/* ==========================================================================
   Ecomas Journal - Blog Redesign Stylesheet
   Modern, Editorial SaaS Publication Design System
   ========================================================================== */

:root {
    --ec-blog-primary: #533afd;
    --ec-blog-primary-hover: #4328d4;
    --ec-blog-primary-light: rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.08);
    --ec-blog-primary-border: rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.2);
    --ec-blog-heading: #0d1738;
    --ec-blog-text: #334155;
    --ec-blog-muted: #64748b;
    --ec-blog-border: #e2e8f0;
    --ec-blog-border-subtle: #f1f5f9;
    --ec-blog-bg: #ffffff;
    --ec-blog-bg-subtle: #f8fafc;
    --ec-blog-card-shadow: 0 1px 3px 0 rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05), 0 1px 2px -1px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05);
    --ec-blog-card-hover-shadow: 0 20px 35px -10px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08), 0 1px 3px 0 rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04);
    --ec-blog-radius: 16px;
    --ec-blog-radius-sm: 10px;
    --ec-blog-radius-lg: 24px;
}

/* Base Wrapper */
.ec-blog-page {
    background-color: var(--ec-blog-bg-subtle);
    color: var(--ec-blog-text);
    padding-bottom: 80px;
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1. Masthead / Editorial Header
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-blog-masthead {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    padding: 70px 0 45px;
    position: relative;
}

.ec-masthead-inner {
    max-width: 960px;
    margin: 0 auto;
    text-align: center;
}

.ec-masthead-eyebrow {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.12em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary-light);
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-primary-border);
    padding: 6px 14px;
    border-radius: 100px;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.ec-masthead-eyebrow i {
    font-size: 10px;
}

.ec-masthead-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: clamp(34px, 4.5vw, 54px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.15;
    letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.ec-masthead-subtitle {
    font-size: clamp(15px, 1.6vw, 18px);
    line-height: 1.65;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    max-width: 680px;
    margin: 0 auto 32px;
}

/* Search Bar in Masthead */
.ec-masthead-search {
    max-width: 580px;
    margin: 0 auto;
    position: relative;
}

.ec-search-form {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1.5px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: 14px;
    padding: 5px 6px 5px 18px;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 20px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04);
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-search-form:focus-within {
    border-color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.12), 0 4px 20px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.06);
}

.ec-search-icon {
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    font-size: 15px;
    margin-right: 12px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-search-input {
    flex: 1;
    border: none;
    background: transparent;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    font-size: 14.5px;
    outline: none;
    padding: 8px 0;
    min-width: 0;
}

.ec-search-input::placeholder {
    color: #94a3b8;
}

.ec-search-clear {
    background: transparent;
    border: none;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    padding: 6px 10px;
    cursor: pointer;
    font-size: 13px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-search-clear:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
}

.ec-search-submit {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    border: none;
    border-radius: 10px;
    padding: 9px 18px;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    cursor: pointer;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-search-submit:hover {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary-hover);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   2. Category Filter Strip
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-category-bar {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    padding: 14px 0;
    position: sticky;
    top: 0;
    z-index: 40;
    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
}

.ec-category-scroll {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    overflow-x: auto;
    scrollbar-width: none;
    -ms-overflow-style: none;
    padding: 2px 0;
}

.ec-category-scroll::-webkit-scrollbar {
    display: none;
}

.ec-cat-pill {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    padding: 8px 16px;
    border-radius: 100px;
    background: var(--ec-blog-bg-subtle);
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    color: var(--ec-blog-text);
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 600;
    text-decoration: none;
    white-space: nowrap;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
    cursor: pointer;
}

.ec-cat-pill:hover {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-color: #cbd5e1;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.ec-cat-pill.is-active {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    border-color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.25);
}

.ec-cat-count {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    padding: 2px 7px;
    border-radius: 100px;
    background: #e2e8f0;
    color: #475569;
    line-height: 1;
}

.ec-cat-pill.is-active .ec-cat-count {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25);
    color: #ffffff;
}

