Slow Mobility Research Articles

Disentangling the Optoelectronic Behavior of Lead Iodide Governed by Two-Dimensional Electron Confinement.

We present a joint experimental and theoretical study for complete spectroscopic characterization and optoelectronic properties of lead iodide. Experimentally, we combine X-ray diffraction experiments to elucidate the structure with photoelectron spectroscopy to explore its electronic structure. Computationally, simulations are performed in the frame of density functional theory. We show that PbI2 presents a two-dimensional layered structure and exhibits a large transient photocurrent effect under visible light illumination, which are compatible with the surface photovoltage scenario. The transient photocurrent has an extremely long lifetime: when the sample is lightened with visible light, it shows very long relaxation times and, consequently, huge charge carrier diffusion lengths. We explain this anomalous behavior with the slow carrier mobility of holes and electrons caused by the 2D electron confinement in the layered material. Our results can be used as a simple model for understanding the optoelectronic properties of more complex 2D hybrid perovskites.

Bimetallic ions pre-intercalated hydrated vanadium oxides for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries

A new generation of rechargeable batteries known as Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIB) offers benefits including affordability, eco-friendliness, dependability, and safety. Hydrated vanadium oxides (V2O5·nH2O) show potential as cathodes for AZIB due to their layered structure and multivalent properties. However, the zinc storage performance is limited by the structural instability and slow zinc ion mobility. In this work, TiK-VOH (the bimetallic ions system of Ti4+ and K+ co-pre-intercalated in V2O5·nH2O) with lamellar fish scale-like structure is synthesized using a simple sol-gel method. The high positive charge density of the tetravalent Ti4+ is more beneficial to attract the electrons in the V-O layer and regulate the layer spacing (12.1 Å), which not only improves the diffusion kinetics of zinc ions, but also acts as a pillar to stabilize the layer structure. K+ mainly plays the role of improving electrical conductivity, and then accelerates the charge transfer in the electrode reaction process. Auxiliary density functional theory simulation further confirms that the diffusion energy barrier and Fermi level are optimized by pre-intercalating bimetallic ions. Based on the synergistic effect of Ti4+ and K+, the TiK-VOH material shows excellent zinc storage performance, the highest specific capacity of TiK-VOH reaches 393.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, even at 10 A g−1 (increased by 20 times), it still maintains a discharge specific capacity of 202 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention rate of 94 % after 2000 cycles, the overall performance is much better than the Ti-VOH and K-VOH. This work offers an alternative perspective for the modification of vanadium-based cathode of AZIBs.

Delayed Cortical Responses During Reactive Balance After Stroke Associated With Slower Kinetics and Clinical Balance Dysfunction.

Slowed balance and mobility after stroke have been well-characterized. Yet the effects of unilateral cortical lesions on whole-body neuromechanical control is poorly understood, despite increased reliance on cortical resources for balance and mobility with aging. Objective. We tested whether individuals post stroke show impaired cortical responses evoked during reactive balance, and the effect of asymmetrical interlimb contributions to balance recovery and the evoked cortical response. Using electroencephalography, we assessed cortical N1 responses evoked over fronto-midline regions (Cz) during backward support-surface perturbations loading both legs and posterior-lateral directions that preferentially load the paretic or nonparetic leg in individuals' post-stroke and age-matched controls. We tested relationships between cortical responses and clinical balance/mobility function, as well as to center of pressure (CoP) rate of rise (RoR) during balance recovery. Cortical N1 responses were smaller and delayed after stroke (P < .047), regardless of perturbation condition. In contrast to controls, slower cortical response latencies associated with lower clinical function in stroke (Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test: r = -.61, P = .007; Timed-Up-and-Go: r = .53, P = .024; walking speed: r = -.46, P = .055). Paretic-loaded balance recovery revealed slower CoP RoR (P = .012) that was associated with delayed cortical response latencies (r = -.70, P = .003); these relationships were not present during bilateral and nonparetic-loaded conditions, nor in the older adults control group. Individuals after stroke may be limited in their balance ability by the slowed speed of their cortical responses to destabilization. In particular, paretic leg loading may reveal cortical response impairments that reflect reduced paretic motor capacity.

