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Police responses to young people’s experiences of cyberstalking

In our digitally interconnected world, cyberstalking has become a significant concern for online users worldwide. Young people have embraced new technologies for communication, making social media apps such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and other platforms an integral part of their lives for communicating with each other. Young people utilise digital spaces to create new connections and even initiate, sustain, and carry out part of their intimate relationships online. Consequently, technology has provided opportunities to facilitate online monitoring of others due to the proficiency and ease with which information can be obtained.

The rise of digital technologies has given perpetrators new avenues and opportunities to target victims resulting in a rise of cyberstalking. However, little work to date has explored young people’s perceptions and experiences of cyberstalking. With research consistently revealing very few cyberstalking victims choose to report their experiences to the police. There is notable research gap regarding young people’s reasons not to report cyberstalking incidents.

Guided by the power differentials between police officers and young people. This research examines police officers use of authority to regulate and influence behaviour of young people. This paper will explore some of the key issues identified in the literature review, including prevalence and variations of cyberstalking among young people, experiences and barriers to reporting to the police and other agencies. It draws on insights from interviews with young cyberstalking victims and frontline response police officers. Preliminary findings from the voices of young people indicate age bias among police officers, resulting in misguided advise on cyberstalking incidents, leading to escalated risk and lack of support. The perspectives and experiences of young people emphasise the importance of lasting changes in attitudes, policies and practices. By tackling these, the research aims to contribute to improved victims support, inform policy and refine practices within the cyberstalking sector.

• Speaker: Tahreem Tahir, University of Central Lancashire
• Friday 31 January 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Webinar & FW11, Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building..
• Series: Computer Laboratory Security Seminar; organiser: Tina Marjanov.

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Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/D4EE05232C, PaperXi Fan, Jiwen Chen, Jinzhao Wang, Jing Wang, Jixi Zeng, Feng Wei, Shuai Gao, Jia Li, Jing Zhang, Feng Yan, Weijie Song
Additives with strong adsorption energies coordinate with lead ions and reduce halogen vacancy defects, leading to a highly ordered atomic arrangement of the lattices and grain boundary mitigation of the...
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Police responses to young people’s experiences of cyberstalking

In our digitally interconnected world, cyberstalking has become a significant concern for online users worldwide. Young people have embraced new technologies for communication, making social media apps such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Snapchat and other platforms an integral part of their lives for communicating with each other. Young people utilise digital spaces to create new connections and even initiate, sustain, and carry out part of their intimate relationships online. Consequently, technology has provided opportunities to facilitate online monitoring of others due to the proficiency and ease with which information can be obtained.

The rise of digital technologies has given perpetrators new avenues and opportunities to target victims resulting in a rise of cyberstalking. However, little work to date has explored young people’s perceptions and experiences of cyberstalking. With research consistently revealing very few cyberstalking victims choose to report their experiences to the police. There is notable research gap regarding young people’s reasons not to report cyberstalking incidents.

Guided by the power differentials between police officers and young people. This research examines police officers use of authority to regulate and influence behaviour of young people. This paper will explore some of the key issues identified in the literature review, including prevalence and variations of cyberstalking among young people, experiences and barriers to reporting to the police and other agencies. It draws on insights from interviews with young cyberstalking victims and frontline response police officers. Preliminary findings from the voices of young people indicate age bias among police officers, resulting in misguided advise on cyberstalking incidents, leading to escalated risk and lack of support. The perspectives and experiences of young people emphasise the importance of lasting changes in attitudes, policies and practices. By tackling these, the research aims to contribute to improved victims support, inform policy and refine practices within the cyberstalking sector.

Zoom link: https://cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/83115049986?pwd=6W5bzFb49HcCbWqz6HR3tRhpVxubTb.1

• Speaker: Tahreem Tahir, University of Central Lancashire
• Friday 31 January 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: Webinar & FW11, Computer Laboratory, William Gates Building..
• Series: Computer Laboratory Security Seminar; organiser: Tina Marjanov.

