Habits Research Articles

Optimal pricing scheme for addictive goods

AbstractThis article analyses how consumers' habit formation and addiction affect firms' pricing policies. I consider both sophisticated consumers, who realize that their current consumption will affect future tastes, and “naive” consumers, who do not. The optimal contract for sophisticated consumers is a two‐part tariff. The main result is that the optimal pricing pattern when the consumer is naive is a “bargain then rip‐off” contract, namely a fixed fee, with the first units priced below cost, and then priced above marginal cost. This holds both under symmetric and asymmetric information about the consumers' degree of sophistication.

Can mobile promotion automation decrease overall purchases? The role of promotion pattern predictability in customer habit formation

Automating mobile promotions facilitates customization through geo-location and temporal targeting; however, this can lead the geographic and temporal patterns of promotions to become predictable. We argue that this predictability enables customer habit formation as the promotion, the context in which it is received, and the purchase behavior become associated in the customer's memory through repeated co-occurrence. This results in the customer purchasing only when promotions are expected to occur, decreasing their overall purchase likelihood. Across four studies, including empirical data from two different industries in different global regions and two controlled laboratory experiments focused on different purchase scenarios, we find that customers exposed to predictable promotion patterns shift their purchases to when promotions are expected, decreasing overall purchase probability. These effects are stronger for customers with consistent past purchase patterns or low involvement with the product, and predictability of promotion patterns does not impact customer attitudes, providing evidence that they are driven by customer habit formation.

Persistent defensive reactivity during extensive avoidance training as a potential mechanism for the perpetuation of safety behaviors.

Safety behaviors are core features of anxiety-related disorders, specifically involving behaviors that do not completely terminate aversive situations, but rather prevent the risk of the occurrence of the expected aversive outcome (US). This study aimed to examine the dynamics of defensive reactivity associated with safety behaviors, both before and after their execution, and to investigate changes in these reactions following extensive training. Twenty-four healthy participants underwent a US-avoidance task as an experimental analog to model safety behavior, requiring a button press to avoid the US without terminating the associated warning cue (CS). Two CS+ were used, with one being devalued during a devaluation procedure to assess the formation of avoidance habits. Defensive reactivity was assessed using fear-potentiated startle (FPS) and skin conductance responses (SCR). Participants showed pronounced defensive reactivity to both CS + vs. CS- before the avoidance action, which decreased upon the opportunity to avoid the US. Contrarily, after the avoidance action, a re-emergence of defensive responses was observed as indicated by FPS and increased SCR. Only one participant showed signs of avoidance habit formation. The findings reveal a re-emergence of defensive reactivity following safety behaviors challenging the prevailing belief that relief is the primary sustaining factor of safety behavior.

Risk factors for the gambling, smoking and alcohol consumption triad in Portuguese adolescents

Abstract Background Addiction to gambling, tobacco, and alcohol poses significant risks to mental, social, and physical health, particularly during adolescence, a critical period for habit formation. This study investigates risk factors linked to these habits among Portuguese adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study used the 2019 ESPAD questionnaire, targeting 16-year-old adolescents. The sample comprised 4,365 responses. Descriptive analysis determined the prevalence of gambling, smoking, and alcohol use, as well as social, economic, and behavioral factors. Bivariate associations were assessed using the Exact Fisher test, and multiple logistic regression identified key predictors for the outcome of interest (cumulative presence of gambling, smoking and alcohol consumption). Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 29.0, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results Among adolescents, 6.2% presented probable problematic gambling according to the Lie/Bet test, with 3.7% spending at least 30 minutes a day gambling. In the past 30 days, 14.3% smoked, 42.7% drank alcohol, and 10.5% engaged in binge drinking. The behavioral triad was observed in 56 individuals. Male gender (OR = 2.024; 95% CI: 1.097-3.734; p = 0.024), problematic online gaming behavior (OR = 2.041; 95% CI: 1.005-4.144; p = 0.048) and going out at night at least once a week (OR = 1.439; 95% CI: 1.242-1.669; p < 0.001) significantly increased the risk of the behavioral triad. In contrast, parental control (parents knowing where the adolescent is on Saturday night) had a significant protective effect (OR = 0.162; 95% CI: 0.086-0.303; p < 0.001). Conclusions The study underscores the importance of parental supervision to curb risky behaviors in adolescents. It suggests implementing public health programs in schools, leveraging gaming for early screening, and tightening online gambling regulations to mitigate future health risks associated with gambling, smoking, and alcohol use. Key messages • Absence of parental supervision, male gender, problematic online gaming and frequently going out at night are risk factors for this behavioral triad. • Public health strategies are needed to prevent gambling addiction, emphasizing parental awareness, identification of at-risk students, and comprehensive school-based approaches.

