• Al 2 O 3 films grown by atomic layer deposition passivate solar cell wafer surfaces. • ToF-ERDA shows hydrogen level in film to vary with depth/ annealing temperature. • Al 2 O 3 as-deposited and annealed ≤450–500 °C contains ∼1.2 at.% hydrogen. • Passivation level and hydrogen concentration reduces with annealing >500 °C. Aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) films grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are widely used in surface passivation, including for silicon-based solar cells. Post-deposition annealing is used to tune interfacial properties by modifying field-effect and chemical passivation. We have used time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis (ToF-ERDA) to depth-profile hydrogen concentrations in silicon coated with Al 2 O 3 grown by plasma-enhanced ALD at 200 °C, with effective carrier lifetimes in the same sample set monitored by photoconductance decay measurements. Effective lifetime — which strongly relates to surface passivation — peaks with post-deposition annealing at 450–500 °C. Corona charging experiments demonstrate that chemical passivation improves with annealing from 400 to 550 °C, worsening with annealing ≥600 °C. ToF-ERDA reveals an average hydrogen concentration of ∼1.2 at.% for films as-deposited and annealed ≤450–500 °C. As passivation starts to reduce upon annealing >550 °C, the film’s average hydrogen concentration reduces to ∼0.5 at.%, with no detectable increase in hydrogen in the silicon. Hydrogen out-diffusion should be a consideration in understanding reduced passivation at higher annealing temperatures. If the Al 2 O 3 film is considered as two regions — near-surface and near-interface — then below 500 °C, hydrogen concentrations are greater near-surface than near-interface, a trend reversed when annealing >550 °C

Resource-efficient numerical computing and elastic wave behavior analysis in complex poroelastic media

This study presents a comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the double perovskite compounds K2AgSbX6 (X = Cl, F, I) using the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (mBJ) exchange-correlation functionals. The electronic, optical, elastic, and thermoelectric properties of these materials have been systematically analyzed to evaluate their potential for photovoltaic and thermoelectric applications. The novelty of this work lies in the comparative band-gap engineering of K2AgSbX6 through halide substitution, together with a combined assessment of optical absorption, mechanical stability, thermoelectric performance, spin-orbit coupling effects, and thermodynamic behavior. The calculated lattice constants, formation energies, and structural stability parameters confirm the thermodynamic stability of all three compounds. Electronic band structure calculations reveal semiconductor behavior with band gaps ranging from 0.373eV (K2AgSb6) to 2.07eV (K2AgSbF6) using GGA, and 1.041eV to 4.11eV using mBJ approximation. Including spin-orbit coupling slightly reduces the mBJ band gaps to 0.97eV for K2AgSbI6, 2.42eV for K2AgSbCl6, and 4.017eV for K2AgSbF6, with the strongest SOC influence observed for the iodine-based compound. Effective-mass calculations further show that K2AgSbI6 has the lowest carrier effective mass among the studied compounds, with values of 0.204m0, 0.226m0, and 0.231m0 using GGA, mBJ, and mBJ + SOC, respectively, indicating more favorable carrier transport compared with K2AgSbCl6 and K2AgSbF6. The optical properties demonstrate excellent absorption characteristics in the visible and near-infrared regions, making these materials promising candidates for solar cell applications. In particular, K2AgSbI6 exhibits low-energy absorption starting near ~ 1eV, supporting its relevance for visible/near-infrared optoelectronic response. Elastic property analysis indicates mechanical stability and ductile behavior for all compounds. Phonon-dispersion calculations show the absence of imaginary frequencies along the investigated high-symmetry directions, confirming the dynamical stability of K2AgSbCl6, K2AgSbF6, and K2AgSbI6. The thermoelectric properties show significant potential for energy harvesting applications, particularly at elevated temperatures. The highest thermoelectric figure of merit is obtained for K2AgSbI6, with ZT exceeding 1.0 at high temperature, whereas K2AgSbF6 shows the lowest ZT because of its wider band gap and reduced carrier activity. These results identify halide substitution as an effective route to tune the electronic, optical, and thermoelectric response of K2AgSbX6 double perovskites.

