Browse Articles

Tillage management practices in combination of plant growth regulators to improve root growth, lodging characteristics and maize productivity under semi-arid regions

Studying carbon emission effects on ecological welfare performance in Chengdu–Chongqing urban agglomeration using super efficiency network SBM

Uncovering pleiotropic loci linking keratoconus and allergic diseases through integrative genomic analyses

Neuromechanical gait signatures reveal holistic biomechanical responses to walking speed modulation in stroke survivors

Health hazard assessment and cooking effects on toxic metals in marine fish from the mediterranean sea at the Damietta Coast, Egypt

Abstract This study aimed to determine the toxic metal contents in thinlip grey mullet, sardines, and sand smelt, as well as the impact of cooking on the metal levels and their potential harmful effects on public health. Two hundred forty fish samples, comprising 80 each of the three identified species, were collected from the Mediterranean Sea at Damietta coast, Egypt and analyzed for arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium contents, which were detected at mean ± SE concentrations (mg/kg) of 2.29 ± 0.22, 0.119 ± 0.019, 0.651 ± 0.131, and 0.042 ± 0.007 in thinlip grey mullet; 1.68 ± 0.18, 0.098 ± 0.018, 1.011 ± 0.169, and 0.049 ± 0.008 in sardine; and 1.87 ± 0.16, 0.055 ± 0.057, 0.965 ± 0.186, and 0.052 ± 0.009 in sand smelt, respectively. Alarmingly, 100% of fish samples exceeded the permissible limit for As, while Hg levels were within the safe limits for all tested samples. Frying and grilling significantly reduced the metal levels. The target hazard quotient, total target hazard quotient in all tested fish samples, exceeded their approved limits for arsenic and lead, while the assessment of the cancer risk values for arsenic in all tested fish species surpassed the cancer slope factor, indicating potential public health risks associated with consuming such fish. This study highlights the need for strict control measures to limit contamination of aquatic resources, especially by arsenic and lead, and to ensure the safety of seafood for human consumption, protecting public health and reducing the risk of fish contamination.

A comprehensive study integrating bioinformatics analysis and experimental results on HROB as a potential biomarker for the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma

Abstract HROB, which is a DNA-binding protein linked to various cancers, has an unclear role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). To explore its clinical significance and potential pathogenesis, we analysed RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and focused on differential expression, survival impact, functional pathways, and immune infiltration. Our findings revealed that HROB mRNA expression is significantly elevated in LUAD tissues compared with normal lung tissues. High HROB expression is associated with more aggressive tumour characteristics and poorer prognosis of LUAD, with a hazard ratio of 1.815 being observed ( P  = 0.004), thus suggesting that HROB could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker. The results of the functional enrichment analyses indicated that HROB is involved in cell cycle regulation pathways. Notably, immune infiltration analysis revealed a significant correlation between HROB expression and Th2 cell infiltration ( R  = 0.626). We also constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database and identified six candidate small-molecule agents that may target HROB. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of HROB expression reduces LUAD cell proliferation and invasion while inducing changes in cell cycle progression. Overall, our study establishes HROB as a critical biomarker for LUAD prognosis and highlights its potential role as a therapeutic target.

Device-measured capillary refill time identifies critically ill cases in the emergency department

Abstract Capillary refill time (CRT) is a rapid, non-invasive indicator of tissue hypoperfusion and is associated with severity in critically ill patients. However, its clinical utility in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear, particularly when assessed using a quantitative device. We conducted a prospective, single-center observational study to evaluate whether device-measured CRT upon ED arrival is associated with clinical severity. One hundred nineteen adult patients transported to the ED by ambulance between August 2023 and October 2024 were enrolled. CRT was measured using the quantitative CRT device, and the average of three readings was analyzed. Critical illness was defined as an acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score of ≥ 25. Among the participants, 27 (23%) had high APACHE II scores. CRT was significantly prolonged in this group (2.56 [1.84–3.36] vs. 1.67 [1.18–2.48] seconds, p  = 0.0012) and showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than lactate (AUC: CRT, 0.702; lactate, 0.669). CRT also demonstrated a weak but significant positive correlation with lactate levels (rs = 0.24, p  = 0.0087) as well as a trend toward significant correlation with sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (rs = 0.18, p  = 0.051). These findings suggest that device-measured CRT is associated with clinical severity and may aid in the early identification of critically ill patients in emergency settings.

