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Would ChatGPT hire you? Your age and gender matter

Structural and optical properties of spin coated ZnTTBPc thin films for optoelectronics via DFT and experiments

Abstract The present research provides a comprehensive theoretical and experimental investigation into the structural and optical properties of zinc 2, 9, 16, 23-tetra-tert-butyl-29 H,31 H-phthalocyanine (ZnTTBPc). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G (d, p) level, were utilized to optimize the molecular structure, analyze Mulliken charges, generate a molecular electrostatic potential map, and compute frontier molecular orbital energies of ZnTTBPc molecule. The nonlinear optical properties, including polarizability and hyperpolarizability, were also determined, confirming the molecule’s applicability for nonlinear optical applications. Experimentally, spin-coated ZnTTBPc thin films were fabricated on quartz substrates. Structural characterization using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy indicated the amorphous nature of the thin films, whereas field emission scanning electron microscopy demonstrated a uniform, nanostructured morphology. Optical properties, including absorption coefficient, refractive index, and extinction coefficient, were analyzed over a wide spectral range (200–2000 nm), demonstrating the presence of direct optical transitions. The energy band gaps corresponding to the Q and B bands were obtained from Tauc plot analysis, with values of 1.42 and 2.25 eV respectively. The dispersion parameters and dielectric properties were evaluated using a single oscillator model. The nonlinear optical parameters such as the third-order nonlinear susceptibility, nonlinear refractive index and nonlinear absorption coefficient were calculated using semi-empirical relations. The results demonstrate that ZnTTBPc thin films possess excellent optical and nonlinear properties, making them highly promising candidates for advanced optoelectronic and photonic devices. This integrated theoretical and experimental approach underscores the importance of molecular design and fabrication techniques in optimizing materials for cutting-edge applications.

Carbonizing technology enables Sanguisorbae Radix to inhibit yeast-to-hypha differentiation and biofilm formation in Candida albicans

Sanguisorbae Radix (SR) has been employed as an herbal medicine over centuries. Charred SR (CSR), acquired via carbonization after the charred stir-frying of SR, demonstrates superior antimicrobial activity compared to SR. The aim of the study was to identify how carbonizing technology enhanced the ability of SR to inhibit the transformation from yeast to hypha and biofilm formation in C. albicans. In this paper, a vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) mouse model was used to evaluate the therapeutic effects. After CSR treatment, VVC mouse models nearly eliminated hyphal C. albicans adhering to the vaginal mucosa. The inhibitory activities of CSR on C. albicans biofilm formation and hyphal growth were assessed through quantitative biofilm analysis, morphological observations, and gene expression studies in vitro. Since the hyphal form signifies the initiation of biofilm development, this study confirmed CSR’s remarkable inhibitory effect on C. albicans biofilm formation and hyphal growth. These effects were significantly weaker with SR. Additionally, the impact of carbonization on the composition of active compounds was analyzed. Carbonization significantly increased the content of ellagic acid (EA) and pyrogallic acid (PYG) by 7.44-fold and 28.09-fold, respectively. Both EA and PYG inhibited C. albicans biofilms and hyphal growth, with EA showing a more pronounced inhibitory effect. Finally, we concluded that carbonization technology enables SR to inhibit the yeast-to-hypha transition and biofilm formation in C. albicans by increase the levels of EA and PYG. EA was identified as the primary bioactive compound responsible for CSR’s anti-biofilm effects.

Warning signs

Assessment of physical parameters impacts on debris flow modeling with RAMMS

AI-driven 3D CT imaging prediction model for improving preoperative detection of visceral pleural invasion in early-stage lung cancer

Visceral pleural invasion (VPI) is a critical prognostic factor in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly affecting patient outcomes. Conventional computed tomography (CT) often fails to diagnose VPI accurately. This retrospective case-control study evaluated the efficacy of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted three-dimensional (3D) CT imaging for predicting VPI in 556 patients with clinical stage 0–I NSCLC who underwent complete surgical resection. Patients with tumors > 4 cm, those not adjacent to the pleural surface, or with unsuitable CT scans were excluded. Radiological features were analyzed using AI software capable of 3D imaging and characterization of pulmonary nodules (Synapse Vincent System, Fujifilm Corporation, Japan). The dataset was divided into training (n = 408) and test (n = 148) cohorts. Stability selection identified “Solid nodule” and “Pleural contact” as key predictors. Logistic regression analysis using these features developed prediction models for VPI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the area under the curve of the derived model was 0.831 and 0.782 in the training and test cohorts, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.739 and 0.657 in the test cohorts. These findings suggest that AI-enhanced 3D CT imaging significantly improved the preoperative prediction of VPI in NSCLC, supporting AI’s integration into diagnostic processes.