/* Active Filter Notice Strip */
.ec-active-filter-strip {
    background: #f1f5f9;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    padding: 10px 0;
    font-size: 13px;
}

.ec-active-filter-inner {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 12px;
}

.ec-filter-label {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-text);
}

.ec-filter-label strong {
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
}

.ec-filter-clear-link {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    font-weight: 700;
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 4px;
    transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-filter-clear-link:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary-hover);
    text-decoration: underline;
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   3. Featured Lead Story (Hero Article)
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-lead-section {
    padding: 48px 0 24px;
}

.ec-lead-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: var(--ec-blog-radius-lg);
    box-shadow: var(--ec-blog-card-shadow);
    overflow: hidden;
    transition: all 0.3s ease;
}

.ec-lead-card:hover {
    box-shadow: var(--ec-blog-card-hover-shadow);
    border-color: #cbd5e1;
    transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.ec-lead-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 1fr;
    min-height: 440px;
}

.ec-lead-media-wrap {
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    background: #f1f5f9;
    min-height: 340px;
}

.ec-lead-media-link {
    display: block;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
}

.ec-lead-media-img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center;
}

.ec-lead-badge-strip {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 20px;
    left: 20px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    z-index: 2;
}

.ec-badge-featured {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: 0.08em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    padding: 6px 12px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 12px rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.3);
}

.ec-badge-category {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95);
    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06);
    font-size: 11.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    padding: 5px 12px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-badge-category:hover {
    background: #ffffff;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-lead-content {
    padding: 44px 48px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: center;
}

.ec-lead-meta {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 16px;
    font-size: 13px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-bottom: 16px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.ec-lead-meta-item {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
}

.ec-lead-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: clamp(24px, 2.5vw, 36px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.25;
    letter-spacing: -0.025em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.ec-lead-title a {
    color: inherit;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: color 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-lead-title a:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-lead-excerpt {
    font-size: 15.5px;
    line-height: 1.65;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-bottom: 28px;
}

.ec-lead-footer {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 16px;
    padding-top: 24px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    margin-top: auto;
}

.ec-author-block {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
}

.ec-author-avatar {
    width: 36px;
    height: 36px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #e2e8f0;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    font-weight: 700;
    font-size: 13px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-author-info {
    line-height: 1.2;
}

.ec-author-name {
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    display: block;
}

.ec-author-role {
    font-size: 11.5px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
}

.ec-lead-read-btn {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    background: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 10px 20px;
    border-radius: 10px;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-lead-read-btn i {
    font-size: 12px;
    transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-lead-read-btn:hover {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
}

.ec-lead-read-btn:hover i {
    transform: translateX(3px);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   4. Articles Grid Section
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-grid-section {
    padding: 36px 0 60px;
}

.ec-grid-header {
    display: flex;
    align-items: flex-end;
    justify-content: space-between;
    margin-bottom: 32px;
    border-bottom: 2px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    padding-bottom: 14px;
}

.ec-grid-heading-group {
    display: flex;
    align-items: baseline;
    gap: 12px;
}

.ec-grid-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: 22px;
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin: 0;
}

.ec-grid-count-badge {
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
}

.ec-grid-layout {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 28px;
}

/* Article Card */
.ec-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: var(--ec-blog-radius);
    overflow: hidden;
    box-shadow: var(--ec-blog-card-shadow);
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
    height: 100%;
}

.ec-card:hover {
    transform: translateY(-4px);
    box-shadow: var(--ec-blog-card-hover-shadow);
    border-color: #cbd5e1;
}

.ec-card-media {
    position: relative;
    overflow: hidden;
    aspect-ratio: 16 / 10;
    background: #f1f5f9;
}

.ec-card-media-link {
    display: block;
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
}

.ec-card-img {
    width: 100%;
    height: 100%;
    object-fit: cover;
    object-position: center;
}

