Implications For Behavior Research Articles

Association between Chronic Misophonia-Induced Stress and Gastrointestinal Pathology in Children-A Hypothesis.

Misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder with behavioral implications, is complex and multifactorial in origin, and is characterized by an atypical and disproportionate emotional response to specific sounds or associated visual stimuli. Triggers include human-generated sounds, mainly sounds related to feeding and breathing processes, and repetitive mechanical sounds. In response to the triggering stimulus, the patient experiences immediate, high-intensity, disproportionate physical and emotional reactions that affect their quality of life and social functioning. The symptoms of misophonia can occur at any age, but onset in childhood or adolescence is most common. Affected children live in a constant state of anxiety, suffer continuous physical and emotional discomfort, and are thus exposed to significant chronic stress. Chronic stress, especially during childhood, has consequences on the main biological systems through the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we provide arguments for a positive correlation between misophonic pathology and gastrointestinal symptoms, and this hypothesis may be the starting point for further longitudinal studies that could investigate the correlations between these childhood vulnerabilities caused by misophonia and their effect on the gastrointestinal system. Further research to study this hypothesis is essential to ensure correct and timely diagnosis and optimal psychological and pharmacological support.

Are lateralized and bold fish optimistic or pessimistic?

Cognitive bias is defined as the influence of emotions on cognitive processes. The concept of the cognitive judgement bias has its origins in human psychology but has been applied to animals over the past 2 decades. In this study we were interested in determining if laterality and personality traits, which are known to influence learning style, might also be correlated with a cognitive bias in the three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). We used the judgement bias test with the go/no-go procedure where fish were first trained to discriminate between a black and white card and, after reaching a minimum learning criterion, tested their response to an ambiguous card (grey). Optimistic subjects were expected to have a high expectation of reward associated with an ambiguous stimulus, whereas pessimistic subjects a high expectation of non-reward. We used an emergence and a mirror test to quantify boldness and laterality, respectively. We hypothesised that male, bolder and more strongly lateralized fish would be more optimistic than female, shy and less strongly lateralised fish. We found that males and more strongly lateralized fish were more optimistic than females and less strongly lateralized fish. In addition, bold males were more optimistic than shy males as we predicted, but females showed the opposite pattern. Finally, fish trained on the black colour card learned the training task faster than those trained on a white card. Our results indicate that both laterality and personality traits are linked to animals’ internal states (pessimistic or optimistic outlooks) which likely has broad implications for understanding animal behaviour particularly in a welfare context.

Survey of actionable driver mutations KRAS and EGFR in non–small cell lung cancer to evaluate coexisting splicing gene and pathway mutations: A CBioportal database analysis.

8561 Background: Molecularly targeted therapies have advanced treatment for certain cancers, such as lung cancer with specific EGFR or KRAS mutations. However, oftentimes the tumor becomes eventually treatment resistant. This may be partly because cancers driven by EGFR/KRAS mutations may also harbor additional co-occurring genetic alterations. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), aberrations in RNA splicing pathways have shown substantial implications for tumor behavior and therapeutic responsiveness. Our study focuses on elucidating the interplay between RNA splicing defects and prominent NSCLC mutations. Methods: In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 20,719 NSCLC patients enrolled in participating institutions between 2017 and 2022. The data were sourced from the American Association for Cancer Research Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (version 13.0). EGFR L858R, EGFR E746_750del, KRAS G12C, KRAS G12D and other KRAS G12 mutations cases were identified and individually analyzed to abstract co-occurring RNA splicing genomic alterations. Results: Among 20,719 patients with NSCLC, we identified 1309 patients with EGFR L 858R mutation, 1121 patients with EGFR E746_750del mutation, 2446 with KRAS 12C, 852 with KRAS G12D, 1107 with KRAS G12V, 452 with KRAS G12A, 173 with KRAS G12F, and 109 with KRAS G12S. RBM 10 was the most common co-occurring RNA splicing gene for EGFR L 858R (178, 13.6%), followed by CDK12 (31, 2.3%) and SPEN (27, 2 %). Similarly, the most prevalent co-occurring RNA splicing genes with EGFR E746_750del were RBM 10 (38, 3.4%) and SPEN (23, 2 %). RBM 10 was the most prevalent co-existing RNA splicing gene for KRAS G12C (211, 8.6 %), KRAS G12D (63, 7.4 %), KRAS G12V (80, 7.2%), KRAS G12A (59, 13.1%), KRAS G12F (12, 7.0%), KRAS G12S (11, 10.1%) and KRAS G12R (6, 8%). Conclusions: Our study uncovers a crucial link between EGFR and KRAS mutations in NSCLC and RNA splicing gene dysregulation, particularly involving RBM10. Further research in this field is warranted as targeting RNA splicing, alone or alongside existing targeted inhibitors, could substantially enhance treatment efficacy for EGFR+ or KRAS+ NSCLC patients. [Table: see text]

