Search Results (10,659)

In the context of the increasing digitalization of urban cultural heritage communication, public acceptance, identification, and dissemination of symbolic cultural heritage content exhibit pronounced structural differences across sustainability levels. Taking Xuzhou—a national historical and cultural city in China—as the empirical context, this study conceptualizes cultural heritage as symbolic carriers of cultural meaning and constructs a sustainability-stratified analytical framework. By integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Cultural Identity (CI) theory, and incorporating Perceived Sustainability of Cultural Heritage (PSC) and Digital Interactive Media Participation (DMP), the study develops a comprehensive model of public communication acceptance mechanisms. Based on 931 valid questionnaires collected from local residents and visitors, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, structural equation modeling (SEM), and permutation-based multi-group analysis (MGA) are employed to examine both overall behavioral pathways and cross-group structural heterogeneity across symbolic heritage contexts with different sustainability tiers. The results indicate that: (1) PSC significantly influences communication intention through attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, with cultural identity playing a central mediating role; (2) digital interactive media participation primarily functions as a contextual enabler, significantly moderating the relationship between perceived behavioral control and communication intention; and (3) substantial structural differences exist across sustainability tiers, with medium-sustainability symbolic contexts demonstrating the strongest psychological activation effects in attitude formation, identity internalization, and intention conversion. Theoretically, this study extends the integrative application of TPB and cultural identity theory by embedding sustainability perception as an upstream cognitive trigger and repositioning cultural identity as a mediating mechanism within symbolic heritage communication processes. Methodologically, it establishes a systematic “sustainability evaluation–stratified modeling–multi-group comparison” analytical framework. Practically, the findings provide empirical guidance for differentiated communication strategies and digital media interventions tailored to symbolic cultural heritage systems. Full article

Background: Post-infarction heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality despite advances in reperfusion and pharmacological management. However, the combined influence of clinical background, myocardial injury, neuro-hormonal activation, and angiographic disease on HF severity is not fully defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 181 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction treated in a tertiary cardiology center. Demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, prior chronic HF, inflammatory markers (CRP, fibrinogen, ESR, leukocyte indices), and high-sensitivity troponin (hs-Tn) were measured at admission (pre-intervention), immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and at 48 h, angiographic lesion distributions were collected. HF severity was graded on a five-level scale and further dichotomized as no/mild HF (grade 0–1) versus moderate–severe HF (grade ≥ 2). Group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify independent determinants of severe HF. Results: Moderate–severe HF occurred in 42.5% of patients (77/181). Compared to HF 0–1, the HF ≥ 2 group was older (64.0 vs. 60.5 years, p = 0.042) and exhibited substantially higher systemic inflammation (CRP 41.5 vs. 9.75 mg/L, p < 0.001; fibrinogen 435 vs. 346 mg/dL, p = 0.0002; ESR 28 vs. 18 mm/h, p = 0.0004). hs-Tn levels and NT-proBNP were significantly elevated in HF ≥ 2 (NT-proBNP 3449 vs. 1243 pg/mL, p = 0.0003), while left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced. Prior HF increased the likelihood of HF ≥ 2 (54.5% vs. 33.7%, p = 0.0078), and conservative therapy was associated with adverse outcomes (87.5% vs. 40.5%, p = 0.0235). In multivariable analysis, NT-proBNP remained the only independent predictor of moderate–severe HF, while CRP showed a positive but non-significant trend after adjustment. Conclusions: Post-MI HF severity reflects the combined influence of myocardial injury, neurohormonal stress, and systemic inflammatory activation. However, in multivariable analysis, NT-proBNP emerged as the dominant independent predictor of moderate–severe HF, while CRP reflected an associated but non-independent inflammatory signal. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in students’ learning practices, yet little is known about how AI engagement evolves from an external technological aid into an agentic component of self-regulated learning. This study applies psychological network analysis to examine the structural relations among students’ knowledge of AI, perceived value and perceived cost of AI, intention to use AI, and three core self-regulated learning processes—forethought, performance control, and self-reflection—across different levels of AI use frequency. The study was conducted on a sample of 673 university students and early-career graduates. Networks were estimated using EBICglasso for the full sample and separately for low-, moderate-, and high-frequency AI users. Across all models, a stable two-system organization emerged, consisting of an AI appraisal subsystem (knowledge, value, cost, intention) and a self-regulation subsystem (forethought, performance control, self-reflection). However, the connectivity between these subsystems differed systematically by usage frequency. Among low-frequency users, perceived cost was more prominently positioned within the appraisal subsystem, suggesting that cost-related concerns may be more salient in lower-frequency use contexts. In contrast, in the moderate- and high-frequency groups, performance control appeared more centrally positioned at the interface between appraisal and self-regulation, suggesting stronger alignment between AI-related appraisals and performance-level regulatory processes in these groups. Students’ knowledge of AI displayed context-dependent structural roles across networks, consistent with a variable relational position across use-frequency groups. Overall, the findings suggest that AI appraisal and self-regulated learning form partially distinct but interconnected subsystems, and that their configuration may vary across AI use-frequency groups. Because subgroup comparisons were descriptive and formal stability analyses were not conducted, these findings should be interpreted as exploratory. The results do not support causal or developmental inference and require replication using bootstrapped stability analyses and formal network comparison procedures. Full article

