Potential Impact Research Articles

The Galactic population of canonical pulsar. II. Taking into account several evolutionary paths: Interstellar medium interaction, Galactic potential, and a death valley

Pulsars are highly magnetised rotating neutron stars, emitting in a broad electromagnetic energy range. These objects were discovered more than 55 years ago and are astrophysical laboratories for studying physics at extreme conditions. Reproducing the observed pulsar population helps refine our understanding of their formation and evolution scenarios, as well as their radiation processes and geometry. In this paper, we improve our previous population synthesis by focusing on both the radio and gamma -ray pulsar populations, investigating the impact of the Galactic gravitational potential and of the radio emission death line. To elucidate the necessity of a death line, we implemented our refined initial distributions of the spin period and spacial position at birth. This approach allowed us to elevate the sophistication of our simulations to the most recent state-of-the-art approaches. The motion of each individual pulsar was tracked in the Galactic potential by a fourth-order symplectic integration scheme. Our pulsar population synthesis took into account the secular evolution of the force-free magnetosphere and magnetic field decay simultaneously and self-consistently. Each pulsar was evolved from birth to the present time. The radio and gamma -ray emission locations were modelled by the polar cap geometry and striped wind model, respectively. By simulating ten million pulsars, we found that including a death line allows us to better reproduce the observational trend. However, when simulating one million pulsars, we obtained an even more realistic $P- P $ diagram, whether or not a death line was included. This suggests that the ages of the detected pulsars might be overestimated and so, it sets the need for a death line in pulsar population studies into question. Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests confirm the statistical similarity between the observed and simulated $P- P $ diagram. Additionally, simulations with increased gamma -ray telescope sensitivities hint at a significant contribution coming from the gamma -ray pulsars to the GeV excess in the Galactic centre.

"Timely help" or "one disaster after another": The impact of potential and transition interim CEO succession on corporate performance.

The succession mode of interim CEO is highly uncertain. The smooth transition function of interim CEO is particularly important in the process of enterprise reform. We divide interim CEOs into potential successors and transition successors. Then we empirically analyze the heterogeneous impact and mechanism of interim CEOs on firm performance. The results show that compared with transition CEO, potential CEO has less negative impact on corporate performance. Interim CEO has a negative impact on enterprise performance by reducing agency efficiency. The mechanism analysis of this paper are as follows. For the potential CEO, strong incentive constraints can effectively mitigate the negative impact of the succession on corporate performance. For a transitional CEO, superior personal capabilities coupled with an effective oversight mechanism represent more optimal solutions. In today's corporate landscape, the frequencies of executive changes and interim successions are on the rise annually. Our research is tailored to aid enterprises in navigating these transitions seamlessly and in expediting their recovery processes.

Deciphering the Impact of Current, Composition, and Potential on the Lithiation Behavior of Si-Rich Silicon-Graphite Anodes.

Adding silicon (Si) to graphite (Gr) anodes is an effective approach for boosting the energy density of lithium-ion batteries, but it also triggers mechanical instability due to Si volume changes upon (de)lithiation reactions. In this work, component-specific (de)lithiation dynamics on Si-rich (30 and 70wt.% Si) SiGr anodes at various charge/discharge C-rates are unveiled and compared to a graphite-only electrode (100Gr) via operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with differential capacity plots analysis. Results show preferential lithiation of amorphous Si above ≈200mV and competing lithiation of Gr, amorphous Si, and crystalline Si below ≈200mV. Discharge proceeds via sequential delithiation of Gr and amorphous lithium silicide. Si shifts the interconversion potentials of graphite intercalation compounds, lowering the Gr state of charge compared to 100Gr. In the 30%Si electrode, crystalline Si amorphization at potentials <110mV is found to be kinetically hindered at C-rates higher than C/5, which can be key for enhancing the cycling stability of SiGr anodes. The 70%Si electrode exhibits restricted lithium diffusion in Gr, full Si amorphization, and Li15Si4 formation. These findings related to the potential- and current-dependent dynamic changes on SiGr blends are crucial for designing stable high energy density SiGr anodes.

The effect of post-activation enhancement on the performance of Chinese national skeleton athletes in the "ice push sled"-a first cross-sectional study.

