scholarly journals A dimensional measure of safety behavior: A non-dichotomous assessment of costly avoidance in human fear conditioning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex H. K. Wong ◽  
Andre Pittig
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Warning Signal ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Similar Increase ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Extinction Learning ◽  
Reward Group ◽  
Dimensional Measure ◽  
Dimensional Assessment ◽  
Negative Linear Relationship

AbstractSafety behavior prevents the occurrence of threat, thus it is typically considered adaptive. However, safety behavior in anxiety-related disorders is often costly, and persists even the situation does not entail realistic threat. Individuals can engage in safety behavior to varying extents, however, these behaviors are typically measured dichotomously (i.e., to execute or not). To better understand the nuances of safety behavior, this study developed a dimensional measure of safety behavior that had a negative linear relationship with the admission of an aversive outcome. In two experiments, a Reward group receiving fixed or individually calibrated incentives competing with safety behavior showed reduced safety behavior than a Control group receiving no incentives. This allowed extinction learning to a previously learnt warning signal in the Reward group (i.e., updating the belief that this stimulus no longer signals threat). Despite the Reward group exhibited extinction learning, both groups showed a similar increase in fear to the warning signal once safety behavior was no longer available. This null group difference was due to some participants in the Reward group not incentivized enough to disengage from safety behavior. Dimensional assessment revealed a dissociation between low fear but substantial safety behavior to a safety signal in the Control group. This suggests that low-cost safety behavior does not accurately reflect the fear-driven processes, but also other non-fear-driven processes, such as cost (i.e., engage in safety behavior merely because it bears little to no cost). Pinpointing both processes is important for furthering the understanding of safety behavior.

scholarly journals A dimensional measure of safety behavior: Validation of a novel, non-dichotomous measure of avoidance in human fear conditioning

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex H K Wong ◽  
Andre Pittig
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Conditioned Fear ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Binary Responses ◽  
Reward Group ◽  
Dimensional Measure ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Safety Behaviour

Safety behaviour in anxiety disorders is often maladaptive given it prevents patients to disconfirm unrealistic threat beliefs (protection from extinction). These behaviours range from mild to excessive, however, are commonly examined as binary responses. The current study aimed to validate a dimensional measure of safety behaviour. After acquiring differential conditioned fear to a warning cue (CS+) and a safety cue (CS-), participants acquired dimensional safety behaviour that had a negative linear relationship with the admission of an aversive outcome (0-100% omission). Next, a Reward group received a fixed (Experiment 1) or an individually calibrated monetary incentive (Experiment 2) for non-avoidance while a Control group received no incentive. Overall, the paradigm replicated well-established effects. Intensity of safety behaviour strongly aligned with threat expectancy. The Reward group showed less frequent safety behaviour which initiated extinction learning to CS+. Surprisingly, no group differences in protection from extinction were observed. Post-hoc analyses revealed that overall group differences were biased by some high avoiders in the Reward group who constantly engaged in safety behaviour. Novel findings revealed that despite similar conditioned fear to CS-, the Control group showed stronger safety behaviour to it. This suggests that other processes besides fear are involved in low-cost avoidance

scholarly journals Incentive-based extinction of safety behaviors: Positive outcomes competing with aversive events reduce safety behaviors and prevent protection from fear extinction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre Pittig
Keyword(s):  
Warning Signal ◽  
Fear Extinction ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Safety Behaviors ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Safety Behavior ◽  
Extinction Learning ◽  
Physiological Indicators ◽  
Opposite Action ◽  
Fear And Anxiety

