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Downscaling the spatial resolution of satellite imagery based on morphometric parameters to estimate the Topographic Wetness Index using GIS tools
Correction: Prognostic prediction of dengue hemorrhagic fever in pediatric patients with suspected dengue infection: A multi-site study
LLM-driven discovery for carbon allotropes with bond-network entropy
The discovery of novel carbon allotropes with tailored thermal and mechanical properties is critical for advanced thermal management. However, exploring the vast configurational space of carbon using ab initio calculations remains computationally prohibitive. Driven by the rich topological landscape of carbon, where the competition between sp, sp2, and sp3 hybridization states dictates material performance, we establish a closed-loop artificial intelligence (AI) framework to explore this complex configurational space. We introduce a hybridization entropy descriptor to guide the search beyond conventional forms. Here, we establish a closed-loop AI framework that synergizes a Large Language Model (LLM) for structural generation with a Machine Learning Potential (MLP) for accelerated evaluation. Leveraging CrystaLLM to generate candidates and an iteratively refined MLP for high-fidelity validation, we screened thousands of structures to identify several stable allotropes with exotic properties. Specifically, we report “yne-diamond C12” and “yne-hex-diamond C8,” which exhibit extreme thermal anisotropy and ultralow in-plane shear stiffness arising from their mixed sp–sp3 hybridization. Furthermore, we discovered a complex sp–sp2–sp3 hybridized C12 phase that combines metallic conductivity with an anomalous negative Poisson's ratio. Notably, we identified a superhard phase (C16_3) possessing a calculated Vickers hardness (103.3 GPa) exceeding that of diamond {96 GPa [R. A. Andrievski, Int. J. Refract. Met. Hard Mater. 19, 447–452 (2001)]}. Microscopic analysis reveals that thermal transport in these materials is governed by the interplay between rigid frameworks and flexible linkers. This work expands the known carbon phase space and demonstrates the efficacy of coupling generative AI with MLPs for the accelerated inverse design of functional materials.
Retraction Note: Salt stress amelioration and nutrient strengthening in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) via biochar amendment and zinc fortification: seed priming versus foliar application
Psychometric evaluation of the Asthma Diary Usability Questionnaire (ADU-Q): An adaptation and validation of a usability assessment tool among adults with Asthma
The asthma diary has been established as a self-management tool to help patients achieve good disease control. However, asthma diary compliance is low, indicating a need to assess the diary’s usability. Given the scarcity of a validated tool for assessing asthma diary usability, this study aims to adapt the Malay version of the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (M-MAUQ) into the Asthma Diary Usability Questionnaire (ADU-Q) (Malay) and to assess its psychometric properties. In the first phase, the M-MAUQ items were adapted and rearranged into the four domains of the Nielsen usability model. In the second phase, content validity was assessed in two stages: domain validation by 3 experts, followed by item content validation by 7 experts. Face validation was then conducted by 10 patients with asthma. In the third phase, a cross-sectional study of 115 asthma patients attending the primary care clinic and the respiratory clinic follow-up was conducted. All patients completed the ADU-Q (Malay), and 62 patients were contacted 2 weeks later to complete the ADU-Q again. Exploratory factor analysis was performed with promax rotation, while reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient. The item content validity index was 1.0, and item face validity indices ranged from 0.9 to 1.0. Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor structure with factor loadings >0.5 for all items; corrected item–total correlations exceeded 0.5, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.982, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.988, demonstrating excellent internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Based on these findings, ADU-Q is a valid, reliable and stable tool for assessing the usability of an asthma diary among adults with asthma.
Broadening thermochromic switching into the visible and NIR by incorporating Au-doped TiO2 beneath VO2 films
We report a multilayer architecture in which Au nanoparticles embedded in a crystalline anatase TiO2 matrix are incorporated beneath VO2 thin films. This configuration promotes the formation of the monoclinic VO2 (M1) phase and enhances the thermochromic performance of the system. Reflectance and absorbance analyses demonstrate a broadened hysteresis response that extends beyond the conventional NIR domain into the VIS range. Moreover, a clear correlation between optical hysteresis and bandgap evolution was established, providing insight into the interplay between Drude free-carrier contributions and interband transitions during the metal–insulator transition. These findings highlight a promising pathway for tailoring VO2-based thermochromic coatings with dual near-infrared–visible switching capability, offering great potential for energy-efficient smart coatings, wavelength-selective optical devices, and advanced photonic applications.
