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Climate changes linked to extreme events pose a threat to freshwater biodiversity, impacting organs, behaviour, and reproduction. Moreover, these changes can be amplified by pollution. Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is used in agriculture and aquaculture, so the copper can reach streams, rivers, and lakes impacting fish. This study evaluated the combined effects of temperature and copper on gills and liver histology biomarkers and in the behaviour of Mozambique tilapia over 28 days. Tilapias were exposed to different water temperatures (25 °C and 32 °C) and CuSO4 concentrations (1.1 and 3.6 mg/L). Fish from the control group were exposed to water without copper sulphate and at 25 °C (within their optimum range). Histopathological analysis revealed significant tissue lesions, namely aneurysms and bending of gill lamellae, and hyalinization and vacuolization in the liver at the higher temperature and CuSO4 level. Moreover, behavioural observations revealed increased stress changes under the same conditions. These findings highlight the effects of fast climate change, and rising temperatures on copper toxicity, underlining the necessity for strict monitoring and regulation of copper use due to future climate change scenarios to protect aquatic ecosystems, ichthyofauna population and trophic web dynamics. This data also alerts for similar problems with other toxic metals or chemicals, at short term, in streams and rivers, under rapid climate changes and more frequent extreme events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism can play a significant role in the conservation of mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) by financing the protection of their habitat, but few systematic studies have focused on the impacts of tourist presence on gorilla behavior. We assessed stress-coping mechanisms (Prosocial behaviors), behavioral indicators of stress (Self-scratching), and Human-directed behavior, in the presence and absence of tourist groups visiting one group of mountain gorillas living in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyse differences in gorilla behavior as a function of (a) presence vs. absence of tourists and (b) proximity to tourists (3 m). Contrary to guidelines, tourists spent 60% of their viewing time within 3 m of the gorillas, and 96% of the tourist groups had more than 8 people. During tourist visits, gorillas increased time spent in Prosocial behavior and in rates of Self-scratching and Human-directed behavior. When tourists approached gorillas within 3 m, Prosocial and Human-directed behavior increased while Feeding decreased, but only adult males increased Self-scratching rates. We conclude that tourists are influencing gorilla behavior. We recommend following and enforcing the IUCN guidelines by keeping a minimum 7 m distance when viewing gorillas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Amid concerns about severe COVID‐19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disease (AIRD) during the outbreak, it is crucial to explore behavioural changes, whether healthy or unhealthy, arising from this patient population in response to the changing healthcare environment. Aim: To investigate COVID‐19‐driven behavioural changes in patients with AIRD. Methods: This observational study invited patients who attended the rheumatology clinic of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital from 1 August 2020 to 1 July 2021, to respond to a survey questionnaire distributed on the patient's WhatsApp platform. Variables observed were changes in patient behaviour and decision‐making related to medication, healthcare service utilisation and clinical advice. Results: Results for 233 patients were analysed in the study, the majority (89.7%) of whom were women. The most significant behavioural changes were a reduction in hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dosage, adoption of telemedicine for clinical consultation and keen adherence to protective/preventive health measures. Patients also expressed anxiety regarding the risk of contracting COVID‐19 (52.5%), infecting their families (66.5%) and losing income (50.2%) due to the pandemic. Women and students were more likely to engage in self‐isolation/shielding behaviour. Employed participants practised social distancing more, reduced HCQ dosage and had more fear of losing income. Having mixed connective tissue disease is associated with being anxious about the risk of COVID‐19 infection. Conclusion: The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in behaviour changes among patients with AIRD. Despite the perceived risk, most of these patients continue to adhere to their prescribed medication regimens, especially maintaining the dosage of traditional immunosuppressive agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The local anaesthetic lidocaine is widely used in the neonatal intensive unit to treat seizures in premature babies. However, other antiepileptics administered during early development in various animal models have shown negative long‐term behavioural effects. Since no long‐term behavioural data so far exist regarding lidocaine exposure at an early age, we decided to perform this extended follow‐up study using a sensitive behavioural test. Methods: Neonatal mice received a subcutaneous administration of saline or one dose of lidocaine (0.5, 4, or 12 mg kg−1) on postnatal day 10 (P10; peak of the Brain Growth Spurt). A well‐established test to detect long‐term behavioural alterations was conducted at 2 and 6 months of age, corresponding to early and late adulthood in humans. Results: All animal survived to later testing. No signs of acute toxicity were observed. Lidocaine exposure did not result in any negative behavioural effects during habituation to a new home environment at any of the two studied time points, compared to saline placebo. Conclusions: Lidocaine does not by itself produce any negative long‐term behavioural effects in mice exposed in early life (P10) despite long‐term follow‐up. This is reassuring regarding the current practice of treating seizures in premature babies with intravenous lidocaine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of port and tourist activities in the coastal region of the northern center of Santa Catarina, Brazil, has led to urban expansion and the loss of natural ecosystems, bringing the urban environment closer to the dune regions. Birds are sensitive to these changes, but some species, such as the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), have shown adaptability to urban environments. The aim of this study was to analyze the behavioral patterns of the burrowing owl in different urbanized areas near the dunes and assess the impact of local urbanization on alarm emission. The study focused on the beaches of Interpraias-Balneário Camboriú, Central-Navegantes, Península-Barra Velha, and Brava-Itajaí. The data analysis involved Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's post hoc tests to compare alarm distances, as well as calculating relative frequencies of different behaviors. Discriminant Analysis (LDA), PERMANOVA, and SIMPER were also applied. A total of 214 h of observation were conducted across the sampled beaches. The results indicated significant differences in alarm behavior distances, with Barra Velha and Itajaí standing out from the other areas, highlighting the influence of urbanization on alarm behavior. Six categories of behavior were identified: rest, alarm, body maintenance, burrow maintenance, social interaction, and foraging, with distinct frequencies observed during the day and night. Notably, the frequency of foraging behavior was significantly higher during the night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent