Search Results (8,315)

Background: This study focuses on construction firms undergoing digital transformation, exploring the mechanisms through which Generative AI (GenAI) is associated with employee creativity in a context where knowledge is highly context-dependent, project teams are temporary, and unique safety and schedule pressures prevail. Methods: A mixed-methods approach integrating Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), Importance-Performance Mapping Analysis (IPMA), and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is employed. The proposed model is tested using primary survey data from 268 employees of Chinese construction firms. Results: Generative AI has no significant direct association with construction firm employee creativity (CFEC). Instead, it shows an indirect association through the full mediation of explicit knowledge sharing (EKS) and tacit knowledge sharing (TKS), with TKS having a stronger association with employee creativity. The relationship between GenAI and knowledge sharing is positively moderated by digital self-efficacy. The fsQCA identifies seven equifinal configurations leading to high employee creativity, with ‘explicit knowledge sharing and digital self-efficacy’ constituting the optimal configuration. Conclusions: Construction firms should actively promote knowledge sharing among their staff and provide regular training on GenAI tools, thereby fully harnessing employee creativity. Managerial Implication: Construction CEOs should prioritize building GenAI-supported knowledge sharing systems and improving employees’ digital self-efficacy, rather than expecting direct creativity improvement from GenAI deployment. Full article

This research examines how the relationship between cities and rural areas has evolved in light of the profound transformation affecting rural areas of high landscape value, which has been driven by the expansion opportunities granted to the real estate sector by urban planning regulations. The role of the landscape dimension in interpreting the relationship between territorial wealth and landscape value is considered, based on the convergence of two complementary disciplinary perspectives on territory: land planning and valuation science. Against this backdrop, and with a view to containing the progressive contamination of rural and agricultural heritage by the real estate sector, this study proposes a structured observation, valuation, interpretation, and regulatory tool to support the development of territorial planning in areas significantly characterized in terms of rural landscape value. The proposed tool is based on evidence regarding the phenomenon of building expansion in the agricultural territory of a municipality in southeastern Sicily, where favorable conditions for the development of the building sector exist, such as the vastness of the municipal territory and extensive farming as the mainstay of agricultural activity. This wider sub-regional area has also received attention due to the over-tourism phenomenon that has occurred in its cities of art. The evaluation approach experienced is a value-based representation of the evolution of this process over three observation periods: 2000, 2007, and 2012, relating the quantitative observation of the building expansion to the connected qualitative impact on rural landscape. It is the result of coordinating a large set of data in a hierarchical model of indices that converge to construct a synthetic index of rural landscape resilience. This achievement is based on the linguistic progression of “lexicon”, “semantics”, “syntax”, and “pragmatics”, each of which robustly supports “observation”, “valuation”, “interpretation”, and “planning”, respectively. The final stage is based on the convergence of explanatory indices, which are developed by coordinating evidence and assessments (factual and value judgements). This stage enables the proposal of a constraints system that supports a modus vivendi between the interests of the real estate sector and the values of the rural landscape in such a rich and fragile area. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance, an evolutionarily entrenched microbial capacity amplified by extensive antibiotic exposure, has increased the burden of difficult-to-treat infections caused by priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we assessed whether phytochemical-rich extracts from fully ripe Rosa canina pseudo-fruits (WF) and fully developed Colchicum autumnale flowers (CA) can provide combined antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Plant materials were processed using seven extraction systems spanning non-polar to polar conditions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous, 40% ethanol, 60% ethanol, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis). Fractions were quantified for total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, evaluated for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion and MIC/MBC), and assessed for inhibition of early biofilm attachment. Differences among extraction methods and fractions were analyzed using standard comparative statistics (group comparisons across solvents/fractions), and relationships between chemical composition and bioactivity were examined using correlation-based analysis. Results: Extraction strategy emerged as the main determinant of bioactivity across endpoints. The WFE/ENZ fraction maximized phytochemical recovery (TPC 203.34 ± 11.55 mg GAE/g DW; TFC 35.67 ± 3.06 mg QE/g DW; TTC 53.00 ± 2.65 mg TAE/g DW) and showed strong antioxidant performance (DPPH IC₅₀ 33.60 ± 0.02 μg/mL; FRAP A₇₀₀ 1.90 ± 0.010 at 250 μg/mL). Antibacterial effects were strongest in polar fractions, particularly hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts, while n-hexane fractions were consistently weakest. Across eight clinical isolates and three reference strains, MIC values ranged from 0.04875 to 6.25 mg/mL for WF extracts and 0.0975–12.5 mg/mL for CA extracts. In the biofilm model, suppression of early attachment was most consistent for CAE/E60–ENZ and WFE/E40–E60–ENZ fractions. Conclusions: Correlation analysis indicated that antibacterial potency aligned primarily with flavonoid levels in R. canina pseudo-fruits and with tannin content in C. autumnale material. Overall, these results support hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction as rational strategies to enrich polyphenol-dense fractions with convergent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, reinforcing plant-derived matrices as a structured discovery space for developing complementary antimicrobial solutions beyond conventional antibiotics. Notably, this is among the first studies to evaluate the antibacterial potential of C. autumnale plant material in this context and to comprehensively assess R. canina pseudo-fruit extracts against multidrug-resistant clinical. Full article

