Behavior Pattern Research Articles

Mechanism of action of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid on outlet obstruction-induced overactive bladder: An integrated study

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Xipayimaizibizi oral liquid (XP) in an overactive bladder (OAB) experimental rat model and to explore its pharmacological mechanisms. MethodsNetwork pharmacology was used to explore the potential mechanisms of action of XP. The rats underwent bladder outlet obstruction surgery and were administered the corresponding drug concentrations by gavage for 4 weeks. The study observed the body weight, water intake, bladder and kidney indices (to evaluate their general status), urination behavior pattern (to observe frequency and urgency), and urodynamics (to measure bladder parameters). Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichome staining were used to observe changes in the bladder structure. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and acetylcholine in the urine. The key targets involved in these mechanisms were validated using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and western blot in vivo/vitro experiments. ResultNetwork pharmacological analysis predicted that XP may alleviate OAB by affecting the cholinergic synapse and calcium signaling pathways. XP treatment significantly reduced the bladder index, improved urine behavior and urodynamic parameters, decreased the neurotransmitters in urine, and reduced the thickness of the bladder wall and collagen ratio. These results indicate that XP can alleviate OAB symptoms and improve the bladder structure. In vivo/vitro experiments further demonstrated that XP can inhibit targets, such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 2, and participate in cholinergic synapses to further regulate the parasympathetic nervous system. It can also reduce the overexpression of Ca2+ caused by agonists, inhibit targets such as transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1, and participate in calcium signaling pathways to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis. ConclusionThese results suggest that XP inhibited bladder overactivity by maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis and regulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Pedagogical agent positioning in external videos improves English academic presentation proficiency in desktop virtual reality settings

AbstractEnglish academic presentation (EAP) is an indispensable skill set of academic communication for university students. With the rapid development of desktop virtual reality (DVR), its application in language learning is worth exploring. The present study aimed to examine whether there is an improvement and difference in students' EAP by learning from the DVR with an in‐video pedagogical agent (PA) or an out‐of‐video PA. Adopting a between‐subject experimental design, a total of 64 students were randomly assigned to one of two group conditions depending on whether the PA was inside or outside the lecture video embedded in DVR. Participants' EAP performance, attention allocation and behavioural patterns were measured and analysed. As hypothesized, t‐tests, repeated ANOVA and lag sequence analysis showed that the participants who learned from the DVR with an out‐of‐video PA showed better learning performance, less attention allocation on content and more frequent behavioural patterns than those with an in‐video PA. Overall, our findings suggest that in a VR educational environment of video lectures, instructors should consider using an out‐of‐video PA to increase their social presence and improve students' learning experience. Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic EAP is an indispensable skill set of academic communication for university students. PA is an effective social cue in video lectures to promote learning. VR has been widely applied in language learning. What this paper adds Reveals the relationship between the PA's positioning and the learners' EAP performance and deepens the understanding of the PA's positioning in video lectures of a DVR learning environment. Provides empirical analysis of natural eye‐tracking during the video learning in DVR scene and EAP data during the experimental condition. Students who learned from the DVR with an out‐of‐video PA showed better learning performance, less attention allocation on content and more frequent behavioural patterns than those with an in‐video PA. Implications for practice and/or policy Designers are encouraged to use DVR with an out‐of‐video PA to enhance students' social presence and learning experience.

Development of a predictive model for adherence to pharmacological treatment in ischemic heart disease: consideration of psychosociocultural, neuropsychological, and mental health variables