differences among individuals in the boldness-shyness continuum have been described in a variety of species. Environments with higher levels of predation are likely to select for shyer behavioural responses, due to the increased susceptibility of being 'fearless' in a high-risk environment. In this study, we compared the behavioural responses in two populations of South Island robin (Petroica australis), one of which is sympatric with a range of introduced predators (Kaikoura mainland) and one with no introduced predators (Motuara Island). We found robins on Motuara Island were significantly bolder than mainland robins. This was evidenced by robins in this low-risk environment being more likely to approach mealworms placed closer to a researcher. Robins in Kaikoura were also significantly slower than Motuara Island robins in latency (time to approach mealworms) but faster to remove five mealworms placed nearest to a researcher (handling time). These differences may be driven by bolder individuals having a disadvantage on the mainland as it exposes them to a higher risk from introduced predators. Although the extent to which these differences have a genetic basis is unknown, our results suggest that sympatry with introduced predators may favour more risk-averse behaviours in robins and other native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sleep wake cycles form major part in the life of every student, starting from the school ages itself. This cycle has a major relationship in ensuring the proper functioning and day to day activities of the individual in all walks of life. Objectives: To assess the quality of sleep wake cycle among undergraduate medical students and to find out the association of sleep wake cycle with academic performances and behavioural changes among undergraduate medical students Results: In a cross sectional study among 300 participants, 35.3 % of the participants had good sleep-wake cycle. There was a positive association between sleep-wake cycles and academic performances. (χ2 value 5.24 with p value

Energy efficiency and behavioural changes are among the key pillars of decarbonization of the global energy system. Residential sector is responsible for a large share of fossil fuels final consumption, therefore the growth of its energy efficiency can bring a valuable impact on decarbonization speed and scale. In countries with growing economies residential energy consumption can increase dramatically due to the desire of the population to improve their standard of living, therefore striking a balance between economic growth and energy efficiency improvement is a complex policy challenge. The purpose of this study is to analyze attitudes and assess barriers of energy efficient behavior in Republic of Armenia as a country with growing economy and standards of living. The paper contributes to the literature by providing new empirical evidence of consumers’ attitude toward different forms of energy efficient behavior in Armenia and reveals how general pro-environmental consciousness and social conditions influence on it. The results of the study prove that the level of general environmental consciousness of the population has a direct impact on the frequency of practical application of various patterns of energy-efficient behavior. As a policy application for emerging economies, our study proposes that the main direction of energy efficiency policy can be education of the population and raising its level of environmental self-awareness.

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Climate changes linked to extreme events pose a threat to freshwater biodiversity, impacting organs, behaviour, and reproduction. Moreover, these changes can be amplified by pollution. Copper sulphate (CuSO4) is used in agriculture and aquaculture, so the copper can reach streams, rivers, and lakes impacting fish. This study evaluated the combined effects of temperature and copper on gills and liver histology biomarkers and in the behaviour of Mozambique tilapia over 28 days. Tilapias were exposed to different water temperatures (25 °C and 32 °C) and CuSO4 concentrations (1.1 and 3.6 mg/L). Fish from the control group were exposed to water without copper sulphate and at 25 °C (within their optimum range). Histopathological analysis revealed significant tissue lesions, namely aneurysms and bending of gill lamellae, and hyalinization and vacuolization in the liver at the higher temperature and CuSO4 level. Moreover, behavioural observations revealed increased stress changes under the same conditions. These findings highlight the effects of fast climate change, and rising temperatures on copper toxicity, underlining the necessity for strict monitoring and regulation of copper use due to future climate change scenarios to protect aquatic ecosystems, ichthyofauna population and trophic web dynamics. This data also alerts for similar problems with other toxic metals or chemicals, at short term, in streams and rivers, under rapid climate changes and more frequent extreme events.

Introduction: High levels of stress and anxiety are usually experienced by students as a result of peer pressure and concerns about college. Students who struggle to control their stress and anxiety may experience mood swings, behavioural changes, and even depression. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (deemed to be University), and Zulekha Nursing College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India for a duration of five weeks from April 2022 to May 2022. A total of 84 study participants were enrolled and divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=42) and the control group (n=42). The intervention group received mindfulness meditation for 15 minutes, twice a day in the morning and evening for four weeks. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress in both groups. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0. Baseline data were presented using frequency and percentage. Two-factor repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were adopted to assess the difference between pre and post-test scores for stress, anxiety, and depression in repeated intervals. The level of significance was set at p-value

AbstractEven before its introduction, the electronic levy in Ghana stirred up different behavioural reactions from the public, despite the intention to use its proceeds to provide better public services. As a result, this study examines some of these behavioural changes using pre-tax survey data on the proposed electronic levy. Using a sample size of 2,810 individuals with mobile money accounts, we estimate a multivariate logit model with its marginal effects to determine the associated drivers of individuals’ behavioural changes to the proposed tax. The results show that the electronic levy is likely to have an immediate impact on an individual’s behaviour in positive and negative ways. Thus, while about 88% of the respondents indicated that they are likely to stop using mobile money or reduce their transactions, approximately 12% of the respondents rather reaffirmed their willingness to keep using mobile money or perhaps increase their mobile-money transactions. Furthermore, we find evidence that income, marital status, objective knowledge, trust in government, and the implementation timeframe are the statistically significant determinants of behavioural changes to the electronic tax in Ghana. The results suggest varying behavioural responses to the electronic levy in Ghana, which threaten the realization of expected revenues. We recommend proper education and advocacy at all levels and a keen consideration to implement the levy later, perhaps, when there is more trust in the government’s ability to use tax revenues prudently.

