Search Results (8,716)

Background: The alarming trend of rising depression and insomnia among the world’s population, especially in young adults, demands urgent attention from both clinical and lifestyle medicine perspectives. This study aimed to evaluate whether habitual physical activity (PA) could improve sleep quality and depressive symptoms. It explores whether sleep parameters mediate the relationship between training intensity and depression. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the relationships between PA, sleep quality, and depression in 349 participants, predominantly young adults, aged 16–54 (Median: 21, Q1–Q3: 20–23). Depressive symptoms and sleep quality were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PA parameters, including training intensity and frequency, were evaluated via a study-specific self-report tool. Mediation effects were assessed utilising Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) to evaluate direct, indirect, and total effects. Results: Higher training intensity and training volume were associated with lower depressive symptoms. Except for the daytime dysfunction domain, the current data did not support sleep as a mediator in the relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms. Participants with 3–5 years of training experience exhibited lower BDI scores compared to those with less than 12 months of experience. Interestingly, the type of PA did not influence BDI or PSQI scores, suggesting that consistency and intensity are more critical than the kind of exercise itself. Conclusions: Systematic, high-intensity PA, especially for a prolonged period of time, is significantly associated with lower depressive symptoms. The exploratory nature of this study highlights training frequency and intensity as potential factors that need further research. These findings highlight the mind–body connection and demonstrate that PA might be an intervention supporting mental well-being. Full article

The sectoral approach has traditionally served as the principal tool for analyzing regional specialization; however, it does not reveal the functional content of employment or the distribution of tasks within economic activities. This article assesses the degree of correspondence between the functional structure of employment and the sectoral structure of output across 17 harmonized regions of Kazakhstan, a resource-dependent post-Soviet economy, over the period 2019–2024. Regional functional profiles are constructed within the task-based framework and comprise four aggregate task categories: non-routine cognitive (NRC), routine cognitive (RC), routine manual (RM), and non-routine manual (NRM). The sectoral structure is represented by the distribution of nominal output across 47 sectors. Inter-regional differences are measured using Jensen–Shannon distance. The empirical analysis is conducted on a dyadic panel of 816 observations, controlling for region size, urbanization, gross regional product per capita, extractive specialization, geographic distance, and time effects. Primary statistical inference relies on the Freedman–Lane permutation procedure within multiple regression quadratic assignment procedure (MRQAP). The results indicate a positive but moderate association between the two structures. The standardized coefficient on functional distance is 0.300 (MRQAP p = 0.001). Including the task variable raises R² by 5.5 percentage points. The finding remains robust under most alternative distance metrics, different sets of control variables, and sequential exclusion of individual regions. However, the association weakens noticeably when the three largest cities—concentrating a substantial share of non-routine cognitive tasks—are excluded simultaneously. Within-region estimates of correspondence for 2019–2024 are considerably less precise. Pair fixed-effects models and correlations based on net change and cumulative path length do not reveal a systematic contemporaneous relationship between changes in functional and sectoral structures over the observed period. The six-year observation window does not allow the longer-term pattern of their coevolution or possible lagged adjustment to be determined. Overall, functional and sectoral structures are related but not interchangeable. The results provide statistically supported evidence of a positive inter-regional association, although its strength varies by distance metrics and regional subsamples. For regional policy, the findings underscore the value of combining sectoral specialization indicators with information on the characteristics of jobs and accumulated labor competencies. Full article

Chalcones are naturally occurring open-chain flavonoids widely distributed in plants and recognized for their broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. Their versatile scaffold allows for extensive structural modifications, leading to a diverse range of natural and synthetic derivatives with notable biological potential. In the context of viral infections, chalcones have demonstrated remarkable efficacy against a variety of human pathogens, including dengue virus, HIV, HCV, influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging viruses. Beyond human health, several chalcones have shown potent activity against plant viruses such as tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), and animal viruses including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and mammalian reovirus (MRV), underscoring their broad antiviral spectrum. These compounds act through multiple mechanisms, including the inhibition of viral enzymes (e.g., proteases, polymerases, and integrases), interference with viral entry and replication, and the modulation of host-related pathways. Recent advances in molecular docking, structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, and synthetic optimization have further highlighted chalcones as a promising scaffold for antiviral drug discovery. Accordingly, this review summarizes and categorizes antiviral chalcones reported over the last two decades, emphasizing and critically discussing their molecular targets, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological potential as lead compounds. It also provides a comparative perspective on their pharmacological relevance by correlating their activities against standard therapeutic agents and reference inhibitors. Furthermore, the most recurrent viral targets were critically discussed regarding their conservation, expected genetic barriers to resistance, and the global SAR trends identified for the corresponding antiviral chalcones. Finally, in silico ADMET profiling of the most promising naturally occurring chalcones was performed to evaluate their drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties, offering guidance for future structural optimization and translational development. Collectively, these findings highlight the chalcone scaffold as a versatile platform for the development of novel antiviral agents targeting diverse viral and host pathways. Full article

