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Simple Summary: This study investigated the challenge of monitoring the activity movement pattern of dairy cows during the transition period and forecasted the calving day on tropical dairy farms. This study used activity behavioral data from 298 before-calving and 347 after-calving Holstein Friesian cows, as well as machine learning models for predicting birth. This study demonstrates that the cows giving birth for the first time had a shorter rest period and an increased activity pattern. Additionally, this study found that machine learning models can predict the day of birth. These findings could help farmers improve management and enhance animal welfare during this critical period. This study examined changes in the activity patterns of tropical dairy cows during the transition period to assess their potential for predicting calving days. This study used the AfiTag-II biosensor to monitor activity, rest time, rest per bout, and restlessness ratio in 298 prepartum and 347 postpartum Holstein Friesian cows across three lactation groups (1, 2, and ≥3). The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models in SPSS, and five machine learning models, including random forest, decision tree, gradient boosting, Naïve Bayes, and neural networks, were used to predict the calving day, with their performance evaluated via ROC curves and AUC metrics. For all lactations, activity levels peak on the calving day, followed by a gradual return to prepartum levels within two weeks. First-lactation cows displayed the shortest rest duration, with a prepartum rest time of 568.8 ± 5.4 (mean ± SE), which is significantly lower than higher-lactation animals. The random forest and gradient boosting displayed an effective performance, achieving AUCs of 85% and 83%, respectively. These results indicate that temporal changes in activity behavior have the potential to be a useful indicator for calving day prediction, particularly in tropical climates where seasonal variations can obscure traditional prepartum indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lighting is one of the important environmental factors in pig breeding. This study aims to clarify the optimal light intensity for gilts in an artificial light environment. A test house was constructed to evaluate the preference of gilts for light intensity. LED white light (400-700 nm) was used as the artificial light source in the experimental pigsty. Four light intensities were adopted as 40, 100, 350, and 1 200 lx in the test. According to the light intensity, 40 and 100 lx were defined as the group of weak light intensity, while 350 and 1 200 lx were the group of strong light intensity. The light scheme was adjusted for each pen every seven days in a cycle, with a light duration of 16 h (lights on at 05:00 and off at 21:00). A total of 24 gilts with similar ages and weighs were selected from the same pigsty as the experimental subjects. A 4-d pre-experiment and a 28 d trial were then conducted to explore the preference selection of gilts for the light intensity in an artificial light environment. The evaluation indicators were taken as the spatiotemporal distribution, behavioral activity level, feeding amount, and feeding frequency of the gilts. The industrial cameras and YOLOv8n structure were used to record and analyze the activity status of pigs during the experiment. The results showed that the average accuracies of the trained image recognition model for pig standing, sitting, lying and feeding behavior recognition were 97.5%, 90.3%, 98.5% and 95.2%, respectively. According to the spatiotemporal distribution of the pig population, there was a significant preference for a light intensity of 100 lx in the lighting period (P<0.05). The number of pigs also accounted for 29.33% ± 1.14% of the total. Furthermore, the rhythmic patterns were found in the preference for the rest light intensities. There was a significantly higher preference for 40 lx in the morning and evening periods, compared with 350 lx and 1 200 lx (P<0.05), corresponding to the week light environment of the transition between morning and evening in nature. The activity levels were also determined for six hours, after the lights were turned on. The pigs shared significantly higher activity levels in the higher light intensity groups (350 lx: 37.97% ± 3.47% and 1200 lx: 35.42% ± 4.04%), compared with the lower ones (40 lx: 27.90% ± 8.44% and 100 lx: 23.94% ± 3.79%). Since most of the pigs were lying in the house, the overall distribution of pigs in the inactive state was similar to the number distribution of pigs. While there was no outstanding number of active pigs in each light intensity. The pigs also preferred to take a break at noon. In free feeding, the feed consumption was the highest under 1200 lx illumination, followed by 350 lx group. In feeding behavior, the average daily feeding time of each gilt was (60.50±1.31) min in this experiment. And the feeding time of gilts under the 350 lx and 1 200 lx was significantly longer than that of 40 lx (P<0.05). Therefore, it was recommended to gradually adjust the lighting intensity using a dim-to-bright approach, with a primary light intensity of 100 lx. During the 3 hours before and after the lights were turned on, a lower light environment of 40 lx was used to avoid excessive light stimulation. Additionally, the 2 h duration of higher light intensity (350 lx) can promote the pig activity levels. The finding can also provide a theoretical foundation for the precise control of the lighting environment for gilt facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, no citation analysis has been conducted in the physical activity field, which can contribute to assess the impact of this research field and identify knowledge gaps. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the 500 most cited physical activity publications and report their bibliometric characteristics. Methods: The Web of Science database (all database indexes) was searched, and bibliometric characteristics were imported and calculated. Results: A total of 520 publications were ranked as the top 500. The sum of the citations was 326,258, and the average citation density was 41.0 (45.1) citations per year. Original research articles constituted the major portion of included publications (53.7%; 170,774 citations). Papers reporting relationship of physical activity with health were the most prevalent type of publication included (43.7%; 141,027 citations). Journal impact factor had a weak but significant positive correlation with citation density (r =.12; P =.006). The United States was ranked first in terms of the contributions from institutions and authors contributing to the most cited physical activity papers. Conclusions: Top physical activity publications are well cited compared with other health behavior fields. Original research reporting on the associations between physical activity and health has a higher citation impact compared with other types of original research within the physical activity field. The physical activity research field continues to expand rapidly as newer publications attract more citations in a shorter time span compared with older publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined changes in the activity patterns of tropical dairy cows during the transition period to assess their potential for predicting calving days. This study used the AfiTag-II biosensor to monitor activity, rest time, rest per bout, and restlessness ratio in 298 prepartum and 347 postpartum Holstein Friesian cows across three lactation groups (1, 2, and ≥3). The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models in SPSS, and five machine learning models, including random forest, decision tree, gradient boosting, Naïve Bayes, and neural networks, were used to predict the calving day, with their performance evaluated via ROC curves and AUC metrics. For all lactations, activity levels peak on the calving day, followed by a gradual return to prepartum levels within two weeks. First-lactation cows displayed the shortest rest duration, with a prepartum rest time of 568.8 ± 5.4 (mean ± SE), which is significantly lower than higher-lactation animals. The random forest and gradient boosting displayed an effective performance, achieving AUCs of 85% and 83%, respectively. These results indicate that temporal changes in activity behavior have the potential to be a useful indicator for calving day prediction, particularly in tropical climates where seasonal variations can obscure traditional prepartum indicators.