ABSTRACT This study investigated the design, seismic performance, and constructability of lead rubber bearing (LRB) systems for two skybridges connecting three high-rise towers. The target structure is a residential complex with three towers approximately 200 m high and two skybridges installed at the 17th floor between adjacent towers. To accommodate relative lateral and torsional displacements caused by differences in tower dynamic characteristics during earthquakes, multidirectional LRBs were installed at the skybridge supports. Linear elastic analyses were conducted to determine design axial forces and displacement demands, followed by nonlinear time-history analyses using seven spectrum-compatible ground motions to evaluate seismic responses. The results showed that maximum horizontal and relative displacements at all isolation interfaces remained within the design allowable limit of 150 mm. Full-scale LRBs manufactured according to the design specifications were tested under pure compression and combined compression – shear cyclic loading following ISO 22762–1. The test results confirmed satisfactory vertical stiffness, effective horizontal stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity. Overall, the proposed LRB system demonstrated reliable seismic performance and practical applicability for skybridges in high-rise building complexes.

PurposeImmune infiltration plays an important role in the pathogenesis of both ulcerative colitis (UC) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim is to explore the significance of immune cell-related genes in colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC).MethodsDatasets related to UC and CRC were sourced from public databases. Key immune cell-related CAC genes (IC-CACs) were obtained by using WGCNA, differential expression and elastic net logistic regression analyses. Their diagnostic performance was assessed via ROC curves. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were analyzed using the AUCell algorithm. Prognostic signatures were developed from differentially expressed genes between AUCell score-high and -low groups using Cox and LASSO regression. Moreover, the expressions of IC-CACGs were examined by RT-qPCR using clinical samples.ResultsWe obtained 13 key IC-CACGs correlated with neutrophils and dendritic cells. ROC curves revealed that key IC-CACGs had the good ability to distinguish UC or CRC patients from controls. scRNA-seq analysis revealed enrichment of interferon response, inflammation, and PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling in AUCell scorehigh groups, while glycolysis and EMT were enriched in scorelow groups. A 20-gene prognostic signature was constructed and validated, with low-risk patients showing better overall survival. Key IC-CACGs correlated strongly with prognostic genes, and high-risk patients exhibited higher TIDE scores, suggesting poorer immunotherapy response. CD69, CXCR4, and SAMSN1 were highly expressed in T cells and natural killer T cells, and their expressions were significantly increased in CAC samples.ConclusionOur results provide the evidence for the promising role of immune cell-related genes in the development of CAC and new ideas for CAC prevention and treatment.

• Logistical rebound reduces the effectiveness of energy efficiency in South America. • Dominant road networks intensify consumption in countries like Brazil and Chile. • Integrated and modal policies are essential to mitigate rebound effects. • Logistics emerges as a central point in the sustainable energy transition. The pursuit of energy sustainability in South America has led to major efficiency investments in the transport sector, a key energy consumer. However, these gains are often offset by the transport energy rebound effect, whereby efficiency improvements paradoxically stimulate greater demand for transport services. This study examines direct and indirect rebounds across ten South American countries using log-linear econometric models and elasticity analysis. Results reveal marked regional heterogeneity, ranging from super conservation to backfire, shaped by infrastructure deficits, institutional fragility, and strong reliance on road-based systems. The findings highlight the risks of depending solely on technological advancements without structural or regulatory measures. The study recommends integrated policy frameworks involving demand-side regulation, targeted subsidies, modal shifts, and comprehensive externality pricing. By providing a systemic interpretation of rebound dynamics, the research offers insights for designing resilient, low-carbon transport strategies aligned with climate commitments.

In this work we study the depth profiles of oxidized metastable Zn 3 N 2 thin films using time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis (TOF-ERDA). The goal of the experiment is to test the reproducibility of the concentration and thickness quantification with two different ion beams: 18 MeV and 20 MeV . Our results show very good agreement between the depth profiles obtained with both beams, which confirm the top-down transformation of the layers. The elemental loss was evaluated in the samples, showing that N and H are sensitive to beam damage, while O and Zn remain stable. This loss needs to be considered to obtain more accurate quantification of the atomic content in the layers.

