Current Behavior Research Articles

Different behavior of electrosurgical currents between air and saline immersion therapeutic endoscopy

Impedance and voltage of monopolar currents are directly related. By replacing air with saline solution, a change in behavior of these currents are achieved in endoscopy, resulting in a desired coagulation effect. However, the underlying electrophysical mechanisms of this effect remain poorly explained. This investigation assessed the relationship between the electrical parameters and the surrounding environment for three high-voltage monopolar coagulation currents commonly used for therapeutic endoscopy. Six consecutive applications per setting and per environment were performed with dissection knife on porcine kidney. When transitioning from air to saline immersion, a 99% decrease in impedance was observed for all current settings tested (AirRange: 4400–8150 Ω, SalineRange: 64–71 Ω; p < 0.01 for all settings). This resulted in a 52-78% reduction in peak voltage (AirRange: 920–1165 V, SalineRange: 257–499 V; p < 0.01 for all settings), and a 237-2030% increase in power delivered (AirRange: 3–19 W, SalineRange: 50–117 W; p < 0.01 for all settings). The dramatic decrease in impedance results in a sharp reduction of voltage, explaining the coagulation effect observed when passing from air to saline-immersion therapeutic endoscopy.

Voltage Distribution on Transformer Windings Subjected to Lightning Strike Using State-Space Method

Transient analysis in power systems is essential for identifying deficiencies in the system, as well as for the protection and design of equipment. Transients can arise from natural events or network operations; in either case, they have the potential to cause significant damage to transmission lines, protection devices, generators, or transformers. This study examines a 20 kA, 1.2/50 µs lightning strike on a distributed-parameter transmission line connected to a power transformer. The voltage distributions across the winding sections on the neutral grounded high-voltage side of a disc-structured power transformer were obtained using the state-space method. An equivalent circuit for the state-space model was also developed in the Alternative Transients Program–Electromagnetic Transients Program (ATP-EMTP), and the results from both methods were compared. Both approaches revealed that the voltage waveforms in the transformer’s winding sections were consistent, with the voltage distribution decreasing linearly. Additionally, the voltage–current waves reached the transformer with a specific delay, depending on the characteristics of the transmission line and the location of the lightning strike. The impact of an increase in the grounding resistance value on the high-voltage side of the transformer on voltage distribution and peak voltage levels was examined. The proposed method effectively captures the voltage–current behavior of the transmission line and transformer windings during transient conditions. It is concluded that the state-space method serves as a viable alternative for transient analysis in power systems and can enhance the design of protection equipment and winding insulation studies.

Opening the black box of health systems performance management using the behaviour change techniques taxonomy: implications for health research and practice

BackgroundPerformance management (PM) systems in healthcare consist of many interacting interventions, such as contracts, scorecards and incentives. The diversity, complexity and poor description of PM interventions hampers replication in research, standardized comparative analysis and accumulation of evidence. Specifying PM systems and interventions in terms of their behaviour change techniques (BCTs) using standardized language can address these challenges and clarify the mechanisms linking system-level PM with individual behaviours.MethodsWe conducted an analysis of BCTs in a PM system in Ontario, Canada using a modified behaviour change technique taxonomy (BCTT). We reviewed 64 documents, observed 15 meetings and conducted 4 semi-structured interviews with key informants to map the PM interventions on to the taxonomy.ResultsWe identified 54 BCTs spanning 13 taxonomy domains in the PM system. BCTs were concentrated in four domains: (1) goals and planning, (2) reward and threat, (3) feedback and monitoring and (4) identity. The BCTs coded most often included: (1) discrepancy between current behaviour and goal, (2) feedback on outcome(s) of behaviour, (3) social comparison and (4) social incentive/reward. These BCTs suggest that this PM system seeks to change behaviour primarily by directing programme attention to their current performance in relation to the target and in relation to other programs across the province, and by acknowledging good performance with praise or recognition. A total of five PM interventions accounted for 58% of identified BCTs – the scorecard, quarterly performance review reports, quarterly performance review meetings, escalation letter for poor or declining performance and the improvement action plan.ConclusionsThe results provide a unique analytical and evaluative characterization of the PM system, revealing how a behaviour-change lens on health systems PM can support the (re)design, standardized comparison, and evaluation of PM systems in research and in practice.

Nonlinear Kondo transport through serially coupled double quantum dots.