Advancing open education through open-source software: examining UTAUT 2 factors in adoption and implementation

PurposeThis study aims to examine the factors influencing university students' adoption of open-source software (OSS) within the context of open educational practices (OEP) by applying an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT 2) model.Design/methodology/approachThe research employs a quantitative approach, gathering data from 156 students at Hong Kong Metropolitan University through an online survey. The survey was designed to test nine hypotheses derived from the UTAUT 2 model, incorporating additional constructs relevant to OSS. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data and test the relationships between constructs.FindingsThe results indicate that Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Price Value (PV), Self-Efficacy (SE) and Value Alignment (VA) significantly influence students' Behavioral Intention (BI) to adopt OSS. Conversely, Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Hedonic Motivation (HM) and Habit (HT) were not significant predictors. The findings suggest that while UTAUT 2 provides a useful framework for understanding OSS adoption, it requires adaptation to fully capture the unique characteristics of OSS in educational settings.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by extending the UTAUT 2 model to the context of OSS adoption in higher education, highlighting the importance of economic factors and user alignment with OSS values. The results offer practical insights for higher education institutions aiming to promote OSS, emphasizing the need for support structures, training, and the promotion of OSS’s economic and collaborative benefits.

Factors Promoting Physical Activity and Physical Development in Early Childhood

This research explored factors promoting physical activity and development in early childhood in urban and rural areas. A sample of 488 urban and 387 rural students was selected through random sampling. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. The findings revealed that urban schools have more environmental factors promoting physical activity than rural schools. Urban students had better physical development scores than those in rural areas. The study also found that school location correlates with students' physical development in the form of good hygiene habits, consuming nutritious food and clean water, regular exercise, good body coordination, and good hand-eye coordination.

Look, over there! A streaker! – Qualitative study examining streaking as a behaviour change technique for habit formation in recreational runners

ABSTRACT Background Running as a form of physical activity is beneficial to overall health and wellbeing. The aim of the study is to examine ‘run streaking’ (i.e. running on consecutive days, for a minimum period of time or distance, typically at least one mile) as a technique for habit formation and behaviour change. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews with 21 recreational adult runners (11 female and 10 male). Run streak length ranged from a minimum of 100 days to over 4500 days. Transcripts were analysed using a hybrid deductive–inductive thematic analysis. Results Run streaking was reported to lead to several benefits, health improvements and a sense of accomplishment, although many run streakers reported running through injuries and lack of recovery. Accounts of run streaking showed features of automaticity indicative of habitual behaviour. Other behavioural processes identified included motivation, identity, self-regulation and social support. Behavioural streaking showed the potential to influence change in behaviours other than running. Conclusion Accounts of run streaking demonstrate an interplay between automatic and deliberate processes in the maintenance of running behaviour. Behavioural streaking is a technique that could be used in other behaviour change contexts beyond running to support habit formation.