.ec-card-category {
    position: absolute;
    bottom: 14px;
    left: 14px;
    z-index: 2;
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.96);
    backdrop-filter: blur(8px);
    border: 1px solid rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.08);
    box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.08);
    padding: 5px 11px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-card-category:hover {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    border-color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-card-body {
    padding: 22px 24px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    flex: 1;
}

.ec-card-meta {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
    font-size: 12px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.ec-card-meta span {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 5px;
}

.ec-card-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.35;
    letter-spacing: -0.015em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    display: -webkit-box;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
    overflow: hidden;
}

.ec-card-title a {
    color: inherit;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: color 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-card-title a:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-card-excerpt {
    font-size: 13.5px;
    line-height: 1.6;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    display: -webkit-box;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 3;
    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
    overflow: hidden;
    flex: 1;
}

.ec-card-footer {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    padding-top: 16px;
    border-top: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border-subtle);
    margin-top: auto;
}

.ec-card-author {
    font-size: 12px;
    font-weight: 600;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
}

.ec-card-read-link {
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 5px;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-card-read-link i {
    font-size: 11px;
    transition: transform 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-card:hover .ec-card-read-link {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary-hover);
}

.ec-card:hover .ec-card-read-link i {
    transform: translateX(3px);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   5. Pagination
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-pagination-wrap {
    margin-top: 48px;
    padding-top: 24px;
    text-align: center;
}

.ec-pagination {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    padding: 6px;
    border-radius: 12px;
    box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.04);
}

.ec-page-btn {
    min-width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-text);
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
    padding: 0 8px;
}

.ec-page-btn:hover:not(.is-active):not(.is-disabled) {
    background: var(--ec-blog-bg-subtle);
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-page-btn.is-active {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
}

.ec-page-btn.is-disabled {
    opacity: 0.35;
    pointer-events: none;
    cursor: default;
}

.ec-page-dots {
    color: #94a3b8;
    padding: 0 6px;
    font-weight: 700;
}

.ec-pagination-info {
    font-size: 12.5px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-top: 14px;
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   6. Editorial Curated Collections Strip
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-collections-section {
    padding: 40px 0 60px;
}

.ec-collections-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: var(--ec-blog-radius-lg);
    padding: 40px;
    box-shadow: var(--ec-blog-card-shadow);
}

.ec-collections-header {
    margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.ec-collections-header .sec-title {
    margin-bottom: 0;
}

.ec-collections-eyebrow {
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.1em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
    display: block;
}

.ec-collections-heading {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: 26px;
    font-weight: 800;
    letter-spacing: -0.02em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.ec-collections-desc {
    font-size: 14.5px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    max-width: 640px;
}

.ec-collections-grid {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    gap: 24px;
}

.ec-collection-box {
    background: var(--ec-blog-bg-subtle);
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: 14px;
    padding: 26px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    justify-content: space-between;
    transition: all 0.25s ease;
}

.ec-collection-box:hover {
    background: #ffffff;
    border-color: #cbd5e1;
    transform: translateY(-3px);
    box-shadow: 0 10px 25px -5px rgba(15, 23, 42, 0.05);
}

.ec-collection-icon {
    width: 44px;
    height: 44px;
    border-radius: 10px;
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 18px;
    margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.ec-collection-box h3 {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: 17px;
    font-weight: 700;
    line-height: 1.35;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.ec-collection-box p {
    font-size: 13.5px;
    line-height: 1.6;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    flex: 1;
}

.ec-collection-link {
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    transition: gap 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-collection-link:hover {
    gap: 9px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary-hover);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   7. Clean Platform Callout Banner
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-cta-section {
    padding: 20px 0 40px;
}

.ec-cta-box {
    background: #0f172a;
    border: 1px solid #1e293b;
    border-radius: var(--ec-blog-radius-lg);
    padding: 48px 56px;
    color: #ffffff;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 40px;
}