Chia seed mucilage (CSM) is a promising plant-derived hydrocolloid characterized by unique physicochemical and functional properties that are strongly influenced by the extraction methodology. In this research, an optimized sonication–freezing-assisted extraction (SFAE) process was developed to obtain mucilage while preserving its structural integrity. Results indicate that the extracted mucilage has a high total dietary fiber content of 75.87% and a moderate protein level of 8.71%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and ionized carboxylate (COO⁻) groups associated with uronic acids, highlighting the anionic and polyelectrolyte nature of the system. Rheological characterization of optimized-CSM revealed Newtonian behavior in dilute solutions, indicating minimal intermolecular interactions and permitting accurate measurement of intrinsic viscosity and viscosity-average molecular weight. A critical overlap concentration (c** ≈ 0.2% w/v) was identified, marking the transition to semi-dilute regimes, chain entanglement, and the onset of shear-thinning and viscoplastic behavior. Functionally, the optimized-CSM exhibited high water holding capacity and competitive emulsifying properties (emulsion activity index (EAI): 62.50%; emulsion stability index (ESI): 49.32%), attributed to synergistic interactions between proteins and polysaccharides. Overall, this work provides new insights into how processing conditions influence the chemical composition and molecular structure, which fundamentally govern the rheological and functional performance of CSM. These findings underscore its potential as a versatile hydrocolloid for food and biomedical applications. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of dietary phospholipid (PL) source and supplementation level on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and lipid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fry. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted using a basal diet containing 1.76% PL and six experimental diets with an additional 1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5% PL provided by soybean lecithin (SL) or krill oil phospholipids (KOP). Dietary supplementation with 3.0–4.5% SL and 1.5–4.5% KOP significantly improved growth performance, whereas feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced in the 3.0–4.5% SL and 3.0% KOP groups (p < 0.05). At equivalent inclusion levels, no significant differences were observed between SL and KOP in growth performance parameters (p > 0.05). PL supplementation also reduced whole-body lipid deposition and enhanced visceral lipase activity in all groups except the 1.5% SL group, while antioxidant capacity was improved in all PL-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). SL had no significant effect on whole-body fatty acid composition (p > 0.05), whereas moderate to high levels of KOP significantly altered the fatty acid profile, characterized by reduced monounsaturated fatty acids and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, along with increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PL supplementation affected hepatic lipid metabolism, with both PL sources downregulating apoa2-like, while KOP induced stronger hepatic transcriptional responses related to lipid utilization and innate immune signaling than SL (p_adj < 0.05). However, gut microbiota analysis revealed no significant differences in the relative abundances of the dominant phyla or in α- and β-diversity among the control, 3.0% KOP, and 4.5% SL groups (p > 0.05). Overall, dietary PL supplementation promoted growth, improved antioxidant capacity, enhanced lipid metabolism, and reduced lipid deposition in Atlantic salmon fry, with KOP exerting stronger effects than SL on fatty acid composition and hepatic gene expression. Full article

