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Observation of bandgap narrowing in <i>p</i> -type doped GeSn alloys
A series of p-type doped GeSn samples has been epitaxially grown by the ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition method, and direct bandgap narrowing (BGN) is observed through photoluminescence and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements, demonstrating a positive correspondence with increasing carrier concentration. The experimental results could be fitted by a square-root correlation of ΔE0 (meV) = −13.69 N/1018 cm−3. The theoretical expression for the BGN of p-type Ge and GeSn has been revisited with updated carrier effective masses, and satisfactory agreement with the experimental data has been achieved. The results show that BGN in p-GeSn is more pronounced as compared to those in n-type counterparts, suggesting that special attention should be paid in future scientific research and device designing processes that involve such materials.
Association of early probiotic exposure with age at NEC onset in preterm Infants: A retrospective multicenter study
Influence of person-organization fit on job satisfaction among pre-service preschool teachers of China: Mediation of teaching self-efficacy and perceived teacher competence
In China, a growing number of preschool education majors demonstrate reluctance to enter the profession upon graduation, posing a challenge to the sustainable development of the early childhood education workforce. Internships represent a critical period for pre-service teachers to develop their professional identity and capabilities. This study investigates the sustainability of pre-service teacher internships by examining the relationship between person-organization (P-O) fit and teachers’ job satisfaction, specifically focusing on the mediating roles of teaching self-efficacy and teaching competence. A quantitative survey was conducted with 493 pre-service preschool teachers (males 10.5%, females 89.5%) from Changsha Normal University between April and May 2024. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), an integrated model of “values/needs matching → self-efficacy → competency development → teachers’ job satisfaction” was tested. The results indicate that P-O fit has a significant positive association with pre-service teachers’ job satisfaction, teaching self-efficacy, and teaching competence. Furthermore, teaching self-efficacy and teaching competence mediate the relationship between P-O fit and teachers’ job satisfaction, both independently and through a chain mediation effect. These findings suggest that to enhance the sustainability of internships and future retention, higher education institutions and kindergartens should prioritize value alignment and the progressive development of interns’ efficacy and competence.
Composition-driven tunable optical and electrical properties in van der Waals ferroelectric NbOI2− <i>x</i> Cl <i>x</i> alloys
Layered niobium oxide dihalides NbOX2 (X = I, Cl), as a new family of van der Waals (vdW) ferroelectrics, have attracted extensive attention, but achieving nonvolatile modulation of their optical and electrical properties remains challenging, thereby limiting their integration into next-generation nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. Here, we report the controlled fabrication of highly crystalline NbOI2−xClx vdW alloys with composition-driven tunable optical and electrical properties via a chemical vapor transport method. Comprehensive experimental characterization combined with first-principles calculation shows that the crystal lattices, phonon modes, and band structures of NbOI2−xClx can be well tailored, which are distributed between NbOI2 and NbOCl2. Both the amplitude and polarization of the second harmonic generation optical signal in NbOI2−xClx exhibit pronounced compositional dependence, offering optical evidence for tunable in-plane ferroelectric characteristics. Moreover, field-effect transistors based on NbOI2−xClx display robust n-type semiconducting behavior, with threshold voltage and carrier mobility precisely modulated through adjustment of I/Cl molar ratio. Furthermore, 2D NbOI2−xClx photodetectors across all compositions exhibit exceptional gate-tunable current on/off ratio and strong polarization-sensitive photo-response. This study thus provides a new vdW ferroelectric material platform with tunable optical and electrical properties, paving the path for its implementation in modern nanophotonics and nanoelectronics.