Maladaptive safety behavior maintains fear and anxiety by prohibiting inhibitory learning about the non-occurrence of feared outcomes (known as protection from extinction). Not engaging in safety behavior, however, requires to act opposite to fear-motivated behavioral tendencies. The initiation of such fear-opposite action by positive outcomes, which were in conflict with safety behavior, was tested. Following fear acquisition to a warning signal (CS+), participants acquired safety behavior to prevent the aversive outcome (N=98). Next, safety behavior also prevented gaining rewards. In a control group, neutral outcomes were presented to control for novelty effects of the second outcome. Subsequently, no aversive outcome occurred anymore. Phases with safety behavior were intermitted by phases without safety behavior to examine cognitive and physiological indicators of fear and anxiety. Without competing positive outcomes, safety behavior was frequently executed, persisted in absence of the aversive outcome, and prohibited extinction learning. Positive outcomes clearly reduced safety behavior despite equal levels of acquired fear. This enabled fear extinction as soon as the aversive outcome was absent. Importantly, this extinction learning resulted in attenuated fear and anxiety responses when safety behavior became unavailable. Post-hoc findings indicated that the mere anticipation of positive outcomes slightly reduced safety behavior. Thus, competing positive outcomes triggered fear-opposite action that prevented persistent safety behavior and protection from extinction.

scholarly journals Viability of Biofertilizer Produced by an Indian Biodigester Prototype Applied to Sunflower Plants

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 253
Author(s):  
Luciano Fernandes Moura ◽  
Pedro Felipe Sousa Teixeira ◽  
Franklin Aragão Gondim ◽  
Francisco Holanda Nunes Junior ◽  
Rifandreo Monteiro Barbosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Sunflower Crop ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Relative Chlorophyll Content

Biodigesters have been used to convert biomass into biogas and biofertilizers. This energy use has been important for the reduction of solid waste pollution in the environment. This work aims to analyse the viability of the use of pig biofertilizer produced by an Indian biodigester prototype, monitored by a data acquisition system. The biodigester used was an Indian prototype built on a low cost material that is easy to acquire (polyvinyl chloride-PVC). After the biofertilizer production, we tested its efficiency and viability under conditions of vegetation house in the cultivation of sunflower plants. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement with 4 concentrations of biofertilizer (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg N ha-1) × 4 harvest periods (14, 21, 25 and 29 days after sowing). We evaluated biometric and vigor parameters by measurements of stem diameter, height of the aerial part, number of leaves and production of fresh and dry matter of roots, aerial and total parts, as well as the relative chlorophyll content. We performed the experiment with five repetitions using two plants each and we submitted the data to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and polynomial regression using the statistical software Sisvar 5.4. The functional Indian biodigester prototype produced a biofertilizer of excellent quality and viability as a biofertilizer for the initial growth of sunflower plants. The biofertilizer served as a nutritional source in the sunflower crop, since it provided increases in all the growth parameters analyzed in relation to the control group (plants in the absence of biofertilizer), especially in the concentration of 120 kg N ha-1.

Elastic Resistance Training Produces Benefits Similar to Conventional Resistance Training in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (11) ◽  
pp. 1891-1905 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiano F de Lima ◽  
Vinicius Cavalheri ◽  
Bruna S A Silva ◽  
Isis Grigoletto ◽  
Juliana S Uzeloto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Training ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Exercise Capacity ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Elastic Resistance ◽  
Functional Exercise ◽  
Functional Exercise Capacity ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of elastic resistance training on improving muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and dyspnea in people with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods For this systematic review, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase (OVID), PEDro, SciELO, and CINAHL were searched from inception to November 2019. Included studies were randomized clinical trials in which people with stable COPD were allocated to (1) an experimental group that received lower-limb resistance training, upper-limb resistance training, or both using elastic resistance; or (2) a control group that received no or sham resistance training or conventional resistance training using weight machines. Data extraction was performed by 3 review authors. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Eight studies on 332 participants were included. Results Knee extensor strength was higher in the experimental group (standardized mean difference = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.09–0.95) compared with the non-exercise control group. Compared with the conventional exercise control, the experimental group presented similar effects for muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, HRQoL, and dyspnea (95% CI overlapped the line of no effect for all). Conclusions Elastic resistance training improves muscle strength in people with COPD. The current review suggests elastic resistance as a potential alternative to conventional resistance training using weight machines, as they show similar effects on muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, HRQoL, and dyspnea. Impact Due to its beneficial effects, including reduced risk of exacerbation-related hospitalizations, exercise training is viewed as the cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with COPD. This study shows that elastic resistance training can be an effective, portable, practical, and low-cost alternative to conventional weight resistance training. Lay Summary Training with elastic resistance tubes or bands—which are easy to carry, easy to use, and relatively low cost—can be an effective way to improve strength for people with COPD and promote similar benefits to those achieved with weight machines.