Abstract Introduction Adherence to pharmacological treatment recommendations is the main preventable cause of rehospitalization and premature mortality in patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease, which in turn, is permeated by modifiable psychosocial risk factors such as anxiety, depression, stress, type A behavior pattern, inhibitory control, attitudes and behavioral beliefs towards the disease and treatment. The objective of this study was to develop and test a model to predict adherence to pharmacological treatment in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary revascularization surgery based on psychosocial, neuropsychological and mental health variables. Material and Methods Cross-sectional study with a sample of 691 patients between 45 and 82 years of age (M= 52 years, SD= 12.15), 46% women and 54% men, diagnosed with ischemic heart disease and undergoing coronary revascularization surgery. Anthropometric, cardiovascular and psychosocial risk factors were evaluated. The scales were designed and validated to assess adherence to pharmacological treatment in ischemic heart disease by means of EFA and CFA, which showed adequate internal consistency indicators and psychometric properties. Results Using the AMOS v.24 statistical package, a path analysis was performed for the variable of adherence to pharmacological treatment, with attitudes toward the disease and treatment, behavioral beliefs, and inhibitory control (executive function) as direct predictors, explaining 54% of the variance in adherence to pharmacological treatment in ischemic heart disease, and the model fit indices were: χ2(33) =261. 19; CMIN/DF= 7.91; TLI= .893; NFI= .815; IFI= .901; CFI= .900; AGFI= .822, SRMR= 2.727; RMSEA=.053. Conclusions The findings of this research contribute to the understanding of adherence to pharmacological treatment in ischemic heart disease as a process and not only as an isolated construct, in which mental health intervenes interacting with psychosocial and cultural aspects of the patient with respect to their disease and pharmacological treatment and in turn provides evidence that inhibitory control as an executive function. This provides evidence that inhibitory control as an executive function is useful for understanding adherence to pharmacological treatment, which shows the need to incorporate in the hospital setting comprehensive psychological evaluations and interventions that allow us to predict adherence to pharmacological treatment of ischemic heart disease in order to intervene in the processes involved, which could contribute to the prevention of rehospitalization and premature mortality.

Analysis of the mpox outbreak in Europe in 2022: vaccination rollout in the most affected countries

Abstract Background The mpox virus spreads through contact with infected material and causes flu-like symptoms and skin lesions. Common in Central and West Africa, a global rise in mpox cases in 2022 was observed, affecting mainly men who have sex with men. Methods The study analysed vaccination policies in the most affected WHO-EURO countries during the mpox outbreak, including the Netherlands, France, UK, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland. Epidemiological data from May to October 2022 (first wave) were compared. Additionally, the role of EU health institutions in assisting member states in controlling virus spread across the region was examined. Results By the end of May 2022, three countries (The Netherlands, France, and UK) initiated post-exposure vaccination shortly after the first case identification. Portugal, one of the most affected countries, implemented pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk groups by September, followed by Switzerland in November. Vaccination access for non-exposed priority groups varied, with France not requiring a medical prescription. EU cooperation in health was pivotal during the outbreak, with vaccines distributed through the EU4Health program budget via HERA to ensure preparedness. However, detailed information remains limited. Conclusions Countries’ responses to the mpox virus outbreak varied significantly, with discrepancies not always aligning with epidemiological data. These differences could stem from various factors, such as behavioural patterns, prior immunisation rates, and neighbouring countries’ policies. However, the unequal access to vaccines across the region underscores existing health disparities, particularly affecting stigmatised populations. Data on immunisation records were notably scarce in most countries, hindering thorough analysis of policy implementation and effectiveness. Additionally, further exploration is warranted into the role of LGBT associations and evidence of stigma surrounding the outbreak. Key messages • The mpox 2022 outbreak in Europe provides an important picture of cross-border health policies and public health responses for future emergences in a European cooperative environment. • Most national authorities provided limited information during the mpox 2022 outbreak; data on immunisation records and vaccine access is pivotal to assess countries’ health policies.

Pavlovian impatience: The anticipation of immediate rewards increases approach behaviour.

People often exhibit intertemporal impatience by choosing immediate small over delayed larger rewards, which has been implicated across maladaptive behaviours and mental health symptoms. In this preregistered study, we tested the role of an intertemporal Pavlovian bias as possible psychological mechanism driving the temptation posed by immediate rewards. Concretely, we hypothesized that the anticipation of immediate rewards (compared with preference-matched delayed rewards) enhances goal-directed approach behaviour but interferes with goal-directed inhibition. Such a mechanism could contribute to the difficulty to inhibit ourselves in the face of immediate rewards (e.g., a drug), at the cost of long-term (e.g., health) goals. A sample of 184 participants completed a newly developed reinforcement learning go/no-go task with four trial types: Go to win immediate reward; Go to win delayed reward; No-go to win immediate reward; and No-go to win delayed reward trials. Go responding was increased in trials in which an immediate reward was available compared with trials in which a preference-matched delayed reward was available. Computational models showed that on average, this behavioural pattern was best captured by a cue-response bias reflecting a stronger elicitation of go responses upon presentation of an immediate (versus delayed) reward cue. The results of this study support the role of an intertemporal Pavlovian bias as a psychological mechanism contributing to impatient intertemporal choice.