.ec-cta-text {
    max-width: 640px;
}

.ec-cta-badge {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
    font-size: 11px;
    font-weight: 700;
    letter-spacing: 0.1em;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    color: #a5b4fc;
    background: rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.15);
    border: 1px solid rgba(99, 102, 241, 0.3);
    padding: 4px 12px;
    border-radius: 100px;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
}

.ec-cta-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: clamp(24px, 2.5vw, 34px);
    font-weight: 800;
    line-height: 1.25;
    letter-spacing: -0.025em;
    color: #ffffff;
    margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.ec-cta-desc {
    font-size: 15px;
    line-height: 1.6;
    color: #94a3b8;
    margin: 0;
}

.ec-cta-actions {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 14px;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-btn-primary {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 13px 26px;
    border-radius: 12px;
    font-size: 14.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 16px rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.35);
}

.ec-btn-primary:hover {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary-hover);
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(-2px);
    box-shadow: 0 6px 22px rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.45);
}

.ec-btn-secondary {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
    border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
    color: #ffffff;
    padding: 13px 22px;
    border-radius: 12px;
    font-size: 14.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-decoration: none;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
}

.ec-btn-secondary:hover {
    background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
    color: #ffffff;
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   8. Empty State
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
.ec-empty-box {
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid var(--ec-blog-border);
    border-radius: var(--ec-blog-radius-lg);
    padding: 80px 24px;
    text-align: center;
    max-width: 640px;
    margin: 40px auto;
}

.ec-empty-icon {
    width: 64px;
    height: 64px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #f1f5f9;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    font-size: 24px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    margin: 0 auto 20px;
}

.ec-empty-title {
    font-family: var(--font-heading, 'BwGradual', sans-serif);
    font-size: 22px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--ec-blog-heading);
    margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.ec-empty-desc {
    font-size: 14.5px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-muted);
    line-height: 1.6;
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

/* --------------------------------------------------------------------------
   9. Responsive Breakpoints
   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- */
@media (max-width: 1199px) {
    .ec-grid-layout {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
        gap: 24px;
    }

    .ec-lead-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }

    .ec-lead-media-wrap {
        min-height: 280px;
    }

    .ec-lead-content {
        padding: 32px;
    }

    .ec-collections-grid {
        grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    }
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
    .ec-blog-masthead {
        padding: 45px 0 35px;
    }

    .ec-masthead-title {
        font-size: 30px;
    }

    .ec-search-form {
        padding: 4px 4px 4px 14px;
    }

    .ec-search-submit {
        padding: 8px 14px;
        font-size: 12.5px;
    }

    .ec-grid-layout {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 20px;
    }

    .ec-lead-content {
        padding: 24px;
    }

    .ec-lead-title {
        font-size: 22px;
    }

    .ec-collections-card {
        padding: 24px;
    }

    .ec-collections-grid {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 16px;
    }

    .ec-cta-box {
        padding: 32px 24px;
        flex-direction: column;
        text-align: center;
        gap: 24px;
    }

    .ec-cta-actions {
        width: 100%;
        flex-direction: column;
    }

    .ec-btn-primary,
    .ec-btn-secondary {
        width: 100%;
        justify-content: center;
    }
}


/* ==========================================================================
   SINGLE BLOG ARTICLE STYLING (THE ECOMAS JOURNAL)
   ========================================================================== */

/* Reading progress bar */
.ec-read-progress {
    position: fixed;
    top: 0;
    left: 0;
    width: 0;
    height: 3px;
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    z-index: 9999;
    transition: width 0.08s linear;
}

/* Article Hero / Header */
.ec-article-header {
    padding: 56px 0 32px;
    background: #ffffff;
    border-bottom: 1px solid #eef2f6;
}

.ec-article-crumbs {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    color: #64748b;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.ec-article-crumbs a {
    color: #475569;
    text-decoration: none;
    font-weight: 500;
    transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-article-crumbs a:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-article-crumbs i {
    font-size: 10px;
    color: #94a3b8;
}

.ec-article-crumbs span.current {
    color: #0f172a;
    font-weight: 600;
    max-width: 320px;
    white-space: nowrap;
    overflow: hidden;
    text-overflow: ellipsis;
}

