Search Results (1,470)

This qualitative content analysis investigates how preservice teachers (PSTs) curate primary sources in early childhood and elementary social studies contexts, revealing the ideological implications of their instructional choices. Drawing on 347 selections submitted by 103 PSTs in a scaffolded, inquiry-based assignment, the study analyzes whether selections perpetuate dominant cultural narratives or reflect counternarratives and culturally sustaining practices. Findings indicate that while nearly half of all sources aligned with White, male, Eurocentric perspectives, a significant subset engaged historically marginalized voices, suggesting emergent but uneven commitments to inclusive representation. Selections varied in depth of reflection, often shaped by archival access, curricular constraints, and unexamined pedagogical habits. Grounded in Critical Educational Theory, Reflective Teaching Practices, and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, the study highlights the ideological weight of source selection and the need for teacher preparation programs to scaffold reflective, justice-oriented engagement with historical materials. These findings contribute to ongoing conversations about equity, civic responsibility, and culturally responsive teaching in early social studies education. Full article

Gathering spaces within urban parks serve as primary outdoor leisure venues, playing a critical role in facilitating social interaction and restoring the physical and mental well-being of this demographic. This study uses the example of Pipa Mountain Park in Chongqing, China to explore the psychological and physiological perceptual effects of spatial environmental characteristics on young adults in four typical gathering spaces: path platform, elevated point, viewing boundary, and key node. To this end, we employed onsite experimental methods using wearable ergonomic devices to collect participants’ physiological data, including electrophysiological, electroencephalogram (EEG), and eye-tracking data. Visual and auditory psychological perception evaluation data were obtained through on-site questionnaires. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed differential trends in participants’ psychological perceptions and physiological responses across distinct gathering spaces. The elevated point demonstrated the most favorable ratings for the psychological dimension “comfort” (M = 1.63, SD = 2.09). Subsequent principal component analysis elucidated key psychological perception indicators in mountainous settings, while Friedman test, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and random forest modeling quantified the effects of specific spatial environmental indicators on perceptual responses. Results indicated significant differences in psychological perceptions and physiological responses across gathering space typologies (p < 0.05). Influenced by the preferences and behavioral habits of young adults, environmental element complexity significantly enhanced attentional engagement (χ² = 68.428, p < 0.01) and facilitated positive perceptual responses. The synergistic effects of the visual and auditory elements significantly enhance the restorative benefits of space; however, poor accessibility weakens this advantage. This study provides evidence for the in-depth analysis of the intrinsic mechanisms between the spatial environment and multisensory perception in urban mountain parks. Full article

Malawi faces increasing pressure on forest resources as rising urban demand for charcoal and firewood accelerates forest degradation in the Lilongwe River Upper Catchment, the primary water source for Lilongwe City. With over 90% of Malawians dependent on biomass energy and the country losing an estimated 33,000 hectares of forest annually, the consequences for water security, soil integrity, and rural livelihoods are severe. Existing research has largely examined woodfuel governance as a social and institutional issue, emphasising policy failures, corruption, and weak enforcement, with limited attention to the biophysical processes through which governance decisions shape landscapes. In this context, tracking changes in soils, water flows, and vegetation dynamics offers an important complementary perspective critical for integrated interventions. This paper proposes a conceptual framework, a Critical Zone Science and Social–Ecological Systems (CZS-SES) framework, which allows examination of how governance systems interact with biophysical processes across scales. The framework, informed by synthesis of policy documents and the empirical literature, highlights the need for more integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to understanding woodfuel governance and its implications for habitability in Malawi and across Africa. Full article

Background: The rapid use of social media (SM) has become a central part of university students’ everyday habits. However, its extensive SM surfing, frequently conceptualized as Social Media Addiction (SMA), is accountable for growing worries about the potential relationship with mental health symptoms (MHS). This research paper aimed to explore the interrelationships between SMA and MHS in the Saudi Arabia (SA) context. The paper explored the role of study discipline as a moderator. Methods: Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used to analyze a set of data collected from 600 university students in SA. Results: The PLS-SEM results showed that Time Management & Performance (TM&P) and Social Comfort (SC) were significantly and positively correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms among SA university students. TM&P exhibited the strongest association with distress symptoms, while SC also displayed significant positive associations with all mental health symptoms. In contrast, Withdrawal & Health Problems (W&HP) demonstrated weak, negative and significant correlations with stress and anxiety and a non-significant correlation with depression, indicating that different aspects of SMA might be associated with mental health outcomes differently. Moreover, study discipline can significantly moderate several relationships between SMA dimensions and mental health outcomes, signalling that the psychological associations of compulsive social media use vary across disciplinary settings. Conclusion: This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the association between digital addiction and psychological well-being and provides a culturally grounded perspective from the Saudi Arabian context. Full article

