Researchers now successfully fabricate well-aligned transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanowires and nanobelts. However, achieving efficient carrier transport perpendicular to the nanowire direction remains a significant challenge, which continues to limit their application in integrated polarization-sensitive devices. Based on the synergistic mechanism of precursor anisotropic diffusion and step-edge-guided growth, an effective chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach enabled by in situ coverage monitoring is developed to overcome existing limitations. By precisely terminating the growth process at its optimal stage, highly aligned and crosstalked monolayer MoS2 nanoribbons (NRs) are obtained. Crucially, these NRs demonstrate efficient current conduction along both the parallel and perpendicular directions, enabled by the inter-ribbon crosstalk structures. Reflection difference spectroscopy (RDS) and polarized Raman characterization confirm strong in-plane optical anisotropy within the arrays. Electrical measurements reveal a remarkably high parallel-to-perpendicular current ratio of up to 63.2 at 30V bias, enabling a distinct polarized light response. Furthermore, transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy uncovers anisotropic carrier dynamics in the NR arrays. This work represents the first demonstration of mimicking the differential electrical transport behavior characteristic of intrinsically anisotropic materials using an otherwise isotropic TMD material system, opening new possibilities for anisotropic optoelectronics.

Personality assessment has long been recognized as a valuable tool for understanding individual differences with implications for self-understanding and growth-related processes. Building on the development of the Personality Spectrum Analysis (PSA), the present study evaluated the SOLACE Spectrum, a revised and expanded measure designed to provide a reliable and accessible framework for understanding personality in therapeutic and relational contexts. Data were collected from 1021 adults through online administration, and exploratory factor analysis revealed six components: Stability, Optimism, Leadership, Achievement, Compassion, and Extroversion. The instrument demonstrated strong internal consistency (α = 0.91) and robust test–retest reliability (0.851–0.922), indicating stability over time. Findings support the SOLACE Spectrum as a psychometrically sound measure that can inform understanding of personality traits, relationship processes, and personal growth processes. Its application may assist professionals in therapy, counseling, and educational or organizational settings by providing descriptive feedback on personality dimensions, highlighting areas of strength, and identifying potential areas for reflection and personal insight.

Abstract Magnetic minerals can preserve remanent magnetization to provide ancient magnetic field records. Although thermoremanent magnetization (TRM) is well understood, chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) from chemical processes is also prevalent in nature and can complicate TRM records by introducing additional remanence signals. Previous studies show that CRM in single‐domain (SD) particles can lead to paleointensity underestimates. However, most natural magnetic particles are non‐uniformly magnetized, such as in the single‐vortex (SV) states, whose CRM mechanism remains unclear. Using micromagnetic modeling, we investigate CRM acquisition in fine‐grained magnetite during grain growth processes. We show that the CRM in SV particles is nearly linear with the external magnetic fields below 100 μT, within typical terrestrial magnetic fields. Unlike SD particles, SV particles show stronger CRM compared to TRM, which could potentially bias to higher paleointensity estimates. These findings highlight the importance of considering non‐uniform domain states when interpreting CRM records in paleomagnetic studies.

A design methodology of crystal growth furnace and process aided by two-step optimization using machine learning models and genetic algorithm

The homogeneity of superconducting properties in LREBa2Cu3O7−δ bulk superconductors is crucial for their cost-effective large-scale production and practical applications across various fields. In this study, we systematically investigated the homogeneity of both the microstructural and superconducting properties of the recently developed ternary (Sm,Eu,Gd)Ba2Cu3O7−δ (SEG-123) bulk superconductors, which were fabricated in air using the top-seeded infiltration growth (TSIG) process. Samples were collected from various locations to access homogeneity across the bulk, and their microstructural and superconducting properties were analyzed using various techniques. The sample with 4 wt. % BaO2 (Ba-4) exhibited a superconducting transition temperature Tc(onset) ranging from 93.62 to 93.82 K, while the reference sample (Ba–0) showed a range of 92.61–93.51 K. Additionally, the Ba-4 sample demonstrated the sharpest superconducting transition width (ΔTc), with values ranging from 0.68 to 0.81 K, compared to the reference sample, which showed a range of 2.51–2.70 K. Microstructural analyses, including energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping, spot analysis, and line analysis, revealed variations in the intensities of Sm, Eu, and Gd elements across the secondary (Sm,Eu,Gd)2BaCuO5 (SEG-211) phase particles and the SEG-123 matrix. These findings indicate that fabricating ternary SEG-123 bulk superconductors in air using the TSIG process can achieve homogeneous superconducting performance. Furthermore, controlling the RE/Ba and Ba/Cu ratios through BaO2 addition proves effective in enhancing the superconducting properties of air-processed SEG-123 bulk. The observed variations in element intensities within the secondary SEG-211 phase particles and the bulk matrix are of vital importance for further optimization of ternary SEG-123 bulk superconductors.

Distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) are one of the basic photonic structures used to define microcavities for fundamental light-matter coupling studies, as well as to optimize the performance of optoelectronic and photonic devices, e.g., lasers or non-classical light sources. The reflectivity of these structures depends critically on the refractive index contrast between the two quarter-wavelength thick layers constituting the DBR. At the same time, the epitaxial fabrication process limits the choice of materials to those with the same or very similar lattice constants to avoid strain accumulation in the relatively thick multilayer structure. This becomes very often a bottleneck for the DBR designs at certain wavelengths or for some of the material systems. Therefore, we explore theoretically DBR designs employing the refractive index contrast between undoped and doped layers of the same material, making the entire growth process homoepitaxial. The refractive index for a doped layer is calculated taking into account the free carrier absorption, carrier-carrier interaction, the Burnstein-Moss, and plasma effects. The reflectivity spectrum of a DBR is further calculated using the transfer matrix method. Exemplary results for three application-relevant materials - hBN, InP, and Si, suitable for different spectral ranges, i.e., ultraviolet, telecommunication, and mid-infrared, respectively, are presented. We report reflectivities on the level of 90% for technologically achievable doping concentrations and a moderate number of layer pairs.

The article discusses the issue of controlling the growth process of monocrystals of thallium halides using the Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. The significance of maintaining a stable temperature gradient in the crystallization zone, which has a direct effect on the quality of the final monocrystal, is determined. The use of machine vision techniques to determine the position of the melt-crystal interface and subsequently automatic control of the temperature regime is proposed and scientifically justified. To control the temperature gradient automatically, it is suggested to utilize an algorithm that relies on visual tracking of the crystallization front. This front is identified using machine vision techniques, that allow calculating the corrective action on the upper heating zone of the apparatus. A brief overview of the main steps of the algorithm is provided, and a flowchart illustrating the process is included. Using the example of one iteration of the production cycle, the over time dynamics of changes in the height of the melt-crystal interface and the temperature of the upper furnace are analyzed. The compliance of the product obtained at the pilot apparatus with the accepted technical conditions confirms the effectiveness of the proposed approach in stabilizing the temperature profile. The developed algorithm eliminates manual parameter control at each apparatus, providing opportunities for horizontal scaling of production. It demonstrates advantages over traditional control methods, increasing the repeatability and quality of grown monocrystals. It can be used in the design and modernization of Bridgman-Stockbarger apparatuses. The main limitation of proposed approach is that it can only be applied to processes involving the growth of monocrystals with specific coloration.

The post-Independence Indian state has had an ambivalent attitude towards caste. Even though the presence of caste as a structure of social disability and hierarchy was widely acknowledged, it did not enter the imaginations of India’s development establishment. It found no place in the vocabulary of economic growth spelt out in the planning models of the Nehruvian state. For the modernist elite, ascriptive structures like caste tended to disappear with the spread of education, exposure to urban culture, and broader processes of economic growth, as had presumably happened in the already developed countries of western Europe. The announcement to enumerate caste as part of the national census marks a significant turning point. Beyond mapping the demographics of jati [caste] communities, counting caste is bound to generate a large volume of data on caste’s correlates with economic status, creating possibilities of new policy narratives and politics of development/ distribution. India has indeed been counting its Scheduled Castes. However, the listing of all others as belonging to the ‘general’ category ipso facto suggested that their position in society was not detesrmined or influenced by their caste identity, that is, their location in the hierarchical social order. The decision to include all caste identities in the national census reflects the unfolding of a wide range of political and social processes. Through a critical overview of the existing literature on the changing nature of caste and the dynamics of its relationship with democratic politics, this article argues for the need for a re-envisioning of state policy and a need for engagement with caste as a structure of material inequalities.

