bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Police reform from the top down: Experimental evidence on police executive support for civilian oversight
Authors: Adams Ian T. , McCrain Joshua , Schiff Daniel S. , Schiff Kaylyn Jackson , Mourtgos Scott M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe accountability of police to the public is imperative for a functioning democracy. The opinions of police executives—pivotal actors for implementing oversight policies—are an understudied, critical component of successful reform efforts. We use a pre‐registered survey experiment administered to all U.S. municipal police chiefs and county sheriffs to assess whether police executives’ attitudes towards civilian oversight are responsive to 1) state‐level public opinion (drawing on an original n = 16,840 survey) and 2) prior adoption of civilian review boards in large agencies. Results from over 1,300 police executives reveal that law enforcement leaders are responsive to elite peer adoption but much less to public opinion, despite overwhelming public support. Compared to appointed municipal police chiefs, elected sheriffs are less likely to support any civilian oversight. Our findings hold implications for reformers: we find that existing civilian oversight regimes are largely popular, and that it is possible to move police executive opinion towards support for civilian oversight.
Nylon 12 composite optimization: Investigating influence of ceramic functional fillers on FFF 3D printing performance and rheological properties
Authors: Divakaran Nidhin , Alex Y. , Ajay Kumar P. V. , Das Jyoti Prakash , Mohapatra Agneyarka , Mohanty Smita 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is a promising 3D printing technology for industrial and technological applications due to its cost‐effective ability to fabricate large, complex objects from thermoplastics. Nylon 12, a versatile thermoplastic, is widely used for functional prototyping and has significant potential for end‐user applications. Our research focuses on enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of Nylon 12 by developing composites with ceramic fillers such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and alumina (Al2O3). This is achieved by melt mixing the fillers into the Nylon 12 polymer matrix and preparing filaments using a filament extruder. The optimal concentration of these fillers was determined by analyzing tensile strength of the polymer composites, while DSC was employed for thermal analysis. Additionally, rheological studies were conducted to assess the impact of the fillers on the viscoelastic properties and flow characteristics of Nylon 12. The Carreau‐Yasuda model was employed to study the complex viscosity of the materials. Our findings indicate that the addition of functional fillers enhances the shear thinning behavior of Nylon 12, improving material flow through the printer nozzle. This optimization leads to 3D printed structures with minimal dimensional inaccuracies, ensuring high‐quality prints suitable for commercial applications.Highlights
Different functional fillers reinforced Nylon 12 composites‐based filaments for FDM 3D printing applications are manufactured.
Different wt.% of functional fillers are added into Nylon 12 polymer matrix via melt mixing, and their filaments are prepared by filament extruder.
Rheological studies of polymer composites were conducted to examine the influence of functional fillers in flow characteristics of polymer.
The presence of functional fillers enhanced shear thinning behavior of polymer and develops maximum printable viscosity for extrusion‐based 3D printing.
Effect of dispersion methods on electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness and thermal conductivity of graphene bio‐based epoxy composites
Authors: Zhi Lim Xing , Majid M. S. Abdul , Ridzuan M. J. M. , Ismail Mohd Shihabudin , Azaman M. D. , Khasri Azduwin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMISE) and thermal conductivity (TC) of a graphene bio‐based epoxy composite were investigated in this study. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dispersion methods on the EMISE and TC of graphene bio‐based epoxy composites. Four dispersion methods were applied to disperse graphene: hand mixing, high‐shear mixing, ultrasonication, and ultrasonication with high‐shear mixing. The graphene weightage used in this study are 3, 6, and 9 wt.%. The EMISE was examined at the X‐band frequency. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy to investigate the fracture surface morphology of the composites. The results revealed that the composite with 9 wt.% graphene exhibited the highest shielding effectiveness and TC, averaging 8.35 dB and 0.3855 W/mK, respectively, for all the dispersion methods. The composite with 3 wt.% graphene dispersed via ultrasonication exhibited the highest absorption loss (2.98 dB). Moreover, the composites with 6 and 9 wt.% graphene dispersed via ultrasonication with high‐shear mixing showed good overall improvement. This finding provides valuable insights into the effect of dispersion techniques on graphene bio‐based epoxy composites and presents a suitable dispersion method for improving the EMISE and TC.Highlights
Effect of dispersion methods on EMISE and TC has been investigated.
Optimum SEA achieved in 3 wt.% composites dispersed via ultrasonication.
Higher wt.% increased the SE and TC of composites.
Ultrasonication with high‐shear mixing improved overall results.
Multifunctional surface treatment of boron nitride nanotube‐coated polyimide films with atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma
Authors: Choi Ha Young , Kang Seong Chan , Park Sang Jun , Yoo Hee Il , Jeon Sang‐Woo , Kim Tae‐Hwan , Moon Se Youn 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolyimide (PI) surfaces coated with and without boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were treated using an atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma in open air. This treatment increased the surface wettability of the PI, measured by a decrease in water contact angle from 68° to 16°, resulting in a more uniform BNNT coating and improved surface adhesion. The plasma treatment of the BNNT‐coated PI surfaces also effectively removed residual polymer surfactants used for BNNT dispersion in water, without causing any thermal damage due to the low plasma and PI's surface temperatures of 350 and 300 K, respectively. The reactive oxygen species in the plasma, such as hydroxyl molecules and oxygen atoms, played an important role in these processes. Atmospheric‐pressure plasma can be employed in various applications in which thermally weak polymer‐based substrates are coated with BNNTs.
Proving the Security of Mediated Semi‐Quantum Key Distribution Using Entropic Uncertainty Relation
Authors: Du Zhen‐Ye , Yang You‐Long , Ning Tong , Gao Kai‐Tian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, mediated semi‐quantum key distribution (MSQKD) has become a hot topic in quantum cryptography. In this study, the original MSQKD protocol is revisited and a new scheme for proving security based on information theory is developed. At first, a new bound on the key rate of the protocol is derived using an entropic uncertainty relation, thus proving the unconditional security of the protocol. In addition, in the asymptotic scenario, a higher noise tolerance that improves the previous results is found. The legitimate communicating parties have to abort the protocol when they observe the error rate is larger than the noise tolerance. Furthermore, the security of a single‐state MSQKD protocol and a single‐state semi‐quantum key distribution (SQKD) protocol is proven using a similar scheme.
Ultra‐Small High‐Entropy Alloy as Multi‐Functional Catalyst for Ammonia Based Fuel Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Zumin , Wang Lei , Zong Lingbo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAmmonia fuel cells using carbon‐neutral ammonia as fuel are regarded as a fast, furious, and flexible next‐generation carbon‐free energy conversion technology, but it is limited by the kinetically sluggish ammonia oxidation reaction (AOR), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Platinum can efficiently drive these three types of reactions, but its scale‐up application is limited by its susceptibility to poisoning and high cost. In order to reduce the cost and alleviate poisoning, incorporating Pt with various metals proves to be an efficient and feasible strategy. Herein, PtFeCoNiIr/C trifunctional high‐entropy alloy (HEA) catalysts are prepared with uniform mixing and ultra‐small size of 2 ± 0.5 nm by Joule heating method. PtFeCoNiIr/C exhibits efficient performance in AOR (Jpeak = 139.8 A g−1PGM), ORR (E1/2 = 0.87 V), and HER (E10 = 20.3 mV), outperforming the benchmark Pt/C, and no loss in HER performance at 100 mA cm−2 for 200 h. The almost unchanged E1/2 in the anti‐poisoning test indicates its promising application in real fuel cells powered by ammonia. This work opens up a new path for the development of multi‐functional electrocatalysts and also makes a big leap toward the exploration of cost‐effective device configurations for novel fuel cells.
Dual‐Drug Nanomedicine Assembly with Synergistic Anti‐Aneurysmal Effects via Inflammation Suppression and Extracellular Matrix Stabilization
Authors: Zu Hong Lin , Zhuang Pei Pei , Peng Ying , Peng Chao , Peng Cheng , Zhu Zi Jia , Yao Ye , Yue Jie , Wang Qing Shan , Zhou Wen Hu , Wang Hai Yang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) represents a critical cardiovascular condition characterized by localized dilation of the abdominal aorta, carrying a significant risk of rupture and mortality. Current treatment options are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. This study investigates the potential of a pioneering nanodrug delivery system, RAP@PFB, in mitigating AAA progression. RAP@PFB integrates pentagalloyl glucose (PGG) and rapamycin (RAP) within a metal–organic‐framework (MOF) structure through a facile assembly process, ensuring remarkable drug loading capacity and colloidal stability. The synergistic effects of PGG, a polyphenolic antioxidant, and RAP, an mTOR inhibitor, collectively regulate key players in AAA pathogenesis, such as macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In macrophages, RAP@PFB efficiently scavenges various free radicals, suppresses inflammation, and promotes M1‐to‐M2 phenotype repolarization. In SMCs, it inhibits apoptosis and calcification, thereby stabilizing the extracellular matrix and reducing the risk of AAA rupture. Administered intravenously, RAP@PFB exhibits effective accumulation at the AAA site, demonstrating robust efficacy in reducing AAA progression through multiple mechanisms. Moreover, RAP@PFB demonstrates favorable biosafety profiles, supporting its potential translation into clinical applications for AAA therapy.
High‐Performance Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Flexible and Rechargeable Zn–Air Batteries: Recent Advances
Authors: Song Chen‐Yu , Huang Chen‐Jin , Xu Hui‐Min , Zhang Zhi‐Jie , Shuai Ting‐Yu , Zhan Qi‐Ni , Li Gao‐Ren 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFlexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries (FZABs) exhibit high energy density, ultra‐thin, lightweight, green, and safe features, and are considered as one of the ideal power sources for flexible wearable electronics. However, the slow and high overpotential oxygen reaction at the air cathode has become one of the key factors restricting the development of FZABs. The improvement of activity and stability of bifunctional catalysts has become a top priority. At the same time, FZABs should maintain the battery performance under different bending and twisting conditions, and the design of the overall structure of FZABs is also important. Based on the understanding of the three typical configurations and working principles of FZABs, this work highlights two common strategies for applying bifunctional catalysts to FZABs: 1) powder‐based flexible air cathode and 2) flexible self‐supported air cathode. It summarizes the recent advances in bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts and explores the various types of catalyst structures as well as the related mechanistic understanding. Based on the latest catalyst research advances, this paper introduces and discusses various structure modulation strategies and expects to guide the synthesis and preparation of efficient bifunctional catalysts. Finally, the current status and challenges of bifunctional catalyst research in FZABs are summarized.