Cultural Routes Through the Perspective of Sustainable Mobility: A Critical Literature Review

ABSTRACTSustainable mobility strategies in the locale could facilitate cultural routes' social, economic, cultural, and environmental mandates. The purpose of this article is to explore the beneficial practices of sustainable mobility on cultural routes through a systematic literature review. The ultimate objective is to summon the sustainable mobility strategies implemented on cultural routes that could positively affect the economic, social, environmental, and cultural environments of a destination. A systematic literature review was initiated through the protocol of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses methodology. The meta‐synthesis approach resulted in identifying five sustainable mobility policy recommendations suitable for cultural route development. Slow mobility practices, drive tourism, mobility infrastructures along cultural routes, accessibility into cultural routes, and urban mobility are fundamental for the creation of an efficient sustainable mobility plan to support cultural routes and achieve a sustainable tourism future for regions.

Seven-week trial introduction of green slow-mobility services in a new town

Objectives The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting the introduction of green slow mobility (GSM) vehicles (can drive up to 20 km/h on public roads) for mobility assistance and potential long-term care prevention. We identified four key factors to pinpoint the challenges and enhance opportunities for introducing GSM; GSM's operational achievements, a comparison of the characteristics of GSM users and non-users, purpose for using GSM, and observation of GSM's contribution to long-term care prevention among older adults.Methods A pilot GSM study was conducted in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture, from October to December 2022. The service included three routes, operating six times daily on a fixed schedule, and was provided by 10 volunteer drivers. Passengers signaled for boarding, and service details were provided through leaflets. A self-administered mail survey was conducted before and after the demonstration test with 674 respondents to the post-questionnaire, and 502 respondents were asked at both time points about issues related to the service, user characteristics, and care prevention. To assess care prevention, we examined the percentage of favorable changes triggered by GSM based on "opportunities to go out," "personal and behavioral aspects," "social relations," and "psychological aspects." Additionally, we examined whether the health indices in the post-hoc survey were better among GSM users than non-users.Results Of the 223 scheduled GSM services, 214 (96.0%) were operated by 10 volunteers driving an average of 3.1 (SD 2.4) times weekly (0-11 times), indicating an uneven distribution of driving responsibilities. Among the users, 65 (9.6%) were more engaged in community activities and emotional support than non-users. The main purposes for using GSM services were shopping and medical visits, with approximately 70% of users finding it easier to go out owing to these services. The percentage of favorable changes were noted in 3.1-26.2% and 0.2-1.5% of users and non-users, respectively. In the post-test survey, users showed higher independence on the instrumental self-maintenance subscale than non-users.Conclusion GSM facilitates outings among older adults and may reduce the need for potential long-term care. However, a system is required to ensure that the service burden does not decrease even for a few driving volunteers. Additionally, GSM users are often socially active. Thus, strategies to increase service awareness among less active individuals should be developed.

Mapping the Nanoscale Heterogeneous Responses in the Dynamic Acceleration of Deformed Polymer Glasses.

Understanding the evolution of local structure and mobility of disordered glassy materials induced by external stress is critical in modeling their mechanical deformation in the nonlinear regime. Several techniques have shown acceleration of molecular mobility of various amorphous glasses under macroscopic tensile deformation, but it remains a major challenge to visualize such a relationship at the nanoscale. Here, we employ a new approach based on atomic force microscopy in nanorheology mode for quantifying the local dynamic responses of a polymer glass induced by nanoscale compression. By increasing the compression level from linear elastic to plastic deformation, we observe an increase in the mechanical loss tangent (tan δ), evidencing the enhancement of polymer mobility induced by large stress. Notably, tan δ images directly reveal the preferential effect of the large compression on the dynamic acceleration of nanoscale heterogeneities with initially slow mobility, which is clearly different from that induced by increasing temperature.