.ec-article-header-badge {
    margin-bottom: 16px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 10px;
}

.ec-article-title {
    font-family: var(--ec-font-sans);
    font-size: clamp(30px, 4vw, 46px);
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--ec-blog-navy);
    line-height: 1.22;
    letter-spacing: -0.03em;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
    max-width: 900px;
}

.ec-article-dek {
    font-size: 19px;
    line-height: 1.6;
    color: #475569;
    margin-bottom: 28px;
    max-width: 860px;
}

.ec-article-meta-bar {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 20px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    padding-top: 18px;
    border-top: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
}

.ec-author-chip {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 12px;
}

.ec-author-avatar-img,
.ec-author-avatar-initial {
    width: 42px;
    height: 42px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    object-fit: cover;
}

.ec-author-avatar-initial {
    background: #0d1738;
    color: #ffffff;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 15px;
    font-weight: 700;
}

.ec-author-text {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
}

.ec-author-name {
    font-size: 14.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #0f172a;
}

.ec-author-sub {
    font-size: 12px;
    color: #64748b;
}

.ec-meta-divider {
    width: 1px;
    height: 24px;
    background: #e2e8f0;
}

.ec-meta-items {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 18px;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    color: #64748b;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.ec-meta-items span {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
}

/* Article Media (Featured Image) */
.ec-article-media-wrap {
    margin-top: 36px;
    margin-bottom: 48px;
    border-radius: 18px;
    overflow: hidden;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(13, 23, 56, 0.04);
    background: #0d1738;
}

.ec-article-featured-img {
    width: 100%;
    max-height: 520px;
    object-fit: cover;
    display: block;
}

/* Article Main Section */
.ec-article-main-section {
    padding: 20px 0 80px;
    background: #ffffff;
}

.ec-article-row {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: minmax(0, 1fr) 340px;
    gap: 48px;
    align-items: start;
}

/* Article Body Typography */
.ec-article-body {
    font-size: 17.5px;
    line-height: 1.85;
    color: #334155;
    font-family: var(--ec-font-sans);
}

.ec-article-body h2 {
    font-size: 27px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--ec-blog-navy);
    line-height: 1.3;
    letter-spacing: -0.025em;
    margin: 48px 0 18px;
    padding-bottom: 8px;
    border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
    scroll-margin-top: 110px;
}

.ec-article-body h3 {
    font-size: 21px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-navy);
    line-height: 1.35;
    letter-spacing: -0.018em;
    margin: 36px 0 14px;
    scroll-margin-top: 110px;
}

.ec-article-body h4 {
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: var(--ec-blog-navy);
    margin: 28px 0 12px;
}

.ec-article-body p {
    margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.ec-article-body strong {
    color: #0f172a;
    font-weight: 700;
}

.ec-article-body a {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    text-decoration: underline;
    text-underline-offset: 3px;
    transition: color 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-article-body a:hover {
    color: #311ebd;
}

.ec-article-body ul,
.ec-article-body ol {
    margin: 0 0 24px 0;
    padding-left: 26px;
}

.ec-article-body li {
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    line-height: 1.75;
}

.ec-article-body blockquote {
    margin: 32px 0;
    padding: 22px 28px;
    background: #f8fafc;
    border-left: 4px solid var(--ec-blog-primary);
    border-radius: 0 12px 12px 0;
    font-size: 17px;
    font-style: italic;
    color: #1e293b;
    line-height: 1.75;
}

.ec-article-body blockquote p:last-child {
    margin-bottom: 0;
}

.ec-article-body code {
    font-family: var(--ec-font-mono);
    font-size: 14px;
    padding: 3px 7px;
    background: #f1f5f9;
    color: #4328d4;
    border-radius: 6px;
}

.ec-article-body pre {
    background: #0b1329;
    color: #f8fafc;
    padding: 22px 24px;
    border-radius: 12px;
    overflow-x: auto;
    margin: 32px 0;
    font-size: 14px;
    line-height: 1.65;
    border: 1px solid #1e293b;
}

