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Liquid crystal elastomers exhibit large reversible strain and programmable shape transformations, enabling various applications in soft robotics, dynamic optics, and programmable origami and kirigami. The morphing modes of these materials depend on both their geometries and director fields. In two dimensions, a pixel-by-pixel design has been accomplished to attain more flexibility over the spatial resolution of the liquid crystal response. Here we generalize this idea in two steps. First, we create independent, cubic light-responsive voxels, each with a predefined director field orientation. Second, these voxels are in turn assembled to form lines, grids, or skeletal structures that would be rather difficult to obtain from an initially connected material sample. In this way, the orientation of the director fields can be made to vary at voxel resolution to allow for programmable optically- or thermally-triggered anisotropic or heterogeneous material responses and morphology changes in three dimensions that would be impossible or hard to implement otherwise. Pre-patterning director fields into liquid crystal elastomers enables programmed morphing upon actuation. Guo et al. realize 3D skeletal assemblies with previously non-achievable director fields and morphing modes.

Creating micro/nanostructures containing multi-channel information within responsive hydrogels presents exciting opportunities for dynamically changing functionalities. However, fabricating these structures is immensely challenging due to the soft and dynamic nature of hydrogels, often resulting in unintended structural deformations or destruction. Here, we demonstrate that dehydrated hydrogels, treated by a programmable femtosecond laser, can allow for a robust fabrication of micro/nanostructures. The dehydration enhances the rigidity of the hydrogels and temporarily locks the dynamic behaviours, significantly promoting their structural integrity during the fabrication process. By utilizing versatile dosage domains of the femtosecond laser, we create micro-grooves on the hydrogel surface through the use of a high-dosage mode, while also altering the fluorescent intensity within the rest of the non-ablated areas via a low-dosage laser. In this way, we rationally design a pixel unit containing three-channel information: structural color, polarization state, and fluorescent intensity, and encode three complex image information sets into these channels. Distinct images at the same location were simultaneously printed onto the hydrogel, which can be observed individually under different imaging modes without cross-talk. Notably, the recovered dynamic responsiveness of the hydrogel enables a multi-information-encoded surface that can sequentially display different information as the temperature changes. Responsive hydrogels containing multichannel information have potential in miniature devices, but their fabrication can be challenging. Here, the authors report the creation of hydrogel materials with each pixel containing three-channel information for printing of distinct images in one location.

Active emulsions can exhibit chemotactic locomotion in fuel‐rich conditions like their biological counterparts. However, possessing extensive control over the spontaneous motion of chemotactic droplets and achieving their locomotion in fuel‐deficient environments remains as a challenge. Here, synthetic rotational flows are incorporated to augment droplets with on‐demand surface rolling ability. These rotational flows arise from a freely rotating magnetic cluster encapsulated within an oil droplet and aid in locomotion in fuel‐deficient regions. Combining autonomous and synthetic flows aids in switchable locomotion modes enabling active magnetic droplets to explore confined spaces by avoiding concentration gradient traps and entering narrow spaces. Finally, on‐demand switchability between surface rolling and autonomous swimming modes allows the active magnetic droplets to locomote against chemotactic gradients, while transporting and manipulating surrounding micro/nanoscale entities. This study presents synergistic combination of materials to augment the life‐like chemotactic abilities of oil droplets towards microrobotics applications. Magnetically actuated autonomous oil droplets possess on‐demand switchable locomotion modalities with augmented navigation in complex confined spaces and can perform cargo transportation.

Liesegang patterns (LPs) are a subclass of periodic precipitation patterns that result in a reaction-diffusion (RD) without convection. Since their discovery, LPs have been studied to understand the effect of different parameters such as electric field, magnetic field, or concentration of ions/ gels and to elucidate the mechanism of pattern formation. LPs are visual \"complex sums\" of the chemical reactions forming the patterns, the diffusion of the chemicals, and the physical changes in the reaction environment. Different physical environments produce different patterns and therefore the patterns formed can be used to „sense‟ the physical environment, in which the patterns are formed – if the changing physical parameter of the environment is previously linked to the various patterns forming under these conditions. In this study, we aim to achieve an LP system (CuCl2(outer electrolyte)/K2CrO4(inner electrolyte) in polyacrylamide gel) that senses temperature by monitoring concurrent pattern formation. First, we illustrate the visual differences in LPs occurring at different temperatures. We unveil the changes in the diffusion of ions, the reaction rate, and the precipitation threshold inside the gel media for LP forming at different temperatures. LP's behaviors under different temperature ramp conditions leading to a difference in pattern evolution in terms of spacing, width, and time laws are shown. Finally, we show that temperature provides a degree of freedom towards material design through RD.