Who can access what? Uncovering urban inequality in access to service for senior citizens

The scarcity or lack of access to essential services at the local and neighbourhood levels in cities can result in significant spatial inequalities, as some areas and their residents can deal with disadvantages and a lower quality of daily life. In particular, the spatial distribution and the variety of amenities at the local scale represent an important feature of the liveliness of places. The local availability and access to essential services are particularly relevant for some demographic groups experiencing limited mobility or mobility poverty, such as older adults living in cities, and spatial disparities have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted severe difficulties in accessing essential services. This work explores the issue focussing on the following question: who can access what depending on where they live in cities? Using Machine Learning and Spatial Autocorrelation applied to different data sources for spatial information on the location of urban amenities and Internet access, this work aims to identify the most underserved places in terms of the variety of available amenities and access to quality broadband in three European capital cities. A comparison to urban areas where high percentages of older adults reside makes it possible to identify where residents can locally access several essential services (green spaces, health care, and local shopping) and where this need cannot be satisfied because of a lack in the amenity variety available at walking distance to their home. The combination of underserved areas with a high concentration of senior residents identifies left-behind areas in these cities, where interventions on inequalities are most needed. Results can inform policies aiming at favouring fair access to services at the local scale, possibly including slow and active mobility modes, and in general to develop comprehensive and sustainable planning strategies for cities, leaving no place and no person behind.

‘We are waiting for the end’: ageing and (im)mobility in the tourist city

Many tourist cities rely on walking as form of slow travel to take in the destination. Venice, the case study for this paper, is a distinct ‘walking city’, scripted into its cultural landscape along with its visitor crowds. As in other historical cities, however, crowding compromises residents’ walking mobility. This particularly affects groups that rely on proximate mobility such as older residents. This paper delves into the effects of tourism on everyday mobilities and realities of coping with change in the tourist city. It thus uncovers repercussions on ‘those remaining’ and highlights how the privilege of slowness may become a condition of disadvantage. It engages with long-term biographies, walking experiences, and the ageing process itself during an empirical study consisting of walking interviews. The findings show how tourist mobilities collide with access to spaces of social activity, essential services, and neighbourhood life. More importantly, they bring to surface how residents negotiate these hindrances and seek opportunities for mobility and wellbeing, despite older age-related challenges arising from the exclusive uptake of slow mobilities. Eventually, this paper forms a critique that discloses the collateral nature of tourism impacts on ageing in place, stuck between global mobility flows and local tourism management choices.

Rapid Enrichment of a Native Multipass Transmembrane Protein via Cell Membrane Electrophoresis through Buffer pH and Ionic Strength Adjustment.

Supported membrane electrophoresis is a promising technique for collecting membrane proteins in native bilayer environments. However, the slow mobility of typical transmembrane proteins has impeded the technique's advancement. Here, we successfully applied cell membrane electrophoresis to rapidly enrich a 12-transmembrane helix protein, glucose transporter 1 with antibodies (GLUT1 complex), by tuning the buffer pH and ionic strength. The identified conditions allowed the separation of the GLUT1 complex and a lipid probe, Fast-DiO, within a native-like environment in a few minutes. A force model was developed to account for distinct electric and drag forces acting on the transmembrane and aqueous-exposed portion of a transmembrane protein as well as the electroosmotic force. This model not only elucidates the impact of size and charge properties of transmembrane proteins but also highlights the influence of pH and ionic strength on the driving forces and, consequently, electrophoretic mobility. Model predictions align well with experimentally measured electrophoretic mobilities of the GLUT1 complex and Fast-DiO at various pH and ionic strengths as well as with several lipid probes, lipid-anchored proteins, and reconstituted membrane proteins from previous studies. Force analyses revealed the substantial membrane drag of the GLUT1 complex, significantly slowing down electrophoretic mobility. Besides, the counterbalance of similar magnitudes of electroosmotic and electric forces results in a small net driving force and, consequently, reduced mobility under typical neutral pH conditions. Our results further highlight how the size and charge properties of transmembrane proteins influence the suitable range of operating conditions for effective movement, providing potential applications for concentrating and isolating membrane proteins within this platform.

Electrophoretic Deposition Interferometric Scattering Mass Photometry.