As sustainability becomes a strategic priority within the hospitality industry, understanding how environmentally responsible practices influence customer behaviours beyond loyalty has become increasingly important. This study investigates the mechanisms through which green hotel practices foster customer brand evangelism in the context of Green Star-certified hotels in Egypt. Drawing on Social Identity Theory and Relationship Marketing Theory, the study examines the direct effects of green hotel practices on brand pride, brand fidelity, and customer brand evangelism, while also exploring the mediating roles of brand pride and brand fidelity and the moderating role of green perceived quality. Data were collected from 428 guests of Green Star-certified hotels in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that green hotel practices significantly enhance brand pride, brand fidelity, and customer brand evangelism. Furthermore, brand pride and brand fidelity individually and sequentially mediate the relationship between green hotel practices and brand evangelism. The results also demonstrate that green perceived quality strengthens the effects of green hotel practices on both brand pride and brand fidelity. By extending existing research beyond traditional loyalty outcomes, this study contributes to the growing literature on sustainable hospitality, customer advocacy, and brand relationship management. The findings suggest that environmentally responsible hotel practices can encourage customers to engage in active, brand-supportive behaviours, including positive word of mouth, online advocacy, and electronic word of mouth (eWOM). Practical implications are provided for hotel managers seeking to transform sustainability initiatives into stronger customer advocacy, enhanced digital brand engagement, and long-term brand support. Full article

As generative AI technologies become increasingly embedded in educational cloud platforms, understanding their impact on teacher professional development is essential. Grounded in the stimulus–organism–response (S–O–R) framework, this study investigates how AI-driven stimuli—hedonicity, interactivity, and immersion—influence teachers’ self-regulation and resilience. Using structural equation modeling, data were collected from in-service teachers in Taiwan who actively utilize educational cloud platforms. The results reveal that all three AI-driven stimuli significantly enhance teachers’ self-regulation and resilience, which in turn are significantly associated with perceived value co-creation intentions. Specifically, self-regulation enables teachers to manage goals effectively, while resilience supports their recovery from technical setbacks. The findings indicate that self-regulation positively influences resilience, and both appear to mediate the relationship between perceived AI-driven stimuli and teachers’ value co-creation intentions. This study highlights the potential role of teachers’ psychological adaptability in AI-enhanced environments. Practical implications suggest that platform developers and administrators should prioritize AI features that foster self-directed learning and emotional engagement to promote collaborative willingness and professional alignment within modern educational ecosystems rather than implying proven macro-level transformation. Full article

Background: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) triggers profound metabolic and psychological adaptations during adolescence. This study investigated the relationships between resting energy expenditure (REE), body composition, physical activity (PA), and specific psychometric phenotypes in adolescent girls with AN compared to healthy, normal-weight (NW) peers. Methods: Sixteen adolescent girls with severe AN (16.1 ± 1.2 year) and 16 age-matched NW controls (15.6 ± 1.5 year) underwent clinical evaluations: anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance analysis for fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM), indirect calorimetry for REE, the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3). Results: Girls with AN exhibited significantly lower BMI (−20.3%, ES: 1.94, large), FFM (−18.3%, ES: 1.92, large), and FM (−25.7%, ES: 0.79, medium) than controls (p < 0.003). Absolute REE was drastically lower (−40.4%, ES: 3.53, large, p < 0.001). This hypometabolic state persisted after adjusting REE for body weight (−34.9%) or FFM (−32.5%, p < 0.001), consistent with adaptive thermogenesis. The AN group displayed resting hypotension and 79.0% (ES: 1.84, large, p < 0.001) lower total PA energy expenditure due to a lack of structured moderate-to-vigorous exercise; however, walking expenditure did not differ. Psychometrically, the AN cohort showed significantly higher (p < 0.001) values for drive for thinness (+316.9%, ES: 3.16, large), body dissatisfaction (+232.3%, ES: 2.30, large), and severe general psychological maladjustment, including higher interoceptive deficits (+148.2%, ES: 1.26, large). Conclusions: Adolescents with AN exhibit profound metabolic suppression via adaptive thermogenesis, together with an apparent dissociation between walking-related activity and hypotension. Since cognitive distortions and distress vary independently of anthropometric severity, clinical recovery must extend beyond nutritional rehabilitation; targeted psychotherapy may therefore be necessary to address persistent psychological maladjustment. Full article