Add to your calendar or Include in your list

This review provides a comprehensive summary of ultrafast infrared plasmonics covering the fundamental principles, material systems, manipulation methods, detection techniques, and promising applications. Furthermore, it highlights the future potential of ultrafast infrared plasmonics as a novel platform for exploring ultrafast electronic correlation effects and many-body interactions.

Abstract

Ultrafast plasmonics represents a cutting-edge frontier in light-matter interactions, providing a unique platform to study electronic interactions and collective motions across femtosecond to picosecond timescales. In the infrared regime, where energy aligns with the rearrangements of low-energy electrons, molecular vibrations, and thermal fluctuations, ultrafast plasmonics can be a powerful tool for revealing ultrafast electronic phase transitions, controlling molecular reactions, and driving subwavelength thermal processes. Here, the evolution of ultrafast infrared plasmonics, discussing the recent progress in their manipulation, detection, and applications is reviewed. The future opportunities, including their potential to probe electronic correlations, investigate intrinsic ultrafast plasmonic interactions, and enable advanced applications in quantum information are highlighted, which may be promoted by multi-physical field integrated ultrafast techniques.

A one-pot process synchronizing nanoparticle ex-solution and phosphorization is developed for simultaneous phosphide nanoparticle synthesis and host oxide functionalization. The resulting IrRuP/WO2.9 catalyst achieves exceptional mass activity and low onset potential for alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction, significantly outperforming commercial Pt/C and offering a promising alternative for high-performance electrocatalysis.

Abstract

Supported nanoparticles incorporating catalytically attractive nonmetal elements have gained significant attention as a promising strategy for enhancing catalytic activity in various industrial applications. This study presents an innovative one-pot synthesis method for fabricating hybrid catalysts, which simultaneously modifies surface properties through the precipitation of nanoparticles with the concurrent incorporation of nonmetal elements. The underlying concept is to synchronize the temperature required for particle formation with that of nonmetal incorporation by adjusting the oxygen chemical potential of the host oxide. As a case study, Ir- and Ru-doped WO3 are selected as the starting material, with phosphorus (P) as the representative nonmetal for surface functionalization. Notably, the hybrid catalyst, composed of amorphous (Ir,Ru)Px particles dispersed on P-rich WO2.9 sheets, is synthesized through a single heat treatment at 500 °C, avoiding undesirable sintering of the host material. When used as a hydrogen evolution catalyst, this material exhibits outstanding mass activity, durability, compared to state-of-the-art Pt/C catalysts. Density functional theory calculations further reveal that the superior performance of the hybrid catalysts attributes to improved water dissociation and favorable adsorption and desorption of key reaction intermediates. This novel synthesis strategy offers considerable potential for advancing diverse areas of heterogeneous catalysis.

Metallic MoO 3-x is successfully prepared at the kilogram scale and exhibits an outstanding STA efficiency (≈0.3%) under simulated-solar irradiation. Its potential scalability of the large-scale photocatalytic system stems from a high STA efficiency (0.03%) and good stability (6 days) of the 1 m2 panel reactor system, yielding solar fertilizer ((NH4)2SO4).

Abstract

Harnessing solar energy to convert molecular N2 into nitrogen-rich chemicals (e.g., ammonia) provides a potential pathway for the manufacture of “solar fertilizers”. However, the solar-to-ammonia (STA) efficiency of most solar fertilizer systems developed to date is less than 0.1%. Herein, an outstanding STA efficiency of ≈0.3% using a metallic molybdenum trioxide (metallic MoO3-x) photocatalyst under simulated-solar irradiation is reported, with localized surface plasmon resonance phenomena in the metallic MoO3-x photocatalyst enhancing both light utilization and N2 activation. The potential scalability of the photocatalytic technology is demonstrated in a 1 m2 panel reactor system, with a high STA efficiency and good stability demonstrated over 6 days of outdoor testing, yielding a solid (NH4)2SO4 product for easy collection. The as-designed square-meter outdoor reaction system facilitates the integration of solar fertilizer technology with existing agricultural infrastructure.