Experimental diabetes models induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and alloxan are widely used in preclinical research; however, direct standardized comparisons in female rodents remain limited. The present study evaluated multiple chemical induction protocols in female Wistar rats, including STZ (40 and 65 mg/kg), STZ at the same doses combined with nicotinamide (110 mg/kg), and alloxan (130 mg/kg). Glycemic progression, oral glucose tolerance test, body weight evolution, oxidative stress markers, and multi-organ histopathology were assessed over a 14-day period. High-dose STZ (65 mg/kg) and alloxan produced rapid, sustained hyperglycemia (p < 0.0001), significant body weight reduction, increased lipid peroxidation (elevated MDA), nitric oxide overproduction, thiol depletion, and pronounced pancreatic and renal structural damage. In contrast, STZ–nicotinamide protocols generated moderate but stable hyperglycemia with partial preservation of islet architecture, attenuated oxidative imbalance, and improved systemic tolerability. Oral glucose tolerance test confirmed impaired glucose handling in the STZ–nicotinamide group, consistent with a type 2 diabetes-like phenotype rather than complete insulin deficiency. These results demonstrate that induction strategy critically determines metabolic stability, oxidative stress burden, and tissue remodeling patterns, supporting model selection according to specific experimental objectives. Full article

Expanded polystyrene litter in marine environments harbors diverse and distinct microbial communities, referred to as the plastisphere. This study aimed to investigate the monthly dynamics of bacterial and potentially pathogenic bacterial (PPB) communities on expanded polystyrene over one year. Vibrio species dominated the PPB community, cooccurring at consistently higher abundances on expanded polystyrene than in the surrounding seawater, particularly under higher temperatures and low dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels. At a temperature threshold of 16 °C, the abundance of zoonotic species, such as Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio alginolyticus, increased significantly. Some psychrotrophic Vibrio spp. were detected under moderately eutrophic conditions, suggesting that expanded polystyrene may also serve as a dispersal vector facilitating their transport to more favorable habitats. Multivariate analyses, including partial least squares path modeling, revealed temperature and DOC as the primary environmental factors influencing PPB community composition. However, environmental responses varied by taxonomic groups, with different preferences observed under varying eutrophic conditions. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that expanded polystyrene litter supports a selective and environmentally responsive bacterial population, highlighting the potential role of plastic debris in promoting pathogenic bacterial persistence and spread in marine ecosystems, particularly under conditions associated with climate change, including warming and eutrophication. Full article

(1) Background: Regular school attendance is foundational to students’ academic achievement, social-emotional development, and long-term career success. Yet chronic absenteeism continues to affect a substantial proportion of PreK-12 students in the United States, underscoring the urgent need for evidence-based interventions. (2) Methods: This meta-analysis synthesized findings from 13 randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies published between January 2020 and March 2025 and identified through six digital databases. All included studies evaluated interventions that reported school absenteeism as an outcome. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g and estimated with a random-effects model. To explain variability in effects, meta-regression analyses examined 10 moderators across the following four domains, guided by the ecological systems theory: study-level features (methodological rigor), individual-level characteristics, intervention-level characteristics, and contextual-level characteristics. (3) Results: The overall effect size was 0.091 (95% CI: 0.012–0.170), indicating a small but statistically significant reduction in absenteeism favoring intervention groups. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (I² = 73%). Study setting emerged as the only significant moderator, with stronger effects in single-school implementations. Although other moderators were not statistically significant, variation in effect magnitudes suggests meaningful contextual and implementation differences. (4) Conclusions: These interventions produce modest but statistically reliable reductions in absenteeism, with implementation context significantly influencing effectiveness. Full article

Smartphone-based portable slit lamp microscopes are increasingly used as low-cost tools for anterior segment imaging in teleophthalmology, yet the literature combines heterogeneous study designs, comparator standards, and deployment contexts. Because the evidence base spans engineering reports, basic science, clinical validation studies, implementation research, and case-based telemedicine, we structured a narrative review rather than a pooled meta-analysis. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and DOAJ for literature available on or before 28 February 2026, supplemented by manual reference list screening and targeted retrieval of relevant technical standards. Peer-reviewed English original studies formed the core evidence base; contextual non-English and gray literature sources were retained only when explicitly labeled as non-core. To improve interpretability, the results were grouped by synthesis domain, clinical task, comparator standard, telemedicine scenario, and artificial intelligence (AI) dataset/validation characteristics. The highest-confidence evidence concerned nuclear cataract grading, tear film breakup time and corneal staining assessment, anterior chamber depth screening, tear meniscus height measurement, allergic conjunctival grading, and selected corneal disorders. Agreement with conventional slit lamp examination or anterior segment optical coherence tomography was generally moderate to high within task-specific comparisons, and telemedicine deployment was feasible for screening, follow-up, remote consultation, emergency triage, house visits, and outreach. However, illumination reporting remains inconsistent, explicit ISO-aligned dosimetry is sparse, and most AI studies remain retrospective, single-center, and device family-specific. Current evidence, therefore, supports smartphone-based portable slit lamp microscopes primarily as adjunctive teleophthalmology tools rather than replacements for comprehensive in-clinic microscopy. The synthesis clarifies where conclusions are supported by comparative validation data, where they remain exploratory, and which methodological gaps should be prioritized in future multicenter studies. Full article

