Dissertations / Theses: 'Behavior assays'

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Freitas, Kelen. "Effects of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists in Assays of Pain-Stimulated and Pain-Depressed Behavior in Rats." VCU Scholars Compass, 2015. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/3999.

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Though a host of analgesics have been developed to alleviate pain, especially acute pain, significant side effects and a lack of long-term efficacy have encouraged research attempts to pursue novel targets that may be associated with fewer side effects or a more sustained efficacy. Among these new targets are members of the nicotinic family of acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The non-selective nAChR agonists nicotine and epibatidine have been shown to function as potent antinociceptive drugs in many acute and chronic preclinical pain models, while nicotine has produced analgesic effects in humans. However, these non-selective nAChRs agonists also produce various side effects, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications that limit clinical utility. To reduce these side effects, recent research has focused on evaluating the potential role of specific nAChR subtypes in the modulation of nociception. Traditionally, assays of pain-stimulated behaviors, or behaviors that increase in rate, frequency or intensity after presentation of a noxious stimulus, have been used to evaluate nAChR agonists and other classes of candidate analgesics pre-clinically. However, clinically relevant pain states are often associated with the depression of behavior; for example in humans, pain is often accompanied by impaired function in daily activities and depression of mood. To address these depressant manifestations of pain, novel preclinical assays have been developed to assess the expression and pharmacological modulation of pain-depressed behaviors, or behaviors that decrease in rate, frequency or intensity after presentation of a noxious stimulus. Additionally, the effects of nAChR agonists in preclinical assays of pain-depressed behavior are unknown. In assays of pain-stimulated behavior, agonism of α4β2* receptors appears to play a prominent role in antinociception produced by drugs that target nAChRs. Recent research suggests that α7 nAChR subtype might be an alternative target. Accordingly, the primary goal of this dissertation was to compare antinociceptive effects of the nAChR agonist nicotine and more selective nicotinic agonists in assays of pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behavior. Results from this body of work show that both nicotine and the more selective α4β2* agonist 5-I-A-85380 produced antinociception in both types of assays, whereas an α7 agonist did not. Taken together, these results suggest that α4β2* nAChR agonists may be especially effective to treat signs of pain-related behavioral depression; however nonselective behavioral effects of these compounds may contribute to apparent antinociception. Studies of nAChR agonist effects on pain-depressed behavior were conducted using an assay of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) as a baseline behavior that is depressed by noxious pain stimuli, and pain-related depression of ICSS can be selectively alleviated by clinically effective analgesics. As a prelude to studies of nAChR agonist effects on pain-related depression of ICSS, a preliminary study was conducted to assess effects of nicotine and 5-I-A-85380 on ICSS in the absence of a noxious stimulus. These studies indicated that selective α4β2* agonists may have higher abuse potential than nicotine. Additionally, cognitive function is one domain of behavior that may be impaired by pain, and nAChR agonists are used to treat cognitive impairment produced by other non-pain pathologies. Accordingly, a final goal of this project was to develop an assay of pain-related cognitive impairment in rats that could be used to evaluate effects of nAChR agonists. Although results of this study did provide evidence for pain-related impairment of cognition, the effects of the pain stimuli were sufficiently variable and transient to make this procedure impracticable for use in studies with nAChR agonists.

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Abdur, Rahman Abdur Rub. "CellMap: An Automated Multielectrode Array Cell Culture Analysis System Based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy." [Tampa, Fla] : University of South Florida, 2007. http://purl.fcla.edu/usf/dc/et/SFE0002185.

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Olofsson, Per. "Microwell-based Collagen Matrix Migration Assays for NK:target Cell Interactions : Three-dimensional Imaging and Analysis of Transient Migration Behavior of NK Cells in vitro." Thesis, KTH, Cellens fysik, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-43456.

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Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system responsible for lysing tumor and virally-infected cells. Investigating NK cell heterogeneity can inform the development of more efficacious immunotherapeutic treatments. Cell motility is an essential aspect of NK cell function. Moreover, the cell migration behavior within cell populations displays a marked heterogeneity. For some time it has been clear that cell-matrix interactions can radically alter the behavior of certain types of cells. (1) However, conventional studies of cell migration have relied on flat (2-D) surfaces, and thus do not take this potentially game-changing third dimension into account. Still, migration studies using ECM-mimicking biomaterials such as collagen and Matrigel may employ volume imaging, but often fail to quantify and analyze the vertical direction of migration. This project used silicon microchip-based technology, extracellular matrixlike type I collagen hydrogel, and fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy to study the migration behavior of single cells in 3-D. NK and targetcells were embedded in a collagen gel matrix deposited inside sub-mm scale microwells. The microwell provides natural barriers to cell migration, and so ensures that the cells remain confined within the imaging volume. The entire volume of the microwell was scanned for two hours by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy. A total of N = 14 NK cell migration trajectories were quantified using fluorescence centroid measurements. Results suggest that NK cells retain their cytotoxicity when embedded in the collagen matrix used for the 3-D migration assay. The average migration speed of the studied NK cells in three dimensions was found to be 3.7 ± 0.5μm/min (mean± SEM). Additionally, the NK cells exhibited a directional bias in migration, slightly preferring horizontal migration over vertical migration. In conclusion, this assay readily lends itself to short-term imaging of the migration behavior and cell-cell interactions of NK and target cells embedded in collagen gel in microwells. This microwell-gel system shows promising prospects for future applications at the interface of immunology and engineering.
NK-celler är lymfocyter tillhörande det ospecifika immunförsvaret vars uppgift är att uppsöka och avdöda tumör- och virusinfekterade celler. Genom att undersöka heterogeniteten inom NK-cellspopulationer öppnas en möjlighet att förbättra effektiviteten hos immunoterapeutiska behandlingar. Cellmotilitet är en viktig aspekt av NK-cellers funktion. Därutöver uppvisar cellmigrationsbeteendet inom cellpopulationer en märkbar heterogenitet. Det har under en tid stått klart att cell-matris-interaktioner kan ha en genomgripande effekt på beteendet hos vissa celltyper.(1) Emellertid grundar sig traditionella studier av cellmigration på användandet av tvådimensionella, plana ytor, och frånser på detta vis den potentiellt avgörande effekt som den tredje dimensionen kan ha på resultatet. Likväl kan studier som använder extracellulär matrix-liknande biomaterial, såsom kollagen och Matrigel, och som därutöver drar nytta av volymsavbildning för cellmigration ändå ofta bortse från att kvantifiera och analysera cellmigrationen i vertikalled. Detta projekt använde kiselbaserad mikrochipteknologi, extracellulär matrixliknande hydrogel typ I kollagen, samt fluorescensmikroskopi för att undersöka cellmigrationbeteendet hos enskilda NK-celler i 3-D. NK- och målceller bäddades in i en kollagenmatris vilken i sin tur gjöts in i en mindre än millimeterstor mikrobrunn. Mikrobrunnen utgör en naturlig barriär för cellmigration och kan således försäkra att cellerna stannar inuti avbildningsvolymen. Hela mikrobrunnens volym avbildades under två timmar med hjälp av tidsfördröjd fluorescensmikroskop. En tidsserie av mätningarna sammanställdes sedan. Totalt sammanställdes och kvantifierades N = 14 NK-cellers cellmigrationsbanor genom att uppskatta cellernas fluorescenta mittpunkter i den återskapade 3-D-volymen. Resultaten ger vid handen att NK-celler behåller sin cytotoxiska förmåga när de är inbäddade i 3-D-matrisen som används i mikrobrunnsuppsättningen. Den tredimensionella medelhastigheten för cellmigrationen hos de undersökta cellerna var 3.7±0.5 μm/min (medelvärde±standardfelet). Därutöver uppvisade NK-cellerna en bias i den genomsnittliga riktningen hos cellmigrationen, där horisontell cellmigration föredrogs framför vertikal cellmigration. Avslutningsvis kan sägas att denna experimentella uppsättning utan större problem kan användas för korttidsavbildning av cellmigrationsbeteende och cell-cell-interaktioner hos NK- och målceller inbäddade i en mikrobrunnsingjuten kollagenmatris. Detta mikrobrunn-gel-baserade system uppvisar lovande möjligheter för framtida tillämpningar i gränsytan mellan immunologi och ingenjörskonst.