How agricultural socialized services pilot policies can reduce the urban-rural income gap
Species diversity and geographical distribution of ticks infesting domestic animals in Bagmati Province, Nepal
Background Ticks are important vectors for bacterial, viral, rickettsial, and protozoal diseases in different animals and humans, especially in tropical countries. Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are host and vector-species-specific and depict geographical variations. This study was conducted to determine the diversity of ticks and their geographical distribution among domestic animals. Methodology/Principal Findings Ticks were collected from a total of 210 domestic animals: cattle (n = 30), buffaloes (n = 40), sheep (n = 50), goats (n = 30), and dogs (n = 60), representing Chitwan (Terai), Kathmandu (mid-hill), and Rasuwa (high-hill) of Nepal. The genus and species of ticks were identified using morphological keys under a stereomicroscope. Analysis was performed using MS Excel, and Shannon-Wiener’s and Simpson’s diversity indexes were calculated. A total of 4 genera of hard ticks were observed, representing Rhipicephalus , Haemaphysalis , Dermacentor , and Hyalomma . Among them, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (30.42%) was most abundant, followed by Haemaphysalis longicornis (26.74%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (18.8%), Haemaphysalis sulcata (13.23%), and Rhipicephalus decoloratus (2.86%). Similarly, Haemaphysalis spp. (2.18%), Haemaphysalis leachi (2.05%), Dermacentor sp. (1.36%), Rhipicephalus spp. (1.36%), Hyalomma sp. (0.41%), and Rhipicephalus parva (0.14%). Geographical distribution and tick species diversity were higher in Chitwan. Similarly, species diversity in the case of the host was found to be greater in small ruminants. The result suggested higher tick distribution and diversity among warm tropical regions of Nepal. Conclusions This study investigates the distribution of ticks ( Haemaphysalis , Rhipicephalus , Dermacentor , and Hyalomma ) in domestic animals across various climatic conditions, identifying the high-risk areas and animal species for tick-borne diseases, including zoonoses. The findings highlight the need for advanced research on tick ecology, epidemiology of TBPs, and the implementation of effective control strategies.
Laser-engineered oxygen-vacancy-rich CeO2/graphene heterostructures for high-performance planar micro-supercapacitors
The planar miniature supercapacitors (PMSCs) based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) are promising miniaturized energy storage systems, yet their practical deployment is constrained by low areal capacitance and energy density. Herein, we report a synergistic strategy to boost the energy storage performance of LIG PMSCs by integrating the cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles into the three-dimensional (3D) LIG framework. Laser irradiation concurrently converts polyimide (PI) to 3D graphene and introduces abundant oxygen vacancies in CeO2, enhancing redox-active sites and electron transport. The optimized LIG/CeO2 PMSCs exhibit an areal capacitance of 27.54 mF cm−2 at 2 mV s−1 and delivers energy density of 3.98 μWh cm−2. This enhancement stems from the oxygen vacancies of CeO2, CeO2–LIG π-electron orbital interactions, and strong interfacial coupling—validated by density functional theory calculations to accelerate charge storage kinetics. This work provides a scalable route to high-performance LIG-based PMSCs for miniature energy storage with improved energy density.
Sustainable composites based on banana and pomegranate waste incorporated into Polyvinyl Chloride Matrix for methylene blue adsorption
Abstract The release of synthetic dyes into water bodies presents a major environmental risk, highlighting the need for sustainable treatment methods. Biosorbents derived from agricultural waste demonstrate high effective candidate for dye removal, however their practical application is limited by the challenge of separating of their fine powder from treated water. In this study, eco-friendly, low-cost, and easily recoverable biosorbent materials were developed for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. Banana and pomegranate wastes were micro-ground using ball mill, then incorporated into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (10% agricultural waste relative to the polymer) to form composite films [PVC as a blank, PVC-Banana (PVC-B) and PVC-Pomegranate (PVC-P)] in order to facilitate their harvesting after their usage in the treatment process. Investigation techniques revealed that the synthesized composite films exhibited a highly porous architecture with a porosity ranging from 70% to 73% and a swelling capacity between 472 and 488 wt%. SEM revealed the porous structural of the composite and ART- FTIR revealed successfully incorporated of the agricultural waste within the polymer matrix. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed remarkably high specific surface areas of 1057 m 2 /g for PVC-B and 531.9 m 2 /g for PVC-P, with pore volumes of 1.90 and 1.08 micrometer, respectively. The composite films were optimized for MB removal by studying the effect of each variable factors via One Factor at a Time (OFAT) followed by factorial design experiments. Results showed that, MB adsorption capacity reached about 75.2 and 66.4 mg/g using 4 g/l PVC-B and PVC-P films, respectively. The adsorption data were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model (R 2 = 0.997 for PVC-B and 0.998 for PVC-P), with a maximum adsorption capacity (q max ) of 79.89 and 70.92 mg/g, respectively. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model (R 2 ≥ 0.998), suggesting a chemisorption mechanism. The PVC-B and PVC-P displayed good adsorption efficiency and stability in the removal, recovery and reuse of MB for five cycles. Lastly, it can be concluded that the composite films are eco-friendly, cost effective and easily recoverable biosorbents for MB removal.
