Favorable Behavior Research Articles

Treatment patterns of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast: A systematic review.

e13147 Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of breast (ACC-B) is a rare subtype of breast cancer (BC) accounting for 0.1% of all BCs. It shares histologic features with ACCs arising in the salivary glands and other locations. Given the hormone receptor (HR) negative phenotype [negative expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR)], some clinicians treat ACC-B as a basal subtype of BC, which is predominantly treated with chemotherapy. However, ACC-B has a more indolent and favorable clinical behavior. There are no established treatment guidelines for ACC-B. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the treatment patterns for ACC-B. Methods: We followed the PRISMA criteria using the database in Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Covidence software was used for screening and data extraction. Eligible studies discussed the management of stage I-III ACC-B from 1960 to 2022. Individual patient (pt) demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment and outcomes were collected, when available. Results: The database search found 2864 studies, of which 187 articles met the inclusion criteria in the study protocol. Given the rarity of this subtype of BC, most studies were case reports (n=104). A total of 4370 pts with a median age of 57 years were eligible for analysis. Information on ER, PR and HER2 status was not available for all cases. For the cases in which this was reported, most were ER and/or PR negative (76% ER negative and 83% PR negative). Surgery was the primary treatment reported for 3984 pts. A total of 21.5% underwent mastectomy, 40.7% lumpectomy and 37.7% were treated with other modalities of surgery. In the group of patients for which information was available regarding the receipt of systemic therapy (n=3147), 82% did not receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Metastatic disease was reported to have developed in 2.2% of the total patients (n=98). Median time to recurrence was 31 months (0-460) with a median overall survival of 134 months (1-462). The most common site of metastases were the lungs (60%). Among the patients who developed metastatic disease and for whom initial treatment information was available; radiation was given to 32 pts, 26 received adjuvant chemotherapy and 15 received both radiation and chemotherapy. No patients that developed metastatic disease received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions: Our results suggests that ACC-B has a clinical behavior different from basal subtype of BC. In our review, only 2.2% of pts relapsed with metastatic disease, even though most of the pts did not receive prior systemic therapy. We need to better understand the genomic landscape of ACC-B, to identify pts who may be at risk for recurrence and develop specific guidelines to treat this rare type of BC.

In-situ construction of RuS2 nanocrystal-decorated amorphous NiSx nanosheets for industrial-current-density water splitting

Developing enabling electrocatalysts for water splitting to operate at industrial-current-density is crucial for large-scale hydrogen production. Herein, a facile wet-chemistry strategy and scalable in-situ sulfidation technique are designed for formation of RuS2 nanocrystal-decorated amorphous NiSx nanosheets vertically aligned on Ni foam (NF) (RuNiSx/NF) as ultra-highly efficient electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting (EWS). The optimized electrocatalyst exhibits an excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, requiring overpotentials of only 15, 50, and 114 mV at 10, 100, and 1000 mA/cm2, respectively, with robust stability at 10, 100, and 500 mA/cm2 for 120 h, ranking it one of the efficient electrocatalysts for industrial water electrolysis. The electron redistribution over heterointerfaces induces the modulatory electronic states of heterostructures, thus leading to the favorable adsorption behavior for reaction intermediates, enhancing intrinsic activity of active sites. Impressively, a RuNiSx/NF||RuNiSx/NF EWS device can afford industrial current densities of 10, 100, and 500 mA/cm2 at voltages of 1.55, 1.77, and 2.35 V, respectively, together with robust durability for over 50 h (@1000 mA/cm2). This work provides an innovative approach to design unique heterostructures for industrial EWS via modulatory electronic states.

Favorable Lifestyle Behaviors as Reverse Risk Factors and Treatment for Postpartum Depression

Background. Lifestyle behaviors such as sleep, sedentary behavior, physical activity (PA) or exercise, and diet may influence risk for postpartum depression (PPD) or serve as treatment options for those diagnosed with PPD. The purpose of this review was to summarize existing research about four key lifestyle behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior, PA and exercise, and diet) and their potential influence on PPD. Methods. Studies that were published in English after 2000 were drawn from the PubMed database. Observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized, controlled trials that enrolled >50 participants were considered for inclusion. Results. Quality sleep and PA or exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period may reduce PPD risk or help improve PPD symptoms. Data regarding the utility of intervening on diet patterns or specific nutrients for lessening PPD risk or serving as PPD treatment are inconsistent. Evidence for vitamin D supplementation is extensive, while evidence supporting other vitamins, nutrients, and minerals remains inconclusive. Research linking sedentary behavior and PPD is extremely limited. Conclusion. Sleep quality and PA or exercise may reduce the risk of PPD or mitigate its symptoms. Further high- quality research studies examining the relationship between sedentary behavior and PPD risk are necessary. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, alone or in conjunction with other evidence-based strategies recommended by healthcare providers, may serve as effective preventive measures and treatments for PPD in the pregnancy and postpartum periods.

