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Casarrubea M. Physiology, patterns and behavior. Physiol Behav 2024; 285:114655. [PMID: 39111642 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024]
Abstract
This article endeavors to provide a useful perspective for Researchers and Authors within the realm of Behavioral Sciences, particularly those engaged in the study of Behavioral Physiology, namely the discipline focusing on the intricate interplay between physiological processes and the related behavioral manifestations. Alongside the prevailing conservatism that has characterized the progression of behavioral sciences in recent decades, it advocates for an additional approach in the study of Behavioral Physiology that revolves around a more inclusive perspective: beyond the analysis of isolated behavioral events as discrete components, akin to scattered pieces of a larger puzzle, emphasis also is placed on elucidating their interconnectedness. It is within these interrelationships that the governing constraints of behavior, whether exhibited by humans or any other species, manifest as a cohesive and functional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo, 90134, Italy.
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Ham JR, Pellis SM, Pellis VC. Oppositions, joints, and targets: the attractors that are the glue of social interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1451283. [PMID: 39257567 PMCID: PMC11385742 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1451283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Social interactions are often analyzed by scoring segments of predefined behavior and then statistically assessing numerical and sequential patterns to identify the structure of the encounters. However, this approach can miss the dynamics of the animals' relationship over the course of the encounter, one that often involves invariant bonds, say a nose-to-nose orientation, with many different movements performed by both partners acting to counteract each other's attempts to break or maintain the relationship. Moreover, these invariant bonds can switch from one configuration to another during an interaction, leading from one stable configuration to another. It is this stepwise sequence of configurational stabilities that lead to functional outcomes, such as mating, aggression, or predation. By focusing on the sequence of invariant relational configurations, the deep structure of interactions can be discerned. This deep structure can then be used to differentiate between compensatory movements, no matter how seemingly stereotyped they may appear, from movement patterns which are restricted to a particular form when more than one option is available. A dynamic perspective requires suitable tools for analysis, and such tools are highlighted as needed in describing particular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R Ham
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Sergio M Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Vivien C Pellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Brown RE. Measuring the replicability of our own research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110111. [PMID: 38521128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Casarrubea M, Radic M, Morais TP, Mifsud E, Cuboni E, Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Crunelli V, Di Giovanni G. A quantitative and T-pattern analysis of anxiety-like behavior in male GAERS, NEC, and Wistar rats bred under the same conditions, against a commercially available Wistar control group in the hole board and elevated plus maze tests. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14443. [PMID: 37658671 PMCID: PMC10916429 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) are an inbred polygenic model of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), which, as their non-epileptic control (NEC) rats, are derived from Wistar rats. While the validity of GAERS in reproducing absence seizures is well established, its use as a model for CAE psychiatric comorbidities has been subject to conflicting findings. Differences in colonies, experimental procedures, and the use of diverse controls from different breeders may account for these disparities. Therefore, in this study, we compared GAERS, NEC, and Wistar bred in the same animal facility with commercially available Wistar (Cm Wistar) as a third control. METHODS We performed hole board (HB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests that were analyzed with standard quantitative and T-pattern analysis in male, age-matched Cm Wistar and GAERS, NEC, and Wistar, bred under the same conditions, to rule out the influence of different housing factors and provide extra information on the structure of anxiety-like behavior of GAERS rats. RESULTS Quantitative analysis showed that GAERS and NEC had similar low anxiety-like behavior when compared to Cm Wistar but not to Wistar rats, although a higher hole-focused exploration was revealed in NEC. T-pattern analysis showed that GAERS, NEC, and Wistar had a similar anxiety status, whereas GAERS and NEC exhibited major differences with Cm Wistar but not Wistar rats. EPM results indicated that GAERS and NEC also have similar low anxiety compared to Cm Wistar and/or Wistar rats. Nevertheless, the analysis of the T-pattern containing open-arm entry showed GAERS and Wistar to be less anxious than NEC and Cm Wistar rats. CONCLUSION To summarize, comorbid anxiety may not be present in male GAERS rats. This study also highlighted the importance of including a control Wistar group bred under the same conditions when evaluating their behavior, as using Wistar rats from commercial breeders can lead to misleading results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Manuela Radic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- Present address:
Department of PaediatricsChildren's Hospital ZagrebZagrebCroatia
| | - Tatiana P Morais
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
| | - Erika Mifsud
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
| | - Eleonora Cuboni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- Present address:
Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburgGermany
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience DivisionCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MaltaMsidaMalta
- School of Biosciences, Neuroscience DivisionCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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Casarrubea M, Di Giovanni G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. The hole-board apparatus in the study of anxiety. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114346. [PMID: 37690695 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders pose a significant challenge in contemporary society, and their impact in terms of social and economic burden is overwhelming. Behavioral research conducted on animal subjects is crucial for comprehending these disorders and, from a translational standpoint, for introducing innovative therapeutic approaches. In this context, the Hole-Board apparatus has emerged as a widely utilized test for studying anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Although a substantial body of literature underscores the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board in anxiety research, recent decades have witnessed a range of studies that have led to uncertainties and misinterpretations regarding the validity of this behavioral assay. The objective of this review is twofold: firstly, to underscore the utility and reliability of the Hole-Board assay, and concurrently, to examine the underlying factors contributing to potential misconceptions surrounding its utilization in the study of anxiety and anxiety-related behaviors. We will present results from both conventional quantitative analyses and multivariate approaches, while referencing a comprehensive collection of studies conducted using the Hole-Board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Corso Tukory n.129, Palermo 90134, Italy
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Magnusson MS, Jonsson GK, Portell M, Anguera MT, Casarrubea M, Schwab F. Editorial: Behavior and self-similarity between nano and human scales: from T-pattern and T-string analysis (TPA) with THEME to T-societies. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1248233. [PMID: 37533710 PMCID: PMC10393123 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1248233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Magnus S. Magnusson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Gudberg K. Jonsson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Frank Schwab
- Department of Media Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Van Dam EA, Noldus LPJJ, Van Gerven MAJ. Disentangling rodent behaviors to improve automated behavior recognition. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1198209. [PMID: 37496740 PMCID: PMC10366600 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1198209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Automated observation and analysis of behavior is important to facilitate progress in many fields of science. Recent developments in deep learning have enabled progress in object detection and tracking, but rodent behavior recognition struggles to exceed 75-80% accuracy for ethologically relevant behaviors. We investigate the main reasons why and distinguish three aspects of behavior dynamics that are difficult to automate. We isolate these aspects in an artificial dataset and reproduce effects with the state-of-the-art behavior recognition models. Having an endless amount of labeled training data with minimal input noise and representative dynamics will enable research to optimize behavior recognition architectures and get closer to human-like recognition performance for behaviors with challenging dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsbeth A. Van Dam
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Noldus Information Technology BV, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Lucas P. J. J. Noldus
- Noldus Information Technology BV, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Department of Biophysics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel A. J. Van Gerven
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Magnusson MS. Sudden bio-mathematical self-similarity and the uniqueness of human mass societies: from T-patterns and T-strings to T-societies. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1157315. [PMID: 37275694 PMCID: PMC10234415 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1157315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the explosive growth of human knowledge especially in the twenteeth century with even greater facilitation of access to knowledge, the world of even relatively recent great thinkers becomes daunting as seen from a modern viewpoint. Recently, humans ignored the existence of the complex intracellular world of cell organs, giant information molecules such as DNA, societies of specialized worker molecules (proteins), and generally the surprising nanoscale world visible to humanity since only a few decades ago. Moreover, computational power and video technology were inaccessible to all scientists from, for example, Aristotle to Freud, so new views and ideas seem to be expected about phenomena at all scales including nano and human. Some have arrived very recently. Thus urgently needed knowledge about the biology of animal and human behavior received the first Nobel Prize as late as 1973, in Physiology and Medicine, shared by Karl von Frisch, Konrad Lorenz, and Niko Tinbergen. Lorenz's Nobel lecture was entitled "Analogy as a Source of Knowledge" which did not mention self-analogy (self-similarity) as none of the species studied were part of others and knowledge of the nanoscale phenomena at the heart of this article had barely become available. The views and empirical findings presented in this article depend on such recent intracellular nanoscale insights and the development of a set of mathematical patterns, called T-system, of which only two are considered, the self-similar (i.e., parts having a structure similar to the whole) T-pattern and the derived T-string, a T-patterned material string (here, polymer or text). Specially developed algorithms implemented in the THEMETM software for T-pattern detection and analysis (TPA) allowed the detection of interaction T-patterns in humans, animals, and brain neuronal networks, showing self-similarity between animal interaction patterns and neuronal interaction patterns in their brains. TPA of DNA and text also showed unique self-similarity between modern human literate mass societies and the protein societies of their body cells, both with Giant Extra-Individual Purely Informational T-strings (GEIPIT; genomes or textomes) defining the behavioral potentials of their specialized citizens. This kind of society is here called T-society and only exists in humans and proteins, while the self-similarity between them only exists in human T-societies.