To investigate the impact of post-activation potentiation (PAP) induced by resisted sled sprint at different loads on the subsequent 30 m ice push sled performance of Chinese skeleton athletes, and to identify the resisted sled sprint load that most effectively enhances PAP for Chinese skeleton athletes. Seven elite athletes from the Chinese skeleton team participated in four tests with more than 48 h intervals. During the tests, on the first test, athletes completed a 40 min standard warm-up, rested for 6 min, and then performed a 30 m test. On the second, third, and fourth test, athletes completed the standard warm-up, then performed 20 m sprints with resisted sled (RS) at 75%, 50%, and 25% of body mass (BM), respectively, rested for 6 min, and then performed the 30 m test. No significant differences were found in morning pulse, blood urea, and creatine kinase levels among four tests. The percentage of maximum heart rate (%HRmax) within different intensity ranges showed no significant differences among four tests. However, significant differences were observed in ice push sled performance among four tests (No BMRS: 5.08 ± 0.27; 25% BMRS: 5.05 ± 0.29; 50% BMRS: 5.02 ± 0.27; 75% BMRS: 5.04 ± 0.28). Post hoc analyses revealed that the 50% BMRS test had faster speed compared to the no resistance (p < 0.05), the 25% BMRS (p < 0.05), and the 75% BMRS (p < 0.05) tests. Additionally, the 75% BMRS test had faster speed than the no resistance test (p < 0.05). A 20 m sprint with 50% BMRS effectively enhances the PAP effect in skeleton athletes, improving their ice push sled performance. Coaches can incorporate this resisted sled sprint in athletes' training routines for performance enhancement in both daily training and pre-competition preparations.

Potential Impact of Bioactive Compounds as NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitors: An Update.

The inflammasome NLRP3 comprises a caspase recruitment domain, a pyrin domain containing receptor 3, an apoptosis-linked protein like a speck containing a procaspase-1, and an attached nucleotide domain leucine abundant repeat. There are a wide variety of stimuli that can activate the inflammasome NLRP3. When activated, the protein NLRP3 appoints the adapter protein ASC. Adapter ASC protein then recruits the procaspase-1 protein, which causes the procaspase- 1 protein to be cleaved and activated, which induces cytokines. At the same time, abnormal activation of inflammasome NLRP3 is associated with many diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. As a result, a significant amount of effort has been put into comprehending the mechanisms behind its activation and looking for their specific inhibitors. In this review, we primarily focused on phytochemicals that inhibit the inflammasome NLRP3, as well as discuss the defects caused by NLRP3 signaling. We conducted an in-depth research review by searching for relevant articles in the Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases. By gathering information on phytochemical inhibitors that block NLRP3 inflammasome activation, a complicated balance between inflammasome activation or inhibition with NLRP3 as a key role was revealed in NLRP3-driven clinical situations.

Novel Biomaterials Based Strategies for Neurodegeneration: Recent Advancements and Future Prospects.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, pose significant challenges for effective treatment due to the complex nature of the central nervous system and the limited delivery of therapeutic agents to the brain. Biomaterial-based drug delivery systems offer promising strategies to overcome these challenges and improve therapeutic outcomes. These systems utilize various biomaterials, such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, and implants, to deliver drugs, genes, or cells to the affected regions of the brain. They provide advantages such as targeted delivery, controlled release, and protection of therapeutic agents. This review examines the role of biomaterials in drug delivery for neurodegeneration, discussing different biomaterialbased approaches, including surface modification, encapsulation, and functionalization techniques. Furthermore, it explores the challenges, future perspectives, and potential impact of biomaterialbased drug delivery systems in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.

Compound odontoma and impaction of the lower left deciduous canine in a 4-year-old child: diagnosis and treatment.

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumours, often considered hamartomas rather than true neoplasms. These mixed tumours consist of fully differentiated dental tissues, including enamel, dentin, cementum, and pulp. Odontomas can be classified into compound and complex types. While typically asymptomatic, they are often discovered during routine radiographic examinations for delayed tooth eruption. The management of odontomas generally involves surgical removal, which is effective in resolving associated dental impactions. We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old child who presented with the absence of the lower left deciduous canine (tooth 7.3) in the dental arch. Radiographic examination revealed multiple radiopaque masses indicative of a compound odontoma associated with the unerupted deciduous canine. Following detailed imaging and surgical planning, the odontoma was successfully enucleated under conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. The surgical procedure was performed without extracting the retained canine. Post-operative follow-up at two weeks showed excellent healing, and at seven months, partial eruption of the canine was observed, confirming the odontoma's role in impeding its eruption. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and management of odontomas to prevent potential impaction of associated teeth. The successful surgical removal of the odontoma facilitated the spontaneous eruption of the lower left deciduous canine, highlighting the effectiveness of early intervention. Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide proved to be a valuable tool in managing the young patient, ensuring cooperation and comfort during the procedure. Early identification and treatment of odontomas are crucial for promoting normal dental development and preventing future malocclusions.