Self-management behavior strategy based on behavioral economics in patients with hypertension: a scoping review.

Hypertensive patients often do not make the most favorable choices and behaviors for managing disease. Behavioral economics strategies offer new ideas for guiding patients toward health behavior. The scoping review aimed to summarize behavioral economics strategies designed to improve hypertension self-management behaviors. A literature search was conducted in September 2022 using the following electronic databases: Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang Database for Chinese Periodicals, and CBM-SinoMed. We screened the literature for experimental studies written in Chinese or English reporting on BE strategies designed to improve self-management behavior in hypertension. We searched 17 820 records and included 18 articles in the final scoping review. We performed qualitative synthesis by the categories of choice architecture. The most common BE strategies were those targeting decision information and decision assistance, such as changing the presentation of information, making information visible, and providing reminders for actions. Most strategies targeted BP, diet, medication adherence, and physical activity behavior. Ten out of 18 studies reported statistically significant improvement in self-management behavior. Further research on BE strategies should focus on addressing the challenges, including changing the decision structure, encompassing a more comprehensive range of target behaviors, and examining the long-term effects of BE strategies.

The role of living donor liver transplantation in treating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCC) is the liver's second most common neoplasm. Until now, surgery is the only curative option, but only 35% of the cases are considered resectable at the diagnosis, with a post-resection survival of around 30%. Advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative care related to liver transplantation (LT) have facilitated the expansion of indications for hepatic neoplasms. This study is a comprehensive review of the global experience in living donor LT (LDLT) for treating iCC and describes our first case of LDLT for an unresectable iCC. While exploring LT for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma dates to the 1990s, the initial outcomes were discouraging, marked by poor survival and high recurrence rates. Nevertheless, contemporary perspectives underscore a reinvigorated emphasis on extending the frontiers of LT indications within the context of the "oncologic era." The insights gleaned from examining explants, wherein incidental iCC was categorized as hepatocellular carcinoma in the preoperative period, have demonstrated comparable survival rates to small hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings substantiate the potential viability of LT as a curative alternative for iCC. Another investigated scenario pertains to "unresectable tumors with favorable biological behavior," LT presents a theoretical advantage by providing free margins without the concern of a small future liver remnant. The constraint of organ shortage persists, particularly in nations with low donation rates. LDLT emerges as a viable and secure alternative for treating iCC. LDLT is an excellent option for augmenting the graft pool, particularly in carefully selected patients.

Internal corporate social responsibility as a strategic tool for employee engagement in public organizations: Role of empathy and organizational pride

BACKGROUND: The macro-level corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been researched widely in recent years, however, micro-level CSR has recently gained attention. Employees are more influenced by employee related internal CSR initiatives than the external CSR activities. Internal CSR ensures favorable behavior of employees towards their employer which leads towards better organizational performance. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) on public sector employees’ engagement through Organizational Pride (OP). Further, the study considers moderating role of empathy between internal CSR and employee engagement (EE) METHODS: Quantitative research design was developed and theoretical framework was investigated through a survey of 430 employees of public sector in Pakistan. SmartPLS was used and partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for hypothesis testing RESULTS: The results showed that the internal CSR directly influences EE. Secondly, the mediation of OP between internal CSR and EE is also supported. However, the results do not significantly support moderation of empathy between internal CSR and EE. CONCLUSIONS: Public sector organizations should actively contribute in employees well- being through internal CSR activities especially on skills development, work-life balance and employment stability. Public sector organizations lack in emotional and cognitive attachment with employees, and should pay attention to pride over organization through employee focused CSR activities

Communication Infrastructure for the prevention of free sex behavior of adolescents in Bogor Regency, Indonesia