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Anguera MT, Jonsson GK, Escolano-Pérez E, Sánchez-Lopez CR, Losada JL, Portell M. T-pattern detection in the scientific literature of this century: A systematic review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1085980. [PMID: 36935977 PMCID: PMC10015708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1085980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Scientific literature contains mainly systematic reviews focused on substantial aspects, but there are also approaches that have combined both substantial and methodological aspects, which is our preferred option since it undeniably adds value. The aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a systematic review of the literatura on T-Pattern analysis (TPA), and (2) to explore the possible contribution of mixed methods research to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements on a synthesis level. Methods Based on PRISMA guidelines, searches were carried out in the Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The general search syntax was: "THEME" AND ("T-Patterns" OR "T Patterns") carried out in title, keywords and abstract. In addition, we included empirical articles on THEME and T-Patterns collected in other sources based on citations in several empirical works and consultations with different authors. This selection process resulted in 125 primary documents making up this systematic review. Results The results showed that the detection of structures in behavior patterns forms a nexus between studies carried out in very diverse fields and contexts. Most studies are observational, whilst the applicability and power of T-Pattern detection are extraordinary. It allows the researcher to go deeper in a robust analysis that responds to the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements which constitutes the leit motive of mixed methods; and also to discover the deep, hidden structure that underlies the respective databases, regardless of the methodology used in each study. The possibilities in assigning parameters notably increase the options for obtaining results and their interpretation. Discussion It is relevant the extraordinary strength and applicability of T-pattern detection. There is a high presence of T-pattern detection and analysis in studies using observational methodology. It is necessary commit to consolidating the methodological analysis of selected works, as taking individual and collective responsibility for improving methodological quality of TPA studies, taking advantage of the resources provided by the THEME program.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gudberg K. Jonsson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | - Carmen Rosa Sánchez-Lopez
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychobiology and Methodology, University of La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - José Luis Losada
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
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Belza H, Portell M, Herrán E, Anguera MT. New insights into the behavioral structure of Pikler educators: An application of T-pattern detection and analysis with THEME. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1081785. [PMID: 36923139 PMCID: PMC10010491 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1081785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The recent generalization of early childhood schooling has given rise to a need for the development of rigorous, specific training programs aimed at early education professionals (0-3 years of age). This work emanates from the unique nature of Pikler-Lóczy education as a reference for early childhood education centers, and its expertise in providing quality care in an everyday classroom situation. The aim of the study is to use T-pattern detection and analysis, within the framework of observational methodology, to identify relevant aspects of the choreography followed by Pikler educators during breakfast, and thus provide substantial material with a view to creating a training plan. Methods Two expert educators in Pikler-Lóczy education were directly and systematically observed in their own classrooms, following a nomothetic, follow-up and multidimensional design. The observation instrument underwent a molarization process so that the detected elements would be more significant and understandable for novice educators. Results Using THEME, the invariant aspects of the educators' behavior were analyzed. The significance level for the critical interval was the THEME default (α = 0.005). The results show: on the one hand, changes expected in T-patterns in accordance with the observation instrument molarity; and on the other hand, stability in terms of the comparison between the two educators. Discussion These results help us to identify the complex structure of the breakfast choreography, and how educators establish interaction with children. In addition to specific issues pertaining to Pikler-Lóczy education, the conclusions highlight the advantages of using T-pattern analysis within the framework of observational methodology, in order to dissect a mealtime routine in its natural context, and explain components of early childhood education intervention that satisfy basic childhood needs. This constitutes a starting point from which to generate instructive material for the training of professionals working in early education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizea Belza
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Elena Herrán
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - M Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Casarrubea M, Leca JB, Gunst N, Jonsson GK, Portell M, Di Giovanni G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. Structural analyses in the study of behavior: From rodents to non-human primates. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1033561. [PMID: 36467208 PMCID: PMC9716108 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1033561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The term "structure" indicates a set of components that, in relation to each other, shape an organic complex. Such a complex takes on essential connotations of functionally unitary entity resulting from the mutual relationships of its constituent elements. In a broader sense, we can use the word "structure" to define the set of relationships among the elements of an emergent system that is not determined by the mere algebraic sum of these elements, but by the interdependence relationships of these components from which the function of the entire structure itself derives. The behavior of an integrated living being can be described in structural terms via an ethogram, defined as an itemized list of behavioral units. Akin to an architectural structure, a behavioral structure arises from the reciprocal relationships that the individual units of behavior establish. Like an architectural structure, the function of the resulting behaving complex emerges from the relationships of the parts. Hence, studying behavior in its wholeness necessitates not only the identification of its constitutive units in their autarchic individuality, but also, and importantly, some understanding of their relationships. This paper aimed to critically review different methods to study behavior in structural terms. First, we emphasized the utilization of T-pattern analysis, i.e., one of the most effective and reliable tools to provide structural information on behavior. Second, we discussed the application of other methodological approaches that are based on the analysis of transition matrices, such as hierarchical clustering, stochastic analyses, and adjusted residuals. Unlike T-pattern analysis, these methods allow researchers to explore behavioral structure beyond its temporal characteristics and through other relational constraints. After an overview of how these methods are used in the study of animal behavior, from rodents to non-human primates, we discussed the specificities, advantages and challenges of each approach. This paper could represent a useful background for all scientists who intend to study behavior both quantitatively and structurally, that is in terms of the reciprocal relationships that the various units of a given behavioral repertoire normally weave together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jean-Baptiste Leca
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
- School of Natural and Engineering Sciences, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, India
| | - Noëlle Gunst
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Gudberg K. Jonsson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Santos F, Santos J, Espada M, Ferreira C, Sousa P, Pinheiro V. T- pattern analysis of offensive and defensive actions of youth football goalkeepers. Front Psychol 2022; 13:957858. [PMID: 36118424 PMCID: PMC9481354 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.957858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, football goalkeepers (GKs) play an important role in the team's organization, namely, considering the offensive and defensive processes. The purpose of our investigation focuses on the notational and T-pattern analysis of the offensive and defensive actions of elite young football GKs. The participating GKs (n = 3, mean age of 16.6 years) presented 8 years of experience in the specific position, were internationally selected for the national team of Portugal, and competed in the national U-17 championship of Portugal. Thirty football matches were observed. The observational sample consisted of defensive actions (n = 225) and offensive actions (n = 296). Two observational instruments were used to codify the actions: the observation system of defensive technical-tactical actions of GKs and the observation system of offensive technical-tactical actions of GKs. Both instruments underwent a validation process, and inter- and intra-observer reliability was tested. The codification of the actions was performed with the LINCE program, and later the data were exported to Microsoft Excel and THEME 5.0. The notational data were analyzed in SPSS, and T-pattern detection analysis was performed in THEME 5.0. The predominant actions of young observed GKs were fundamentally goal defense and participation in the team's offensive process construction through actions performed with the foot and hand. The analysis of T-patterns allowed to identify T-pattern actions in the defensive actions of goal defense and exit of the goal, as well as related to the defensive set pieces. In the offensive process, the analysis of T-patterns reinforced the participation of the GK in the team's first phase of construction and in the execution of goal kicks and actions that start as a result of the actions of the opponent. The GK's defensive actions are mostly focused on the objective of goal defense and offensive actions with the hands and feet are important for their participation in positional attack construction. Our study contributes to a better knowledge of the GK's actions in the competition and is relevant to be considered by the specific position coaches in the training process organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Santos
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, (CIEF – ESE/IPS, CDP2T, ESTSetúbal/IPS), Setúbal, Portugal
- Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV-Leiria), Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - João Santos
- Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Odivelas, Portugal
| | - Mário Espada
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, (CIEF – ESE/IPS, CDP2T, ESTSetúbal/IPS), Setúbal, Portugal
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV-Leiria), Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Cátia Ferreira
- Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, (CIEF – ESE/IPS, CDP2T, ESTSetúbal/IPS), Setúbal, Portugal
- Training Optimization and Sports Performance Research Group (GOERD), Sport Science Faculty of Cáceres, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Paulo Sousa
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV-Leiria), Rio Maior, Portugal
- Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Odivelas, Portugal
| | - Valter Pinheiro
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV-Leiria), Rio Maior, Portugal
- Higher Institute of Educational Sciences, Odivelas, Portugal
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13
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Alonso-Vega J, Andrés-López N, Froxán-Parga MX. Verbal interaction pattern analysis in clinical psychology. Front Psychol 2022; 13:949733. [PMID: 35959064 PMCID: PMC9360766 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.949733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent developments in pattern analysis research have made this methodology suitable for the study of the processes that are set in motion in psychological interventions. Outcome research, based on the comparison between clinical results from treatment and control groups, has leveraged our empirical knowledge about the efficacy of psychological interventions. However, these methods of research are not precise enough for the analysis of these processes. On the contrary, pattern analysis could be a powerful tool to study moment-to-moment interactions typical of psychological interventions. This is methodology is relevant because clinical psychology is experiencing a paradigm shift from a protocol for syndrome perspective to a principle-based and person-centered intervention. This evidence-based, theory-grounded, and process-oriented paradigm of clinical intervention needs new research methods to thrive (i.e., pattern analysis). The analysis of the therapeutic relationship built into the verbal interaction between the clinician and the client is one of the cornerstones of this new era of research. So, the purpose of this article is three-fold: (1) to discuss the role of the verbal interaction pattern analysis in the clinical context to the development of the principle-based clinical psychology, (2) to analyze the patterns of verbal interaction in a clinical case, and (3) to compare the results using two different methods. To reach these purposes, using the observational methodology, we have coded the verbal interaction of 16 clinical sessions with a person diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder. We have analyzed the data using sequential analysis (GSEQ) and pattern recognition algorithms (i.e., T-Pattern detection). We have been able to detect typical patterns during different phases of psychological intervention (i.e., evaluation, explanation, treatment, and consolidation). Finally, the conceptual, methodological, and empirical implications of this study will be discussed within the realms of pattern analysis research and principle-based clinical psychology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Alonso-Vega
- Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Jesús Alonso-Vega,
| | - Natalia Andrés-López
- Department of Biological and Health Psychology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Sáiz-Manzanares MC, Alonso-Martínez L, Marticorena-Sánchez R. A Systematic Review of the Use of T-Pattern and T-String Analysis (TPA) With Theme: An Analysis Using Mixed Methods and Data Mining Techniques. Front Psychol 2022; 13:943907. [PMID: 35936238 PMCID: PMC9354046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.943907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, research interest in human and non-human behavioral analysis has increased significantly. One key element in the resulting studies is the use of software that facilitates comparative analysis of behavioral patterns, such as using T-Pattern and T-String analysis -TPA- with THEME. Furthermore, all these studies use mixed methods research. Results from these studies have indicated a certain amount of similarity between the biological, temporal, and spatial patterns of human social interactions and the interactions between the contents of their constituent cells. TPA has become an important, widely-used technique in applied behavioral science research. The objectives of the current review were: (1) To identify the results of research over the last 4 years related to the concepts of T-Pattern, TPA, and THEME, since it is in this period in which more publications on these topics have been detected (2) To examine the key concepts and areas in the selected articles with respect to those concepts, applying data and text mining techniques. The results indicate that, over the last 4 years, 20% of the studies were laboratory focused with non-humans, 18% were in sports environments, 9% were in psychological therapy environments and 9% were in natural human contexts. There were also indications that TPA is beginning to be used in workplace environments, which is a very promising setting for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Consuelo Sáiz-Manzanares
- Area of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Department of Health Science, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
- *Correspondence: María Consuelo Sáiz-Manzanares
| | - Laura Alonso-Martínez
- Area of Didactics and School Organization, Department of Education Science, Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Raúl Marticorena-Sánchez
- Area of Computer Languages and Systems, Department of Computer Engineering, Escuela Politecnica Superior, Universidad de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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15
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De Deurwaerdère P, Casarrubea M, Cassar D, Radic M, Puginier E, Chagraoui A, Crescimanno G, Crunelli V, Di Giovanni G. Cannabinoid 1/2 Receptor Activation Induces Strain-Dependent Behavioral and Neurochemical Changes in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats From Strasbourg and Non-epileptic Control Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:886033. [PMID: 35677756 PMCID: PMC9169225 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.886033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) is characterized by absence seizures, which are episodes of lack of consciousness accompanied by electrographic spike-wave discharges. About 60% of children and adolescents with absence seizures are affected by major neuropsychological comorbidities, including anxiety. Endocannabinoids and monoamines are likely involved in the pathophysiology of these CAE psychiatric comorbidities. Here, we show that the synthetic cannabinoid receptor type 1/2 (CB1/2R) agonist WIN 55,212-2 (2 mg/kg) has a strain-dependent effect on anxiety-like and motor behavior when assess in the hole board test and cerebral monoaminergic levels in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) and their non-epileptic control (NEC) rat strain. Using quantitative and Temporal pattern (T-pattern) analyses, we found that WIN 55,212-2 did not affect the emotional status of GAERS, but it was anxiolytic in NEC. Conversely, WIN 55,212-2 had a sedative effect in GAERS but was ineffective in NEC. Moreover, vehicle-treated GAERS more motivated to explore by implementing more complex and articulated strategies. These behavioral changes correlate with the reduction of 5-HT in the hippocampus and substantia nigra (SN) and noradrenaline (NA) in the entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) in vehicle-treated GAERS compared to NEC rats, which could contribute to their low anxiety status and hypermotility, respectively. On the other hand, the increased level of NA in the EPN and 5-HT in the SN is consistent with an activation of the basal ganglia output-mediated motor suppression observed in WIN 55,212-2-treated GAERS rats. These data support the view of a strain-dependent alteration of the endocannabinoid system in absence epilepsy by adding evidence of a lower emotional responsiveness and a basal ganglia hypersensitivity to cannabinoids in GAERS compared to NEC rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Maurizio Casarrubea,
| | - Daniel Cassar
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Manuela Radic
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Emilie Puginier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 5287, Bordeaux Cedex, France
| | - Abdeslam Chagraoui
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, CHU Rouen, Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication Laboratory, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine of Normandy (IRIB), Rouen, France
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section “Giuseppe Pagano”, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Giuseppe Di Giovanni,
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16
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Gutiérrez-Santiago A, Gutiérrez-Santiago J, Prieto-Lage I. Sex and weight category differences in the temporal combat structure of judokas with visual impairment. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2022.2039089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Gutiérrez-Santiago
- Observational Research Group, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - J.A. Gutiérrez-Santiago
- Observational Research Group, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
| | - I. Prieto-Lage
- Observational Research Group, Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain
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17
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Designing Man's New Best Friend: Enhancing Human-Robot Dog Interaction through Dog-Like Framing and Appearance. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22031287. [PMID: 35162032 PMCID: PMC8839789 DOI: 10.3390/s22031287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
To understand how to improve interactions with dog-like robots, we evaluated the importance of “dog-like” framing and physical appearance on interaction, hypothesizing multiple interactive benefits of each. We assessed whether framing Aibo as a puppy (i.e., in need of development) versus simply a robot would result in more positive responses and interactions. We also predicted that adding fur to Aibo would make it appear more dog-like, likable, and interactive. Twenty-nine participants engaged with Aibo in a 2 × 2 (framing × appearance) design by issuing commands to the robot. Aibo and participant behaviors were monitored per second, and evaluated via an analysis of commands issued, an analysis of command blocks (i.e., chains of commands), and using a T-pattern analysis of participant behavior. Participants were more likely to issue the “Come Here” command than other types of commands. When framed as a puppy, participants used Aibo’s dog name more often, praised it more, and exhibited more unique, interactive, and complex behavior with Aibo. Participants exhibited the most smiling and laughing behaviors with Aibo framed as a puppy without fur. Across conditions, after interacting with Aibo, participants felt Aibo was more trustworthy, intelligent, warm, and connected than at their initial meeting. This study shows the benefits of introducing a socially robotic agent with a particular frame and importance on realism (i.e., introducing the robot dog as a puppy) for more interactive engagement.
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18
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Grieco F, Bernstein BJ, Biemans B, Bikovski L, Burnett CJ, Cushman JD, van Dam EA, Fry SA, Richmond-Hacham B, Homberg JR, Kas MJH, Kessels HW, Koopmans B, Krashes MJ, Krishnan V, Logan S, Loos M, McCann KE, Parduzi Q, Pick CG, Prevot TD, Riedel G, Robinson L, Sadighi M, Smit AB, Sonntag W, Roelofs RF, Tegelenbosch RAJ, Noldus LPJJ. Measuring Behavior in the Home Cage: Study Design, Applications, Challenges, and Perspectives. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:735387. [PMID: 34630052 PMCID: PMC8498589 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.735387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproducibility crisis (or replication crisis) in biomedical research is a particularly existential and under-addressed issue in the field of behavioral neuroscience, where, in spite of efforts to standardize testing and assay protocols, several known and unknown sources of confounding environmental factors add to variance. Human interference is a major contributor to variability both within and across laboratories, as well as novelty-induced anxiety. Attempts to reduce human interference and to measure more "natural" behaviors in subjects has led to the development of automated home-cage monitoring systems. These systems enable prolonged and longitudinal recordings, and provide large continuous measures of spontaneous behavior that can be analyzed across multiple time scales. In this review, a diverse team of neuroscientists and product developers share their experiences using such an automated monitoring system that combines Noldus PhenoTyper® home-cages and the video-based tracking software, EthoVision® XT, to extract digital biomarkers of motor, emotional, social and cognitive behavior. After presenting our working definition of a "home-cage", we compare home-cage testing with more conventional out-of-cage tests (e.g., the open field) and outline the various advantages of the former, including opportunities for within-subject analyses and assessments of circadian and ultradian activity. Next, we address technical issues pertaining to the acquisition of behavioral data, such as the fine-tuning of the tracking software and the potential for integration with biotelemetry and optogenetics. Finally, we provide guidance on which behavioral measures to emphasize, how to filter, segment, and analyze behavior, and how to use analysis scripts. We summarize how the PhenoTyper has applications to study neuropharmacology as well as animal models of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric illness. Looking forward, we examine current challenges and the impact of new developments. Examples include the automated recognition of specific behaviors, unambiguous tracking of individuals in a social context, the development of more animal-centered measures of behavior and ways of dealing with large datasets. Together, we advocate that by embracing standardized home-cage monitoring platforms like the PhenoTyper, we are poised to directly assess issues pertaining to reproducibility, and more importantly, measure features of rodent behavior under more ethologically relevant scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Briana J Bernstein
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Lior Bikovski
- Myers Neuro-Behavioral Core Facility, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- School of Behavioral Sciences, Netanya Academic College, Netanya, Israel
| | - C Joseph Burnett
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jesse D Cushman
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Sydney A Fry
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Bar Richmond-Hacham
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Helmut W Kessels
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Michael J Krashes
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Vaishnav Krishnan
- Laboratory of Epilepsy and Emotional Behavior, Baylor Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sreemathi Logan
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Maarten Loos
- Sylics (Synaptologics BV), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katharine E McCann
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Chaim G Pick
- Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Chair and Center for the Biology of Addictive Diseases, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Thomas D Prevot
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lianne Robinson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Sadighi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - August B Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - William Sonntag
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Geroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | | | | | - Lucas P J J Noldus
- Noldus Information Technology BV, Wageningen, Netherlands
- Department of Biophysics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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19
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LINCE PLUS software for systematic observational studies in sports and health. Behav Res Methods 2021; 54:1263-1271. [PMID: 34549384 PMCID: PMC9170632 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01642-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to offer a free software program, LINCE PLUS, suitable for systematic observational studies in sports and health, conducted in natural contexts such as training, education or psychology. Using one or several videos simultaneously, different parameters such as behaviors, decision-making or strategies can be analyzed. The software includes several functionalities for studies that researchers need to utilize throughout the observational study process. Collaborative work can be accomplished by using simultaneous videos and multiple observers. The results of all research conducted by LINCE PLUS are offered inside the application in real time, enabling common calculations or including specific analysis with R language without the need for any other external tool. Moreover, LINCE PLUS shows the results of each study with interactive charts or, if needed, it exports the data to specific data analysis software programs (e.g., SAS, Excel, Theme, GSEQ 5, Hoisan). We include examples of sports and health studies that have been conducted with LINCE PLUS to show the suitability of this software program.