Background: Zirconium Oxide (ZrO2) is one of the most widely used metal oxide nanoparticles with unique features that permit its usage in various medical applications, including drug delivery, targeting, labelling, and loading. Rutin is a bioflavonoid found in various natural sources and has diverse biological activities and pharmaceutical applications. Some studies have evaluated the impacts of ZrO2 NPs on aquatic creatures, but little is known about their ability to recover after exposure. Since the toxicity of ZrO2 nanoparticles is not known, it would be crucial to investigate their toxicity using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism. Objectives: In the present work, the toxicity of ZrO2 was investigated in Danio rerio using behavioural alterations, biomarkers of oxidative stress and cellular damage. The morphology of the gill tissues, as well as the optimal amount of rutin for mitigating deleterious effects was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Fish were treated for 14 days, and seven study groups were examined: control, ZrO2 exposure alone at three distinct concentrations (5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 20 mg/L), and combined with rutin (100 mg/L). Results: Compared to control groups, Danio rerio treated with ZrO2 alone or in combination with rutin produced worse outcomes. However, rutin-supplemented groups exhibited greater improvement than ZrO2 alone groups. ZrO2 affects cells by causing oxidative stress and decreasing the antioxidants SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, and Vitamin C. Enhanced oxidative stress induces behavioural and morphological modifications. The structural examination of the gill tissues revealed hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, filament erosion, and a dilated marginal channel or epithelial lifting. Conclusion: According to our data, the sub-lethal concentration of ZrO2 NPs for Danio rerio is 10 mg/L. Although ZrO2 was detrimental to the groups exposed to it, supplementing 100 mg/L of rutin was able to protect against its toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High levels of stress and anxiety are usually experienced by students as a result of peer pressure and concerns about college. Students who struggle to control their stress and anxiety may experience mood swings, behavioural changes, and even depression. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of mindfulness meditation on depression, anxiety, and stress among undergraduate nursing students. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya (deemed to be University), and Zulekha Nursing College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India for a duration of five weeks from April 2022 to May 2022. A total of 84 study participants were enrolled and divided into two groups: the intervention group (n=42) and the control group (n=42). The intervention group received mindfulness meditation for 15 minutes, twice a day in the morning and evening for four weeks. The Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress in both groups. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23.0. Baseline data were presented using frequency and percentage. Two-factor repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were adopted to assess the difference between pre and post-test scores for stress, anxiety, and depression in repeated intervals. The level of significance was set at p-value <0.05. Results: A comparison within the intervention group at different time points showed a significant difference in the reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression from the pretest after the administration of mindfulness meditation (p-value<0.05). The reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression in the intervention group was significantly different from the control group (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: Mindfulness meditation significantly reduces stress, anxiety, and depression among students. Hence, it can be incorporated into daily life to help individuals deal with a variety of stressful events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on energy resilience seeks to identify how increases in electricity costs influence income or "unbalance the budget" in the existing economic situation, a health crisis, an increase in inflation, a war situation at the country borders that also favored the energy crisis. The new conditions affect the social well-being of the population not only in Romania but also for other EU countries. The investigation carried out tried to highlight the changes in the behaviour of the population in order to achieve the reduction of energy consumption and implicitly the costs that for some income categories affect their budget. This study tries to demonstrate the need for sustainability, in order to maintain social welfare for all categories of the population affected by these price increases. The situation affects the entire population if we take into account the fact that 10% of the population investigated through qualitative analyzes mention that: "they do not have money for paying the bills", 14% "don't have money to eat" the residual income left after paying the bills is not enough for a satisfactory daily shopping basket in the conditions of an uncontrollable market, 7% cannot pay the bank rates and interest and 75% of the population are unable to reserves and consumes from the created deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students' anxiety and behavioural changes while using different examination methods (paper, PC, and mobile exam platforms (MEPs)) were estimated. The influence of academic majors and gender was also determined by answering the following questions: How do anxiety and behavioural changes vary among students using different exam methods? How do students' anxiety levels vary according to academic majors and gender while using different exam methods? A survey was conducted with 826 students enrolled in eight colleges at King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia. The results revealed less anxiety and fewer harmful behavioural changes among students using MEPs compared with other methods. Furthermore, less anxiety and fewer behavioural changes were observed among health and science majors than humanities and social science majors and among female students than male students while using MEPS. Therefore, MEPs should be gradually adopted by higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia, especially for humanities and social science majors and for male students. Furthermore, researchers and decision-makers should find unique solutions to reduce the positive correlation between anxiety and behavioural changes among health and science majors and female students toward MEPs. This can be achieved by identifying obstacles and introducing modern solutions, such as AI-generated exams, among others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose and analyse a mathematical model of the transmission dynamics of cholera incorporating awareness programs to study the impact of socio-media and education on cholera outbreaks. These programs induce behavioural changes in the population, which divide the susceptible class into two subclasses, aware individuals and unaware individuals. We first provide a basic study of the model. We compute the Disease-Free Equilibrium (DFE) and derive the basic reproduction number R 0 0 that determines the extinction and the persistence of the disease. We show that there exists a threshold parameter ξ such that when R 0 0 ≤ ξ < 1 , the DFE is globally asymptotically stable, but when ξ ≤ R 0 0 < 1 , the