Contribution to the Study of Malagasy Orchids. XXXIX. Two New Species of Bulbophyllum from Madagascar

Two new species of Bulbophyllum Thouars, B. psittacinum Verlynde & Ramand. and B. vespertilioides Verlynde & Ramand. (Orchidaceae), are recognized and described. Both species are endemic to Madagascar and were found in the Ankerana forest, part of the Ankeniheny-Zahamena corridor (CAZ) protected area in the eastern escarpment forests. These two species belong to section Pantoblepharon Schltr.; B. psittacinum differs from the rest of the section by its conjoined lateral sepals and B. vespertilioides by its larger pseudobulbs, longer inflorescence, and number of flowers. Taxonomic treatments of both species with descriptions, illustrations, distribution, and habitat information as well as preliminary IUCN Red List assessments are provided.

Third place visits and associations with walking habit formation: an exploratory study extending Cognitive Chrono-Ethnography

ABSTRACT Third places play a crucial role in urban environments, acting as social spaces distinct from the home and workplace, contributing to citizens’ social and physical health. However, it remains unknown how they contribute to the formation of walking habits during different life phases. Therefore, this conceptual study explores the role of third places for students (n = 3), workers (n = 6), and retirees (n = 2). Building upon past studies that utilized Cognitive Chrono-Ethnography, a mixed-method approach examining people’s in-situ behaviour and decision-making processes, semi-structured interviews questioned the role of third place visits in the process of forming walking habits. The study revealed that students, workers, and retirees may display distinct patterns of walking habits. Moreover, three goal structures were identified, where walking was either considered as a primary goal alongside third place visits, as a secondary goal, or encountered as an incidental activity during third place visits. Furthermore, participants residing in areas with higher walkability were more likely to consciously engage in walking during third place visits. These findings lay the foundation for broader investigations employing the CCE methodology to consolidate and develop the findings made in this conceptual study and promote walking habit formation through third place visits.

HabitWalk: A micro-randomized trial to understand and promote habit formation in physical activity.

Habit is a key psychological determinant for physical activity behavior change and maintenance. This study aims to deepen the understanding of habit formation in physical activity and identify promotion strategies. We examined the habit formation trajectory and its relationships with cue-behavior repetition (a cue-triggered 15-minute brisk walk) and unconditional physical activity (daily steps). We also tested whether the behavior change techniques (BCTs) 'commitment' and 'prompts and cues' promote habit, cue-behavior repetition, and daily steps within persons. This micro-randomized trial included a 7-day preparatory and a 105-day experimental phase delivered via the HabitWalk app. Participants (N = 24) had a 50% probability of receiving each BCT daily, leading to four conditions. Habit strength was assessed daily using the Self-Report Behavioral Automaticity Index, while cue-behavior repetition and steps were measured via an activity tracker. Person-specific growth functions indicated that habit strength trajectories were highly idiosyncratic. Multilevel models indicated a positive effect of cue-behavior repetition on habit strength, but not vice versa. The effect of habit strength on daily steps varied by the operationalization of cue-behavior repetition. Tentative findings suggest that commitment and prompts and cues are effective habit-promotion strategies when delivered together.

A taxonomic revision of Tillandsia (Tillandsioideae, Bromeliaceae) from Uruguay

A taxonomic revision of the genus Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) from Uruguay is here presented based on the examination of herbarium specimens, field surveys, and an extensive analysis of taxonomic literature. Nineteen taxa are recognized: 17 species, one subspecies, and one natural hybrid. A new identification key for all the species of Tillandsia occurring in the country is presented. Data on nomenclature (correct names, types, synonyms used in Uruguay) are provided for each taxon, along with detailed morphological descriptions, vernacular names, distribution and habitat information (global and local), phenology, conservation assessment, diagnostic characters, and nomenclatural and taxonomical notes. This information is complemented with images, illustrations of floral parts, maps showing species distribution in Uruguay, and a phenological diagram. Tillandsia arequitae and T. uruguayensis are endemic to Uruguay, and five species reach their southern limit of distribution in the country (T. bandensis, T. geminiflora, T. ixioides, T. loliacea, and T. stricta). Tillandsia capillaris and T. virescens are registered as exotic and subspontaneous. A new natural hybrid between T. aëranthos and T. recurvifolia is described. Three species previously cited for Uruguay (T. crocata, T. lorentziana, and T. streptocarpa) are excluded or cited as doubtful species for the country. Tillandsia bicolor is discarded as a synonym of T. aëranthos, and T. dianthoidea is considered for the first time as an illegitimate superfluous name. Lectotypes for Tillandsia arequitae (second-step), T. capillaris, T. circinalis (second-step), T. cordobensis (second-step), T. duratii, T. geminiflora (second-step), T. hieronymi (second-step), T. ixioides, T. microxiphion, T. recurvata, T. stricta (second-step), T. tricholepis (second-step) and T. virescens, as well as an epitype for T. aëranthos are designated.