Interferometric scattering microscopy (iSCAT) has rapidly developed as a quantitative tool for the label-free detection of single macromolecules and nanoparticles. In practice, this measurement records the interferometric scattering signal of individual nanoparticles in solution as they land and stick on a coverslip, exhibiting an intensity that varies linearly with particle volume and an adsorption rate that reflects the solution-phase transport kinetics of the system. Together, such measurements provide a multidimensional gauge of the particle size and concentration in solution over time. However, the landing kinetics of particles in solution also manifest a measurement frequency limitation imposed by the slow long-range mobility of particle diffusion to the measurement interface. Here we introduce an effective means to overcome the inherent diffusion-controlled sampling limitation of spontaneous mass photometry. We term this methodology electrophoretic deposition interferometric scattering microscopy (EPD-iSCAT). This approach uses a coverslip supporting a conductive thin film of indium tin oxide (ITO). Charging this ITO film to a potential of around +1 V electrophoretically draws charged nanoparticles from solution and binds them in the focal plane of the microscope. Regulating this potential offers a direct means of controlling particle deposition. Thus, we find for a 0.1 nM solution of 50 nm polystyrene nanoparticles that the application of +1 V to an EPD-iSCAT coverslip assembly drives an electrophoretic deposition rate constant of 1.7 s-1 μm-2 nM-1. Removal of the potential causes deposition to cease. This user control of EPD-iSCAT affords a means to apply single-molecule mass photometry to monitor long-term changes in solution, owing to slow kinetic processes. In contrast with conventional coverslips chemically derivatized with charged thin films, EPD-iSCAT maintains a deposition rate that varies linearly with the bulk concentration.

Social Movements in Hybrid Regimes: The Rise of PTM in Pakistan

Scholars have ignored regime type as a crucial element affecting social movement mobilization due to political opportunity structures. Even little is known about hybrid regimes and disputes. Understanding social movement's hidden or unintentional repercussions is another gap. This study uses the Pashtun Tahafuz (protection) Movement (PTM) of Pakistan to address this academic gap by studying social movements under hybrid regimes like Pakistan. The research finds that dual (emanating from both the military and political organs of the state) and haphazard repression by a hybrid regime, characterized by military dominance and limited political opportunity structure, can temporarily slow social movement mobilization but not stop it. In the long term, the movement becomes stronger and mobilizes against the state. As a result of its mobilization and advancement, a social movement under such a regime may also affect other social movements.

Queuing models of links carrying streaming and elastic services

We consider an access link carrying data generated by streaming and elastic services requested by fixed or mobile end users, and subjected to an admission control (AC) algorithm. For the performance analysis of such link we develop a new queuing model and we show that, with the considered AC, the queuing model admits a product form expression for the joint limiting probability distribution of the numbers of active services of the different types. In addition, we prove that, when mobility can be neglected, i.e., in the case of either fixed access or slow mobility, the queuing model is insensitive to the distribution of the amount of data to be transferred for the fulfillment of the different service requests. Numerical results show unexpected oscillating behaviors for several performance metrics, and provide interesting insight into the link performance.

Analisis Faktor Penyebab Keterlambatan Proyek “XYZ”

A project tends to experience delays if planning and control are not carried out properly. Various things can happen in a construction project that can cause an increase in processing time so that project completion is delayed. The purpose of this research is to identify and classify the factors that cause delays in the "XYZ" project. This data processing uses the help of the SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solution) computer program version 23.00. Data analysis techniques using validity, reliability and factor analysis techniques. The results of this study obtained 3 new factors from the extraction results of factor analysis, namely: Lack of Expertise and Slow Material Mobilization (Xb1), Lack of Planning and Inadequate Quality of Workforce (Xb2), Changes in Scope and Work Documents (Xb3).

Constructing Hierarchical CoGa2O4-S@NiCo-LDH Core-Shell Heterostructures with Crystalline/Amorphous/Crystalline Heterointerfaces for Flexible Asymmetric Supercapacitors.