Socio-Ethical and Behavioural Aspects of Exoskeleton Implementation in Specific Military Missions

Abstract The article explores different socio-ethical and behavioural aspects on the implementation of exoskeleton systems, providing an overview of current debates in this rapidly developing field. It examines the benefits and risks of implementing exoskeleton systems in specific military missions by improving soldiers' physical performance and endurance, reducing the risk of injury, and increasing operational effectiveness. Alongside these positive aspects, the socio-ethical and behavioural implications of the use of these technologies are also considered, with concerns relating to morality and accountability. The research presents a literature-based assessment of the impact these technologies may have on the psychology and behaviour of military personnel, including their sense of autonomy and control. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, a careful analysis of these socio-ethical and behavioural issues will be conducted and measures will be developed to minimize the risks of integrating exoskeleton systems into military missions through deployment strategies and regulatory frameworks that maximize the benefits of exoskeleton systems while reducing the risks and negative impacts on individuals and society as a whole.

Relationship between Assertiveness and Self-Esteem among Young Indian Adults

Abstract: This quantitative study explores the relationship between assertiveness and self-esteem among young Indian adults aged 20 to 30 years. The research design employs a correlation approach to examine the statistical association between assertiveness and self-esteem without manipulating variables. The study aims to answer key questions regarding gender differences in assertiveness and self-esteem, the relationship between assertiveness and self-esteem, and the impact of self-esteem on assertiveness. Data from 131 participants (61 males, 70 females) from Assam and Karnataka were collected using Google Forms and social media advertising. The Rathus Assertiveness Schedule (RAS) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were used to measure assertiveness and self-esteem, respectively. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. The results indicate no significant difference in assertiveness and self-esteem between males and females. However, a significant negative correlation was found between assertiveness and self-esteem, suggesting that as assertiveness increases, self-esteem tends to decrease, and vice versa. Regression analysis further confirms that self-esteem significantly impacts assertiveness among young adults, with approximately 8.9% of the variability in assertiveness scores explained by differences in self-esteem. These findings provide valuable insights into the dynamics of assertiveness and selfesteem among young Indian adults, highlighting the complex interplay between these psychological constructs and their implications for individual well-being and behavior.

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ETIQUETTE LEXEMES IN ENGLISH AND UZBEK LANGUAGES: A LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE

This scientific article presents a comparative linguistic analysis of etiquette lexemes in the English and Uzbek languages. Etiquette, as a fundamental aspect of social interaction is reflected in the lexical choices and linguistic features of these two languages. The study aims to explore the cultural and social implications of polite behavior encoded in language, shedding light on the similarities and differences in etiquette lexemes between English and Uzbek.