The purpose of this research is to reveal the internal relationship among community green space, space perception, and activity behavior response to supplement the lack of research results on the binary relationship between green space and behavior. Nine residential community green spaces and 398 residents were selected as the research objects. Thematic clustering and factor identification were used to determine the spatial dimensions of community green space that residents were concerned about. The analysis of the green exposure index, spatial perception evaluation, and activity behavior survey were combined to determine the influence of the green exposure index on spatial perception and activity behavior and its internal correlation path. According to research data, the community green view index (GVI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) negatively affected the perception factor, while the perception factor positively affected the activity frequency. The SEM model shows that the green exposure index stimulated activity behavior through the intermediate effect of the internal perception path of perceived landscape quality, perceived workability, and perceived accessibility. Spatial perception as the basis of the instantaneous emotional reaction process may affect people's choices for activities but be unable to extend the duration of the activities. The internal association among community green space, spatial perception, and physical activity behavior develops on the basis of spatial patterns at certain scales. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the spatial experience and residents' behavioral needs, evaluating the quality of urban green space scientifically, and promoting the optimization of community green space structure.

Simple Summary: There is increasing interest in the use of behavioral indicators to identify and even predict health disorders in dairy cattle, allowing for improved management and treatment strategies. The behavior changes such as the prepartum total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) have been suggested as predictors for subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) and hypomagnesemia (HYM) postpartum. Our main objective was to evaluate the association between rate of change in rumination and activity behavior and DMI across the three days prior to calving with SCH and HYM status at D0 (day of calving) and D3 postpartum. Our results suggest that the rate of change in prepartum TDR, TDA and DMI is not an effective estimator of SCH and HYM status postpartum. Changes in prepartum behaviors such as total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) have the potential to be used as early indicators for cows at risk for subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) or hypomagnesemia (HYM) after calving. Our objective was to investigate associations between average daily rate of change in total daily rumination (ΔTDR), total daily activity (ΔTDA) and dry matter intake (ΔDMI) from −3 days prepartum to calving with SCH and HYM at D0 or D3 relative to calving. Prepartum TDR, TDA and DMI were measured in 64 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were taken at D0 and D3 post-calving for the measurement of total plasma Ca and Mg concentration. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between ΔTDR, ΔTDA and ΔDMI and SCH and HYM at D0 and D3 relative to calving. Potential confounding variables were offered to the models and backwards selection was used to determine which covariates to retain. No significant differences in prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA or ΔDMI were found between cows with or without SCH and HYM at D0 and D3. Our results suggest that the change in TDR, TDA and DMI in the last 3 days prepartum are not effective predictors for cows that will have SCH or HYM in the first 3 days postpartum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night is constantly minimizing the span of dark nights from the natural light-dark cycle of earth. Over the past century, the "lightscape" of earth has completely changed owing to technological advancements which subsequently changed the lifestyle of human as well as the nearby animal species. This motivated the present study, wherein we investigated the impact of light at night (LAN) on behavior and physiology of a diurnal passerine finch, baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus). A group of bird (N=10) exposed to 12L:12D photoperiod was initially subjected to dark nights (0 lux) for a period of 1.5 weeks followed by 5 lux, night light for a span of 4 weeks. The first week in LAN served as acute treatment with respect to the fourth week (chronic). The results reveal significant increase in nighttime activity and sleep loss with respect to acute LAN, while significant inclusion of drowsiness behavior during the day in response to chronic LAN. Besides these behavioral alterations, changes in physiological parameters such as reduction in body mass, loss of gradient between pre- and post- prandial blood glucose levels, and elevation in plasma corticosterone levels were more prominent during acute exposure of LAN. Plasma metabolites such as triglycerides, total protein, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and creatinine concentrations also hiked in response to acute LAN treatment. Thus, acute exposure of LAN seems to serve as a novel environment for the bird leading to more pronounced impacts on behavioral and physiological observations during the experiment. In chronic exposure, the birds sort of adapted themselves to the prevailing circumstances as evident by decreased nighttime activity, rebound of sleep and corticosterone levels, etc. Thus, the study clearly demonstrates the differential impact of acute and chronic exposure of LAN on behavior and physiology of birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The devastating chronic central post stroke pain is associated with variety of comorbidities. Disrupted sleep is a severe comorbidity, causing an increase in the suicide rate, due to CPSP's pain symptom. Melatonin is a well-known jet-lag compound, which helps in entrainment of sleep cycle. Accordingly, whether melatonin as a therapeutic measurement for the regulation of sleep disturbance related to central post stroke pain remains unclear. Exogenous melatonin administration entrained the disrupted 24 h circadian cycle, more effectively after 2 and 3 week of administration. The effect of melatonin was persisted on 4th week too, when melatonin administration was discontinued. Also, melatonin ameliorated the pain due to distorted sleep-activity behavior after melatonin administration for 3 weeks. The low levels of melatonin in blood plasma due to CPSP were restored after 3 weeks of melatonin administration. After 30 mg/kg melatonin administrations for 3 weeks, all the disrupted resting and activity behaviors were reduced during light and dark periods. The results suggested that melatonin significantly ameliorated CPSP's pain symptoms and comorbid sleep disturbance showing in activity behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rumination and activity behavior are important indices for monitoring the welfare and health status of beef cattle. Stress, excitement, and diseases can alter the rumination and activity patterns of beef cattle. Backgrounding allows producers to feed a variety of forages to improve growth performance before the beef calves enter the feedlot. This study was designed to evaluate the influences of sex, breed, and backgrounding diet on rumination, and the activity patterns in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves. Moreover, the daily variations in rumination and activity in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves under different backgrounding systems were studied. Our results demonstrated that the time of the day and backgrounding diet influenced rumination and activity patterns of Angus and Angus-cross beef calves. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influences of sex, breed, and backgrounding diet on rumination and activity patterns in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves; and the daily variations in rumination and activity in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves under different backgrounding systems. A total of 62 freshly weaned calves were vaccinated and randomly stratified by sex (heifers and steers), breed (Angus and Angus × Simmental cross), and assigned randomly to 3 backgrounding treatments for 55 days. The peak values for rumination and activity in heifers, steers, Angus, and Angus × Simmental cross occurred during the dark and light phases of the dark/light cycle, respectively. Beef calves backgrounded on cover crops had higher (p < 0.05) rumination (45.33 ± 1.57 min) compared with calves backgrounded on a perennial pasture (43.96 ± 1.47 min) diet. Similarly, drylot calves (24.16 ± 0.68 min) had higher (p < 0.05) activity compared to perennial pasture (23.49 ± 0.72 min). The results showed that sex and breed did not influence rumination and activity of Angus and Angus-cross beef calves during the study period. We concluded that the time of the day and backgrounding diet influenced rumination and activity patterns of Angus and Angus-cross beef calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in prepartum behaviors such as total daily rumination (TDR), total daily activity (TDA) and dry matter intake (DMI) have the potential to be used as early indicators for cows at risk for subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) or hypomagnesemia (HYM) after calving. Our objective was to investigate associations between average daily rate of change in total daily rumination (ΔTDR), total daily activity (ΔTDA) and dry matter intake (ΔDMI) from −3 days prepartum to calving with SCH and HYM at D0 or D3 relative to calving. Prepartum TDR, TDA and DMI were measured in 64 Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were taken at D0 and D3 post-calving for the measurement of total plasma Ca and Mg concentration. Linear regression models were used to analyze the association between ΔTDR, ΔTDA and ΔDMI and SCH and HYM at D0 and D3 relative to calving. Potential confounding variables were offered to the models and backwards selection was used to determine which covariates to retain. No significant differences in prepartum ΔTDR, ΔTDA or ΔDMI were found between cows with or without SCH and HYM at D0 and D3. Our results suggest that the change in TDR, TDA and DMI in the last 3 days prepartum are not effective predictors for cows that will have SCH or HYM in the first 3 days postpartum.

Activity self-tracking technologies have become a popular tool for monitoring physical activity, used to assist individuals in increasing physical activity. Previous findings, however, are inconclusive on whether standalone activity self-tracking, alone or in combination with a step goal, is efficient in encouraging physical activity behavior. This study aimed at investigating the effects of mere activity self-tracking and activity self-tracking with a daily 10,000 steps goal on physical activity levels in a randomized-controlled parallel group trial (N = 150; mean age= 24.66, standard deviation = 4.75), using a publicly available fitness tracker and associated smartphone application. Two experimental groups, one of which without and the other with step goal, recorded daily physical activity (daily step count) via a fitness tracker wearable and associated smartphone application and via daily self-reports of activity over the course of 6 weeks. An unequipped control group recorded physical activity only via daily self-reports. Both experimental groups were compared against each other based on step count data, and against the control group based on daily self-reports of activity. Results of mixed-effect multilevel analyses suggest that activity tracking using fitness trackers and externally assigned goals do not drive greater physical activity behavior. Rather, results indicate substantial individual differences that should be targeted in future studies to better understand individual behavioral processes boosting or hindering daily activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine if temporal-spatial gait characteristics are associated with free-living ambulatory physical activity in relatively-healthy older people. A total of 630 women and 593 men had valid data from gait tests and activity monitoring. Gait speed alone was associated with daily step count. Gait speed along with cadence, walk ratio, step length, step time, and swing time were associated with measures of higher intensity activity and overall activity. Those who walked slower were less active. After controlling for gait speed, shorter step length, shorter step time, shorter swing time, and higher cadence were associated with less activity. This finding may be an indication of the functional consequences of a breakdown in the stride length–cadence relationship and/or compensations to increase stability. Asymmetry measures at preferred and fast walking speeds showed no association with physical activity levels. Gait speed was the only predictor of change in activity over the subsequent 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals usually showed physiological and behavioral adaptations to cope with seasonal environmental changing, such as temperature, photoperiod, and food etc. To investigate the physiological and behavioral adaptation strategies in Eothenomys miletus of different areas from Hengduan mountain regions in response to high-fat diet, E. miletus in Jianchuan (JC) and Xianggelila (XGLL) were fed a high-fat (HF) diet for 4 weeks and returned to a low-fat (LF) diet for another 4 weeks, body mass, food intake, resting metabolic rate (RMR), activity behavior, serum leptin levels, hypothalamic neuropeptide expressions and body compositions were measured. The results showed that regions and HF diet affected body mass, food intake and RMR significantly, HF diet increased body mass in E. miletus, while regions had significant effect on activity behavior, but HF diet had not affect activity behavior. Regions and HF diet also showed remarkable effects on leptin and hypothalamus Neuropeptide Y (NPY) expression, and leptin positively correlated with body mass and negatively