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Nüßer, Leonie Verfasser], Henner [Akademischer Betreuer] [Hollert, and Andreas [Akademischer Betreuer] Schäffer. "Advancing evaluation and applicability of zebrafish embryo behavior assays through sophisticated mathematical methods and innovative technology for on-line monitoring and assessment / Leonie Nüßer ; Henner Hollert, Andreas Schäffer." Aachen : Universitätsbibliothek der RWTH Aachen, 2019. http://d-nb.info/1210862808/34.

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Nüßer, Leonie [Verfasser], Henner [Akademischer Betreuer] Hollert, and Andreas [Akademischer Betreuer] Schäffer. "Advancing evaluation and applicability of zebrafish embryo behavior assays through sophisticated mathematical methods and innovative technology for on-line monitoring and assessment / Leonie Nüßer ; Henner Hollert, Andreas Schäffer." Aachen : Universitätsbibliothek der RWTH Aachen, 2019. http://d-nb.info/1210862808/34.

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Hietanen, Kai-Henrik. "Akuta och kroniska effekter av fluoxetin på antipredatorbeteende hos Asellus aquaticus." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Biologi, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-138585.

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Fluoxetin är den aktiva substansen i många serotoninreglerande läkemedel som förs in i vattendrag. Substansen har visats påverka beteende av vattenlevande organismer som fiskar, mollusker och kräftdjur genom att öka deras djärvhet. I denna studie undersöktes fluoxetins akuta (på vildfångade individer) och kroniska (på labbuppfödda individer) effekter av koncentrationerna 0, 3 och 30 ng L-1 på Asellus aquaticus (sötvattengråsugga) antipredatorbeteende. Detta gjordes genom tre beteendetest: (1) tid att lämna refug, (2) spontan aktivitet samt (3) flyktbeteende under predationsrisk. Överlag hittades få eller inga effekter på A. aquaticus från fluoxetin. De effekter som dock påverkade individer signifikant visade att exponerade individer flydde en signifikant kortare (30 %) tidsperiod från en simulerad predatorattack. Utöver denna huvudeffekt av fluoxetin hittades även signifikanta skillnader i fluoxetins påverkan på de två grupperna, när individer blev utsatta för den högsta koncentrationen ökade vildfångade individer sin aktivitet (38 % fler stopp och 49 % mer rörelse) medan labbuppfödda individer sänkte sin aktivitet (43 % färre stopp och 37 % mindre rörelse). Individer som inte var exponerade visade signifikanta skillnader i alla beteendetest för de två grupperna. Det är troligt att beteendeskillnader är en följd av olika uppfödningsmiljöer, dock går det inte att utesluta att ändrade genfrekvenser uppkommit. Studien lyser sken på behovet av fler studier av långtidsexponering av läkemedelsrester, de är sällan akut giftiga men har däremot subletal påverkan i låga doser.
Fluoxetine is the active substance in many selective serotonin reuptake inhibitive pharmaceuticals that currently enters surface waters. The substance has been shown to affect behaviors of water living organism such as fish, molluscs and crustaceans by making them less cautious. This study investigated the acute (on wild caught individuals) and chronic (on lab reared individuals) effects of fluoxetine on the antipredator behavior of Asellus aquaticus for three concentrations; 0,3 and 30 ng L-1. Three tests were used to determine the effects: (1) time to leave a shelter, (2) spontaneous activity and (3) escape behavior under predation risk. Few statistically significant effects of fluoxetine on A. aquaticus were found. However, individuals exposed to fluoxetine had a significantly shorter (30 %) escape period. Besides this main effect of fluoxetine, significant interactions between the two groups and fluoxetine were also found. When exposed to the highest concentration wild caught individuals increased their spontaneous activity (38 % more stops and 49 % more movement), while lab reared individuals reduced their activity (43 % fewer stop and 37 % less movement). Furthermore, non-exposed individuals from the two groups behaved significantly different in all the tests. It is likely that the differences in behavior occurred due to environmental effects of laboratory rearing, although altered gene frequencies cannot be excluded. This study emphasizes the need for development of methods for more chronic testing of pharmaceuticals, especially considering that pharmaceuticals are seldom acutely toxic but often has sub lethal effects in low doses.

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Jung, Seongyu. "Implementation of internal wave apparatus for copepod behavioral assays." Thesis, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/1853/54377.

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Internal waves are ubiquitous features in coastal marine environments and have been observed to mediate vertical distributions of zooplankton in situ. Internal waves create fine-scale hydrodynamic cues that copepods and other zooplankton are known to sense, such as fluid density gradients and velocity gradients (quantified as shear deformation rate). The role of copepod behavior in response to cues associated with internal waves is largely unknown. The objective is to provide insight to the bio-physical interaction and the role of biological versus physical forcing in mediating organism distributions. We constructed a laboratory-scale internal wave apparatus to facilitate fine-scale observations of copepod behavior in flows that replicate in situ conditions of internal waves in a two-layer stratification. Three cases were chosen with density jump of 0.75, 1.0, and 1.5 sigma-t units. Analytical analysis of the two-layer system provided guidance to the target forcing frequency needed to generate a standing internal wave with a single dominate frequency of oscillation. Flow visualization and signal processing of the interface location were used to quantify the wave characteristics. The results show a close match to the target wave parameters. Marine copepod (mixed population of Acartia tonsa, Temora longicornis, and Eurytemora affinis) behavior assays were conducted for three different physical arrangements: (1) no density stratification, (2) stagnant two-layer density stratification, and (3) two-layer density stratification with internal wave motion. Digitized trajectories of copepod swimming behavior indicate that in the control (case 1) the animals showed no preferential motion in terms of direction. In the stagnant density jump treatment (case 2) copepods preferentially moved horizontally, parallel to the density interface. In the internal wave treatment (case 3) copepods demonstrated orbital trajectories near the density interface. Further analysis showed that the copepods swim closer to the interface in the presence of internal waves.

