AVATAR: AI Vision Analysis for Three-dimensional Action in Real-time

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an emerging tool for high-resolution behavioural analysis and conduction of human-free behavioural experiments. Here, we applied an AI-based system, AVATAR, which automatically virtualises 3D motions from the detection of 9 body parts. This allows quantification, classification and detection of specific action sequences in real-time and facilitates closed-loop manipulation, triggered by the onset of specific behaviours, in freely moving mice.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy: Analysis of Artificial Intelligence integrated Robotic Approach

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disorder that may manifest in a myriad of ways such as difficulties in social interaction and a tendency to engage in repetitive patterns of behaviour. Over the years, several kinds of treatment protocols have been proposed and implemented. One such area that is attracting the attention of researchers in the field is a robot-based approach in the treatment of children diagnosed with the disorder. Here we propose a viable method via the integration of apex technological methods like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Medical Robotics, coupling it with problem specific algorithms in OpenCV along with principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis to help possibly alleviate a key symptom displayed by children in terms of level of social interaction - that of eye-contact. This would be achieved via an AI-integrated Robotic Framework. The project also considers the possibility of inclusion of the growing research field of Quantum Computing to realize the process and investigates its viability as a potential source of innovation in the future.

Solar Radiation Limits the Use of Paddocks by Laying Hens Raised in the Free-range System

Laying hens on the Free-range systems are susceptible to challenging situations in relation to the rearing environment. Therefore, this work evaluated how solar radiation influences the behaviour of laying hens raised in a Free-range system, in the Brazilian Savanna. The activities included data collection of meteorological variables and behavioural analysis of three-hundred commercial laying hens in relation to the frequency of use of indoor and outdoor areas of rearing housing. The solar radiation is the main factor that directly affects the heat gain of production animals, in this experiment had a high amplitude during all day, going from 33.42 W m-2, to 756.98 W m-2. It was observed that the highest frequency of 79% and 91% use of the barn areas by the hens was at 8am and 4pm, respectively. The internal area of the housing was more used by hens 87% and 68% at 12h and 14h, respectively. Hens were not observed in the paddocks at noon and 2 pm. Hens spend more than 6 hours of the day inside the housing to provide shelter from solar radiation. Which the conclusion the solar radiation influences the behaviour of laying hens, at times of the day of the higher incidence of radiation, and high air and global temperatures, it was not observed the presence of hens in the external areas of the housing, especially with the use of the paddocks, at these times the hens seek shelter inside the housing to get away from the incidence of direct solar radiation.

Влияние системнoгo недoразвития речи у детей с расстрoйствами аутистическoгo спектра на прoявление дезадаптивных видoв пoведения

The article shows empirical research on the impact of systemic language undevelopment in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the manifestation of different forms of maladaptive behaviour. As a result of scientific research, the hypothesis was confirmed: the level of language and communication development is higher in connection with the low level of maladaptive behaviour and the low level of language and communication development facilitates the emergence of different forms of maladaptive behaviour. A psychological intervention program based on applied behavioural analysis was developed. The effectiveness of the developed program was confirmed.

Enabling women to access preferred methods of contraception: a rapid review and behavioural analysis

Background Many pregnancies in the UK are either unplanned or ambivalent. This review aimed to (i) explore barriers and facilitators to women choosing and accessing a preferred method of contraception in the United Kingdom, and (ii) identify opportunities for behavioural interventions based on examination of interventions that are currently available nationally. Methods Three databases were searched, and experts contacted to identify grey literature for studies presenting barriers and facilitators to women choosing and accessing a preferred method of contraception, conducted in the UK and published between 2009 and October 2019. Information on barriers and facilitators were coded into overarching themes, which were then coded into Mechanisms of Actions (MoAs) as listed in the Theory and Techniques Tool. National interventions were identified by consulting stakeholders and coded into the Behaviour Change Wheel. The match between barriers/facilitators and intervention content was assessed using the Behaviour Change Wheel. Results We included 32 studies and identified 46 barrier and facilitator themes. The most cited MoA was Environmental Context and Resources, which primarily related to the services women had access to and care they received. Social Influences, Beliefs about Consequences (e.g., side effects) and Knowledge were also key. The behavioural analysis highlighted four priority intervention functions (Modelling, Enablement, Education and Environmental Restructuring) that can be targeted to support women to choose and access their preferred method of contraception. Relevant policy categories and behaviour change techniques are also highlighted. Conclusions This review highlights factors that influence women’s choices and access to contraception and recommends opportunities that may be targeted for future interventions in order to support women to access preferred contraception. Registration Protocol was registered with PROSPERO (an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care) in December 2019, CRD42019161156.

