Self-feeding Behavior Research Articles

A closed-form criterion to identify high-mobility flowslides

This paper derives a closed-form criterion to assess the risk of flowslide runout in loose frictional soil. The derivations rely on a recently proposed framework to simulate pre- and post-failure motion in infinite slopes. An analytical solution of the coupled differential equations capturing flowslide hydromechanics is obtained by specifying them for a perfectly plastic constitutive law. This result enables a comprehensive examination of the factors that control whether the landslide motion, once triggered, autonomously comes to rest (self-regulating behaviour with low mobility) or continues to propagate (self-feeding behaviour with high mobility). It is found that the time history of motion is regulated by non-dimensional property groups reflecting the timescale of excess pore pressure dissipation and the inertial properties of the liquefied zone, which are in turn governed by material (e.g. hydraulic conductivity, dilation coefficient, elastic moduli) and slope properties (e.g. thickness, inclination). The solution is used to build charts identifying the critical ranges of soil properties and triggering factors that differentiate between high-mobility and low-mobility flowslides. Most importantly, it is shown that the fate of flowslide motions is predicted by a critical ratio expressed in terms of excess pore pressure and flow velocity, here defined as the factor of mobility, FM, with values above 1 indicating a self-feeding runout.

Development of self-feeding behavior in children with typical development and those with arm movement impairments.

Self-feeding is a critical self-care skill that unites motor abilities (e.g., grasping and transporting utensils/food to the mouth) and cognitive abilities (e.g., using a spoon as a tool). This cross-sectional study assessed self-feeding behavior in a sample of 38 children with typical development (TD) and compared it between 18 of those children and 18 age- and sex-matched peers with arm movement impairments (MI). Children were assessed with a bowl of cereal and two spoons presented in four different orientations. Results suggested that children with MI were less successful than their TD peers in both motor aspects (e.g., grasp and transport of food and utensils) and cognitive aspects (correct grasp across spoon orientations) of self-feeding. Novel findings highlight: (a) interesting differences in visual attention between children with TD or MI; (b) the role of hand-preference in the correct grasping of the spoon(s) and effective self-feeding; (c) the positive relation between motor and cognitive aspects of self-feeding; and (d) that greater variability of self-feeding behavior relates to improved performance of cognitive aspects of the task. These results identify challenging components of self-feeding for children with MI that should be targeted by early interventions and assistive technologies aimed at increasing self-feeding independence.

Long-term monitoring of the individual self-feeding behavior of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Self-feeding device is extensively used in aquaculture farms, but for salmonids the individual feeding behavior has seldom been continuously observed. In this article, the individual self-feeding behavior of 10 rainbow trout was continuously monitored with a PIT tag record for 50 days with three replicates. The fish fell into three categories according to their feeding behavior, i.e. high triggering fish (trigger behavior more than 25% of the group, HT), low triggering fish (1%–25%, LT) and zero triggering fish (less than 1%). The results showed that in a group of 10 individual 1–2 HT fish accounted for most of the self-feeding behavior (78.19%–89.14%), which was far more than they could consume. The trigger frequency of the fish was significantly correlated with the initial body weight (P 0.05). Cosinor analysis showed that the two HT fish in the same group had similar acrophase. Though some of the HT fish could be active for 50 d, there were also HT fish decreased triggering behavior around 40 d and the high trigger status was then replaced by other fish, which was first discovered in salimonds. Interestingly, the growth of the group was not affected by the alternation triggering fish. These results provide evidence that in the self-feeding system the HT fish didn’t gain much advantage by their frequent self-feeding behavior, and high trigger status of the HT fish is not only an individual character but also driven by the demand of the group. In the self-feeding system, the critical individual should be closely monitored.