.ec-article-body pre code {
    background: transparent;
    color: inherit;
    padding: 0;
    font-size: inherit;
}

.ec-article-body table {
    width: 100%;
    border-collapse: collapse;
    margin: 32px 0;
    display: block;
    overflow-x: auto;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-radius: 12px;
}

.ec-article-body th,
.ec-article-body td {
    padding: 13px 18px;
    text-align: left;
    border-top: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    font-size: 14.5px;
}

.ec-article-body th {
    background: #f8fafc;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #0d1738;
    border-top: none;
}

.ec-article-body img {
    max-width: 100%;
    height: auto;
    border-radius: 12px;
    margin: 28px 0;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
}

.ec-article-body figure {
    margin: 32px 0;
}

.ec-article-body figcaption {
    font-size: 13px;
    color: #64748b;
    text-align: center;
    margin-top: 8px;
}

/* Share Strip */
.ec-article-share-strip {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: space-between;
    gap: 16px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    padding: 22px 0;
    margin: 40px 0;
    border-top: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-bottom: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
}

.ec-share-label {
    font-size: 14px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #0f172a;
}

.ec-share-buttons {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
}

.ec-share-btn {
    width: 38px;
    height: 38px;
    border-radius: 8px;
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    background: #f8fafc;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    color: #475569;
    font-size: 14px;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.15s ease;
    cursor: pointer;
}

.ec-share-btn svg {
    width: 14px;
    height: 14px;
    display: block;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-share-btn:hover {
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    border-color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    transform: translateY(-1px);
}

/* Tag Cloud */
.ec-article-tags {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    flex-wrap: wrap;
    margin-bottom: 36px;
}

.ec-article-tag-label {
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #64748b;
    margin-right: 4px;
}

.ec-article-tag-item {
    font-size: 12px;
    font-weight: 600;
    padding: 5px 12px;
    background: #f1f5f9;
    color: #475569;
    border-radius: 6px;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-article-tag-item:hover {
    background: #e2e8f0;
    color: #0f172a;
}

/* Author Box */
.ec-author-bio-card {
    display: flex;
    gap: 20px;
    padding: 24px;
    background: #f8fafc;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-radius: 14px;
    margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.ec-author-bio-avatar {
    width: 54px;
    height: 54px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    background: #0d1738;
    color: #ffffff;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    font-size: 18px;
    font-weight: 800;
    flex-shrink: 0;
}

.ec-author-bio-content {
    flex: 1;
}

.ec-author-bio-title {
    font-size: 16px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #0f172a;
    margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.ec-author-bio-role {
    font-size: 12.5px;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    font-weight: 600;
    margin-bottom: 8px;
    display: block;
}

.ec-author-bio-desc {
    font-size: 14px;
    color: #475569;
    line-height: 1.6;
    margin: 0;
}

/* Prev/Next Navigation */
.ec-article-nav {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 16px;
    margin-bottom: 48px;
}

.ec-nav-link-card {
    padding: 20px;
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-radius: 12px;
    text-decoration: none;
    transition: all 0.2s ease;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
}

.ec-nav-link-card:hover {
    border-color: #cbd5e1;
    box-shadow: 0 4px 14px rgba(13, 23, 56, 0.06);
    transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.ec-nav-link-card.next {
    text-align: right;
    align-items: flex-end;
}

.ec-nav-indicator {
    font-size: 11.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 6px;
}

.ec-nav-post-title {
    font-size: 14.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #0f172a;
    line-height: 1.4;
    display: -webkit-box;
    -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
    -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
    overflow: hidden;
}

/* Sidebar Styling */
.ec-article-sidebar {
    position: sticky;
    top: 96px;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 20px;
}

.ec-sidebar-card {
    background: #ffffff;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-radius: 14px;
    padding: 22px;
    box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(13, 23, 56, 0.02);
}

