Slow Process Research Articles

Selenium Dioxide Catalyzed Polymerization of N-doped Poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) and Its Derivatives.

The recent discovery of highly conductive, solution-processable, n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) marks a milestone in the development of conducting polymers. Currently, n-PBDF is prepared by either duroquinone-mediated or copper-catalyzed polymerizations, where scalability and cost-effectiveness may present challenges. Here, we report a general, scalable, and cost-effective method for n-PBDF and its derivatives, namely selenium dioxide (SeO2) catalyzed polymerization. We discovered that a catalytic amount of selenium dioxide leads to high monomer conversions (>99 % by NMR). The obtained n-PBDF exhibits a consistently narrow hydrodynamic diameter distribution and its thin films show high conductivities. Furthermore, we revealed that this polymerization involves a mechanism distinct from the previously reported radical pathway. It involves successive Riley oxidation and aldol polycondensation processes. It was also found that the reduced selenium precipitates from dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) when the catalytic cycle is terminated, allowing for a straightforward purification process through centrifugation and filtration. This method thus eliminates the need for the costly and slow dialysis process. Finally, we demonstrated that SeO2 catalyzed polymerization is applicable to n-PBDF derivatives, proving the generality of this method.

Field survey for assessing seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) applications on very small islands in Indonesia

Very small islands in Indonesia face challenges in accessing clean water due to limited space for building water resource facilities, such as reservoirs. Most of the time, the inhabitants of these islands rely on rainwater and wells, which are not sustainable sources due to drought seasons and seawater intrusion. To address this issue, Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) can be implemented in these areas where seawater is abundant. However, there may be obstacles when applying SWRO systems in such environments. This study aimed to assess the capabilities of SWRO facilities, and the obstacles involved in evaluating clean water access on very small islands. We used a combination of structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations on two small islands in Indonesia, Belakang Padang Island and Labu Island. On Belakang Padang Island, we interviewed the water resource manager in October 2022 and March 2023 and surveyed 61 households in the Tanjung Sari subdistrict in October 2022. On Labu Island, we interviewed the staff of the SWRO system and surveyed 35 coastal households in September 2023. On both islands, the government improved residents’ access to clean water by constructing SWRO facilities in 2016 on Belakang Padang Island and in 2021 on Labu Island. However, on Belakang Padang Island, the system was not operational when we visited on March 15, 2023. The main obstacles were slow bureaucratic processes for repairs and maintaining the operation of SWRO facilities. These problems need to be addressed before expanding the implementation of this system to other very small islands in Indonesia.

Computational Approaches for Antimicrobial Peptide Delivery.

Peptides constitute alternative molecules for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. However, their therapeutic effectiveness is often limited by enzymatic degradation, chemical and physical instability, and toxicity toward healthy human cells. To improve their pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles, novel routes of administration are being explored. Among these, nanoparticles have shown promise as potential carriers for peptides, although the design of delivery vehicles remains a slow and painstaking process, heavily reliant on trial and error. Recently, computational approaches have been introduced to accelerate the development of effective drug delivery systems for peptides. Here we present an overview of some of these computational strategies and discuss their potential to optimize drug development and delivery.

Ocular Pharmacokinetics of Faricimab Following Intravitreal Administration in Patients With Retinal Disease.

To characterize faricimab ocular and systemic pharmacokinetics (PK) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or diabetic macular edema (DME) and to assess the effect of faricimab ocular exposure on clinical endpoints. A population PK (popPK) model was developed using pooled data from phase 1 to 3 studies in patients with nAMD/DME. The dataset included 1095 faricimab aqueous humor (AH) concentrations from 284 patients and 8372 faricimab plasma concentrations from 2246 patients. Following intravitreal administration, faricimab PK was accurately described by a linear three-compartment model with sequential vitreous humor (VH), AH, and plasma compartments. Faricimab VH elimination to AH is the slowest process, with an estimated half-life (t1/2) of 7.5 days. Due to flip-flop kinetics, plasma, AH, and VH concentrations declined in parallel. Disease had no effect on faricimab PK. Plasma exposure was ∼6000-fold lower than VH exposure. Age, anti-drug antibodies, body weight, and sex statistically significantly influenced PK parameters but had no clinically meaningful effect on ocular and systemic exposure. VH t1/2 alone could not explain faricimab dosing frequency. Exposure-response analyses showed similar gains in best-corrected visual acuity across faricimab exposure ranges and dosing regimens. Faricimab ocular and systemic pharmacokinetics were quantified and accurately described by the popPK model, developed using a large dataset from patients with nAMD/DME. Exposure-response analyses suggest that faricimab phase 3 dosing algorithms are appropriate to select the most suitable dosing regimen. The popPK analysis suggested that faricimab dosing frequency was influenced by several factors and not by VH t1/2 alone.