Omnidirectional strain sensing is crucial in healthcare monitoring, human motion detection, and human-machine interfaces. By mimicking the 3D structure of human fingers, this work introduces a novel heterogeneous substrate incorporating the involute of a circle which enables the device to achieve isotropic omnidirectional hypersensitive strain sensing and directional recognition simultaneously.

Abstract

Omnidirectional strain sensing and direction recognition ability are features of the human tactile sense, essential to address the intricate and dynamic requirements of real-world applications. Most of the current strain sensors work by converting uniaxial strain into electrical signals, which restricts their use in environments with multiaxial strain. Here, the first device with simultaneous isotropic omnidirectional hypersensitive strain sensing and direction recognition (IOHSDR) capabilities is introduced. By mimicking the human fingers from three dimensions, the IOHSDR device realizes a novel heterogeneous substrate that incorporates the involute of a circle, resulting in isotropic behavior in the radial direction and anisotropic property in the involute direction for hypersensitive strain sensing. With the assistance of a deep learning-based model, the IOHSDR device accomplishes an impressive accuracy of 99.58% in recognizing 360° stretching directions. Additionally, it exhibits superior performance in the typical properties of stretchable strain sensors, with a gauge factor of 634.12, an ultralow detection limit of 0.01%, and outstanding durability exceeding 15 000 cycles. The demonstration of radial artery pulse and throat vibration applications highlights the IOHSDR's unique characteristics of isotropic omnidirectional sensing and precise direction detection unleashing new classes of wearable health monitoring devices.

This review provides an overview of the structures of 2D molecular crystals (2D MCs) and strategies to modify their morphology and properties. Next, it summarizes preparation methods for large-scale 2D MCs by solution-based processes or vapor deposition. Finally, it highlights the applications of 2D MCs in electronic and optoelectronic devices with the advantages of tunable properties and scalable preparation methods.

Abstract

2D molecular crystals (2D MCs) are an emerging family of 2D materials formed by organic or inorganic molecules held together entirely by weak intermolecular forces. 2D MCs are gaining attention in electronics and optoelectronics due to their structural diversity, scalability, and strong light–matter interactions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of 2D MCs and their potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications. It begins by highlighting the structural features and properties of key 2D MCs discovered to date, focusing on three strategies to manipulate intermolecular forces for better control over crystal morphology and properties. Then various methods are explored for fabricating large-area, highly-oriented 2D MCs, with an emphasis on vapor-phase and liquid-phase techniques. Last, their applications are reviewed in electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as channel materials, photosensitive components, and dielectrics. It is concluded by discussing future challenges and opportunities in the field, offering insights into scalable production and industrial applications of 2D MCs.

Mimicking micro-pores structures from black butterflies, terahertz response behaviors with incidence-angle-insensitive and ultra-broadband can be effectively controlled through a disordered pore-induced structural orientation mechanism. In this research, the first investigation is presented into the regulation of terahertz response behaviors via optimized pore structure including disorder, pore parameters, and orientation, regarding as resonance sphere and waveguide system.

Abstract

The structural disorder of the black butterfly assists in capturing sunlight across a wider spectral and angular range, injecting infinite vitality for omnidirectional and stimuli-responsive wave-absorbing materials. Here, the disordered micro-pores responding to terahertz (THz) waves through electromagnetic simulations, and then prepared via ice templating technology are analyzed and optimized. The customized disordered aerogel makes possible perfect terahertz response property with incidence-angle-insensitive and ultra-broadband. Ti3C2Tx MXene/carboxymethyl cellulose aerogels realize excellent shielding effectiveness exceeding 70.32 dB and reflection loss of more than 43.02 dB over the frequency range of 0.3–1.5 THz. Tailoring the structural orientation of anisotropic aerogels functions as a versatile dynamic modulation approach along terahertz propagation direction. The porous structure with moderate conductivity gradually triggers the resonance effect of the cavity, approximating a resonance sphere (pore) and waveguide system (tube). Ultimately, gradient impedance aerogel is proposed integrating THz-infrared stealth, hydrophobicity, and mechanical strength. This inspired biomimetic structural strategy will also enable various terahertz applications such as terahertz imaging, line-of-sight telecommunication, information encryption, and space exploration.