Single Atom Catalyst for Nitrate-to-Ammonia Electrochemistry.

Various life forms suffer from the negative effects of nitrate when it accumulates in water bodies, which is a major concern in the present day. The removal of nitrate from water bodies is a critical challenge, and the most effective method to achieve that is to change it into ammonia. Ammonia is a clean energy source and a vital input for the fertilizer industry. The Haber-Bosch process, which dominates the industrial production of ammonia, requires a lot of energy. A more sustainable way to produce ammonia is to use nitrate-contaminated water and reduce it to ammonia through electrocatalysis. This review is constituted of amalgamated articles featuring unique conditions that affect the productivity and activity of the transition metal single atom catalyst (TNMSAC) for the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia (NRA) reaction. It explores factors such as nitrate ion adsorption, the characteristics of the central electroactive transition metal, the type of coordinating atoms, the impact of potential on stability, and the interplay among single atoms on the selectivity and yield of ammonia gas. In addition, this review also covers advanced concepts such as dual-atom catalysts, dual single atom catalysts, and single atom alloys. The review will provide valuable guidance for enhanced comprehension and strategic designing of TNMSAC for the electrocatalytic conversion of NRA, which will contribute to achieving a green ammonia economy.

Imaging hot photocarrier transfer across a semiconductor heterojunction with ultrafast electron microscopy

Semiconductor heterojunctions have gained significant attention for efficient optoelectronic devices owing to their unique interfaces and synergistic effects. Interaction between charge carriers with the heterojunction plays a crucial role in determining device performance, while its spatial-temporal mapping remains lacking. In this study, we employ scanning ultrafast electron microscopy (SUEM), an emerging technique that combines high spatial-temporal resolution and surface sensitivity, to investigate photocarrier dynamics across a Si/Ge heterojunction. Charge dynamics are selectively examined across the junction and compared to far bulk areas, through which the impact of the built-in potential, band offsets, and surface effects is directly visualized. In particular, we find that the heterojunction drastically modifies the hot photocarrier diffusivities in both Si and Ge regions due to charge trapping. These findings are further elucidated with insights from the band structure and surface potential measured by complementary techniques. This work demonstrates the tremendous effect of heterointerfaces on hot photocarrier dynamics and showcases the potential of SUEM in characterizing realistic optoelectronic devices.

Beyond likes: the persuasive potential of romantic parasocial relationships with influencers

While existing studies emphasize the crucial role of amicable parasocial relationships in influencing the audience, research on the persuasive potential of romantic parasocial relationships with influencers remains limited. These relationships, characterized by a blend of physical and emotional love, are believed to be particularly intense. Therefore, we aim to investigate the persuasive impact of romantic potential with influencers, which may lead to the development of romantic parasocial relationships. Specifically, we analyze the influence of romantic potential (no romantic potential vs. romantic potential) and its interaction with follower status (follower vs. non-follower) on romantic parasocial relationships, evaluative persuasion knowledge, and subsequently purchase intention. Conducted among German social media users (N = 220), our experiment revealed no significant main effects of romantic potential on evaluative persuasion knowledge and purchase intentions. However, we found a significant indirect effect of romantic potential on the dependent variables mediated by emotional love but not physical love. Additionally, a significant interaction effect revealed that while the formation of the physical dimension in romantic parasocial relationships occurs relatively quickly, emotional affection requires a longer period to develop. This study significantly contributes to our understanding of persuasive dynamics in influencer marketing and opens avenues for further research.

Seasonal variation of serum potassium and related prescription pattern: an ecological time series

AimsTo assess if ambient temperature-related effects on serum potassium levels impact clinical decision-making.MethodsThis study is an ecological time series consisiting of 1 218 453 adult patients with at least one...