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Mantilla, Lagos Carla Eugenia, and De La Fuente María Ximena Sologuren. "Criteria to assess efficiency: Psychoanalysts, cognitive behavioral, rational emotive behavior, and psychoanalytical therapists speak up." Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, 2012. http://repositorio.pucp.edu.pe/index/handle/123456789/100126.

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The article explores the criteria used to assess the efficiency of individual psychotherapeutic treat-ments with adults. In doing so it used the perspective of 40 professionals that represent 4 types of clinical interventions: cognitive behavioral, psychoanalytic, rational emotive psychotherapies, and psychoanalysis. In addition, it seeks to identify the similarities and differences among these with regards to above-mentioned criteria. A semi-structured interview was built and applied, exploring considerations on the efficiency of the treatments. The qualitative analysis resulted in twelve analysis topics and its corresponding answer categories. These were analyzed through descriptive and correspondence statistics. These criteria are numerous and highly variegated. Differences among the 4 groups are related to the nature of each therapeutic focus and its underlying theoretical paradigm. Psychoanalysts and cognitive behavioral therapists are the groups that aremost differentiated between each other.
El artículo explora los criterios para evaluar la eficiencia de los tratamientos psicoterapéuticos individuales con adultos desde la perspectiva de cuaarenta profesionales representativos de cuatro tipos de intervención clínica: psicoterapias conductual-cognitiva, psicoanalítica y racional-emotiva, y psicoanálisis. Asimismo, busca conocer las similitudes y diferencias entre estos tipos de intervención con respecto a dichos criterios. Para ello, se construyó y aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada que explora las consideraciones acerca de la eficiencia del tratamiento. Del análisis cualitativo de datos, se obtuvieron doce temas de análisis con sus correspondientes categorías de respuesta, los cuales fueron sometidos a un análisis estadístico descriptivo y de correspondencia. Los criterios encontrados son numerosos y variados. Las diferencias halladas entre los cuatro grupos se relacionan con la naturaleza del trabajo terapéutico de cada uno y con el paradigma teórico que los define. Los psicoanalistas y los psicoterapeutas conductuales cognitivos constituyen los grupos que más se diferencian entre sí.

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Wolfe, Steven A. "Implementation of Spatial Learning Assays for Behavioral Assessment of Neuronal Pathology." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1278513916.

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Dozza, Marco, Piccinini Giulio Francesco Bianchi, and Julia Werneke. "Using naturalistic data to assess e-cyclist behavior." Elsevier, 2015. https://publish.fid-move.qucosa.de/id/qucosa%3A72822.

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In Europe, the use of electric bicycles is rapidly increasing. This trend raises important safety concerns: Is their use compatible with existing infrastructure and regulations? Do they present novel safety issues? How do they impact other traffic? This study sought to address these concerns, using instrumented electric bicycles to monitor e-cyclists’ behavior in a naturalistic fashion. Data was collected from 12 bicyclists, each of whom rode an instrumented bicycle for two weeks. In total, 1500 km worth of data were collected, including 88 critical events (crashes and near-crashes). Analysis of these critical events identified pedestrians, light vehicles and other bicycles as main threats to a safe ride. Other factors also contributed to crash causation, such as being in proximity to a crossing or encountering a vehicle parked in the bicycle lane. A comparison between electric and traditional bicycles was enabled by the availability of data from a previous study a year earlier, which collected naturalistic cycling data from traditional bicycles using the same instrumentation as in this study. Electric bicycles were found to be ridden faster, on average, than traditional bicycles, in addition to interacting differently with other road users. The results presented in this study also suggest that countermeasures to bicycle crashes should be different for electric and traditional bicycles. Finally, increasing electric bicycle conspicuity appears to be the easiest, most obvious way to increase their safety.

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Rosenberg, Marisa. "Antinociceptive Effects of Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitors in Assays of Pain-Stimulated and Pain-Depressed Behaviors." VCU Scholars Compass, 2012. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/2715.

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ANTINOCICEPTIVE EFFECTS OF MONOAMINE REUPTAKE INHIBITORS IN ASSAYS OF PAIN-STIMULATED AND PAIN-DEPRESSED BEHAVIOR By Marisa B. Rosenberg A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Advisor: Sidney Stevens Negus, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Pharmacology/Toxicology Noxious stimuli can produce pain-related stimulation of some behaviors (e.g. withdrawal responses) and depression of other behaviors (e.g. feeding, locomotion, responding maintained by many types of positive reinforcement). Monoamine reuptake inhibitors are used clinically to treat depression and to manage some types of pain. This study examined the antinociceptive properties of a variety of monoamine reuptake inhibitors selective for SERT, NET and DAT in complementary assays of acute pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviors. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute lactic acid (1.8% in a volume of 1ml/kg) was used as a noxious stimulus to stimulate a stretching response and to depress intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of the median forebrain bundle. All eight monoamine reuptake inhibitors produced an antinociception-like blockade of acid-stimulated stretching, but only compounds with prominent DA reuptake inhibition (SDRIs RTI-113 and bupropion and the TRI RTI-112) were able to block acid-depressed ICSS, although these effects were produced only at doses that also produced an abuse-related facilitation of control ICSS. Selective or mixed-action inhibitors of 5-HT and NE failed to block acid-induced depression of ICSS. In a separate group of rats, citalopram was also tested using a repeated dosing regimen (10 mg/kg x 3 doses) shown previously to produce antidepressant effects in a forced-swim test in rats. As with acute administration, repeated citalopram decreased acid-stimulated stretching but failed to block acid-induced depression of ICSS. Taken together, these results suggest that SSRIs, SNRIs and S+NRIs produce relatively non-selective depression of all behavior rather than a selective blockade of sensory sensitivity to noxious stimuli. Conversely, dopamine reuptake may be able to block sensory detection of noxious stimuli. Additionally, these results suggest that assays of pain-depressed behavior can provide new insights on analgesia-related effects of monoamine reuptake inhibitors.

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Allen, Lynn. "Comparing behavior assessment measures with behavior specific responses to assess aggression in first-time expectant fathers." Huntington, WV : [Marshall University Libraries], 2003. http://www.marshall.edu/etd/descript.asp?ref=148.

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McEwen, Marylyn Morris, Rogelio Andrès Elizondo-Pereo, Alice E. Pasvogel, Irene Meester, Javier Vargas-Villarreal, and Francisco González-Salazar. "A Modified Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System to Assess Diabetes Self-management Behaviors and Diabetes Care in Monterrey Mexico: A Cross-sectional Study." FRONTIERS MEDIA SA, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/625711.