A novel Li-rich transport mechanism is proposed to achieve ultrafast Li-ion conduction in composite solid-state electrolytes. Negatively charged cation defects intensify the concentration enrichment of Li ions on the nanofiller surface, inducing the formation of interconnected Li-rich transport networks. The composite electrolyte exhibits an unprecedented ionic conductivity of approaching 1 × 10⁻3 S cm⁻1 at room temperature.

Abstract

Solid-state lithium (Li) metal batteries (SSLMBs) have garnered considerable attention due to their potential for high energy density and intrinsic safety. However, their widespread development has been hindered by the low ionic conductivity of solid-state electrolytes. In this contribution, a novel Li-rich transport mechanism is proposed to achieve ultrafast Li-ion conduction in composite solid-state electrolytes. By incorporating cation-deficient dielectric nanofillers into polymer matrices, it is found that negatively charged cation defects effectively intensify the adsorption of Li ions, resulting in a high Li-ion concentration enrichment on the surface of fillers. More importantly, these formed Li-rich layers are interconnected to establish continuous ultrafast Li-ion transport networks. The composite electrolyte exhibited a remarkably low ion transport activation energy (0.17 eV) and achieved an unprecedented ionic conductivity of approaching 1 × 10⁻3 S cm⁻1 at room temperature. The Li||LiNi0.8Co0.1Mo0.1O2 full cells demonstrated an extended cycling life of over 200 cycles with a capacity retention of 70.7%. This work provides a fresh insight into improving Li-ion transport by constructing interconnected Li-rich transport networks, paving the way for the development of high-performance SSLMBs.

A bifunctional lysosome-targeting chimera nanoplatform (NLTC) is synthesized for tumor-selective protein degradation and enhanced cancer immunotherapy. By rationally controlling surface properties and encapsulating catalase, NLTC can efficiently accumulate at tumor tissues and avoid on-target off-tumor toxicity, synergistically degrade cancer cell surface programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) and relieve immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for effective cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract

Lysosome-targeting chimeras (LYTACs) have recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for degrading extracellular and membrane-associated pathogenic proteins by hijacking lysosome-targeting receptors. However, the antitumor performance of LYTAC is limited by its insufficient tumor accumulation and nonspecific activation. Additionally, the synergistic effects of LYTACs and other therapeutic modalities are crucial. To address these issues, a bifunctional LYTAC nanoplatform (NLTC) is developed for tumor-selective protein degradation and enhanced cancer immunotherapy. By rationally controlling the surface composition, the NLTC can effectively transport extracellular or membrane proteins into lysosomes for degradation via cation-independent mannose 6-phosphate receptors. With removable surface modification, an NLTC is obtained that efficiently accumulated in tumor tissues and avoided on-target off-tumor toxicity. Moreover, the synthesis method of NLTC is generally applicable to various enzymes. Thus, catalase (CAT) is encapsulated with NLTC to synergistically degrade cancer cell surface programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), relieve the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for effective cancer immunotherapy, and significantly inhibit tumor growth, recurrence, and metastasis in B16F10-bearing mice. This work presents a bifunctional LYTAC nanoplatform that can not only perform tissue-selective protein degradation but also integrate other therapeutic modalities, providing insights into the design of advanced LYTAC technologies for clinical applications.

This work introduces the ALTRNG, utilizing a BPPD to generate random bits via unpredictable arc discharge illumination. Validated by 15 NIST tests, ALTRNG produces highly random bit streams. With a 2-kbps readout circuit, it enables wireless random number transmission, offering potential for secure password systems and artificial X-ray imaging.