CAN THE POOR BE TRAINED TO BE ENTREPRENEURS? THE CASE OF THE ACADEMY FOR CREATING ENTERPRISE IN MEXICO

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (02) ◽  
pp. 1650008 ◽  
Author(s):  
W GIBB DYER ◽  
BARRY WEST ◽  
IAN PEACOCK ◽  
SPENCER YAMADA ◽  
JESSIE DYER
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Control Group ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Poverty Status ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
Training Modalities

Can training improve the entrepreneurial outcomes of those in poverty? Typical training modalities to teach entrepreneurship to the poor are generally one of three: 1) financial literacy training, 2) values training and 3) “rules of thumb” training. In this study we examine the Academy for Creating Enterprise’s (ACE) entrepreneurship training program in Mexico, which uses a variation of all three types of training. We compared those who received ACE training: residential, night-class and regional, with a control group to see if the training would improve ACE participants’ personal income, business employment, gross revenue and relative poverty status. Our study shows that, when compared to the control group, ACE training had a marginal positive impact on income, employment and revenues, and a substantial one on mobility from poverty. However, when making comparisons within the different types of training, the type of training program participants attended had little impact on these same outcomes. Thus, practitioners and researchers interested in training the poor to engage in entrepreneurial activities might explore low-cost, high volume options because there seem to be positive results with these programs when compared to more intensive programs that require more labor and higher costs.

scholarly journals Effect of Protocatechuic Acid on Euglena gracilis Growth and Accumulation of Metabolites

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 9158
Author(s):  
Xiaomiao Tan ◽  
Jiangyu Zhu ◽  
Minato Wakisaka
Keyword(s):  
Euglena Gracilis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Protocatechuic Acid ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
First Time

The development of efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost approaches used to boost the growth of microalgae is urgently required to meet the increasing demands for food supplements, cosmetics, and biofuels. In this study, the growth promotion effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) in the freshwater microalga Euglena gracilis were confirmed for the first time. PCA is a simple phenolic compound derived from natural plants and has a range of biological functions. The highest biomass yield, 3.1-fold higher than that of the control, used at 1.3 g·L−1, was obtained at 800 mg·L−1 of PCA. The yields of the metabolites chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and paramylon in the presence of PCA at 800 mg·L−1 were 3.1, 3.3, and 1.7 times higher than those of the control group, respectively. The highest paramylon yield was achieved at a lower dosage of PCA (100 mg·L−1), which is considered to be feasible for economic paramylon production. The growth and biosynthesis of metabolites stimulated by phytochemicals such as PCA could be an efficient and cost-effective strategy to enhance the productivity of microalgae in large-scale cultivations.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of phototherapy with reflecting curtains on neonatal jaundice

2011 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ari Kurniasih ◽  
Guslihan Dasa Tjipta ◽  
Muhammad Ali ◽  
Emil Azlin ◽  
Pertin Sianturi
Keyword(s):  
Neonatal Jaundice ◽  
Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Total Serum Bilirubin ◽  
Spectral Irradiance ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Term Newborns ◽  
The Mean

Background Although phototherapy has been used in clinical practice for 40 years, there is still much debate on how to provide the most efficacious phototherapy. Phototherapy with white reflecting curtains may increase the average spectral irradiance provided, as well as decrease serum bilirubin concentrations at a faster rate in neonates with jaundice.Objective To determine if adding low cost, white, reflecting curtains to a standard phototherapy unit can increase the effectiveness of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice.Methods A randomized, controlled, open trial was conducted at H. Adam Malik and Pirngadi Hospitals, Medan, from May to December 2009. The criteria for inclusion in the study were full term newborns with neonatal jaundice presenting in their first week of life. Single phototherapy with white curtains hanging from the sides of the phototherapy unit (study group, n=30) was compared to single phototherapy without curtains (control group, n=30). The primary outcomes measured were the mean difference in total serum bilirubin levels and average spectral irradiation levels measured at baseline, and after 12 hours and 24 hours of phototherapy.Results The sum of average spectral irradiance in the curtained phototherapy unit was significantly higher than that of the standard phototherapy unit without curtains (P < 0.05). The decrease of total serum bilirubin levels after 12 and 24 hours of phototherapy was significantly greater in the study group (3.71 and 9.7 mg/dl, respectively) than in the control group (0.1 and 3.8 mg/dl, respectively), both P <0.05.Conclusion White, reflecting curtains in phototherapy units was significantly more effective than phototherapy without curtains for treatment of neonatal jaundice. [Paediatr Indones. 2011;51:256-61].