Implementation of Good Governance as An Acceleration of Public Services at The Village Level

The slow administrative process, lack of public participation in decision-making, and low transparency and accountability in public financial management are the main problems in public services in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. One of the efforts to improve the service system that still faces various challenges is through the implementation of good governance. This study aims to examine the implementation of good governance in public services in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. This study uses the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) research method. The data collection method in this study involves a review of literature. After the data is collected, the analysis is carried out by filtering relevant data, presenting the data, and finally making conclusions. The findings of the study indicate that the application of good governance principles can accelerate public services at the village level, as seen in Sungai Limau Village, Pusako District, Siak Regency. Therefore, the recommendation that can be taken from this finding is the importance of implementing good governance principles consistently to enhance the standard of public services and boost community engagement and satisfaction.

Machine Learning‐Driven Extraction of Hybrid Compact Models Integrating Neural Networks and Berkeley Short‐Channel Insulated‐Gate Field‐Effect Transistor Model‐Common Multigate for Multidevice Applications

Conventional techniques for extracting physics‐based model parameters are inherently slow processes and often yield less accurate model parameters because of the inflexibility of physical equations. This study presents a novel machine learning–based method to accelerate and enhance the accuracy of compact model generation for multiple devices simultaneously. By integrating a Berkeley short‐channel Insulated‐Gate Field‐Effect Transistor (IGFET) model‐common multigate (BSIM) model with an error‐correction neural network, the proposed approach refines predictions for critical electrical behaviors such as drain current and gate capacitance. Extraction networks dynamically optimize parameter sets for both models, eliminating manual tuning and reducing the need for separate training for each device. The method was validated using TCAD‐simulated 3 nm nanosheet field‐effect transistors devices, achieving a mean absolute percentage error of 1.8% for drain current, 2.8% for transconductance, 8.5% for output conductance, and 0.4% for capacitances. Compared with the BSIM model alone, error reductions of 75, 70, 39, 85, and 81%, respectively, were achieved. This approach showed significant error reductions compared to the BSIM model alone and demonstrated robust performance across devices with variations, proving its effectiveness for large‐scale applications.

Femtosecond laser-induced ultrafast electron dynamics and band gap renormalization in InSb

Studying ultrafast dynamical processes is essential for understanding light-matter coupling, which is crucial for the optoelectronic and photonic applications of semiconductor materials. Herein, we investigate the evolution of electron population near the conduction band minimum (CBM) and band gap in InSb (100) crystal under different laser fluences using time- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectra (TrARPES). In contrast to the pump-fluence-independent fast growth process (FP) of the electron population, the slow process (SP) is fluence sensitive, which is similar to the temperature-dependent behavior observed in InSb (110). In addition, we observe a band gap enlargement with increasing the photoexcitation flux. Comprehensive analysis reveals that these observed diverse results are attributed to the laser-tunable dielectric function on the surface of InSb. Our findings not only enhance the understanding of laser-semiconductor interactions but also broaden the potential applications in the field of optoelectronic and photonic devices.

Research on the Anchoring Performance of Green and Low-Carbon Anchoring Materials for Urban Rail Transit Foundation Pit Engineering

Abstract. Currently, most anchoring materials used in engineering are ordinary cement mortar, which has a slow hardening process, a prolonged early strength development, and high carbon emissions. In response to this, this paper proposes a new type of green anchoring material. The anchoring performance of this material is verified through indoor and field tests. Indoor tests on the basic properties of the green anchoring material were conducted, determining the optimal water-material ratio to be between 0.25 and 0.30 through tests on fluidity, setting time, and compressive strength. Field tests studied the ultimate bond strength of the new green anchoring material in typical soil-rock composite strata in Qingdao, confirming its rapid-setting and high-strength anchoring characteristics. The application of this anchoring material can reduce carbon emissions and realize the concept of green and low-carbon environmental protection.