Abstract

The pursuit of hardware-based security solutions has highlighted the true random number generator (TRNG). Various physical phenomena, from noise generation to quantum physics complexities, have been explored for random number generation. The arc discharge light-induced TRNG (ALTRNG) is introduced, featuring wavelength-dependent photocurrent generation and arc discharge irradiation. A bipolar photo-responsive photodetector (BPPD) differentiates “1” and “0” states, producing highly random bits validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 15 tests. The BPPD's response to deep-ultraviolet (DUV) and blue light enables distinct photocurrent generation under arc discharge illumination. The ALTRNG generates true random signals, yielding bit streams with unpredictability, uniform distribution, and stability. With a readout circuit achieving 2-kbps, wireless random number transmission is demonstrated, highlighting potential for secure password systems and artificial X-ray image generation.

Here, a tissue-mimetic membrane for functional tendon–bone interface regeneration is fabricated. During the implantation, a biomimicry and inductive microenvironment is created by the region-specific configuration and spatiotemporal release of chondroinductive kartogenin-conjugated nanogel (nGel-KGN) and osteoinductive struvite. The In Vitro and in vivo findings validate the prominent regenerative efficacy in rotator cuff repair.

Abstract

The globally prevalent rotator cuff tear has a high re-rupture rate, attributing to the failure to reproduce the interfacial fibrocartilaginous enthesis. Herein, a hierarchically organized membrane is developed that mimics the heterogeneous anatomy and properties of the natural enthesis and finely facilitates the reconstruction of tendon–bone interface. A biphasic membrane consisting of a microporous layer and a mineralized fibrous layer is constructed through the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) strategy followed by a co-axial electrospinning procedure. Cationic kartogenin (KGN)-conjugated nanogel (nGel-KGN) and osteo-promotive struvite are incorporated within the membranes in a region-specific manner. During in vivo repair, the nGel-KGN-functionalized microporous layer is adjacent to the tendon which intends to suppress scar tissue formation at the lesion and simultaneously heightens chondrogenesis. Meanwhile, the struvite-containing fibrous layer covers the tubercula minus to enhance stem cell aggregation and bony ingrowth. Such tissue-specific features and spatiotemporal release behaviors contribute to effective guidance of specific defect-healing events at the transitional region, further leading to the remarkably promoted regenerative outcome in terms of the fibrocartilaginous tissue formation, collagen fiber alignment, and optimized functional motion of rotator cuff. These findings render a novel biomimetic membrane as a promising material for clinical rotator cuff repair.

The under-coordinated edge sites on 2D materials exhibit distinct charge distribution patterns, facilitating enhanced interactions with intermediates, and elevating their catalytic activity. Here the recent advances in edge site engineering on 2D materials for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications are summarized, including water splitting and oxygen (O2)/nitrogen (N2)/CO2 reduction. Approaches to harnessing and modifying the edge sites are also discussed.

Abstract

The utilization of 2D materials as catalysts has garnered significant attention in recent years, primarily due to their exceptional features including high surface area, abundant exposed active sites, and tunable physicochemical properties. The unique geometry of 2D materials imparts them with versatile active sites for catalysis, including basal plane, interlayer, defect, and edge sites. Among these, edge sites hold particular significance as they not only enable the activation of inert 2D catalysts but also serve as platforms for engineering active sites to achieve enhanced catalytic performance. Here it is comprehensively aimed to summarize the state-of-the-art advancements in the utilization of edge sites on 2D materials for electrocatalysis and photocatalysis, with applications ranging from water splitting, oxygen reduction, and nitrogen reduction to CO2 reduction. Additionally, various approaches for harnessing and modifying edge sites are summarized and discussed. Here guidelines for the rational engineering of 2D materials for heterogeneous catalysis are provided.

Why do some people remain cognitively able in old age? Investigating Cognitive Reserve in the CamCAN sample

Abstract not available

• Speaker: Rik Henson (MRC CBU U.of Cambridge)
• Thursday 27 February 2025, 14:00-15:00
• Venue: MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, 15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge - Lecture Theatre.
• Series: Chaucer Club; organiser: Vicky Collins.