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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of death from worldwide non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of diabetes in the Mexico (MX)-United States border states exceeds the national rate in both countries. The economic burden of diabetes, due to decreased productivity, disability, and medical costs, is staggering and increases significantly when T2DM-related complications occur. The purpose of this study was to use a modified behavioral risk factor surveillance system (BRFSS) to describe the T2DM self-management behaviors, diabetes care, and health perception of a convenience sample of adults with T2DM in Monterrey, MX. This cross-sectional study design, with convenience sampling, was conducted with a convenience sample (n = 351) of adults in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, MX who self-reported a diagnosis of T2DM. Potential participants were recruited from local supermarkets. Twenty-six diabetes and health-related items were selected from the BRFSS and administered in face-to-face interviews by trained data collectors. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics. The mean age was 47 years, and the mean length of time with T2DM was 12 years. The majority was taking oral medication and 34% required insulin. Daily self-monitoring of feet was performed by 56% of the participants; however, only 8.8% engaged in blood glucose self-monitoring. The mean number of health-care provider visits was 9.09 per year, and glycated hemoglobin level (HbA1c) was assessed 2.6 times per year. Finally, only 40.5% of the participants recalled having a dilated eye exam. We conclude the modified BRFSS survey administered in a face-to-face interview format is an appropriate tool for assessing engagement in T2DM self-management behaviors, diabetes care, and health perception. Extension of the use of this survey in a more rigorous design with a larger scale survey is encouraged.

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Massimino, Brett J. "Operational Factors Affecting the Confidentiality of Proprietary Digital Assets." The Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1405683732.

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Shortridge, F. Wesley. "Codependency in church systems| The development of an instrument to assess healthy church leadership." Thesis, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10100495.

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In spite of the prevalence of methods and literature devoted to church health, many churches remain plateaued or are declining. Some churches ignore reality and base their worth and identity on things less than biblical identity and Christian mission. Many declining churches demonstrate an environment similar to the codependency seen in addictive family systems. The published literature has expanded the understanding of the concept of codependency that was traditionally applied to family systems affected by alcohol and substance abuse by applying it to dysfunctional organizational structures. This project builds on this research. It investigated the hypothesis that dysfunctional churches exhibit dynamics similar to codependent family systems. The project adapted the Spann-Fischer Scale for Codependency, and in a pilot study of nine churches, two scales were developed: Church Health (a = .891) and Church Codependency (a = .745). A moderate negative correlation (r = -.431) between these scales supported this hypothesis. It appears that the concept of codependency possesses elements that could assist church leaders to better understand dysfunctional churches. The project suggests a new approach to church health in certain environments and provides a new lens through which those desiring to help the local church grow might view their work.

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Jones-McKyer, Ellisa L. Lisako. "Relationships among developmental assets, age and smoking behaviors among youth." [Bloomington, Ind.] : Indiana University, 2005. http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/3178419.

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Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, Dept. of Health Behaviour and the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, 2005.
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-06, Section: B, page: 3090. Chair: Mohammad R. Torabi. "Title from dissertation home page (viewed Dec. 4, 2006)."

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Dodds, Catherine Jane. "The action of naturally-occuring semiochemicals on feeding behaviour and neurophysiology of the field slug Deroceras reticulatum (Mueller)." Thesis, University of Portsmouth, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.310443.

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Veenstra, Arno. "Putting behavioral assays on fish to the test: Are sociality and scototaxis trials relevant in the wild?" Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för ekologi, miljö och geovetenskap, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-172154.

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Animal behavior has become a frequently used tool in modern ecology and ecotoxicology, where laboratory behavioral traits are recognized as sensitive endpoints for assessing natural behavior or non-lethal effects of pollutants on animals. Within these research fields, behavioral traits measured in laboratory environments have been used to formulate predictions of ecological consequences that accompany specific behavior. However, the predictive power of behavioral traits measured in simplified laboratory environments for complex natural aquatic ecosystems has been questioned. In this study, I have examined to what extent behavioral changes, noted in laboratory settings in response to chemical stressors (an anxiolytic drug) or visual cues of black and white bottom substrates, are also expressed in the wild. In my first experiment, I scrutinized whether reduced social behavior previously shown to occur in the lab for European perch (Perca fluvatilis) in response to oxazepam also occurs within a natural lake subjected to oxazepam. The in situ behavior was measured using high temporal resolution (3 sec) acoustic telemetry. In my second experiment, I assessed if the Atlantic salmon’s (Salmo salar) preference for black bottom substrates (scototaxis) in laboratory assays could be utilized for guiding migrating Atlantic salmon in situ. I show that: i) Oxazepam does not affect the social (association) behavior or the social network structure of perch in natural settings, in contrast to laboratory-based predictions; ii) Atlantic salmon show a preference for black bottom substrates both in laboratory- and natural environments. My study with oxazepam underlines that abiotic environmental factors and collective decision making in-situ, can override the anti-social behavioral effects of oxazepam on perch in a natural Lake. However, there seems to be potential in using laboratory behavioral assays to predict behavior in the wild, given that there is a tendency for migrating salmon to follow black bottom substrates both in laboratory environments and in streams.

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Tan, Peng Soon. "Using agent-based modeling to assess the impact of martial law on a representative Iraqi town." Thesis, Monterey, Calif. : Springfield, Va. : Naval Postgraduate School ; Available from National Technical Information Service, 2004. http://library.nps.navy.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/04Dec%5FTan.pdf.

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Russell, Avery L., and Daniel R. Papaj. "Artificial pollen dispensing flowers and feeders for bee behaviour experiments." Enviroquest Ltd, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/621206.

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The study of foraging behaviour in plant-pollinator mutualisms has benefitted from the use of artificial flowers to manipulate floral display traits and the delivery of floral rewards. The two most common floral rewards are pollen and nectar; some pollinators, such as bees, are obliged to collect both for survival and reproduction. While flexible designs for artificial flowers providing nectar rewards abound, useful designs for artificial flowers that dispense pollen are few. This disparity mirrors a heavy emphasis on nectar collection in the study of pollinator foraging behaviour. In this study we describe a novel, easily constructed and modifiable artificial flower that dispenses flexible amounts of pollen via an ‘anther’ composed of a chenille stem. Using controlled lab assays, we show that more pulverized honeybee pollen is collected by bumblebee (Bombus impatiens) workers at chenille stem feeders than at dish-type feeders. We suggest that the paucity of studies examining pollinator cognition in the context of pollen rewards might be partly remedied if researchers had access to inexpensive and easily adjustable pollen-offering surrogate flowers.

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DeVilbiss, Daniel Wesley. "Using TFA Systems (tm) to assess behavior patterns of alcoholics who achieve sobriety." Diss., This resource online, 1993. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-02022007-133638/.