The Effect of Habits of Mindo n Junior High School Students’ Mathematics Communication Ability

This research aims to determine the effect of habits of mind on junior high school students' mathematical communication skills on triangles and quadrilaterals. Habits of Mind is defined as a habit of thinking that is carried out as an intelligent behavior pattern when faced with a problem whose solution isn’t easily known so that productive action occurs. The problem in this research is motivated by its importance habits of mind in learning mathematics and improving students' mathematical abilities. The method used in this research is method ex post facto. The population in this study were all class VIII students in one of Junior High Schools in Karawang Regency. The sample in this study was 42 students using the technique purposive sampling. The instrument used in this research is a test, namely mathematical communication skills which consists of 5 (five) description questions. Apart from that, it also uses non-test instruments in the form of questionnaires habits of mind which consists of 30 statements. Data analysis was carried out using simple linear regression techniques. The research results obtained a linear regression equation Y = -25.065 + 1.345X. The magnitude of the correlation coefficient r2 = 0.848 and coefficient of determination = 84.8%. This shows that there is habits of mind had an influence on students' mathematical communication skills of 84.8%, while 15.6% was influenced by other factors not measured in this research.

B-295 Sensitive and Rapid Homogeneous Immunoassay for the Detection of Zolpidem and its Major Metabolite in Urine

Abstract Background Zolpidem, a schedule IV controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, is commonly known as Ambien and Ambien CR, a prescription only treatment for insomnia. Zolpidem is one of the most common prescribed sleep aids in the U.S. due to its rapid sedative effects. The recommended duration of treatment is between two days and four weeks, as long-term use of zolpidem increases the risk of habit formation. Addiction to zolpidem can cause severe side effects, including memory loss, delusion, and in extreme cases, fatal overdose. From 2005-2010, Zolpidem-related emergency room visits doubled, underscoring the need for accurate testing as zolpidem testing plays an important role in cases of misuse, diversion, and forensics. The sole commercially available homogeneous immunoassay for the detection of zolpidem in urine has a relatively high cutoff at 20 ng/mL and poor cross-reactivity (0.02%) to major metabolite zolpidem 4-carboxylic acid. ARK Diagnostics has developed the ARK™ Zolpidem Assay to detect zolpidem at a cutoff concentration of 10 ng/mL with high cross-reactivity to its metabolite, Zolpidem phenyl 4-carboxylic acid and no cross-reactivity to zaleplon and zopiclone at concentrations below 100,000 ng/mL. Methods The ARK™ Zolpidem Assay is a liquid stable homogeneous enzyme immunoassay, consisting of two reagents, with a cutoff concentration of 10 ng/mL and semi-quantitative range up to 40 ng/mL. Preliminary performance characterization for this assay was evaluated on the Beckman Coulter AU680 Automated Clinical Chemistry Analyzer. Precision, analytical recovery, specificity, Histogram Overlap Analysis of ±50% controls and the cutoff, and method comparison with LC-MS/MS were evaluated. Results In semi-quantitative mode, total precision ranged from 2.6 to 3.1% CV. Spiked recovery of zolpidem ranged from 88.6% (2.5 ng/mL) to 96.8% (10 ng/mL). The major metabolite, zolpidem phenyl-4-carboxylic acid, showed an approximate equivalence to the 10 ng/mL zolpidem cutoff at 30 ng/mL (33.3% cross-reactivity). Histogram overlap analysis showed no overlap between cutoff and control levels. Method correlation with LC-MS/MS using authentic urine samples showed an excellent agreement with a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 100% (15 positives and 100 negatives). Conclusions The ARK™ Zolpidem Assay measures zolpidem and its major metabolite zolpidem phenyl-4-carboxylic acid in human urine with acceptable performance. The assay is sensitive, rapid, and applicable to a wide range of clinical chemistry analyzers.

