TADM-CGAN: a resting-state to task activation map prediction framework using temporal attention-driven diffusion models and conditional generative adversarial networks.

Climate change has emerged as the most critical public health challenge of the 21st century, as extreme heat events are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged worldwide []. Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to human health, affecting both physiological functioning and mental well-being []. Among various climate hazards, extreme heat was recognized as the leading cause for morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [, ]. India is more prone to heat stress due to its tropical climate, high population density, and large rural workforce, with climate projections showing a rise in both extreme heat days and heatwave events in the upcoming decades []. Various studies have analysed the health effects of heat exposure based on physical symptoms such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration []. Emerging research evidence proves that heat exposure can decrease work performance and even potentially cause chronic illnesses such as renal impairment and cardiovascular issues [, ]. In addition to the effects on physical health, exposure to heat also significantly influences mental health. Higher temperatures are substantially associated with increased psychological distress, anxiety, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions []. Despite this growing evidence, heat-related mental health outcomes remain underexplored, particularly in rural and low-resource settings. In recent days, the term eco-anxiety has increased recognition as a prominent psychological response to climate change. It is broadly defined as persistent worry, fear, helplessness, and emotional distress arising from awareness of environmental degradation and anticipated climate-related threats []. While eco-anxiety is not considered a mental health issue, it is an emotional burden that may affect various aspects and factors related to functioning and overall well-being []. Much existing research on eco-anxiety has focused on adolescents, young adults, and urban populations in high-income countries, where climate concerns are often mediated through media exposure and future-oriented perceptions []. In contrast, eco-anxiety among rural populations in LMICs is not a concern about the future, but a reaction towards the degraded present, which links lived experiences of immediate climate stressors, such as extreme heat, water scarcity, health impacts, and livelihood insecurity [].