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Lee, Kuei-I. "Using the theory of planned behavior to assess participation in congregate meal programs." Diss., Manhattan, Kan. : Kansas State University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/2097/1244.

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Taylor, David A. "The development of an instrument to assess perceptions of residence director job satisfaction." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1332519599.

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Park, Angela. "Evaluatng three methods to encourage mentally competent older adults to assess their driving behavior." Thesis, Boston University, 2012. https://hdl.handle.net/2144/12580.

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Thesis (M.A.)--Boston University PLEASE NOTE: Boston University Libraries did not receive an Authorization To Manage form for this thesis or dissertation. It is therefore not openly accessible, though it may be available by request. If you are the author or principal advisor of this work and would like to request open access for it, please contact us at open-help@bu.edu. Thank you.
Driving has become an indispensable part of our normal daily living for people of all ages. For the older adult population, the ability to drive plays a critical role to the maintenance of quality of life, independence, mental well-being, and physical health. However, the safety of older adult driving is of public concern because as people age, their neurocognitive and motor skills required for driving can become compromised. In the past, traffic safety efforts for older adults focused on forcing cessation. However, this sudden driving loss has detrimental effect on an older adult and is associated with increased risk of depression. This study evaluates the impact of a motivational interviewing (MI) on encouraging mentally competent older adults to assess their driving skills. While some older adults who are currently driving should give up their licenses, many could continue to drive safely by modifying their driving practices and planning for alternative transportation in order to avoid challenging driving situations. MI has been effectively used in the past for substance abuse as well as other health promotions but little is known about MI's effectiveness specific to this population. We evaluate if MI encourages older adult drivers to assess and modify their driving behaviors.

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Hume, Amanda Elise. "Further validation of a measure to assess school-wide positive behaviour support." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/36760.

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This study assessed aspects of construct validity of the School-wide Universal Behaviour Sustainability Index- School Teams (SUBSIST), a measure evaluating critical features of the school context related to sustainability of SWPBS systems. Two-hundred and seventeen schools were administered the measure. Construct validity of the measure was examined by determining whether SUBSIST scores were associated with features that are predictive of sustained SWPBS implementation, and whether the SUBSIST differentiated between different types of schools. First, analyses were performed to identify any differences in school features based on sustainability score. Results showed that higher sustainability scores were associated with increased frequency of school team meetings, presentation of SWPBS data to school staff, access to an external coach/consultant, and greater number of years sustaining SWPBS. Second, a two-step cluster analysis was performed to classify schools based on responses to the 39 SUBSIST items. A two cluster solution was obtained, with schools in one cluster (n = 139) obtaining significantly higher scores on SUBSIST items than schools in the other cluster (n = 78). The most critical item that contributed to cluster formation was use of data for decision making. These results are discussed with regard to previous and future research, limitations, and implications for sustaining SWPBS systems.

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Cajigas, Juan Pablo. "A multivariate GARCH model for the non-normal behaviour of financial assets." Thesis, City University London, 2007. http://openaccess.city.ac.uk/8542/.

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This thesis extends the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC) model proposed in Engle (2002) to the case of conditional returns supposed to follow an asymmetric multivariate Laplace (AML) distribution as presented in Kotz, Kozubowsky and Podgorski (2003). We prove that maximum likelihood estimator provides optimal estimates of the relevant parameters estimated. We show the applicability of our approach in a comprehensive set of risk management implementations where we compute Value-at-Risk and Expected-Shorfall measures for portfolios composed by a large number of assets.

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Werberich, Bruno Rocha. "Pedestrian simulation : a route choice model to assess urban environments." reponame:Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações da UFRGS, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10183/163417.

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The design of new facilities - buildings, shopping centers, public transport stations, airports, or intersections of urban roads - should consider delays resulting from intense pedestrians’ flows in order to make its' operation more efficient. The general objective of this doctoral thesis is to propose a simulation model to represent pedestrians’ behavior in urban environments. Simulation models should allow planning these environments in order to provide greater levels of comfort and safety for the pedestrian. Agent-based abstraction has been widely used for pedestrian modeling, mainly due to its capacity to represent complex entities. Agent-based models represent agents’ decision-making ability based on their profile and perception over the environment. One of the most important pedestrians’ activities is the route choice. This document describes the development of a route choice model based on friction forces. The route cost calculation considers a balance between distance and the impedance generated by other pedestrians. Simulations runs shown that pedestrians choosing longer routes can have similar or better travel times. The ability of choosing not only the shorter route brings more realistic behaviors for the pedestrians’ representation, especially with small differences in route lengths and higher congestion. On the proposed model agents were modeled with partial knowledge of the network conditions. The knowledge was limited considering the pedestrian estimated field of view. In the real world it is not possible to know the network state before turning the corner. The model was validated and calibrated with real data. Calibrating a pedestrian route choice model is a complex task mainly for two reasons: (i) Many factors interfere on pedestrians’ route choice; (ii) data collection is difficult. To overcome these difficulties real pedestrians were studied in a controlled environment. An experiment was set up inside the university campus. After the calibration process the model was able to simulate a real scenario. Proposed model was applied to simulate a shopping mall environment. Simulate the pedestrians shopping behavior is particularly complex once route choice in shopping malls may be defined by a number of causal factors. Shoppers may follow a pre-defined schedule; they may be influenced by other people walking, or may want to get a glimpse of a familiar shopping. Analysis from simulations indicates that the agents’ behavior provides a promising approach for real case applications.

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Justus, Emily J. "New Tools to Assess Carrot Weevil Behavioral Ecology: Still-air Bioassay and Degree-day Activity Model for Ohio." The Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1562155921546993.

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Dunphy, Marilyn Jane Myers. "An exploratory study to assess food behavior outcomes of a one- time nutrition intervention event." Thesis, Virginia Tech, 1989. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/44630.

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This research was conducted in an effort to substantiate the effect of nutrition counseling delivered at a local cholesterol screening clinic. It developed a method of measuring dietary habit changes conducive to a cholesterol- lowering diet. Hypercholesterolemic subjects were chosen for the study when their total blood cholesterol measured > 200 mg/dl from a Reflotron cholesterol screening device. At that time they were asked to fill out a dietary habit pre-test. Pre-tests from six subjects who did not receive nutrition counseling at the clinic were placed in the control group. Pre-tests from 15 subjects who received nutrition counseling at the clinic served as the test group.

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Baird, Bonnie Ann Baird. "Ambassador Animal Welfare: Using Behavioral and Physiological Indicators to Assess the Well-Being of Animals Used for Education Programs in Zoos." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1522956181121788.

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Snell, Carolyn. "A Daily Phone Diary Procedure to Assess Behavioral Engagement in the Treatment of Adolescent Anxiety and Depressive Disorders." Scholarly Repository, 2011. http://scholarlyrepository.miami.edu/oa_dissertations/700.