Solar‐Powered Gram‐Scale Ammonia Production from Nitrate
Authors: Gnanasekar Paulraj , Peramaiah Karthik , Zhang Huafan , Alsayoud Ibrahim G. , Subbiah Anand S. , Babics Maxime , Ng Tien Khee , Gan Qiaoqiang , De Wolf Stefaan , Huang Kuo‐Wei , Ooi Boon S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe photoelectrochemical (PEC) method has the potential to be an attractive route for converting and storing solar energy as chemical bonds. In this study, a maximum NH3 production yield of 1.01 g L−1 with a solar‐to‐ammonia conversion efficiency of 8.17% through the photovoltaic electrocatalytic (PV‐EC) nitrate (NO3−) reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is achieved, using silicon heterojunction solar cell technology. Additionally, the effect of tuning the operation potential of the PV‐EC system and its influence on product selectivity are systematically investigated. By using this unique external resistance tuning approach in the PV‐EC system, ammonia production through nitrate reduction performance from 96 to 360 mg L−1 is enhanced, a four‐fold increase. Furthermore, the NH3 is extracted as NH4Cl powder using acid stripping, which is essential for storing chemical energy. This work demonstrates the possibility of tuning product selectivity in PV‐EC systems, with prospects toward pilot scale on value‐added product synthesis.
Identification of PV Parameters Based on Bézier Curve and AWSO
Authors: Lyu Yanling , Zhong Chen , You Chao , Liu Zhipeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo achieve accurate PV cell parameter identification, a method combining the second‐order Bézier function with the adaptive war strategy optimization (AWSO) algorithm is proposed, the Bézier curve for fitting the PV output characteristic curve is given by using the linear connection between the filling factor and the control points of the second‐order Bézier function, and then, the Bézier‐AWSO model is constructed, and an adaptive weight‐based updating and allocation method is given to improve the global search capability of the AWSO algorithm in the problem of recognizing five important parameters of photovoltaic, and avoid falling into the local optimum in the process of recognition. Finally, the optimal solution for the unknown parameters in the single diode topology of silicon‐based photovoltaic cells is obtained by using the data points of the fitted curves and the AWSO algorithm, and the accuracy of the AWSO algorithm for photovoltaic cell parameter identification is verified through the analysis of the arithmetic examples and real experiments. The results demonstrate that the parameter identification of the proposed improved model reduces the average relative error by 0.5%–1% compared with that before the improvement under standard and non‐standard test conditions, which improves the accuracy of the 5‐parameter identification results of the silicon‐based PV cell and provides a reference for the subsequent fault analysis. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Examining the factors behind the new UK January maximum temperature record, 28 January 2024
Authors: Silkstone Nicholas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLarge‐scale subsidence and associated adiabatic warming through compression allowed exceptionally mild air to reach western Scotland at low elevations on 28 January 2024. Marked foehn effects were then able to mix this air mass into the boundary layer across the Scottish Highlands, where an official observation from Achfary recorded a new UK January maximum temperature of 19.9°C. Observations and some numerical weather prediction data were used to assess the likely contributions of various foehn mechanisms to this event, with findings suggesting that mechanical mixing/turbulence most likely played the dominant role.
Challenges in Managing Korean Online Service Requests and Complaints via Business Chat
Authors: Kim Mary Shin , Kang Sujin , Miyashiro Tyler 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study examines how service providers and their business clients in South Korea manage and negotiate face-threatening encounters when making and receiving requests through online chats. An analysis of a collection of these online chats illustrates that unsatisfied communications lead to repeated requests and complaints from clients. The research will focus on examining how service providers adapt to these repeated requests by (re)formulating their response turns to satisfy clients. The study will reveal how their response turns differ by agency, certainty, and immediacy in executing the request, and how certain response types are preferred by clients. According to the findings, what is considered appropriate or polite in person may not be the same in online business-to-business communications.
Probing the inverse moment of Bs-meson distribution amplitude via Bs → ηs form factors
Authors: Mandal Rusa , Patil Praveen S , Ray Ipsita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We investigate the inverse moment of the Bs-meson light-cone distribution amplitude (LCDA), denoted as $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