We study the transport property through the serially coupled double quantum dots (DQDs) system with Kondo resonance based on the dissipation equation of motion theory. A nonlinear behavior of the transport current is exhibited due to the competition between the interdot coupling strength of the two QDs and the Kondo effect. With the increase in interdot coupling strength, the transport current first increases at low interdot couplings and then decreases with the strong interdot couplings. The reason is that the interdot coupling strength will result in a continuous evolution from the Kondo singlet state of individual QDs to the spin singlet state forming between the two QDs. Moreover, we define the physical quantity ∂G/∂t as the differential function of differential conductance G with respect to interdot coupling strength t. The nonlinear transport behavior and the physical quantity ∂G/∂t with differential conductance at different bias voltages can be used to detect the potential Kondo resonance in the nonequilibrium transport experiments.

Relationships between psychological, clinical aspects and eating behavior in individuals with diabetes: cross-sectional study

Introduction: Eating disorders are closely related to mental status, and individuals with diabetes have a significantly increased risk of developing an eating disorder. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the possible association of cognitive restriction, uncontrolled eating, emotional eating factors, and eating disorders with depression in individuals with diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 132 patients who were diagnosed with diabetes. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess the depression status of individuals, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R18) to measure eating habits, and the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) to obtain information about night eating behavior. All anthropometric measurements were taken by the researcher. Results: It was determined that there was a 'mild depression' state in both the Type 1 diabetes patient group (14.10±8.26) and the Type 2 diabetes patient group (14.74±7.64). A linear, moderate, and significant correlation was found between BDI scores and NEQ scores in individuals with type 1 diabetes (r=0.547, p&lt;0.001). In individuals with type 2 diabetes, an inverse, moderate, and significant correlation was found between BDI scores and cognitive restriction scores (r=-0.406, p=0.029). For the individuals in the two groups, statistically significant differences were found in the scores obtained from the BDI, NEQ, and TFEQ-R18 in terms of the history of mental illness and obesity, diabetic diet, and hypoglycemia (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: In this study, it has been shown that the effect of mental illness and obesity history on current eating behavior may be on night eating behavior, cognitive restriction, and uncontrolled eating. It is likely that compliance with the diabetic diet and prevention of hypoglycemia will be reflected in eating behavior and anthropometric measurements.

From mere 'stability' to 'durability'-Revisiting intention dynamics from a self-regulatory perspective with intensive longitudinal methods.

Behavioral intentions predict behavior better if they are stable over time. A statistical argument suggests that this is due to less measurement error, but recent theoretical advances suggest self-regulatory effects: durable intentions remain temporally stable due to their persistence when faced with challenges. Here, we leverage intensive longitudinal data on adherence with non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 623; total assessments = 19,740; study duration: 6months each). We operationalize intention durability as temporal order-dependent variability (reversed root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD] between each valid assessment). We then examine the within- and between-person moderating effects of intention durability on the intention-behavior association as well as the effects of past on current behavior. In line with the theoretical assumptions, we find that more durable intentions are not only associated with a stronger intention-behavior link on a within- and a between-person level but also a stronger effect of past on current adherence with NPIs. Our findings support the hypothesized moderating effects of intention durability and provide a more nuanced understanding of the self-regulatory processes underlying the temporal stability of intentions.

Influences of multi-pass friction stir alloying on characterization of AZ91D alloy-based dual reinforcement bio-ceramic nano-composites.

In current study, microstructural, mechanical and corrosion behaviour were investigated with incorporation of dual reinforced AZ91D surface composites. This research was carried out for enhancement of the bio-degradability in biological environment. The surface composites were successfully fabricated by friction stir processing method with a rotation speed of 800 rpm, travel speed of 80 mm/min and 2.5° tilt angle at multi-passes. The surface properties were characterized via optical, SEM, EDS, XRD and EBSD techniques. The microstructure showed that the reinforcements were equally distributed into the surface matrix after 3-passes for sets of composites. After 3-passes FSP average grain diameter of the composite C (1.61 μm) was smaller than that of composite A (1.86 μm) and composite B (1.63 μm), because of the strong shear deformation and generated friction heat, which occurred via dynamic recrystallization between grains in the processed zones. The microhardness of Composite C (162 Hv) has a higher than the composite A (125.2 Hv) and composite B (146.2 Hv). The ultimate tensile strength of composite A (152.7 MPa) was greater than that of composite B (133 MPa) and composite C (111.3 MPa). Furthermore, the corrosion resistance at 7, 15 and 30 days of immersion of composite C was higher than that of composite A and composite B, because of the domino effects and better bio-mineralization with the addition of Y2O3 and ZrO2 particles. The typically worn surface revealed reduced deep pits, pits and cracks due to better ionization of the hydrogen generated during immersion. Finally, this research was carried out for treatment of bone defects and fractures as well as improving corrosion resistance of the mg-containing biocompatible implants.