model exhibits the phenomenon of backward bifurcation on a feasible region. The model exhibits one endemic equilibrium locally stable when R 0 0 > 1 and in that condition the DFE is unstable. Various cases for awareness proportions are performed using the critical awareness rate in order to measure the effect of awareness programs on the infected individuals over time. The results we obtained show that the higher implementation of strategies combining awareness programs and therapeutic treatments increase the efficacy of control measures. The numerical simulations of the model are used to illustrate analytical results and give more precision on critical values on the controls actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today it is increasingly necessary to talk in terms of a circular economy. Design contributes through different disciplines by intervening in materials, production processes and product life cycles, but also through the design of services that develop models of exchange and reuse. The paper illustrates the contribution of service design in the implementation process of the Efficacity project. The first objective of Efficacity is to optimise the collection of bulky waste, through the development of a platform that catalogues and recognises the type of waste through its image. The second goal is to build an infrastructure to intercept the goods before they reach the landfill. Efficacity project is connected to the Surpluse reuse and repair centres, because Efficacity needs Surpluse spaces/social communities, otherwise Surpluse needs Efficacity digital process/social network to improve the network and service offer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 200 million people, mainly concentrated in rural areas of the Great East African Rift Valley, suffer from fluorosis caused by excess of fluoride naturally contained in water. This study employs the RANAS (Risk, Attitude, Norm, Ability, Self-regulation) model to understand how behavioural factors influence Tanzanian rural communities' willingness to pay for fluoride-free water obtained from a new defluoridator device. Results show that perceived risk, knowledge, attitudes and descriptive norms significantly influence the adoption of the proposed healthy behaviour. Policy implications are discussed taking into account how rural communities could achieve equitable and affordable access to safe water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inhalation corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed for treatment of asthma in approximately 3% of all children in Denmark. Despite limited evidence, case reports suggest that ICS-related behavioural adverse drug events (ADEs) may be frequent. In general, underreporting of ADEs to official databases is common, and little is known about doctor’s clinical experiences with behavioural ADEs when prescribing ICS for children with asthma. The objective was to investigate the extent of behavioural ADEs in children with asthma treated with ICS by comparing database findings to experiences of specialist doctors. Methods First, databases of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) were searched for reports made by healthcare professionals about behavioural ADEs in children from 2009 to 2018. Second, questionnaire data on behavioural ADEs were collected from eight of the 11 specialist doctors responsible for treating children with asthma at the six paediatric departments in Central Denmark Region and North Denmark Region. Results EMA and DKMA had registered 104 and 3 reports, respectively, on behavioural ADEs during the 10-year study period. In contrast, five of the eight specialist doctors (45.5%) had experienced patients who had developed behavioural changes during ICS treatment. However, none of the five specialist doctors had filed reports on these events to DKMA. Conclusion Behaviour-related ADEs to ICS in children with asthma are likely to be highly underreported in official databases and doctors treating children with ICS should be aware of potential ADEs and consider submitting ADE reports whenever appropriate.

Background: Leakage of stomal effluent outside the baseplate that soils clothes or bedsheets is a common problem for many people with a stoma and significantly impacts their quality of life. Aim: To understand behavioural changes for people experiencing faecal leakage outside the baseplate regarding the usage of pouching systems, supporting products and interactions with health professionals. Methods: Retrospective, self-reported questionnaire. Findings: Respondents on average experienced 1.1 incidents of faecal leakage outside the baseplate per fortnight. In periods with issues of leakage, 21% of respondents had been in contact with health professionals, 40% increased their use of pouching systems, 25% increased their use of existing supporting products, and 21% included additional supporting products to their change routine. The increased use of healthcare resources was estimated to cost £32.47 in the 3 weeks following a leakage incident. Conclusion: Incidents of leakage outside the baseplate lead to increased use of healthcare resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to examine associations between variables of COVID-19-related concerns and changes in fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among a sample of participants from the Brighter Bites program at risk for food insecurity. Cross-sectional data were collected during April– June 2020 using a rapid-response survey to understand social needs, COVID-19-related concerns and diet-related behaviours among families with children participating in Brighter Bites (n 1777) in the 2019–2020 school year at risk for food insecurity, within the surrounding Houston, Dallas, Austin, Texas area; Southwest Florida; Washington, D.C., United States. Of the 1777 respondents, 92 % of households reported being at risk for food insecurity. Among those from food insecure households, the majority were of Hispanic/Mexican-American/Latino (84⋅1 %) ethnic background, predominantly from Houston, Texas (71⋅4 %). During the pandemic, among individuals from food insecure households, 41 % (n 672) reported a decrease in FV intake, 32 % (n 527) reported an increase in FV intake, and 27 % (n 439) reported no change in FV intake. Those who reported concerns about financial stability had a 40 % greater risk of decreased FV intake compared to those not concerned about financial stability (RR 1⋅4; 95 % CI 1⋅0, 2⋅0; P = 0⋅03). The present study adds to this current body of sparse literature on how the initial phase of the pandemic impacted FV consumption behaviours among food insecure households with children. Effective interventions are needed to diminish the negative impact of COVID-19 on the population’s health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has brought forth, the imperative necessity to identify its effects on the psycho-social well-being of humans especially children. Ill applications in dealing with children and their well-being may precipitate long-term challenges for the young ones. The present study aimed to identify the behavioural changes in children during COVID-19. A semi-structured interview was administered to the parents of children aged 8-12 years. Information on the changes in behaviour during COVID-19 and how effectively parents dealt with it and the positive adaptations by the children were recorded. Results revealed that excessive screen indulgence, anger, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and concentration issues in children were reported by the parents. Most parents in turn addressed these problems by building conversations