Brief Anti-Ageism Messaging Effects on Physical Activity Motivation Among Older Adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 073346482096092
Author(s):  
Josephine A. Menkin ◽  
Jennifer L. Smith ◽  
Joseph G. Bihary
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Multilevel Regression ◽  
Health Decline ◽  
Health Promotion Behavior ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
Physical Activity Motivation

When people have more negative perceptions about aging or attribute health decline to old age, they engage in less health promotion behavior. We tested whether an intervention of brief anti-ageism messages addressing views of aging could motivate engagement in physical activities at senior centers. Attendees aged 50 and older ( n = 349; Mage = 72, SD = 9) at seven centers were randomly assigned to read one of three intervention messages (different approaches addressing views of aging) or to not read a message before rating their likelihood of attending a variety of center programs, including physical activities. Multilevel regression models indicated the intervention increased motivation to attend physical activities compared with the control group among participants aged 72 and older. The three anti-ageism messages were similarly effective suggesting some flexibility in framing. The results indicate anti-ageism messages may be a scalable, low-cost approach to promoting physical activity in older adults.

scholarly journals Plasma Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 Levels in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome, Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma, and Normotensive Glaucoma

Medicina ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatih Türkcü ◽  
Özlem Köz ◽  
Alper Yarangümeli ◽  
Veysi Öner ◽  
Gülcan Kural
Keyword(s):  
High Performance Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Folic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Plasma Homocysteine ◽  
Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy), vitamin B12, and folic acid in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS), PEXS plus normotensive glaucoma (NTG).Material and Methods. In total, 24 patients with PEXG, 35 patients with PEXS, 18 patients with PEXS plus NTG, and 35 control subjects were enrolled into study. Their Hcy levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured by a competitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.Results. Higher plasma Hcy levels and lower folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were found in all 3 patients’ groups compared with the control group (all P<0.001, expect for folic acid in the PEXG group, P=0.03). Although plasma Hcy levels in the PEXG and PEXS groups were similar, the PEXS plus NTG group had significantly higher Hcy levels compared with these groups (P=0.019 and P=0.032, respectively).Conclusions. Our study showed that there was an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and PEXS either with or without glaucoma. The patients with PEXS plus NTG had higher plasma Hcy levels than the patients with PEXS or PEXG and the healthy controls. The treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia by taking low-cost vitamin B12 and folic acid preparations may prevent additional vascular problems.

scholarly journals Supporting Drivers of Partially Automated Cars through an Adaptive Digital In-Car Tutor

Information ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anika Boelhouwer ◽  
Arie Paul van den Beukel ◽  
Mascha C. van der Voort ◽  
Willem B. Verwey ◽  
Marieke H. Martens
Keyword(s):  
Driving Simulator ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Time Saving ◽  
Guided Learning ◽  
Information Brochure ◽  
Simulator Study

Drivers struggle to understand how, and when, to safely use their cars’ complex automated functions. Training is necessary but costly and time consuming. A Digital In-Car Tutor (DIT) is proposed to support drivers in learning about, and trying out, their car automation during regular drives. During this driving simulator study, we investigated the effects of a DIT prototype on appropriate automation use and take-over quality. The study had three sessions, each containing multiple driving scenarios. Participants needed to use the automation when they thought that it was safe, and turn it off if it was not. The control group read an information brochure before driving, while the experiment group received the DIT during the first driving session. DIT users showed more correct automation use and a better take-over quality during the first driving session. The DIT especially reduced inappropriate reliance behaviour throughout all sessions. Users of the DIT did show some under-trust during the last driving session. Overall, the concept of a DIT shows potential as a low-cost and time-saving solution for safe guided learning in partially automated cars.

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