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Purpose Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most essential tools for detecting heart problems. Till today most of the ECG records are available in paper form. It can be challenging and time-consuming to manually assess the ECG paper records. Hence, automated diagnosis and analysis are possible if we digitize such paper ECG records. Methods The proposed work aims to convert ECG paper records into a 1-D signal and generate an accurate diagnosis of heart-related problems using deep learning. Camera-captured ECG images or scanned ECG paper records are used for the proposed work. Effective pre-processing techniques are used for the removal of shadow from the images. A deep learning model is used to get a threshold value that separates ECG signal from its background and after applying various image processing techniques threshold ECG image gets converted into digital ECG. These digitized 1-D ECG signals are then passed to another deep learning model for the automated diagnosis of heart diseases into different classes such as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB), Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB), and T-wave abnormality. Results The accuracy of deep learning-based binarization is 97%. Further deep learning-based diagnosis approach of such digitized paper ECG records was having an accuracy of 94.4%. Conclusions The digitized ECG signals can be useful to various research organizations because the trends in heart problems can be determined and diagnosed from preserved paper ECG records. This approach can be easily implemented in areas where such expertise is not available. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40846-021-00632-0.

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are the futuristic microfluidic paper-based analytical diagnostic devices that are utilized to perform the laboratory-based test (ex: water, blood, urine, etc..,) at the user location. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) are known as a robust analytical platform that can fulfil the stipulations. This analysis aims to offer a detailed assessment of the μPADs that are advanced for the estimation of vital water pH values. The significant challenge for users with the μPAD based diagnostic is that, the user is unable to evaluate the precise outcome of the diagnostic result. Here, the water pH diagnostic test is considered on the μPADs, since water pollutant is a severe environmental hassle that affect thousands of humans and as a result it increases the demand for common water first-class monitoring. The necessity for analytical systems that merge extreme sensibleness, selectivity and accuracy with low cost, portability and consumer friendliness remains as a prominent part. This research work proposes a technique to detect the pH value of the water by acquiring the images of the tested μPADs, extract the shape of the test zone area and perform colourimetric analysis to determine the pH value of the test zone area on scale 0-13. The main advantages of the μPADs are comparatively low cost and accessible abundance, reduce the overall cost of testing, and reduce the number of visits to the research laboratory.

Hydrophobic properties belong to the most important factors which determine functional properties of paper products. A number of methods related to the measurement of the interaction between water and paper are already used but most of them give results after specific period of time whereas many unit operations in modern industrial processes (e.g. printing) last usually less than one second. As a result, most of the existing methods are not corresponding to today’s requirements. The aim of the presented research was to develop the method based on image analysis for measuring the dynamics of penetration and permeation of liquid through paper. Special device named eXtended Liquid Penetration Analyser (XLPA) was built for this purpose. Based on the obtained results, the method developed allows to observe and analyse the dynamics of liquid permeation through paper. The proposed method fully replaces the method implemented in the PLG Sizing Tester, which estimated the time of a 50% decrease in brightness of a tested paper sample permeated by ink. Presented method offers the possibility of quantitative measurement of changes in liquid absorption with time resolution of 1/60 s. At the same time, thanks to the use of a camera and image analysis, it is possible to detect local areas of non-homogeneity in paper structure that differ with regards to their capability to absorb liquid, as well as to determine quantitative measures that characterize the non-homogeneity of the permeation process with reference to paper surface.

Summary Skin-interfaced wearable electronics can find a broad spectrum of applications in healthcare, human-machine interface, robotics, and others. The state-of-the-art wearable electronics usually suffer from costly and complex fabrication procedures and nonbiodegradable polymer substrates. Paper, comprising entangled micro- or nano-scale cellulose fibers, is compatible with scalable fabrication techniques and emerges as a sustainable, inexpensive, disposable, and biocompatible substrate for wearable electronics. Given various attractive properties (e.g., breathability, flexibility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability) and rich tunability of surface chemistry and porous structures, paper offers many exciting opportunities for wearable electronics. In this review, we first introduce the intriguing properties of paper-based wearable electronics and strategies for cellulose modifications to satisfy specific demands. We then overview the applications of paper-based devices in biosensing, energy storage and generation, optoelectronics, soft actuators, and several others. Finally, we discuss some challenges that need to be addressed before practical uses and wide implementation of paper-based wearable electronics., Graphical abstract, Biodevices; Bioelectronics; Electronic materials