Cathode catalyst layer aging of proton exchange membrane fuel cell during emulated start-up/shut-down phases

Start-up and Shut-down phases for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell stacks are known to damage the Cathode Catalyst Layer inducing an irreversible loss of performance. An original Accelerated Stress Test has been designed to mimic the Start-up phase in real-life system conditions. The impact of cathode potential on the degradation mechanisms of the Pt/C components within the Cathode Catalyst Layer by local electrochemical and physicochemical analyses provided a deep understanding of the cathode evolution. An unexpected cell performance improvement is observed between 1.0 and 1.2 V cathode potential, especially at high current density. A beneficial modification of the properties occurs suggesting that fresh Cathode Catalyst Layer exhibits non-optimized carbon support properties. However, a significant structure subsidence appears when the cathode potential is above 1.4 V. In this condition, modification/compaction of cathode layer due to carbon corrosion alters mass transport and empathizes water flooding through the electrode.

Effect of salt concentration on osmotic potential in drying soils—Measurement and models

AbstractThe water potential in drying soils, comprising both matric potential and osmotic potential components, can be measured using the dew point method (DPM). By combining DPM data with retention curve data acquired from techniques such as the suction plate method or the simplified evaporation method (SEM), it becomes possible to determine the soil water retention curve across the entire moisture spectrum. However, as the latter methods only determine the matric potential, the osmotic potential component in DPM data must either be negligible or known so that osmotic and matric potential components can be separated. This study aims to critically analyse common approaches for calculating the osmotic potential. To achieve this, we measured the water retention properties of a silt loam, a sandy loam and a sand across the entire moisture range by combining SEM and DPM. By using almost salt‐free soil material, we characterized reference water retention curves with negligible osmotic potential components. The impact of salt on water potential was analysed by conditioning soils with MgCl2 solutions of different concentrations, drying them, and measuring the water potential at different water contents using the DPM. The resulting water potentials were compared to the reference potentials and differences were interpreted as the osmotic potential component. The DPM‐measured water potentials in drying soils can be significantly affected by osmotic potential, especially at higher matric potentials (low suctions). Two models accounting for ideal and one model accounting for non‐ideal electrolyte behaviour were used to compare osmotic potential predictions with measurements. At low to medium salt concentrations, all models performed fairly well. At high concentrations, only the model accounting for non‐ideal behaviour predicted the osmotic potential satisfactorily, whereas at very high concentrations, all models underestimated the impact of osmotic potential on water potential. This suggests that the surface properties of the soil matrix, such as the specific surface area and surface charges, may lead to a decrease in osmotic potential beyond what is expected in pure solutions.

"The light after the storm": Psychosocial correlates of adversarial growth among nurses in Hong Kong amid the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare professionals are highly susceptible to adverse psychological outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic due to their job duties. As the largest part of the healthcare workforce, growing attention has been paid to nurses' adjustments to the pandemic. Despite the distress, recent studies found that nurses could still experience positive changes (i.e., adversarial growth, AG) during the pandemic. Research on the general populations has indicated that individuals' stress responses, coping resources, and coping strategies are associated with their AG during the pandemic. This study examined how sociodemographic characteristics, secondary traumatic and posttraumatic stress, coping resources, and coping strategies were associated with AG among nurses in Hong Kong amid the fifth wave (i.e., the most disastrous wave) of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruited through local nursing associations between May 24 and June 13, 2022, 209 nurses in Hong Kong completed an online questionnaire measuring the abovementioned variables. Hierarchical regression results found that those affiliating with a religion, having participated in mental health-related workshops, higher levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS), social support, job satisfaction, plus more frequent emotional processing were associated with higher AG (βs ranging from 0.15 to 0.31, ps < .01). Nurses did report AG during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. To promote AG among those nurses, future interventions should enhance nurses' understanding about the potential impact of STS on their well-being, solicit their interpersonal and work-related coping resources, plus facilitate their use of effective coping strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of potential and temperature fluctuations on charge and heat transport in quantum Hall edges in the heat Coulomb blockade regime