The rational design and construction of composite electrodes are crucial for overcoming the issues of poor working stability and slow ionic electron mobility of a single component. Nevertheless, it is a big challenge to construct core-shell heterostructures with crystalline/amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces in straightforward and efficient methods. Here, we have successfully converted a portion of crystalline CoGa2O4 into the amorphous phase by employing a facile sulfidation process (denoted as CoGa2O4-S), followed by anchoring crystalline NiCo-layered double hydroxide (denoted as NiCo-LDH) nanoarrays onto hexagonal plates and nucleation points of CoGa2O4-S, synthesizing dual-type hexagonal and flower-like 3D CoGa2O4-S@NiCo-LDH core-shell heterostructures with crystalline/amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces on carbon cloth. Furthermore, we further adjust the Ni/Co ratio in LDH, achieving precise and controllable core-shell heterostructures. Benefiting from the abundant crystalline/amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces and synergistic effect among various components, the CoGa2O4-S@Ni2Co1-LDH electrode exhibits a specific capacity of 247.8 mAh·g-1 at 1 A·g-1 and good rate performance. A CoGa2O4-S@Ni2Co1-LDH//AC flexible asymmetric supercapacitor provides an energy density of 58.2 Wh·kg-1 at a power density of 850 W·kg-1 and exhibits an impressive capacitance retention of 105.7% after 10,000 cycles at 10 A·g-1. Our research provides profound insights into the design of other similar core-shell heterostructures.

Lunar polar volatile remobilization in regolith-filled craters

Under lunar polar cold traps, volatile molecules within porous regolith may experience temperature and depth dependent slow mobility. Many degraded lunar craters exhibit thick regolith fill based on models of topographic diffusion and observations of fresh and degraded craters. Regolith has a low thermal conductivity relative to megaregolith and may act as a blanket for internal lunar heat flow, leading to increased temperatures at depth. We develop 2D thermal models of fresh and regolith-filled lunar craters over depths of meters to hundreds of meters below the surface. We find that the base of the stability and slow mobility zones migrate upward with regolith fill, which leads to temperatures that may increase the sublimation rate of volatiles at depth. For a notional cold trap crater 1.6 km in diameter and 3.6 billion years old, topographic diffusion fills it with approximately 90 m of regolith, and the regolith fill's blanketing effect causes the 110 K isotherm to shift about 180 m upward. This places it approximately 25 m below the current cold trap surface and well above the initial crater floor. The slow water ice mobility zone below the 110 K isotherms also shifts upward with regolith fill, potentially increasing volatile concentrations at shallower depths. These secondary volatile concentrations may be targets for sampling and testing hypotheses of volatile system processes. In addition, remobilized volatile concentrations may be a resource for future In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) applications. The thick regolith fill in degraded craters and volatile remobilization potential in lunar subsurface cold traps have implications for future exploration instruments, sampling, and ISRU architectures.

Structural, Optical and Magnetic Investigations on Pure and Copper Doped ZnO@ZnS Core Shell Nanoparticles for Biological Applications

ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation with no capping agent followed by covering with ZnS using a solutionbased chemical method at low temperature. By varying the solution concentration, it was found that the fully-covering ZnS shell forms by a reaction of Na2 S with ZnO NPs followed by the formation of ZnS nano-crystals by the reaction of Na2S with ZnCl2 . The mechanism that led to full coverage of the ZnO core is proposed to be the addition of ZnCl2 at a later stage of the growth which guarantees a continuous supply of Zn ions to the core surface. Moreover, the ZnS nano- crystals that uniformly cover the ZnO NPs show no epitaxial relationship between the ZnO core and ZnS shell. The slow atomic mobility at the low reaction temperature is attributed to the non-epitaxial uniform ZnS shell growth. The rough surface of the ZnO grains provides initial nucleation positions for the growth of the ZnS shell nano-crystals. The low growth temperature also inhibits the abnormal growth of ZnS grains and results in the homogeneous coverage of ZnS nano-crystals on the ZnO core surface. The morphology and structure of samples are verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Identification of unknown substances and quantitative analysis can be done by FTIR. The absorption and reflectance of the nanoparticles were analyzed by UV Visible spectroscopy.