Paper-based analytical devices have become lately “must have” components in equipment and instrumental designed for point-of-care applications, especially when they are used in tandem with microfluidic platforms. Nowadays, paper-based electrochemical devices (PEDs) represent the first choice in the development of lab-on-a-chip biosensors because of their benefits in biomedical diagnosis in terms of simplicity, affordability, portability, and disposability. Moreover, cellulose is a biodegradable and biocompatible substrate, ideal for building disposable devices for use in remote locations or low-resource settings. Despite their low costs and simplicity, PEDs must face a tough challenge—meeting the affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free, and deliverable to end users criteria. The latest achievements in microfluidic PEDs for clinical diagnosis will be critically discussed, putting emphasis on innovative assay formats and methods for surface modification.

Paper-based microfluidics is the branch of microfluidics involving devices made out of paper, or other porous membranes, that wick fluids by capillary action. Paper-based microfluidic devices have several advantages over conventional microfluidic devices including simpler fabrication, lower cost, easier disposal, and the ability to operate without pumps or other supporting equipment. The most common application of paper-based microfluidic devices is in the development of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic devices, which could eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming laboratory-based analytical procedures. This review provides an overview of current methods of fabricating paper-based microfluidic devices, examples of applications of these devices, a discussion of their current limitations, and an outlook on their future.

Paper-based devices for an analytical application have gained great interest among researchers due to their portability, versatility and facile interpretation. The popularity of these analytical devices is supplemented by their myriad of applications, in point-of-care health systems, environmental monitoring and food safety. How�ever, relatively sophisticated manufacturing techniques used to create complex multiplexed systems, pose barrier between the widespread adoption of the such methods in low-cost settings. Recently, researchers have taken significant efforts towards the development of paper-based analytical devices with more emphasis on novel fabrication approaches costing

Paper-based microfluidic biosensors have recently attracted increasing attentions in point-of-care testing (POCT) territories benefiting from their affordable, accessible and eco-friendly features, where technologies for fabricating such biosensors are preferred to be equipment free, easy-to-operate and capable of rapid prototyping. In this work, we developed a pen-on-paper (PoP) strategy based on two custom-made pens, i.e., a wax pen and a conductive-ink pen, to fully write paper-based microfluidic biosensors through directly writing both microfluidic channels and electrodes. Particularly, the proposed wax pen is competent to realize one-step fabrication of wax channels on paper, as the melted wax penetrates into paper during writing process without any post-treatments. The practical applications of the fabricated paper-based microfluidic biosensors are demonstrated by both colorimetric detection of Salmonella typhimurium DNA with detection limit of 1 nM and electrochemical measurement of glucose with detection limit of 1 mM. The developed PoP strategy for making microfluidic biosensors on paper characterized by true simplicity, prominent portability and excellent capability for rapid prototyping shows promising prospect in POCT applications.

In recent years, the paper-based microfluidics has been gaining attention because it is regarded as an inexpensive tool for detection and analysis in biomedical applications and clinical settings. This report, for the first time, describes a relatively simple and fast method, i.e. filtration-assisted screen printing (FASP) that can produce microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPAD) at ambient condition with time for constructing the channel wall of fluidic channel as less as 30 s. The channel walls are constructed by the polymer retained inside the filter paper at the designated locations through filtration. It is found that the flow behavior inside the channels was affected by the channel width while the influence of filtration time on the channel dimensions and porosity is minimal. Detection of glucose was demonstrated using the μPAD as fabricated. The proposed method provides a fast and reliable alternative to other state-of-the-art fabrication techniques, which can facilitate in extending the research and development in paper-based microfluidics.

Personalized health care (PHC) is being appreciated globally to combat clinical complexities underlying various metabolic or infectious disorders including diabetes, cardiovascular, communicable diseases etc. Effective diagnoses majorly depend on initial identification of the causes which are nowadays being practiced in disease-oriented approach, where personal health profile is often overlooked. The adoption of PHC has shown significantly improved diagnoses in various conditions including emergency, ambulatory, and remote area. PHC includes personalized health monitoring (PHM), which is its integral part and may provide valuable information's on various clinical conditions. In PHC, bio-fluids are analyzed using various diagnostic devices including lab based equipment and biosensors. Among all types of biosensing systems, paper based biosensors are commercially attracted due to its portability, easy availability, cheaper manufacturing cost, and transportability. Not only these, various intrinsic properties of paper has facilitated the development of paper based miniaturized sensors, which has recently gained ASSURED (Affordable, Sensitive, Specific, User-friendly, Rapid and Robust, Equipment free, Deliverable to all end-users) status for point of care diagnosis in miniaturized settings. In this review, importance of paper based biosensors and their compatibility for affordable and low cost diagnostics has been elaborated with various examples. Limitations and strategies to overcome the challenges of paper biosensor have also been discussed. We have provided elaborated tables which describe the types, model specifications, sensing mechanisms, target biomarkers, and analytical performance of the paper biosensors with their respective applications in real sample matrices. Different commercial aspects of paper biosensor have also been explained using SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats) analysis.