Implementation of a clinical decision support tool to improve the adequate prescription of low-molecular-weight heparins in non-surgical patients
Background Non-surgical hospitalized patients have an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). This risk can be reduced by thromboprophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), but adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines is generally low. Objectives To study the effect of implementing a clinical decision support (CDS) tool in the electronic health record on the percentage of adequately prescribed thromboprophylaxis with an LMWH in non-surgical patients at high risk for VTE. Methods Data on the Padua Prediction Score (PPS) and thromboprophylaxis in high-risk non-surgical patients (≥18 years) were collected at different time points before and after the implementation of the intervention consisting of a validated CDS tool. The percentage of adequately prescribed LMWH thromboprophylaxis was described pre- and post-intervention in a stepwise approach, in which both crude and adjusted pre- and post-intervention differences were assessed using an interrupted time series analysis, accounting for potential time trends and autocorrelation. Results In 400 patients included, 200 pre- and 200 post-intervention, the percentage of adequately prescribed LMWH thromboprophylaxis increased from 78% to 91%, an increase of 13% (95% CI: 6%−20%). This effect diminished to 8% (95% CI: −4%−19%) after adjustment for the pre-intervention slope and autocorrelation. Conclusion In our study, the already high percentage of patients with adequately prescribed LMWH-thromboprophylaxis could potentially be increased further with the implementation of a CDS tool. With increasing amounts of data available in electronic health records, CDS tools might be an efficient and sustainable intervention to improve healthcare quality.
Asymmetric gate modulation induced by device geometry in dual-gated WSe2 and WS2 transistors
Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides have enabled new opportunities for exploring electrostatic control and contact engineering in atomically thin semiconductors. Here, we study dual-gated WSe2 and WS2 field-effect transistors with a fully top-gated geometry, where the WSe2 and WS2 films continuously cover bottom metal contacts. The devices exhibit markedly different transport characteristics under top- and bottom-gate modulation, revealing the impact of electrostatic screening by metal electrodes. Our results demonstrate how device geometry and gate configuration govern the spatial extent of field-effect control and carrier injection, offering insights into contact-gate coupling in 2D semiconductor systems.
Algorithm-based quantification of tissue vascularization in immunohistochemical stainings of tissue sections
Abstract The vascular system ensures sufficient blood supply and tissue homeostasis and consists of different cell types. Endothelial cells represent the structural backbone of blood vessels and are accompanied by mural cells, specifically pericytes in the microcirculation as well as vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC) along the larger vessels (arteries, arterioles and veins). Distinguishing these different cell types in immunohistochemical stainings presents a challenge due to their close proximity and the unreliable marker distribution of mural cells. Furthermore, manual quantification of capillaries and pericytes is highly examiner-dependent, hindering inter-examiner and inter-laboratory comparisons. To address these issues, we developed an automated algorithm-based analysis software designed to standardize quantification of vascular structures in immunohistochemical images, named CAPPER (Capillary / Pericyte Quantification Tool). Through the implementation of adaptive thresholding, morphological operations, and domain-specific knowledge, CAPPER excels in the quantification of capillary densities and pericyte coverage in different organs (brain, heart, muscle, and kidney), species (mouse and pig) as well as a plethora of disease states. We furthermore propose a robust pericyte marker array to more accurately identify this elusive cell type.