Neural correlates of thought–action fusion and their associations with rumination in patients with major depressive disorder

Thought-action fusion (TAF) is the metacognitive belief that the power of thoughts can have real-life consequences, often inducing unpleasant inner experiences and recruiting coping strategies such as rumination. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the neural correlates of TAF and their associations with rumination in depression. A total of 37 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 37 healthy controls (HCs) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging with a TAF induction task and psychological assessments. In the TAF induction task, participants were asked to read the name of a close person (CP) or neutral person (NP) in association with negative (Neg) TAF and neutral (Neu) control statements. In this study, our TAF induction task activated brain regions, including the salient and default-mode networks, in the MDD and HC groups. However, along with higher likelihood TAF and rumination, behavioral data showed less negative feelings and longer reaction times under the NegCP condition in the MDD group compared with the HC group. Furthermore, in the MDD group, significantly higher activation in the bilateral caudate nuclei, left inferior frontal gyrus/anterior insula, putamen, and inferior parietal lobule under the NegCP condition was positively correlated with TAF and reflection. These findings suggest that during the TAF task, patients with MDD may activate different brain areas associated with the maintenance of high stimulus saliency and habit formation, which are important neural correlates linking TAF and rumination in depression.

Enhanced powder characteristics of succinic acid through crystallization techniques for food industry application

During crystallization, succinic acid, an important food additive, exhibit severe agglomeration behaviour, uneven crystal size distribution (CSD), and irregular crystal morphology, resulting in poor powder flow properties. This paper presents an innovative approach to optimize succinic acid crystallization through investigation of novel blade milling method, seeding, and inclusion of green additive, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). CTAB for crystal habit regulation and formation of desired cubic-like morphology. We employ Mask R-CNN, a deep learning-based image analysis tool to quantitatively assess crystal and powder flow properties. Results demonstrate that the inclusion of 0.5 wt% CTAB with two-stage cooling method yields uniform CSD ranging from 30 μm to 160 μm and improves powder properties, reducing the agglomeration degree by 46% and caking ratio to only 6.78%, indicating a decreased tendency for clumping. The integration of crystallization with the proposed deep learning framework not only improves succinic acid food functionality but also showcases highly efficient method for optimizing crystal properties, setting new standard for food crystallization processes. It has been adequately presented with real-time high-precision analysis of CSD, agglomeration, etc, facilitating rapid screening for optimized food quality improvements.

A full-factorial test of motivational and volitional intervention strategies for promoting exercise habit formation and exercise maintenance among new users of an online exercise class platform.

Interventions often fail to achieve long-term behavioral maintenance. Utilizing motivational and volitional strategies to promote behavioral maintenance factors may improve this. Using a full-factorial experiment, we tested the effects of three intervention components (focused on intrinsic motivation and identity, exercise preparation habit, and exercise instigation habit) on exercise participation over a year, among new users (N = 751; 91% identifying as female, 54% identifying as White race) of a global, online exercise class platform, run by Les Mills International Ltd, called LM+. We also tested the intervention components' theoretical mechanisms of action-habit formation, intrinsic motivation, identity, and self-efficacy. Multi-level models found some support for a main effect of the exercise preparation habit intervention component in promoting self-reported and objective exercise participation (behavioral outcomes measured via monthly surveys and the LM+ platform; mechanisms measured via monthly surveys)-in particular online exercise class frequency (fixed effect estimate = 0.84, p < 0.05, and = 0.12, p < 0.05, respectively). The preparation habit component also significantly increased preparation habit strength (0.30, p < 0.05) and instigation habit strength (0.33, p < 0.05). Other expected effects were nonsignificant. Helping individuals form an exercise preparation habit may facilitate initiating and maintaining exercise over time, in particular for attending online exercise classes, potentially through promoting greater preparation and exercise instigation habit strength.