The aim of this work is to develop high-performance papers from recovered cardboard boxes. To tackle this objective, cardboard boxes were enzymatically refined and subsequently reinforced with CNF. Results revealed that although cardboard boxes are usually used for test-liner paper production, they could be used for high-performance applications. In this sense, stronger papers than common test-liner were produced through the use of harmless techniques for fibers. In terms of circular economy, the proposed combined approach goes further than closing the loop: new markets can be achieved or lighter papers could be used, leading to significant resources savings.

Nucleic acid testing (NAT) has been studied extensively in paper-based diagnostics, presenting a substantially higher sensitivity and specificity than immunoassays. Paper-based NAT provides an alternative to laborious, expensive and time-consuming conventional NAT. Recent advances in paper fabrication and modification technologies have made it possible to integrate all key steps of NAT (i.e., sample preparation, nucleic acid amplification and amplicon detection) into one single paper-based device, and are hence suitable for resource-poor settings. However, multiple challenges are yet to be addressed to translate the technologies into practical applications. In the present review, we discuss the current status and challenges in accomplishing each key step of NAT using low-cost paper substrates. We highlight the most recent advances, challenges and possible solutions in integrating all these steps into a compact paper-based device. We also review the latest progress towards commercialization and future perspectives on the development of an ideal sample-in-answer-out device.

The oil impregnated paper capacitance graded transformer bushings serves as the external connection device of the transformer to support and connect the insulation, and its insulation state is related to the safe and stable operation of substation equipment.In this paper, a simulation model of 110kV oil impregnated paper capacitance graded transformer bushings is constructed on the commercial finite element software platform based on the actual size of the bushing and the principle of equal capacitance and steps. The paper calculate the potential and radial electric field distribution of the bushing under the normal working voltage, and analyze the influence of the aluminum plate on the radial electric field distribution of the bushing, verifying the rationality of the design principle based on equal capacitance and steps.

The EU White Paper on AI mentions healthcare as one of the sectors where AI applications might pose high risks. These comments provide the vision on the regulatory framework for high-risk healthcare AI applications. The key takeaways concern transparency, preventing bias, safety and quality of AI applications used for medical purposes. I suggest that the transparency of AI shall not be equated to its explainability. To increase transparency and ensure the safety of AI healthcare applications, cooperation between manufacturers and users of AI (healthcare providers) shall be improved. I highlight that biased AI decisions alert on the inaccuracy of algorithms. While discrimination and stigmatization are difficult to identify and prove, especially for AI and especially for healthcare, controlling of AI’s accuracy is an efficient tool to prevent and mitigate biases in AI systems. Finally, I briefly compare the two regulations that might apply to AI tools in healthcare - the Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/745 (MDR) and the In-vitro Diagnostic Medical Devices Regulation (EU) 2017/746 (IVDR). I conclude that the IVDR is more tailored to AI characteristics while it is more detailed and more focused on data quality and relevance. Thus, the IVDR rules can be a good starting point for clarifying and implementing a regulatory framework for high-risk AI healthcare applications.

Molecular diagnostics with high sensitivity and specificity are essential for the early detection of infectious diseases caused by pathogens. However, it has not reached its full potential in point-of-care diagnosis because of the technically demanding and labor-intensive methods, which limit its accessibility in low-resource areas. Herein, we propose an integrated genetic analysis platform that fully automates sample pretreatment, nucleic acid amplification and endpoint detection. Magnetic silica beads were employed to isolate DNA from lysate to simplify the device design and operation. A helical continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reactor was divided into three sections with different temperatures to perform the denaturing, annealing and extension phases of the PCR. Additionally, the final detection was performed using a nucleic acid paper-based detection chip, and the results were automatically analyzed by software. Using this device, as few as 104 CFU/mL of Listeria monocytogenes can be detected. This device prevents cross-contamination, greatly reduces the number of operation steps, and improves detection efficiency. Further, it has the potential to be utilized for rapid decision making related to pathogen containment and to eliminate the requirements for end-users with professional skills and specialized laboratory facilities.

