scholarly journals The phantom steering effect in Q&A websites

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Hoernle ◽  
Gregory Kehne ◽  
Ariel D. Procaccia ◽  
Kobi Gal
Keyword(s):  
Probabilistic Model ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Interaction Data ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Stack Overflow ◽  
User Behaviour ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Before And After

AbstractVirtual rewards, such as badges, are commonly used in online platforms as incentives for promoting contributions from a userbase. It is widely accepted that such rewards “steer” people’s behaviour towards increasing their rate of contributions before obtaining the reward. This paper provides a new probabilistic model of user behaviour in the presence of threshold rewards, such a badges. We find, surprisingly, that while steering does affect a minority of the population, the majority of users do not change their behaviour around the achievement of these virtual rewards. In particular, we find that only approximately 5–30% of Stack Overflow users who achieve the rewards appear to respond to the incentives. This result is based on the analysis of thousands of users’ activity patterns before and after they achieve the reward. Our conclusion is that the phenomenon of steering is less common than has previously been claimed. We identify a statistical phenomenon, termed “Phantom Steering”, that can account for the interaction data of the users who do not respond to the reward. The presence of phantom steering may have contributed to some previous conclusions about the ubiquity of steering. We conduct a qualitative survey of the users on Stack Overflow which supports our results, suggesting that the motivating factors behind user behaviour are complex, and that some of the online incentives used in Stack Overflow may not be solely responsible for changes in users’ contribution rates.

scholarly journals The Intricacies of Children’s Physical Activity

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 269-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy A Brusseau
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Patterns ◽  
Change Behavior ◽  
Before And After ◽  
School Recess ◽  
Physical Activity Programming ◽  
Children’S Physical Activity

AbstractUnderstanding the physical activity patterns of youth is an essential step in preparing programming and interventions needed to change behavior. To date, little is known about the intricacies of youth physical activity across various physical activity segments (i.e. in school, out of school, recess, classroom physical activity, physical education, weekends, etc.). Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the physical activity patterns of elementary school children across various segments and during two seasons. A total of 287 fourth and fifth graders from the Southwest US wore the Yamax Digiwalker SW-200 pedometer for 7 consecutive days during the Fall and Spring seasons. Children were prompted to record their step counts when arriving and leaving school, before and after physical education and recess, as well as on the weekends. Means and standard deviations were calculated and ANOVAs and t tests were utilized to examine difference by sex, season, and segment. Youth were more active outside of school and on weekdays (p<0.05). Boys were generally more active than girls and all youth were more active during the milder Spring season. There is a clear need for Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming and weekend physical activity opportunities. Furthermore, greater emphasis is needed on PE and across other activity segments for girls to increase their physical activity levels.

Playing with Traffic

2015 ◽  
pp. 105-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Kracheel ◽  
Rod McCall ◽  
Vincent Koenig
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Real Life ◽  
European City ◽  
User Behaviour ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Game Elements

This chapter explores a novel methodology used to develop gamified mobility applications for a heavily congested European city. The methodology consists of three elements: a metaphorical traffic game, a complex and comprehensive mobility logging approach and two focus groups. The daily commute is explained as part of a real life traffic game that changes user behaviour. The methodology allows for the identification of travel activity patterns and attitudes that in turn can be used to develop gamified mobility applications. The chapter provides concrete game elements and design considerations that can be used to improve the traffic experience in Luxembourg.

How Prior Reward Experience Biases Exploratory Movements: A Probabilistic Model

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 2083-2093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul W. German ◽  
Howard L. Fields
Keyword(s):  
Probability Distribution ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Probabilistic Model ◽  
Probabilistic Models ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Behavioral Strategy ◽  
Line Configuration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Exit Probabilities ◽  
Exploratory Movements

Animals return to rewarded locations. An example of this is conditioned place preference (CPP), which is widely used in studies of drug reward. Although CPP is expressed as increased time spent in a previously rewarded location, the behavioral strategy underlying this change is unknown. We continuously monitored rats ( n = 22) in a three-room in-line configuration, before and after morphine conditioning in one end room. Although sequential room visit durations were variable, their probability distribution was exponential, indicating that the processes controlling visit durations can be modeled by instantaneous room exit probabilities. Further analysis of room transitions and computer simulations of probabilistic models revealed that the exploratory bias toward the morphine room is best explained by an increase in the probability of a subset of rapid, direct transitions from the saline- to the morphine-paired room by the central room. This finding sharply delineates and constrains possible neural mechanisms for a class of self-initiated, goal-directed behaviors toward previously rewarded locations.