A fractional model for the kinetics of hepatitis B transmission was developed. The hepatitis B virus significantly affects the world’s economic and health systems. Acute and chronic carrier phases play a crucial part in the spread of the HBV infection. The Hepatitis B infection can be spread by chronic carriers even though they show no symptoms. In this article, we looked into the Hepatitis B virus’s various stages of infection-related transmission and built a nonlinear epidemic. Then, a fractional hepatitis B virus model using a Caputo derivative and vaccine effects is created. First, we determined the proposed model’s essential reproductive value and equilibria. With the aid of Fixed Point Theory, a qualitative analysis of the problem’s approximative root has been produced. The Adams-Bashforth predictor-corrector scheme is used to aid in the iterative approximate technique’s evaluation of the fractional system under consideration that has the Caputo derivative. In the final section, a graphical representation compares various noninteger orders and displays the discovered scheme findings. In this study, we’ve utilized Artificial Neural Network (ANN) techniques to partition the dataset into three categories: training, testing, and validation. Our analysis delves deep into each category, comprehensively examining the dataset’s characteristics and behaviors within these divisions. The study comprehensively analyzes the fractional HBV transmission model, incorporating both mathematical and computational approaches. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of HBV infection and can inform the development of effective public health interventions.

Active fault reactivation poses significant hazards, and understanding their near-surface structure is crucial for mitigating seismic risk. Along the Balakot-Bagh fault (BBF), the source of the 2005 Mw 7.6 Kashmir earthquake, geomorphic evidence is gradually eroded and sedimented. Traditional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) often produces smoothly varying tomograms that obscure sharp structural boundaries. This study introduces an integrated interpretation framework that combines geological mapping, high-resolution ERT imaging, and machine learning (ML) k-means clustering to improve characterization of the BBF’s shallow deformation zone at Sar Pain (S1) and Naushahra (S2), Pakistan. Geological surveys at S1 document numerous NW–SE-trending coseismic rupture strands with vertical displacements of 0.1–3 m, defining an actively deforming damage zone, while at S2, no surface rupture is preserved due to thick alluvial cover. Inverted ERT models at both sites reveal low-resistivity anomalies associated with fractured, water-saturated materials and fault gouge; however, conventional inversions smooth sharp resistivity gradients, limiting structural interpretation. Applying k-means clustering as a post-inversion segmentation tool transforms continuous resistivity fields into discrete lithological and structural domains. The Elbow method is used to determine the optimal number of clusters to improve interpretability. The clustered models sharpen structural discontinuities, delineate fault cores and subsidiary strands at S1, and reveal concealed deformation at S2 where surface evidence is absent. This integrated interpretation framework significantly enhances the resolution and interpretability of near-surface fault architecture within a crustal-scale thrust system. The approach is particularly effective for imaging buried fault segments and has important implications for seismic hazard assessment and land-use planning.

Background: Routine immunization programs in Pakistan rely heavily on estimated population denominators, limiting accurate identification and follow-up of zero-dose and under-immunized children, particularly in high-risk urban settings such as Quetta, Balochistan. Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre–post implementation study was conducted from June 2024 to June 2025 across three low-performing union councils. A CHW-based household tracking tool was integrated within existing PEI–EPI systems. Data were derived from CHW Books, Rapid Convenience Assessments (RCA), and routine MIS reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to assess trends in immunization coverage and program performance; no inferential statistical tests were applied due to the use of complete programmatic (census-based) data rather than sampled observations. Results: Antigen-specific coverage improved substantially, with Penta-3 coverage increasing from 22% to 95%, zero-dose conversion from 45% to 65%, and defaulter follow-up from 14% to 79%. All three union councils transitioned to Category 1 operational status. Administrative coverage exceeding 100%, reflecting population-level coverage and denominator correction rather than true population-level coverage. Conclusions: Integrating CHW-based tracking with dynamic denominator verification enhances routine immunization, microplanning, equity, and operational performance in high-risk LMIC urban settings.