.ec-sidebar-heading {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    gap: 8px;
    font-size: 13px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #0f172a;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
    margin-bottom: 14px;
    padding-bottom: 10px;
    border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
}

.ec-sidebar-heading i {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    font-size: 12px;
}

/* TOC */
.ec-toc-list {
    list-style: none;
    padding: 0;
    margin: 0;
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 2px;
}

.ec-toc-link {
    display: block;
    padding: 7px 10px;
    font-size: 13.5px;
    color: #475569;
    text-decoration: none;
    border-radius: 6px;
    border-left: 2px solid transparent;
    transition: all 0.15s ease;
    line-height: 1.45;
}

.ec-toc-link:hover {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    background: #f8fafc;
}

.ec-toc-link.is-active {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    background: rgba(83, 58, 253, 0.05);
    border-left-color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    font-weight: 700;
}

.ec-toc-link.is-sub {
    padding-left: 20px;
    font-size: 12.5px;
}

/* Sidebar Search */
.ec-sidebar-search-form {
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    background: #f8fafc;
    border: 1px solid #e2e8f0;
    border-radius: 8px;
    padding: 4px 6px 4px 12px;
}

.ec-sidebar-search-input {
    flex: 1;
    border: none;
    background: transparent;
    outline: none;
    font-size: 13px;
    color: #0f172a;
}

.ec-sidebar-search-btn {
    border: none;
    background: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    color: #ffffff;
    width: 32px;
    height: 32px;
    border-radius: 6px;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    cursor: pointer;
    font-size: 12px;
    transition: background 0.15s ease;
}

.ec-sidebar-search-btn:hover {
    background: #311ebd;
}

/* Sidebar Related List */
.ec-sidebar-related-list {
    display: flex;
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 12px;
}

.ec-sidebar-related-item {
    display: flex;
    gap: 12px;
    padding-bottom: 12px;
    border-bottom: 1px solid #f1f5f9;
    text-decoration: none;
}

.ec-sidebar-related-item:last-child {
    border-bottom: none;
    padding-bottom: 0;
}

.ec-sidebar-num {
    font-size: 15px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: #cbd5e1;
    line-height: 1.2;
    min-width: 22px;
}

.ec-sidebar-related-title {
    font-size: 13.5px;
    font-weight: 700;
    color: #1e293b;
    line-height: 1.4;
    transition: color 0.15s ease;
    margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.ec-sidebar-related-item:hover .ec-sidebar-related-title {
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
}

.ec-sidebar-related-meta {
    font-size: 12px;
    color: #64748b;
}

/* Bottom Related Grid */
.ec-article-related-bottom {
    padding: 60px 0 80px;
    background: #f8fafc;
    border-top: 1px solid #eef2f6;
}

.ec-related-bottom-header {
    margin-bottom: 32px;
}

.ec-related-bottom-eyebrow {
    font-size: 12px;
    font-weight: 700;
    text-transform: uppercase;
    letter-spacing: 0.05em;
    color: var(--ec-blog-primary);
    margin-bottom: 6px;
    display: block;
}

.ec-related-bottom-title {
    font-size: 24px;
    font-weight: 800;
    color: var(--ec-blog-navy);
}

/* Mobile responsive for article */
@media (max-width: 991px) {
    .ec-article-row {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
        gap: 36px;
    }

    .ec-article-sidebar {
        position: static;
        margin-top: 20px;
    }
}

@media (max-width: 767px) {
    .ec-article-header {
        padding: 36px 0 20px;
    }

    .ec-article-title {
        font-size: 26px;
    }

    .ec-article-dek {
        font-size: 16px;
    }

    .ec-article-body {
        font-size: 16px;
        line-height: 1.8;
    }

    .ec-article-body h2 {
        font-size: 22px;
    }

    .ec-article-body h3 {
        font-size: 19px;
    }

    .ec-article-nav {
        grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    }

    .ec-nav-link-card.next {
        text-align: left;
        align-items: flex-start;
    }
}