scholarly journals Dual mechanisms of ictal high frequency oscillations in human rhythmic onset seizures

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot H. Smith ◽  
Edward M. Merricks ◽  
Jyun-You Liou ◽  
Camilla Casadei ◽  
Lucia Melloni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Field Potential ◽  
Information Theoretic ◽  
High Frequency Oscillations ◽  
Epileptiform Discharges ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Spatial Domains ◽  
Intracranial Electrodes ◽  
Seizure Localization

ABSTRACTHigh frequency oscillations (HFOs) recorded from intracranial electrodes during epileptiform discharges are a proposed biomarker of epileptic brain tissue and may also be useful for seizure forecasting, with mixed results. Despite such potential for HFOs, there is limited investigation into the spatial context of HFOs and their relationship to simultaneously recorded neuronal activity. We sought to further understand the biophysical underpinnings of ictal HFOs using unit recordings in the human neocortex and mesial temporal lobe during rhythmic onset seizures. We compare features of ictal discharges in both the seizure core and penumbra (spatial seizure domains defined by multiunit activity patterns). We report differences in spectral features, unit-local field potential coupling, and information theoretic characteristics of HFOs before and after local seizure invasion. Furthermore, we tie these timing-related differences to spatial domains of seizures, showing that penumbral discharges are widely distributed and less useful for seizure localization.

scholarly journals Diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex (Capra walie) in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 83
Author(s):  
Dessalegn Ejigu ◽  
Afework Bekele ◽  
Larkin Powell
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Planning ◽  
National Park ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Diurnal Activity ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
Time Spent Feeding

Walia ibex (Capra walie) is an endangered and endemic species restricted to Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia. Data on activity patterns of walia ibex were collected during October 2009 to November 2011, and the main objective of the research was to determine diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex in Simien Mountains National Park in order to design sound conservation strategies for the species. Scan sampling method was used for data collection on diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex. Diurnal activity patterns in walia ibex were bimodal, in which they were active before and after noon. They rest in shade on rocks and cliffs during the mid-day to protect themselves from hot sun and predators. Activity patterns of walia ibex during the day showed statistically significant differences (F7,18228= 82.09, df=7, p<0.01). Feeding showed significant differences compared to moving, standing, resting, socializing, and other activities (p<0.05). Diurnal activity records in the walia ibex population during the wet and the dry seasons showed that time spent feeding was the highest and vigilance was the lowest. Knowledge of the pattern of this behavior can especially be useful to design conservation planning as successful reproduction in the population may be threatened by anthropogenic disturbances. Thus, information about the diurnal activity patterns of walia ibex is essential for conservation planning of the endemic and endangered walia ibex in its natural habitats.

scholarly journals Prior knowledge promotes hippocampal separation but cortical assimilation in the left inferior frontal gyrus

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oded Bein ◽  
Niv Reggev ◽  
Anat Maril
Keyword(s):  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Neural Representation ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus ◽  
Specific Direction ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Novel Associations ◽  
Striking Contrast

Abstract An adaptive memory system rarely learns information tabula rasa, but rather builds on prior knowledge to facilitate learning. How prior knowledge influences the neural representation of novel associations remains unknown. Here, participants associated pairs of faces in two conditions: a famous, highly familiar face with a novel face or two novel faces while undergoing fMRI. We examine multivoxel activity patterns corresponding to individual faces before and after learning. The activity patterns representing members of famous-novel pairs becomes separated in the hippocampus, that is, more distinct from one another through learning, in striking contrast to paired novel faces that become similar. In the left inferior frontal gyrus, however, prior knowledge leads to integration, and in a specific direction: the representation of the novel face becomes similar to that of the famous face after learning, suggesting assimilation of new into old memories. We propose that hippocampal separation might resolve interference between existing and newly learned information, allowing cortical assimilation. Thus, associative learning with versus without prior knowledge relies on radically different computations.