and defined within the heavy quark effective theory, through the calculation of Bs → ηs form factors. The presence of the s-quark inside the Bs-meson dictates a notable departure of approximately 20% in the $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

value compared to the non-strange case $$ {\lambda}_{B_q} $$

λ

B
q

, as computed within the QCD sum rule approach, albeit with significant uncertainty. First, we compute the decay constant of the ηs-meson utilizing two-point sum rules while retaining finite s-quark mass contributions. Next, we constrain the parameter $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

by calculating Bs → ηs form factors within the light-cone sum rule approach, using Bs-meson LCDAs, and leveraging Lattice QCD estimates at zero momentum transfer from the HPQCD collaboration. Our findings yield $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

= 480 ± 92 MeV when expressing the Bs-meson LCDAs in the Exponential model, consistent with previous QCD sum rule estimate yet exhibiting a 1.5-fold improvement in uncertainty. Furthermore, we compare the form factor predictions, based on the extracted $$ {\lambda}_{B_s} $$

λ

B
s

value, with earlier analyses for other channels such as Bs → Ds and Bs → K.
(Auto‑)Immunität bei fokaler Epilepsie: Mechanismen (auto‑)immun-inflammatorischer epileptogener Neurodegeneration
Authors: Melzer Nico , Weber Katharina , Räuber Saskia , Rosenow Felix 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Arbeit
Während die neuronalen Mechanismen der epileptischen Übererregbarkeit („hyperexcitability“, HE) eingehend untersucht wurden, deuten neuere Erkenntnisse darauf hin, dass extraneuronale, hauptsächlich immun-inflammatorische und vaskuläre Mechanismen eine wichtige Rolle bei der Entwicklung und dem Fortschreiten der HE bei Epilepsie und ihren kognitiven und verhaltensbezogenen Begleiterkrankungen spielen.