This study offers a comprehensive investigation into the predicting of global solar radiation and the evaluation of climate change effects on insolation, as well as six photovoltaic (PV) technologies—mono-crystalline silicon (m-Si), poly-crystalline silicon (p-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), hybrid silicon (h-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)—across three carbon-intensive economies: South Africa, India, and China, over three timeframes: 2015–2050, 2051–2100, and 2015–2100. Employing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project – Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate datasets within Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585), the authors developed 20 empirical, statistical, ensemble, and machine learning models, resulting in the novel SARIMA-CARIMA-GPM hybrid model, which attained exceptional accuracy (R² > 0.94; RMSE < 0.001) in predicting monthly mean global solar radiation. Findings indicate geographical disparities in prospective solar potential: India demonstrates significant improvements in insolation (up to +2.95 %) under SSP585, facilitating long-term solar growth, particularly during the monsoon and autumn seasons. South Africa exhibits annual stability but experiences significant seasonal declines during MAM (−3.0 %), indicating a necessity for focused seasonal photovoltaic deployment. Conversely, China exhibits sustained long-term reductions in irradiance (up to −3.8 %), primarily attributable to enduring pollutants and cloud cover, with winter insolation remaining alarmingly low. To assess performance variations in photovoltaic modules, two innovative analytical instruments—Seasonal Elasticity Analysis Model (SEAM) and Time Horizon Decomposition Model (THDM)—were created, demonstrating that thin-film (a-Si, CdTe, CIGS) and hybrid (h-Si) modules exhibit greater climate resilience compared to traditional crystalline silicon. The results offer practical guidance for enhancing photovoltaic system design, technology choice, and climate-responsive policy measures. • Tri-hybrid SARIMA–CARIMA–GPM boosts GSR prediction (R²>0.94; RMSE<0.001). • Six PV modules compared; thin-film and h-Si show strongest climate resilience. • India gains solar potential (up to +2.95 %); China declines (∼−3.8 %). • South Africa near-neutral annually but MAM losses reach about −3.0 %. • New SEAM and THDM indices reveal seasonal elasticity and time-slice sensitivity.

Strain gradient elasticity analysis of mode-I crack in bi-directional functionally graded material using machine learning

Vertical stress is a key parameter for assessing subgrade performance and permanent deformation in a pavement structure. Traditionally, vertical stress is estimated by back-calculating pavement layer moduli from falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflections, followed by analysis using layered elastic analysis (LEA) or finite element analysis (FEA). However, these methods are often time-consuming and sensitive to layer moduli inputs. This study explores a data-driven approach to directly predict vertical stress under moving load from FWD deflection data, thus eliminating the need for back-calculation of layer moduli. A shallow artificial neural network (ANN) model was trained and tested using field-measured FWD deflections and vertical pressure data collected from 11 full-scale pavement test lanes at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). The predictions using the ANN model showed better agreement with measured vertical stresses than a fitted multi-linear regression model and conventional LEA-based estimates using back-calculated moduli. The findings suggest that ANN-based models can serve as an effective alternative to conventional mechanistic approaches for predicting vertical stresses in flexible pavement structures using FWD deflection data.

The present work illustrates the first systematic assessment of the structural, electronic and optical characteristics of the cubic halide double perovskite compounds Na2AgInX6 (X = F, Cl, Br and I). All four compounds were observed to stabilize in a crystalline face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure (Fm-3m) with lattice parameter values ranging from 8.891 Å (Na2AgInF6) to 11.942 Å (Na2AgInI6) and decreasing values of lattice stiffness as the halide size increased. These compounds exhibit direct bandgaps in the range from 3.126 eV (Na2AgInF6) to 0.818 eV (Na2AgInI6). The analysis of optical behaviours indicates a systematic increase in both dielectric constant and the refractive index as the size of the halogen is increased. The extensive absorption and optical conductivity observed in the visible-UV region, particularly for the Br- and I-components, indicate that they have potential for optoelectronic and photonic applications. Thermoelectric calculations predict high ZT values approaching unity (≈0.99) over 300-900 K, particularly for F- and Cl-based systems. Elastic and thermodynamic analyses confirm ductile behavior of these compounds. We have performed DFT calculations using FP-LAPW method employed in WIEN2k with a GGA exchange correlation function. Firstly, we performed the structural optimization to get the optimal structure of the lowest energy configuration. Afterwards, Electronic properties such as band structures and DOS were computed. To get the more accurate bandgap we used the TB-mBJ approach with the PBE-GGA functional. The optical properties such as dielectric function, reflectivity, refractive index, etc. were calculated using the enhanced bandgap values for detailed representation of the spectra. The transport coefficients of thermoelectric materials were calculated using a Boltzmann approach under the constant relaxation time approximation employed in BoltzTraP code. The method for determining the elastic constants is based upon the finite strain theory, while the thermodynamic properties are determined using the quasi-harmonic Debye model in Gibbs2 code.