Due to the security threats faced in the connected world, the consideration of security requirements during system design and modeling has become a necessity. Unfortunately, the identification of new requirements that may arise throughout additional phases of a system’s life-cycle (e.g. operation) must also be considered due to the ever-changing threat landscape. These new requirements may derive in system adaptations or modifications that ensure continuous system security. The identification of these new requirements and the implementation of their derived changes must be performed in a timely manner in order to avoid time windows where the system is vulnerable to security attacks. Unfortunately, the timely implementation of security-related changes is a challenge when dealing with automation systems as it may affect their availability and functionality. This position paper presents an approach that allows semiautomatic identification of system vulnerabilities in order to facilitate the derivation of new requirements that allow to ensure the security of a system. This identification is carried out throughout multiple phases of a system’s life-cycle.

The main objective of this project was to assess an inkless method to collect reference (exemplar) fingerprints as a low-cost, portable, and hygienic technique; for temporary storage and as an alternative to the conventional black ink method. The tested inkless approach requires alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel as the medium and thermal paper as the substrate. The final quality and clarity of fingerprints were examined and compared between the two methods, especially on the basis of medium/substrate and biological sex effects. Two different evaluation systems of visual quality (clarity) were conducted to provide more reliable results: a quality score scheme (QS) and metrics from the FBI's Universal Latent Workstation (ULW). Fingerprints were obtained from 20 individuals (11 males and 9 females) between the ages of 20 and 40; a total of 240 impressions were evaluated. The results provide evidence that the inkless method produces identifiable fingerprints of equivalent quality to the standard ink method, although significantly better for males. The potential of the proposed technique as an alternative to the conventional ink method is proven and corroborated by the two independent systems of visual quality assessments.

There is a need for an accurate end-of-life indicator for packaged food (meat, seafood, dairy food etc.) beyond a simple “best use by” date on the food package. In this work, we propose a low cost solution by repurposing the food’s barcode as a colorimetric sensor array to monitor food condition. A smart phone camera is used to read color information from the sensor barcode for quantitative estimate of the food aging and quality. The sensor is based on cross-reactive vapor sensitive dyes encapsulated in resin microbeads, which are impregnated onto a low cost paper substrate in a barcode pattern. The entire sensor platform is validated by accurately monitoring chicken aging and eventual spoilage under different temperature conditions. The proposed food diagnostics platform has the potential to reduce food waste and eliminate food-borne illness.

The ongoing pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused unprecedented damage to the global economy. Diagnostic testing is a key factor in limiting virus transmission and safeguarding public health. We present the fabrication process of a paper-based device that uses reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to detect SARS-CoV-2 in complex matrices by providing a colorimetric response apparent to the naked eye. Because of LAMP's functionality, this device just requires a simple heat source (e.g., water bath, incubator), it can be deployed in resource-constrained areas and can be used as a supplement to current point-of-care (POC) and community testing procedures. Since the test is based on nucleic acids, the testing platform itself lends to further applications including food safety monitoring, animal diagnostics, etc. simply by changing the specific primers.•We developed a platform capable of on-paper detection of SARS-CoV-2 using colorimetric reporters that produce responses visible to the naked eye.•The platform is easily reconfigurable to target different pathogens by changing the primer sets, and multiplexing is possible by adding additional reaction sites to the device., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Our research objective is making quantum computing real with Qiskit for USAF-Pentagon JADC2 (Joint All Domain Command & Control) thus contributing to USAF-DoD core missions. JADC2 is the US Air Force led and Joint Staff coordinated key effort central to Joint Services C4I-ISR and C2 (Command & Control) integration enabling the new Joint Warfighting Concept for All-Domain Operations. The resulting ‘New American Way of War’ is anticipated to yield “significant advantage over everybody in the world for a long time” according to the Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General John Hyten.