Time-resolved fluorescent proteins expand the microscopy palette

Prevalence and drug resistance profiles of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from Iranian fish pond waters

Possessing potential weapons (still) heightens anger perception: Replicating and extending a test of error management theory

Error Management Theory (EMT) hypothesizes that humans are functionally biased to err on the side of the least costly mistake when making judgments under uncertainty. Applying EMT to emotion perception, previous studies found that people perceive individuals holding everyday objects with potentially lethal affordances to be both higher in state anger and more anger-prone, relative to individuals holding control objects. Here, we conduct a direct replication of one such study examining these effects [13] and exploratorily test whether friends of an individual possessing a potentially lethal tool are also perceived as angrier—and hence more dangerous—in a “reverse-halo” effect. Participants (N = 476) were presented an image of an individual depicted as an avid cook and either holding or near a conventional kitchen knife, then asked to rate their emotional states and trait dispositions. Participants were next presented with an image of a second individual framed as a close friend of the cooking enthusiast and asked to assess their emotional states and dispositions. The results replicated prior findings that individuals depicted holding everyday objects with incidentally lethal affordances are perceived as angrier, more prone to anger, and more socially unpleasant. However, we did not find evidence for a “reverse-halo” effect extending to friends. Instead, all of the state and trait emotion ratings of the two individuals were significantly correlated, consistent with an inference (orthogonal to error management motivations) of homophilic similarity in the affective profiles of friends. These results are discussed as they inform prior EMT research and motivate further study of the determinants of emotion perception.

Differences in local immune response of bait Mycobacterium bovis heat-inactivated vaccinated badgers showing exacerbated tuberculous lesions after challenge

Numerical study of flow and heat transfer in circular T-shaped junction of different cross-sections

This study investigates fluid flow and convective heat transfer within a smooth, two-dimensional T-shaped junction using a numerical approach. Simulations were conducted by varying the volumetric flow rate ratio r (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1), the Reynolds number Re (500 to 2500), the Prandtl number Pr (1), and the cross-sectional width ratio w (0.5 to 2.5) of the outlet. The fluid dynamics were solved using the vorticity–stream function formulation with a compact upwind finite difference scheme and the Implicit-Explicit (IMEX) method, implemented in MATLAB. Flow behavior was analyzed through streamline and isotherm contours, while local and average Nusselt numbers were computed along the junction walls. The results show that lower r values lead to stronger vortex formation and asymmetry in the flow and temperature fields, while r = 1 yields symmetric and stable patterns. Increasing Re enhances heat transfer and transitions the flow toward unsteady regimes. Similarly, wider outlet configurations (higher w) promote recirculation and thermal mixing. This study provides valuable insights into how inlet flow, outlet shape, and fluid characteristics interact to influence heat transfer and flow behavior in a smooth T-shaped junction. It also provides insights that can help improve the design of heat exchangers, microfluidic systems, and industrial piping.

TET2 repression contributes to EGFR TKI resistance in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer through regulating AXIN2 methylation

Children’s preferences for features and designs of KN95-style respirators: A comparative study between Indonesia and Nepal

Air pollution is a global crisis, posing significant health risks to humans. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of particulate air pollution, and the use of respiratory protection could reduce their exposure. Certified, well-fitting respirators have been shown to effectively filter airborne particles and are increasingly available for children in non-occupational settings. However, their effectiveness relies on proper fit and consistent use. Understanding children’s perspectives on wearing respiratory protection, specifically their preferences for different types and styles of respirators, is crucial. To explore these issues, 12 focus group discussions were conducted in January 2023 with 116 children aged 6–12 years living in Kathmandu, Nepal (N = 67) and Bandung, Indonesia (N = 49). Participants were recruited from public and private schools in each city using purposive sampling to ensure diversity in age, gender and socio-economic background. Focus groups were held in school settings and facilitated by local researchers in the children’s native languages. Children were shown seven different respirators and asked questions about their preferred styles and features. Statistical analyses using Wilcoxon one-sample tests and ordinal regression showed the most popular types of respirators had ear-loops rather than head-straps and some features (e.g., patterned rather than plain masks) were more popular with certain groups (e.g., younger children). These results suggest that respirator manufacturers should ideally offer a variety of styles or designs.