TiSOH monolayer: A ferromagnetic semiconductor with multiple topological properties

Two-dimensional (2D) Janus ferromagnetic (FM) materials have recently attracted considerable interest due to their intriguing properties. Their structural asymmetry and the resulting electronic structures endow them with interesting physical quantities (such as Berry curvature and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction, DMI), which can induce a variety of topological phenomena. In this work, we theoretically predict a Janus TiSOH monolayer using first-principles calculations. Our results show that TiSOH is a FM semiconductor with a bandgap of ∼0.4 eV. The intrinsic polarity not only results in a large out-of-plane electric dipole of 0.247 eÅ and sizable piezoelectric coefficients (d11 ∼3.95 and d31 ∼2.37 pm/V), but also induces finite Berry curvatures at the K+ and K− valleys, as well as a sizable DMI (∼ 0.5 meV). When the spin polarization is aligned along the out-of-plane direction, a notable valley splitting of ∼57 meV occurs, which enables an anomalous valley Hall effect under suitable hole doping. Under ∼1.7% in-plane strain, band inversion occurs at the K+ valley, resulting in a Chern number of –1, which indicates a quantum anomalous Hall state. Additionally, applying 0.5% in-plane strain and a 1.3 T out-of-plane magnetic field leads to skyrmions with a size of ∼2.4 nm in the FM background. These findings not only suggest that the TiSOH monolayer is a promising candidate material for multifunctional spintronic devices, but also provide guidance for the design of 2D topological magnets.

Assessment of content quality and reliability of short videos regarding myocardial infarction on TikTok and BiliBili: a cross-sectional study

Petroleum coke-derived porous carbon encapsulating phase change materials for solar-thermal-electricity output

Solar energy utilization is hindered by intermittency, highlighting the urgency of advanced thermal energy storage technologies. Phase change materials (PCMs) are promising candidates but suffer from leakage and poor photothermal performance. Herein, we fabricate hierarchically porous carbon (PCPC) from petroleum coke (a refinery by-product) via a salt-templating method, which serves as an efficient support for paraffin wax (PW) PCMs. Benefiting from the unique porous structure of PCPC, the resulting form-stable composite PCM (PW/PCPC) exhibits remarkable performance, including a high latent heat of 134.4 J g−1, excellent structural stability, and outstanding cycling durability. Simultaneously, the composite realizes an outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency of 89.68%. A key breakthrough is the development of an integrated solar-thermal-electricity conversion system by combining PW/PCPC with a commercial thermoelectric generator. This system delivers a stable power output density of 7.01 W m−2 and can continuously generate electricity using stored thermal energy even after light source removal. This work not only provides a waste valorization strategy for high-performance composite PCMs but also demonstrates their great potential in efficient solar energy harvesting and sustainable power supply, addressing critical challenges in solar energy utilization.

Optimization method for TDI-CCD image noise suppression based on improved transformer algorithm

Controllable intrinsic defect-induced electronic structure modulation in few-layer pentagonal PdPS

Palladium phosphide sulfide (PdPS), a two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor with a unique Cairo pentagonal lattice, shows great potential for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications. However, its electronic transport behavior is strongly influenced by intrinsic defects. In this work, we systematically investigate the formation mechanisms and electronic consequences of intrinsic point defects in few-layer PdPS using first-principles calculations. We evaluate the formation energies of sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), and palladium (Pd) vacancies, as well as the interstitial Pd atoms and reveal their impacts on the electronic band structure. Unlike common 2D semiconductors like MoS2, PdPS hosts more low-energy defect configurations, which lead to bandgap narrowing, in-gap states as well as a Fermi level shift toward the conduction band. To validate the theoretical predictions, scanning tunneling microscopy measurements were performed, revealing the distinct defect morphologies and confirming the emergence of in-gap states under controlled annealing conditions. Complementary electrical transport measurements reveal a significantly reduced Schottky barrier height and significantly improved electron transport properties, attributed to the defect-induced electronic structure modulation. These results provide atomic-scale insights into the defect-driven phenomena in 2D PdPS, offering a pathway for tailoring electronic properties via defect engineering for future field-effect transistor applications.

IoT-Integrated robotic system for automated plant disease detection and environmental monitoring

Abstract Plant diseases pose a critical threat to global food security, agricultural sustainability, and farmer livelihoods, particularly in regions with limited access to advanced diagnostic technologies. Traditional methods of disease detection rely heavily on manual inspection, which is time-consuming, error-prone, and often results in delayed interventions. This paper presents a novel, solar-powered autonomous robotic system designed to detect plant diseases in real time using deep learning and IoT technologies. The proposed system integrates a high-resolution imaging unit, IoT-based environmental sensors, and an onboard processing module based on Raspberry Pi. Deep CNNs, trained on diverse datasets including PlantVillage, are used for accurate disease classification, while soil moisture and temperature sensors provide contextual environmental data to support diagnosis. The robot’s mobility, powered by solar energy, allows for continuous field monitoring with minimal human intervention. Experimental results demonstrate the system’s high classification performance, achieving 99.39% training accuracy, 97.47% validation accuracy, and 97.13% testing accuracy. Furthermore, the model achieved 99.63% overall accuracy, with a Precision of 99.40%, a Recall/Sensitivity of 99.56%, an F1-score of 99.46%, and a Specificity of 99.99% across multiple disease classes. These results highlight the robustness of the proposed approach in real-world agricultural conditions, enabling reliable disease detection and monitoring. The integration of cloud-based monitoring enables farmers to receive real-time alerts and insights, supporting timely and informed decision-making. This cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally sustainable solution has the potential to transform precision agriculture by enhancing early disease detection, reducing pesticide overuse, and improving crop yield and health.