Radon ( 222 Rn), a radioactive gas resulted from the natural decay of other radioactive elements, pose a threat to the exposed human population. Radon gas emits along the seismically active faults and increased the 222 Rn contamination in sorrounding water and soil. This study investigated the concentration of 222 Rn in drinking water and soil after the September 24, 2019, Mw 5.8 earthquake, Mirpur District, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir (AJK). For this purpose, water ( n  = 24) samples were collected from the bore wells of orderly located houses and soil field sampling ( n  = 12) along with the NE-SW directions of fracture in the Mirpur District. Determined 222 Rn in drinking water surpassed the maximum contamination level (MCL, 11.1 kBq/m 3 ) set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) in 83%, 50%, and 33% of the sampling point at the site I, site II, and site III, respectively. However, that of soil 222 Rn concentration was observed with the normal range (10–50 kBq/m 3 ). Potential exposure of 222 Rn consumption in drinking water was the mean effective dose through ingestion ( E Wing , 0.003 ± < 0.001 mSv/a), the effective dose for inhalation ( E WInh , 0.038 ± 0.002 mSv/a), and the total effective dose of human ( E WT , 0.041 ± 0.002 mSv/a). Exposure values along with the rupture showed multifold higher risk values (up to 4 times) compared to background sites. These values were observed within the limits (0.1 mSv/a) set by World Health Organization (WHO); however, surpassed the thresholds of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the effects of atomic radiations (UNSCEAR) for all exposure pathways. This study concluded that groundwater in the close vicinity should be avoided or boiled before used for drinking purposes.

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs), using medicinal plants, has emerged as a sustainable strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional chemical routes. In the present work, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were phyto-fabricated using Withania coagulans extract and comprehensively characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, DLS, and zeta potential analyses. The TiO2NPs exhibited a mean particle size of 71 nm with a zeta potential of−36.73 mV, confirming nanoscale stability. Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies revealed a HOMO–LUMO gap of 4.52 eV, indicating favorable electronic transitions supporting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Biologically, the NPs showed strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacterial strains. Antioxidant assays revealed dose-dependent activity, while anticancer studies demonstrated 57% growth inhibition of tested cancer cell lines at 100 µg/mL concentration. In vivo wound healing in albino rats confirmed significant activity, with nearly complete wound closure by day 15 in the TiO2NP-treated group, comparable to the standard Sufre Tulle®. These findings establish W. coagulans–mediated TiO2NPs as multifunctional nanomaterials with promising applications in antimicrobial formulations, antioxidant therapeutics, cancer treatment, and advanced wound care systems.

The Mirpur Mw 5.8 earthquake on September 24, 2019, produced extensive liquefaction-induced surface deformation (LISD) in the surrounding villages. Due to the complexity of seismic hazards and the occurrence of their effects on a large spatial scale, the resulting surface, and subsurface deformation are often poorly resolved. To cover spatially extended LISD, the PSInSAR technique provided subsidence and uplift rate values ranging from −110 to +145 mm/yr consistent with the spatial distribution of the mapped liquefaction features. The most prominent surface change occurred in Abdupur and Sang villages. GPR measurements were conducted to map the near-surface cracks produced by transported liquified sand into the shallow subsurface layers and other liquefaction features (elevated groundwater table, conductive clay pockets, fractures, sand dikes, and water-enriched zones). Thus, the GPR survey assisted in the reconstruction of these structural and hydrogeological features on the near surface. In addition, the highly vulnerable zones were identified and mapped using space- and ground-based remote sensing measurements supported by the field observations. The results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed novel approach for detailed assessment of the coseismic liquefaction-induced deformation on- and near-ground surfaces by identifying areas prone to failure during earthquakes and thereby can help with hazard mitigation.