Synchronization to light and mealtime of the circadian rhythms of self-feeding behavior and locomotor activity of white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The role of light and feeding cycles in synchronizing self-feeding and locomotor activity rhythms was studied in white shrimps using a new self-feeding system activated by photocell trigger. In experiment 1, shrimps maintained under a 12:12h light/dark (LD) photoperiod were allowed to self-feed using feeders connected to a photoelectric cell, while locomotor activity was recorded with a second photocell. On day 30, animals were subjected to constant darkness (DD) for 12days to check the existence of endogenous circadian rhythms. In the experiment 2, shrimps were exposed to both a 12:12h LD photoperiod and a fixed meal schedule in the middle of the dark period (MD, 01:00h). On day 20, shrimps were exposed to DD conditions and the same fixed feeding. On day 30, they were maintained under DD and fasted for 7days. The results revealed that under LD, shrimps showed a clear nocturnal feeding pattern and locomotor activity (81.9% and 67.7% of total daily food-demands and locomotor activity, respectively, at nighttime). Both feeding and locomotor rhythms were endogenously driven and persisted under DD with an average period length (τ) close to 24h (circadian) (τ=24.18±0.13 and 23.87±0.14h for locomotor and feeding, respectively). Moreover, Shrimp showed a daily food intake under LD condition (1.1±0.2gday−1 in the night phase vs. 0.2±0.1gday−1 in the light phase). Our findings might be relevant for some important shrimp aquaculture aspects, such as developing suitable feeding management on shrimp farms.

Abnormal Eating Behaviors Are Common in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

To compare the eating behaviors and nutrition-related concerns in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) with those in typically developing children. A survey that assessed eating behaviors was completed between October 2013 and May 2014 by the caregivers of children screened for FASD at the University of Minnesota's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Program, and typically developing children recruited from that clinic or from the Research Participation Core of the Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin. Compared with controls (N = 81), children with FASD (N = 74) had delayed acquisition of self-feeding behavior (P < .001) and solid food introduction (P < .001). Impaired satiety was common and independent of medication use: 23.0% were never full/satisfied, 31.1% snacked constantly, and 27.0% concealed food (all P ≤ .002). They consumed the equivalent of an additional meal/snack daily (P < .01). Children with FASD were more likely to have a past diagnosis of underweight (P < .001). Mean body mass index was significantly reduced for males (P = .009) but not females (P = .775) with FASD, and only 2 children with FASD were currently underweight. Children with FASD were more physically active (P < .01). Abnormal eating patterns are common in children with FASD and may contribute to their delayed growth and nutritional inadequacies. Their poor satiety may reflect poor impulse control. Children with FASD may benefit from diet counseling. Conversely, some children with hyperphagia may warrant referral for FASD screening.

Self-feeding behavior changes induced by a first and a second generation of domestication or selection for growth in the European sea bass,Dicentrarchus labrax

Among the strategies that can be used to improve fish welfare in a rearing environment, domestication and/or selective breeding was proposed to minimize fish responsiveness to husbandry practices. To verify this hypothesis on a recently domesticated species, the sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax, two experiments were realized, each using two populations differing according to their level of domestication or selection. For the first experiment, we used one population produced from wild parents (Wild; initial body mass: 106 ± 3 g), and one population from parents selected for growth for one generation (Selected 1; initial body mass: 129 ± 4 g). For the second experiment, we used one population produced from parents domesticated for two generations (Domesticated; initial body mass: 72 ± 3g ), and one produced from parents selected for growth for two generations (Selected 2; initial body mass: 89 ± 4 g). The first experiment was carried out over 112 days with 240 fish (60 fish per tank, 120 fish per population), and the second one over 84 days with 200 fish (50 fish per tank, 100 fish per population). Two variables, self-feeding behavior and growth performance, were measured over the time of the experiments. After a control period, the fish were submitted twice, at three-week intervals, to an acute stress treatment consisting of draining the tank and leaving the fish out of water for one minute. Both self-feeding behavior and growth performance were altered by the acute stress treatment. During the first post-stress period, the Domesticated and Selected (1 and 2) groups showed more pronounced post-stress exposure responses than the Wild fish: they modified their feeding rhythm, their feed intake, and their growth rate. During the second post-stress period, feeding rhythm was still affected (being more diurnal with a well defined peak), but the feed intake and growth rate results showed that the Domesticated and Wild groups seemed less affected than the Selected (1 and 2) populations, which continued to express a high post-stress response. According to these results, it can be concluded that: (1) an application of two acute stress treatments, at three-week intervals, modified fish feeding behavior and growth performance; (2) the domestication process seemed to improve fish adaptation abilities to this kind of stress; and (3) the process of selection for growth led to a final, better growth, but did not seem to improve fish acute stress tolerance.