Reproductive health education plays a crucial role in individual well-being. This study aims to explore the impact of free sex on reproductive health, with a specific focus on the increasing cases of HIV/AIDS. A proposed solution is the implementation of comprehensive sex education. The research objectives include examining the effects of early marriage on reproductive health, evaluating the prevalence of HIV/AIDS resulting from inadequate sex education, and assessing the effectiveness of comprehensive sex education. In terms of research methodology, a mixed-methods approach was employed, involving both surveys and in-depth interviews. The data analysis encompassed statistical methods and thematic qualitative analysis. The findings of the research indicate that early marriage contributes significantly to heightened reproductive health risks, closely associated with the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Participants who underwent comprehensive sex education demonstrated a superior understanding of reproductive health and exhibited more favorable behavior, underscoring the positive role of such education in reducing risks. This study provides valuable insights into the impacts of early marriage and highlights the success of comprehensive sex education. The implications for policies and intervention measures are crucial for enhancing community well-being.

Development of Amorphous Solid Dispersion Sustained-Release Formulations with Polymer Composite Matrix-Regulated Stable Release Plateaus.

This study was designed to develop ibuprofen (IBU) sustained-release amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) using polymer composites matrix with drug release plateaus for stable release and to further reveal intrinsic links between polymer' matrix ratios and drug release behaviors. Hydrophilic polymers and hydrophobic polymers were combined to form different composite matrices in developing IBU ASD formulations by hot melt extrusion technique. The intrinsic links between the mixed polymer matrix ratio and drug dissolution behaviors was deeply clarified from the dissolution curves of hydrophilic polymers and swelling curves of composite matrices, and intermolecular forces among the components in ASDs. IBU + ammonio methacrylate copolymer type B (RSPO) + poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (PVP VA64) physical mixtures presented unstable release behaviors with large error bars due to inhomogeneities at the micrometer level. However, IBU-RSPO-PVP VA64 ASDs showed a "dissolution plateau phenomenon", i.e., release behaviors of IBU in ASDs were unaffected by polymer ratios when PVP VA64 content was 35% ~ 50%, which could reduce risks of variations in release behaviors due to fluctuations in prescriptions/processes. The release of IBU in ASDs was simultaneously regulated by the PVP VA64-mediated "dissolution" and RSPO-PVP VA64 assembly-mediated "swelling". Radial distribution function suggested that similar intermolecular forces between RSPO and PVP VA64 were key mechanisms for the "dissolution plateau phenomenon" in ASDs at 35% ~ 50% of PVP VA64. This study provided ideas for developing ASD sustained-release formulations with stable release plateau modulated by polymer combinations, taking full advantages of simple process/prescription, ease of scale-up and favorable release behavior of ASD formulations.

Influence of Imposed Strain on Weldability of Dievar Alloy.

The presented work is focused on the influence of imposed strain on the weldability of Dievar alloy. Two mechanisms affecting the microstructure and thus imparting changes in the mechanical properties were applied-heat treatment (hardening and tempering), and rotary swaging. The processed workpieces were further subjected to welding with various welding currents. In order to characterize the effects of welding on the microstructure, especially in the heat-affected zone, and determine material stability under elevated temperatures, samples for uniaxial hot compression testing at temperatures from 600 to 900 °C, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing were taken. The testing revealed that, although the rotary swaged and heat-treated samples featured comparable microhardness, the strength of the swaged material was approximately twice as high as that of the heat-treated one-specifically 1350 MPa. Furthermore, it was found that the rotary swaged sample exhibited favorable welding behavior when compared to the heat-treated one, when the higher welding current was applied.

Exploring Coaching Leadership Behaviours in Strength and Conditioning Coaching: Preferences of NCAA Division I and II Collegiate Student-Athletes Based on Task Dependence

To explore collegiate student-athletes? preferences of coaching leadership behaviours in strength and conditioning (SC) coaching and evaluate differences between the preferences of coaching leadership behaviours based on task dependence. Method a total of 145 National Collegiate Athletic Association student-athletes (independent sports athletes = 48, interdependent sports athletes = 97), aged 18-25 years, with a mean = 3 (SD = ±1) SC sessions per week, participated. Participants completed an electronic questionnaire involving the athletes? preference version of the Revised Leadership Scale for SC. Results summary statistics revealed that the most favoured behaviour was 'training and instruction', median = 4.5 (IQR = 1.0), while the least favoured was ?autocratic?, median = 2.0 (IQR = 0.5). Independent sports athletes preferred training and instruction more (median = 5.0, IQR = 0.6) than interdependent sports athletes (median = 4.5, IQR = 1.0). Interdependent sports athletes preferred social support more (median = 3.5, IQR = 1.0) than independent sports athletes (median = 3.0, IQR = 0.6). The observation of a marginal statistically significant difference for social support suggests task-dependence-based variations (p = 0.018). However, small effect sizes indicate that differences are not practically significant. Conclusion and recommendation: this study presents insights into the preferences of coaching leadership behaviours among student-athletes in SC coaching. It highlights key behaviours such as training and instruction, positive feedback, situational considerations, and social support. These findings inform coaching practice and provide a foundation for further research into coaching leadership behaviours in SC coaching.

Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping on Breastfeeding Behaviors During the First Breastfeed: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) may increase the success of breastfeeding by improving neurological and cardiovascular function in neonates. In this study, we investigated the impact of DCC on breastfeeding behaviors, neonatal activity status, and maternal satisfaction during the first breastfeeding. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Turkey with 100 term infants delivered by elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. The participants were randomly assigned to the early cord clamping (ECC) group or DCC group. The Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) was used to assess infant alertness, breastfeeding behaviors, and maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding within the first 2 hours of life. Results: Scores on the IBFAT were significantly higher in the DCC group compared with the ECC group (p = 0.02). Maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding did not differ between the groups (p = 0.3). Infant alertness tended to be better in the DCC group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that DCC was associated with more favorable breastfeeding behaviors compared with ECC.

Exploring the effects of audience and strategies used by beauty vloggers on behavioural intention towards endorsed brands

Influencer marketing has become a potent and dynamic force in the digital age, changing the face of marketing in a variety of sectors. Even though social media influencers are still important in corporate communication strategies, there are still unresolved issues concerning what exactly makes an influencer powerful and how that influence impacts the behaviour of their followers. This research investigates the role of interactional elements used by beauty vloggers on the purchase intentions of consumers. In addition to the influence of beauty vloggers, there are inherent aspects that impact consumer purchasing behaviour. The present study also examines the impact of audience characteristics in forming consumer attitudes towards beauty vloggers that result in shaping favourable consumer behaviour. The study was carried out on individuals aged 16 to 45 years, who use social platforms regularly. Data obtained from 367 respondents from North India was analysed using structural equation modelling with the SmartPLS software. The outcome of the study demonstrates that interactional elements used by beauty vloggers impact the behaviour of consumers. The results also showed that perceived influence serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between interactional elements and consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, findings indicate that when consumers hold favourable attitudes towards beauty vloggers, the impact of self-concept and personality congruence enhancement on consumer behaviour is amplified, showcasing the mediating role of consumer attitude. The study’s findings offer insights that can assist industrial marketers and cosmetic company practitioners in strategically selecting influencers to boost sales.

Insights into PVC-promoted hydrothermal carbonization of manure: Dechlorination, inorganic metals removal, and combustion behaviors

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) can serve as a promising route to effectively co-valorize biomass and plastic wastes for solid fuel production. However, manure-derived hydrochar for fuel application remains a significant challenge due to its high ash content and low energy density. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as a chlorine-containing plastic, subjected to HTC commonly results in the generation of massive acidic wastewater. Herein, we proposed a PVC-promoted HTC route for high energy–density hydrochar production. By utilizing PVC as an in situ acidic additive, the HTC condition was optimized at 275 °C, 30 min, with a PVC addition of 10 %. The hydrochar obtained under the optimized condition exhibited a higher heating value (HHV) of 25.89 MJ/kg, comparable to bituminous coals, and achieve a high energy recovery rate of nearly 70 %. Moreover, the excellent removal efficiencies of inorganic metals and chlorine both exceeding 95 % (except for Fe at 86 %) were observed, owing to the strong interactions between dechlorination and inorganic metals removal. Importantly, it was evidenced that acidic reaction environment was demonstrated to enhance the carbonization degree and modify the hydrochar formation mechanism. Furthermore, the high comprehensive combustion index S of 3.22 × 10−7 %2/( °C3·min2) and low average Ea of 134.20 kJ/mol were achieved, indicating the favorable combustion behaviors. Overall, this work systematically and comprehensively investigated the PVC-promoted HTC of manure waste for advanced solid fuel production and examined its combustion characteristics, unveiling the hydrochar formation mechanism.