From Movement to Meaning: Real-time Detection of Behavioural Patterns in Human Psychology using Deep Learning and Time Series Sequence

Understanding human behaviour and psychology is complex and involves various fields, including cognitive science, neurology, and artificial intelligence (AI). In this study, we introduce a cutting-edge system that detects both manual (like hand gestures) and non-manual (such as facial expressions or body movements) features in real time, using advanced deep learning techniques and time-series analysis. This system translates these human movements into text, providing a powerful tool to analyse subtle behavioural and psychological signals. By processing real-time data, our system significantly advances psychology by detecting small expressions, involuntary gestures, and behaviour patterns often associated with psychological and neurological conditions. For instance, it can help identify repetitive actions or atypical gestures in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which are critical for early diagnosis. It can also track signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, detecting tremors, posture changes, or facial expressions, and offer insights for early intervention

Investigation of a Norovirus GII.4Sydney[P16] outbreak in a care facility in Portugal, 2022

Abstract Background On the 29th of April 2022 the local Public Health unit was notified of 12 cases of acute gastroenteritis in residents of a long-term care facility (LTCF). A joint epidemiological investigation team was established and initiated an outbreak investigation to characterize the outbreak and implement infection control measures. Methods Epidemiological questionnaires were administered to staff (n = 44) and residents (n = 60). Case definition was LTCF residents or staff members with at least one of the following symptoms: diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, between April 25th and May 14th, 2022. Stool or vomit samples were collected for 11 individuals. To assess environmental contamination fifteen food samples from previous meals and six surface samples from toilet faucets, wash tubs, and cutting boards were collected. Spatial distribution of cases within the LTCF was performed to guide infection control implementation. Results A total of 43 people met the case definition. Attack rates in residents and staff were 37% (23/63) and 42% (20/48), respectively. Of the total tested specimens, six (6/8) from residents and two (2/3) from staff were positive for the Norovirus (NoV) GII.4 Sydney [P16] variant by genotyping. Two (2/6) samples from surface swabs from the toilet faucet in the resident’s living room were also positive for NoV GII. Food samples were negative for major bacterial agents implicated in gastrointestinal outbreaks. Cases were distributed throughout the LTCF wards with no clear clustering. Four residents required hospital admission. Conclusions Results suggest person-to-person as well as environmental transmission of NoV. Identification of behavioural and spatial patterns of residents and staff and subsequent enactment of infection control strategies mitigated the outbreak. These findings reinforce the need for public health to maintain continuous technical support to LTCF on the implementation of infection control best practices. Key messages • Outbreak investigation in LTCF confirms Norovirus transmission, emphasizing the importance of infection control measures in long-term care facilities. • Study reveals Norovirus outbreak in LTCF, underscores the role of person-to-person and environmental transmission, highlighting the need for robust infection control protocols.

Leveraging Behavioural Insights to Create Healthier Online Environment for Children