Solution-processed epitaxial PdRhO2 metallic films as Schottky electrodes

Metallic delafossite PdRhO2 thin films were synthesized using a low-rhodium solution deposition strategy, achieving epitaxial growth despite a significant lattice mismatch. Comparative structural and electrical transport analyses demonstrate that reducing the lattice mismatch significantly improves both film quality and electrical performance. First-principles calculations reveal that the metallic conductivity in PdRhO2 originates primarily from Pd-derived states and their hybridization with Rh 4d orbitals at the Fermi level. Furthermore, a PdRhO2/β-Ga2O3 Schottky heterojunction was fabricated, exhibiting a rectification ratio on the order of ∼109 and a Schottky barrier height of 1.13 ± 0.06 eV. This barrier height exceeds the prediction of the Schottky–Mott rule, which is attributed to a naturally formed interfacial dipole layer. These findings offer a cost-effective pathway to epitaxial Rh-based thin films and highlight their potential for application in electronic integrated circuits.

Correction: Tulp3 deficiency results in ciliopathy phenotypes during zebrafish embryogenesis

Universal Ohmic contacts to <b> <i>β</i> </b> -Ga2O3 using interfacial dipoles of ultra-thin MgF2 layer and related defect passivation

We report on the role of MgF2 as an interfacial buffer layer to achieve universal Ohmic contact on polycrystalline β-Ga2O3 thin film. Polycrystalline Ga2O3 thin films were deposited using RF magnetron sputtering, followed by the growth of MgF2 through a modified approach within the same technique, enabling enhanced fluorination via trapped fluorine species. Three representative metals like Al (low work function ≈4.0 eV), and Ni, Au (high work functions ≈5.0 eV) were investigated to assess contact behavior. All three metals formed Schottky junctions with Ga2O3 in direct contact while insertion of an MgF2 interlayer resulted in a clear transition to Ohmic conduction. Interface analysis using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) revealed that fluorine incorporation passivates oxygen vacancies, reducing Fermi-level pinning, while Ga–F interfacial dipoles induce downward band bending. These combined effects effectively lower the Schottky barrier height enabling universal Ohmic contacts across metals with different work functions.

Odors modulate self face perception and frontal ERP responses

Cu2+-facilitated formation of Mn2+–Mn2+ dimers inducing redshift of Mn2+ emission in Co-doped perovskite nanocrystals

Transition metal doping in perovskite nanocrystals is an important means to regulate their photophysical properties. In particular, the underlying concentration effect and optical process deserve further study. Herein, we investigate the phenomenon of continuous redshift in manganese-doped perovskite nanocrystals' spectra with the Mn2+ doping concentration. The results from experiment combined with density functional theory show that the spectral redshift primarily results from the heightened emission of Mn2+–Mn2+ dimers and the reduced contribution of isolated Mn2+ as the concentration of Mn2+ increases. What is more, appropriate introduction of Cu2+ ions with a Cu to Pb molar ratio of 1:1 can increase the formation energy of Mn-related defects, facilitate the formation of Mn2+–Mn2+ dimers, and simultaneously inhibit the non-radiative recombination process caused by the close spacing of Mn2+ ions, thereby avoiding the occurrence of fluorescence quenching, thus the redshift of spectra is significant in the presence of Cu2+ ion. These findings enhance our comprehension of the photoluminescence mechanism related to spectral redshift in nanocrystals doped with transition metals.

Effect of rotational field on thermo-acoustic and optical wave propagation in hydrodynamic semiconductors

Single-frequency Raman vortex beam enabled by a frequency-locked off-axis diamond cavity

Benefiting from the excellent optothermal properties of diamond crystals and the absence of spatial hole burning effects in stimulated Raman scattering, diamond Raman lasers hold significant advantages in achieving high-performance, single-frequency laser output. Moreover, they also demonstrate great potential in generating single-frequency vortex beams at a special wavelength. In this work, we demonstrate a single-frequency diamond Raman vortex laser by introducing simple off-axis cavity mirror misalignment into a two-mirror standing-wave diamond Raman oscillator. We calculate and analyze the output modes and transmitted signals of the diamond Raman oscillator under different off-axis conditions. Experimentally, we demonstrate resonant pumping of the diamond Raman oscillator under different off-axis conditions using the Pound–Drever–Hall frequency stabilization technique. This facilitated the generation of the single-frequency fundamental HG00 mode as well as higher-order HG01 and HG02 modes, each with low thresholds. Through extra-cavity astigmatic mode conversion, we further generated diamond-based vortex beams with topological charges of 1 and 2. Benefiting from the inherent advantages of diamond Raman lasers, this system holds significant potential for wavelength extension and power scaling of single-frequency vortex laser beams.