Iron oxide decorated nitrogen doped carbon derived from iron MOFs and polyaniline as binder free electrode for symmetric supercapacitors
Abstract Electrochemical supercapacitors are crucial energy storage technologies for the evolution of electric cars and the regulation/utilization of intermittent renewable resources. In his work, Fe 3 O 4 /nitrogen-doped carbon (FNC) was fabricated via an efficient, facile solvothermal synthesis of the iron-based metal-organic framework (MIL-101(Fe) and NH 2 -MIL-101(Fe)), followed by pyrolysis under a N 2 atmosphere. The prepared FNC was mixed at different ratios with pyrolyzed polyaniline (P-PANI) to enhance the conductivity, hydrophilicity, and electrochemical performance of the fabricated electrode materials. The morphology and crystallinity of the synthesized FNC@P-PANI composites were evaluated by SEM and XRD, revealing a nanoscale architecture with good crystallinity. The electrochemical behavior of FNC, P-PANI, and FNC@P-PANI materials was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 1.0 M Li 2 SO 4 as a neutral electrolyte. Compared to plain FNC and P-PANI, the 20FNC@P-PANI composite showed an enhanced specific capacitance of 633.9 F/g at 1 A/g. Furthermore, the assembled device exhibited outstanding stability of 100.1% after 1,000 cycles and 95.86% after 10,000 cycles at 10 A/g. The 20FNC@P-PANI composite’s high surface area, stability, and rapid ion and electron transport facilitated its high electrochemical efficacy. Moreover, the symmetric supercapacitor device delivered superior energy and power densities of 47.52 Wh/kg and 789.99 W/kg, respectively, at 1 A/g. These favorable results suggest that it is possible to produce innovative, ecologically friendly, and commercial electrode materials based on Fe 3 O 4 and carbon-doped nitrogen.
Spatial pattern of herbaceous seed dispersal by ungulates in grasslands of Doñana, SW Spain
Most research on endozoochorous seed dispersal by ungulates emphasizes long-distance dispersal and its dependence on ungulate species and habitat heterogeneity. In contrast, the role of ungulate community composition in shaping local (around one hundred hectares or less) spatial patterns in the distribution of plant seeds remains largely unexplored. To address such key question, we quantified ungulate seed dispersal at two grasslands in the Doñana National Park (southwestern Spain). One grassland (Martinazo) was used by a mixed community of four ungulate species (deer, wild boar, cattle, and horses), while the other one (Matasgordas) was used almost exclusively by deer. At each site, a plot was established, and ungulate fecal samples were systematically collected and georeferenced from early spring to mid-summer. The seeds contained in the samples were extracted and identified in the laboratory. Our results revealed clear differences between sites in the total number of dispersed herbaceous seeds (1,302 and 606 seeds in Martinazo and Matasgordas respectively) and the most frequently dispersed plant families. Within the four-species community, cattle and deer differed most in the taxonomic composition of the seeds they dispersed, suggesting that herbivore-specific seed selection and dispersal act as key drivers of grassland structure at fine spatial scales, mirroring dynamics typically observed at broader scales. Moreover, only in the four-ungulate community did we detect significant spatial patterns in seed dispersal. These included positive effects of short-distance feces aggregation, spatial covariance in seed content among nearby feces, and a strong correlation between seed content and local feces density. Seed families predominantly dispersed by cattle also exhibited significant spatial structuring. These findings have important implications for biodiversity management in semi-natural and protected ecosystems, as they demonstrate that the management of ungulate species (both wild and domestic) also influences plant communities. This highlights the need to consider the functional differences among herbivores in ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies.
Millimeter-wave control of copper diffusion in BaTiO3 for ceramic capacitors
The use of copper (Cu) electrodes in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) is highly attractive due to its low cost and electrical resistivity compared with nickel (Ni). However, Cu easily oxidizes and diffuses into BaTiO3 (BT) during high-temperature sintering, degrading dielectric properties and breakdown strength. In this study, 24 GHz millimeter-wave (MMW) irradiation was employed to investigate and control Cu diffusion in BT ceramics. Pre-sintered dense BT was coated with Cu paste and subsequently heated either conventionally (Conv.) or under MMW irradiation at 950–1050 °C. MMW irradiation significantly suppressed Cu diffusion into BT, increasing the activation energy for diffusion from 282 to 340 kJ mol−1. Under Conv. heating, oxygen-vacancy accumulation stabilizes mixed-valence Cu states in the CuO grain-boundary phase, promoting long-range Cu diffusion. In contrast, enhanced oxygen-vacancy mobility under MMW irradiation suppresses such defect-rich states, resulting in reduced Cu diffusion. These results demonstrate that MMW irradiation provides a nonthermal pathway to selectively control cation diffusion, offering a promising strategy for developing reliable Cu-based MLCCs.