Abstract Issue/Problem The proliferation of digital marketing poses a significant threat to children’s health and well-being, necessitating innovative solutions grounded in cross-disciplinary systems approach. Description of the problem Children’s exposure to harmful digital marketing is pervasive, influencing their preferences, behaviours, and health outcomes. Traditional regulatory approaches often fall short in addressing the dynamic nature of online advertising, exacerbating the challenge. Without effective interventions, children remain vulnerable to the detrimental effects of marketing for unhealthy products and services, undermining public health efforts. Results Integrating behavioural sciences with public health suggests promising avenues for addressing the complexities of harmful digital marketing to children. The WHO KidAd app is a ground-breaking tool designed for objective monitoring of digital marketing. Coupled with evidence-based behavioural strategies such as nudges, choice architecture, and social norms, policymakers can influence decision-making in favour of healthier choices, thereby reducing the impact of harmful marketing. By understanding the decision-making processes and behavioural patterns involved, policymakers can design targeted interventions to mitigate exposure and protect children. Lessons Learned The application of behavioural sciences in public health policy-making yields valuable lessons. Firstly, personalized and contextually relevant interventions resonate more effectively with target audiences, enhancing their efficacy. Secondly, leveraging behavioural insights allows for the design of interventions that complement existing regulatory frameworks, filling gaps in enforcement and compliance. Thirdly, interdisciplinary collaboration between public health experts, policymakers, and behavioural scientists is essential for developing evidence-based strategies tailored to the digital landscape’s evolving challenges. [Grant: APVV-22-0587] Speakers/Panelists Amandine Garde Law & Non-Communicable Diseases Unit, Liverpool, UK

Mapping the Path to Low-Carbon Behaviour: A Systematic Review of Trends, Gaps, and Future Directions

It is essential to conduct research on low-carbon behaviour in order to address global climate change and promote sustainable development. This study conducts a thorough examination of a bibliometric analysis of the existing literature in this field. We analysed 129 papers from the Web of Science Core Collection database to conduct a study on the concept of “low-carbon behaviour”. Review articles, proceedings papers, and editorial materials were all excluded. This investigation examines a diverse array of research environment factors, including the most highly ranked publications, publication trends, significant publishers, and patterns in citations and publications over time. The primary institutional contributors in the discipline and the most influential works worldwide are also mentioned. The application of advanced visualisation techniques, such as wordcloud representations, the spatial distribution of research output, and co-occurrence and overlay networks, is employed to generate maps of keyword relationships and collaboration networks using Bibliometrix Stable Version, VOSviewer 1.6.20, and Scimago Graphica Beta 1.0.45. This multi-modal methodology enables a comprehensive investigation of significant research issues and emerging directions in low-carbon behavioural studies. This study contributes to the ongoing endeavours to promote sustainable development and mitigate climate change by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the current state of research and establishing a robust framework for future investigations into low-carbon behavioural patterns and behaviours.

Optimization of Neighborhood Public Space Design Based on Physical Environment Simulation and Crowd Simulation—A Case Study of Xiaomi’s Changping Campus

Digital technology has brought drastic changes to the design methods, values, and design tools of neighbourhood public spaces, thereby changing the behavioural patterns of people in neighbourhood public spaces. Therefore, people’s requirements for urban public space have changed and are characterised by high efficiency, high precision, humanization, and high aesthetics. Scholars at home and abroad have conducted many studies and practises on the application of digital technology to neighbourhood design, but there is a lack of systematic research practises on the use and analysis of multi-faceted data. This paper selects the Xiaomi Beijing Changping II design project, simulates and deduces the physical environment of its location, simulates the results of the natural environment by using the data of sunshine, wind, and water catchment in the physical environment, and then simulates the crowd’s action paths by combining kinetic algorithms and ant algorithms to optimise the design methods, processes, and results of the neighbourhood public space on the basis of this research. The research team designed five groups of programmes for the project based on different design methods and processes, and conducted a comparative study of the five groups of programmes through the hierarchical analysis method in conjunction with the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method, as well as discussing them in conjunction with the actual bidding results of the project and the scoring conclusions of the industry experts. The results of the study show that the design scheme for neighbourhood public space based on physical environment simulation and crowd simulation is better able to take advantage of the analytical and predictive advantages of the technology and unite with the designer’s aesthetic interests, balancing the data objectivity and aesthetic subjectivity in the design process. The method is more likely to achieve a design solution that combines systematicity, foresight, rationality, and aesthetics, and provides an empirical case for the application of data simulation in public space, aiming to improve the rationality of public space design and solve the data-objective problems faced by the design of public space at this stage.