We present a broad study of charge and heat transport in a mesoscopic system where one or several quantum Hall edge channels are strongly coupled to a floating Ohmic contact (OC). It is well-known that charge-current fluctuations emanating from the OC along the edge channels are highly susceptible to the OC charge capacitance in the heat Coulomb blockade regime (an impeded ability of the OC to equilibrate edge channels). Here, we demonstrate how potential and temperature fluctuations due to finite OC charge and heat capacities impact the heat-current fluctuations emitted from the OC. First, by assuming an infinite OC heat capacity, we show that the output heat-current noise is strongly dependent on the OC charge capacitance, following from a close relation between one-dimensional charge and heat currents. When also the OC heat capacity is finite, an interplay of potential and temperature fluctuations influences the heat transport. Concretely, we find that the effect of the charge capacitance on heat transport manifests in terms of a strongly increased energy relaxation time in the heat Coulomb blockade regime. Furthermore, we find expressions for a broad set of output observables, such as charge and heat auto- and cross correlations, as functions of input and OC fluctuations, depending on the relation between charge and energy relaxation times compared to the frequency of fluctuations and inverse (local) temperatures as well as on the number of edge channels attached to the OC. Finally, we show that a finite OC heat capacity transforms the full counting statistics of the output charge from Gaussian to non-Gaussian. Our findings provide opportunities to experimentally probe and harness the quantum nature of heat transport in strongly coupled electron circuits. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Dissecting the impact of differentiation stage, replicative history, and cell type composition on epigenetic clocks

Epigenetic clocks, built on DNA methylation patterns of bulk tissues, are powerful age predictors, but their biological basis remains incompletely understood. Here, we conducted a comparative analysis of epigenetic age in murine muscle, epithelial, and blood cell types across lifespan. Strikingly, our results show that cellular subpopulations within these tissues, including adult stem and progenitor cells as well as their differentiated progeny, exhibit different epigenetic ages. Accordingly, we experimentally demonstrate that clocks can be skewed by age-associated changes in tissue composition. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that the observed variation in epigenetic age among adult stem cells correlates with their proliferative state, and, fittingly, forced proliferation of stem cells leads to increases in epigenetic age. Collectively, our analyses elucidate the impact of cell type composition, differentiation state, and replicative potential on epigenetic age, which has implications for the interpretation of existing clocks and should inform the development of more sensitive clocks.

Monocyte NLRP3 inflammasome and interleukin-1β activation modulated by alpha-1 antitrypsin therapy in deficient individuals

IntroductionAltered complement component 3 (C3) activation in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) has been reported. To understand the potential impact on course of inflammation, the aim of this...

Deciphering the Impact of Current, Composition, and Potential on the Lithiation Behavior of Graphite in Silicon-Graphite Anodes

Graphite is the most used anode material for current-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its beneficial cycle life, availability and reasonable rate capability. Still, the modest capacity of 372 mAhg-1 represents a bottleneck in the pursuit of high-energy density anodes. Enabling much higher theoretical capacities of 3600 mAhg-1 [1], silicon represents a promising candidate as anode material for next generation batteries. However, the alloying-based lithiation mechanism of silicon is accompanied by a large volumetric change of up to 300% upon cycling, leading to fast degradation due to electrode pulverization, continuous SEI formation and extensive electrolyte consumption. Even though shallow cycling of silicon anodes has been demonstrated in laboratory scale cells [2], the mixing of silicon with graphite is considered the most viable approach to lift energy density while maintaining appropriate cycle life.Due to the fundamentally different kinetics and potentials of Li insertion and extraction of both materials, the development of silicon-graphite composite electrodes is not straightforward. One of the key questions for optimization is how the incorporation of silicon impacts the (de)lithiation behavior of graphite as a function of the silicon:graphite mass ratio, operating current and electrode potential. While lithiation of graphite in composite electrodes of 15 wt% silicon has been shown to occur in a similar manner as pure graphite, higher fractions of silicon are expected to exert more stress on the graphite and represent kinetic barriers for Li diffusion. This study presents results from in-situ X-ray diffraction experiments (XRD) of silicon-graphite/Li half cells conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Serving as a reference, the current-dependent (de)lithiation behavior of a pure graphite/Li half cell has been thoroughly investigated and systematically compared to the (de)lithiation behavior of two selected silicon-graphite composite anodes (silicon:graphite ratio of 30:70 and 70:30, respectively) exposed to the same formation cycle and C-rate protocol. An optimized and novel measurement setup was used, based on a perforated current collector of the anode, providing a complete picture of the graphite in-plane and interplanar structural changes as well as the evolution of semicrystalline silicon peaks which would usually be obscured by the current collector signal.By correlating the electrochemical features (voltage curve and differential capacity plot) with the in-situ diffraction data, it was possible to identify and assign the occurrence and absence of dilute-stage and ordered graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) for the respective electrodes, yielding an in-depth insight into the graphite state of charge upon (de)lithiation and how it is influenced by the silicon content and applied C-rate.As expected, the silicon is (de)lithiated within the entire potential range, whereas graphite is most electrochemically active at potentials lower than 260 mV. In both composite electrodes, graphite attains a lower lithiation degree compared to pure graphite. This is because the high theoretical capacity of silicon results in high specific currents, ultimately challenging the rate capability of graphite. Moreover, the high delithiation overpotential encountered in the composite electrodes results in a highly asymmetrical lithiation/delithiation behavior of graphite. Also, graphite lithiation is less uniform in the composite anodes, indicated by the coexistence of dilute GICs upon (de)lithiation, compared to pure graphite where dilute phases are fully consumed (formed) as (de)lithiation progresses. Surprisingly, the in-situ XRD studies did not reveal signs of structural degradation and strain of graphite as a result of mechanical interaction with silicon. Instead, the volume change of graphite is well correlated with the amorphization of crystalline, unreacted silicon and the volume evolution of silicon crystallites upon charge-discharge.To mitigate the observed effects, the work suggests nanostructuring and advanced electrode architectures towards higher utilization and more homogeneous lithiation of graphite. Overall, the study provides a demonstration of a suitable operando cell for studies of anodes for Li-based systems, and aids the rational design of silicon-graphite composite anodes.