Background: Ontogenetic flower color change is a prevalent adaptive phenomenon in plants, yet the temporal orchestration of multiple pigment pathways during rapid developmental transitions remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the metabolic and transcriptional basis of the petal basal marking color transition in Weigela japonica from yellow through yellow-orange to purple-red within a 4-day blooming period. Methods: Metabolomic analysis of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids was conducted using UPLC-MS/MS across four developmental stages (S0–S3). Differentially accumulated metabolites were screened based on VIP > 1, |Log₂FC| ≥ 1, and p < 0.05. Transcriptome sequencing was performed using the NovaSeq 6000 platform, and differentially expressed genes were identified using DESeq2. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to identify hub genes associated with pigment accumulation. Key structural genes were validated by qRT-PCR. Results: Metabolomics revealed distinct stage-specific pigment accumulation: carotenoids peaked during the yellow-orange stage (S2), while anthocyanins and flavonoids surged in the final purple-red stage (S3). KEGG enrichment indicated that carotenoid metabolism operates as a discrete module, anthocyanin biosynthesis as a terminal-specific route, and flavonoid metabolism as an intermediary hub bridging the two pathways. Transcriptome analysis identified stage-specific gene expression patterns: PAL and C4H were active at S0–S1, CHS/CHI/F3H peaked at S1-S2, and DFR/ANS were maximally expressed at S2–S3. Carotenoid genes (PSY, LCY, ZDS) showed synchronous expression during the yellow-orange phase. WGCNA identified MYB44, bHLH92, and ERF3 as hub genes strongly correlated with the S3 anthocyanin surge. Conclusions: These findings suggest a sequential activation model in W. japonica, in which temporally partitioned pigment metabolism and stepwise transcriptional regulation converge to orchestrate rapid ontogenetic color change. The study provides a framework for understanding developmental color transitions in ornamental plants, though causal regulatory relationships remain to be functionally validated. Full article

Background: A growing body of literature associates increases in electronic screen time with a vast array of psychological consequences amongst adolescents, but little is known about the neurological underpinnings of this relationship. Methods: This longitudinal study examines structural and diffusion brain MRI scans from two timepoints collected from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study—a large, multi-site study with thousands of participants. By assessing both gray matter density (GMD) and gray matter measurements of diffusion microstructure in the adolescent brain, we describe how the developmental trajectory of the brain changes with screen-based media consumption at the subcellular level. Gray matter microstructure was measured across 13 bilateral regions functionally implicated with screen time use and associated with either the control or reward system. Results: After controlling for age, sex, total brain volume, scanning site, sibling relationships, physical activity, and socioeconomic status, this study finds significant positive correlations between increased screen time and axonal signal across six of the 13 regions selected, while also finding significantly decreased intracellular signaling in eight regions, primarily in regions functionally associated with cognitive control. Comparing these associations to normal developmental trajectories suggests adolescent age-related brain development may be accelerated by increased screen time in brain areas associated with reward processing, while age-related brain development may be decelerated in regions of the control system. Highlighting the sensitivity of microstructural analysis, no significant relationships with increased screen time were found using GMD or fractional anisotropy. Conclusions: This work suggests that increased screen usage during adolescent development has a complex association with brain tissue that cannot be completely described by traditional quantifications of tissue microstructure. Full article

Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11 requires active engagement of local communities in environmental protection and sustainable urban development. Although residents play a critical role in supporting sustainability initiatives, limited research has examined how community-related factors shape environmental attitudes, environmental engagement, and support for sustainable behaviour in urban tourism destinations. This study investigates the relationships among destination social responsibility, community attachment, community involvement, environmental attitudes, community environmental participation, environmental advocacy and action, perceived environmental benefits, and support for sustainable behaviour among residents of Novi Sad, Serbia. Data were collected from 1038 residents and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that community attachment positively influences environmental attitudes and support for sustainable behaviour, while community involvement enhances community environmental participation and environmental advocacy and action. Environmental attitudes positively affect community environmental participation, environmental advocacy and action, and perceived environmental benefits. Perceived environmental benefits, in turn, strengthen support for sustainable behaviour. Conversely, destination social responsibility does not significantly influence community attachment or community involvement. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening residents’ attachment to their community, encouraging participation in local affairs, and fostering positive environmental attitudes to promote sustainable urban development. The study contributes to sustainable urban tourism research by identifying key social and psychological mechanisms that encourage environmental engagement and support for sustainability-oriented behaviour. Full article