Background and Objective To present a structured approach for assessing stakeholder perceptions and implementing the approach in guideline development. Methods This work was carried out by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Equity and Stakeholder Engagement Project Groups through brainstorming and iterative frameworks, stakeholder engagement, pilot testing, refinement of ideas, using input from workshops, and discussions at GRADE Working Group meetings to produce this document, which constitutes a GRADE conceptual article on implementation. Results We introduce the FACE implementation criteria, feasibility, acceptability, cost, and equity; priority; and “intent to implement” criterion. We outline the implementation importance of networks and approaches to patient and other stakeholder engagement. Implementation is often highly contextual and can benefit from stakeholder engagement and other assessments. Our FACE approach provides stakeholder questions and language to inform guideline implementation and tools. Conclusion The FACE criteria propose a series of knowledge translation questions to guide the assessment of implementation for evidence-based guidelines. It is desirable for guideline developers to use a conceptual approach, such as FACE, to tailor implementation and inform end of guideline dissemination and knowledge translation activities.

Paper-based electronics offer a simple and cost-effective means to fabricate flexible devices. Here, we report an efficient pen-on-paper approach to construct metasurfaces on paper with silver units. Further, paper-based metasurfaces are employed to shield the electromagnetic interference which create new opportunities in turning waste paper into a solution for eliminating electromagnetic pollution. Experimental measurements and simulations show that waste paper-based metasurface manufactured in this way exhibits remarkable electromagnetic shielding properties with small thickness (thickness reduced more than 90% compared with that of traditional shielding materials), which makes it an ideal candidate for specific frequency electromagnetic filters. In addition, it can be readily extended to other regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, widened the shielding band by simply scaling the silver units' sizes and utilizing appropriate three-dimensional structures. Having taken performance into consideration, production is also taken into account. Paper-based shields offer both economic and energy benefits when considered on electronic printing, in addition, environment friendly nature and pliability of paper as well as simple fabrication procedure make paper-based metasurfaces promising candidates for the future ‘green’ electronics.

Xuan paper, also named rice paper, was invented in the Tang Dynasty around 700 AD. Due to its softness, flexibility, fine texture and excellent durability, Xuan paper has been one of the most carriers for a large number of extraordinary artworks since its invention. The mechanical properties of Xuan paper will be varied over time, which has a significant impact on its application and preservation. In this study, for the first time, we employed atomic force microscopy nanoindentation measurement, a simple and nondestructive technique to quantitatively analyze the nanomechanical properties of Xuan paper. Combined with other characterizations, the property of Xuan paper under different aging times was investigated. It is expected that our results should lead to a better understanding of Xuan Paper as ancient materials with superior properties. The current results should provide useful information on the identification and protection of paper-based artifacts.

Exam paper generation is an indispensable part of teaching. Existing methods focus on the use of question extraction algorithms with labels for each question provided. Obviously, manual labeling is inefficient and cannot avoid label bias. Furthermore, the quality of the exam papers generated by the existing methods is not guaranteed. To address these problems, we propose a novel approach to generating exam papers based on prediction of exam performance. As such, we update the quality of the initially generated questions one by using dynamic programming, as well as in batches by using genetic algorithms. We performed the prediction task by using Deep Knowledge Tracing. Our approach considered the skill weight, difficulty, and distribution of exam scores. By comparisons, experimental results indicate that our approach performed better than the two baselines. Furthermore, it can generate exam papers with adaptive difficulties closely to the expected levels, and the related student exam scores will be guaranteed to be relatively reasonable distribution. In addition, our approach was evaluated in a real learning scenarios and shows advantages.

Heavy metal pollution has shown great threat to the environment and public health worldwide. Current methods for the detection of heavy metals require expensive instrumentation and laborious operation, which can only be accomplished in centralized laboratories. Various microfluidic paper-based analytical devices have been developed recently as simple, cheap and disposable alternatives to conventional ones for on-site detection of heavy metals. In this review, we first summarize current development of paper-based analytical devices and discuss the selection of paper substrates, methods of device fabrication, and relevant theories in these devices. We then compare and categorize recent reports on detection of heavy metals using paper-based microfluidic devices on the basis of various detection mechanisms, such as colorimetric, fluorescent, and electrochemical methods. To finalize, the future development and trend in this field are discussed.