Quantitative trait locus(QTL) mapping and candidate gene expression analysis of cold tolerance of rice at plumule and seedling stages

Introduction: Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive growth, where development is strongly influenced by environmental and parental factors. Parents’ knowledge, parenting patterns, and nutritional status play a major role in shaping children’s cognitive abilities during this stage. Objective: Child growth and development encompass two aspects: growth and development. This growth is seen through increases in size and weight, such as height and weight gain. Development is defined as a progressive series of regular changes, focusing more on psychological and intellectual development. Children's cognitive development is part of the growth and development process. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge, parenting patterns, and nutritional status with cognitive development in early childhood aged 4-6 years at Cahaya Mulia PAUD, Pebuar Village, West Bangka Regency in 2025. Method: This research method was carried out using Cross Sectional and Chi Square test with the results in the form of univariate analysis and bivariate analysis. The population in this study were students at PAUD Cahaya Mulia, Pebuar village, Jebus district in 2024. The sample of this study was all students totaling 30 respondents. Result: The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between knowledge (ρ = 0.002), parenting patterns (ρ = 0.029) and nutritional status (ρ = 0.018) with the cognitive development of children at PAUD Cahaya Mulia, Pebuar village, Jebus district in 2025 Conclusion: The conclusion is that cognitive development is influenced by various factors including knowledge, parenting patterns, and nutritional status. Each factor has a significant relationship.

Abstract The Yellow Sea has experienced the world's largest green tide of Ulva prolifera in each of the last 18 yr. Limited understanding of the mechanisms controlling U. prolifera growth and death complicates mitigation efforts. Focusing on the crucial factors and processes affecting U. prolifera blooms, we constructed a nutrient–microalgae– U. prolifera –detritus (NmiAUD) model based on the results of field microcosm experiments. The NmiAUD model characterized the growth and death processes of U. prolifera and the nitrogen and phosphorus biogeochemical processes in the Yellow Sea with good reliability. Parameter sensitivity, process correlation analysis, and numerical experiments were used to identify the most critical factors and processes. Nutrient concentrations were the most important factors controlling the growth and death of U. prolifera , followed by seawater temperature, initial biomass, and photosynthetically active radiation, with contribution rates of 55.1%, 23.9%, 16.0%, and 5.0%, respectively. Nitrogen was more important than phosphorus, with nitrate‐nitrogen accounting for 29.9%, followed by ammonium‐nitrogen (26.3%), dissolved organic nitrogen (19.9%), phosphate‐phosphorus (17.1%), and dissolved organic phosphorus (6.8%). The key processes comprised nutrient absorption, nutrient assimilation, degradation, detritus generation, dissolved organic matter mineralization, and detritus decomposition. Microalgae, which show high rates of growth, mortality, and nutrient uptake, are indicated to have a competitive advantage in the higher nutrient conditions in the South Yellow Sea, whereas U. prolifera is better adapted to the lower nutrient conditions in the North Yellow Sea. This study provides a scientific basis for the prevention and control of green tides.

Abstract In this paper, we consider a new type of dynamical systems called cycled dynamical systems (CDSs) based on the cell growth and division process. Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of cycled solutions of CDSs are studied. Secondly, we present the solutions of the CDSs through an appropriate cycled Cauchy matrix. Moreover, the stability of the linear homogeneous problems, linear perturbation problems and nonlinear problems is analyzed. Next, we investigate the controllability of linear and nonlinear CDSs. Finally, theoretical results are illustrated by providing examples.

Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have become promising tools in precision medicine research. While conventional imaging techniques provide morphological assessment, they fail to reveal crucial molecular-level changes. Monitoring secreted biomarkers presents an alternative approach that can deliver real-time physiological data throughout the growth and drug response process. In this study, the non-destructive quantification for the whole-course growth and drug-response of PDOs is first realized using a multifunctional microfluidic chip-based system that integrates culturing, drug incubation, and biomarker detection. To validate the feasibility of this method, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), a broad biomarker, is selected to investigate its correlation with both organoid growth (over 6 days) and drug response (over 72 h). The stable culture of organoids within the device is enabled by the integrated system, with net CEA accumulation being continuously monitored to assess growth rate. Additionally, finer-resolution drug response monitoring is achieved by measuring the same organoids at multiple intervals. The drug testing results demonstrated concordance with clinical outcomes in patients. Such continuous monitoring of biomarkers has the potential to effectively respond to the growth and drug-response of the PDOs, with a fine-grained interpretation of organoids being provided as a patient prognostic evaluation.