Obesity and dental caries are highly prevalent chronic conditions with significant global health impact. Although an association between these diseases has been suggested, the nature of this relationship remains unclear. This state-of-the-art review aims to synthesize current evidence on the interplay between obesity and dental caries, focusing on shared risk factors, salivary alterations and underlying biological mechanisms. Evidence indicates that obesity and dental caries share common behavioral and socioeconomic determinants, namely unhealthy dietary patterns with high intake of free sugars, poor oral hygiene habits and social disadvantage. Salivary alterations observed in obesity may also create a more cariogenic oral environment. Additionally, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress markers and changes in the oral microbiome suggest biologically plausible links between both conditions. However, current data does not support a direct causal relationship, but rather a complex multifactorial interaction between obesity and dental caries driven by shared risk factors and modifiable behaviors. Preventive strategies should adopt an integrated approach targeting shared determinants, particularly diet, oral hygiene habits and socioeconomic status. Nevertheless, the predominance of cross-sectional evidence limits causal inference, highlighting the need for longitudinal studies that simultaneously assess obesity and dental caries, and that address salivary biomarkers using standardized methodologies across different age groups to clarify underlying mechanisms and assess their clinical relevance. Full article

Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being) aims to ‘ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages’. Therefore, in today’s world, shaping children’s sustainable and healthy eating choices is crucial in terms of directly impacting their long-term health, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening social and economic development. In this manner, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether greenhouse-based education improves students’ sustainable and healthy eating choices. An educational design-based research model was followed in the current study. The research was conducted with 20 third-grade students from a private school in Istanbul, Türkiye. Greenhouse-based education that includes activities focused on sustainable agriculture and healthy nutrition was implemented for 6 weeks. The data were collected with semi-structured interviews before and after instruction. In the data analysis, the content analysis was used. The findings revealed that greenhouse-based instruction developed students’ sustainable and healthy eating choices. After greenhouse-based education, the majority of students have started to adopt healthier eating habits like consuming environmentally friendly foods, such as more fresh/seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, local organic foods, nutrient-dense foods, foods that are good for their health, reusing food waste, etc. Therefore, the results showed that greenhouse-based instruction can have the potential to transform eating choices, instill lifelong healthy habits, and cultivate a generation that is both nutritionally conscious and environmentally responsible. Full article

Eating behavior and eating habits are shaped from the earliest stages of life through interactions among biological, familial, social, and environmental factors. The aim of this narrative review is to integrate evidence on the early-life determinants of eating behavior and their influence on dietary intake from infancy to adolescence. A narrative review was conducted with a structured search approach prioritized on longitudinal studies, intervention trials, and policy evaluations when available, and using cross-sectional evidence mainly to describe patterns and sociodemographic factors. Synthesizing the current evidence, our framework proposes that breastfeeding, responsive complementary feeding, and self-regulatory parenting are associated with higher responsiveness to internal hunger, satiety cues, and preference for nutrient-dense foods. Conversely, coercive practices, early exposure to highly palatable foods, and the influence of food marketing are linked to dominant hedonic responses and impulsive consumption patterns. Furthermore, family environments characterized by stress or food insecurity, together with high access to low-nutrient foods, may increase vulnerability to poor eating habits and emotional eating during adolescence. Overall, the evidence highlights the need for preventive interventions that integrate parenting support, school food education, digital marketing regulation policies, and the promotion of healthy food environments across multiple sectors. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors linking early determinants to dietary intake and eating behaviors across development is essential for promoting a balanced relationship with food and preventing chronic diseases from an early age. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition that requires comprehensive and sustained interventions. Despite the central role of dietary modification in obesity management, current approaches to dietary counselling remain heterogeneous and often fail to account for the broader environmental and social determinants of eating behavior. In pediatric populations, dietary habits are strongly influenced by family dynamics, home food environments, school settings, and peer interactions, highlighting the need for system-oriented intervention models. Methods: This structured narrative review with conceptual framework development presents an integrative framework for dietary counselling in pediatric obesity, combining evidence-based nutritional strategies with behavioral and environmental approaches. The paper synthesizes current literature on early-life habit formation, family-based behavioral treatment, feeding practices, and environmental determinants of dietary behavior. Results: The proposed framework emphasizes the role of the family as the primary therapeutic unit and highlights the importance of modifying the home food environment and implementing gradual, achievable changes through the “small steps” approach. A structured, visit-based model of dietary counselling is introduced, integrating dietary assessment, patient education, and behavioral strategies. Additionally, the influence of external environments—including schools, peer groups, and public health systems—is considered to provide a comprehensive understanding of factors shaping dietary behaviors in children. Conclusions: The proposed system-oriented framework offers practical guidance for clinicians and public health practitioners and supports the development of more effective and sustainable interventions. Integrating individual, family, and environmental perspectives may improve adherence to dietary recommendations and enhance long-term outcomes in pediatric obesity management. Full article