Evaluation of behavioral changes induced by a first step of domestication or selection for growth in the European sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax): A self-feeding approach under repeated acute stress

Among other strategies to improve fish welfare in rearing environment, domestication and/or selective breeding was proposed to minimize fish responsiveness to husbandry practices. To verify this hypothesis on a recently domesticated specie, the sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, L., an experiment was realized, using four populations differing according to their level of domestication or selection: one population produced from wild parents ( Wild), one population produced from parents domesticated for one generation ( Domesticated) and two produced from parents selected for growth for one generation ( Selected A and Selected B). The experiment was carried out over 91 days with 600 fish (50 fish per tank, 150 fish per population). After a control period, the fish were submitted from day 35 and during 56 days to a stress treatment including frequent and random application of 4 acute stressors (pursuing fish with a net during 1 min, switching off the light for 2 s during the day or, conversely, switching on the light for 2 s during the night, and overflying a bird predator silhouette above the tank during 30 s). The two variables that were measured, i.e.: fish self-feeding behavior and growth performance [at days (D) 14, 35, 63, and 91] were both altered, albeit differentially according to populations, by the stress treatment. During the first stress period (from D35 to D63), all groups modified their feeding rhythm and highly increased their feed intake while their growth rate decreased ( Domesticated and both Selected fish groups) or remained stable ( Wild). During the second stress period (from D64 to D91) fish continued to modify their feeding rhythm (being more and more diurnal) and increased again their feed intake; conversely to what happened during the first stress period, here, these modifications were associated with an improvement of the growth rate of all populations. During the whole experiment, both Selected groups and Domesticated fish were always characterized by a higher body mass, specific growth rate and body condition factor than Wild fish. In conclusion, and according to the results of this study, a first generation of domestication or selection improved fish growth performance but, at this early stage do not modify behavioral responses to repeated acute stress exposure.

Individual variability of self-feeding activity in group-reared barfin flounder

Individual variability of self-feeding activity in group-reared barfin flounder Verasper moseri was examined under natural photoperiod and water temperature. A self-feeder with a string trigger and a switch sensor, and a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera were placed in each of six tanks. Activation of the self-feeder resulted in delivery of three pellets (approximately 0.2 g in total), and each activation was recorded by an event logger. Self-feeding behavior of tagged fish (three or five fish per tank) was recorded continuously on video for 24 h once a week for 4–12 weeks. In all tanks, the fish learned self-feeding within 2 days, were mostly nocturnal feeders, and immediately consumed all the pellets provided by the feeder. All the fish gained body weight during the experimental period. In three tanks, significant differences were observed in the number of feeder activations per 24 h among individuals, i.e., one fish mainly triggered the switch. In contrast, in the other three tanks, no significant differences were observed in the number of feeder activations per 24 h among individuals. These results indicate that barfin flounder attain appropriate growth by using the self-feeding systems independently of whether or not individual differences in the number of self-feeding activities were observed.

Self-feeding behavior of yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata, in net cages: diel and seasonal patterns and influences of environmental factors

Abstract The self-feeding pattern of yellowtail, Seriola quinqueradiata , maintained in floating net cages was examined throughout a year, and the influence of seasonal changes of the photoperiod and water temperature on the feeding pattern was investigated. Two groups of 50 yellowtail (initial mean body weight about 50 and 80 g, respectively) were kept in two experimental net cages (2×3×4 m deep), with a self-feeding device installed on each. It was possible to maintain yellowtail in net cages using a self-feeder throughout almost a year. The number of daily food demands was greatly affected by the seasonal changes in water temperature. Yellowtail showed high self-feeding activity, above 18 °C; depressing water temperatures did not influence the activity when the water temperature was over 18 °C. However, the activity decreased when the water temperature fell below 18 °C. The feeding pattern in a 24-h period was greatly affected by the temporal changes in light intensity. Annual observations revealed that yellowtail showed generally crepuscular plus nocturnal feeding behavior and had two peaks of feeding activity a day. These peaks appeared at dawn and dusk; moreover, a clear association between the most active time of self-feeding and the period of the greatest change in light intensity was observed. The results suggest that a change in light intensity might stimulate the appetite of yellowtail or that there is a light level at which yellowtail prefer to eat.