Supplemental red and blue LED light ameliorate the adverse effect of salinity and alkalinity stress in lettuce plants

Burdens of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in China: Findings from the 2021 GBD Study

As a major global health concern, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) has garnered widespread attention; However, to date, the prevalence of GERD across different ethnic groups in China has not been comprehensively examined by any large-scale epidemiological studies or meta-analyses. Against this backdrop, the present study draws on data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study to investigate the burden of GERD in China. Data from the 2021 GBD Study were utilized to assess the burden of GERD in China, focusing on key indicators such as prevalence, incidence, Years of Life Lived with Disability (YLDs), Age-Standardized Rates (ASR). Health inequality analyses were used to measure the inequality in the distribution of GERD across countries based on the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), as well as to determine whether such inequality exists in China. Frontier analysis identified top performers in healthcare systems across different countries when examining the burden of GERD, followed by a comparison of differences in GERD burden between China and these top-performing countries. The trends of GERD from 2022 to 2044 were projected using the Nordpred and ARIMA model. Between 1990 and 2021, the prevalence of GERD in China experienced a notable rise of 60.62%. Correspondingly, the ASR also increased significantly. A similar pattern was Observed in incidence and YLDs, with number and ASR rising. A frontier analysis revealed that China had relatively low prevalence and incidence rates but a moderate-to-high level of SDI. Health inequality analysis revealed both absolute and relative inequalities related to SDI, with a noticeable increase in the inequality of the age-standardized GERD burden from 1990 to 2021. a significantly greater inequality in GERD burden was observed in China compared to other countries, suggesting a disparity in GERD distribution relative to SDI. Projections of GERD in China extending from 1990 to 2044 indicate a steady increase in the combined numbers and ASR of prevalence, incidence, and YLDs. The disease burden of GERD in China has risen steadily over the past three decades, with marked increases in the ASRs of its prevalence, incidence, and YLDs. Given the growing number of individuals affected by GERD, adapting healthcare systems to address the escalating demand for related services and treatments has become an urgent necessity.

Metabolic impact of dietary glycine supplementation in individuals with severe obesity

The impact of digital literacy on the urban integration of migrant workers

Improving the urban integration of migrant workers is a crucial requirement for advancing people-centered new urbanization. Based on the micro-data of two China Family Panel Study (CFPS) in 2016 and 2018, this paper analyzes both theoretically and empirically the impact of digital literacy on the urban integration of migrant workers. The findings indicate that digital literacy plays a significant role in enhancing the urban integration of migrant workers; This effect is the strongest in terms of economic integration and relatively weak in terms of psychological integration. The results of the quantile regression show that the positive impact of digital literacy is more pronounced for groups with lower levels of urban integration compared to those with higher levels. Mechanism analysis reveals that digital literacy effectively improves urban integration by enhancing information access and facilitating social interactions. Heterogeneity analysis suggests that digital literacy has a more significant impact on the urban integration of low education levels, the new generation, and migrant workers from the eastern region. The conclusion enriches the theoretical research on the integration of migrant workers into urban areas in the digital age, and provides policy references for the government to attach importance to optimizing digital literacy education and further promote the comprehensive realization of the integration of migrant workers into urban areas.

A comparative study of machine learning methods for predicting mode I and II brittle fracture in notched bend specimens

Factors associated with respectful maternity care during hospital deliveries: A cross-sectional study in Bangladesh

Introduction Respectful provision of care is an integral component of quality maternity care service. The objective of the present study was to assess the status of respectful maternity care and its associated factors in public and private hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care public hospital and a tertiary care private hospital in Chittagong, Bangladesh from October 2023 to September 2024. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire was conducted to collect data from postnatal women. Respectful maternity care was measured using a validated 15-item tool with four domains (friendly, abuse-free, timely, and discrimination-free care). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with respectful maternity care. Results A number of 264 postnatal women from the public hospital and 334 from the private hospital were included in the study. Overall, 55.5% of them received respectful maternity care, with significant differences between public (33.7%) and private (72.8%) hospitals (p-value <0.001). Women in private hospitals reported higher standards across all domains, with the largest disparity in discrimination-free care (98% in private vs. 56% in public hospitals, p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that women in private hospitals (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 18.10; 95% confidence interval, CI 8.43–42.0), those with facility-level referrals (aOR 2.88; 95% CI 1.59–5.31), and cesarean deliveries (aOR 2.45; 95% CI 1.26–5.07) were significantly more likely to receive respectful maternity care. Conclusion Respectful maternity care was significantly more likely among women delivering in private hospitals, through facility-level referrals, and by cesarean section, indicating gaps in public hospital practices that require attention to ensure respectful care for all mothers.

Enhancing virtual physically unclonable function security through neuron-criticality analysis and lightweight encryption