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is associated with positive self-rated health (SRH); however, evidence regarding different practice patterns and potential racial differences among university students remains limited. The objective of this study was to estimate the association between LTPA patterns and positive SRH among university students who entered higher education in 2025 at a public university in Brazil. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1143 first-year undergraduates. Positive SRH (defined as reporting “good” or “very good” health) was used as the outcome. LTPA (walking and activities of moderate and vigorous intensity) was classified as inactive, insufficiently active, weekend warrior, or regularly active based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity. The analyses were stratified by self-reported race/skin color (White students vs. students from other racial/ethnic groups). Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression. The prevalence of positive SRH was 44.6% among White students and 41.1% among other racial/ethnic group students. Among White students, positive SRH was associated with walking performed at weekend warrior (PR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.33–3.24) and regular levels (PR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06–2.14), as well as with vigorous-intensity activity in a weekend warrior pattern. Among other racial/ethnic group students, positive SRH was associated with regular walking (PR = 1.34; 95% CI:1.05–1.71) and with vigorous-intensity activity at both insufficient and regular levels. LTPA was positively associated with SRH, with variations according to intensity, practice patterns, and race/skin color, indicating that benefits are not homogeneous across groups. Full article

Background: Body mass index (BMI) remains the standard tool for obesity screening; however, it does not account for body fat distribution or visceral adiposity, potentially leading to clinically relevant misclassification—particularly in young adults. Evidence on this issue in healthcare professionals is limited. Objective: To evaluate the extent of obesity misclassification when using BMI compared with alternative anthropometric and body composition indices, and to examine sex-specific associations between lifestyle factors and different adiposity phenotypes in young healthcare professionals. Methods: A large cross-sectional study was conducted in 12,874 medical residents, nursing residents, and age-matched controls (22–30 years). Obesity was defined using BMI (≥30 kg/m²), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR ≥ 0.5), Clínica Universidad de Navarra–Body Adiposity Estimator (CUN-BAE), body fat percentage, and bioimpedance-derived visceral fat. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, professional group, smoking, physical activity, and Mediterranean diet adherence were fitted separately for each adiposity definition. Sex interaction terms were formally tested. Agreement between indices was assessed using Cohen’s kappa. Results: Obesity prevalence varied substantially according to the index applied and was consistently higher when central or visceral adiposity measures were used. Agreement between BMI and alternative indices was only fair to moderate, with the lowest concordance observed for visceral fat (κ = 0.29; 95% CI 0.26–0.32). Male sex was strongly associated with visceral fat-defined obesity (aOR 4.76; 95% CI 3.82–5.92), while effect sizes were attenuated for BMI-defined obesity (aOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.32–1.51). Significant sex interactions were detected for visceral adiposity, particularly for physical activity (p = 0.001) and smoking (p = 0.002), indicating differential lifestyle associations according to fat distribution phenotype. Conclusions: BMI substantially underestimates clinically relevant central and visceral adiposity in young healthcare professionals. Sex-specific differences were observed in the association between lifestyle behaviors and visceral fat. These findings highlight the limitations of relying exclusively on BMI for obesity screening. Incorporating waist-based or body composition-derived measures may improve early risk identification and support targeted preventive strategies. Full article

England’s population is living longer, a sign of progress and better health, but adult social care (ASC) services must adapt to support a growing number of older residents, who may need help to remain independent, safe, and well. Kent County Council (KCC), in South East England, projects a 28% and 53% increase in its residents aged 65+ and 85+, respectively, over the next decade. This study aimed to inform the development of KCC’s ASC Prevention Framework using a System Dynamics Modelling (SDM) approach to evaluate the impact of preventive interventions on ASC demand and expenditure. Using linked local health and social care data and the Johns Hopkins ACG® tool, the 1.3 million adult population was stratified into Patient Needs Groups. Analyses showed that higher ASC costs were associated with being older females, living alone, deprivation, and frailty-related indicators such as dementia, history of falls, etc. Around 28% of older adults aged 65+ accounted for 80% of ASC costs within that cohort, and related scenario testing projected a 48% rise in ASC costs over 10 years without interventions, moderated to 33% with targeted prevention. These findings demonstrate the value of integrated data and modelling to inform strategic, prevention-focused ASC planning. Full article