and engaging in creative activities. The pandemic has also enabled children to develop autonomy and learn new responsibilities. The study concludes that though children were impacted by the pandemic socially and emotionally they have also adapted positively to deal with new circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even before its introduction, the electronic levy in Ghana stirred up different behavioural reactions from the public, despite the intention to use its proceeds to provide better public services. As a result, this study examines some of these behavioural changes using pre-tax survey data on the proposed electronic levy. Using a sample size of 2,810 individuals with mobile money accounts, we estimate a multivariate logit model with its marginal effects to determine the associated drivers of individuals' behavioural changes to the proposed tax. The results show that the electronic levy is likely to have an immediate impact on an individual's behaviour in positive and negative ways. Thus, while about 88% of the respondents indicated that they are likely to stop using mobile money or reduce their transactions, approximately 12% of the respondents rather reaffirmed their willingness to keep using mobile money or perhaps increase their mobile-money transactions. Furthermore, we find evidence that income, marital status, objective knowledge, trust in government, and the implementation timeframe are the statistically significant determinants of behavioural changes to the electronic tax in Ghana. The results suggest varying behavioural responses to the electronic levy in Ghana, which threaten the realization of expected revenues. We recommend proper education and advocacy at all levels and a keen consideration to implement the levy later, perhaps, when there is more trust in the government's ability to use tax revenues prudently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical and nursing students are faced with various challenges such as the need to attend online classes and juggling clinical postings under the new norm. This study aimed to assess the association between depression, anxiety, and behavioural changes among medical and nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online self-administered questionnaire was distributed between March 2021 and July 2021 to 292 undergraduates medical and nursing students in a higher education institute on the East Coast of Malaysia. The questionnaires consisted of four parts: sociodemographic data, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and questions related to behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study found that 23.6% and 33.6% of the students experienced anxiety and depression respectively, possibly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety was associated with a high level of behavioural changes during the pandemic with a total of 87% of the students showing behavioural changes. Therapeutic interventions such as online counselling and consultation should be implemented by the university to reduce the prevalence of depression and anxiety resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic among medical and nursing students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to examine associations between variables of COVID-19-related concerns and changes in fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption among a sample of participants from the Brighter Bites program at risk for food insecurity. Cross-sectional data were collected during April–June 2020 using a rapid-response survey to understand social needs, COVID-19-related concerns and diet-related behaviours among families with children participating in Brighter Bites (n 1777) in the 2019–2020 school year at risk for food insecurity, within the surrounding Houston, Dallas, Austin, Texas area; Southwest Florida; Washington, D.C., United States. Of the 1777 respondents, 92 % of households reported being at risk for food insecurity. Among those from food insecure households, the majority were of Hispanic/Mexican-American/Latino (84⋅1 %) ethnic background, predominantly from Houston, Texas (71⋅4 %). During the pandemic, among individuals from food insecure households, 41 % (n 672) reported a decrease in FV intake, 32 % (n 527) reported an increase in FV intake, and 27 % (n 439) reported no change in FV intake. Those who reported concerns about financial stability had a 40 % greater risk of decreased FV intake compared to those not concerned about financial stability (RR 1⋅4; 95 % CI 1⋅0, 2⋅0; P = 0⋅03). The present study adds to this current body of sparse literature on how the initial phase of the pandemic impacted FV consumption behaviours among food insecure households with children. Effective interventions are needed to diminish the negative impact of COVID-19 on the population's health.

Discrimination among students in educational institutes is one of the key reasons for their behavioural changes. Research has increasingly recognized the discriminating behaviour of teachers, but the impact of perceived discrimination by teachers on students’ behavioural changes has not been investigated enough. Applying a theoretical model based on Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST), the present study aimed to investigate the manner in which students’ behavioural changes were determined by their teachers’ perceived discrimination, after knowing family background and how this relationship was moderated by societal influence and cultural background. A sample survey of 215 class 8 to class 10 students studying in rural and urban schools located in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu, India was administered through questionnaires and partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the gathered data. Overall, perceived teacher discrimination of students based on their caste, creed, and financial background significantly influenced students behaviour. The association between students’ behavioural changes and perceived discrimination was significantly influenced by cultural background. However, societal influence did not significantly change the effect of perceived students’ discrimination on their behavioural changes.

As of 8 October 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had caused over 236.6 million confirmed cases and 4.83 million deaths globally. The pandemic has quickly spread across the world, with only five countries being COVID-free. The outbreak has also had a significant impact on people’s lifestyles and daily interactions in Malaysia. Malaysian cities have been tremendously affected, with social distancing transforming people’s way of life and impacting their wellbeing. This study investigated the extent to which city inhabitants, particularly those who are more vulnerable, are adapting to these changes. In particular, it sought to identify the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on the older adult population in George Town (Penang), and Kuala Lumpur with a focus on behavioural changes, anxiety, and adaptation. A total of 100 older adult respondents were recruited to complete the questionnaire survey using purposive sampling, with five respondents also participating in telephone interviews. The findings revealed that despite the social distancing rules that were in place, the participants’ adaptive responses, access to their surrounding environment, and maintenance of social networks had reduced the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. Thus, measures that ensure access to the environment and strengthen social support should be sustained, in parallel with actions to enhance community resilience and wellbeing.

