken, which has specifically investigated some of the factors potentially responsible for the generation and constraint of variation within the Acheulean techno-complex. We examine issues of raw material, copying errors, and their relationship to mechanisms of social learning. Understanding these microevolutionary factors via experiments, we contend, is essential in order to reach a secure understanding of the macroscale phenomenon typically referred to as the “Acheulean.” Moreover, we outline how a “quantitative genetic” framework to these issues provides an essential means of linking these inherent micro- and macro-evolutionary factors into a coherent whole, while also simultaneously reconciling the potential influence of different sources of variation that are part of a temporally and geographically dispersed entity such as the Acheulean.

The preferential nNOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole and the non-selective one NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester administered alone or jointly with l-DOPA differentially affect motor behavior and monoamine metabolism in sham-operated and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats

Reciprocal interactions between nitrergic and dopaminergic systems play a key role in the control of motor behavior. In the present study, we performed a comparative analysis of motor behavior (locomotor activity, catalepsy, rotational behavior) and monoamine metabolism in the striatum and substantia nigra of unilaterally sham-operated and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats treated with the preferential neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) or the non-selective one NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), alone or in combination with l-DOPA. Each NOS inhibitor given alone (50mg/kg) induced a distinct catalepsy 30min after injection but only 7-NI impaired spontaneous locomotion after 10min. In 6-OHDA-lesioned rats, chronic l-DOPA (25mg/kg) induced 2.5-h long contralateral rotations. 7-NI (30 and 50mg/kg) markedly reduced the intensity of l-DOPA-induced contralateral rotations while extending their duration until 4.5h whereas l-NAME (50 and 100mg/kg) only tended to attenuate their intensity without affecting the duration. 7-NI but not l-NAME significantly increased endogenous tissue DA levels in the nigrostriatal system of both sham-operated and 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. In l-DOPA-treated group, 7-NI significantly enhanced the l-DOPA-derived tissue DA content in this system and decreased the level of the intracellular DA metabolite DOPAC produced by monoamine oxidase (MAO). In contrast to 7-NI, l-NAME decreased markedly DA content and did not affect DOPAC level in the ipsilateral striatum. It means that the differences in 7-NI and l-NAME-mediated modulation of l-DOPA-induced behavioral and biochemical effects resulted not only from the inhibition of NOS activity but also from differences in their ability to inhibit MAO.

Optimal Genetic-sliding Mode Control of VSC-HVDC Transmission Systems

This paper deals with the design of a hybrid optimal Genetic-Sliding Mode Control (GA-SMC) approach for VSC- HVDC transmission systems for improving the system's dynamic stability over a wide range of operating conditions considering different parameter variations and disturbances. For this purpose, a comprehensive state of the art of the VSC-HVDC stabilization dilemma is discussed. The nonlinear VSC-HVDC model is developed. The problem of de- signing a nonlinear feedback control scheme via two control strategies is addressed seeking a better performance. For ensuring robustness and chattering free behavior, the conventional SMC (C-SMC) scheme is realized using a boundary layer hyperbolic tangent function for the sliding surface. Then, the Genetic Algorithm (GA) is employed for determining the optimal gains for such SMC methodology forming a modified nonlinear GA-SMC control in order to conveniently stabilize the system end enhance its performance. The simulation results verify the enhanced performance of the VSC-HVDC transmission system controlled by SMC alone compared to the proposed optimal GA-SMC control. The comparative dynamic behavior analysis for both SMC and GA-SMC control schemes are presented.

Visualizing and characterizing DNS lookup behaviors via log-mining

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical Internet service, which translates easily memorized domain names to numerical IP addresses for locating computer resources and services. In this paper, we try to explore the behaviors of DNS lookup by mining DNS logs from three primary DNS servers in a large university campus network in China. Our dataset is made up of two parts, namely DNS query logs and messages received or send by DNS servers. Firstly, through analyzing these DNS query logs, we are able to understand the overall trend of users’ surfing. For dealing with huge DNS dataset, we introduce an algorithm we call DNSReduce, which can be used to dig out top 10 client IP addresses and top 10 destination domain names efficiently. Moreover, we make comparative analysis of lookup behavior between wired and wireless users. Secondly, with messages received or send by DNS servers we can find these DNS servers׳behaviors, i.e., TTLs, equivalent answers and are able to accurately identify domain names with dynamic IP addresses. We provide different and specific visualization techniques for presenting these analysis results and show these techniques are very useful for understanding user behaviors, analyzing security events and characterizing overall tendency in campus network management.

Comparative Analysis of Risky Behaviors of Electric Bicycles at Signalized Intersections

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the risky behaviors of e-bike, e-scooter, and bicycle riders as they were crossing signalized intersections.Methods: Pearson's chi-square test was used to identify whether there were significant differences in the risky behaviors among e-bike, e-scooter, and bicycle riders. Binary logit models were developed to evaluate how various variables affected the behaviors of 2-wheeled vehicle riders at signalized intersections. Field data collection was conducted at 13 signalized intersections in 2 cities (Nanjing and Kunming) in China.Results: Three different types of risky behaviors were identified, including stop beyond the stop line, riding in motorized lanes, and riding against traffic. Two-wheeled vehicle riders’ gender and age and traffic conditions were significantly associated with the behaviors of 2-wheeled vehicle riders at the selected signalized intersections.Conclusions: Compared to e-bike and bicycle riders, e-scooter riders are more likely to take risky behaviors. More specifically, they are more likely to ride in motorized lanes and ride against traffic.