Reduced stress and increased immune responses in Nile tilapia kept under self-feeding conditions

: Stress and immune responses were studied in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus under both conditions of self-feeding and scheduled feeding. Self-feeding fish had a significantly lower cortisol level in their blood plasma than that of scheduled feeding fish. Furthermore, skin color was found to be paler in the self-feeding fish compared with that of the scheduled feeding fish. Thus, the self-feeding fish had a less stressful physiological status than the other experimental fish. Immunological analyses revealed that the self-feeding fish significantly exceeded the scheduled feeding fish in the phagocytic activity of their macrophages, antibody production, and the number of blood-circulating lymphocytes. The higher immune responses of self-feeding fish seem to be attained through a less stressful environment. This self-feeding behavior could be exploited to create reduced stress for disease control in fish farming.

Use of a content methodology process to enhance feeding abilities threatened by ideational apraxia in people with Alzheimer's-type dementia.

Self-feeding behavior is often the first of a chain of self-maintenance skills to deteriorate in people with Alzheimer's-type dementia and is a major determinant of institutionalization. Moreover, nurses working in geriatric settings report the feeding of patients as a most difficult management problem. Of the various features of Alzheimer's-type dementia that can affect a person's ability to feed him- or herself, ideational apraxia can explain the loss of ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute the complex sequence of motor actions involving the use of tools or objects necessary for feeding. In this article, a systematic process is used to review the research literature to develop substantive content for nurses caring for people with feeding problems related to ideational apraxia. Ideational apraxia is a condition in which an individual is unable to plan movement related to an object because he or she has lost the perception of the object's purpose. The specific abilities necessary for feeding that are threatened by ideational apraxia are identified. A tool to assess these abilities is described, and nursing interventions aimed at enhancing or preserving existing abilities, preventing excess disability, or compensating for lost abilities are presented.

Impact of a Multisensory Occupational Therapy Program on Components of Self-Feeding Behavior in the Elderly

Impact of a Multisensory Occupational Therapy Program on Components of Self-Feeding Behavior in the Elderly

Impact of a Multisensory Occupational Therapy Program on Components of Self-Feeding Behavior in the Elderly

This study was conducted to measure independence in self-feeding of aged patients following occupational therapy which utilized methods based on sensory integrative concepts. Twelve nursing home residents constituted two treatment groups: one involved occupational therapy based on sensory integration concepts, the other used regularly scheduled activities. All participants showed limited independence in self-feeding and exhibited moderate to sever regressive behavior. Raw score results obtained from an investigator-constructed feeding scale, administered prior to and upon completion of treatment, indicated that the occupational therapy group made gains in feeding independence. Recorded qualitative data suggested that behavioral improvement was also more pronounced in this group. Conclusions cite importance of this study to occupational therapy.

The effects of cognitive and behavioral strategies in enhancing behavioral functioning among residents of a nursing home.

This study was designed to determine the effects of cognitive strategies in enhancing self-feeding behaviors among residents of a nursing home. A multiple baseline design was used with elderly residents of a nursing home. The dependent variables were the mental status of the participants and direct behavioral observations of self-feeding behavior. Following implementation of the cognitive program, participants demonstrated significantly increased mental status; however, no generalized effects were found in the area of self-feeding behaviors. Following implementation of the behavioral intervention, participants demonstrated significantly increased appropriate self-feeding behaviors. These increases were found to have generalized to the evening meal. During the maintenance phase, the nurses' aids were capable of significantly supporting these improvements in the participants' behavior.

Training a Retarded Client's Mother and Teacher through Sequenced Instructions to Establish Self-Feeding

A parent and teacher were trained in home and school settings to administer a self-feeding program to a profoundly retarded adult woman. During the treatment period, a written sequenced instructional program specifying trainer contingencies, verbal instructions, nonverbal cues, and physical prompts was introduced. In order to assess the experimental effects of the program, a multiple baseline design across trainers and settings was employed. During training an increase in both the parent and teacher's appropriate use of instruction and attention occurred, and a high stable rate of self-feeding responses developed across settings. After training, eight postcheck probes across different meals, settings, and trainers indicated maintenance of and suggested generalized changes in the woman's self-feeding behavior.