The role of employee empathy in forming brand love: customer delight and gratitude as mediators and power distance belief as a moderator

Purpose This study explores the influence of employee empathy on brand love, which subsequently affects customer advocacy, willingness to pay more (WTPM) and tolerance of failure. Additionally, it investigates the mediating role of customer delight and gratitude in connecting employee empathy with brand love and the moderating effect of power distance belief (PDB) between employee empathy and customer delight and gratitude.Design/methodology/approach A total of 751 usable data were gathered through scenario-based online surveys within a hotel context. The proposed conceptual model used Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for testing.Findings The results affirm the impact of employee empathy on brand love through the pathways of customer delight and gratitude, ultimately influencing positive customer behaviors, such as advocacy, WTPM and tolerance of failure. Moreover, the findings suggest that PDB diminishes the effect of employee empathy on customer gratitude, although it does not affect customer delight.Originality/value The study introduces novel insights into the significance of employee empathy as an antecedent of brand love. It contributes to the literature by concurrently conceptualizing customer delight and gratitude as mediators between employee empathy and brand love, consequently leading to favorable consumer behaviors. Furthermore, it advances our theoretical comprehension of an individual customer’s PDB and its psychological impact.

Stimulus-Induced Dynamic Behavior Regulation of Flexible Crystals through the Tuning of Module Rigidity.

Introducing dynamic behavior into periodic frameworks has borne fruit in the form of flexible porous crystals. The detailed molecular design of frameworks in order to control their collective dynamics is of particular interest, for example, to achieve stimulus-induced behavior. Herein, by varying the degree of rigidity of ditopic pillar linkers, two isostructural flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with common rigid supermolecular building bilayers were constructed. The subtle substitution of single (in bibenzyl-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid; H2BBDC) with double (in 4,4'-stilbenedicarboxylic acid; H2SDC) C-C bonds in pillared linkers led to markedly different flexible behavior of these two MOFs. Upon the removal of guest molecules, both frameworks clearly show reversible single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations involving the cis-trans conformation change and a resulting swing of the corresponding pillar linkers, which gives rise to Flex-Cd-MOF-1a and Flex-Cd-MOF-2a, respectively. Strikingly, a more favorable gas-induced dynamic behavior in Flex-Cd-MOF-2a was verified in detail by stepwise C3H6/C3H8 sorption isotherms and the corresponding in situ powder X-ray diffraction experiments. These insights are strongly supported by molecular modeling studies on the sorption mechanism that explores the sorption landscape. Furthermore, a consistency between the macroscopic elasticity and microscopic flexibility of Flex-Cd-MOF-2 was observed. This work fuels a growing interest in developing MOFs with desired chemomechanical functions and presents detailed insights into the origins of flexible MOFs.

The Role of Parental Health Literacy in Establishing Health-Promoting Habits in Early Childhood.

In early childhood, children are extremely susceptible to the acquisition of habits and the establishment of health-promoting habits. Therefore, the patterns, routines, and rules transmitted and expected by the adults surrounding the child are of paramount importance and can correlate with the level of their health literacy. Our cross-sectional, quantitative, exploratory study aimed to examine the relationships between parental health literacy and preschool children's health-related habits, using simple, non-random sampling (n = 598). In addition to the sociodemographic characteristics, the measuring tool we compiled included the standardized European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16), as well as a set of questions containing 30 statements suitable for exploring children's habit systems. The health literacy of the parents involved in our study proved to be more favorable than that of the general population. Regarding children's habit systems, we found significant differences in several areas by age group (p < 0.05) and gender (p < 0.05). The levels of parental health literacy (0.003 ≤ p ≤ 0.048) and parents' education (p < 0.05) show a correlation with the children's health-related habit systems: the indicators of children with parents who have a higher level of health literacy and a higher level of education are more favorable in terms of established habits. In the long term, the formation of health-promoting habits may facilitate the internalization of favorable health behavior motives for the future, contributing to the establishment of positive physical, mental, and social health in adulthood.

Observational constraints on the dark energy with a quadratic equation of state

In this study, we introduce a novel late-time effective dark energy model characterized by a quadratic equation of state (EoS) and rigorously examine its observational constraints. Initially, we delve into the background dynamics of this model, tracing the evolution of fluctuations in linear order. Our approach involves substituting the conventional cosmological constant with a dynamically effective dark energy fluid. Leveraging a diverse array of observational datasets encompassing the Planck 2018 Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), Type Ia Supernovae (SNe), Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO), and a prior on the Hubble constant H0 (R21), we constrain the model parameters. We establish the model’s consistency by comparing the Hubble parameter as a function of redshift against observational Hubble data (OHD), benchmarking its performance against the Standard ΛCDM model. Additionally, our investigation delves into studies of the model’s dynamical behavior by computing cosmological parameters such as the deceleration parameter, relative Hubble parameter, and the evolution of the Hubble rate. Furthermore, employing Bayesian analysis, we determine the Bayesian Evidence for our proposed model compared to the reference ΛCDM model. While our analysis unveils the favorable behavior of the model in various observational tests, the well-known cosmological tensions persist when the full dataset combination is explored.