Understanding Consumer Acceptance of AI in the Leisure Economy: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

This research examines the determinants of consumer acceptance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the leisure economy, using a structural equation model to analyze responses from 560 participants. The study focuses on several psychological factors: Perceived Ease of Use (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), Hedonic Motivation (HM), Perceived Value (PV), and Habit (HB), and their impact on Behavioral Intention (BI) to adopt AI technologies. Results indicate significant influence of six constructs (PE, FC, SI, PV, HM, HB) on BI, with the exception of one hypothesis. The research also assesses the role of Personal Innovativeness in enhancing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model's predictive accuracy. This study contributes to understanding AI adoption in leisure, offering valuable insights for AI application development and marketing strategies in this sector.

Teaching Sustainable Advertising: A Trialogue Course-Project Using the SHIFT Framework

Organizations are building sustainable practices due to newer regulations and a commitment to the greater good. They are targeting the majority of consumers who want to live a sustainable lifestyle. As a result, universities have an opportunity to integrate sustainability topics into their coursework. This study addresses a curriculum gap that exists by introducing a project-based assignment using the SHIFT framework by White, Habib, and Hardisty (2019a), which outlines the triggers associated with influencing sustainable behaviors among consumers, namely, social influence, habit formation, individual self, feelings and cognition, and tangibility. We explain the relevance of the project via a literature review on the growing importance of sustainability to consumers, outline the project requirements and recommendations for execution, and share our experiences and those of our students using the project.

The ‘Predelinquent’ and the Community: Psychiatric Surveillance and Predictive Policing in Interwar Berkeley

Summary Through the 1920s and 1930s, the Berkeley Police Department, renowned as a centre of scientific training and investigation, developed new programmes of predictive policing targeting ‘predelinquent’ youth. Led by Chief August Vollmer, schools, charities, social services and families throughout Berkeley were coordinated in the ongoing detection of early signs of developing psychoses and personality disorders believed to lead to future criminality. Implying a malleable trajectory of habit formation which might be perverted or corrected, predelinquency warranted psychiatric surveillance across the community to assist Berkeley’s police in identifying, mapping and correcting at-risk children. This paper examines how, through the psychiatric category of predelinquency, law enforcement enrolled the community in networks of pre-emptive surveillance with new responsibilities for reporting and correction. In turn, I examine how predelinquency shifted to accommodate various local priorities and anxieties, whereby predictive policing’s conceptions of potential threat or improvability reproduced the boundaries of the normative American community.

Comparison of basal ganglia regions across murine brain atlases using metadata models and the Waxholm Space

The murine basal ganglia regions are targets for research into complex brain functions such as motor control and habit formation. However, there are several ways to name and annotate these regions, posing challenges for interpretation and comparison of data across studies. Here, we give an overview of basal ganglia terms and boundaries in the literature and reference atlases, and describe the criteria used for annotating these regions in the Waxholm Space rat brain atlas. We go on to compare basal ganglia annotations in stereotaxic rat brain atlases and the Allen Mouse brain Common Coordinate Framework to those in the Waxholm Space rat brain atlas. We demonstrate and describe considerable differences in the terms and boundaries of most basal ganglia regions across atlases and their versions. We also register information about atlases and regions in the openMINDS metadata framework, facilitating integration of data in neuroscience databases. The comparisons of terms and boundaries across rat and mouse atlases support analysis and interpretation of existing and new data from the basal ganglia.