Impact of social media influencers on purchase intentions: A comprehensive study across industries

Social media influencers have become increasingly influential in shaping consumer behavior and purchase intentions across various industries. This comprehensive study examines the impact of social media influencers on purchase intentions across industries, exploring the effectiveness of influencer marketing strategies and their implications for consumer behavior. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, data was collected from a diverse sample of social media users across different demographics and industries. The study analyzes the influence of influencer credibility, authenticity, and relevance on consumer attitudes and purchase intentions, as well as the effectiveness of industry-specific influencer strategies. Findings highlight the significant role of social media influencers in driving purchase intentions, with factors such as influencer credibility and content authenticity playing a crucial role in shaping consumer perceptions and behaviors. The study also discusses future research directions, including longitudinal studies, cross-cultural comparisons, and exploration of emerging trends in influencer marketing. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for marketers, brands, and policymakers seeking to leverage influencer marketing to engage consumers and drive business outcomes across industries.

Contagious greenwashing investment

PurposeThis study explores the contagion of greenwashing strategies among ESG mutual funds. It investigates how the greenwashing behaviors of peer funds within the same family influence a fund’s decision to engage in greenwashing. The research also examines the impact of greenwashing on genuine ESG funds and explores the mechanisms through which greenwashing strategies spread across ESG mutual funds.Design/methodology/approachThis paper employs a two-stage least squares regression model with cross-fund returns standard deviation as an instrumental variable to disentangle the peer effects of greenwashing from family-level characteristics. The analysis incorporates various fund characteristics and introduces four contagion channels through which greenwashing may influence genuine ESG funds.FindingsThe study finds greenwashing behavior in ESG funds is positively influenced by similar practices within their fund family. Larger assets under management and older funds with higher management fees show resilience against greenwashing influences, while team-managed funds are more susceptible. Additionally, socially responsible investors struggle to distinguish between genuine and greenwashing ESG funds, which may contribute to the persistence of greenwashing practices.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature by delineating the mechanisms of greenwashing contagion within ESG mutual funds. It also examines the demand-side incentives for adopting greenwashing strategies, offering insights into the implications for fund flows and investor behavior. This study is among the first to analyze the contagion effects of greenwashing strategies across an extensive network of ESG funds, enriching our understanding of the broader impacts of greenwashing in the context of socially responsible investing.

Deformation microstructures of fault rocks from the northern Yangsan Fault, SE Korea: implications for coseismic and aseismic behavior

Deformation microstructures of fault rocks from the northern Yangsan Fault, SE Korea: implications for coseismic and aseismic behavior

Another market segment: sport event tourism by disabled athletes

Sports and tourism are connected in various parts of economies, cultures, and nations. However, there has been a limited understanding of sports event tourism involving disabled athletes. This study explored the behavioral and socio-demographic implications of the disabled sports event tourism and investigated the motivational factors involved. An in-person survey was administered to 108 disabled athletes who attended the summer and winter Paralympics. A Structural Equation Model was used to determine the association between the factors of life satisfaction, emotional happiness, escapism, perceived value, and future intention, using the Monte Carlo parametric bootstrapping method to test significance of direct and indirect effects. Cronbach was acceptable because it exceeds 0.70 which satisfies the cut-off of confirmatory factor analysis. In addition, the individual values of average variance extracted (AVE), were greater than 0.50 (0.72) which meets the requirement and the convergent validity of all the constructs. The results showed that life satisfaction had a significant direct effect on future intentions. Emotional happiness had a significant direct effect on the perceived value of an event. Escapism had significant direct effects on perceived value and future intentions. Perceived value significantly influenced future intentions. The relationship between emotional happiness and future intention was fully mediated by perceived value. However, the relationship between escapism and future intention was only partially mediated by perceived value. The results of this study are valuable for developing future management and marketing policies for disabled athletes and tourists to advance the existing sports event tourism and disabled athlete’s behavior studies.