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20
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Casarrubea M, Palacino M, Brancato A, Lavanco G, Cannizzaro C, Crescimanno G. Detection of a temporal structure in the rat behavioural response to an aversive stimulation in the emotional object recognition (EOR) task. Physiol Behav 2021; 238:113481. [PMID: 34089704 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the research was to investigate whether a temporal structure could be detected in the behavioural response to an aversive stimulation. A fear-related memory task was used in rats, placed in a modified version of the Novel Object Recognition task known as Emotional Object Recognition task, i.e. a behavioural assay that orbits around the declarative memory for an aversive experience. To this purpose, twelve male Wistar rats, divided in two groups (Control and Aversive memory), observed after 4 h (OR4h) and after 24 h (OR24h) from the delivery of an aversive stimulation, associated to a specific object, were used. Data were evaluated both in terms of conventional quantitative approaches and by means of T-pattern analysis, namely a multivariate technique able to unveil the temporal structure of behaviour and the relationships amongst the behavioural items in time. Results evidenced several changes between groups and over time as well. Mean occurrences and mean durations showed significant differences between OR4h and OR24h sessions and between Control and Aversive memory groups for behavioural items of Exploration, Object-related aversion and Immobility. T-pattern analysis revealed important changes of behavioural variability, complexity and repetitiveness, (i.e., the three main qualitative features of T-patterns) in the Aversive memory group. These outcomes highlight a simpler and linear behavioural profile, focused only on specific sequences of particularly repetitive events. Overall, the present study demonstrates a) the presence of a temporal organization of fear-related behavioural events and b) the influence of learning on the modifications observed over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; Interdepartmental Center for Science Technology (C.I.T.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Manfredi Palacino
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Anna Brancato
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | | | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Interdepartmental Center for Science Technology (C.I.T.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE) University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy; Interdepartmental Center for Science Technology (C.I.T.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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21
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Patterns of motivating teaching behaviour and student engagement: a microanalytic approach. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10212-021-00543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractPositive student engagement is a prerequisite for students’ educational success. In this study, a microanalytic approach was used to explore patterns in teachers’ use of specific motivating teaching behaviours from the perspective of self-determination theory in relation to indicators of students’ positive engagement. The lessons of 52 teachers were observed and event-based coded. Results showed that specifically asking motivating questions and providing positive feedback and support during exercises were associated with subsequent positive student engagement. Unexpectedly, some demotivating teaching behaviours were also found to relate to positive student engagement, although to a lesser extent. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
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22
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Izquierdo C, Anguera MT. The Analysis of Interpersonal Communication in Sport From Mixed Methods Strategy: The Integration of Qualitative-Quantitative Elements Using Systematic Observation. Front Psychol 2021; 12:637304. [PMID: 33868108 PMCID: PMC8044298 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.637304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective to which this manuscript is oriented to is focused on the analysis of interpersonal communication in sport. The multimodal essence of human nature adopts special characteristics in individual and team sports, given the roles that athletes adopt in different circumstances, depending on the contingencies that characterize each competition or each training session. The mixed methods framework allows us to advance in the ways of integration between qualitative and quantitative elements, taking advantage of the proven possibilities of systematic observation, which we can consider mixed method in itself, and which provides rigor and flexibility in the study of the communicative flow in sport. In any sport, the procedure followed by systematic observation may require direct observation, which is characterized by its high perceptiveness, or indirect observation, when it comes to verbal behavior or documentary material. In all cases, the procedure is structured in three macro-stages: QUAL-QUAN-QUAL. In this work we start from a conceptual positioning about interpersonal communication, to later show the sequential gear in sports about obtaining qualitative data, its transformation into other types of data that are still qualitative but have been structured, analyze them quantitatively, and return to a qualitative stage where the interpretation of the results is possible. This process of quantitizing constitutes the cornerstone that gives shape and structure to any research on interpersonal communication in sport that combines the fine nuances of qualitative data (a motor action, a gesture, an exclamation,…) with the power of robust quantitative data analysis suitable for the treatment of organized qualitative data, which will provide qualitative feed-back.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conrad Izquierdo
- Faculty of Psychology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Rani B, Santangelo A, Romano A, Koczwara JB, Friuli M, Provensi G, Blandina P, Casarrubea M, Gaetani S, Passani MB, Costa A. Brain histamine and oleoylethanolamide restore behavioral deficits induced by chronic social defeat stress in mice. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100317. [PMID: 33869681 PMCID: PMC8039856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological mechanisms underlying the complex interplay between life stressors and metabolic factors is receiving growing interest and is being analyzed as one of the many factors contributing to depressive illness. The brain histaminergic system modulates neuronal activity extensively and we demonstrated that its integrity is necessary for peripheral signals such as the bioactive lipid mediator oleoylethanolamide (OEA) to exert its central actions. Here, we investigated the role of brain histamine and its interaction with OEA in response to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), a preclinical protocol widely used to study physio-pathological mechanisms underlying symptoms observed in depression. Both histidine decarboxylase null (HDC-/-) and HDC+/+ mice were subjected to CSDS for 21 days and treated with either OEA or vehicle daily, starting 10 days after CSDS initiation, until sacrifice. Undisturbed mice served as controls. To test the hypothesis of a histamine-OEA interplay on behavioral responses affected by chronic stress, tests encompassing the social, ethological and memory domains were used. CSDS caused cognitive and social behavior impairments in both genotypes, however, only stressed HDC+/+ mice responded to the beneficial effects of OEA. To detect subtle behavioral features, an advanced multivariate approach known as T-pattern analysis was used. It revealed unexpected differences of the organization of behavioral sequences during mice social interaction between the two genotypes. These data confirm the centrality of the neurotransmitter histamine as a modulator of complex behavioral responses and directly implicate OEA as a protective agent against social stress consequences in a histamine dependent fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Rani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Firenze (I), Italy
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Firenze (I), Italy
| | - Adele Romano
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia 'V. Erspamer', Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Justyna Barbara Koczwara
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia 'V. Erspamer', Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Marzia Friuli
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia 'V. Erspamer', Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Gustavo Provensi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del bambino (Neurofarba) Università di Firenze Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze Italy
| | - Patrizio Blandina
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del bambino (Neurofarba) Università di Firenze Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Firenze Italy
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana "Giuseppe Pagano", Università degli Studi di Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, 90134, Palermo, Italy
| | - Silvana Gaetani
- Dipartimento di Fisiologia e Farmacologia 'V. Erspamer', Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Costa
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università di Firenze (I), Italy
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Casarrubea M, Davies C, Pierucci M, Colangeli R, Deidda G, Santangelo A, Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Di Giovanni G. The impact of chronic daily nicotine exposure and its overnight withdrawal on the structure of anxiety-related behaviors in rats: Role of the lateral habenula. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110131. [PMID: 33039434 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a serious health problem worldwide and a leading cause of mortality. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, affects a range of emotional responses, including anxiety-related behaviors. Although perceived by smokers to be anxiolytic, evidence suggests that smoking increases anxiety and that mood fluctuates with nicotine intake. Thus, nicotine addiction may depend on easing the psychobiological distress caused by its abuse. The lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated as a neural substrate for acute nicotine-induced anxiety, but its role in anxiety-like behaviors associated with chronic nicotine exposure has not been explored. Here, we assessed the effect of chronic nicotine exposure and its subsequent overnight withdrawal on anxiety-like behavior using both quantitative and multivariate T-pattern analysis in rats tested using the hole-board apparatus. Additionally, we explored the role of the LHb by comparing the behavioral effects of short-term nicotine withdrawal in chronically treated LHb-lesioned rats. Quantitative analysis revealed increased anxiety-like behavior in chronically treated overnight nicotine-deprived rats, as manifested in reduced general and focused exploratory behaviors, which was eased in animals that received nicotine. Quantitative analysis failed to reveal a role of the LHb in overnight nicotine deprivation-induced anxiety. Conversely, T-pattern analysis of behavioral outcomes revealed that chronic nicotine-treated rats still show anxiety-like behavior following nicotine challenge. Moreover, it demonstrated that the LHb lesion induced a stronger anxiolytic-like response to the acute challenge of nicotine in chronically nicotine-exposed animals, implicating the LHb in the anxiogenic effect of chronic nicotine exposure. These data further highlight the LHb as a promising target for smoking cessation therapies and support the importance of T-pattern analysis for behavioral analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Caitlin Davies
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Massimo Pierucci
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Roberto Colangeli
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gabriele Deidda