A strategy to create highly effective antimicrobial agents was proposed based on the conjugation of three functional components: a cationic quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) that exerts a membrane-disrupting effect and promotes selective accumulation on bacterial surfaces; a phosphonamidate linker for controlled activation; and a sterically hindered phenol (SHP) fragment as a potential redox component. This approach enabled the preparation of 40 target phosphonamidate–SHP/QAS hybrids in high yields (88–98%). Evaluation of their antimicrobial activity against major pathogens and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) revealed high potency against Gram-positive bacteria. The lead compounds achieved minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.7–2.8 μM, which is up to 10 times lower than that of the reference drug, norfloxacin. Mechanistic studies confirmed that these hybrids disrupt the bacterial membrane. In addition, an increase in intracellular ROS levels was observed for the most active compound. The SHP/QAS hybrids retained high activity against S. aureus ATCC 209P after 17 passages and showed low cytotoxicity (SI = 62–92) and negligible hemolysis. These properties indicate that this approach may offer a useful strategy for developing antibacterial agents with a potentially lower risk of inducing conventional resistance mechanisms. Full article

Urban park use is a key indicator of sustainable urban development, reflecting the accessibility and social value of urban green infrastructure. However, existing studies often struggle to distinguish stable spatial differences from short-term temporal dynamics. Using monthly data for 125 urban parks in Las Vegas from 2022 to 2024, this study examines how park visitation is shaped by spatial, temporal, and contextual factors. It addresses three objectives: identifying cross-park determinants of visitation, examining within-park monthly dynamics, and assessing spatial variation in key relationships. Park visitation is measured using observed visit counts, with dwell time and travel distance used as alternative behavioral outcomes for robustness tests. To address these research questions, this study asks: (1) what structural and contextual factors explain cross-park differences in park visitation; (2) how park visitation responds to changing contextual conditions within parks over time at the monthly scale; and (3) whether the relationships between park visitation and its key determinants vary across space. To answer these questions, the analysis combines annual cross-sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, monthly panel models, Random Forest analysis, robustness tests, and geographically weighted regression. This study employs a triangulated analytical framework combining cross-sectional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression monthly fixed-effects (FE) panel models, and Random Forest (RF) analysis. These factors function as stable support for sustainable park use. Crime exposure shows no stable global linear effect, but its association with visitation appears conditional on temporal and spatial context. Overall, the findings suggest that park visitation is shaped by the interaction of physical design, safety conditions, and urban context. By explicitly separating cross-sectional spatial and economic inequalities from within-park temporal dynamics, this study offers policy-relevant evidence for urban planners and park managers seeking to promote more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable urban park systems through integrated design, economic activation, and safety-oriented interventions. Full article

Ternary heterojunction photocatalysts enhance the separation and transport of photogenerated charge carriers, thereby boosting their redox activity for use in environmental and sustainable energy applications. This study focuses on the synthesis of a TiO₂/Bi₂O₃/g-C₃N₄ heterojunction composite via a ceramic method with TiO₂ loadings of 80%, 85%, and 90% (denoted 80T-BC, 85T-BC, and 90T-BC, respectively) to investigate structure–property–performance relationships in photocatalytic dye degradation. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the synthesised materials were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and diffuse reflectance UV–Vis spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic performance was evaluated by measuring the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. Under optimised conditions (pH 6, initial RhB concentration of 5 mg/L, and a reaction time of 120 min), a degradation rate of 99% was achieved. Furthermore, the semiconductor demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. This study presents a promising strategy for modifying TiO₂-based semiconductors by incorporating different metal oxides. The formation of the resulting heterojunction significantly enhances photocatalytic efficiency, demonstrating strong potential for practical environmental remediation. Full article