Transformer-enhanced deep ensemble for multi-class liver disease classification using computed tomography images
Hexavalent Iridium Sites Drive Highly Efficient and Selective Chlorine Evolution via a Two‐Step Chemical‐Electrochemical Cycle Reaction Mechanism
ABSTRACT Chlorine evolution reaction (CER) is pivotal to the chlor‐alkali industry, while its operation still relies on the dimensionally stable anode (DSA) developed decades ago, which is hindered by high costs, moderate selectivity, and limited energy efficiency. Here, we present a spinel‐type hexavalent iridium single‐site electrocatalyst ( spinel ‐ iso ‐Ir VI ) via strategic modulation of delocalized electron distribution that demonstrates exceptional CER performance. This catalyst operates with an ultralow overpotential of 27 mV at 10 mA cm −2 (57 mV for commercial DSA), a nearly 100% CER selectivity across a wide potential range, and a record energy efficiency of 83.5% at an industrial‐level current density of ∼300 mA cm −2 . At the overpotential of 100 mV, spinel ‐ iso ‐Ir VI delivers a mass activity of 9671 mA mg Ru+Ir −1 and a turnover frequency of 0.278 s −1 , surpassing those of the benchmark DSA by over 386‐fold and 20‐fold, respectively. The high‐performance of spinel ‐ iso ‐Ir VI results in a low production cost of US$0.04 per kilogram of chlorine. Mechanism studies reveal a two‐step chemical‐electrochemical cycle reaction mechanism, in which the chemical reaction step involves a spontaneous redox reaction triggered by hexavalent Ir VI sites. This process enables the spontaneous adsorption, bonding, and oxidation of Cl − to generate Cl 2 , thereby significantly boosting the reaction kinetics.
Study protocol for the development of a digital menstrual cycle diary for routine mental health and gynecological care: A human-centered design approach
Background Premenstrual disorders, including premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and premenstrual exacerbation of psychiatric disorders affect a significant portion of reproductive-age females. Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment are often constrained by the limitations of traditional paper-based symptom diaries. These diaries lack flexibility for personalized symptom tracking and fail to capture treatment-relevant factors such as lifestyle and social events. A digital, adaptable symptom diary is therefore needed. In this paper, we present the protocol for the CycleWise study. This study is a multi-method study aimed at developing a digital menstrual cycle diary within PETRA (PErsonalized Treatment by Real-time Assessment), an ESM-based tool previously designed to support treatment in routine mental health care. Methods and analysis Following a human-centered design approach and the Centre for eHealth and Wellbeing Research roadmap, patients and clinicians will be involved throughout all phases to ensure the tool meets their needs. In the contextual inquiry phase, we will identify stakeholders and analyze current practices. The value specification phase will focus on assessing stakeholder needs through two focus groups and translating them into functional requirements. A user experience designer will then develop a prototype in the design phase, refining it iteratively based on stakeholder feedback. Implementation strategies will be formulated in the operationalization phase. Finally, uptake, impact and working mechanisms will be evaluated through qualitative interviews and quantitative measures.
Determination of composition, strain, and layer thickness of germanium-tin superlattices using x-ray diffraction
We apply an approach that uses x-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamical scattering theory to determine the resulting elemental compositions of a Ge1−ySny/Ge1−xSnx superlattice after growth by simulating not just peak location but also the intensity modulation of the satellite peaks of the XRD profile. Analysis of the intensity modulation of the satellite peaks of the XRD profile of a Ge1−ySny/Ge1−xSnx superlattice determined the Sn composition, strain, and layer thickness, revealing a significant exchange of Sn in each layer. The superlattice structure was additionally confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, validating the XRD approach as applicable to superlattices more generally.