This narrative review examines the influence of social networks on dietary habits and physical activity, and their relationship to overweight and obesity in adolescents. The study is based on a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases, covering the period 2009–2022, and is complemented by a critical analysis of contemporary evidence. The included studies involved adolescents aged 12 to 19 and assessed associations among social networks, body weight, diet, and physical activity, using statistical methods based on social network analysis (SNA). No language restrictions were applied. The results demonstrated that friendship networks significantly influence adolescents’ body weight, eating behaviors, and physical activity levels. Specifically, boys exhibited similar unhealthy food consumption patterns within their networks, while girls’ networks showed similarities in sedentary activities. This review highlights that adolescents’ social networks play a relevant role in weight-related behaviors, with their influence varying based by gender. These findings underscore the need to consider such gender-specific effects when developing prevention and treatment strategies for obesity in this age group. Full article

Background/Objectives: The performance of musical wind instruments imposes significant neuromuscular and biomechanical demands on the stomatognathic system. Depending on the mouthpiece type, wind instruments are divided into four classes, which may have distinct impacts on the instrumentalists’ quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate musicians’ self-perception regarding the impact caused by wind instruments practice on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), jaw functional limitations, and chronic pain. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 71 wind instrumentalists (52% female; mean age 24.16 years; mean practice history of 12.8 years) using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale (JFLS), and the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Musicians in Class 1 (clarinet/saxophone) and Class 4 (transverse flute) reported the worst OHRQoL and chronic pain scores. Orofacial pain in the jaw, temple, or ear was reported by 66% of the participants. Joint sounds (36%) and closed jaw locking (26%) showed a significant association with female gender; however, this relationship is highly confounded by the strong female clustering in Class 4 (85%) and Class 1 (63%). Behavioral and practice habits significantly influenced outcomes: higher daily study duration (mean 170.31 min), the absence of relaxation exercises, and a willingness to endure physical discomfort for technical progress (73.2%) were significantly associated with lower quality of life and greater functional limitations (mastication and mobility). Performance anxiety, warm-up exercises, and practice intensity peaks showed no significant relationships with OHRQoL. Conclusions: Wind instrument practice severely impacts jaw function and musicians’ well-being. These findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary preventive interventions, including targeted ergonomic training, structured rest protocols, and jaw relaxation exercises, alongside oral public health initiatives that recognize wind musicians as an occupationally vulnerable group. Full article

This research investigates the factors influencing the behavioral intention and actual use of e-wallets among Generation Z by extending the UTAUT3 model to include personal innovativeness and perceived security. The study employs a quantitative approach using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from 535 Generation Z e-wallet users between 15 January and 28 February 2026. The results reveal that traditional determinants such as performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation do not significantly influence behavioral intention in a mature digital environment. In contrast, social influence, price value, habit, personal innovativeness, and perceived security significantly shape users’ intentions. Furthermore, the findings indicate that behavioral intention fully mediates the relationship between personal innovativeness and perceived security with actual usage behavior. This suggests that although users may possess innovative tendencies and perceive strong security, these factors influence usage only through the formation of intention. The study also shows that Generation Z demonstrates a strong ability to manage financial activities independently within digital platforms, reflecting high levels of digital and financial literacy. At the same time, users remain highly aware of potential risks, particularly regarding data privacy and transaction security, which significantly affect their intention to adopt e-wallet services. Additionally, actual usage behavior is primarily driven by habit and behavioral intention, indicating routinized usage patterns. Overall, this study highlights the critical roles of trust, social influence, and behavioral reinforcement in explaining technology adoption among Generation Z. Full article