Study on the change of the oil-paper insulation’s AC conductivity characteristics based on dielectric response in frequency domain

Oil-immersed power equipment (transformers and high voltage bushings) are key components of power systems. Oil-paper insulation has endured complex and harsh operating conditions when used as a primary insulation system, so it is essential to determine the insulation state of oil-paper insulation system to ensure a stable operation for the power grid. The oil-paper insulation’s conductivity behavior can effectively characterize the degree of insulation deterioration. However, the relationship between the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) conductivity behavior for oil-paper insulation systems is still unclear in current research, resulting in limitations in the traditional evaluation model’s application. Therefore, this paper uses oil-paper insulation materials under different aging to carry out relevant research about the changing features of the complex AC conductivity under different test temperature environments. The influence of oil-paper insulation aging, test temperature, and excitation frequency on the complex AC conductivity is verified. Considering the correlation between low-frequency AC conductivity and DC conductivity, the frequency range of AC conductivity is extended by means of frequency temperature and conductance double translation. The temperature dependence of the AC conductivity behavior is defined over a wide frequency test range. The relaxation polarization process dominated the AC conductivity variation law is obtained. The impact of experimental temperature and insulation aging on the cumulative characteristic parameters of AC ionic mobility is clarified. This study theoretically corrects the traditional calculation model for AC conductivity of oil-paper insulation. The bias in conductivity calculations caused by only considering a single relaxation polarization process is eliminated. The conductivity model that can characterize multiple relaxation polarization processes in the dielectric is established. This model provides theoretical support for the later assessment of oil-paper insulation state depending on conductance behavior.

Third Harmonic Current Phase Angle Behaviour During Branch Touching Wire Earth Faults

Third Harmonic Current Phase Angle Behaviour During Branch Touching Wire Earth Faults

Study on stray current corrosion behavior of rebars in cement mortar by XCT nondestructive testing method

Study on stray current corrosion behavior of rebars in cement mortar by XCT nondestructive testing method

The Comparison of Food and Nutrient Intake among Iranian Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Adults

Background: Diabetes is known as a rising global health metabolic disorder. Eating choices are considered as a main factor in type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the comparison of food and nutrient intake among diabetic and non-diabetic adults in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 5442 Iranian adults aged 35–70 years from Shahedieh cohort study, Yazd, Iran. Dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a validated 121-item food frequency questionnaire. All data about the amount of food groups, total energy, micronutrients, and macronutrients intake were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Participants without diabetes showed significantly higher intake of grains, legumes, total meat, fats, sweets, energy, carbohydrates, total fat, total cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamin B9, B12, A, and D in comparison with patients with diabetes. On the other hand, diabetic patients revealed significantly higher amounts of vegetables, fruits, dietary fiber, biotin, potassium, and magnesium consumption compared to non-diabetic participants. Conclusion: Given that diet and nutrition are widely believed to play an important part in the development of T2D, significant differences were found in dietary habits of diabetic patients in comparison with participants without diabetes. These findings suggest that emphasis on education is required to improve the current dietary behaviors to assist in the prevention of disease complications.

The Roles of Cognitive and Affective Factors on Employees’ Current and Future Pro‐Environmental Behaviors

ABSTRACTThe current study investigated the cognitive and affective factors driving employees’ pro‐environmental behaviors (PEBs) in organizations to address a critical gap in sustainability research. Specifically, the roles of anticipated guilt, subjective norms (SNs), and the warm glow effect in shaping current and future green behaviors were examined through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM). The findings demonstrated that anticipated guilt was the strongest predictor of PEBs, followed by SNs. The warm glow effect was also revealed to partially mediate the relationship between current and future PEBs, which offered alternative insights into the long‐term sustainability of green practices. Resultantly, the findings contributed to the theory of planned behavior and provided practical implications for organizations seeking to foster employees’ continuous environmental commitment while advancing the understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying sustained workplace PEBs.