Mixture reliability analysis of a product consisting of new and remanufactured components

PurposeThe rapid increase in importance of the remanufacturing operation in the present scenario is just because of its ability to retrieve the functional value of the End-of-Use or End-of-Life products which is as good as the original product. However, customers are still concerned about the reliability of the remanufactured product which is considered as one of the major problems in the area of remanufacturing. The purpose of this paper is to study and analyse the behavioural pattern of the mixture failure rate of a remanufactured product.Design/methodology/approachIn order to analyse the behavioural pattern of the mixture failure rate, different proportions of new and remanufactured products are mixed. In this paper, a two-parameter Weibull distribution is used to observe the mixture failure rate characteristics. Also, the mixture failure rate of the remanufactured product is evaluated under two conditions, that is when the shape parameter of new and remanufactured components is the same and when the shape parameter values are different.FindingsFrom the analysis, it is observed that the mixture failure rate is always decreasing in nature when the shape parameter values are same. In that case, the value of the mixture failure rate depends only on the proportion of the new components. When the shape parameter values are different, the mixture failure rate characteristics depend upon the shape parameter value of the remanufactured product.Originality/valueThe results of the research can be applied to any remanufactured automotive product. This study also shows the behavioural characteristics of the mixture failure rate of a remanufactured product at different mixture proportions.

Supporting emotion regulation in children on the autism spectrum: co-developing a digital mental health application for school-based settings with community partners.

KeepCalm is a digital mental health application, co-designed with community partners, that incorporates wearable biosensing with support for teams to address challenging behaviors and emotion dysregulation in children on the autism spectrum. We followed a user-centered design framework. Before app development, we conducted design workshops, needs assessment interviews, a systematic review, and created an Expert Advisory Board. Once we had a working prototype, we recruited 73 participants to test and help improve the app across five testing cycles. Participants rated the app across testing cycles as highly acceptable, appropriate, feasible, and with good usability. Qualitative data indicated that KeepCalm helped teachers (a) be aware of students' previously unrealized triggers, especially for nonspeaking students; (b) prevent behavioral episodes; (c) communicate with parents about behaviors/strategies; and (d) equipped parents with knowledge of strategies to use at home. We learned that in order to make the app acceptable and appropriate we needed to make the app enjoyable/easy to use and to focus development on novel features that augment teachers' skills (e.g., behavioral pattern and stress detection). We also learned about the importance of maximizing feasibility, through in-person app training/support especially regarding the wearable devices, and the importance of having aides involved. Our findings have informed plans for wider-scale feasibility testing so that we may examine the determinants of implementation to inform adaptations and refinement, and gather preliminary efficacy data on KeepCalm's impact on reducing challenging behaviors and supporting emotion regulation in students on the autism spectrum.

The effectiveness of Gen AI in assisting students’ knowledge construction in humanities and social sciences courses: learning behaviour analysis

ABSTRACT Currently, generative AI has undergone rapid development. Numerous studies have attested to the benefits of Gen AI in programming, mathematics and other disciplines. However, since Gen AI mostly uses English as the intrinsic training parameter, it is more effective in facilitating the teaching of courses that use international common notation, but few scholars have researched the fitness of Gen AI-assisted teaching of humanities courses in Chinese-language environments. To address these gaps, this study examined the learning behaviours of 30 students using Gen AI to help them answer questions on economic law tests using the Lag Sequential Analysis. The results show that the following: (1) The use of Gen AI to aid learning in an economic law course did not significantly improve the cognitive level of academics from the perspective of knowledge construction. (2) According to the characteristics of students’ behavioural paths via Gen AI-assisted learning, their behavioural patterns can be classified into autonomous and innovative, moderate, and lacking innovation. (3) Different learning modes when Gen AI-assisted teaching was used affected the final results, which were as follows: High-performing students favoured the autonomous and innovative pattern, medium-performing students favoured the moderate pattern, and low-performing students favoured the lacking innovation pattern.

Finding the Psychological Instability Using Machine Learning

Identifying the psychological instability in mental health assessment through the application of ML techniques, using the principally the RFA (Random Forest Algorithm). This research investigates the application of machine learning techniques to detect psychological instability in individuals. By employing a variety of algorithms, including both supervised and unsupervised learning methods, this study aims to predict psychological states based on diverse data inputs such as behavioural patterns, physiological signals, and social interactions. The models are developed and validated using datasets from clinical studies, social media activity, and wearable health devices. The results illustrate the capability of ML to provide accurate and timely predictions of psychological instability, offering valuable insights for early diagnosis and intervention in mental health care. This study advances the field by demonstrating a data-driven approach to understanding and managing psychological health.