Understanding the role of elementary and secondary schools in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is essential for designing effective public health policies. We developed a stochastic age-stratified transmission model, fitted to epidemiological and contact survey data, to evaluate how alternative school closure and reopening strategies might have shaped the course of the pandemic in the Netherlands from early 2020 through late 2021. Using counterfactual simulations and time-varying elasticity analysis, we found that school closures could mitigate transmission and reduce healthcare burden. However, their effectiveness was highly context-dependent, influenced by school type, contact patterns, policy timing, and population immunity. Age groups driving transmission shifted over time, with adults dominating early in the pandemic, adolescents in late 2020 and early 2021, and children in late 2021. Accordingly, secondary schools had a greater impact on national hospitalizations in 2020, while elementary schools became more important in 2021, partly due to lower infection-induced and negligible vaccine-induced immunity among children compared to adolescents. Together, these results underscore the importance of accounting for age-specific transmission dynamics and the evolving epidemiological landscape when evaluating school closure and reopening strategies. Our study supports a more targeted and adaptive approach to school policies in future pandemics.

The progression of chronic heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) is traditionally evaluated by serial changes in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), a measure of systolic function. Our study evaluated how a combined wall stress and wall strain analysis of myocardial elasticity (secant modulus) offers a more complete assessment of myocardial changes that occur after MI. Using a clinically relevant ischemic swine model, we calculated secant modulus in-vivo from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to better understand changes in cardiac remodeling and to identify potential early detection markers. Male Yucatan mini swine (N = 15) underwent 90-min occlusion-reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce MI. Cardiac MRIs were obtained at baseline (before MI) and 1-month post-MI. Secant modulus was calculated in the anteroseptal (infarcted) and inferolateral (non-infarcted) regions, in the longitudinal and circumferential fiber directions. This method applied both strain and stress, the latter utilizing invasive hemodynamic LV pressure data acquired prior to MRIs. Anteroseptal and inferolateral longitudinal secant modulus increased from 28.01 ± 8.14 to 67.14 ± 15.08kPa (p < 0.05) and from 13.88 ± 1.92 to 38.80 ± 7.29kPa (p < 0.001), respectively. Anteroseptal and inferolateral circumferential secant modulus increased from 34.61 ± 10.33 to 119.17 ± 30.94kPa (p < 0.05) and from 16.77 ± 1.32 to 58.76 ± 18.98kPa (p < 0.001), respectively. The regional changes were accompanied with a decrease in EF from 60.6 ± 1.5 to 50.9 ± 3.3% (p < 0.01). Secant modulus has value in quantifying regional changes with LV dysfunction after ischemic insult; specifically, that regional abnormalities in elasticity occur in non-infarcted and infarcted areas. Although prior research has explored the ex-vivo characteristics of cardiac elasticity, there is limited research detailing in-vivo changes associated with diseases affecting myocardial fiber contractility. A better understanding of how the elasticity of the non-infarcted myocardium is adversely affected in-vivo may offer future opportunities for therapies preventing heart failure progression.

A comprehensive first-principles study of actinide antimonides U3TSb5 [T = Cr, Mn, Ti, and V] is carried out using density functional theory to explore their structural, electronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical, phonon and thermoelectric properties. Structural optimization confirms that all compounds crystallize in a stable hexagonal phase with space group P63/mcm, as supported by smooth energy–volume curves fitted with the Birch–Murnaghan equation of state. Transition-metal substitution leads to moderate variations in lattice parameters and bulk modulus without altering the structural framework. Spin-polarized electronic structure calculations reveal metallic behaviour in both spin channels, with strong hybridization between U-5f and transition-metal d states dominating near the Fermi level. All compounds exhibit a ferromagnetic ground state, with uranium and transition-metal atoms contributing significantly to the total magnetic moments, particularly in U3CrSb5 and U3MnSb5. Elastic constant analysis confirms mechanical stability, while Pugh's ratio and Poisson's coefficient indicate ductile behaviour with mixed ionic–metallic bonding. Optical property analysis shows high dielectric response, strong absorption in the visible-ultraviolet region, pronounced plasmon features, and enhanced optical conductivity, reflecting their metallic character and optoelectronic potential. Thermoelectric transport calculations demonstrate increasing Seebeck coefficients and moderate figures of merit with temperature, suggesting scope for further optimization. The phonon dispersion analysis indicates that all studied U3TSb5 [T = Ti, V, Cr, Mn] compounds exhibit dynamical instability due to the presence of imaginary phonon modes. The results establish U3TSb5 compounds as structurally robust, metallic ferromagnets with multifunctional properties, offering promising prospects for spintronic, optoelectronic, and thermoelectric applications.