The digitalisation of services is a process that is gaining traction worldwide owing to the numerous benefits that it provides to sellers and consumers. This study aimed to explore the impact of e-marketing factors for agricultural products on the sustainable consumer behaviour. The technology acceptance model (TAM) and the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model were used to investigate the factors that trigger long-term behavioural changes towards more sustainable consumer behaviour. Trust and continuance intention (CI) constitute sustainable consumer behaviours. The survey-based data were collected from 172 farmers in and around the Al-Baha province of Saudi Arabia. The findings reveal that, out of the six factors, social influence (SI), hedonic motives (HM), and perceived risk (PR) had a significant impact on trust whereas the perceived usefulness (PU), information quality (IQ), and the perceived ease of use (PEOU) had an insignificant impact on trust. Trust appears to had a substantial positive impact on the development of CI. Furthermore, the significant moderation of age and the insignificant moderation of education are observed among trust–CI relationship. Therefore, policymakers should concentrate on the factors such as SI and decrease the factors that are related to the PR in order to achieve a higher level of trust. This study contributes to the literature on e-marketing of agricultural products resulting in the formation of CI that triggers long-term behavioural changes towards more sustainable consumer behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study highlights the potential neurotoxic and impaired behavioral effects associated with high fluoride concentrations in drinking water., Purpose: Fluoride is known to cause neurotoxicity, evinced by lower I.Q. levels in children from high-fluoride regions as compared to those in low-fluoride regions. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate the molecular mechanism behind the neurological and behavioural changes induced by sodium fluoride in Wistar rats., Material and Methods: A total of 24 female Wistar rats, aged six weeks and weighing approximately 150-220 g, were randomly divided into three groups: Group I (control) received reverse osmosis (R.O.) water, Group II received Sodium Fluoride (NaF) at 10 ppm, and Group III received NaF at 50 ppm in their drinking water for 60 days. The animals underwent behavioural tests including the Forced Swim Test (F.S.T.), Open Field Test (OFT), and Novel Object Recognition Test (N.O.R.T.), to assess any alterations in behaviour. After 60 days, the animals were euthanized, and their blood and brain samples were analysed to evaluate biochemical changes by Western Blot/I.H.C. analysis of B.A.X., Bcl2, LC3B, TLR4, PARP1, p53, Caspase, α-Synuclein, PARKIN, NeuN, KI67, DNM-1, and M.F.N. for assessing molecular pathways for toxicity., Results: Impaired locomotion, memory impairment, and behaviour resembling depression in the animals were evinced by reduced mobility index in the F.S.T., discrimination index in the N.O.R.T., and reduced locomotor activity in the open field test results. Additionally, alterations in antioxidant levels and oxidative stress parameters were observed in the brain. The expression levels of various apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers (B.A.X., Bcl2, TLR4, PARP1, p53, and Caspase) showed apoptosis in neurons. The confocal studies showed increased expression of inflammatory (α-Synuclein, PARKIN), apoptotic (LC3B, B.A.X., p53, KI67), and mitochondrial dysfunction (NeuN, DNM-1, M.F.N.) markers in fluoride-treated animals. Toxicity was more prominent in 50 ppm of fluoride-treated animals., Conclusion: Fluoride showed potent neuronal toxicity as evidenced by alterations of various molecular markers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest We declare conflict of interest none., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Background: Inhalation corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed for treatment of asthma in approximately 3% of all children in Denmark. Despite limited evidence, case reports suggest that ICS-related behavioural adverse drug events (ADEs) may be frequent. In general, underreporting of ADEs to official databases is common, and little is known about doctor's clinical experiences with behavioural ADEs when prescribing ICS for children with asthma. The objective was to investigate the extent of behavioural ADEs in children with asthma treated with ICS by comparing database findings to experiences of specialist doctors.Methods: First, databases of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Danish Medicines Agency (DKMA) were searched for reports made by healthcare professionals about behavioural ADEs in children from 2009 to 2018. Second, questionnaire data on behavioural ADEs were collected from eight of the 11 specialist doctors responsible for treating children with asthma at the six paediatric departments in Central Denmark Region and North Denmark Region.Results: EMA and DKMA had registered 104 and 3 reports, respectively, on behavioural ADEs during the 10-year study period. In contrast, five of the eight specialist doctors (45.5%) had experienced patients who had developed behavioural changes during ICS treatment. However, none of the five specialist doctors had filed reports on these events to DKMA.Conclusion: Behaviour-related ADEs to ICS in children with asthma are likely to be highly underreported in official databases and doctors treating children with ICS should be aware of potential ADEs and consider submitting ADE reports whenever appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to reveal the effects of the disruption to face-to-face education during the pandemic on the classroom environment upon return to the classroom. The participants of this case study were 16 teachers working in Turkey. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and their contents were analysed. The study revealed that there were cognitive changes, motivation and concentration problems, social changes, discipline problems, and psychomotor changes observed in students' behaviours after the transition to face-to-face education. The sources of the behavioural changes were the family, the Ministry of National Education, being away from school, and use of technology. The strategies used by the teachers in terms of classroom management while managing the process after the transition to face-to-face education were management of teaching, behaviour management, management of relationships, and management of the physical environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the severe plastic pollution issue worldwide, restrictions or bans on plastic bags have become the most popular policy intervention. As essential participants in reducing plastic consumption, residents and enterprises are vital in implementing the plastic bag restriction law (PBRL). Through a questionnaires survey of the 630 consumers and 50 enterprises, this study investigates residents' and enterprises' perceptions and behavioural changes toward PBRL in Macao and identifies the key influence factors. The results show that most of the respondents (95%) began to reduce the use of plastic bags after implementing the PBRL. The Internet and TV/radio were essential ways for respondents to acquire knowledge of the PBRL policy. The results of applying the binary regression model indicate that demographic characteristics (gender), plastic bags knowledge, environmental concern, and policy satisfaction were the key factors in individual consumers' behavioural changes. For enterprises, the supermarkets have the most significant decline in sales of