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Anxiety and depressive disorders are common conditions for adolescents and are associated with significant impairments in functioning. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment modality for these youth, and the behavioral components of CBT protocols, in particular, are thought to be one of the active mechanisms through which positive symptom changes are produced. However, few procedures are available to measure the behavioral changes taking place in adolescents’ daily lives as they make therapeutic progress. This study examined adolescents’ “behavioral engagement” throughout treatment, a construct defined as time spent in social, athletic and academic activities. Behavioral engagement was measured using the Daily Phone Diary (DPD), a validated measure of daily activities utilized in the child health literature, which employs the principles of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Twenty-four adolescents reported each activity they engaged in throughout the day, in chronological order, over the past 24 hours. Participants were diverse in their ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses and internalizing disorder diagnoses. Activities were reported during phone calls scheduled before, during, and after treatment using a transdiagnostic formulation of CBT and, for a randomized subset of the sample (N=8), both before and following a Waitlist comparison condition. Results indicated that “behavioral engagement” is a construct that is measurable and that daily phone diaries are an acceptable method of data collection for this population. Based on theoretical and empirical literature, three key categories of activities on the DPD comprised behavioral engagement: 1) Time spent socially engaged with others; 2) Time spent on any physical or athletic activity; and 3) Time doing homework. Results supported good inter-rater reliability and potentially reasonable test-retest reliability; data collection via the DPD was feasible and acceptable in this context. Tests of convergent validity with other measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms suggested that prior to treatment, more time spent in some activity categories was associated with more internalizing symptoms for those with anxiety disorders only, but fewer internalizing symptoms for those with depression as well as anxiety. Tests of convergent validity with other measures of weekly mood were promising. Future studies will explore alternate definitions of behavioral engagement, examine this construct in a larger sample that has completed a full course of CBT, and explore this construct’s potential role as a mediator of clinical improvement.

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Hall, Barry Charles. "Calculation of the average age of fixed assets and its behaviour under different conditions." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/52154.

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Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Researchers at the Graduate School of Business of the University of Stellenbosch raised their concerns about the accuracy of inflation adjustment estimates. This led to research by Hanekom (1992), Marais (1992), Ozrovech (1992), Laack (1994) and an article by Hamman and Smit (1994). Hanekom, Marais, Ozrovech and Loock investigated alternative methods of calculating the average age of fixed assets for South African companies. They came to the conclusion that approximations of inflation adjustments by means of simplified formulas are inaccurate and should be discontinued. Alternative methods are time-consuming, data dependent and contain various assumptions that may lead to inaccurate results. Based on the findings and recommendations of the above-mentioned authors to develop company-specific inflation adjustment models, this study project will attempt to investigate the behaviour of the average age of fixed assets as calculated by the formula: Average age (year n) = Accumulateddepreciation (n) Depreciation(for year n) Various conditions that influence this specific calculation will be simulated in spreadsheet models. The behaviour of the approximated average age will then be explained by means of the results obtained from the spreadsheet simulations, as well as a mathematical formula that will be deducted from the simulated spreadsheet models. The understanding of the behaviour of the estimation of the average age of fixed assets and the conditions that influence this estimation might help to establish possible patterns that would assist with the development of companyspecific inflation adjustment models.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Navorsers aan die Nagraadse Bestuurskool van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch het hulle twyfel uitgespreek oor die akkuraatheid van inflasieregstellingskattings, wat gelei het tot navorsing deur Hanekom (1992), Marais (1992), Ozrovech (1992) en Loock (1994) en 'n artikel deur Hamman en Smit (1994). Hanekom, Marais, Ozrovech en Loock het alternatiewe metodes ondersoek om die berekening van die gemiddelde ouderdom van vaste bates vir Suid Afrikaanse maatskappye te doen. Die slotsom was egter dat die berekening van die waardes met behulp van eenvoudige formules onakkuraat is en eerder gestaak moet word. Alternatiewe metodes is tydrowend, afhanklik van die beskikbaarheid van inligting, en vereis aannames wat tot moontlike onakkurate antwoorde kan lei. Na aanleiding van bogenoemde skrywers se gevolgtrekkings, en aanbevelings om maatskappy-spesifieke modelle te ontwikkel om inflasieaanpassings te doen, sal hierdie studie poog om die gedrag van die gemiddelde ouderdom van vaste bates soos dit bereken word deur die volgende formule, te ondersoek: Gemiddelde ouderdom (jaar n) = Opgehoopte waardevermindering (n) Waardevermindering (vir jaar n) Verskillende toestande wat die berekening beïnvloed sal deur middel van sigblad modelle gesimuleer word. Die gedrag van die geraamde gemiddelde ouderdom sal dan verduidelik word aan die hand van die sigblaaie sowel as 'n afgeleide wiskundige formule vir die berekening van die waarde. lndien die verskillende toestande en faktore wat die berekening van die gemiddelde ouderdom van vaste bates beïnvloed, verstaan en verduidelik kan word, kan moontlike patrone geïdentifiseer word wat sal help met die ontwikkeling van meer spesifieke modelle vir inflasie-aanpassings van maatskappye.

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Vimont, Michael P. "EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUTH ASSETS AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG RURAL YOUTHS: AN EMPIRICAL PROCESS FOR COMMUNITY BASED PLANNING." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1290018638.

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Knell, Gregory. "Reliability of an On-line System to Assess Physical Activity Behaviors in an Active Group of Kinesiology Undergraduate Students." Thesis, University of North Texas, 2013. https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc283847/.

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Engaging in muscle strengthening activities (MSA) as part of a physical activity program offers health benefits. Although the merits of physical activity are well documented, many adults fail to meet appropriate levels as recommended in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAGA). To get a more complete understanding on an individual's physical activity behaviors, the Tracking Resistance Exercise and Strength Training (TREST) internet based survey was developed. The purpose of the current study was to determine the test-retest reliability of TREST items. Additionally, the prevalence of participants meeting the 2008 PAGA was reported by gender. The survey was completed approximately two weeks apart by 224 (52% male) undergraduate kinesiology students. Analysis of the survey items presented TREST as a reliable instrument in assessing an individual's physical activity behavior with a focus on MSA. Among the convenience sample of 445 participants (56% male) that completed the survey in assessment #1, 73% met the 2008 PAGA minimum recommendations for MSA (>=2 days/week) and aerobic activity (>= 150 min MVPA). A more complete MSA and MVPA criteria was established (requiring MSA of all seven major muscle groups) and only 32% of participants met this guideline. In general, men engaged in aerobic exercise and MSA more than women. These results cannot be generalized due the age, activity level, and education of the study's participants. Future studies should investigate the validity of TREST items among a sample of varying fitness levels, races/ethnicities, ages, and educational levels.

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Emeny, Matthew. "The book-to-market effect and the behaviour of stock returns in the Australian equity market." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1998. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09ECM/09ecme533.pdf.