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors with tunable electronic bandgaps and strong excitonic effects are at the forefront of next-generation optoelectronic technologies. In this study, we introduce a novel family of 2D materials, Ru2S2X (X = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb), constructed by bridging two Ru-S monolayers with group-IV elements. Using state-of-the-art density functional theory (DFT), many-body GW corrections, and Bethe-Saltpeter equation (BSE) formalism, we systematically investigate their structural, electronic, optical, and mechanical properties. Our results reveal that Ru2S2Si and Ru2S2Ge exhibit indirect bandgaps close to 1.0eV, while Ru2S2Sn and Ru2S2Pb display direct bandgaps down to 0.4eV, enabling broadband absorption from visible to near-infrared. Phonon dispersion and ab initio molecular dynamics confirm their dynamic and thermal stability, while elastic analysis shows mechanical compliance suitable for flexible devices. Strong excitonic effects with binding energies between 0.17 and 0.30eV are observed, indicating efficient light-matter interaction balanced with exciton dissociation. Orbital-resolved analyses demonstrate that the nature of the X-site atom governs the p-d hybridization strength, driving the indirect-to-direct bandgap crossover. These findings position Ru2S2X monolayers as a promising platform for tunable, stable, and efficient 2D optoelectronics, including photodetectors, solar absorbers, and flexible Nano devices.

Background:The present study aimed to identify and analyze the psychological, cognitive, and neurophysiological factors influencing success in theta/alpha neurofeedback training. The research focused on how personality dimensions (Myers–Briggs Type Indicator), impulsivity (UPPS), intelligence quotient (Raven’s Progressive Matrices), and baseline EEG frequency bands relate to neural self-regulation performance.Methods:A quantitative descriptive–analytical design was employed. Data from six healthy participants who completed eight neurofeedback sessions were collected and analyzed using a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network and Elastic Net regression implemented in Python.Results:Findings revealed consistent increases across EEG frequency bands, with baseline neurophysiological measures sufficient for predicting training outcomes. The Elastic Net analysis identified the Judging personality trait, impulsivity, and baseline delta power as the most influential predictors of responsiveness. Furthermore, enhanced negative correlations between theta and alpha bands suggested improved cognitive differentiation during training.Conclusion:Neurofeedback responsiveness is a multifaceted phenomenon influenced by both neurophysiological indices and psychological–cognitive factors. These results underscore the importance of integrating psychological profiling with neural data to optimize individualized neurofeedback interventions.

Abstract Introduction High continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence is central to the effective management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, considerable variability in adherence persists that cannot be explained by known factors such as sleepiness, disease severity, or socio-economic characteristics. Preliminary analyses of endotypic traits as predictors of CPAP adherence have provided conflicting results. To overcome gaps in the literature related to the heterogeneity of data sources and designs, this study uses real-world clinical data to comprehensively analyze OSA endotypes and burdens on CPAP adherence at multiple timescales of compliance. Methods Participants consisted of patients at Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital with available polysomnography and CPAP adherence data for the first 30 nights (n=1,754) and first year (n=1,527) of use. Endotypes and burdens were calculated from polysomnography recordings using PUPBeta. Adherence was defined as using the device for at least 4 hours on at least 70% of nights. Bivariate logistic regressions were performed between CPAP adherence at both time scales and each endotype/burden metric. An elastic net Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed, including all endotypes and burdens as potential predictors of night to last CPAP use and censoring at one year. Both analyses adjusted for sex, ancestry, BMI, age, and duration between PSG and CPAP dates. Results No endotypes/burdens were associated with 30-day adherence. However, each one-unit increase in ventilatory response to arousal (VRA) was associated with a 1.007-fold increased odds (95% CI=1.003-1.012) of one-year CPAP adherence. Increased hazard of stopping CPAP was associated with: (per one-standard deviation increase) lower arousal threshold (HR=0.851; 95% CI=0.752-0.971), and higher loop gain (HR=1.123; 95% CI=1.009-1.354) and circulatory delay (HR=1.088; 95% CI=1.009-1.218). Conclusion One-year but not 30-day adherence, as well as CPAP discontinuation rate, were associated with several OSA mechanistic traits. Overall, these findings underscore CPAP adherence associations with OSA mechanistic heterogeneity. The results may help inform risk assessments of patients’ likelihood of CPAP therapy adherence based on OSA endotypes and, secondarily, support strategies to improve overall adherence. Support (if any) American Academy of Sleep Medicine 338-SR-24, NIH/NHLBI R01 HL15380.

Unequal air quality benefits from EV adoption in California, the world’s EV leader

Canine ehrlichiosis in Northern Australia: A sensitivity and elasticity analysis of R0.

Shear elasticity analysis of supraball by resonant scattering using longitudinal ultrasonic pulses.