plastic bags. Moreover, some enterprises, especially grocery stores and supermarkets also imply that their sales are affected after implementing the PBRL. The obtained results in this study may serve as a reference for Macao and other regions to promote and improve PBRL in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased psychological strain on public mental health and may impact behavioural, mental, and physical health, presumably with effects on patients with severe mental disorders. Objectives This study examines pandemic-related physical and mental health and (compensatory) behavioural changes, in patients with BD as compared to healthy control individuals. Methods Physical and mental health and self-reported changes in daily structure and behaviour due to pandemic were assessed using a self-constructed questionnaire and the brief symptom inventory (BSI) from outpatient clinics in Germany, Austria, and Denmark in individuals with BD and a healthy control group. Results The present study included 118 individuals with BD and 215 healthy controls. Individuals with BD reported statistically significant higher physical risk burden, increased weight gain, more physical comorbidities, and a decrease in physical activity and they further reported higher rate of COVID-19 testing, had more worries concerning health and experienced more anxiety but less social distancing. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have a greater impact on physical health in individuals with BD than in healthy controls. Individuals with BD appear to be having more difficulties compensating their behaviour due to the pandemic which could amplify the effect of risk factors associated with poorer physical health. This highlights the necessity for optimising and targeting the overall treatment of both mental and physical health in patients with BD during periods with far-reaching changes such as COVID-19 pandemic. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Neurocysticercosis is the most commonly encountered helminthic infection of central nervous system caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium. The most common psychiatric manifestations seen in neurocysticercosis are depression, anxiety and psychosis. However, mania as a neuropsychiatric presentation is uncommon. The index case is a 34-year-old married female who presented to a tertiary medical centre with symptoms of fever, headache and dizziness for a period of two months. She was subjected to detailed evaluation by the Neurology Department of the institution. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images showed cystic lesions in the right occipital lobe and in the intraventricular areas, demonstrating vesicular stage of cysticerci. She was treated with albendazole, antiepileptics and a short course of steroids and was discharged following resolution of symptoms after two weeks. Within days following discharge, patient started exhibiting behavioural changes suggestive of mania and was brought to the Psychiatry Outpatient Department and managed as a case of organic manic episode with mood stabilisers and antipsychotics. Patient improved symptomatically within two weeks and is presently being monitored on an outpatient basis. The present case shows a rare presentation of neurocysticercosis and the significance of early recognition and treatment of the psychiatric manifestations.

Introduction: Neuroactive herbal drugs enriched with antioxidants are valuable in treating neurocognitive dysfunction and Vaccinium corymbosum, enriched with antioxidant phytochemicals, is used for treating memory disorders. Hence, the present study evaluated the neuroprotective effects of ethanolic extract of Vaccinium corymbosum (EEVC) on aluminium chloride(AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer’s type of dementia and haloperidol-induced catalepsy-associated behavioural changes. Methods: In vitro antioxidant potential was evaluated using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The total phenolic content (TPC) was quantified. For in vivo studies, AlCl3 (100 mg/kg) was orally administered for 42 days, whereas the EEVC was administered on the 21st day until the 42nd day in two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). In the haloperidol-induced group, EEVC was treated for 21 days, and haloperidol (1 mg/kg) was administered to induce behavioural changes. Open-field, Y-Maze and traction tests were performed, and the mice brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme was determined. Results: IC50 values in DPPH and ABTS assays were 85.5 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL, respectively and the total phenolic content of EEVC was found to be 0.166 mg. In a behavioral study, animals treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of EEVC exhibited a neuroprotective impact on AlCl3-induced neurodegeneration and haloperidol-induced behavioral changes with significant inhibition (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) in acetylcholinesterase enzyme. Conclusion: The neuroprotection by EEVC postulated that it is a promising therapeutic agent for treating behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions. Further investigations on pro-inflammatory cytokine and neuroendocrine regulation in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease (AD)models complement the therapeutic value of V. corymbosum.

Abstract Background In 2010-2011, we conducted a social contact survey in Flanders, Belgium, aimed at improving and extending the design of the first social contact survey conducted in Belgium in 2006. This second social contact survey aimed to enable, for the first time, the estimation of social mixing patterns for an age range of 0 to 99 years and the investigation of whether contact rates remain stable over this 5-year time period. Methods Different data mining techniques are used to explore the data, and the age-specific number of social contacts and the age-specific contact rates are modelled using a generalized additive models for location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) model. We compare different matrices using assortativeness measures. The relative change in the basic reproduction number (R 0) and the ratio of relative incidences with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals (BCI) are employed to investigate and quantify the impact on epidemic spread due to differences in sex, day of the week, holiday vs. regular periods and changes in mixing patterns over the 5-year time gap between the 2006 and 2010-2011 surveys. Finally, we compare the fit of the contact matrices in 2006 and 2010-2011 to Varicella serological data. Results All estimated contact patterns featured strong homophily in age and sex, especially for small children and adolescents. A 30% (95% BCI [17%; 37%]) and 29% (95% BCI [14%; 40%]) reduction in R 0 was observed for weekend versus weekdays and for holiday versus regular periods, respectively. Significantly more interactions between people aged 60+ years and their grandchildren were observed on holiday and weekend days than on regular weekdays. Comparing contact patterns using different methods did not show any substantial differences over the 5-year time period under study. Conclusions The second social contact survey in Flanders, Belgium, endorses the findings of its 2006 predecessor and adds important information on the social mixing patterns of people older than 60 years of age. Based on this analysis, the mixing patterns of people older than 60 years exhibit considerable heterogeneity, and overall, the comparison of the two surveys shows that social contact rates can be assumed stable in Flanders over a time span of 5 years.