Comparison of neutron attenuation properties of ferro boron slabs containing 5% natural boron with other high density materials

Modeling and designing cost-effective neutron attenuation along with shield volume reduction is a challenging task in fast reactors. It involves reducing the neutron energy and absorbing them with suitable materials. A series of experiments were conducted in the South beam end of Kalpakkam Mini reactor with powders of ferro boron (FeB), ferrotungsten (FeW), boron carbide, slabs of FeB, and mild steel plates to study their neutron attenuation characteristics. In one of the experiments, FeB slab cast with 5% natural boron was used, and neutron attenuation measurements were carried out. The attenuation factors were found over a thickness of 28 cm for the measured reaction rates of 195 Pt (n, n') 195m Pt, 111 Cd (n, n') 111m Cd, 103 Rh (n, n') 103m Rh, 115 In (n, n') 115m In, 180 Hf (n, n') 180m Hf, 63 Cu (n,g) 64 Cu, 23 Na (n,g) 24 Na, 55 Mn (n,g) 56 Mn, and 197 Au (n,g) 198 Au reactions representative of fast, epithermal, and thermal neutron fluxes. A comparative analysis of the neutron attenuation behavior measured with various materials is presented. In case of attenuation of both thermal and fast fluxes, FeB is better than other high density materials such as mild steel and FeW. The outcome of the experimental study is that FeB slab cast with 5% natural boron can be utilized as cost-effective neutron shield in streaming paths in nuclear reactors.

Bioaccumulation of dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs by detritus-feeding fish in the Rio de la Plata estuary, Argentina.

A comparative analysis of bioaccumulation behavior of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs) and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was conducted involving simultaneous measurements in settling particles and a detritivorous fish (Sabalo, Prochilodus linneatus) collected in the sewage impacted Buenos Aires coastal area. Focalization of dlPCBs and PBDEs along the detritus food chain is reflected by a 30-40-fold increase of dry weight PBDE and dlPCB concentrations from settling particles to fish (1.8 ± 1.0 to 58 ± 31 and 6.8 ± 3.9 to 281 ± 155 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), respectively). In this transference, dlPCB congeners presented more conservative patterns than those of PBDEs, basically due to debromination of BDE 99 and 153 to BDE 47 in fish. Lipid/organic carbon-based biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) ranged between 5 and 20 (7.3 ± 3.0 and 16 ± 8.0 for PBDEs and dlPCBs). Congener-specific BSAF of dlPCBs suggested a lower bioavailability of more planar non-ortho-PCB versus mono-ortho-PCB suggesting higher affinity to organic matter. BSAFs of PBDEs differed markedly among bromine homolog groups, supporting the biotransformation-formation from higher brominated to lighter congeners. The log BSAFs-log K OW relationship of dlPCBs and PBDEs presented a parabolic pattern maximizing at log K OW 6-7, but PBDE curve differs reflecting biotransformation processes.

A Comparative Analysis of Behaviors and Sexual Affiliation Networks among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for a significant proportion of HIV infections. While perceived as a hidden population, they constitute a distinct social network shaped by their differential use of unique channels for sex partnership. To characterize their pattern of connectivity and association with high-risk sexual behaviors, 311 MSM were recruited via saunas and the internet to participate in a questionnaire survey. Internet recruits were younger, and many (31/43) were solely reliant on the internet to seek sex partners, while visiting a similar number of venues as the sauna recruits (p=0.98). Internet users generally had a high frequency of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). MSM who had visited only a single venue reported more UAI with their regular partners (adjusted OR 6.86, 1.88-24.96) and sought fewer casual partners than those frequenting multiple venues (adjusted OR 0.33, 0.19-0.60). This study provides evidence for the heterogeneity of the sexual affiliation networks of MSM in Hong Kong. High HIV risk of UAI could be offset by fewer casual partners in certain venues, the implications of which would need to be explored in longitudinal studies. Methodologically, internet sampling was very efficient in identifying sex networking venues, while internet recruits gave a high retention rate for updating profiles. However, sampling at high centrality saunas did not necessarily identify the MSM-affiliating venues in the networks efficiently. The sampling strategy of MSM survey should therefore be objective-driven, which may differ for health message dissemination and social marketing, versus HIV surveillance or risk assessment.

Biodiversity, ecology, and behavior of the recently discovered insect order Mantophasmatodea

The spectacular discovery of the new insect order Mantophasmatodea in 2002 was immediately followed by detailed studies on morphology and scattered information on different aspects of its behavior and general biology. A distinct feature of these predatory insects is the development of large arolia, which are typically held upright; hence, their common name is heelwalkers. The first mantophasmatodean species were described based on two museum specimens originally collected in Tanzania and Namibia. To date, these insects have been observed at surprising levels of diversity and abundance in Namibia and South Africa. For our studies on the phylogenetic relationships within Mantophasmatodea, we collected and analyzed numerous populations that belong to all known mantophasmatodean lineages, including East African populations. These collections not only provided a comprehensive biogeographical overview but also facilitated a comparative analysis of behavior, which was mainly analyzed under laboratory conditions. Here, we review and discuss the published data, as well as provide additional information on Mantophasmatodea distribution, evolutionary lineages, morphology, and biology, with a specific focus on reproductive biology.

Comparative Analysis of Urban Design and Criminal Behavior: A Study of New Urbanism and Defensible Space as they Pertain to Crime

Comparative Analysis of Urban Design and Criminal Behavior: A Study of New Urbanism and Defensible Space as they Pertain to Crime

A Comparative Analysis of Obesity Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Chinese Americans

A Comparative Analysis of Obesity Risk Reduction Behaviors Among Chinese Americans