Streptomyces coelicolor M145 (SC) is a model strain characterised by its highly active oxidative metabolism. This results in high levels of oxidative stress and the production of actinorhodin (ACT), a blue polyketide pigment with antioxidant properties. To determine whether oxidative stress triggers ACT biosynthesis in SC, we assessed the effect of adding five nitro-flavone (NF) derivatives to the growth medium. As NF molecules are well-known antioxidants, we hypothesized that their presence in the medium would moderate ACT production. The antioxidant efficiency of NF derivatives depends on their ability to donate electrons. This ability is linked to the nature of their 4’-substituent. The Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship (QSAR) approach and Hammett constants predict the following order: OH > OCH₃ > F > H > NO₂. The results obtained demonstrate a clear dose–response relationship between the reduction in ACT production by SC and the antioxidant efficiency of these molecules. Therefore, these results strongly suggest that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in initiating ACT biosynthesis. Furthermore, these results suggest that the direct spectrophotometric assay of ACT production by SC is a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive method of evaluating the in vivo antioxidant activity of any molecule, as predicted by the QSAR approach. Full article

Chinese international students studying in South Korea may experience academic, sociocultural, and psychological challenges that may undermine well-being and successful adaptation to university life. Physical literacy, which encompasses motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding related to physical activity, may represent a behavioral and psychosocial resource that supports adaptive functioning. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships among perceived physical literacy, well-being, and college adjustment among 288 Chinese international students in South Korea who participated in basketball at least once per week. Physical literacy was assessed using the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument, well-being using the Mental Health Continuum–Short Form, and college adjustment using the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire-25. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted, and the mediating effect of well-being was tested using bootstrapping with 2000 resamples. Physical literacy was positively associated with well-being (β = 0.305, p < .001), well-being was positively associated with college adjustment (β = 0.358, p < .001), and physical literacy was positively associated with college adjustment (β = 0.180, p = .002). The indirect effect of physical literacy on college adjustment through well-being was significant (β = 0.109, p = .001), indicating partial mediation. These findings suggest that, within this sample of Chinese international students who participated in basketball at least once per week, physical literacy may be relevant to college adjustment as a behavioral and psychosocial resource, partly through well-being. Full article

Regional carbon balance emerges from the complex interplay between land-use dynamics, spatial economic activities, and ecological processes as a socio-ecological system cannot be captured by any single analytical lens. This study develops an integrated assessment workflow that links three components: (i) coefficient-based carbon emission and sequestration accounting by land-use type; (ii) intra-provincial spatial-interaction analysis operationalized through two complementary tools—the Ecological Support Coefficient (ESC) and Economic Contribution Coefficient (ECC), which characterize the local economy–ecology relationship within each city, and a gravity-based emission-linkage model that uses GDP, population, emissions, and inter-city distance to characterize the network structure of inter-city emission attraction; and (iii) the intPLUS model, which combines random-forest-derived transition probabilities with patch-generation rules to simulate multi-scenario land-use trajectories. The framework is applied to Jiangsu Province, China, across 13 prefecture-level cities, using 1995–2020 historical data and three 2030 scenarios. Model performance is validated against observed 2020 land use, with an overall Kappa coefficient of 0.82. The results reveal a stable “high-south–low-north” gradient in emissions, a contrasting “high-ECC/low-ESC” versus “low-ECC/high-ESC” combining pattern across southern and northern Jiangsu, and a hierarchical core–periphery emission-linkage network anchored on the southern metropolitan cluster. Scenario projections for 2030 show clear divergence in provincial carbon budgets, with emissions of $\mathrm{12,326.59}\times {10}^4$ t, $\mathrm{11,745.26}\times {10}^4$ t, and $\mathrm{13,243.42}\times {10}^4$ t under natural development, ecological protection, and economic development, respectively, and corresponding sequestration of $-87.10\times {10}^4$ t, $-100.29\times {10}^4$ t, and $-85.61\times {10}^4$ t. Rather than treating carbon accounting and land-use simulation in isolation, this workflow bridges the analytical gap between physical land-use transitions and socioeconomic spatial emission spillovers, translating structural interactions into actionable spatial planning strategies. Relying on widely available data, the framework demonstrates strong methodological transferability for comparable subnational systems, provided that local parameters and sink coefficients are properly recalibrated. Full article