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"August 1998" Bibliography: leaves 74-78. The relationship between the returns to a stock, and ratio of book equity to market equity of the firm, are tested for the Australian stock market, and statistically significant evidence is found in support if the :book to market effect". Several tests are performed to determine whether this return premium is the result of additional risk or market inefficiency. No evidence is found to suggest that high book-to-market stocks are associated with additional risk, and only weak evidence is found to suggest that return premium is a result of investor over-reaction. An alternative explanation IS offered, relying on the dynamic behavior of firms and the process by which investors value the stocks of these firms.

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Peleg, Ehud. "Three essays on asset pricing, portfolio choice and behavioral finance." Diss., Restricted to subscribing institutions, 2008. http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1722324081&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=1564&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

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Sorensen, William. "Using Mixed Methodology to Assess High Risk Sexual Behavior and Adult Stage among Bolivian Truck Drivers." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2003. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/68.

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Bolivia has a high STI rate and an accelerating HIV/AIDS rate. The majority of the country's newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases come from the province of Santa Cruz in eastern Bolivia, where this study took place. In this study, the investigator assessed the notion that Bolivian truck drivers are a bridge population of HIV transmission within heterosexual networks. This investigation determined risks of HIV/STI transmission through interviews, surveys, and workshops given to the truck drivers. Special attention was given to self reports of sexual behavior, cognitions and ego maturation stages, in order to assess risk. Mixed methodology was the research paradigm of choice, utilizing qualitative and quantitative phases. Workshops were designed, implemented, and evaluated. Analysis was completed on survey results from 246 male truckers (aged 18 to 67). More than half (56%) of these truckers admitted to having sex with casual partners. In addition, from 30% (quantitative inquiry) to 52% (qualitative inquiry) of these truck drivers have had sexually transmitted infections. Three factors predicted condom use: Age, Outcome expectancies, and Perceived social norms. Only one factor predicted STI history: Number of sex partners. Adult stage theory did not directly impact sexual behavior. A high risk of HIV/STI transmission has been detected in Bolivian truck drivers. This notion supports other studies involving truck drivers, and calls attention to the need for tailored health education programs for this population. Furthermore, younger truck drivers are at greater risk of HIV transmission than older truck drivers, in spite of their increased condom use. Sexual health workshops for Bolivian truck drivers are worthwhile and can be most effective when co-managed with truck companies or unions. Counseling, testing, and follow up research programs can best be implemented through these already-existing management structures. Future programs need to emphasize other behaviors besides condom use. Workshops should also include truckers' spouses as participants. Lastly, since casual sex partners of truck drivers rarely fit the mold of a commercial sex worker, effort should be made to describe these casual partners and design subsequent workshops for them.

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Landin, Jenny. "Using physiology and behaviour to assess enrichment strategies for the welfare of rainbow trout." Thesis, University of Exeter, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10036/3710.

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There is an increasing scientific acceptance that fish may feel some sort of fear, pain and distress, which in turn feeds a growing concern for their welfare. Humans impact the wellbeing of a large number of fish in various ways, one of them being through research. Welfare legislation in the UK demand welfare considerations for all animals used in scientific procedures. Furthermore, welfare and enrichment needs for fish are included in the Appendix A of the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used for Experimental and Scientific Purposes. As fish are extensively used in research, changing their housing and husbandry to improve welfare is of importance, since fish kept in laboratories are most likely subjected to impoverished environments. Although enrichment programs have been shown to improve health and welfare in various animal species, little is known of their potential for application to juvenile rainbow trout. How best to improve barren experimental tanks for female juvenile rainbow trout used in regulatory research was the broad aim of this PhD. In this thesis, three enrichment strategies for rainbow trout have been examined, using physiological and behavioural welfare indicators. The first study assessed the effects of semitransparent shelters on trout welfare, and a clear message became evident; that shelters of this design should not be considered enrichment for rainbow trout as they had several significant negative impacts, indicating chronic stress in fish from shelter tanks relative to fish in a barren environment. The second study investigated impacts of reduced visual access to conspecifics in the same tank. Habitats with low visual contact between individuals have been suggested to reduce aggression for a range of species, and I have shown that visual barriers appeared to be beneficial to trout as well. The final experiment evaluated effects of high and low water currents on the wellbeing of rainbow trout, and results indicated increased fish welfare when water currents were supplied.

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Guerin, Rebecca J. "Using a Modified Theory of Planned Behavior to Measure and Assess Workplace Safety and Health Knowledge, Attitude, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Intention among Middle School Students and Middle and High School Teachers." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1511868804269995.

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Lee, Youn Mi. "Assess Intersectionality & Cultural Competence: Attitude toward Elderly Immigrants." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2020. https://dc.etsu.edu/secfr-conf/2020/schedule/39.

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Considering the geographical setting of the Southern region of the U.S., which is mostly divided into two races, Black and White, this study is to examine human science-related major undergraduates’ cultural competence and attitude toward the intersectionality group, elderly immigrants. The data, a total of 444 human science related major undergraduates in Mississippi, were collected. Through the principal factor analysis, attitudes toward elderly immigrants were divided into three factors: discrimination, avoidance, and tolerance, and cultural competence was into attitude, awareness, and sensitivity factors. The further related data analysis is to be completed by spring 2020. Through the study, it is expected to increase awareness of the need for culturally competent programs to educate the students on diversity and help to prepare undergraduate students to meet societal demands related to the intersectional minority population in the future.

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Li, Lei. "A behavioral assay for monitoring food self-administration and movement in real-time in fruit fly and its application in alcohol research." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för biologisk grundutbildning, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-446083.

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Coelho, Nuno Miranda. "Dynamic behavior of type IV collagen at cell-biomaterial interface." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/132248.

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The initial molecular events that take place at biomaterials interface mimic to a certain extent the natural interaction of cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this thesis we describe the fate of adsorbed type IV collagen (Col IV) - the main structural component of the basement membrane (BM) - as an important target in vascular tissue engineering. We studied the adsorption kinetic of Col IV on different model surfaces varying in wettability, chemistry and charge, and followed how it alters the molecular organization of the adsorbed protein layer. We strived to learn how it will affect the subsequent cellular interaction. AFM studies revealed specific substratum– dependent adsorption pattern of Col IV ranging from single molecular deposition to fine meshwork formation at high coating concentrations, which is characteristic for hydrophilic and NH2 functionalized substrates. Conversely, the formation of a complex networks consisting of molecular aggregates were found on hydrophobic and COOH modified surfaces. Complex structures were found also when a family of model substrates with tailored density of OH, CH3 and NH2 functions were used. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) and fibroblasts were employed to study the biological response on these substrata. We found that fibroblast not only interact with adsorbed Col IV but also tend to reorganize it in fibril like pattern, which is strongly dependent on the materials surface properties. Following the trend of adsorption NH2>CH3>COOH>OH the reorganization pattern of Col IV improve with lowering the amount of protein. However, the cells interact better with hydrophilic and NH2 surfaces, thus acting independently on the amount of adsorbed Col IV. This trend was confirmed by the quantitative measurements of cell adhesion and spreading, as well as, the expression of p-FAK, α1 and α2 integrins – all reflecting the proper functioning of cell adhesion machinery. This is the first study that addresses the relationship between microscopic observation for remodeling of surface associated Col IV and it´s dynamic behavior in nano scale. We found that cells remodel Col IV in two ways: by mechanical reorganization and via proteolytic degradation. We identify the role of FN in the reorganization process and the involvement of MMP2 and MMP9 in the pericellular degradation activity of both HUVEC and fibroblasts. The later was further quantified via FITC labeled Col IV release and zymography. We found that in hydrophobic environment the degradation activity can override the Col IV organization process, which corroborates with the altered cell morphology, abrogated cell adhesion machinery and altered capability of HUVEC to form capillary-like structures. Taken together these results support our view that the ability of cells to remodel surface associated proteins affects strongly the biological performance of a biomaterial. They also show that the appropriate chemical functionalization (NH2, OH), combined with Col IV pre-adsorption, comprises a prospective biomimetic modification that might provide insights for the improved endothelization of cardiovascular implants.