Strategic Branding: Building Market Positioning and Business Growth through Integrated Management Practices

The purpose of this study is to examine the intricate interplay between strategic branding and integrated management practices and their impact on organizational success in today's competitive marketplace. Through an exhaustive exploration of existing literature, the research design adopts a comprehensive review approach, synthesizing diverse scholarly perspectives on strategic branding, integrated management practices, and their implications for financial performance and consumer behavior. The findings underscore the critical role of integrated management practices in orchestrating successful branding initiatives, emphasizing the alignment of marketing, operations, finance, and human resources to support cohesive brand positioning strategies. Moreover, empirical evidence highlights the positive impact of strategic branding on financial performance, with strong brands exhibiting higher profitability, market share, and shareholder value. The discussion delves into emerging trends such as digitalization, experiential branding, and purpose-driven initiatives, reshaping industry dynamics and challenging traditional marketing paradigms. The implications drawn from the findings offer actionable strategies for organizational leaders, urging them to embrace innovative branding strategies that align with evolving consumer preferences and market dynamics. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between policymakers and industry stakeholders are essential for promoting responsible and ethical branding practices, fostering consumer trust, transparency, and accountability. This study contributes to the literature on strategic branding by providing valuable insights for future research endeavors and informing managerial practices aimed at enhancing brand effectiveness and organizational performance.

Watching for a snake in the grass: Objectification increases conspiracy beliefs.

Objectification, being treated as a tool to achieve someone's instrumental goals, is a common phenomenon. A workplace supervisor may view employees solely in terms of their output; likewise, friends may be seen only for their potential for personal and social advancement. We conducted five studies (N = 1209) to test whether objectification increases conspiracy beliefs through thwarted trust and whether postobjectification increases in conspiracy beliefs carry behavioural implications. While conspiracy beliefs may have evolved as a strategy for survival, they may be considered maladaptive in the modern world. Therefore, understanding the antecedents, underlying mechanisms, and implications of conspiracy beliefs is essential. We measured (Study 1) and manipulated objectification (Studies 2-5), consistently finding that objectification decreased trust, thereby increasing conspiracy beliefs (Studies 1-5). This effect remained after considering negative emotions (Study 2). Increased conspiracy beliefs following objectification positively predicted unethical tendencies, and the effect of objectification on unethical tendencies was serially mediated by trust and conspiracy beliefs (Study 4). Restoring objectified people's trust weakened their conspiracy beliefs and unethical tendencies (Study 5). We discussed the implications of our findings, proposing directions for researchers, practitioners, managers, and policymakers for theoretical advancement, healthier coping, and promotion of well-being.

Quantitative modelling of cyclists’ route choice behaviour on utilitarian trips based on GPS data: associated factors and behavioural implications

ABSTRACT Despite many years of research and rapid changes in the field of bicycle route choice modelling, a review of factors associated with cyclists’ route choice decisions is missing. This paper reviews 33 studies that employed GPS data and statistical modelling to explain the route choice behaviour of cyclists on utilitarian trips. Factors associated with bicycle route choice are divided into network, contextual, and individual factors. Findings from this review demonstrate that a refined categorisation of model attributes is essential, as the preferences vary greatly between different route attributes. Moreover, the analysis indicates a strong influence of the local context on the attribute definitions and route choice preferences. Although some commonalities between studies w.r.t. the network factors (e.g. a preference towards bicycle infrastructure or avoidance of slopes) can be determined, many results are contradictory or intertwined with other factors. Specifically, results related to intersections, land use characteristics, and interaction with other modes of transport are not always conclusive and are strongly dependent on the local context. However, the explanation of some of the unclear effects can be facilitated by incorporating contextual or individual information in the models. Based on the analysis of the existing studies, this review encourages a joint consideration of studies employing quantitative and qualitative methods to explain cyclists’ behaviour. Moreover, reporting model results in an accessible form (e.g. through relatable values or visualisation) is essential to build bridges between bicycle research and policymaking. Future research is encouraged to study cyclists’ route choice decisions from the perspective of objective well-being, quantifying and modelling the influence of factors such as safety, health, energy expenditure, or noise exposure.