Purpose The study aims to answer three academic questions: (1) What are the policy mechanisms and the roles of local government in different entrepreneurship stages? (2) What are the boundary conditions under which the market and administrative logic work well in the entrepreneurial growth process? (3) What factors have contributed to the symbiotic evolution of entrepreneurship from a few pioneers to mass entrepreneurs? Design/methodology/approach Given the entrepreneurship process's longitudinal nature and complexity, an embedded longitudinal research design was adopted. This study focuses on back-home migrant worker entrepreneurship in rural China from 2010 to 2022 and selects nine sample enterprises in different entrepreneurship stages in three industries. Data were collected from interviews and archives and then coded, applying the grounded theory approach. Findings The main findings are: (1) The mechanisms of entrepreneurship policies and the roles of local government vary during the different stages of the entrepreneurial process. (2) Either insufficient incentives or excessive intervention by local government will lead to the failure of the mechanisms of entrepreneurship policies. (3) Successful entrepreneurs will attract and help more migrant workers engage in entrepreneurial activities through the three mechanisms of boosting the local economy, constructing favourable institutions and reshaping personal societal roles, thus achieving the symbiotic evolution of entrepreneurship. Originality/value This study's core contribution is to propose a mid-range theory based on the entrepreneurial process, which portrays the mechanism of the entrepreneurial policy portfolio and the dynamics of the role of local government. The study examines the boundary conditions for the substitution or complementarity between the two institutional logics in the entrepreneurial process and its complexity and temporal dynamics, elucidating the symbiotic evolutionary mechanism through which entrepreneurship transitions from individual pioneers to mass entrepreneurship. The study also expands the domain of institutional entrepreneurship research.

In-depth investigation for identifying autonomous vehicle crash causations: New insights from system functions, driver behaviors and kinematics.

Drought stress is a major limiting factor during the process of plant growth and development, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. MYB transcription factors play vital roles in the regulation of many developmental processes under various stresses. The aim of this study was to determine whether PtrMYB119 enhanced dehydration tolerance in Nicotiana tabacum. PtrMYB119, with a weak transactivation activity, was distributed throughout the cell with no apparent specificity. The transgenic tobacco overexpressing PtrMYB119 might regulate dehydration tolerance through increased ABA content and antioxidant enzyme activities, decreased MDA levels, and up-regulation of antioxidant genes, polyamine biosynthesis genes, and drought-responsive genes. Overall, our results could contribute to the elucidation of drought tolerance underlying PtrMYB119 action in tobacco and indicated that PtrMYB119 could be exploited for engineering drought-enduring plants in the future.

Two types of tetrapod ZnO structures are synthesized in different temperature regions of the same apparatus by a simple vapor phase synthesis, in which a novel hierarchical ZnO structure — spiny tetrapod — is first reported. The results of XRD, SEM, and BET analysis show that the products are highly crystalline ZnO, while the spiny tetrapod is covered with numerous nanosized spine crystals and significantly large surface area in comparison with the conventional smooth tetrapod. The growth process of the spiny tetrapod is proposed by a two-step mechanism, namely, the formation of a smooth tetrapod at first and further growth of spine crystals on its surface. The results suggest that spiny tetrapod ZnO is a promising candidate for applications such as photocatalysts.