Hybrid Electric Cycle with Two Stoke Engine Based Two Wheel Terrain Vehicle

Introduction:: Hybrid bicycles combine the features of road bikes and mountain bikes, offering a versatile and practical mode of transportation. The focus of the hybrid bicycle project is on energy conservation. Designed with a lightweight frame, comfortable seating, and efficient wheels, these bikes provide riders with speed, control, and flexibility on various terrains. Their adaptability, ease of use, and low maintenance requirements contribute to their growing popularity. Method:: The hybrid bicycles in this project include a 250 W brushless motor, a lead-acid battery, a controller, and a 110 cc internal combustion engine commonly used in motorcycles and scooters. The engine operates on the principle of internal combustion, delivering optimal performance in a compact and lightweight package. The BLDC motor, known for its efficiency and reliability, utilizes permanent magnets to generate magnetic fields, eliminating the need for brushes and commutators. Lead-acid batteries, widely used in various applications, store and release electrical energy effectively. Controllers play a crucial role in managing electric motor operations, regulating speed, torque, and direction of rotation. Results:: Hybrid bicycles offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to cars for commuting. The paper explores hybrid bicycles' design, advantages, and potential impact on the environment and public health, aiming to encourage their adoption for daily commutes and recreational activities. The Speed range about 40-45 km/hr with 2.688 hrs of effective battery Conclusion:: It also discusses the potential for advancements in battery-powered electric hybrid bikes to enhance their appeal and impact. Ultimately, hybrid bicycles have the potential to reduce traffic congestion and decrease air pollution.

Leaders laughing in the line of fire: An emotional aperture perspective on leader laughter in response to critical questions.

Leaders are frequently put in the difficult position of repudiating critical questions in front of their followers. To help manage this situation, leaders sometimes express laughter in the hopes that it will "lubricate" their interaction and reduce perceptions that they are aggressive or confrontational with the critical questioner. Ironically, leaders' laughter may backfire by diminishing their apparent friendliness and approachability in the eyes of the witnessing followers. In this article, we employ an emotional aperture perspective to examine two seemingly contradictory theoretical perspectives regarding the potential impact of laughter on the witnessing followers' perception of a leader's warmth and effectiveness. Findings from nine studies across 2,012 adults show that leader laughter-even expressed briefly-bolsters or damages leader effectiveness depending on one important contingency: whether the leader's laughter is shared by the questioner. Unshared laughter reduces leader effectiveness by undermining leaders' apparent warmth, while shared laughter increases leader effectiveness by enhancing leaders' apparent warmth. We discuss implications for the literature on emotion expression, leadership events, and leader perception and influence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).