Reimagining Tourist Engagement: Integrating ChatGPT into the Tourism Industry's Service Ecosystem

This study examines the transformative impact of ChatGPT and related AI technologies on tourist experiences and service personalization in the travel industry, signifying a substantial shift in consumer engagement strategies. Through thorough analysis, the findings illustrate how ChatGPT contributes to enhanced decision-making, heightened personalization, and the strengthening of trust and loyalty among tourists. Highlighting the interplay between technological innovation and the critical human aspect in hospitality, the research suggests AI's capability to supplement rather than supplant human interactions. It discusses the theoretical implications for consumer behavior and service personalization frameworks and outlines practical considerations for tourism stakeholders, focusing on ethical AI usage, data privacy, and fostering human-AI collaboration. Acknowledging the research's limitations, the paper proposes future research directions, emphasizing the need for cross-cultural studies, ethical considerations in AI usage, and investigating the long-term impact of AI on the tourism industry. This study contributes to academic discourse and provides practical insights for industry practitioners, laying the groundwork for future AI integration in tourism.

Exploring Cultural Conservatism in Moroccan Family Businesses: Implications for Strategic Behaviors and Organizational Dynamics

This paper explores the cultural conservatism of family businesses in Morocco and its implications for strategic and organizational behaviours. Drawing on the Gioia methodology, qualitative data were collected from twelve Moroccan family businesses representing diverse industries, sizes, generations, and locations. The findings reveal that cultural conservatism in Moroccan family businesses is characterized by a collective culture that promotes solidarity, internal coordination, and blurred boundaries between family and work. A culture of conformity is prevalent, leading to increased stability of relationships and a shared vision and values within family businesses. In addition, the culture of conservation emphasizes the protection of identity, preservation of tradition, and continuity of family control. These cultural characteristics shape the strategic decisions and behaviors of family businesses, contributing to their unique competitive advantage. This paper highlights the importance of balancing tradition with adaptation in achieving sustainable performance in family businesses. The findings offer valuable insights for practitioners and scholars interested in understanding the impact of cultural conservatism on family businesses in the Moroccan context. Further research is recommended to validate the findings quantitatively and explore the role of other stakeholders in family businesses.

Inclusive Human Resource Management and Nurses’ Innovative Behavior during Crisis Events: The Roles of Job Crafting and Shared Leadership

Aims. Building on conservation of resources theory, our study investigates how inclusive human resource management (IHRM) promotes nurses’ innovative behavior through job crafting and further examines the moderating role of shared leadership. Background. Nurses’ involvement in innovation is essential to improve nursing care delivery and accommodate changing medical environments, especially in the face of crisis events like the COVID-19 outbreak. However, knowledge about the relationship between human resource management and nurses’ innovative behavior remains scarce. Methods. We collected three-wave data from 338 on-duty registered nurses at four public hospitals in China from November 2022 to January 2023. We used SPSS 22 to conduct hierarchical regressions to test our hypotheses. Results. IHRM positively predicted innovative behavior of nurses with the mediating role of job crafting. In addition, we found that IHRM was more effective in promoting job crafting and subsequent innovative behavior when nurses perceived high levels of shared leadership. Conclusion. IHRM initiated by the organization and shared leadership style are two collaborative approaches to facilitating nurses’ job crafting, thereby responding to the imperative need to foster nurses’ innovative behavior. Implications for Nursing Management. The present study emphasizes the important roles of IHRM and shared leadership in promoting nurses’ job crafting and subsequent innovative behavior, providing theoretical and practical implications for nursing management in the current dynamic and challenging environment.