correlated with NPY expression. Moreover, E. miletus from two regions showed some physiological differences, such as RMR and food intake in XGLL were higher than that of JC, but body mass was lower than that of JC. Body mass reduced quickly in JC after re-feeding LF diet, while it decreased body mass gradually in XGLL. All of the results showed that body mass increased in E. miletus of two regions when faced with HF diet, which returned to the control levels after re-feeding LF diet, showing higher phenotypic plasticity. Leptin and NPY expression may play an important role in body mass regulation. Phenotypic differentiations in E. miletus of two regions may be closely related to food resources, altitude and temperature of Hengduan mountain regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultra- and circadian activity rhythms of animals can provide important insights into animal welfare. The consistency of behavioral patterns is characteristic of healthy organisms, while changes in the regularity of behavioral rhythms may indicate health and stress-related challenges. This pilot study aimed to examine whether dairy cows in free-stall barns with an automatic milking system (AMS) and free cow traffic can develop ultra- and circadian activity rhythms. On 4 dairy farms, pedometers recorded the activity of 10 cows each over 28 days. Based on time series calculation, the Degree of Functional Coupling (DFC) was used to determine the cows' activity rhythms. The DFC identified significant rhythmic patterns in sliding 7-day periods and indicated the percentage of activity (0–100%) that was synchronized with the 24-h day-night rhythm. As light is the main factor influencing the sleep-wake cycle of organisms, light intensity was recorded in the AMS, at the feed alley and in the barn of each farm. In addition, feeding and milking management were considered as part of the environmental context. Saliva samples of each cow were taken every 3 h for 1 day to determine the melatonin concentration. The DFC approach was successfully used to detect activity rhythms of dairy cows in commercial housing systems. However, large inter- and intra-individual variations were observed. Due to a high frequency of 0 and 100%, a median split was used to dichotomize into “low” (

Objective To explore the impact of home restriction on preschool children′s activity behavior during the epidemic period,so as to provide basis for guiding children′s healthy life in special periods.Methods 1 453 preschool children with home restrictions in 7 kindergartens in Guangzhou from March 9 to12,2020 were selected by cluster random method.A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate their sleep status,exercise status,sedentary behavior and other activities during normal times and epidemic periods.At the same time,the respondents were divided into groups according to gender,age,only child or not,the main caregivers and their educational level,and the changes of activity behavior indicators in each group were compared.Results A total of 1 453 questionnaires were distributed and 1 449 valid questionnaires were recovered.The recovery rate of valid questionnaires was 99.72%.There were significant differences in the time of falling asleep,wake-up time,sleep time,daily exercise time,weekly exercise time,total daily sedentary time,Non screen sedentary time and screen sedentary time between normal times and the epidemic period（P<0.05）.There were significant differences in the changes range of wake-up time,daily exercise time and daily sedentary time in children of the care groups with different educational levels during the epidemic period（P<0.05）;there were no significant differences in the changes range of falling asleep time,night sleep time and weekly exercise time（P>0.05）.There were no significant differences in the change range of activity behavior indexes in other groups（P<0.05）.Conclusion During the epidemic period,the sleep,exercise and sedentary behaviors of preschool children limited by home have changed compared with normal times.The education level of the main caregivers may affect the children′s wake-up time,exercise time and sedentary behavior during the epidemic period.Therefore,we should pay attention to the management of preschool children′s activity behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Childhood cardiometabolic disease risk (CMD) has been associated with short sleep duration. Its relationship with other aspects of sleep should also be considered, including social jetlag (SJL) which represents the difference between a person's social rhythms and circadian clock. This study investigated whether childhood CMD risk is associated with sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL.Study Design: The observational study included 332 children aged 8–10 years (48.5% female). The three independent variables were sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL. SJL was calculated as the variation in hours between the midpoint of sleep during free (weekend) days and work/school days. Eleven cardiometabolic biomarkers were measured, including central blood pressure, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, arterial wave reflection, and glucose. Underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis.Results: Four underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis: blood pressure, cholesterol, vascular health, and carbohydrate metabolism. Neither sleep disturbances nor sleep duration were significantly associated with any of the four CMD factors following adjustments to potential confounders. However, SJL was significantly linked to vascular health (p = 0.027) and cholesterol (p = 0.025).Conclusion: These findings suggest that SJL may be a significant and measurable public health target for offsetting negative CMD trajectories in children. Further studies are required to determine biological plausibility.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influences of sex, breed, and backgrounding diet on rumination and activity patterns in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves; and the daily variations in rumination and activity in Angus and Angus-cross beef calves under different backgrounding systems. A total of 62 freshly weaned calves were vaccinated and randomly stratified by sex (heifers and steers), breed (Angus and Angus × Simmental cross), and assigned randomly to 3 backgrounding treatments for 55 days. The peak values for rumination and activity in heifers, steers, Angus, and Angus × Simmental cross occurred during the dark and light phases of the dark/light cycle, respectively. Beef calves backgrounded on cover crops had higher (p < 0.05) rumination (45.33 ± 1.57 min) compared with calves backgrounded on a perennial pasture (43.96 ± 1.47 min) diet. Similarly, drylot calves (24.16 ± 0.68 min) had higher (p < 0.05) activity compared to perennial pasture (23.49 ± 0.72 min). The results showed that sex and breed did not influence rumination and activity of Angus and Angus-cross beef calves during the study period. We concluded that the time of the day and backgrounding diet influenced rumination and activity patterns of Angus and Angus-cross beef calves.