The transition to sustainable heating technologies is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change and enable a sustainable and low-carbon society. However, a successful transition will require transformative, and large-scale household behavioural changes, and their acceptance and adoption of new technologies. Through mixed data collected at household level (n = 70) in three of the 10 poorest areas of the UK city of Nottingham (Aspley, Clifton, and St Ann's) we deepen the understanding of people's engagement with their current heating systems, their heating preferences, and views on adopting sustainable heating systems in the future. We find that despite the price increase in fossil fuel-based heating and people's reduction in heating use to reduce costs, getting them to move away from their current systems is very challenging, as most people are unwilling (41.13%) or sceptical (23.01%) about it as these systems are familiar, and generally perceived as more affordable, cost effective and efficient. Moreover, most people (71.43%) are unaware of the government's heating transition plans, but they believe that the adoption of sustainable heating systems should be optional to allow them to evaluate the pros and cons of the systems, and to choose the one that is better for them, that they can afford. Prompting a shift will need more than the common type of financial incentive. There must be first the provision of non-financial incentives to reduce some of the sociotechnical and perceptual barriers to adoption and motivate people to accept and engage in heat decarbonisation as part of a moral responsibility to the environment, and towards current and future generations. • Heating transition will require large-scale household behavioural changes. • Getting people to move away from their current heating systems is very challenging. • People perceived gas-based heating as more affordable, cost-effective, and efficient. • Non-financial incentives are crucial to reduce some perceptual barriers to adoption. • People's engagement in heat decarbonisation is a moral responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia is a syndrome marked with significant deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities (World Health Organization, 2019). Music therapy has been researched in the past as a possible viable alternative to pharmacological interventions. The present study uses music activities to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) and seeks to understand the efficacy and success of the intervention as a non-pharmacological approach Personality could be defined as those characteristics of the individual that accounts for consistent pattern of feeling, thinking and behaviors that makes him unique. The word personality originated from the latin word 'persona' meaning mask. The field of personality typically addresses three issues, namely, Human universal, Individual differences, and Individual uniqueness. The personality arises from within the individual that remain fairly consistent throughout the life. The research suggested that Personality as a psychological constructbeing influenced by biological processes and needs believed to have an impacton behavior and actions. The current study attempted to look at the implementation of music as an intervention in a long-term care facility for persons with dementia (PwD) in various stages of the disease. Twenty participants (n = 20) with Dementia were recruited from Nightingale's Medical Trust for this study. Participants cognitive and social behaviours were tested pre- and post-intervention using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Participants received forty-minutes group therapy sessions provided by a music therapist once a week. The results of the study show that the social behaviours had considerably improved in majority of the participants as part of the intervention. However, the mean value of the MMSE scores decreased from pre- to post-intervention. Furthermore, the effect size of the intervention was small. This study showed promising results for the efficacy of music activities as a therapeutic intervention, but further indepth research is required to generalise the results. centre for disease control and prevention(CDC,2010),states that by the year of 2010, there is an expectancy rate of 1 in 110,being victims of Introduction [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to employ behaviour change theories in predicting consumers' intention of buying energy-efficient products. A stratified sampling of 500 face-to-face interview questionnaires was used in two regions of Peninsular Malaysia. The findings from the evaluation of absolute indices of the structural model showed that the criterion of the model is good-of-fit with values greater than 0.9. Besides, the analysis of the direct effect model also found that consumers' intention to buy energy-efficient products is influenced by perceived product values. As for the indirect model, attitude determines the relationship between consumers' perceived product value, subjective norm, responsibility and intention to buy energy-efficient products. A consumer's perception of product values and attitude is crucial for consumers to form a more favourable mindset towards these green innovation products. In addition, the communication initiatives that develop consumers' trust about the benefits of the products are some of the various ways to encourage consumers' purchasing behaviour. Hence, this study attempts to provide a valuable insight into Malaysian consumers' behaviour regarding energy-efficient products. Furthermore, this study extends an application of the behavioural theories by examining variables in a composite model. The findings of the study suggest that policy makers should thoroughly set the interventions to harmonise the traditional approach using rebates and subsidised incentives since behavioural interventions are considered to be valuable complements when they are jointly implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conceptual framework linking the three-dimensional construct of parasocial interaction, emotional attachment and online travel community behaviour has been examined. The structural relationships based on responses from 376 online travel community members have been analysed using structural equation modelling (SEM). It was found that identification with members and problem-solving ability have positive effects on emotional attachment, which in turn influences willingness to provide information and behavioural changes. The influence of emotional attachment on willingness to provide information has been moderated by age. This research has provided important insights into the management of an online travel community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work from home (WFH) and work-family conflict (WFC)could be the two most compelling concepts in the present corporate world, notably, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Work from home has become a serious alternative to office work environment. Many employees are experiencing a new way of carrying out their work in a new „work-home? environment. However, WFH entails a series of challenges, one of which is being home with the family and yet working, which often leads to conflicts in the family. This researchpaper aims to identify the factors responsible for work-family conflicts during work from home practices and the impactof work from home on family life. The present study contributes to the literature in the purviews of work from home and work-family conflicts. A cross-sectional study was carried out using anonline survey. The findings of the studyreveal that there are many factors, such as time management, office home conflicts, work-related distractions, behavioural changes, and work environment leading to work-family conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is one of the primary concerns of our society for its effect on human health and the environment. Among the policy measures that can be put in place to limit air pollutant emissions, end-of-pipe technologies and/or regulatory instruments may be implemented through legislative acts. Also, equally important are behavioural measures, requiring citizens' active involvement. The success of any measure to limit pollutant emissions requires the acceptance by the citizens that, in turn, implies a correct perception of the main pollutant emission drivers. We present here the comparison between the public perception of air pollution sources and the real-world situation through a survey carried out in seven European countries and involving 16 101 respondents. Our study shows a dramatic underestimation of the contribution of the agri-food sector to air pollution. This result is common to all respondents in the seven countries examined and only to a small extent depends on gender, age and socio-economic status of the respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]