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Lukens, Colleen Taylor. "Development and validation of an inventory to assess eating and mealtime behavior problems in children with autism." Connect to resource, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1127133704.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2005.
Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 101 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 72-78). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

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Oleson, Mark D. "Using Maslow's Needs Model to Assess Individuals' Attitudes Toward Money." DigitalCommons@USU, 1999. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2645.

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Few things occupy as central a place in our lives as money. Although the study of money has a long history in the behavioral sciences, others have only recently begun examining this important topic. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between basic human need levels and money attitudes in a university-age cohort utilizing a theory of hierarchical needs. Needs theory, introduced by Abraham Maslow, suggests that as we interact with the environment we accumulate specific needs that motivate us to respond to life experiences. Three hundred thirty-eight college students attending Utah State University satellite campuses responded to a measure designed to examine an individual's attitudes toward money and achievement of needs (Maslow). Pilot study results validated the selection of modified versions of both Lim and Teo's Attitudes Toward Money Scale and Lester's Need Satisfaction Inventory as reliable instruments in assessing money attitudes and need achievement. Results confirmed relationships between money attitudes and human needs. Specifically, all of Maslow's needs appear to be strongly related to the money attitudes of evaluation and anxiety. In addition, men's and women's needs are highly correlated with obsession, budget, anxiety, and particularly evaluation. Associations of money attitudes with demographic variables such as gender, age, and income were also supported. For example, gender was statistically related to money attitudes of obsession, power, budget, and achievement. Age shared a strong relationship with obsession, budget, anxiety, and retention. Finally, power and evaluation were the money attitudes explaining the bulk of the variance in income. The findings of the study support the literature and point to the importance of understanding a client's money attitudes and level of need satisfaction. particularly from a counseling standpoint. Implications of the results and possible areas for future research are discussed.

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Knighton, Ryan. "The Use of Progressive-Ratio Schedules to Assess Negative Reinforcers." DigitalCommons@USU, 2012. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/1323.

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We used a combined multi-element, ABCBC reversal design to examine whether qualities of various negative reinforcers can be assessed under progressive-ratio schedules. Two adults with disabilities participated in this study. We assessed five sounds three times using progressive-ratio schedules to obtain mean break points for each stimulus and ranked negative reinforcers according to their mean break points. We called the stimulus with the highest mean break point the high-quality escape (HQE) stimulus and the stimulus with the lowest break point the low-quality escape (LQE) stimulus and examined responding according to different schedules of reinforcement for each stimulus: FR2, FR4, and FR8 for Jenny and FR1 and FR11 for April. We identified preferred and nonpreferred sounds for both participants.We observed differential responding for both participants between preferred and nonpreferred sounds. We observed differential responding between HQE and LQE stimuli for April but not for Jenny; a larger range in break points was observed for April. These results demonstrate a method to identify preferred and nonpreferred sounds and provide support for the possibility of using progressive-ratio schedules to rank negative reinforcers of various qualities.

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O'Donnell, Kerrie Patricia. "Uniting historic perspectives, human behaviour, and habitat use to assess the future for overfished seahorses." Thesis, University of British Columbia, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2429/39219.

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This dissertation casts new light on reconciling fisheries and conservation. This reconciliation is particularly challenging for small-scale fisheries, because they are data-poor, but it is necessary to sustain biodiversity and food security. My research focuses on a typical small-scale fishery in the Central Philippines that catches seahorses. I begin by providing an historic reconstruction of seahorse catch rates, the first of its kind despite a multi-decade, global trade for seahorses. I quantified fisher perceptions of the decline in trade to set historic baselines. Results showed that relying solely on recent decades of data could underestimate IUCN Red List extinction risk for historically exploited fish such as my study species, Hippocampus comes. My research contributed robust approaches to incorporating fisher knowledge into quantitative assessments. I developed a novel approach to correct for inaccuracies in fishers’ memories of past events and showed, for the first time, that conservation assessments are sensitive to assumptions made when analyzing local knowledge. Comparisons I made between catch rate trends estimated by resource users and those obtained using standard approaches (catch landings or underwater surveys) suggest that fisher interviews or logbooks are a reasonable proxy for more costly ‘scientific’ methods. In contrast, interviews do not allow inferences about the absolute value of catch rates at scales relevant to management/conservation. My findings raise questions about the assumed sustainability of small-scale fisheries and identified new strategies to protect them. I conducted a novel analysis of spatial fishing behaviour that illustrates the capacity of small-scale fisheries to exert considerable cumulative pressure on marine systems, despite their seemingly benign gears. Finally, I conducted the first study on how depth refugia might help sustain coral-reef fish populations by combining fisheries modeling with IUCN Red List conservation assessments. Results emphasize the importance of locating some protected areas at depths inaccessible to small-scale fishers. Such tactics will contribute towards safeguarding biodiversity and food security in coral reef ecosystems. In summary, my thesis takes valuable steps towards finding solutions for marine biodiversity and fisheries crises; it uses pragmatic approaches to deduce key information that is highly relevant to the futures of coral-reef fish and small-scale fisheries.

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Dehghani, Sanij Abbas A. "An appraisal of the autolevelling systems and of the methods needed to assess their behaviour." Thesis, University of Leeds, 1989. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.352984.

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Dunning, Kelsey. "Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Auditory Behaviors in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders." The Ohio State University, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1395852605.

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Mun, Kyu-Shik. "Monitoring Cell Behaviors on Variety of Micropatterns Created with Biodegradable Polymer." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1457426363.

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Bell, Ryan D. "The Role of Pheromones in the Sexual Communication of the Wolf Spider, Schizocosa ocreata (Araneae, Lycosidae)." The Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1437587419.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Behavior assays'

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