Shan Yuan^1,2, Fei Wang^2,*, Jinping Zhang^2,*, Yuxin Jiang², Kaibo Gu², Chenhao Qiao², Yutong Bai², Jie Yu², Quan Chen¹, Dedi Han³

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.082805 - 09 May 2026

Abstract Sodium metal batteries stand as a highly promising electrochemical energy storage system; however, their commercialization is severely impeded by challenges such as anode dendrite formation, the shuttle effect of highly reactive intermediates at the cathode, electrode volume expansion, and interfacial instability. Owing to their high electronic conductivity, high theoretical specific capacity, and superior sodiumphilic affinity, tellurium and its tellurides have emerged as pivotal functional materials for enhancing the performance of sodium metal batteries. This study reviews the advancements in their applications within sodium metal batteries, elaborates rational design strategies carbon-based composites, alloying, and heterostructure construction More >

Bushra A. Hasan¹, Ameer J. Fadhl², Ahmad A. Hasan¹, Yasser A. Jebbar^3,*

Chalcogenide Letters, Vol.23, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cl.2026.079634 - 09 May 2026

Abstract Copper zinc tin sulfide selenide, Cu₂ZnSn(S_1−xSe_x)₄, absorbers are promising earth-abundant and environmentally benign materials for low-cost photovoltaic applications. This study investigates the structural and optical properties of Cu₂ZnSn(S_1−xSe_x)₄ nanostructured thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition using melt-quenched targets with selenium compositions x = 0.0–1.0. X-ray diffraction revealed that films with low selenium content remained amorphous, whereas higher selenium incorporation promoted the formation of polycrystalline kesterite–stannite phases with preferred orientations along (112), (200), (220), and (312). The crystallite size increased from 12.3 to 17.9 nm as selenium reached x = 1.0, indicating enhanced crystal growth. Atomic force… More >

Walaa Alayed¹, Asad Ur Rehman², M.Awais Ehsan³, Waqar Ul Hassan⁴, Ahmed Zeeshan^5,6,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.88, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.078078 - 08 May 2026

Abstract The rapid growth in the field of data and cloud computing has made it essential to ensure information security. Encryption consists of multiple layers, among which a critical component is the Substitution box (S-box). The S-box provides nonlinearity and confusion between the original and cipher forms, and its performance directly determines the security of the cipher against cryptanalysis. Chaotic systems have been widely used for image encryption, however, they suffer from well known limitations such as deterministic periodicity and reduced unpredictability in finite field digital environments. To address these issues, we propose a new S-box… More >

Yutong Guo^1,2, Jianying Yang^1,3, Chao Yang^1,3,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.88, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.077820 - 08 May 2026

Abstract Large language models (LLMs) and related foundation-model workflows are emerging as promising tools for advancing foundry intelligence across the casting value chain. This review examines their applications in material design and property prediction, process parameter optimization and intelligent control, and defect detection and quality tracing in casting environments. The surveyed studies indicate that LLM-enabled systems can help integrate unstructured technical knowledge with multimodal industrial data. This integration supports composition design, simulation-assisted process optimization, diagnostic reasoning, and knowledge-grounded decision support. However, current evidence shows that the transition from pilot demonstrations to robust industrial deployment remains constrained More >

Haoran Li, Qi Sun, Haoran Sun, Ziyan Wu, Wenjin Wang, Fang Liu^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.079359 - 28 April 2026

Abstract Soil salinization is an increasingly severe global issue, posing a significant threat to crop growth and food security. Although sorghum exhibits moderate tolerance to saline-alkali stress, it remains highly sensitive to such conditions during the seedling stage. This study investigates the mechanisms by which zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) alleviate saline-alkali stress in sorghum seedlings and determines their optimal application concentration, thereby providing a scientific basis for agricultural production in saline-alkali soils. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to simulate varying degrees of saline-alkali stress. Sorghum seedlings were treated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0, 50,… More >

Selma Kösa^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.079055 - 28 April 2026

Abstract This study was conducted to determine the effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ) application methods and dosages on the growth, leaf, flower, and color characteristics of Silene compacta Fisch., a natural species with high potential for use as a seasonal bedding and potted ornamental plant in landscape design. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, where potted plants received a single PBZ application during the vegetative stage. The study was arranged in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 3 factorial structure. PBZ was applied either as a foliar spray or as a soil drench at… More >

Yingying Xing, Rong Wei, Xiukang Wang^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078974 - 28 April 2026

Abstract Rhizosphere microorganisms, as crucial biological groups at the soil–plant interface, play a significant role in advancing sustainable agriculture. This review systematically synthesizes three decades of research to elucidate the mechanisms and applications of rhizosphere microbes—including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, and plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—in enhancing soil health, improving crop stress tolerance, and optimizing ecosystem functioning. Key findings indicate that replacing 50% of synthetic nitrogen with organic fertilizer in maize–wheat rotation systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by up to 68% in loamy soils. Long-term no-till systems enhance carbon sequestration through microbial-driven soil organic matter accumulation.… More >

Dongmei Lian^#, Zhou Li^#, Bizhen Lin, Shaoping Zhang, Susu Yuan, Yunfa Yao, Yudong Ju, Zhengfeng Lai^*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.95, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2026.078378 - 28 April 2026

Abstract Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is highly susceptible to chilling stress, which severely constrains its growth and productivity. Although the eco-friendly biostimulant γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) has shown promise in enhancing plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, its specific role and underlying mechanisms in alleviating chilling injury in pepper remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which foliar application of 100 mg·L⁻¹ γ-PGA enhances chilling tolerance in pepper seedlings. Our results demonstrated that γ-PGA pretreatment significantly mitigated chilling-induced growth inhibition and promoted root development, evidenced by a 110.8% increase in the number of root… More >

Higinio Ramos^1,2,*, M Chandru^3,*

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.147, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2026.083154 - 27 April 2026

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >

Nishu Gupta^1,*, Manuel J. C. S. Reis²

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.147, No.1, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2026.082568 - 27 April 2026

Abstract This article has no abstract. More >