The long-term stability of rock–concrete composites largely depends on the mechanical properties and durability of the rock–concrete interface. This study investigated the coupling effect of interfacial roughness and acid sulfate corrosion on sandstone–concrete composites by using uniaxial compression tests combined with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The results showed that corrosion continuously reduces the mechanical properties of the specimens with peak strength and elastic modulus, exhibiting a two-stage evolution: rapid degradation in the early stage followed by a slow decline in the later stage. After 60 days of corrosion, the peak strength for composites with JRC = 5, JRC = 10, and JRC = 15 interfaces decreased by 46.59%, 44.34%, and 50.43%, respectively. The elastic modulus exhibited the same pattern of variation, and the decreasing rate was 68.90%, 66.96%, and 76.46% for the JRC = 5, JRC = 10, and JRC = 15 groups. Acoustic emission activities appeared earlier and were more significant after corrosion. With the effect of corrosion, the fracture mode evolved from tensile-dominated cracks to mixed tensile–shear cracks with a stronger shear component. Fractal analysis of AE energy revealed that the Hurst exponent decreased from 0.842–0.864 in the natural state to 0.503–0.567 after 60 days of immersion, whereas the fractal dimension increased from 1.136–1.182 to 1.433–1.497, indicating a decrease in the persistence and increase in complexity of the acoustic emission energy release process. Overall, the moderately rough interface (JRC = 10) achieved a better balance between initial strengthening and long-term corrosion resistance. These findings provide experimental support for evaluating the durability of sandstone–concrete composites in acidic sulfate environments. Full article

Emotional intelligence and teaching self-efficacy are essential competencies for teachers’ professional and personal development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducational intervention to enhance both areas in future teachers. A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures was implemented, including an experiment. An eight-week program was conducted using active, reflective, and participatory methodologies to promote emotional awareness and confidence in teaching abilities. The OSTES instrument was used to measure teaching self-efficacy, the TMMS-24 to assess perceived emotional intelligence, and the EQ-i to evaluate socioemotional competencies, and. Results revealed significant improvements in the experimental group in emotional attention, clarity, and repair; in instructional strategies, classroom management, and student engagement; as well as in adaptability, interpersonal skills, stress management, and overall emotional intelligence. These effects ranged from moderate to large in magnitude and contrasted with the stable scores in the control group. The findings confirm that psychoeducational interventions focused on emotional competencies can be effective in strengthening emotional intelligence and self-efficacy in pre-service teachers. These outcomes suggest that such programs may contribute to the promotion of well-being and teaching effectiveness during initial teacher education, offering implications for future curricular development in teacher training programs. Full article

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder strongly associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities. Although methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for moderate-to-severe disease, its influence on the relationships between inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers remains insufficiently characterized. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 132 hospitalized adult patients with psoriasis, stratified into untreated (n = 101) and MTX-treated (n = 31) groups. Inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and metabolic indices, triglyceride–glucose index (TyG), metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), were analyzed. Group comparisons were performed using Mann–Whitney U and χ² tests. Spearman correlation matrices and regularized partial correlation networks (EBICglasso, γ = 0.5) were constructed separately for each group to explore inflammatory–metabolic connectivity. Results: MTX-treated patients exhibited lower NLR (p = 0.035) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.004), while CRP, ESR, and composite metabolic indices did not differ significantly. In untreated patients, correlation analysis showed multiple significant cross-domain associations between inflammatory and metabolic markers. In contrast, fewer such associations reached statistical significance in the MTX-treated group. Network analysis indicated a less densely connected structure in the MTX group (9 vs. 12 non-zero edges); however, formal network comparison did not identify statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusions: Although fewer statistically significant cross-domain correlations were observed in MTX-treated patients, no statistically significant differences in network structure were detected between groups. These findings are exploratory and hypothesis-generating, not indicative of methotrexate-related modification of network structure, and are limited by the small size of the MTX-treated subgroup. Full article