Prince Charming and the problem of morality from a pragmatic point of view. A reflection on the imaginary born of truth

Fairy tale characters have a special status for children, as they become the bearers of values and emotions with a major impact on the development of the young viewer in whose universe anything is possible. Children often place the action at a subordinate level of their brain and the text loses its value to the character construction, which they remember at the expense of the actions the characters perform. Young audiences’ conclusions about a character can boil down to two simple characterizations: GOOD or BAD, but their subconscious picks up complex information that can affect the core values and influence future decisions or actions. This assessment of the moral character that a fairy tale character has is only valid because the fairy tale is used for an educational purpose and is supposed to contribute to the development of cognitive and affective processes in the formation of fundamental character traits. The aim of the critical approach of this research is to identify the real values of a character through behavioural analysis in order to render it scenically.

A Behavioural Analysis of Serotonergic Functional Status Following MDMA Exposure

<p>Rationale +/- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces effects on a number of neurochemical systems. Many studies have shown that repeated MDMA administration produces deficits in central serotonergic neurotransmission, which have been suggested to underlie some of the behavioural changes associated with use. Objectives The present studies sought to evaluate the functional statuses of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the serotonin2c (5-HT2c) and serotonin2a (5-HT2a) receptors following treatment with MDMA to determine whether behavioural deficits could be attributed to alterations in these proteins. Methods Rats received a pretreatment regimen of MDMA (4 x 10mg/kg MDMA injections administered at 2h intervals) or the saline vehicle and, 2 weeks later, [3H] paroxetine binding was undertaken to assess densities of SERT. In other groups, dose-effect curves for MDMA-produced hyperactivity were determined. Additional groups were tested following a 12-week withdrawal period from MDMA in order to assess whether there was recovery of function. The functional status of the SERT was further examined by determining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the reduction in MDMA-produced hyperactivity (0.0 - 10.0mg/kg) produced by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, clomipramine (0.0 - 5.0mg/kg). The ability for the 5-HT2c receptor agonist, m-CPP (0.0 - 2.5mg/kg) to produce hypolocomotion or increased emergence latency or for the 5-HT2a receptor agonist, DOI (0.0 - 2.0mg/kg) to produce wetdog shakes (WDS) were examined in MDMA pretreated rats. The ability for the 5-HT2c receptors to modulate MDMA-produced hyperactivity was assessed by examining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the potentiation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity produced by the selective antagonist, RS102221 (0.0 - 1.0mg/kg). Conversely, the modulatory abilities of the 5-HT2a receptors were assessed by examining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the attenuation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity produced by the antagonist, ritanserin (0.0 - 10.0mg/kg). Results MDMA pretreatment produced widespread reductions in SERT binding densities 2 weeks following administration. Prior exposure to MDMA rendered rats tolerant to MDMA-produced hyperactivity when tested 2, but not 12, weeks following MDMA administration. Two weeks following MDMA pretreatment rats were also less responsive to the clomipramine-produced attenuation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity. MDMA pretreatment failed to alter M-CPP -produced hypolocomotion or increased emergence latency, but decreased the ability for DOI to induce WDS. Further, MDMA pretreated rats exhibited tolerance to RS102221 as shown by a rightward shift in the dose effect curve and complete tolerance to ritanserin. Conclusions Following MDMA pretreatment, the decreased SERT binding densities and inability of clomipramine to attenuate MDMA-produced effects might explain tolerance to the locomotor activating effects produced by MDMA. Functional recovery also occurred with extended abstinence from the drug, suggesting that MDMA produced transient serotonergic alterations. The results support the idea that the 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptors that modulate MDMA-produced hyperactivity are functionally distinct from the receptors that mediate m-CPP- and DOI-induced behavioural responses, as m-CPP-produced behaviours were resilient, yet RS102221-induced effects were reduced, by MDMA pretreatment. RS102221 is highly selective in comparison to ritanserin, yet there was only one dose that produced significant potentiation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity, whereas there were several effective ritanserin doses. This suggests that the 5-HT2a receptors had a greater role in modulating MDMA-produced hyperactivity. Additionally, 5-HT2a receptors might be more susceptible to MDMA-induced desensitisation than 5-HT2c receptors, as MDMA pretreated rats exhibited some tolerance to the potentiating effects of RS102221 but were unresponsive to any ritanserin dose. In conclusion, MDMA-induced locomotor tolerance was attributable to decreased SERT densities and function as well as desensitisation of 5-HT2a receptors that facilitate hyperactivity.</p>