Optimizing Experiential Quality to Drive Positive Post-Consumption Behaviours in Kenyan Theme Parks

Experience quality has become increasingly important, particularly for the theme park sector. This is because visitors' post-consumption behaviours are influenced by experiential quality, and this has an impact on theme parks' overall success. There have been studies on the relationship between psychological outcomes such as perceived value, image, experiential satisfaction, and behavioural intentions in theme parks and experience quality; however, most of these studies have focused on the global north. In light of this, this study examines management' and guests' perceptions of experiencing quality, perceived value, and post-consumption behaviours (satisfaction and behavioural intentions) in what are thought to be Kenya's top theme parks. According to the research findings, improving experiential quality is critical for nurturing favourable post-consumption behaviours from both managerial and tourist perspectives. Furthermore, visitors place a premium on cost/affordability, outstanding service, and enjoyable and thrilling encounters as critical components of delivering visitor value and creating quality and memorable experiences. Both managers and guests reported high visitor satisfaction and positive behavioural intentions. The authors suggest that optimising the quality of visitor experiences at theme parks leads to beneficial post-consumption behaviours and overall park success

Sociocultural determinants of children's oral health among immigrants in Canada.

A conceptual model was designed and tested to predict immigrant children's oral health in Canada by examining parental acculturation and perceived social support (PSS) using structural equation modelling. A convenience sample of first-generation immigrant parents and their children aged 2-12 years were recruited by multilingual community workers in Edmonton, Canada. Parents completed a validated questionnaire on demographics, child's oral health (OH) behaviours, parental acculturation and PSS. Dental examinations determined children's dental caries rate using DMFT/dmft index. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the data. A total of 336 families participated in this study. The average parental acculturation level was 10.46 with a maximum of 15, and the average PSS was 63.27 with a maximum of 75. SEM showed that 77% of the variance of DMFT/dmft scores in children was explained by parental PSS, acculturation level, immigration-related variables, socioeconomic variables and children's OH behaviours. The direct effect of parental PSS was associated with a significantly reduced rate of dental caries (β = -.076, p-value = .008) and lower sugar consumption (β = -.17, p-value = .04). While the mediation effect of parental acculturation on PSS was associated with positive OH behaviours of children (e.g., toothbrushing frequency and dental care utilization), the indirect effect was negatively associated with caries rate (β = .77, p-value = .00). The direct effect of Parental Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was associated with more favourable oral health behaviours and a lower prevalence of dental caries, while the mediation effect of acculturation was linked to a higher prevalence of dental caries.

Menstrual hygiene behaviour among the tribal married women aged 15 to 49 years: A cross-sectional study in a community development block of Paschim Bardhaman District, West Bengal.

Menstrual hygiene management is integrally associated with reproductive health of women. Menstrual health and hygiene needs, particularly of tribal women still remain unmet for many reasons. Inappropriate menstrual behaviour leads to adverse health consequences. This study aimed to ascertain the menstrual hygiene behaviour of tribal married women aged 15 to 49 years and its correlates. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2019 to April 2020 in the Barabani block of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal. A calculated sample of 530 women was selected randomly from 10 tribal villages of the study area; they were interviewed through a pre-designed schedule for socio-demographic and menstrual hygiene behaviour characteristics. Menstrual hygiene management score was derived based on five essential components- hygienic absorbents, hygienic disposal of absorbents, frequency of changing of absorbents, cleaning of external genitalia and source of water for cleaning; menstrual hygiene behaviour was categorised as favourable and unfavourable. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed using SPSS v. 20. All 530 women were Hindu and belonged to Santhal ethnicity; 53.4% were illiterate. Sanitary pads were used by 43.8% of women; 63% practised indiscriminate throwing for disposal of absorbents; 86% practised appropriate changing of absorbents. Overall, 63% had favourable menstrual hygiene management behaviour, and the literacy status of women was found to be a significant predictor. Unfavourable menstrual practices are still widely prevalent among tribal women, mainly attributable to lack of knowledge. Awareness generation should be focused on improving those practices, which would also result in the improvement of general health conditions.