Goal-Setting, Active Practice, Self-Monitoring: a Web-Based System to Improve Programming Proficiency

Mastering programming fundamentals poses a significant challenge for students, especially in demanding higher education environments. This pilot study investigates the effectiveness of a web-based system, SoftwareSkills, designed to enhance programming proficiency among second-year bachelor students. SoftwareSkills leverages, active practice, and self-monitoring to support programming practice. Thirty-six students (n=36) participated in a quasi-experimental design, divided into independent exploration and instructional session groups. User interaction data, exercise performance, and behavioural patterns were analysed. The study revealed four distinct learning strategies: reviewing skill masteries, dedicating sufficient time to each question, striving for mastery, and adapting spaced practice. However, some students exhibited rapid responses and minimal practice, suggesting a need for deeper learning strategies. These findings highlight the suitability of self-regulated learning and deliberate practice in programming education. Future work will involve first and second-year programming students and integrate AI-driven personalised learning features to optimise the learning experience. This research contributes insights into effective practices and the potential of technology-aided learning to support student success in programming education.

Relationship between big five personality and health literacy in elderly patients with chronic diseases: the mediating roles of family communication and self-efficacy

The significance of health literacy for elderly individuals with chronic illnesses lies in managing and delaying disease development, which is affected by personal and environmental factors. Family communication can provide an emotional support environment; self-efficacy is an important factor of subjective initiative and personality. A relatively persistent thinking and behavior pattern can affect the environment, subjective initiative, and individual health outcomes. This study aims to explore the effects of the Big Five personality traits on the health literacy of elderly individuals with chronic illnesses and to hypothesize that family communication and self-efficacy mediate the Big Five personalities and health literacy. A cross-sectional study of 2251 elderly individuals with chronic diseases was conducted through nationwide random quota sampling. The structural equation model was used to explore the mediating role of family communication and self-efficacy between the Big Five personality and health literacy. Family communication played a simple mediating role in the influence of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism on health literacy. Self-efficacy played a simple mediating role in the influence of the Big Five personalities on health literacy. Self-efficacy and family communication played a chain mediating role between extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and health literacy. Nurses can enhance the health literacy of elderly individuals with chronic illnesses with extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism through family communication and self-efficacy while promoting the health literacy of those with openness through self-efficacy.

Otoacoustic emissions but not behavioral measurements predict cochlear-nerve frequency tuning in an avian vocal-communication specialist.

Frequency analysis by the cochlea forms a key foundation for all subsequent auditory processing. Stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs) are a potentially powerful alternative to traditional behavioral experiments for estimating cochlear tuning without invasive testing, as is necessary in humans. Which methods accurately predict cochlear tuning remains controversial due to only a single animal study comparing SFOAE-based, behavioral, and cochlear frequency tuning in the same species. The budgerigar ( Melopsittacus undulatus ) is a parakeet species with human-like behavioral sensitivity to many sounds and the capacity to mimic speech. Multiple studies show that budgerigars exhibit a perceptual "auditory fovea" with sharpest behavioral frequency tuning at mid frequencies from 3.5-4 kHz, in contrast to the typical pattern of monotonically increasing tuning sharpness for higher characteristic frequencies. We measured SFOAE-based and cochlear-afferent tuning in budgerigars, for comparison to previously reported behavioral results. SFOAE-based and cochlear-afferent tuning sharpness both increased monotonically for higher frequencies, in contrast to the behavioral pattern. Thus, SFOAE-based tuning in budgerigars accurately predicted cochlear frequency tuning, and both measures aligned with typical patterns of cochlear tuning in other species. Given divergent behavioral tuning in budgerigars, which could reflect specializations for central processing of masked signals, these results highlight the value of SFOAEs for estimating cochlear tuning and caution against direct inference of cochlear tuning from behavioral results.