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | | | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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Kirsh D, Stevens CJ, Piepers DW. Time Course of Creativity in Dance. Front Psychol 2021; 11:518248. [PMID: 33384634 PMCID: PMC7770173 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.518248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Time-motion studies revolutionized the design and efficiency of repetitive work last century. Would time-idea studies revolutionize the rules of intellectual/creative work this century? Collaborating with seven professional dancers, we set out to discover if there were any significant temporal patterns to be found in a timeline coded to show when dancers come up with ideas and when they modify or reject them. On each of 3 days, the dancers were given a choreographic problem (or task) to help them generate a novel, high quality contemporary dance phrase. They were videoed as they worked on this task for sessions of 15, 30, and 45 min. At the end of each 15 min interval during each session, we had them perform the phrase they were creating. They recorded and then coded the video of themselves dancing during these sessions by using a coding language we developed with them to identify when ideas are introduced, modified, and rejected. We found that most ideas are created early and that though these early ideas are aggressively pruned early on, many still make it into the final product. The two competing accounts of creativity in design research make predictions for the temporal structure of creativity. Our results support neither account, rather showing a more blended version of the two. The iterative design view, arguably the dominant view, is that good ideas are the product of generating many ideas, choosing one fairly early, committing to it, and iteratively improving it. The “fail fast fail often” view is that good ideas are the product of rapidly generating and discarding ideas and holding back from early commitment to any one in particular. The result of holding back commitment, typically, is not that an idea is taken up later and then incrementally improved at the last minute, as much as that later designs are not completely novel, instead incorporating the best parts of the entire sequence of ideas. In our study, we found no evidence that one account or the other was more predictive for the domain of contemporary dance. The behavior of the dancers that we studied revealed elements of both, calling into question how predictive these theories are.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kirsh
- Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Catherine J Stevens
- MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel W Piepers
- MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development and School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Brill M, Schwab F. T-pattern analysis and spike train dissimilarity for the analysis of structure in blinking behavior. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113163. [PMID: 32891608 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous eye-blinks are a ubiquitous behavior. However, blink timing is not random, nor does it always follow physiological demands. Research rather suggests that blink timing, and thus the structure of blinking behavior, is influenced by cognitive processes, such as attention. Since attention is regarded a necessary precursor of media use phenomena, the present study investigates the relation between the structure of blinking behavior and the media use phenomenon of spatial presence. To this end, spontaneous eye-blinks have been observed in an experiment during the reception of a video story. The methods of T-pattern analysis, ISI distance, and IBI variability have been used to quantify stimulus-dependent blink structure, which has then been related to self-reports of spatial presence experiences. While the T-pattern analysis and ISI distance showed converging results for behavior structure, a hypothesized relation between more stimulus-dependent blink structure and stronger presence experiences was not found. On the contrary, blink data suggested a difference in attention allocation, whereas self-report data indicated no difference in presence experiences. This demonstrates that beyond self-report and the analysis of event frequencies, the analysis of behavior structure offers insights into behavior synchronization between participants, allowing for new inferences on internal processing of media stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brill
- University of Würzburg, Department of Media Psychology, Oswald-Külpe-Weg 82, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Schwab
- University of Würzburg, Department of Media Psychology, Oswald-Külpe-Weg 82, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Casarrubea M. Possible Contribution of T-pattern Detection and Analysis to the Study of the Behavioral Correlates of Afferent Inhibition. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E818. [PMID: 33158104 PMCID: PMC7694199 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A pivotal tenet in modern behavioral sciences is that the study of behavior, in its most intimate structure, necessarily deals with time and, for this reason, behavioral dynamics are not intuitively perceivable and/or detectable (Eibl-Eibesfeldt, 1970). In reality, the possibility to describe a given behavior in terms of its structural/temporal features makes available new and detailed information otherwise unavailable. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the possible application of T-pattern detection and analysis, i.e., a multivariate approach specifically developed to describe the temporal structure of behavior, to the study of an important and still scantly investigated issue, namely the detection of behavioral correlates of the neurophysiological phenomenon known as afferent inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, 90134 Palermo, Italy
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Gunst N, Casarrubea M, Vasey PL, Leca JB. Is female-male mounting functional? An analysis of the temporal patterns of sexual behaviors in Japanese macaques. Physiol Behav 2020; 223:112983. [PMID: 32502528 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In certain populations of Japanese macaques, adult females mount adult males in the context of heterosexual consortships (i.e., temporary but exclusive sexual associations between a male and a female). Previous research suggested that, in this primate species, female-male mounting (FMM) may be a behavioral adaptation. This functional hypothesis holds that FMM is a (special) courtship behaviour, or a (super) sexual solicitation, that serves the function of focusing the male's attention, preventing him from moving away, and expediting male-female mounting, in the context of high female competition for male mates. In this study, we aimed to test some of the proposed functional features of FMM in Japanese macaques by comparing the temporal structure of mating behavioral sequences, including various well-known sexual solicitations, exhibited during heterosexual consortships with and without FMM. To identify and compare recurring series of behavioral events within and across sequences, we used a temporal analysis known as "T-pattern detection and analysis". Our results (partly) supported the "FMM as a (super) sexual solicitation" hypotheses, and supported the "FMM as a sexual adaptation" hypothesis. The utilization of TPA allows for the detection of hidden features of primates' behaviors otherwise undetectable by using conventional quantitative approaches, such as the calculation of frequencies or durations of isolated behavioral components, disjointed from the comprehensive behavioral architecture. This study fits into the scheme of a broader investigation of the functionality of non-conceptive mounting patterns observed in Japanese macaques and a reconstruction of their evolutionary history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noëlle Gunst
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", School of Medicine of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Jean-Baptiste Leca
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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Magnusson MS. T-patterns, external memory and mass-societies in proteins and humans: In an eye-blink the naked ape became a string-controlled citizen. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113146. [PMID: 32827506 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This project started in the 1970's inspired by biological behavior research (Morris, 1967; Tinbergen, 1965) including that of N. Tinbergen, K. Lorenz and K. von Frisch, for which they shared a Nobel Prize in 1973 in Medicine or Physiology, the first for ethological research. Further inspiration came from research on social insects and children (Montagner, 1971, 2012), interactions in human adults (Duncan & Fiske, 1977), probabilistic real-time analysis of behavior (Skinner, 1969) and linguistic analysis (Chomsky, 1957). There was not yet talk of self-similarity or nano scale agents. Adequate computational pattern discovery required models, algorithms and software, which has led to the definition of the scale independent T-pattern and related pattern types making up the T-system and the creation of the only available dedicated special purpose T-pattern and T-system pattern detection algorithms and software, THEME™. Theme has already allowed the detection of T-patterns in many different research areas from human to neuronal interactions at time scales from days to 10-6 s and finally spatial T-patterns and T-strings in textual and molecular strings. Similarity of temporal and spatial patterning from human to neuronal interactions to giant purely informational physical strings, DNA and texts, seems to exist and biologically extremely recent self-similarity between each human mass-society and the protein mass-societies of the cells making up each of its typically >104 individuals. Giant T-patterned text strings, T-strings, as external memory have in a biological eye blink allowed the development of modern mass-societies with their science and technology allowing the discovery of this biologically sudden advent of unique self-similarity and thus a bio-mathematical continuum between nano and human scales, which may change views on modern human mass-societies and their modern lifestyle and issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus S Magnusson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Iceland.
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30
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Application of T-pattern analysis in the study of the organization of behavior. Physiol Behav 2020; 227:113138. [PMID: 32805221 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Inferring functional patterns of tool use behavior from the temporal structure of object play sequences in a non-human primate species. Physiol Behav 2020; 222:112938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Valero-Valenzuela A, Camerino O, Manzano-Sánchez D, Prat Q, Castañer M. Enhancing Learner Motivation and Classroom Social Climate: A Mixed Methods Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E5272. [PMID: 32707814 PMCID: PMC7432387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze how motivation and classroom social climate was enhanced in the teaching-learning context throughout a Pedagogical Model of Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) implementation using a mixed method approach. An educational program was applied during an academic year in a student sample of primary and secondary school. A total of 44 sessions with 54 participants, between 11 and 16 years old (M = 13.41 years, SD = 1.73) were video-recorded. A multilevel triangulation design of mixed method research was applied to merge: (a) the Observational System of Teaching Oriented Responsibility (OSTOR), which revealed how the students' behavior patterns shifted an alongside the interventions with (b) a set of five complementary questionnaires: Motivation toward Education Scale (EME), Responsibility Questionnaire (PSRQ), Basic Psychological Needs Questionnaire (PNSE), Questionnaire to assess social school climate (CECSCE) and Questionnaire of School Violence (CUVE). The mixed methods design confirmed that both the observational and the inferential analysis show an improvement of the TPSR implementation in the student's responsibility and satisfaction and the social climate of the classroom. The other variables, although they were also improved, did not do it significantly; all the motivation dimensions showed higher values, except for amotivation and violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), 25192 Lleida, Spain; (Q.P.); (M.C.)
- Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - David Manzano-Sánchez
- Faculty of Sciences of the Sport, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain; (A.V.-V.); (D.M.-S.)
| | - Queralt Prat
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), 25192 Lleida, Spain; (Q.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), 25192 Lleida, Spain; (Q.P.); (M.C.)
- Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), 25198 Lleida, Spain
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Lavega-Burgués P, Luchoro-Parrilla RA, Serna J, Salas-Santandreu C, Aires-Araujo P, Rodríguez-Arregi R, Muñoz-Arroyave V, Ensenyat A, Damian-Silva S, Machado L, Prat Q, Sáez de Ocáriz U, Rillo-Albert A, Martín-Martínez D, Pic M. Enhancing Multimodal Learning Through Traditional Sporting Games: Marro360°. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1384. [PMID: 32733318 PMCID: PMC7358212 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Different international organizations and initiatives highlight the contribution of the traditional sporting games (TSGs) to favor the diversity of knowledge, values, and attitudes necessary for today's society. TSG such as Marro trigger multimodal learning contexts (driving conducts, interpersonal and organic relationships), with great interest in the educational and sports initiation field. The purpose of two studies presented in this manuscript was to examine the 360° multimodal strategic intervention (decisional, relational, and organic) of two teams faced in a Marro game. For this study, a quasi-experimental design was used composed by a single test applied to two non-equivalent teams. Mixed methods were used with an observational methodology in Quadrant III: nomothetic, punctual, and multidimensional. Fourteen university students participated [mean (M) = 20.49, standard deviation (SD) = 2.18]. Three internal logic variables were studied: outcome, role, and subrole; and three variables referred to the dimensions of motor conduct: relationship, risk in the decision, and physical effort. A mixed ad hoc registration system was designed with acceptable margins of data quality. For Study 1, cross-tabulations and classification trees were applied, while for Study 2 strategic T-patterns were identified. The relevance of the scoreboard (p < 0.001; Effect Size = 0.386) and the realization of the role (p < 0.001; ES = 0.091) for the study of multimodal strategic chains in the Marro game were confirmed. The detection of regularities in specific interaction (Hunters against Hares) by Theme (p < 0.005) allowed for interpretation of the process of strategic conducts of both teams during the game. Knowing the strategic chains of playful coexistence among equals through a multimodal range of variables and approaches has revealed an unusual dynamic picture. The study provides scientific evidence for the physical education teacher on the dynamics of the game of Marro. The pedagogical application of these contributions must be made according to curricular interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Lavega-Burgués
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rafael A. Luchoro-Parrilla
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jorge Serna
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Cristòfol Salas-Santandreu
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Pablo Aires-Araujo
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Rosa Rodríguez-Arregi
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Verónica Muñoz-Arroyave
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Assumpta Ensenyat
- Complex System Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Sabrine Damian-Silva
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Leonardo Machado
- Complex System Research Group, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Queralt Prat
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Unai Sáez de Ocáriz
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aaron Rillo-Albert
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Martín-Martínez
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), INDEST, National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Miguel Pic
- Motor Action Research Group (GIAM), Institute of Sport, Tourism, and Service, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
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Santangelo A, Monteleone AM, Casarrubea M, Cassioli E, Castellini G, Crescimanno G, Aiello S, Ruzzi V, Cascino G, Marciello F, Ricca V. Recurring sequences of multimodal non-verbal and verbal communication during a human psycho-social stress test: A temporal pattern analysis. Physiol Behav 2020; 221:112907. [PMID: 32275912 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is a widely used protocol to study human psycho-social stress responses. Quantitative reports of non-verbal behaviors have been carried out by means of the Ethological Coding System for Interviews (ECSI). However, no data have described whether and how non-verbal and verbal behaviors take part in the composition of multimodal sequences of communication during the test. METHOD Five non-verbal ECSI categories and four verbal behaviors related with communication were included in the Ethogram. A focal sampling was employed to ensure a high temporal resolution of the behavioral annotation. T-Pattern Analysis was employed to detect statistically-grounded behavioral sequences. RESULTS As a first step, frequency, overall duration and mean time length were reported for each component of the Ethogram. Besides, T-Pattern Analysis revealed that communication during TSST is organized according to a complex temporal patterning. We found 51 different sequences (T-patterns): 8 T-patterns included exclusively non-verbal behaviors; 17 T-patterns included verbal behaviors and 26 T-patterns encompassed mixed non-verbal and verbal behaviors. T-patterns were discussed depending on their putative functional meaning since non-verbal behaviors almost did not overlap within patterns. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of an Ethogram including non-verbal and verbal components highlights the multimodal human communication in TSST. T-Pattern Analysis unveils the real-time interplay among these components. In this study results are discussed according to Jakobson's six constitutive factors of communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Santangelo
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | | | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioural Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valeria Ruzzi
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Giammarco Cascino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Section of Neurosciences, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Marciello
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Section of Neurosciences, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Gutiérrez-Santiago A, Gutiérrez J, Prieto-Lage I. Temporary judo combat structure of women with visual impairment. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2020.1774729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - J.A. Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Vigo , Vigo, Spain
| | - I. Prieto-Lage
- Faculty of Education and Sport, University of Vigo , Vigo, Spain
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36
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Camerino L, Camerino O, Prat Q, Jonsson GK, Castañer M. Has the use of body image in advertising changed in the first two decades of the new century? Physiol Behav 2020; 220:112869. [PMID: 32173341 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The human body is a powerful advertising tool that portrays changing messages according to social trends and expectations. Sport advertisements in particular offer many opportunities to study these changes. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in body image portrayal in printed sports magazine advertisements over the last two decades. We used a purpose-designed observation instrument (OSBI) to analyze 221 body images in sports magazine advertisements from 2008 to 2018. We then performed T-pattern analysis (TPA) to compare the 2 periods as TPA is a suitable technique for analyzing the motor activities. Our results showed that advertisements from both periods featured mostly young, muscular, athletic men wearing sports attire. Women appeared more frequently in 2018 and showed a more dynamic body attitude. Other changes detected for 2018 were a greater presence of sports idols, facial mood expressions, and technological devices. We consider that this research demonstrates a unique, new application of TPA since we did not focus on behaviors from a single time dimension, but on a continuous chain of body images portrayed in sports magazine advertisements. The OSBI observation instrument used to record details of body image sequences provided objective evidence to help answer our research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Camerino
- Faculty of Business and Communication, University of Vic., Spain
| | - Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
| | - Queralt Prat
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Gudberg K Jonsson
- Human Behaviour Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
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Castañer M, Aiello S, Prat Q, Andueza J, Crescimanno G, Camerino O. Impulsivity and physical activity: A T-Pattern detection of motor behavior profiles. Physiol Behav 2020; 219:112849. [PMID: 32088173 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.112849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The relation between impulsivity and physical activity has been scantly investigated. Actually, during physical activity, several goals are achieved on the basis of a certain dose of impulsiveness. This study detects motor and interactive behavior profiles from athletes with traits of impulsiveness, moderate impulsiveness and non-impulsiveness, performing open motor tasks concerning material, space and interaction behaviors. A specific test was administered to assess the impulsivity profiles of athletes; then the Observational System of Motor Skills, Space, Time and Interaction (OSMOSTI), was used to observe and detect movement sequences patterns throughout T-Pattern detection and analysis (TPA). Recent researches have shown that TPA is a suitable approach to study physical activity in different contexts related, for instance, to sport, dance or exergames. Results of TPA revealed that open motor situations enhance motor behavior profiles especially by comparing participants with different impulsiveness. T-Patterns of non-impulsiveness and moderate impulsiveness traits emphasized much more the executive functions of response inhibition, working memory and mental shifting. In this study we pointed out on how impulsiveness, as a candent trait, traditionally considered that leads to a precipitation, unplanned and risky actions could enhance adequate responses to goal achievements if we consider it far to be a disorder on sport and similar subjects. The tool OSMOSTI and TPA used to observe diverse degrees of impulsivity have evidenced objectively the aim of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Queralt Prat
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain.
| | - Juan Andueza
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano," University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Spain; Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRBLLEIDA), Lleida, Spain.
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Casarrubea M, Faulisi F, Raso G, Aiello S, Crescimanno G. Early alterations of the behavioural structure of mice affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and tested in open-field. Behav Brain Res 2020; 386:112609. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Maseroli E, Santangelo A, Lara-Fontes B, Quintana GR, Mac Cionnaith CE, Casarrubea M, Ricca V, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Pfaus JG. The non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) facilitates sexual behavior in ovariectomized female rats primed with estradiol. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 115:104606. [PMID: 32087523 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
It is still unclear whether Testosterone (T) increases sexual desire through a stimulation of the androgen receptor in relevant brain regions or through its conversion to estrogens. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms of T facilitation of female sexual desire by assessing the effect of a non-aromatizable androgen (Dihydrotestosterone, DHT) in a validated animal model. Ovariectomized (OVX) Long-Evans rats were treated with oil (O) + O, 10 mcg Estradiol Benzoate (EB) + O, 10 mcg EB + 500 mcg Progesterone (P), O + 500 mcg DHT or 10 mcg EB + 500 mcg DHT (n = 12 per group). EB was administered 48 h, while P and DHT 4 h, prior to 4 sexual behavioral testing sessions in bisected unilevel pacing chambers. Appetitive behaviors (the frequencies of hops/darts and solicitations) were considered as the main outcome measure. Sexual receptivity indexes [lordosis magnitude, expressed as lordosis rating (LR), and lordosis quotient (LQ)], rejection responses, as well as mounts, intromissions and ejaculations received from the male were also coded. The probability of transition among sexual behaviors was evaluated by Transition Matrices; T-Pattern analysis was performed to detect hidden repeated temporal behavioral sequences. Preliminary analyses found no statistically significant differences between the O + O and EB + O groups, therefore we excluded the EB + O group from further analyses. Rats treated with EB + DHT displayed significantly more appetitive behaviors compared to negative controls (O + O and O + DHT), whereas no difference was observed between EB + DHT rats and positive controls (EB + P); noteworthy, a higher number of appetitive behaviors was observed in the O + DHT group compared to the O + O group. Furthermore, rats treated with EB + DHT showed significantly higher receptivity measures (LR and LQ) and received more mounts, intromissions and ejaculations compared to negative controls (O + O and O + DHT), to levels equivalent to EB + P. No differences were detected in female-male mounts or rejection responses among the 4 groups. Under a qualitative perspective, full solicitation was found exclusively in T-patterns of the EB + DHT group, which was also the only one to display T-patterns of higher order encompassing appetitive behaviors-only events. In conclusion, the administration of DHT in EB-primed OVX Long-Evans rats enhances sexual behavior measures. Specifically, DHT seems to stimulate sequences of appetitive behaviors separated from copulative/reproductive measures. Our data support an independent role of androgens in the facilitation of female sexual desire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy; Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences. University of Florence, Italy; Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.). Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Corso Tukory 129, Palermo 90134, Italy
| | - Beatriz Lara-Fontes
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada; Centro De Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER 91193, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Renato Quintana
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Conall E Mac Cionnaith
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.). Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", Corso Tukory 129, Palermo 90134, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences. University of Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy; I.N.B.B., Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale Delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, Rome 00136, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Florence 50139, Italy; I.N.B.B., Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Viale Delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, Rome 00136, Italy.