Understanding the drivers of invasive species' range expansion is key to effective management and successful control. Spatial sorting theory advances that invasive species can spread via a selection-neutral process predicated on differential movement. In addition to morphology and physiology, it has been predicted that variation in exploration and activity among individuals can be crucial to this model because these behaviors enhance movement. We aimed to address the question of whether exploration and activity are associated with invasive spread using the free-ranging invasive common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Australia, one of the most broadly distributed invasive birds globally. We radio-tracked mynas from invasion-front sites versus long-established sites in New South Wales. We quantified activity using frequent movements in familiar areas and exploration using infrequent long-distance excursive movements, while also accounting for environmental variation. We discovered that mean daily distance travelled was larger in invasion-front than in invasion-source mynas, suggesting front mynas were more active. Invasion front mynas had significantly larger exploratory home ranges, moved greater maximum daily distances, and changed roost more frequently, suggesting front mynas were also more exploratory; the results were maintained when climate was included as a covariate. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show enhanced exploration and activity in free-ranging invasion-front birds. Inter-individual variation in movement-relevant behaviors might be facilitating the ongoing Australian myna range expansion, although habitat effects cannot be fully excluded. These findings point to the potential importance of considering changes in behavior when modelling alien animal invasions and applied conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activity range – the amount of time spent active per day – is a fundamental aspect contributing to the optimization process by which animals achieve energetic balance. Based on their size and the nature of their diet, theoretical expectations are that larger carnivores need more time active to fulfil their energetic needs than do smaller ones and also more time active than similar‐sized non‐carnivores. Despite the relationship between daily activity, individual range and energy acquisition, large‐scale relationships between activity range and body mass among wild mammals have never been properly addressed. This study aimed to understand the scaling of activity range with body mass, while controlling for phylogeny and diet. We built simple empirical predictions for the scaling of activity range with body mass for mammals of different trophic guilds and used a phylogenetically controlled mixed model to test these predictions using activity records of 249 mammal populations (128 species) in 19 tropical forests (in 15 countries) obtained using camera traps. Our scaling model predicted a steeper scaling of activity range in carnivores (0.21) with higher levels of activity (higher intercept), and near‐zero scaling in herbivores (0.04). Empirical data showed that activity ranges scaled positively with body mass for carnivores (0.061), which also had higher intercept value, but not for herbivores, omnivores and insectivores, in general, corresponding with the predictions. Despite the many factors that shape animal activity at local scales, we found a general pattern showing that large carnivores need more time active in a day to meet their energetic demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In lung disease, physical activity (PA) yields beneficial health effects, but its association with the function of healthy lungs has rarely been studied. We investigated the association of accelerometer-based PA with spirometric indices, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and lung diffusion capacity in lung-healthy adults. Methods In total, 341 apparently lung-healthy participants from the population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) FF4 cohort study (45% male, aged 48-68 years, 47% never smokers) completed lung function testing and wore ActiGraph accelerometers over a one week period at the hip. In adjusted regression analyses, moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was characterized as: sex-specific activity quartiles, achieving ≥ 10 consecutive minutes (yes vs. no), and meeting the WHO PA recommendations (yes vs. no). Results Positive associations of MVPA-quartiles with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and corresponding Global Lung Function Initiative z-scores were found. Subjects in the most active quartile (> 47 or > 50 min/day for females and males, respectively) had 142 ml [95% CI: 23, 260] higher FEV1 and 155 ml [95% CI: 10, 301] higher FVC than those in the least active quartile (

We examined associations of social support and loneliness with eating and activity among parent–adolescent dyads (N = 2968) using actor–partner interdependence modeling. Loneliness had several actor associations with health behaviors (adolescents: less physical activity [PA], p <.001, more sedentariness, p <.001; parents: less fruit/vegetable consumption [FVC], p =.029, more hedonic food consumption [HFC], p =.002, and sedentariness, p <.001), but only one dyadic association (adolescent loneliness with less parent FVC, p =.039). Visible support was associated with less HFC, p <.001, and sedentariness, p <.001, but less FVC, p =.008, among adolescents. Invisible support was associated with less HFC, p =.003, but also less PA, p =.028, among adolescents. Both support types were associated with less HFC among parents, p <.001, but invisible support was also associated with less FVC, p =.029, and PA, p =.012, and more sedentariness, p =.013, among parents. When examining health behavior among parents and adolescents, it may be important to consider social support (but perhaps not loneliness) at a dyadic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to reveal the internal relationship among community green space, space perception, and activity behavior response to supplement the lack of research results on the binary relationship between green space and behavior. Nine residential community green spaces and 398 residents were selected as the research objects. Thematic clustering and factor identification were used to determine the spatial dimensions of community green space that residents were concerned about. The analysis of the green exposure index, spatial perception evaluation, and activity behavior survey were combined to determine the influence of the green exposure index on spatial perception and activity behavior and its internal correlation path. According to research data, the community green view index (GVI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) negatively affected the perception factor, while the perception factor positively affected the activity frequency. The SEM model shows that the green exposure index stimulated activity behavior through the intermediate effect of the internal perception path of perceived landscape quality, perceived workability, and perceived accessibility. Spatial perception as the basis of the instantaneous emotional reaction process may affect people's choices for activities but be unable to extend the duration of the activities. The internal association among community green space, spatial perception, and physical activity behavior develops on the basis of spatial patterns at certain scales. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the spatial experience and residents' behavioral needs, evaluating the quality of urban green space scientifically, and promoting the optimization of community green space structure., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Zheng, Zhao, Duan, Yang, Wang and Su.)