Expression of melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 in the epidermis and cutaneous deposition of complement C3 and immunoglobulins in patients with dermatomyositis
Objectives Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by interface dermatitis, but the immunopathological features underlying cutaneous inflammation remain incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the cutaneous deposition of complement and immunoglobulins, as well as to clarify the localization of melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) in DM skin. Methods Skin biopsy specimens from 22 patients with DM and 13 control specimens obtained from cancer-free skin of patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans were examined. Immunohistochemical staining for complement C3c, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, and IgA), and MDA5 was semi-quantitatively evaluated, focusing on the superficial dermis near the dermo-epidermal junction. Results Significantly greater deposition of C3c, IgM, and IgA was exhibited by DM skin compared with control skin (all p ≤ 0.001), predominantly localised to the superficial dermis at sites of interface dermatitis. In contrast, IgG showed comparable deposition in both DM and control skin. MDA5 was strongly expressed in the stratum spinosum and basal layer of the epidermis in both DM and control skin. Enhanced MDA5 expression was notably observed in dermal inflammatory cells and capillaries in DM skin, but minimal expression was observed in the dermis of control skin. Conclusions DM skin is characterized by the deposition of immunoglobulins and complement C3c at sites of interface dermatitis, findings that are consistent with immune complex-mediated injury. MDA5 is widely expressed in both DM and control skin epidermis and can be detected in the infiltrating inflammatory cells of DM.
Revisiting single-point-source localization in Compton cameras through detector-level statistical cues revealed by ComptonNet analysis
Compton cameras are widely used for gamma-ray imaging owing to their high sensitivity, wide field of view, and broad energy coverage. Recent deep-learning models, such as ComptonNet, have demonstrated robust source localization directly from raw detector events, even under sparse-photon conditions. However, the decision process of such models remains unclear, limiting interpretability and further improvement. In this study, we perform a systematic analysis of the latent representations of ComptonNet and uncover the detector-level statistical cues, including interaction-position asymmetries in the scatterer and absorber, together with the scatterer-to-absorber event ratio, for single-point-source localization, under the constraints of fixed detector geometry and single-source conditions. While currently limited to single sources, this analysis reveals fundamental properties of the network's decision process. Guided by these insights, we develop a simple rule-based estimator and a compact model, Posi-Net. Posi-Net achieves localization accuracy comparable to or better than ComptonNet, while improving interpretability and memory consumption.
Research on detection and defense methods of backdoor attacks on quantum neural networks
Integrating preliminary test and Stein-type techniques to improve estimation in the time-dependent Cox model
While shrinkage and preliminary test estimation have long been studied in linear and static Cox models, their theoretical integration within models featuring time-dependent covariates has remained unresolved due to the evolving risk set and nonhomogeneous information accumulation inherent in such data. In this study, we develop a unified framework for shrinkage estimation in the time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model, by extending the classical Stein-type theory to a dynamic semiparametric survival setting. Our theoretical analyses reveal that the positive-rule Stein estimator preserves unbiasedness under valid restrictions while adaptively attenuating variance inflation when the restriction is approximately correct, striking a principled balance between efficiency and robustness. A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation study and an empirical application to the Mayo Clinic primary biliary cirrhosis dataset substantiate the theoretical advantages, demonstrating that the superior estimation strategy achieves substantial efficiency gains relative to both unrestricted and penalized estimators such as adaptive LASSO.