In the context of economic disparities, housing as a fundamental right highlights processes of social differentiation and stratification. From a complexity perspective, factors such as location, distance from development hubs, and designs that standardize needs exacerbate weaknesses in its conception. The new realities of living in housing prompt us to rethink design approaches that integrate housing and work. This research analyzes the Ciudad Alegría Social Housing Program, located in the city of Loja, Ecuador. The diagnostic method indicated that 24% of homes have commercial projections as a survival strategy. While these spatial patterns diminish the levels of habitability in the homes, they also provide benefits such as proximity between home and work, savings in transportation costs, interaction with neighbors, and mixed uses. These observations reveal gaps in the architectural design process, which fails to consider both service providers and users in decision-making related to the design of VIS programs, highlighting the need for this phenomenon to be elevated to public policy. Full article

Background: The use of sports supplements among adolescents is rising globally, driven by fitness trends and social media influence, yet knowledge gaps persist. This study aimed to assess supplement usage patterns, knowledge, attitudes, information sources, and the impact of a social media educational intervention among Serbian secondary school students. Methods: A single-group pre–post educational intervention study was conducted in secondary school students (aged 14–18) in Vojvodina, Serbia. A 21-question anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 1000 students along with parental informed consent forms. Pre-intervention survey assessed sociodemographics, physical activity and social media habits, supplement use information sources, and awareness of risks and banned substances. Based on the initial findings, an educational campaign delivered 56 short videos (≈70 s each) on Instagram and TikTok covering most frequently used supplements (e.g., creatine, proteins, caffeine, energy drinks). After, the intervention survey was repeated. The data were analyzed using the McNemar–Bowker test of symmetry. Results: In this study, 65% of Serbian secondary school adolescents reported being physically active, engaging predominantly in gym workouts and team sports. The majority of participants initiate dietary supplement use independently, without consulting healthcare professionals or adults. The most commonly used supplements were vitamins and minerals, while energy drinks ranked notably high. Social media intervention had a limited impact due to its short duration; however, certain changes were detected. Conclusions: Serbian adolescents frequently use sports supplements without adequate professional guidance. Long-term TikTok/Instagram interventions could be used in the future in order to influence behaviors and improve knowledge about sport supplement use. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between toxic workplace culture and voluntary employee turnover, undermining workforce sustainability in Ghana’s construction industry. While some previous research has found a relationship between a toxic working environment and employee withdrawal habits, few studies have investigated the psychological processes between the toxic work culture and employee turnover in Global South construction companies. Based on the theories of Conservation of Resources and Social Exchange, this research examines the possible mediating factors between the toxic work culture and employee turnover: employee burnout, psychological safety, and job dissatisfaction. Structured questionnaires were used to design a quantitative cross-sectional survey, which was administered to 174 construction workers in Ghana. The data were analysed using mediation regression models based on Ordinary Least Squares (OLS). The findings show that a hostile work environment and a lack of organisational support were the two highest dimensions of work culture assessed as negatively impacting employee burnout, psychological safety, and attrition intentions. Employee burnout was the only significant predictor for voluntary employee attrition (β = 0.3628, p < 0.001), and psychological safety had a significant protective effect (β = −0.1785, p = 0.016). Mediation accounted for 67.4% of the variance in attrition outcomes. This paper shows how a negative organisational climate can undermine the stability of human resources, psychological well-being, and the social dimension of sustainability in construction companies. The results indicate that organisational support, leadership accountability and psychologically safe working environments are important for increasing employee retention and long-term organisational resilience. Full article

Large-scale landscape transformation in mountainous regions during the Late Iron Age remains insufficiently integrated into broader debates on European urbanism. In southwestern Transylvania, extensive slope terracing came to define the spatial core of the Dacian political centre. This study examines the scale, organization, and social implications of this engineered landscape using high-resolution LiDAR data and spatial modelling. Over 4000 anthropogenic terraces were identified, and their spatial patterning was analysed through Kernel Density Estimation (300 m and 800 m radii) in order to evaluate intensity gradients and territorial articulation. The results indicate compact nuclei of high terrace concentration embedded within a broader, yet continuous, system structured along ridge corridors and circulation routes. The spatial correlation between terrace density and elevated architectural features suggests differentiated building practices and hierarchical organization within a territorially extensive settlement pattern. Rather than representing isolated fortified sites, the Dacian mountain core emerges as an integrated and infrastructurally connected landscape. These findings support the interpretation of the area as a form of Late Iron Age low-density urbanism, in which habitation, mobility, and social differentiation were materially embedded in large-scale topographic modification. Full article