Fixed interval feeding does not entrain the circadian pacemaker in blind rats

1979 ◽  
Vol 236 (5) ◽  
pp. R249-R253 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. P. Gibbs
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Fixed Interval ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Circadian Pacemaker ◽  
Large Component ◽  
Event Recorder ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Running Wheels ◽  
Ad Libitum Feeding

Male and female rats were blinded by orbital enucleation at 1 or 21 days of age and were housed along with intact controls in a temperature- and light-controlled room (22 +/- 2 degrees C, LD 12:12). At 40 days of age the rats were transferred to running wheel cages connected to an event recorder and their activity patterns were monitored for the next 11--16 wk. After 4--6 wk in the running wheels, the rats were subjected to a fixed interval feeding (FIF) schedule lasting 23 days followed by 4--6 wk of ad libitum feeding and watering. Of 19 blind rats with interpretable activity records, 14 showed no change in their activity patterns associated with the FIF other than the addition of a large component of activity before and after the feeding period every day. It was concluded that, in contrast to the squirrel monkey, FIF is not an important zeitgeber for blind rats.

The child protection case conference: Juggling rights, risks and responsibilities

1995 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorothy Scott ◽  
Jo Lindsay ◽  
Alun Jackson
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Direct Observation ◽  
Child Protection ◽  
Case Conference ◽  
Interaction Data ◽  
Professional Interaction ◽  
Case Conferences ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Case Assessment

This pilot study of child protection case conferences in a region of Melbourne highlights the dynamics of inter-organisational and inter–professional interaction. Data from direct observation of a small number of case conferences and focussed interviews with participants before and after each case conference, in addition to an interviewer administered questionnaire with professionals from agencies regularly participating in case conferences was analysed using manual and computerised methods. The findings relate to: parental attendance; interagency and interprofessional dynamics: case assessment focus; and worker anxiety about conflict. The management of conflict, the tension between the different purposes of case conferences, and the importance of the quality of leadership in case conferences, are discussed.

scholarly journals A Randomized Controlled Neurophysiological Study of a ChineseChan-Based Mind-Body Intervention in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnes S. Chan ◽  
Yvonne M. Y. Han ◽  
Sophia L. Sze ◽  
Queenie Y. Wong ◽  
Mei-chun Cheung
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Positive Mood ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Alpha Asymmetry ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Eeg Data ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Performance

Our previous studies have reported the therapeutic effects of 10-session ChineseChan-basedDejianmind-body interventions (DMBI) in reducing the intake of antidepressants, improving depressive symptoms, and enhancing the attentional abilities of patients with depression. This study aims to explore the possible neuroelectrophysiological mechanisms underlying the previously reported treatment effects of DMBI in comparison with those of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Seventy-five age-, gender-, and education-matched participants with depression were randomly assigned to receive either CBT or DMBI or placed on a waitlist. Eyes-closed resting EEG data were obtained individually before and after 10 weeks. After intervention, the DMBI group demonstrated significantly enhanced frontal alpha asymmetry (an index of positive mood) and intra- and interhemispheric theta coherence in frontoposterior and posterior brain regions (an index of attention). In contrast, neither the CBT nor the waitlist group showed significant changes in EEG activity patterns. Furthermore, the asymmetry and coherence indices of the DMBI group were correlated with self-reported depression severity levels and performance on an attention test, respectively. The present findings provide support for the effects of a ChineseChan-based mind-body intervention in fostering human brain states that can facilitate positive mood and an attentive mind.

scholarly journals Vision fine-tunes preparation for landing in the cane toad, Rhinella marina

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 20180397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J. Ekstrom ◽  
Chris Panzini ◽  
Gary B. Gillis
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Activity ◽  
Muscle Activation ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Activation Patterns ◽  
Muscle Activation Patterns ◽  
Impact Forces ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

In toad hopping, the hindlimbs generate the propulsive force for take-off while the forelimbs resist the impact forces associated with landing. Preparing to perform a safe landing, in which impact forces are managed appropriately, likely involves the integration of multiple types of sensory feedback. In toads, vestibular and/or proprioceptive feedback is critical for coordinated landing; however, the role of vision remains unclear. To clarify this, we compare pre-landing forelimb muscle activation patterns before and after removing vision. Specifically, we recorded EMG activity from two antagonistic forelimb muscles, the anconeus and coracoradialis, which demonstrate distance-dependent onset timing and recruitment intensity, respectively. Toads were first recorded hopping normally and then again after their optic nerves were severed to remove visual feedback. When blind, toads exhibited hop kinematics and pre-landing muscle activity similar to when sighted. However, distance-dependent relationships for muscle activity patterns were more variable, if present at all. This study demonstrates that blind toads are still able to perform coordinated landings, reinforcing the importance of proprioceptive and/or vestibular feedback during hopping. But the increased variability in distance-dependent activity patterns indicates that vision is more responsible for fine-tuning the motor control strategy for landing.

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