Deciphering Regulatory Role of Melatonin in Foliar Nastic Movements of Portulaca oleracea: Visual Insights from Histology and Anatomy

AbstractPlant nastic movements exhibit unique behavioural patterns that synchronize with external cues. Given that the foliar nastic motions of Portulaca species are solely circadian, it is intriguing to investigate whether and how melatonin governs these movements. Analysis of histological traits concurrent with anatomical traits such as stomatal behaviour provides visual data on the plant species' gnosophysiology, offering clues and validation of the influence of multiple external stimuli on hydraulic forces that in turn alter turgor pressure. The current study aims to elucidate how exogenous melatonin modulates foliar nastic movements in Portulaca oleracea. Our findings indicate that melatonin functions as an intracellular hydraulic flux controller, influencing idioblast and crystal densities, as well as stomatal behaviour. Timepoint studies at specific Zeitgebers reveal that abiotic variables such as light and temperature can influence the endogenous melatonin concentration of P. oleracea. Therefore, this hormone potentially serves as an additional internal regulator of turgor pressure, influenced by both light and temperature. Thus, melatonin plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristic foliar nastic movements observed in P. oleracea, inherently tied to the circadian rhythm. Further investigation into idioblast and crystal torques, along with their angular momentum, is warranted to calculate the hydraulic forces at work in the leaf lamina. Thus the study underscores the multifaceted role of melatonin in navigating nastic movement processes through turgor pressure alterations brought about by intracellular depositions. The study in future could unravel melatonin's pleiotropic actions and the underlying mechanisms of foliar idiosyncratic nastic motions in other plant species as well. Moreover, both histology and anatomy play vital roles in the present study as it has provided visual evidence of the underlying mechanisms of foliar nastic movements in P. oleracea. Graphical Abstract

Chafing behaviour of great barracudas on sea turtles triggers escape response of external parasites

If chafing behaviours on the bottom or rocks are common, interspecific events are rare and usually involve smaller ray-finned fishes rubbing on larger sharks or manta rays. Reports on interspecific chafing between fishes and reptiles are even less common, with just one report of great barracudas (Sphyraena barracuda) using swimming hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas) as chafing surfaces in the Southwestern Atlantic. Here, we describe a chafing interaction between a great barracuda and a hawksbill turtle in the Red Sea. Our observation provides evidence that this interaction is probably not localised but may represent a more widespread behavioural pattern than previously thought. This chafing behaviour is suggested to remove external parasites, and our observation documents the behaviour of the scraper and the scraped animal, as well as the reaction of the parasites during the same event, clearly demonstrating that chafing behaviour aims at the removal of parasitic copepods (Caligidae). We also report the evasive behaviour of the copepods during the event, providing novel information on parasite removal in reef fishes.

BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA STATE ORPHANAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Background The plight of orphans, exacerbated by conflict, disease, and socioeconomic factors, remains a pressing global issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, notably impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, has witnessed a substantial increase in orphan populations. These children face severe challenges, including child abuse, malnutrition, limited access to education, stigmatization, and a range of psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite some interventions, orphanages primarily address material needs, often neglecting comprehensive medical, social, and psychosocial support. This study explores the behavioural patterns of orphans in Kaduna, Nigeria, and examines how their medical and social challenges compare across various orphanages. Methodology A cross-sectional, comparative analysis was conducted among 100 orphans from selected orphanages in Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma, psychosocial status, and coping strategies. Results The mean age of respondents was 10 years, with 68% being male. Nutritional issues were prevalent, with 53.7% classified as underweight despite 54.9% reportedly consuming balanced diets. Medical concerns were significant, with 33.7% showing clinical signs of illness and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural issues were prominent, including hyperactivity symptoms (27.0%), enuresis (22.3%), and depressive symptoms (1.8%). Socially, most respondents (83.3%) reported positive peer relationships, though bullying (11.4%) and stigmatization (9%) were also observed. Educational access was generally high, with only 2.2% not attending school. However, social support systems varied, with 35.2% reporting strong support and 46.8% adapting their goals as a coping mechanism. Conclusion The findings highlight the complex medical and behavioural challenges faced by orphans in Kaduna's orphanages, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that provide medical, psychosocial, and educational support. A holistic approach is crucial to improving their overall well-being and future prospects.