A Behavioural Analysis of Serotonergic Functional Status Following MDMA Exposure

<p>Rationale +/- 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) produces effects on a number of neurochemical systems. Many studies have shown that repeated MDMA administration produces deficits in central serotonergic neurotransmission, which have been suggested to underlie some of the behavioural changes associated with use. Objectives The present studies sought to evaluate the functional statuses of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the serotonin2c (5-HT2c) and serotonin2a (5-HT2a) receptors following treatment with MDMA to determine whether behavioural deficits could be attributed to alterations in these proteins. Methods Rats received a pretreatment regimen of MDMA (4 x 10mg/kg MDMA injections administered at 2h intervals) or the saline vehicle and, 2 weeks later, [3H] paroxetine binding was undertaken to assess densities of SERT. In other groups, dose-effect curves for MDMA-produced hyperactivity were determined. Additional groups were tested following a 12-week withdrawal period from MDMA in order to assess whether there was recovery of function. The functional status of the SERT was further examined by determining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the reduction in MDMA-produced hyperactivity (0.0 - 10.0mg/kg) produced by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, clomipramine (0.0 - 5.0mg/kg). The ability for the 5-HT2c receptor agonist, m-CPP (0.0 - 2.5mg/kg) to produce hypolocomotion or increased emergence latency or for the 5-HT2a receptor agonist, DOI (0.0 - 2.0mg/kg) to produce wetdog shakes (WDS) were examined in MDMA pretreated rats. The ability for the 5-HT2c receptors to modulate MDMA-produced hyperactivity was assessed by examining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the potentiation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity produced by the selective antagonist, RS102221 (0.0 - 1.0mg/kg). Conversely, the modulatory abilities of the 5-HT2a receptors were assessed by examining the effect of MDMA pretreatment on the attenuation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity produced by the antagonist, ritanserin (0.0 - 10.0mg/kg). Results MDMA pretreatment produced widespread reductions in SERT binding densities 2 weeks following administration. Prior exposure to MDMA rendered rats tolerant to MDMA-produced hyperactivity when tested 2, but not 12, weeks following MDMA administration. Two weeks following MDMA pretreatment rats were also less responsive to the clomipramine-produced attenuation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity. MDMA pretreatment failed to alter M-CPP -produced hypolocomotion or increased emergence latency, but decreased the ability for DOI to induce WDS. Further, MDMA pretreated rats exhibited tolerance to RS102221 as shown by a rightward shift in the dose effect curve and complete tolerance to ritanserin. Conclusions Following MDMA pretreatment, the decreased SERT binding densities and inability of clomipramine to attenuate MDMA-produced effects might explain tolerance to the locomotor activating effects produced by MDMA. Functional recovery also occurred with extended abstinence from the drug, suggesting that MDMA produced transient serotonergic alterations. The results support the idea that the 5-HT2a and 5-HT2c receptors that modulate MDMA-produced hyperactivity are functionally distinct from the receptors that mediate m-CPP- and DOI-induced behavioural responses, as m-CPP-produced behaviours were resilient, yet RS102221-induced effects were reduced, by MDMA pretreatment. RS102221 is highly selective in comparison to ritanserin, yet there was only one dose that produced significant potentiation of MDMA-produced hyperactivity, whereas there were several effective ritanserin doses. This suggests that the 5-HT2a receptors had a greater role in modulating MDMA-produced hyperactivity. Additionally, 5-HT2a receptors might be more susceptible to MDMA-induced desensitisation than 5-HT2c receptors, as MDMA pretreated rats exhibited some tolerance to the potentiating effects of RS102221 but were unresponsive to any ritanserin dose. In conclusion, MDMA-induced locomotor tolerance was attributable to decreased SERT densities and function as well as desensitisation of 5-HT2a receptors that facilitate hyperactivity.</p>