Anisotropic Ferroelectricity in Polar Vortices.

The exotic polarization configurations of topologically protected dipolar textures have opened new avenues for realizing novel phenomena absent in traditional ferroelectric systems. While multiple recent studies have revealed a diverse array of emergent properties in such polar topologies, the details of their atomic and mesoscale structures remain incomplete. Through atomic- and meso-scale imaging techniques, the emergence of a macroscopic ferroelectric polarization along both principal axes of the vortex lattice while performing phase-field modeling to probe the atomic scale origins of these distinct polarization components is demonstrated. Additionally, due to the anisotropic epitaxial strain, the polarization switching behavior perpendicular and parallel to the vortices is highly anisotropic, with switching along the vortex axes occurring over numerous decades in field-pulse width. This slow switching process allows for the deterministic control of the polarization state, enabling a non-volatile, multi-state memory with excellent distinguishability and long retentiontimes.

Structural, mechanical and antimicrobial studies of GZnA single crystal via slow solvent evaporation process

Structural, mechanical and antimicrobial studies of GZnA single crystal via slow solvent evaporation process

Epigenetic dynamics of partially methylated domains in human placenta and trophoblast stem cells

BackgroundThe placenta is essential for nutrient exchange and hormone production between the mother and the developing fetus and serves as an invaluable model for epigenetic research. Most epigenetic studies of the human placenta have used whole placentas from term pregnancies and have identified the presence of partially methylated domains (PMDs). However, the origin of these domains, which are typically absent in most somatic cells, remains unclear in the placental context.ResultsUsing whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and analysis of histone H3 modifications, we generated epigenetic profiles of human cytotrophoblasts during the first trimester and at term, as well as human trophoblast stem cells. Our study focused specifically on PMDs. We found that genomic regions likely to form PMDs are resistant to global DNA demethylation during trophectoderm reprogramming, and that PMDs arise through a slow methylation process within condensed chromatin near the nuclear lamina. In addition, we found significant differences in histone H3 modifications between PMDs in cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that spatiotemporal genomic features shape megabase-scale DNA methylation patterns, including PMDs, in the human placenta and highlight distinct differences in PMDs between human cytotrophoblasts and trophoblast stem cells. These findings advance our understanding of placental biology and provide a basis for further research into human development and related diseases.

Experimental evaluation of temporary plugging performance and mechanism analysis of degradable preformed particle gel based on NMR technology

Utilizing chemical temporary plugging systems to further increase the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV) and improve oil recovery (IOR) has become a hot topic in the current petroleum industry. Pre-formed gel particles (PPG) possess excellent swelling properties and can form high-strength plugging in high-permeability channels. In addition, degradable pre-formed gel particles (DPPG) further exhibit self-degradation characteristics and excellent temporary plugging and fluid diverting performance. In our previous studies, we examined the temporary plugging mechanisms of DPPG prepared with different molecular weight (MW) of crosslinking agents (PEGDA) through bottle tests and core displacement experiments. However, the microscopic swelling mechanism and temporary plugging mechanism in pore throats of reservoir cores are still unclear. In this paper, comprehensive research was conducted on the microscopic temporary plugging mechanism of DPPG prepared with different MW crosslinking agents using both and method. Results showed that DPPG with different compositions had different micro-swelling performance. NMR-T2 analysis for bottle test showed that DPPG-M1 (with the smallest MW of crosslinking agent) gradually decreased in nuclear signal during the water absorption and swelling process, and had the largest swelling volume and swelling rate. On the other hand, DPPG-M5 (with the largest MW of crosslinking agent) exhibited a slow diffusion process of surface water towards the nucleus, resulting in the smallest swelling volume and swelling rate. However, its complete degradation time was longer. Moreover, the NMR T2 (i.e., spin-spin relaxation time) results of the cores in the dynamic temporary plugging experiment showed that the decrease of the MW of the crosslinking agent enhanced the plugging performance, but with less damage to the formation. The MRI images confirmed that DPPG-M5 had better injection capability in the core and caused greater damage to the core. The research results of this study showed that NMR technology can reveal the temporary plugging mechanism of DPPG from a micro-level perspective.