The objects of research were simple interspecific hybrids created by free pollination of sickle alfalfa (Medicago falcata L.) and variable alfalfa (M. varia Mart.), a synthetic population (Syn5) created by over-pollination during five generations of sickle alfalfa and variable alfalfa, as well as a tetraploid breeding number (2n = 32) created by the method of doubling chromosomes wild northern alfalfa (M. borealis L., 2n = 16) using colchicines. It has been established that simple interspecific hybrids are similar in basic morphological features to sickle alfalfa, while the synthetic population and tetraploid number are similar to variable alfalfa. Hybrid populations morphologically related to variable alfalfa are characterized by more intensive growth processes compared to hybrids morphologically similar to alfalfa sickle and the Pavlovskaya 7 variety. They grew back after mowing after 4–5 days, the crescent alfalfa hybrids after 6–7 days, and the Pavlovskaya 7 variety after 9–11. The average height of alfalfa plants during the flowering phase in the first mowing reached 84–85 cm, in the second 76–81 cm, sickle-shaped 76–81 and 73–78 cm, respectively. The average productivity of all breeding numbers was 5–25% higher than the Pavlovskaya 7 variety. All breeding numbers and the Pavlovskaya 7 variety were superior to the Vega 87 variety in foliage (46.7–48.1% versus 43.3–45.2% of the Vega 87 variety), crude protein content (19.26–24.77% versus 18.77–23.36%). Key words: SICKLE-SHAPED ALFALFA, VARIABLE ALFALFA, HYBRID, GROWTH RATE, HEIGHT, GREEN MASS, CRUDE PROTEIN

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, relies exclusively on Anopheles mosquitoes for transmission. Once ingested during blood feeding, most parasites die in the mosquito midgut lumen or during epithelium traversal1. How surviving ookinetes interact with midgut cells and form oocysts remains poorly understood, yet these steps are essential to initiate a remarkable growth process culminating in the production of thousands of infectious sporozoites2. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of both parasites and mosquito cells across different developmental stages and metabolic conditions, we unveil key transitions and mosquito-parasite interactions that occur in the midgut. Functional analyses uncover processes that regulate oocyst growth and identify the Plasmodium transcription factor PfSIP2 as essential for sporozoite infection of human hepatocytes. Combining shared mosquito-parasite barcode analysis with confocal microscopy, we reveal that parasites preferentially interact with midgut progenitor cells during epithelial crossing, potentially using their basal location as an exit landmark. Additionally, we show tight connections between extracellular late oocysts and surrounding muscle cells that may ensure parasite adherence to the midgut. We confirm our major findings in several mosquito-parasite combinations, including field-derived parasites. Our study provides fundamental insight into the molecular events that characterize previously inaccessible biological transitions and mosquito-parasite interactions, and identifies candidates for transmission-blocking strategies.

Model-based simulation of farmland evapotranspiration and crop growth facilitates precise monitoring of crop and farmland dynamics with high efficiency, real-time responsiveness, and continuity. However, there are still significant limitations in using crop models to simulate the dynamic process of evapotranspiration and cotton growth in mulched drip-irrigated cotton fields under different irrigation gradients. The SWAP crop growth model effectively simulates crop growth. However, the original SWAP model lacks a dedicated module to consider the impact of mulching on cotton field evapotranspiration and cotton dry matter mass. Therefore, in this study, the source codes of the soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and crop growth modules of the SWAP model were improved. The evapotranspiration and cotton growth data of the mulched drip-irrigated cotton fields under three irrigation treatments (W1 = 3360 m3·hm−2, W2 = 4200 m3·hm−2, and W3 = 5040 m3·hm−2) in 2023 and 2024 at the Xinjiang Modern Water-saving Irrigation Key Experimental Station of the Corps were used to verify the simulation accuracy of the improved SWAP model. Research shows the following: (1) The average relative errors of the simulated evapotranspiration, leaf area index, and dry matter weight of cotton in the improved SWAP crop growth model are all <20% compared with the measured values. The root means square errors of the three treatments (W1, W2, and W3) ranged from 0.85 to 1.38 mm, from 0.03 to 0.18 kg·hm−2, and 55.01 to 69 kg·hm−2, respectively. The accuracy of the improved model in simulating evapotranspiration and cotton growth in the mulched cotton field increased by 37.49% and 68.25%, respectively. (2) The evapotranspiration rate of cotton fields is positively correlated with the irrigation water volume and is most influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature and solar radiation. During the flowering stage, evapotranspiration accounted for 62.83%, 62.09%, 61.21%, 26.46%, 40.01%, and 38.8% of the total evapotranspiration. Therefore, the improved SWAP model can effectively simulate the evaporation and transpiration of the mulched drip-irrigated cotton fields in the Manas River Basin. This study provides a scientific basis for the digital simulation of mulched farmland in the arid regions of Northwest China.