| | - James G Pfaus
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC H4B 1R6 Canada; Centro De Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, VER 91193, Mexico
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Magnusson MS. T-Pattern Detection and Analysis (TPA) With THEME TM: A Mixed Methods Approach. Front Psychol 2020; 10:2663. [PMID: 31998165 PMCID: PMC6965347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This work, which was started in the early 1970s, was inspired by social interaction analysis based on direct observation and careful coding of behaviors according to a list of behavioral (mostly ethological) categories, especially the ethological work of N. Tinbergen, K. Lorenz, and K. von Frisch, for which they shared a Nobel Prize in 1973 in Medicine or Physiology but also H. Montagner’s ethological analyses of interactions in social insects and children. S. Duncan’s psychological and linguistic research on turn-taking in human interactions provided great inspiration, and so did Chomsky’s work on syntactic structure and Skinner’s probabilistic real-time functional analysis and their consequent debate. A hypothesis concerning numerous kinds of temporal and spatial natural and especially biological structures, the T-pattern is a hierarchical self-similar fractal-like structure that recurs with significant translational symmetry on a single discrete dimension, initially real time. It also points to profound self-similarity across many levels of biological spatio-temporal organization, as it seems characteristic of molecular structures such as genes and a multitude of recurrent motives on DNA and its 3D generalization corresponding to (3D) folded proteins. Developed initially to facilitate empirical analysis, the T-pattern and its detection algorithms were first presented in AI (Magnusson, 1981) and Applied Statistics (Magnusson, 1983) through THEME (3 k Fortran IV) software using an evolution algorithm. It is now over 300 k lines of code, runs under Windows, and, more recently, uses parallel processing for increased speed. This has allowed abundant detection of hidden structure in numerous kinds of biological phenomena at highly varied scales, from human behavior at timescales of days (Hirschenhauser et al., 2002; Hirschenhauser and Frigerio, 2005) to interactions of many individual neurons simultaneously registered at a temporal resolution of 10–6 s in neuronal networks in rat brains to ongoing work on T-patterns in DNA molecules at a spatial nano-scale. T-pattern detection and analysis (TPA) thus mix qualitative and quantitative analyses, as T-patterns themselves are artificial categories composed of recurring coding categories with special real-scale statistical relations between their instances. After their detection, T-patterns are thus analyzed much as are other behavioral categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus S Magnusson
- Human Behavior Laboratory, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Aiello S, Crescimanno G, Di Giovanni G, Casarrubea M. T-patterns in the study of movement and behavioral disorders. Physiol Behav 2019; 215:112790. [PMID: 31870941 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aim of the present review is to offer an outline of the application of T-pattern analysis (TPA) in the study of neurological disorders characterized by anomalies of movement and, more in general, of behavior. TPA is a multivariate technique to detect real time patterns of behavior on the basis of statistically significant constraints among the events in sequence. TPA is particularly suitable to analyse the structure of behavior. The application of TPA to study movement and behavioral disorders is able to offer, with a high level of detail, hidden characteristics of behavior otherwise impossible to detect. For its intrinsic features, TPA is completely different not only from quantitative evaluations of behavior such as assessments of frequencies, durations, percent distributions etc. of individual behavioral components, but also from the largest extent of multivariate approaches based, for instance, on the analysis of transition matrices. Various applications of TPA in the study of behavior in human patients and in animal models of neurological disorders are discussed. TPA is a suitable tool to study the movement and behavioral disorders. This review represents a useful background for researchers, therapists, physicians etc. who intend to use this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratotry of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Sáiz Manzanares MC, Queiruga Dios MÁ, García-Osorio CI, Montero García E, Rodríguez-Medina J. Observation of Metacognitive Skills in Natural Environments: A Longitudinal Study With Mixed Methods. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2398. [PMID: 31736820 PMCID: PMC6838136 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies pointing to evaluation methods in natural environments suggest that their use in the analysis of metacognitive skills provides more precise information than the use of off-line evaluation methods. In this research, mixed methods are used over one academic year for the evaluation of the metacognitive skills that students of Secondary Education apply to solve physics problems. The objectives of this study are to analyze the use of metacognitive skills in natural environments and to study behavioral patterns of student learning through a longitudinal study. A total of 509 recordings of think-aloud protocols are analyzed through the categorization of the responses (liquefying) and the protocol of Van der Stel and Veenman for the analysis of the quality of metacognitive skills. Fewer conceptual errors and less uncertainty over vocabulary were noted during the academic year. Nevertheless, a degree of ambiguity persisted in the understanding of physics concepts. The metacognitive skills of Orientation and Planning were used more than any others. The technique of graph analysis is also applied, to establish the patterns of behavior of each student throughout the academic year. Different patterns were found, the analysis of which helped to identify academically challenged and at-risk students. The use of mixed observation techniques and graph analysis facilitated information on the pace of learning of each student. Future studies will be directed at proposals for the automation of these evaluation techniques in natural learning environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - César Ignacio García-Osorio
- Research Group ADMIRABLE, Department of Civil Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Eduardo Montero García
- Research Group iENERGÍA, Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Higher Polytechnic School, University of Burgos, Burgos, Spain
| | - Jairo Rodríguez-Medina
- Research Group DATAHES, Department of Education, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Casarrubea M, Aiello S, Santangelo A, Di Giovanni G, Crescimanno G. Different Representation Procedures Originated from Multivariate Temporal Pattern Analysis of the Behavioral Response to Pain in Wistar Rats Tested in a Hot-Plate under Morphine. Brain Sci 2019; 9:E233. [PMID: 31547468 PMCID: PMC6770233 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9090233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal pattern analysis is an advanced multivariate technique able to investigate the structure of behavior by unveiling the existence of statistically significant constraints among the interval length separating events in sequence. If on the one hand, such an approach allows investigating the behavioral response to pain in its most intimate and inner features, on the other hand, due to the meaning of the studies on pain, it is of relevant importance that the results utilize intuitive and easily comprehensible ways of representation. The aim of this paper is to show various procedures useful to represent the results originating from the multivariate T-pattern analysis of the behavioral response to pain in Wistar rats tested in a hot-plate and IP injected morphine or saline as a control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Casarrubea
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Stefania Aiello
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Andrea Santangelo
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Di Giovanni
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida 2080, Malta.
| | - Giuseppe Crescimanno
- Laboratory of Behavioral Physiology, Department of Biomedicine Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, Human Physiology Section "Giuseppe Pagano", University of Palermo, Palermo 90133, Italy.