Background: Growth factor therapy often fails in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The reason remains unclear. Standard differential expression analysis may miss functionally critical genes with modest expression changes. Methods: We performed a secondary computational analysis of a longitudinal DFU transcriptomic dataset (Dryad; 17 patients, 117 serial biopsy samples, 12-week follow-up). Co-expression networks were built separately for healed (n = 37) and non-healed (n = 80) samples. Virtual gene knockout (VGK) was used to rank genes by topological impact on network cohesion. Single-cell analysis (GSE165816) assessed the association between endogenous KIF13A expression and keratinocyte migration-related signatures. A conceptual Hill-equation simulation was used to illustrate the transport-signaling threshold relationship. Drug repurposing used DSigDB enrichment. An independent bulk DFU cohort (GSE134431) was used for external validation. Results: KIF13A showed no differential expression (log₂FC = 0.173, p = 0.263) yet ranked first by VGK topological impact. In keratinocytes, high KIF13A expression correlated with greater migration scores versus zero-detection cells (p = 0.0058). A clear threshold effect emerged: below the 30th expression percentile, EGF, PDGF, and FGF pathway activation scores remained near baseline. In a structural-equation model, transport activity negatively predicted inflammation (standardized β = −0.92, p < 0.001). HIF1A showed the strongest positive correlation with KIF13A in keratinocytes (Spearman ρ = 0.26, p < 0.001), and FOS showed a negative correlation in the single-cell analysis (ρ = −0.16, p < 0.001) and in the bulk longitudinal cohort (ρ = −0.32, p < 0.001, n = 117). Recurrent AKR1B1-related drug signatures nominated the aldose-reductase pathway, and epalrestat was therefore prioritized as a hypothesis-generating candidate compound rather than a direct top-ranked enrichment hit. External validation confirmed consistent upregulation of KIF13A (Fold-Change = 1.58, adj. p = 0.0075), EPN1, and CLIP1 in DFU tissue. Despite population-level upregulation, a subset of cells fell below the functional signaling threshold. Conclusions: These computational findings suggest that KIF13A-associated vesicle transport impairment may represent a candidate systems-level bottleneck for growth-factor responsiveness in DFUs, a network-level pattern not captured by standard differential-expression analysis. Epalrestat, an AKR1B1 inhibitor prioritized through recurrent AKR1B1-related drug signatures, is presented as a candidate compound for further evaluation. As the present analysis is observational and computational, the findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating; experimental perturbation studies and prospective clinical validation are required. Full article

Background: Neglected diseases caused by protozoan parasites remain a major public health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Among the chemical motifs explored in antiparasitic drug discovery, guanidine-containing compounds have attracted considerable attention due to their strong cationic character, high capacity for hydrogen bonding, and versatility in interacting with biological targets. Methodology: This review summarizes advances reported in the last decade regarding guanidine derivatives with activity against pathogens associated with Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, Leishmaniasis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, dengue and schistosomiasis. Results: Evidence gathered from synthetic, natural, and drug-repurposing studies indicates that the guanidine, guanidine-containing and guanidine-related compounds contribute to modulating biological activity by changing electrostatic interactions, hydrogen-bonding networks, and physicochemical properties, with enzymes, nucleic acids, and membrane-associated targets essential for parasite survival. Across the analyzed studies, several emerging structure–activity relationship trends were identified, including the contribution of polycationic or dicationic architectures, the influence of halogenated or lipophilic substituents, and the dependence of biological activity on the complete molecular framework, including heterocyclic systems, macrocycles, peptide conjugates, hybrid scaffolds, and repurposed drugs. In addition to direct antiparasitic effects, certain guanidine-containing and guanidine-related compounds demonstrate immunomodulatory or host-protective properties, expanding the therapeutic relevance of this class. Despite promising in vitro results, protonation trapping, efflux pump susceptibility, and pharmacokinetic limitations such as poor oral absorption, high polarity, plasma protein binding and limited membrane permeability remain significant challenges for clinical translation. Nonetheless, the integration of medicinal chemistry, computational modeling, and biological screening continues to accelerate the identification of optimized scaffolds. Conclusions: Overall, guanidine-based compounds constitute a promising scaffold for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting neglected parasitic diseases, and further structural optimization may enable the emergence of candidates with improved efficacy, selectivity, and drug-like properties. Full article

Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as frontier materials in multidisciplinary research owing to their unique optical properties and physicochemical characteristics. However, issues such as the reliance on trial-and-error experimentation for synthetic preparation and the difficulty in systematically revealing structure–activity relationships persist. In recent years, machine learning (ML) has provided a new paradigm for CD research through its powerful predictive and decision-making capabilities. This review first introduces the fundamental workflow of ML and the operational principles of several representative ML algorithms. It then summarizes the ML applications in CDs, including ML-optimized CD synthesis, ML-assisted detection in CD sensors, ML-based performance prediction, and ML-driven mechanism studies. Finally, the review outlines the future prospects for applications in this field, aiming to further advance the development of nanomaterials science. Full article

Quinazolinone derivatives are well-known anticancer agents; anticancer properties are also part of the broad spectrum of biological activity of coumarins. Conjugates containing quinazolin-4(3H)-one and coumarin fragments linked by polymethylene bridges of varying lengths were designed to improve properties of both parental compounds and create new anticancer or antibacterial agents. 3-{3-[(4-Methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy]propyl}quinazolin-4(3H)-one was synthesized as the base compound. It demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against leukemia (K562 and HL60) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells in vitro, combined with relatively low acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity in vivo. Conjugates with various substituents and linkers were then synthesized to evaluate the structure–activity relationship. A study of the synthesized compounds on cell cultures showed that the introduction of a methyl substituent into the benzene ring of the coumarin fragment led to both an increase in cytotoxicity and expansion of its spectrum of action. Testing of the hybrids against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed that the introduction of halogens into the quinazoline fragment in the compounds or the elongation of the linker led to the emergence of pronounced antibacterial properties, which were most clearly manifested against Acinetobacter baumanii. The possibility of directing activity of quinazoline-4(3H)-one–coumarin hybrids by varying the substituents and the length of the linker was shown. Full article

The relationship between stress and Parkinson’s disease is regarded as complex and multifaceted, although a direct causal link has not yet been conclusively proven. One prevailing hypothesis is based on the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the consequent elevation of glucocorticoid levels. Prolonged exposure to these hormones may exacerbate oxidative stress, thereby rendering the dopaminergic neurons within the brain’s subcortical structures more susceptible to degeneration. Furthermore, stress may intensify neuroinflammation through the activation of microglia—a mechanism that could constitute a significant factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Another important concept concerns the direct interaction of stressors with the dopaminergic system. Physiological and psychological stress can alter dopaminergic transmission by affecting both the synthesis and release of dopamine, as well as the sensitivity of dopamine receptors. Severe or chronic stress may contribute to the disruption of dopaminergic mechanisms and accelerate the onset of clinical symptoms in predisposed individuals. Furthermore, many researchers draw attention to the role of stress-induced aggregation of α-synuclein—a key protein implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Clinical data suggest a highly probable link between post-traumatic stress disorder and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, although these findings remain inconclusive. It is possible that stress acts not as a primary cause, but rather as a modifying factor that interacts with genetic predisposition, accelerating or triggering neurodegenerative processes. The aim of our narrative review was to examine these concepts and discuss possible directions for future research into the interaction between stress and Parkinson’s disease. Full article

Coal gasification fine ash (CGFA) is a carbon–mineral composite solid waste whose valorization is severely hindered by poor interfacial compatibility with organic media due to its highly polar surface. Here, we report a surface alkylation strategy using haloalkanes with variable chain lengths to systematically tune the surface chemistry and thermo-oxidative behavior of CGFA. Comprehensive spectroscopic characterizations (XPS, FTIR, and ¹³C NMR) confirm successful grafting of alkyl chains, which increases aliphatic C-H content from 24.8% to 43.9% while reducing polar carboxyl groups from 7.9% to 1.6%, with the mineral framework remaining intact. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that alkylation lowers the onset decomposition temperature from 358 °C to 295 °C and enhances the maximum mass-loss rate. Kinetic analysis shows that grafted alkyl chains act as low-energy initiation sites, reducing the initial activation energy to 95 kJ/mol, while the later-stage oxidation becomes diffusion-limited. Notably, long straight-chain alkylation achieves the best performance, whereas branched chains are less effective due to steric hindrance and pore blockage. This work establishes a clear chain-length-dependent structure–thermal response relationship, positioning alkylated CGFA as a designable precursor for functional carbon materials, intelligent char-forming agents, and tunable components for energy or responsive material systems. Full article