Comparison of cancer-specific survival between total thyroidectomy and lobectomy in tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma
NeuronID: An automatic toolkit for identifying neurons in two-photon calcium imaging data
Two-photon calcium imaging has emerged as a powerful technique for monitoring neuronal activity in neuroscience; however, its data processing remains challenging. Here, we introduce NeuronID, an automatic toolkit designed to process two-photon calcium imaging data. The NeuronID toolkit features a modular architecture that includes motion correction, noise reduction, segmentation of neuronal components, and extraction of neuronal signals. Notably, the NeuronID toolkit offers an optimized strategy for segmenting neuronal components, which systematically integrates morphological boundary identification, cross-correlation analysis between pixels, and evaluation of neuronal signal quality. Compared to existing tools or manual annotation by experts, the NeuronID toolkit reduces the likelihood of over-segmentation while achieving near-human accuracy. Overall, this study provides an effective solution to the segmentation of neuronal components, offering a standardized analytical tool for processing two-photon calcium imaging data.
Nonlinear guided exciton-polaritons in a van der Waals layered waveguide
Layered van der Waals materials offer promising opportunities for on-chip waveguiding and the development of integrated photonic circuits. In the strong light–matter coupling regime, their nonlinear response can be significantly enhanced, which is crucial for developing active photonic devices. However, probing the nonlinearity of waveguide modes in subwavelength-thick structures is challenging as they are not directly accessible from far-field. Here, we apply a nonlinear spectroscopic technique based on evanescent-wave coupling through a GaP solid immersion lens and femtosecond laser excitation to study nonlinearity of guided modes in monolayer WS2 encapsulated in hBN under the strong light–matter coupling regime. We reveal the formation of exciton-polaritons with a ∼50 meV Rabi splitting and demonstrate sensitive optical control of the light–matter coupling strength. Our results show that exciton resonance saturation and broadening lead to an efficient nonlinear response of guided polaritons, which can be employed for developing compact van der Waals photonic switches and modulators.
Retraction Note: Plant disease recognition using residual convolutional enlightened Swin transformer networks
GIS-based land suitability evaluation and multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainable enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) cultivation in Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia
Land suitability analysis is a key approach for evaluating the potential of land resources for specific uses and for supporting sustainable agricultural planning. In Ethiopia, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods, identifying suitable land for staple crops is essential to ensure food security and long-term productivity. This study evaluated the actual land suitability for enset (Ensete ventricosum) cultivation in the Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia, by systematically comparing the spatial distribution of key environmental factors with established enset crop requirement standards. For each parameter, spatial data were overlaid with enset-specific ecological thresholds derived from relevant literature and expert consultation. Based on the FAO land evaluation framework, all factors were classified into five suitability classes: Very Highly Suitable (S1), Highly Suitable (S2), Moderately Suitable (S3), Marginally Suitable (N1), and Permanently Not Suitable (N2), enabling the identification of spatial variability in enset suitability and supporting subsequent multi-criteria evaluation and weighted overlay analysis. The analysis evaluated criteria such as soil properties (type, depth, organic carbon content, pH, and texture), topographic situation (slope and elevation), climate variables (rainfall and temperature), and LULC. The integrated analysis revealed that enset cultivation is highly favorable across most of the study area, with 57.72% classified as highly suitable (S1), 36.89% as moderately suitable (S2), 0.16% as marginally suitable (S3), and 5.23% as currently not suitable (N1), while no areas were identified as permanently unsuitable (N2). Overall, the results highlight the strong natural potential of the Hadiya Zone for enset cultivation, although localized constraints related to soil fertility, water availability, and slope conditions may require targeted management interventions.
Investigation of AlN back barrier/GaN HEMTs with ultra-thin GaN channel for high-frequency and high-voltage applications
AlN back-barrier thickness physically governs ultrathin-channel GaN high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) performance by dictating a competition between material states. At 440 nm, the AlN back barrier effectively relaxes strain while maintaining two-dimensional growth, yielding high mobility and a trap profile favorable for robust short-channel breakdown and high-frequency operation—resulting in fT/fmax = 34.32/70.95 GHz and 69% power-added efficiency at 3.6 GHz. For a thicker 1-μm layer, three-dimensional island growth with deep-level traps dominates, providing superior vertical blocking to achieve 1.78 kV breakdown voltage for high-voltage operation. By linking the AlN back-barrier thickness to these underlying physical mechanisms, this work establishes a physics-based design framework for deterministically tailoring GaN HEMTs toward high-frequency or high-voltage operation, thereby opening a viable pathway to advance the performance limits of nitride electronics.