The adsorption of cerium on synthetic δ-MnO2: Implications for Ce uptake behavior of hydrogenetic and early diagenetic ferromanganese nodules from the Western Pacific

Cerium (Ce) anomalies can be used to distinguish diagenetic and hydrogenetic nodules, making them an important discriminator for the genesis of marine ferromanganese nodules. To understand the enrichment and adsorption mechanisms of Ce in different types of ferromanganese nodules, we conducted mineralogical and geochemical studies on ferromanganese nodule layers formed through both hydrogenetic and early diagenetic processes as well as adsorption experiments on synthetic δ-MnO2 to monitor the Ce uptake during the different processes. The major and trace element contents of natural ferromanganese nodule layers were investigated by SEM, EPMA and LA-ICP-MS analysis. The marine nodule studied in this study consisted of a core of fish tooth and a rim that could be divided into the hydrogenetic (type I) and early diagenetic (type II) layers based on their mineralogy and Mn/Fe ratios. The Mn oxide mineral assemblage is composed of todorokite, buserite, birnessite, and vernadite (δ-MnO2) and occurred in both type I and II layers. The type I layer has laminated structures with a low Mn/Fe ratio (1.1–3.2; averaging at 1.7), and low Cu, Ni and Mg contents consistent with a hydrogenetic genesis. The type II layer has a columnar and stromatolitic structure with a high Mn/Fe ratio (5.1–54.0; averaging at 23.3) and high Cu, Ni and Mg contents that are similar to early diagenetic nodules. The ΣREE contents in type I and type II layers are 1405–3506 ppm (averaging at 2091 ppm) and 199–1232 ppm (averaging at 674 ppm), respectively, indicating that the REE is enriched in the hydrogenetic type I layers. Strong positive Ce anomalies are present type I layers ranging from 1.2 to 2.5 (averaging 1.9), but only slightly positive are seen in type II ranging from 0.4 to 2.4 (averaging at 1.0). Synthetic experiments to monitor the Ce uptake process show that Ce can be adsorbed onto δ-MnO2 with the XRD and FTIR patterns suggesting that the structure of δ-MnO2 did not change significantly, consistent with Ce behavior in hydrogenetic nodules. The results suggest that Ce is predominantly concentrated in hydrogenetic nodules in an oxic environment, whereas in the early diagenetic layer, there is less oxidation and fixation of Ce due to the suboxic conditions. Our findings are consistent with Ce anomalies in marine Fe-Mn nodules being the result of Mn oxide oxidation adsorption and then fixation (oxidation) after adsorption.

The influence of social media marketing on consumer behavior in the retail industry: A comprehensive review

The pervasive impact of social media marketing on consumer behavior within the retail industry serves as the focal point of this comprehensive review. This paper aims to dissect the intricate relationship between social media marketing initiatives and their effects on consumer purchasing patterns, brand loyalty, and engagement. By collating and examining a broad spectrum of literature, including empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and case analyses, this review endeavors to provide a holistic understanding of how social media platforms are reshaping consumer interactions with retail brands. Without adopting a primary research methodology, this review critically analyzes existing research findings to identify prevailing trends, effective strategies, and the resultant consumer responses to social media marketing in the retail context. The analysis delves into the mechanisms through which social media influences consumer perceptions, engagement practices, and ultimately, purchasing decisions. It highlights the transformative power of social media in marketing, emphasizing the shift towards more interactive, personalized, and consumer-driven communication strategies. Key insights reveal that social media marketing exerts a profound influence on consumer behavior, mediated by factors such as content authenticity, the extent of consumer engagement, and the strategic use of influencers and user-generated content. These elements are shown to enhance brand visibility, strengthen consumer-brand relationships, and influence purchasing behavior. The paper posits that social media marketing represents a critical element in the contemporary retail marketing mix, with significant implications for consumer behaviour. Retailers must leverage innovative social media strategies to engage consumers effectively. The review also suggests avenues for future research, particularly in the context of evolving social media trends and their impact on consumer behavior. This synthesis aims to equip practitioners and scholars with a nuanced understanding of the role of social media marketing in shaping consumer dynamics within the retail sector. Keywords: Social Media Marketing, Consumer Engagement, Brand Awareness, Content Marketing, Influencer Marketing, Personalization, Customer Relationship Management (CRM).