Introduction: A third of all children spend at least 60 min·d−1 in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as recommended by the World Health Organization. We investigated the distribution of objectively measured physical activity (PA) intensities achieved by schoolchildren during physical education (PE) and organized youth sports (OYS) and the contribution of PE and OYS to the achievement of the PA recommendations. Methods: In two surveys, PA of 396 children was measured using accelerometry during typical school weeks. Proportions (%) of sedentary behavior, light PA, and MVPA per day and particularly during sports were assessed in children 6–17 yr old. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated to analyze the association between frequency (d·wk−1) and duration (min·wk−1) of PE and OYS and meeting the PA recommendations. Results: Average proportions of MVPA during PE and OYS ranged between 15% and 31%. Between 68% and 74% of children (6–10 yr) and between 27% and 37% of adolescents (11–17 yr) met the PA recommendations. In both age-groups, PE and OYS on at least 2 d·wk−1 were both significantly associated with meeting the PA recommendations (AOR for PE = 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.05–6.31; AOR for OYS = 3.83, 95% CI = 2.09–6.99), compared with no PE or no OYS in that week. Likewise, significant AOR values were found for >90 min of PE per week (AOR = 3.48, 95% CI = 2.03–5.98) and >120 min of OYS per week (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI = 2.01–6.89), compared with no PE or no OYS in that week, respectively. Conclusion: Schoolchildren spent less than one-third of PE and OYS in MVPA. PE and OYS were found to support children and adolescents to engage sufficiently in MVPA as recommended by the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to validate the CowManager SensOor ear-tag accelerometer (Agis Automatisering BV, Harmelen, the Netherlands) against visual observations of feeding, rumination, resting, and active behaviors of tiestall-housed dairy cows. Prior validation of the sensor has been published for freestall and grazing dairy herds. However, the behavioral differences that exist among these and a tiestall system necessitate additional validation. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 10) at different lactation stages and parities were included in the study. Cows were monitored both visually and with the sensor for 10 h/d for 4 consecutive days (10 cows × 10 h × 4 d = 400 h of observation total). A single trained observer classified each minute of visual observation into 1 of 13 behaviors and then summarized them into the 4 behavioral categories of eating, rumination, not active, or active. The sensor registered ear movements continuously and, based on a proprietary model, converted them into the behavioral categories. Multivariate mixed models were run to obtain covariance estimates, from which correlation coefficients were computed to assess agreement between visual observation and sensor data. The models included the percentage of time spent performing each behavior per day as the dependent variable and technology (visual observation versus sensor) and day as fixed effects. The models also included the random effects of technology and the repeated effects of technology and day. The correlation strength between visual observation and sensor data varied from poor to almost perfect by behavioral category (eating: r = 0.27; rumination: r = 0.69; eating–rumination: r = 0.83; not active: r = 0.95; and active: r = 0.89). The results suggest that the sensor can be used to accurately monitor active and not-active behaviors of tiestall-housed dairy cows. The results also suggest that although the sensor shows promise for identifying feeding behaviors in general, the independent classification of rumination and eating requires additional sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoperiod is known to modulate immune cell number and function and is regarded essential for seasonal disease susceptibility. In addition, diurnal variations in the immune system are regarded important for immune competence. Whereas few studies investigated the influence of season, none investigated the specific effect of the photoperiod on these diurnal immune rhythms until now. Therefore, the present study compared diurnal rhythms in cell numbers of peripheral leukocyte types in domestic pigs held either under long day conditions (LD) or short day conditions (SD). Cosinor analyses of cell numbers of various peripheral leukocyte subtypes investigated over periods of 50 h revealed distinct photoperiodic differences in diurnal immune rhythms. Relative amplitudes of cell numbers of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells, and monocytes in blood were higher under SD than LD. In addition, cell counts of total leukocytes, NK cells, T cells including various T cell subtypes, and eosinophils peaked earlier relative to the time of lights-on under SD than LD. In contrast, diurnal rhythms of neutrophil counts did not show photoperiodic differences. Mesor values did not differ in any leukocyte type. Generalized linear mixed model analyses revealed associations of leukocyte counts with plasma cortisol concentration and activity behavior in most investigated cell types. Moreover, the present study demonstrated photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in plasma cortisol concentrations and activity behavior, which is in agreement with human and primate studies. The results of the present study imply stronger rhythmicity in leukocyte counts in general under SD. Common intrinsic mechanisms seem to regulate photoperiodic effects on diurnal rhythms in leukocyte counts, except for neutrophils, in domestic pigs. Our results reveal considerable insights into the regulation of immune rhythms in diurnally active species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify determinants of quantitative dimensions of physical activity (PA; duration, frequency, and intensity) in community-dwelling, multi-morbid, older persons with cognitive impairment (CI). In addition, qualitative and quantitative aspects of habitual PA have been described. Quantitative PA and qualitative gait characteristics while walking straight and while walking turns were documented by a validated, sensor-based activity monitor. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to delineate associations of quantitative PA dimensions with qualitative characteristics of gait performance and further potential influencing factors (motor capacity measures, demographic, and health-related parameters). In 94 multi-morbid, older adults (82.3 ± 5.9 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination score: 23.3 ± 2.4), analyses of quantitative and qualitative PA documented highly inactive behavior (89.6% inactivity) and a high incidence of gait deficits, respectively. The multiple regression models (adjusted R2 = 0.395–0.679, all p < 0.001) identified specific qualitative gait characteristics as independent determinants for all quantitative PA dimensions, whereas motor capacity was an independent determinant only for the PA dimension duration. Demographic and health-related parameters were not identified as independent determinants. High associations between innovative, qualitative, and established, quantitative PA performances may suggest gait quality as a potential target to increase quantity of PA in multi-morbid, older persons.