Experimental Study on Microstructural Changes of Nanoaluminum Particles during the Slow Heating Process in Vacuum and Aerobic Environments

Experimental Study on Microstructural Changes of Nanoaluminum Particles during the Slow Heating Process in Vacuum and Aerobic Environments

Conformational transformations of N-[arylsulfonylimino(methyl)methyl]-1,4-benzoquinonemonoimines

In solutions of N-[arylsulfonylimino(methyl)methyl]-1,4-benzoquinonemonoimines, several Z,E-isomerization processes occur simultaneously: a fast inversion isomerization process (topomerization) relative to the C=N1 quinoneimine bond; a slow inversion isomerization process relative to the C=N2 exocyclic bond; and a process of inhibited rotation around the =N1–С= bond that connects two imine fragments. In the 1H NMR spectra, isomerization with respect to the C=N2 exocyclic bond was only detected. The theoretical values of the isomerization barriers for the C=N1 and C=N2 bonds, as well as for the inhibited rotation around the =N1–C= bond were determined, along with the experimental Z,E-isomerization barriers for to the C=N2 bond. It was established that in the 1H NMR spectra for N-[arylsulfonylimino(methyl)methyl]-1,4-benzoquinonemonoimines, only Z, E-isomerization relative to the C=N2 bond can be observed.

Heterogeneous dynamic restoration of Ti–15Mo alloy during hot compression

Near-β titanium alloys have shown low Young's modulus and good strength, making them excellent implant candidates. However, their processing using thermomechanical routes in single phase β region results in heterogeneous microstructures due to high content alloying elements and consequent slow diffusion-controlled processes such as dynamic recovery. This study investigates the deformation behaviour of a Ti–15Mo alloy through hot compression experiments using a Gleeble ® 3800 device in the single β domain at strain rates from 0.01 s−1 to 10 s−1, reaching final strains of 0.50 and 0.85 followed by immediate water quench. The findings show that the material presents a low strain rate sensitivity. The flow curves show significant strain hardening before reaching a steady-state regime, particularly at high strain rates. The strain hardening exponent calculations support the effect of molybdenum on retarding softening mechanisms such as dynamic recovery. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements of deformed samples revealed that dynamic recovery is the primary restoration mechanism, with continuous and geometric dynamic recrystallisation evidence. Due to the slow restoration process, we observe the subgrain formation for different deformation parameters. Therefore, we introduced an EBSD-based method to quantify dynamic recovery and subgrain size. We concluded that for a given deformation, the areas of dynamically recovered and recrystallised regions decrease with increasing strain rate and decreasing temperature, exhibiting negligible variation at higher strain rates.

Construction of an eight-coordinated Dy(III) complex with zero-field slow magnetic relaxation by using an equatorial sexadentate N4O2 donor ligand

An air-stable mononuclear Dy(III) single molecule magnet [Dy(L)(F5PhO)2](BPh4) (1) was synthesized using the equatorial sexadentate ligand N,N′-bis-pyridin-2-yl-methylene-1,8-diamino-3,6-dioxaoctane (L) and the axial ligand pentafluorophenoxide (F5PhO-). Complex 1 shows zero-field slow magnetic relaxation behavior. When a 200 Oe direct field was applied, two slow relaxation processes were observed for 1; they are caused by intermolecular dipole interactions and moment reversal. An additional magnetic dilution experiment resulted in a material with a single slow relaxation and an energy barrier of 76(8) K, indicating that quantum tunneling of the magnetization (QTM) induced by intermolecular dipolar interactions was suppressed.