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of SnTe-based thermoelectric materials and devices, addressing key challenges in materials, devices, integration, and applications, while highlighting current progress, obstacles, and offering valuable insights for future advancements.

Abstract

SnTe-based thermoelectric materials have attracted significant attention for their exceptional performance in mid-to-high temperature ranges, positioning them as promising candidates for thermoelectric power generation. However, their efficiency is constrained by challenges related to electronic structure, defect chemistry, and phonon behavior. This review comprehensively summarizes advancements in SnTe thermoelectric materials and devices over the past five years, focusing on strategies to address these limitations. Key approaches include defect regulation, carrier transport optimization, and phonon engineering to enhance electrical conductivity, reduce thermal conductivity, and improve overall thermoelectric conversion efficiency. The review highlights breakthroughs in fabrication methods, doping and alloying, composite designs, and the development of novel nanostructures, with particular emphasis on 2D SnTe materials such as monolayers, bilayers, and thin films, which offer new opportunities for performance enhancement. Additionally, it provides an overview of SnTe-based thermoelectric devices, covering fabrication techniques, performance optimization, stability, and flexible device development. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in developing n-type SnTe materials, optimizing interfaces, ensuring long-term stability, and maximizing conversion efficiency. This review fills gaps in the existing literature and offers valuable insights and guidance for future research aimed at improving thermoelectric properties, advancing device integration, and driving the commercial viability of SnTe-based materials for practical applications.

This study analyzes the failure of wireless earbud batteries within their intended usage context. By examining degradations from the material to device level, it reveals that failure patterns are linked to device configuration and operating conditions. The interplay of battery materials, structural design, and microenvironmental factors like temperature gradients offer crucial insights for improving battery integration and reliability.

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries are indispensable power sources for a wide range of modern electronic devices. However, battery lifespan remains a critical limitation, directly affecting the sustainability and user experience. Conventional battery failure analysis in controlled lab settings may not capture the complex interactions and environmental factors encountered in real-world, in-device operating conditions. This study analyzes the failure of commercial wireless earbud batteries as a model system within their intended usage context. Through multiscale and multimodal characterizations, the degradations from the material level to the device level are correlated, elucidating a failure pattern that is closely tied to the specific device configuration and operating conditions. The findings indicate that the ultimate failure mode is determined by the interplay of battery materials, cell structural design, and the in-device microenvironment, such as temperature gradients and their fluctuations. This holistic, in-device perspective on environmental influences provides critical insights for battery integration design, enhancing the reliability of modern electronics.

Numerical analysis of high frequency wave scattering via semiclassical analysis: a case study with non-uniform meshes

In recent years, semiclassical analysis has significantly advanced our understanding of numerical algorithms for high-frequency wave scattering. This talk will begin with an overview of how semiclassical methods have influenced the theory of numerical methods for frequency-domain wave problems. As a case study, we will then focus on the finite element method (FEM), a classical approach for approximating solutions to high-frequency scattering problems. In FEM , the solution is typically approximated using piecewise polynomials of degree p on a mesh of width h. A fundamental question is then: how should h be chosen (as a function of the frequency, k) so that the error in the numerical solution is small? It has been known since the seminal work of Babuska and Ihlenberg that the natural conjecture hk<

• Speaker: Jeffrey Galkowski (UCL)
• Thursday 06 February 2025, 15:00-16:00
• Venue: Centre for Mathematical Sciences, MR14.
• Series: Applied and Computational Analysis; organiser: Matthew Colbrook.

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Nature Materials, Published online: 31 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-024-02104-7

Non-invasive imaging reveals the mechanisms of lithium penetration in solid-state batteries, paving the way for safer and more durable energy storage technologies.

Nature Materials, Published online: 31 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41563-024-02091-9

Experiments and simulations of DNA nanostar hydrogels reveal that microscopic topology determines macroscale elasticity in amorphous networks.