This paper examines the activity engagement, sequencing and timing of activities for student, faculty and staff commuter groups at the largest university in the Maritime Provinces of Canada. The daily activity patterns of all university community groups are modeled using the classification and regression tree classifier algorithm. The data used for this study are derived from the Environmentally Aware Travel Diary Survey (EnACT) conducted in spring 2016 at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia. Results show that there are significant differences in activity and travel behavior between university population segments and the general population in the region, and between campus groups. For example, students participate in more recreation activities compared to faculty and staff. They also take more trips to and from campus, and are more flexible in their scheduling of trips. The insights gained from this study will provide helpful information for promoting sustainability across university campuses, and for development of campus-based travel demand management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diurnal rhythms within the immune system are considered important for immune competence. Until now, they were mostly studied in humans and rodents. However, as the domestic pig is regarded as suitable animal model and due to its importance in agriculture, this study aimed to characterize diurnal rhythmicity in porcine circulating leukocyte numbers. Eighteen pigs were studied over periods of up to 50 h. Cosinor analyses revealed diurnal rhythms in cell numbers of most investigated immune cell populations in blood. Whereas T cell, dendritic cell, and eosinophil counts peaked during nighttime, NK cell and neutrophil counts peaked during daytime. Relative amplitudes of cell numbers in blood differed in T helper cell subtypes with distinctive differentiation states. Mixed model analyses revealed that plasma cortisol concentration was negatively associated with cell numbers of most leukocyte types, except for NK cells and neutrophils. The observed rhythms mainly resemble those found in humans and rodents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In lung disease, physical activity (PA) yields beneficial health effects, but its association with the function of healthy lungs has rarely been studied. We investigated the association of accelerometer-based PA with spirometric indices, maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PImax) and lung diffusion capacity in lung-healthy adults.Methods: In total, 341 apparently lung-healthy participants from the population-based KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) FF4 cohort study (45% male, aged 48-68 years, 47% never smokers) completed lung function testing and wore ActiGraph accelerometers over a one week period at the hip. In adjusted regression analyses, moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was characterized as: sex-specific activity quartiles, achieving ≥ 10 consecutive minutes (yes vs. no), and meeting the WHO PA recommendations (yes vs. no).Results: Positive associations of MVPA-quartiles with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and corresponding Global Lung Function Initiative z-scores were found. Subjects in the most active quartile (> 47 or > 50 min/day for females and males, respectively) had 142 ml [95% CI: 23, 260] higher FEV1 and 155 ml [95% CI: 10, 301] higher FVC than those in the least active quartile (< 17 or < 21 min/day for females and males, respectively); however these associations were stronger among ex-/current smokers. Achieving at least once 10 consecutive minutes of MVPA was only associated with higher PImax [β-estimate: 0.57 kPa; 95% CI: 0.04, 1.10], remaining significant among never smokers. No associations were found with diffusion capacity or for reaching the WHO-recommended 150 min of MVPA/week in 10-min bouts.Conclusions: Although the effects were small, active subjects showed higher spirometric results. The observed associations were more pronounced among ever smokers suggesting a higher benefit of PA for subjects being at a higher risk for chronic lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The daily controlling of group-housed sows is more difficult in contrast to single-housed sows. Especially the early detection of return to estrus sows have to be optimized to reduce the production costs (e.g. labor, feed, insemination, space). The activity behavior of sows (N = 2.937 parities) at the boar ticketwindow were investigated from June 2011 to September 2014 on the Futterkamp agriculture research farm of the Chamber of Agriculture of Schleswig-Holstein. The group size differed between 180 to 200 sows. The return to estrus rate was 9% whereby 55% of these sows were inseminated again until day 35. The analysis of the duration and frequency of sows' visits per day resulted in enhanced activity between Day 18 to 24 for return to estrus sows. A fixed upper control limit (UCL) of the visit duration was determined (4.3 min/day) for the actual herd by the use of Shewhart charts. This UCL had the best results with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 98%. Due to the results of the control charts one sow had to be checked for return to estrus every day. On average, eight sows produced a false alarm, while every ninth sow returned to estrus. The boar ticket window can be used as an aid to detect return to estrus sows. However, the control limits have to be adapted to the characteristics of the individual farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate how COPD patients respond to motivational cues that aim to improve activity behavior and how these responses are related to cue- and context characteristics. In addition, to explore whether activity can be increased and better distributed over the day by providing such cues. Methods: Fifteen COPD patients participated. Patients used an activity sensor with a smartphone for four weeks, at least four days/week. Patients received motivational cues every 2h with advice on how to improve their activity, on top of real-time visual feedback. The response was calculated by the amount of activity 30min before and after a cue. Results: In total, 1488 cues were generated. The amount of activity significantly decreased in the 30min after a discouraging cue (p <0.001) and significantly increased (p <0.05) in the 10min after an encouraging cue. The activity level increased with 13% in the intervention period compared to corrected baseline (p =0.008). The activity was not more balanced over the day. Conclusions: COPD patients significantly change their activity level in response to motivational cues, based on continuous ambulatory assessment of activity levels. Practice implications: Motivational cues could be a valuable component of telemedicine interventions that aim to improve activity behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: To examine the consistency in findings about the influence of maturity on the gender-difference in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of children using different cut-off points for MVPA. Design: Cross-sectional observation study. Methods: The sample involved 253 children (139 boys) of 9.9±0.9 years. Their physical activity was evaluated using an Actigraph accelerometer. The biological age of children was determined with their estimated age at the peak height velocity, and maturity categories were gender-specific defined. Results: Boys spent more time in MVPA than girls (P <0.0001), and no maturity-related differences were obtained on the whole sample. It was only among boys that differences were found between maturity groups with cut-off points of 3000cpm (P =0.034), 3200cpm (P =0.024), and 3600cpm (P =0.011). At a given maturity level, boys spent significantly more time in MVPA than girls, except with the cut-off point of 1000cpm (P =0.07). There were higher proportions of sufficiently active boys, but significances were reached only with cut-off points above 3000cpm. There were no maturity-related differences in the proportion of sufficiently active children as MVPA was computed using cut-off points of 1000cpm, 2000cpm or 3000cpm. Conclusions: The role of maturity in the gender-difference in MVPA seems unclear as one another cut-off point is used among children. Even if a relatively greater consistency was found with the three cut-off points above 3000cpm, data comparison may require a conversion system until a consensus is reached about the exact value to be used among children. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Based on two cross-sectional studies conducted in 8–10-year-old third-grade children living in the municipality of Odense, potential differences were examined in the level of habitual physical activity (HPA) in Danish children between 1997/1998 and 2003/2004. HPA was assessed objectively by accelerometry. Primarily, overall differences were analyzed as gender and day type specific (i.e. Mon–Thu vs Fri–Sun) levels in HPA. Secondarily, differences were analyzed across socioeconomic gradients defined according to parents' occupation. Data were expressed as total counts per registered time. During the period 1997/1998–2003/2004, no significant differences were observed in the level of HPA during Mon–Thu or Fri–Sun or across socioeconomic gradients. Post hoc analyses indicated a slightly more favorable ratio between the percentages of time spent in light and moderate intensity levels during Mon–Thu in 2003/2004 when compared with 1997/1998. Gender differences in the level of HPA were found to be more distinct during Mon–Thu than during Fri–Sun. This study does not support the idea that Danish children are becoming less physically active. However, a limited statistical power should be considered when interpreting differences across socioeconomic gradients. Boys were found to be more physically active than girls, especially during the weekdays (Friday not included). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To utilize the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining the prediction of physical activity intention and determine if present activity behavior attenuates theory construct relationships in a sample of low-in- come Mexican women. Methods: Data were gathered on 201 subjects through a self-report survey instrument and analyzed through structural equation modeling. Results: Present activity behavior attenuated theory construct influence on intention, and perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of intent to engage in physical activity. Conclusions: Interventions promoting voluntary physical activity for this population group should address factors perceived as barriers to participating in activity situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparison of the activity behaviors of the mechanistically similar reactions of carbon dioxide reforming and steam reforming of methane was carried out at 400∼550 °C over nickel catalysts with samaria- and gadolinia-doped ceria and α-alumina as the supports. Results show that the activity behaviors of carbon dioxide reforming and steam reforming of methane are similar and very sensitive to the oxygen-vacancy properties of the support, with a drastic increase of the activities as the temperature increases from 450 to 500 °C. Nevertheless, a difference in the activity behaviors between carbon dioxide and steam reforming has been observed and is due to a difference in the reaction mechanisms of CO2 and H2O dissociations. Possible carbon deposition (coking) is lessened due to the reaction of the surface carbon species with the lattice oxygen or the surface O species as produced from CO2 or H2O. It was found that the samaria-doped ceria supported nickel catalyst has better de-coking ability than that of the gadolinia-doped ceria supported one. An oxygen-transport reaction mechanism for doped-ceria supported Ni catalyst has been proposed and shown to explain the activity behaviors successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Childhood cardiometabolic disease risk (CMD) has been associated with short sleep duration. Its relationship with other aspects of sleep should also be considered, including social jetlag (SJL) which represents the difference between a person's social rhythms and circadian clock. This study investigated whether childhood CMD risk is associated with sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL. Study Design: The observational study included 332 children aged 8-10 years (48.5% female). The three independent variables were sleep duration, sleep disturbances, and SJL. SJL was calculated as the variation in hours between the midpoint of sleep during free (weekend) days and work/school days. Eleven cardiometabolic biomarkers were measured, including central blood pressure, lipids, glycated hemoglobin, arterial wave reflection, and glucose. Underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis. Results: Four underlying CMD risk factors were identified using factor analysis: blood pressure, cholesterol, vascular health, and carbohydrate metabolism. Neither sleep disturbances nor sleep duration were significantly associated with any of the four CMD factors following adjustments to potential confounders. However, SJL was significantly linked to vascular health ( p = 0.027) and cholesterol ( p = 0.025). Conclusion: These findings suggest that SJL may be a significant and measurable public health target for offsetting negative CMD trajectories in children. Further studies are required to determine biological plausibility., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Castro, Diana, Blackwell, Faulkner, Lark, Skidmore, Hamlin, Signal, Williams and Stoner.)

This study aimed to identify determinants of quantitative dimensions of physical activity (PA; duration, frequency, and intensity) in community-dwelling, multi-morbid, older persons with cognitive impairment (CI). In addition, qualitative and quantitative aspects of habitual PA have been described. Quantitative PA and qualitative gait characteristics while walking straight and while walking turns were documented by a validated, sensor-based activity monitor. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to delineate associations of quantitative PA dimensions with qualitative characteristics of gait performance and further potential influencing factors (motor capacity measures, demographic, and health-related parameters). In 94 multi-morbid, older adults (82.3 ± 5.9 years) with CI (Mini-Mental State Examination score: 23.3 ± 2.4), analyses of quantitative and qualitative PA documented highly inactive behavior (89.6% inactivity) and a high incidence of gait deficits, respectively. The multiple regression models (adjusted R2 = 0.395–0.679, all p < 0.001) identified specific qualitative gait characteristics as independent determinants for all quantitative PA dimensions, whereas motor capacity was an independent determinant only for the PA dimension duration. Demographic and health-related parameters were not identified as independent determinants. High associations between innovative, qualitative, and established, quantitative PA performances may suggest gait quality as a potential target to increase quantity of PA in multi-morbid, older persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]