Enhancement of mid-infrared electroluminescence in black phosphorus with an electron blocking layer
Black phosphorus (BP) has been demonstrated to have a high light-emitting efficiency in the mid-infrared regime due to its direct bandgap and suppressed Auger recombination effect. Optimization of device structures can further boost the light-emitting efficiency. Here, we introduce a p-WSe2/BP/n-MoS2 heterostructure for mid-infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The p-type WSe2 and n-type MoS2 layers serve as the electron and hole blocking layers, respectively, which significantly enhances the electron–hole recombination probability in BP and hence the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the device. Peak EQEs of 0.58% and 1.09% are achieved at 300 and 80 K, respectively. Our results confirm that p-type WSe2 is an effective electron blocking layer for high-efficiency BP LEDs.
Probiotic intervention mitigates radiation-induced intestinal injury by alleviating oxidative stress in a human gut-on-a-chip
Pathogen spectrum and epidemiology of respiratory tract infections in Quzhou, Eastern China, from November 2023 to July 2024: A post‑COVID‑19 surveillance study
Background After the relaxation of COVID‑19 containment measures, we investigated the pathogen spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Quzhou City from 2023 to 2024. Objective This study aimed to investigate the pathogen spectrum and epidemiological characteristics of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in Quzhou City from 2023 to 2024, providing a scientific basis for local prevention and control strategies. Methods A total of 2,800 respiratory specimens were collected from November 2023 to July 2024, comprising 1,960 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases from outpatient/emergency departments and 840 severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases from inpatient departments. All samples were tested for 13 common respiratory pathogens using multiplex fluorescence quantitative PCR. Etiological and epidemiological analyses were performed based on detection results and case information. Results The overall ARI positivity rate was 59.28% (1,660/2,800), with a male-to-female ratio of 1.07:1 (1,447/1,353). The three most prevalent pathogens were influenza virus (Flu, 23.21%, 650/2,800), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP, 13.14%, 368/2,800), and adenovirus (ADV, 8.39%, 235/2,800). Single pathogen infections accounted for 73.55% (1,221/1,660) of positive cases, while co-infections with two or more pathogens accounted for 26.45% (439/1,660), yielding an overall co-infection rate of 15.68% (439/2,800). No significant gender difference was observed in detection rates. However, significant differences were found across case types, temporal periods, age groups, and geographic regions (P < 0.01). Children aged ≤5 years exhibited the highest positivity rate (78.00%, 378/525), while adults aged ≥65 years showed the lowest (34.53%, 144/417). Among surveillance regions, Kaihua County had the highest positivity rate (72.47%), and Changshan County the lowest (40.55%). Conclusions Multiple respiratory pathogens and co-infections are prevalent in Quzhou City, with distinct age-specific and seasonal patterns. These findings underscore the need for continuous multi-pathogen surveillance and integrated prevention strategies for influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases in the post-pandemic era.
Effects of electrode geometry and sub-bandgap excitation in <b> <i>β</i> </b> -Ga2O3 photoconductive semiconductor switches
This work reports enhanced photoconductive switching performance in Fe-doped β-Ga2O3 PCSS by concurrently optimizing electrode geometry and the optical excitation wavelength. By systematically varying the anode grid pitch (20–80 μm) and excitation spectrum (235–500 nm), we identify a key sub-bandgap regime centered at 272 nm that activates deep-level defect states and enables efficient bulk carrier transport. In contrast to above-bandgap excitation, which is limited by shallow surface absorption, sub-bandgap illumination promotes strong photocurrent generation and improved carrier collection. Under optimized conditions with a 40 μm pitch, the device exhibits a high peak photocurrent of 4.14 A and a low on-resistance of 10.4 Ω. To quantify this simultaneous achievement, we define a responsivity–conductance figure of merit (FoMRC), which reaches a value of 4.7 × 10−6 S/W. These results underscore the strong potential of Fe-doped β-Ga2O3 for next-generation high-power optoelectronic switching, enabling robust ampere-level photocurrents together with low on-resistance through optimized device geometry and sub-bandgap excitation.