Modeling of β-Ga2O3 based double gate drain extended junction less FET and its parameter extraction methodology

Abstract A static current model of β—Gallium Oxide (β-Ga2O3) based double gate drain extended junction less field effect transistor (DG-DeJLFET) is proposed. The model consists of two voltage-controlled current sources connected in series. One of the current sources accounts for the operation of the junction less field effect transistor whereas, the other takes care of the drift region current. The model is formulated by considering the mobility degradation caused by moderately elevated electric fields. A parameter extraction methodology for this model is also proposed by considering the dominance of certain parameters in the specific regions of operation. In general, the parameter extraction technique is based on the variation in the device current behavior at moderate electric fields. The proposed parameter extraction methodology is validated by comparing the results with the data obtained from the TCAD simulation.

Triboelectric sensor gloves for real-time behavior identification and takeover time adjustment in conditionally automated vehicles

The takeover issue, especially the setting of the takeover time budget, is a critical factor restricting the implementation and development of conditionally automated vehicles. The general fixed takeover time budget has certain limitations, as it does not take into account the driver’s non-driving behaviors. Here, we propose an intelligent takeover assistance system consisting of all-round sensing gloves, a non-driving behavior identification module, and a takeover time budget determination module. All-round sensing gloves based on triboelectric sensors seamlessly detect delicate motions of hands and interactions between hands and other objects, and then transfer the electrical signals to the non-driving behavior identification module, which achieves an accuracy of 94.72% for six non-driving behaviors. Finally, combining the identification result and its corresponding minimum takeover time budget obtained through the takeover time budget determination module, our system dynamically adjusts the takeover time budget based on the driver’s current non-driving behavior, significantly improving takeover performance in terms of safety and stability. Our work presents a potential value in the application and implementation of conditionally automated vehicles.

Content Validity for the NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist.

To update and establish content validity for the Checklist of NICU Caregiver Behaviors. Structured literature review and Delphi analysis. Neonates born prematurely or who are sick in the NICU are frequently exposed to harmful stimuli that can affect brain development and result in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In response to this risk, NICU caregiving now encompasses protecting and promoting neurodevelopment to affect long-term outcomes for neonates and their families. Developmentally supportive care (DSC) includes internationally recognized best practices for the care of neonates in the NICU. Implementation and operationalization of DSC is a priority for neonatology. Although evidence-supported guidelines exist for effective DSC strategies in the NICU, no validated tool exists to support implementation at the point of care. Nine expert reviewers from the United States and India including four occupational therapists, one nurse practitioner, one clinical nurse specialist, and three neonatal medicine specialists. The Checklist of NICU Caregiver Behaviors had been updated based on a structured review of the evidence. The updated checklist was then shared with a group of professionals with DSC expertise who provided further recommendations using a modified Delphi survey process. The project yielded the current NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist. Expert reviewers provided 53 actionable recommendations in Round 1 and 18 actionable recommendations in Round 2 to support clarity and use of the tool. In response, the NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist was reformatted as a collection of five checklists, each representing a core measure of DSC; the introduction section was expanded; language was broadened; and clarifications were provided to promote observations of target behaviors and allow for more site-specific recommendations and assessments. This evidence-based tool can be used as part of DSC education, as a self-assessment tool, and as a measure of NICU caregivers' use and quality of DSC.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Health Care Trainees, Staff and Faculty at an Academic Medical Center.

Background/Objectives: Health care workers are at greater risk for death by suicide compared to the general population and are less likely to seek assistance. More information about correlates of suicidality and treatment-seeking behavior are needed to reduce risk. Methods: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention developed an Interactive Screening Program to identify and engage at-risk staff and trainees in health care settings. The study reports on the prevalence and demographic and clinical predictors of current suicidal thoughts, behaviors and mental health treatment at a single site (n = 5898) from 2009 to 2024. Results: The study found that 18.2% of respondents reported current suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These were more common among respondents who were younger, male, and who identified as a race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors were more likely among those with higher PHQ-8 scores (OR = 1.23, p < 0.01) and those who endorsed maladaptive coping behaviors, hopelessness, loneliness, stress and nervousness (ORs 1.36-3.04, ps < 0.01). Current mental health treatment was more likely among women, non-Hispanic White respondents compared with Asian or Pacific Islander respondents, and nurses relative to physicians. Mental health treatment was also associated with higher PHQ-8 scores, lifetime suicide attempts, difficulty controlling eating and alcohol consumption, and recent feelings of anxiety, stress and nervousness. Conclusions: Findings suggest a continued need to identify and engage health care trainees and staff who are at risk for suicide and to establish new approaches to linking these individuals to resources or interventions aimed at reducing risk. The study identified male and/or Asian/Pacific Islander-identifying health care workers who reported intense loneliness and/or hopelessness, use of non-prescription drugs and recent suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors as high-risk individuals who may require enhanced methods of outreach, identification, acceptance and accessibility of treatment.