Analisis Efektivitas Sensor Termal sebagai Alat Deteksi Keramaian pada Suatu Gedung

Crowd has been a normal thing particularly in big cities. This could lead to negative causes such as slower mobilization or social anxiety towards individuals. Ever since the pandemic of Covid-19 lands all over the world, the application of thermal censoring devices has been commonly encountered in public places. The most common use of thermal censors is to detect human body temperature. Therefore, this research is done to analyze the effectivity of thermal cameras on detecting crowd inside a building. By using surveys and literature reviews as our methods, the result of this research shows that from 30 survey respondents, with the average age of 17-25 years old that tends to do indoor activities, 55.6% of them find that crowd is affecting their efficiency during activities. Besides that, 66.7% respondents struggle to measure the crowd level inside a building, also 87.3% of them feels like there should be a solution to this problem. Thus, this research proves that the use of thermal censors on camera for crowd detection is very effective with the accuracy rate of 99%. In conclusion, thermal censor devices are effective to be used as crowd detection devices.

La riqualificazione dei margini urbani per la vivibilità locale e la riconnessione delle reti

Urban fringes are strategic resources for contemporary cities. They contain uncertain spatialities which could host significant open space enhancements through design actions aimed at climate adaptation and mitigation, to improve local livability and reconnect cross-scalar networks. They are places of multiple relations where different conditions – natural and agricultural green spaces and corridors, infrastructural networks with nodes and connections, decentralized historical and rural fabrics, slow mobility networks, marginal areas, abandoned spaces and leftovers – come together. This section collects papers and design experiments which investigate fringe renewal in relation to various spatial elements: architecture, abandoned spaces, open spaces, green areas and forestation.

Synergistic silver doping and N vacancy promoting photocatalytic performances of carbon nitride for pollutant oxidation and hydrogen production

Carbon nitride (C3N4) has attracted immense interest as a low-cost, non-toxic and naturally abundant raw material. However, graphite-like phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) still suffers from poor visible light absorption, fast charge carrier recombination, slow electron mobility and relatively fewer surface-active sites. In this work, we synthesized silver-doped N vacancy-rich carbon nitride (AgCN) with convoluted ultra-thin lamellar layers from Ag precursors and melamine-cyanuric acid monomers using a self-assembly supramolecular strategy. AgCN exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and stability. The introduction of N vacancies disrupted the off-domain π-bonds and weakened the conjugation effect of the triazine ring elements. The large specific surface area of the convoluted ultra-thin lamellar structure helps suppress the aggregation of active silver centers, and the Ag-N2C2 bond acts as a bridge for photoexcited charge transfer to promote the separation and transfer of photogenerated electron/hole pairs for surface redox reactions. As a result, AgCN exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance for photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) and hydrogen production (1.69 mmol g-1h−1), well outperforming the pristine CN. Density flooding theory (DFT) calculations revealed the improved conductivity and efficient separation of electron-hole pairs in AgCN at the excited state, generating superoxide radicals, singlet oxygen and holes.

Ultrathin TiO2(B) nanosheets-decorated hollow CoFeP cube as PMS activator for enhanced photocatalytic activity

A novel TiO2(B)/phosphidated CoFe Prussian blue analogs (CoFeP) photocatalyst with core–shell structure was synthesized by hydrothermal method for the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade TC under solar light. TiO2(B), an ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) layered material, is widely used in photocatalysis. However, the low light absorption efficiency and slow electron mobility limit the application of TiO2(B) in photocatalysis. Here, TiO2(B) was in-situ grown on the surface of phosphidated CoFe Prussian blue analogs (CoFeP). The composites with a core–shell structure can activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) to degrade tetracycline (TC) under solar light. The optimized TiO2(B)/CoFeP heterojunction achieves a TC degradation rate of 94 % within 5 min, due to that it effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated charges and improves light absorption ability. The phosphorization of CoFePBA (CoFe Prussian blue analogs) not only promoted the formation of hollow structures but improved the carrier mobility between TiO2(B) and CoFeP. At the same time, the rapid redox cycle of Fe and Co metal ions promoted the activation of PMS and the rapid degradation of TC. This work provides a new core–shell TiO2(B)/CoFeP heterojunction for sustainable water purification via PMS activation.