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Brill M, Schwab F. A Mixed-Methods Approach Using Self-Report, Observational Time Series Data, and Content Analysis for Process Analysis of a Media Reception Phenomenon. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1666. [PMID: 31396130 PMCID: PMC6667654 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the complexityof research objects, theoretical concepts, and stimuli in media research, researchers in psychology and communications presumably need sophisticated measures beyond self-report scales to answer research questions on media use processes. The present study evaluates stimulus-dependent structure in spontaneous eye-blink behavior as an objective, corroborative measure for the media use phenomenon of spatial presence. To this end, a mixed methods approach is used in an experimental setting to collect, combine, analyze, and interpret data from standardized participant self-report, observation of participant behavior, and content analysis of the media stimulus. T-pattern detection is used to analyze stimulus-dependent blinking behavior, and this structural data is then contrasted with self-report data. The combined results show that behavioral indicators yield the predicted results, while self-report data shows unpredicted results that are not predicted by the underlying theory. The use of a mixed methods approach offered insights that support further theory development and theory testing beyond a traditional, mono-method experimental approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brill
- Department of Media Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute Human-Computer-Media, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Schwab
- Department of Media Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute Human-Computer-Media, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Hunyadi L. Agreeing/Disagreeing in a Dialogue: Multimodal Patterns of Its Expression. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1373. [PMID: 31275201 PMCID: PMC6594051 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodality is a key property of communication. Even though the main channel of exchanging information is textual, the written text also relies on paralinguistic means to convey additional information using various kinds of punctuation. Speech, too, is always present in contributing to the understanding of the wider scope of the context, represented by some restricted means, including typography, typesetting, and style. Gestures are also part of the text in its broader sense: public stage performances necessarily accompany the text, too. The complex of text, speech and gestures can be understood as a set of unified multimodal patterns that progress in time. This paper offers a comprehensive insight in the temporal structure of dialogue interaction through the study of the multimodal expression of agreement/disagreement in the HuComTech Corpus, presenting patterns of behavior discovered using the research environment Theme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Hunyadi
- Department of General and Applied Linguistics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Camerino O, Valero-Valenzuela A, Prat Q, Manzano Sánchez D, Castañer M. Optimizing Education: A Mixed Methods Approach Oriented to Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR). Front Psychol 2019; 10:1439. [PMID: 31316424 PMCID: PMC6611337 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
This methodological article provides a Mixed Method approach to analyze how the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) Model is feasible to enhance student's autonomy. The objective is to detect how teachers' behavior-oriented patterns shift in response to continuing professional development to reinforce TPSR strategies. We compared the application of TPSR by three teachers who had previously attended a training course for this model, with that of an expert in the model. A total of 44 sessions of primary and secondary school semesters in various subjects, taught by all four teachers and comprising 120 students. A mixed-method approach followed in the study involved: (a) the Observational System of Teaching Oriented Responsibility (OSTOR), which revealed how the teachers' behavior patterns shifted over their interventions, and (b) the Tool for Assessing Responsibility-Based Education (TARE 2.0.), which focused on perceived behaviors by teachers and student behaviors. Data analysis was conducted for (a) the T-pattern detection technique, (b) polar coordinate analysis to obtain detailed sequences of instruction, and (c) descriptive and correlational analysis from the TARE. The mixed-method analysis of data confirms how the TPSR improved the teaching behaviors of the three teachers in training compared with the expert teacher.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
| | - Alfonso Valero-Valenzuela
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación en Salud, Actividad Física y Educación (SAFE), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Queralt Prat
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
| | - David Manzano Sánchez
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Grupo de Investigación en Salud, Actividad Física y Educación (SAFE), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain.,Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), Lleida, Spain
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Terrenghi I, Diana B, Zurloni V, Rivoltella PC, Elia M, Castañer M, Camerino O, Anguera MT. Episode of Situated Learning to Enhance Student Engagement and Promote Deep Learning: Preliminary Results in a High School Classroom. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31297074 PMCID: PMC6607896 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Teaching is now experiencing a new centrality due to the fast socio-cultural transformations, the vertical growth of digital media and, therefore, the new ways children and young people learn. New paradigms and teaching methodologies are emerging to meet the new educational needs; among them, the “Episodes of Situated Learning” approach (EAS in Italian) was chosen for this study. This approach broadly refers to the “Flipped Class” model, in which the lesson structure reverses the traditional teaching/learning cycle with a positive outcome on engagement and learning. The present study aims to explore whether the EAS teaching methodology, according to literature about the Flipped Class model, has a positive outcome on student engagement, focusing on its emotional, cognitive and behavioral components. In particular, we hypothesize that the EAS teaching methodology changes teachers’ behavior in classroom, increasing their movements and body expression during the lesson. Moreover, we expect higher levels of self-efficacy and positive emotions and lower levels of perceived anxiety in teachers, thus improving students’ level of engagement. The research was conducted in a secondary school, in Milan, and includes a classroom of sixteen students and three teachers. We chose a quasi-experimental nested design, a mixed-method approach that combines the qualitative and quantitative collection and analysis of data, in order to reach, as far as possible, a holistic, effective and exhaustive representation of the studied phenomenon. Pre-post measures, including video-recording, systematic observation and questionnaires, of both students and teachers were collected during the 8 months of experimentation. This research project could foster positive outcomes for participants as well as the broader society, in which school dropout is increasing. Many authors positively associate low levels of students’ engagement to high rates of school dropout; for this reason, working on improving teaching methodologies and students’ engagement measurement, could be an effective way to enhance learning and opposing school dropout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Terrenghi
- "Riccardo Massa" Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Diana
- "Riccardo Massa" Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentino Zurloni
- "Riccardo Massa" Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Elia
- "Riccardo Massa" Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Castañer
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
| | - Oleguer Camerino
- National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia (INEFC), University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
| | - M Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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48
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Escolano-Pérez E, Herrero-Nivela ML, Anguera MT. Preschool Metacognitive Skill Assessment in Order to Promote Educational Sensitive Response From Mixed-Methods Approach: Complementarity of Data Analysis. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1298. [PMID: 31263438 PMCID: PMC6585472 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A child's metacognitive skills contribute significantly to their learning and success. However, very few studies are focused on these skills at early education and most of them are carried out from inappropriate methodological perspectives for the characteristics of the youngest students. To overcome such limitations, it is essential to carry out observational studies that analyze children's metacognitive behaviors in the natural and habitual context of children's learning, as well as appropriate tasks for their level of development. The aim of this study was to analyze the sequential and associative structure of the metacognitive skills used by 5-year-old children throughout the resolution of a playful task (a puzzle). It was interesting to know if there were different hidden structures in the use of metacognitive skills in the children who solved the puzzle and those who did not. From the methodological approach, this work was located in the perspective of mixed methods which is characterized by the integration of qualitative and quantitative elements. This integration was carried out from the “connect” option. The integration involved developing quantitizing, as one of its possibilities. Recent scientific literature has considered systematic observation, in which the QUAL-QUAN-QUAL macro stages take place, as a mixed method itself. Consequently, systematic observation was applied, because it was suitable for our aim. A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. The playful activity of 44 preschool children solving the puzzle individually was coded. It allowed us to obtain data matrices that respond to the QUAL stage. Regarding the QUAN stage, once the quality of data was controlled, the records were further analyzed by differentiating two groups of participants (those who had solved the puzzle and those who did not) using three quantitative techniques of observational analysis (T-pattern detection, lag sequential analysis, polar coordinate analysis). Finally data was returned to a QUAL stage to interpret the results. The use of these three techniques allowed a detailed and in-depth analysis of the children's activity. Results reveal differences in the metacognitive abilities of the children that solved and didn't solve the puzzle. These results have important implications for educational practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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49
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Portell M, Sene-Mir AM, Anguera MT, Jonsson GK, Losada JL. Support System for the Assessment and Intervention During the Manual Material Handling Training at the Workplace: Contributions From the Systematic Observation. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1247. [PMID: 31231277 PMCID: PMC6560057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficacy of classical manual material handling (MMH) training interventions on back pain prevention at the workplace has been called into question. The way that observation (self-observation or hetero-observation) is used in other areas to create feedback addressed to modify motor activities can justify innovative components for these interventions. However, their implementation and evaluation cannot be done without tackling the methodological challenge of developing a reliable observational instrument to measure manual handling practice during the training process. The aims of this study were: (1) justify and develop an hetero-observation (H-O) instrument to assess changes in the worker behavioral patterns with a level of analysis convenient to derive a parallel version for the systematic self-observation (S-O) during training on MMH; (2) provide evidence on the inter-rater reliability of the H-O instrument; (3) provide evidence on the usability of the S-O instrument and its perceived usefulness; and (4) provide evidence on the benefits that can be derived with the use of the H-O instrument to create feedback based on T-pattern and polar coordinate analysis. A mixed method approach mainly grounded on systematic observation was used. A convenience sample composed by blue-collar workers participated in the study. Based on literature review and expert opinion, the H-O instrument proposed was composed by six dimensions (feet, knee joints, back, elbow joints, load position, and interaction between back tilt and displacement) plus a structural dimension which defined MMH phases. The inter-rater reliability of this instrument was almost perfect for all dimensions using a tolerance level of 2 s (the range of time-unit kappa was from 0.93 to 0.97 and the range of event-based kappa was from 0.82 to 0.9). The usability and usefulness of the S-O instrument was highly valued by workers. Regarding the way to use hetero-observations to create feedback, the paper shows the great potential of T-pattern and polar coordinate analysis. The observational instruments developed combined with these techniques make it possible to characterize the body positions adopted during manual handling performance, and this is crucial to create feedback on performance instead of only feedback on results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Portell
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Anna M. Sene-Mir
- Physical Activity and Sports Studies Centre, University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Vic, Spain
| | - M. Teresa Anguera
- Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - José L. Losada
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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50
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Prat Q, Andueza J, Echávarri B, Camerino O, Fernandes T, Castañer M. A Mixed Methods Design to Detect Adolescent and Young Adults' Impulsiveness on Decision-Making and Motor Performance. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1072. [PMID: 31178778 PMCID: PMC6543009 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Impulsiveness in adolescents and young adults is an important aspect of psychological research. However, there still is lack of research that relates impulsiveness and motor performance in those. Thus, we aim to detect the levels of impulsiveness related to motor skills, motor laterality, spatial orientation, and individual interaction on the decision-making of adolescents and young adults across three staggered workouts. The study had 71 participants (53 males and 18 females), ranging in age from 17 to 24 years old (Mage = 18.5 years; SD = 1.72) and classified as non-impulsiveness (n = 47), impulsiveness (n = 17), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (n = 7). A Mixed Methods research was conducted throughout four research tools (a) The Observational System of Motor Skills (OSMOS) was used to observe and detect the movement sequences patterns; (b) The Spanish version of Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) was administered to obtain the impulsiveness profiles; (c) The Precision and Agility Tapping over Hoops (PATHoops) was carried out to observe the decision-making and temporal-spatial over movement effectiveness; (d) Motor Laterality Inventory (MOTORLAT) was applied to obtain the laterality profiles related to motor skills performance. This Mixed Methods approach has obtained useful results for impulsiveness in motor situations as the results from the different tools converge to established three clear profiles of impulsiveness. Participants with ADHD showed lack of interpersonal interaction, non-resolute decision-making, and lesser richness of motor skills patterns than non-impulsiveness and impulsiveness subjects. Additionally, impulsiveness participants also showed rich motor patterns, dyadic interactions, good decision making in spatial orientation tasks, and more versatile laterality in the lower limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Queralt Prat
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Juan Andueza
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | | | | - Tiago Fernandes
- Faculty of Sport, Center for Research, Training, Innovation and Intervention in Sport, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Castañer
- INEFC (National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.,IRBLLEIDA (Lleida Institute for Biomedical Research Dr. Pifarré Foundation), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
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