Angel time horizon and industry preferences: The moderating role of personal wealth

ABSTRACT This study explores a fundamental strategic decision for angel investors: which industry to invest in? We focus on angel time horizon—the extent to which an angel considers distant possible future outcomes of current behaviors—and examine its effect on the capital intensity and popularity of the industries in which angels invest. Using a longitudinal sample of 619 angels from 2010 to 2019, we find that angel time horizon is positively related to industry capital intensity and negatively related to industry popularity. Moreover, we find that having less personal wealth enhances the effect of angel time horizon on industry capital intensity and popularity. Our study establishes angels’ time horizons and personal wealth as critical antecedents of their portfolio industry selection strategies.

The Impact of AI-Driven Social Media Advertising on Consumer Purchasing Decision

The rapid growth in Social media has changed a new form of advertising for businesses called social media advertising. With dynamic changes the digital market has experienced an expansion, reshaping business activities with advance technology. E-commerce has introduced a new purchasing and selling habit of consumers. Artificial intelligence integration changed online shopping by providing personalized customer experiences that have a profound impact. The AI really assists in stimulating profits by transforming inquiries into purchases using extensive information about potential buyers from e-business sites. A sample of responses was also collected from people in the marketing industry and from online platform customers.Lately, the conventional marketing strategy has been reformed because of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology that gave marketers personalized instruments for constructing advertisements depending on shopping history and internet inquiries. Also AI enables programmatic advertising in real time, manipulating current browsing behaviour to optimize ad targeting on social media platforms.

Early Pubertal Timing, Suicidality, and Self-Injurious Behaviors in Preadolescents: Evidence for Concurrent and Emergent Risk Prediction.

To determine whether advanced puberty at age 9/10, relative to same-aged peers, predicts current and/or new-onset self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs). New predictors of SITBs in preadolescence are urgently needed to address this escalating public health crisis of youth self-harm and suicidality. Data from the baseline, 1-year, and 2-year waves of the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study were used. Bayesian mixed-effects models were estimated for test and replication split halves and tested whether relatively advanced youth-reported pubertal development at 9/10 years predicted SITBs (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury) as reported by preadolescents (each wave) and their caregiver (baseline, 2-year follow-up) in a computerized version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (KSADS). Preadolescents with baseline self-reported puberty, KSADS (N=8,708; 44.6% female; 60.8% white non-Hispanic), and demographic information were included. Baseline preadolescent-reported puberty predicted the presence of any SITB before or at baseline (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.23-1.85) and the new-onset SITBs between baseline and 2-year follow-up in preadolescents SITB-naive at baseline (OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.66-3.21). Preadolescents reporting relatively advanced puberty were more likely to have experienced SITBs and, if SITB naïve, were more likely to experience onset of SITBs across the following two years. Findings were not explained by child psychopathology or other familial and psychosocial factors known to predict SITBs. Screening preadolescents for advanced puberty at age 9/10 and applying targeted suicide-screening for those youth showing advanced puberty should be considered in primary care and mental health settings.

Why do consumers purchase energy-efficient kitchen appliance? An analysis based on online review comments.

Kitchen appliances constitute a significant portion of residential energy consumption. Promoting consumer purchases of high-energy-efficient kitchen appliances can effectively facilitate the transition to a low-carbon society. However, the role of energy saving in the current purchasing behavior of Chinese consumers regarding kitchen appliances remains unclear. Based on user-generated content from online e-commerce platforms (N=59,908), this study investigates whether Chinese consumers consider energy efficiency and its influencing factors when purchasing kitchen appliances through natural language processing and structural equation modeling techniques. The study findings reveal that: (1): Perceived energy saving is an important consideration for consumers to adopt kitchen appliances. (2): Prices benefits increase consumers' willingness to purchase energy-efficient appliances. (3): Consumers prioritize energy saving in the purchase of large kitchen appliances. (4): the effect of perceived energy saving on intention to purchase kitchen appliances is much stronger among high energy-efficient appliances. The results of this study propose specific policy recommendations to ensure the continuity of current demand-side energy efficiency policies related to kitchen appliances, utilize pricing mechanisms to incentivize consumers to purchase high-energy-efficient appliances, emphasize the importance of energy consumption of different types of kitchen appliance in environmental education, and establish stricter energy efficiency standards for kitchen appliances.