Material und Methoden
Narrativer Review.

Ergebnisse
Auf der einen Seite können wie bei der autoimmunen (limbischen) Enzephalitis (ALE/AIE) oder der Rasmussen-Enzephalitis (RE) primäre adaptive und angeborene Immunantworten und damit verbundene Veränderungen der Blut-Hirn-Schranke (BHS) und neurovaskulären Einheit (NVU) selbst eine akute kortikale Übererregbarkeit (HE) verursachen und die Entwicklung einer Hippokampussklerose (HS) und andere strukturelle kortikale Läsionen mit chronischer HE hervorrufen. Auf der anderen Seite kann eine kortikale Übererregbarkeit, die bspw. mit Fehlbildungen der kortikalen Entwicklung (MCD) und niedriggradigen epilepsieassoziierten Tumoren (LEAT) assoziiert ist, begleitet sein von sekundären adaptiven und angeborenen Immunantworten und Veränderungen der BHS und NVU, wodurch möglicherweise deren Ikto- und Epileptogenität moduliert wird. Diese Zusammenhänge verdeutlichen den Einfluss adaptiver und angeborener Immunmechanismen und damit verbundener Veränderungen der BHS und der neurovaskulären Einheit auf die kortikale Erregbarkeit und umgekehrt, was für ein dynamisches komplexes Zusammenspiel dieser Faktoren bei der Entwicklung und dem Fortschreiten der Epilepsie im Allgemeinen spricht.

Diskussion
Das geschilderte Konzept einer immun-vaskulo-neuralen Interaktion in der fokalen Epilepsie eröffnet neue Möglichkeiten des pathogenetischen Verständnisses und damit auch der selektiven therapeutischen Intervention.
Genetic characterization of cucumber genetic resources in the NARO Genebank indicates their multiple dispersal trajectories to the East
Authors: Shigita Gentaro , Shimomura Koichiro , Dung Tran Phuong , Haque Naznin Pervin , Duong Thuy Thanh , Imoh Odirich Nnennaya , Monden Yuki , Nishida Hidetaka , Tanaka Katsunori , Sugiyama Mitsuhiro , Kawazu Yoichi , Tomooka Norihiko , Kato Kenji 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Key message
Genotyping-by-sequencing of 723 worldwide cucumber genetic resources revealed that cucumbers were dispersed eastward via at least three distinct routes, one to Southeast Asia and two from different directions to East Asia.

Abstract
The cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is an economically important vegetable crop cultivated and consumed worldwide. Despite its popularity, the manner in which cucumbers were dispersed from their origin in South Asia to the rest of the world, particularly to the east, remains a mystery due to the lack of written records. In this study, we performed genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) on 723 worldwide cucumber accessions, mainly deposited in the Japanese National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO) Genebank, to characterize their genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure. Analyses based on over 60,000 genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by GBS revealed clear genetic differentiation between Southeast and East Asian populations, suggesting that they reached their respective region independently, not progressively. A deeper investigation of the East Asian population identified two subpopulations with different fruit characteristics, supporting the traditional classification of East Asian cucumbers into two types thought to have been introduced by independent routes. Finally, we developed a core collection of 100 accessions representing at least 93.2% of the genetic diversity present in the entire collection. The genetic relationships and population structure, their associations with geographic distribution and phenotypic traits, and the core collection presented in this study are valuable resources for elucidating the dispersal history and promoting the efficient use and management of genetic resources for research and breeding in cucumber.