Valproic acid is a clinically important therapeutic agent whose biological properties have stimulated the development of structurally modified derivatives with improved pharmacological profiles. In the present study, nine amino–valproic acid hybrids were synthesized by a rapid mechanochemical approach using a planetary ball mill under solvent-minimized conditions. The synthesized compounds were formulated in a newly developed deep eutectic solvent composed of urea and propylene glycol (1:4 molar ratio), which was characterized by solvatochromic and Kamlet–Taft analyses. The biological activities of the derivatives were evaluated by hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (HPSA), hydroxyl radical-scavenging activity (HRSA), and inhibition of albumin denaturation (IAD) assays. Among the investigated compounds, derivative 3h exhibited the highest biological activity, showing IC₅₀ values of 291 µM and 163 µM in the HPSA and HRSA assays, respectively, and the strongest anti-inflammatory activity in the IAD assay. All synthesized derivatives demonstrated lower IC₅₀ values than ibuprofen in the albumin denaturation model. Dose–response relationships were analyzed using four- and five-parameter logistic models, with the 5PL model providing a statistically superior fit to the experimental data. Lipophilicity measurements and in silico studies further supported the favorable physicochemical profile of the synthesized compounds. These results identify compound 3h as the most promising derivative and demonstrate the potential of mechanochemical synthesis for the preparation of biologically active valproic acid hybrids. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colitis involves both local intestinal damage and systemic dysfunction, driven by oxidative stress and immune imbalance. Histamine, acting through its receptors, influences these processes, yet its therapeutic relevance in colitis remains unclear. This review systematically examines histamine-mediated signaling in colitic inflammation and evaluates preclinical and clinical data on antihistamines to assess their potential as a mechanism-based treatment. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify studies addressing histamine signaling and the use of antihistamines in colitis, using keywords such as “colitis,” “histamine,” “histamine receptors,” and “antihistamines.” Relevant experimental and clinical studies were screened and critically analyzed to provide an integrated overview of mechanistic and therapeutic insights. This review was designed as a mechanistic narrative synthesis based on a structured search and qualitative appraisal rather than a formal systematic review with quantitative risk-of-bias grading. Results: Findings from preclinical investigations consistently indicate that pharmacological manipulation of histamine signaling—especially through H3 and H4 receptor subtypes—reduces inflammatory activity and modulates oxidative balance in animal models of colitis. Conversely, clinical evidence concerning H1 and H2 receptor antagonists remains scarce and discordant, lacking sufficient support for a definitive causal relationship or unambiguous therapeutic efficacy. Importantly, no clinical studies to date have assessed the effects of selective H3 or H4 receptor blockers in individuals with colitis, revealing a substantial disconnect between bench research and bedside application. Existing human trials have mainly concentrated on mucosal endpoints, with little attention paid to systemic manifestations or oxidative stress-related parameters. Conclusions: Histamine-dependent signaling constitutes a mechanistically credible target in colitis, connecting immune activation, impairment of the epithelial barrier, and oxidative injury. Although experimental data are encouraging, clinical corroboration remains absent. Antihistamines may hold greater promise for alleviating systemic oxidative stress than for directly ameliorating intestinal inflammation. Rigorously designed clinical trials that incorporate both gastrointestinal and systemic outcome measures are necessary to elucidate their therapeutic position. Full article

Despite the rapid proliferation of social commerce, limited empirical attention has been directed towards understanding how marketer-generated content (MGC) shapes consumer digital engagement through consumer perceived behaviour—particularly in conflict-affected emerging economies characterised by constrained digital infrastructure. This study addresses this gap by developing and testing an integrated mediation model in which MGC influences consumer digital engagement (CDE) both directly and indirectly through consumer perceived behaviour (CPB) as a mediating mechanism. Grounded in the consumer engagement theory, signalling theory, and social influence theory, the study employs a quantitative, cross-sectional design using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via Smart-PLS 4.0, drawing on data collected from 234 Palestinian SMEs actively engaged in social commerce activities. Empirical findings confirm that MGC is positively associated with both consumer perceived behaviour (H1: β = 0.440, p < 0.001) and consumer digital engagement (H2: β = 0.293, p < 0.001), while consumer perceived behaviour shows a significant positive association with digital engagement (H3: β = 0.429, p < 0.001). Critically, consumer perceived behaviour emerged as a significant partial mediator of the MGC–digital engagement relationship (H4), with the model explaining 38.0% of the variance in digital engagement. Theoretically, this study advances the consumer engagement literature by uncovering the pathway through which MGC translates into sustained digital engagement on social commerce platforms—a pathway previously unexamined in conflict-affected emerging market contexts. Empirically, the study contributes rare evidence from Palestine, positioning this digitally constrained economy as a meaningful frontier for social commerce and digital inclusion scholarship. Practically, the findings offer actionable guidance for resource-constrained SMEs seeking to optimise MGC strategies to enhance social commerce engagement and commercial conversion. Full article