Over the past decade, an increasing demand for natural antioxidants has driven research into antioxidant peptides and protein hydrolysates from fish and their processing by-products. Catfishes, especially species like Pangasius and Clarias, generate large amounts of protein-rich by-products, which represent a valuable bioresource for valorization. This review discusses advances from the past decade in the production, characterization, and antioxidant capacity of protein hydrolysates and peptides that have been discovered from catfish muscle and by-products. This review emphasizes enzymatic hydrolysis strategies, using Alcalase and other commercial and by-product-derived proteases. Potent antioxidant fractions, particularly those with low molecular weight (<3 kDa) and rich in hydrophobic/aromatic amino acids, have been obtained from the hydrolysates. Mechanisms of antioxidant action, which include hydrogen atom transfer and electron transfer, are discussed in this review, along with the efficacy of catfish-derived antioxidant peptides and protein hydrolysates as demonstrated in chemical and in vivo models. Applications in food systems, such as emulsion-type sausages, have shown potential for shelf-life extension. Nevertheless, knowledge gaps remain, which include an over-dependence on in vitro assays, limited identification of antioxidant peptide sequences, and insufficient data on sensory properties, intestinal permeability, bioavailability, and stability under food processing conditions. Future work should prioritize proteomic characterization, cellular validation, flavor-masking strategies, and scalable production protocols to accelerate the application of catfish protein hydrolysates as viable natural antioxidants for the functional food industry. Full article

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate burnout and job satisfaction levels among audiologists in Türkiye and the factors that contribute to them. Methods: The study included 152 female (59.80%) and 102 male (40.20%) audiologists aged 20–30 (n = 133, 52.40%), 31–40 (n = 82, 32.30%), and 41 and over (n = 39, 15.40%). Participants were required to have at least 1 year of experience and be an active audiologist. Analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and correlation statistics to assess the predictive relationship between burnout sub-dimensions and job satisfaction components. Results: The results showed that burnout and job satisfaction among audiologists differed according to demographic data. In Türkiye, audiologists reported high burnout and low job satisfaction. A significant relationship was found between burnout and job satisfaction. The exhaustion subscale of the Maslach Burnout Scale statistically significantly and negatively predicted the Job Satisfaction Scale scores (β = −0.35; p < 0.05). Furthermore, it was determined that audiologists working in implant centers experienced less burnout, while those working in rehabilitation centers had lower job satisfaction. Conclusions: In conclusion, addressing burnout levels among audiologists is expected to not only improve individual well-being but also contribute to the overall enhancement of hearing health services in Türkiye. Full article

Silk fibroin (SF)–polyphenol systems have emerged as a versatile class of gels and hydrogels in which supramolecular interactions and dynamic crosslinking regulate network formation, responsiveness, and multifunctional performance. Polyphenols interact with SF through hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, π–π stacking, metal coordination, and covalent crosslinking, thereby modulating conformational transitions, gelation behavior, structural stability, and interfacial functionality. These interaction mechanisms enable the development of SF–polyphenol gel systems with tunable mechanical properties, wet adhesion, antioxidant activity, self-healing capability, and stimuli responsiveness. This review summarizes recent advances in SF–polyphenol gels and hydrogels, with particular emphasis on molecular interaction mechanisms, gelation and fabrication strategies, responsive behaviors, and structure–property relationships. Representative preparation approaches, including solution blending, electrospinning, impregnation–adsorption, enzymatic crosslinking, metal–phenolic coordination, and photo-initiated processing, are systematically discussed in relation to their effects on network architecture and functional output. The responsive behaviors of these systems under pH, redox, electrical, thermal, and optical stimuli are also analyzed from the perspective of dynamic gel networks and adaptive material design. Emerging applications of SF–polyphenol gels in bioadhesives, delivery platforms, flexible bioelectronics, wound-related materials, and sustainable functional systems are highlighted. Current limitations associated with polyphenol instability, formulation sensitivity, reproducibility, and scale-up are critically discussed, together with future opportunities for predictive design of gel-based natural polymer systems. This review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding SF–polyphenol gelation and for guiding the development of next-generation multifunctional gels and hydrogels. Full article