Behavioral consistency of competitive behaviors and feeding patterns in lactating dairy cows across stocking densities at the feed bunk.

High feed bunk stocking densities can differentially impact individual dairy cows' competitive behaviors, feeding patterns, and feed efficiency. Our objective was to manipulate feed bunk stocking densities to evaluate intra-individual behavioral consistency across stocking densities and quantify associations with feed efficiency and production. Thirty-two primiparous (130.7 ± 29.0 days in milk, DIM) and 32 multiparous (111.3 ± 38.3 DIM) lactating Holstein cows were housed with 32 roughage intake control (RIC) bins. Each cow was assigned to share 8 bins with others of the same parity and similar body weight (16 cows/block; 2:1 feed bunk stocking density except during tests). Competition and feeding patterns were evaluated via video and RIC data, respectively, at 3 stocking densities (1:1, 2:1, 4:1 cows/bin) during 1-h tests (2 tests/stocking density; 6 tests/cow) following 2 h feed deprivation. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated across the 45-d study as the difference between observed and predicted dry matter intake (DMI) after accounting for known energy sinks. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the overall impact of test stocking density on competition and feeding patterns. To evaluate intra-individual consistency between stocking densities, individual stability statistic (ISS) scores were computed. Correlational relationships were determined between RFI and ISS scores. Cows displayed the most competitive behaviors at 2:1 stocking density (p < 0.0001) but experienced the highest rate of contacts per minute of eating time at 4:1 (1:1 vs. 2:1 vs. 4:1: 0.09 vs. 0.95 vs. 1.60 contacts/min; p < 0.0001). Feeding patterns were modulated as stocking density increased; eating rate increased (0.16 vs. 0.18 vs. 0.22 kg/min; p < 0.001) as eating time (40.3 vs. 28.2 vs. 14.6 min; p < 0.001) and DMI decreased (6.3 vs. 5.1 vs. 3.0 kg; p < 0.001). As stocking density doubled, individuals remained consistent (p = 0.018) in time spent near others actively eating and tended to remain consistent in competition behavior and feeding patterns (0.053 ≤ p ≤ 0.094). Between 2:1 and 4:1, cows with higher DMI and milk production were more consistent in first-visit DMI and duration. Feed efficiency was not associated with behavioral consistency across the tests (p ≥ 0.14). Nonetheless, feed bunk stocking density has behavioral implications which should be considered in nutritional management decisions.

Enhancing Carbon Fiber Fabrics with ALD AlxOy Coatings: An Investigation of Thickness Effects on Weight, Morphology, Coloration, and Thermal Properties

This study explores the impact of non-stoichiometric aluminum oxide (AlxOy) coatings applied via thermal atomic layer deposition (ALD) on carbon fiber fabrics (CFFs), emphasizing volume per cycle, FESEM analyses, color transitions, and thermal stability enhancements. Using trimethylaluminum and water at 100 °C, AlxOy was deposited across a range of 1000 to 5000 ALD cycles, with film thicknesses extending up to 500 nm. This notable increase in the volume of material deposited per cycle was observed for the 3D CFFs, highlighting ALD’s capability to coat complex structures effectively. FESEM analyses revealed the morphological evolution of CFF surfaces post-coating, showing a transition from individual grains to a dense, continuous layer as ALD cycles increased. This morphological transformation led to significant color shifts from green to red to blue, attributed to structural coloration effects arising from variations in film thickness and surface morphology. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA and dTG) indicated that the AlxOy coatings enhanced the thermal stability of CFFs, with a postponement in degradation onset observed in samples subjected to more ALD cycles. In essence, this research highlights the nuanced relationship between ALD processing parameters and their collective influence on both the aesthetic and functional properties of CFFs. This study illustrates ALD’s potential in customizing CFFs for applications requiring specific color and thermal resilience, balancing the discussion between the surface morphological changes and their implications for color and thermal behavior.