New insights into the crustal structures of the Arabian Plate and surrounding plates unveiled from the crustal thickness model and its implications for geodynamics

Geodynamics of the Arabian Peninsula is less understood as crustal structures are not well delineated due to uneven distribution and lack of seismic measurements and ground based geophysical data in the Arabian interior. To address this, we delineated crustal structures in the Arabian Peninsula through the creation of a crustal thickness model from the inversion of GOCO60s gravity field model, which revealed details on the underlying crustal structures. Our model revealed strong crustal thickness variations in the Zagros fold belt that indicates high deformational history and crustal reworked, which also reflect directional collisional events between the Arabian and Eurasian Plates, similar to the Himalaya type as the result of mantle processes. The resolved crustal structures also reveal a relatively slow rifting process on the southern end of the Red Sea than at the northern end, which resulted in the bulging of crust in the southern part of Zagros Fold Mountains. Further, folding and bulging of crustal structures is more intense near the Arabian Platform and slower on the Eurasian side, which could indicate a relatively stable Eurasian plate compared to the geodynamically active Arabian Plate. Overall improvement in our high-resolution crustal thickness model yields an improved representation of crustal structures over previously derived models of the Arabian Peninsula and the Surrounding plates that indicates a variation in the Proterozoic crust in Arabian Plate, possibly indicating a secular variation in the crustal structure.

New obstacle detection method for a mobile robot based on improved disparity map processing

Stereovision is a crucial technique for vision-based obstacle detection as it provides accurate 3D information for analyzing scenes and detecting obstacles. Despite its effectiveness, existing methods often struggle with real-time performance and computational efficiency. This paper introduces a new stereovision-based obstacle detection system that integrates two novel approaches: Optimized Disparity Map Computation (ODMC), which enhances Hirschmüller’s method for faster disparity map generation, and Disparity Seeded Region Growing (D-SRG), an improved version of the SRG algorithm optimized for identifying obstacles in real-time. Our system is designed to address key challenges such as high memory consumption and slow processing speed, enabling efficient real-time processing from image acquisition to obstacle detection using a 3D camera. Experimental results show that:

Reprogramming of epidermal keratinocytes by PITX1 transforms the cutaneous cellular landscape and promotes wound healing.

Cutaneous wound healing is a slow process that often terminates with permanent scarring while oral wounds, in contrast, regenerate damage faster. Unique molecular networks in epidermal and oral epithelial keratinocytes contribute to the tissue-specific response to wounding, but key factors that establish those networks and how the keratinocytes interact with their cellular environment remain to be elucidated. The transcription factor PITX1 is highly expressed in the oral epithelium but is undetectable in cutaneous keratinocytes. To delineate if PITX1 contributes to oral keratinocyte identity, cell-cell interactions, and the improved wound healing capabilities, we ectopically expressed PITX1 in the epidermis of murine skin. Using comparative analysis of murine skin and oral (buccal) mucosa with scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics, we found that PITX1 expression enhances epidermal keratinocyte migration, proliferation, and alters differentiation to a quasi-oral keratinocyte state. PITX1+ keratinocytes reprogram intercellular communication between skin-resident cells to mirror buccal tissue while also stimulating the influx of neutrophils that establish a pro-inflammatory environment. Furthermore, PITX1+ skin heals significantly faster than control skin via increased keratinocyte activation and migration and a tunable inflammatory environment. These results illustrate that PITX1 programs oral keratinocyte identity and cellular interactions while also revealing critical downstream networks that promote wound closure.

Balancing Equity and Innovation of Japanese Corporate Governance

This paper critically examines Japanese corporate governance, evaluating its role as a benefit or constraint in achieving equity and efficiency. It contrasts Japan's stakeholder-oriented model, characterized by long-term stability and employee-centric management, with the shareholder-focused frameworks of the United States and the United Kingdom. The analysis focuses on the unique roles of CEOs in Japan, emphasizing their responsibility toward employee welfare over short-term financial gains. It further explores Japan's historical business structures, including Zaibatsu and Keiretsu, which foster interconnected corporate networks but limit flexibility and innovation. The relationship between firms and main banks within Keiretsu is analyzed, highlighting their role in financial oversight and stability. Additionally, the study addresses Japan's "Three Sacred Treasures" of labor-management relations—lifetime employment, seniority-based wages, and enterprise unions—as integral to its governance approach. Despite its strengths, Japan’s model faces challenges, including limited board independence and slow decision-making processes. Recent reforms aimed at increasing transparency and aligning with global governance standards are discussed, suggesting a shift toward a hybrid model that blends traditional stability with market responsiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving dynamics of Japanese corporate governance, offering insights into its impact on Japan’s global economic competitiveness.