Turn-by-turn (TBT) route guidance technology installed on mobile phones is very popular among car drivers for wayfinding purposes. Previous studies examined their effect on spatial knowledge predominantly on pedestrians or in virtual environments. Drivers' spatial knowledge was experimentally compared in two random groups: audiovisual route guidance using the TBT navigation feature of the Google Maps app installed on a mobile phone, and a paper map. Participants drove their own vehicles to a predesignated destination in an unfamiliar residential neighborhood. Spatial knowledge tests (orientation, landmark recognition and route recognition) were subsequently administered. The scores of map-assisted drivers were uncorrelated and, on average, higher in orientation (deviation in direction), landmark recognition and route recognition (error percentage). The landmark recognition scores of drivers assisted by TBT route guidance were significantly lower with a very large effect size. The route recognition scores of drivers assisted by route guidance showed strong correlations with orientation and with landmark recognition scores. Results can be attributed to the differences in cognitive effort required to complete the wayfinding task: unlike memorizing a global map survey, passively following TBT audiovisual instructions does not require drivers to actively encode, transform, and continuously monitor their egocentric position in space. Drivers also showed somewhat poorer performance relative to studies with pedestrians which can be explained by the greater mental effort, compared to wandering on foot, involved in wayfinding while safely driving a rapidly moving vehicle. The future implications of the increasing dependence on mobile navigation technologies are further discussed.

We believe the switch to a digital pathology (DP) workflow is imminent and it is essential to understand the economic implications of conversion. Many aspects of the adoption of DP will be disruptive and have a direct financial impact, both in short term costs, such as investment in equipment and personnel, and long term revenue potential, such as improved productivity and novel tests. The focus of this whitepaper is to educate pathologists, laboratorians and other stakeholders about the business and monetary considerations of converting to a digital pathology workflow. The components of a DP business plan will be thoroughly summarized, and guidance will be provided on how to build a case for adoption and implementation as well as a roadmap for transitioning from an analog to a digital pathology workflow in various laboratory settings. It is important to clarify that this publication is not intended to list prices although some financials will be mentioned as examples. The authors encourage readers who are evaluating conversion to a DP workflow to use this paper as a foundational guide for conducting a thorough and complete assessment while incorporating in current market pricing. Contributors to this paper analyzed peer-reviewed literature and data collected from various institutions, some of which are mentioned. Digital pathology will change the way we practice through facilitating patient access to expert pathology services and enabling image analysis tools and assays to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, risk stratification and therapeutic selection. Together, they will result in the delivery of valuable information from which to make better decisions and improve the health of patients.

Paper has recently attracted increasing attention as a substrate for various biomedical applications. By modifying its physical and chemical properties, paper can be used as an alternative to conventional cell culture substrates. Because it can be stacked into a three-dimensional (3D) structure, which can better mimic the in vivo cell microenvironment. Paper has shown great potential as a 3D cell culture platform for developing normal and diseased models. This platform gives precise control over extracellular matrix (ECM) composition as well as cell distribution and precise analysis of the interactions between cells. Paper-based platforms have been applied for pathophysiological studies and therapeutic intervention studies. In this paper, we first discuss the modifications of the physical and chemical properties of paper to develop various 2D and 3D cell culture platforms. We then review the applications of paper-based cell culture platforms for the construction of in vitro disease models, drug screening, and cell cryopreservation applications. Because of its advantages such as biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, cost efficiency, and ease of large-scale production, we believe that paper-based cell culture platforms would play an important role in the fields of biomedicine.

Highlights • In this position paper, we provide a collection of views on the role of AI in the COVID-19 pandemic, from the clinical needs to the design of AI-based systems, to the translation of the developed tools to the clinic. We highlight key factors in designing system solutions - per specific task; as well as design issues in managing the disease on the national level. We focus on three specific use-cases for which AI systems can be built: from the early disease detection, the management of the disease in a hospital setting, and building patient-specific predictive models that require the combination of imaging with additional clinical features. Infrastructure considerations and population modeling in two European countries will be described. This pandemic has made the practical and scientific challenges of making AI solutions very explicit. A discussion concludes this paper, with a list of challenges facing the community in the AI road ahead., In this position paper, we provide a collection of views on the role of AI in the COVID-19 pandemic, from clinical requirements to the design of AI-based systems, to the translation of the developed tools to the clinic. We highlight key factors in designing system solutions - per specific task; as well as design issues in managing the disease at the national level. We focus on three specific use-cases for which AI systems can be built: early disease detection, management in a hospital setting, and building patient-specific predictive models that require the combination of imaging with additional clinical data. Infrastructure considerations and population modeling in two European countries will be described. This pandemic has made the practical and scientific challenges of making AI solutions very explicit. A discussion concludes this paper, with a list of challenges facing the community in the AI road ahead.

The pervasive spread of infectious diseases and pandemics, such as the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), are becoming increasingly serious and urgent threats to human health. Preventing the spread of such diseases prioritizes the development of sensing devices that can rapidly, selectively, and reliably detect pathogens at minimal cost. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) are promising tools that satisfy those criteria. Numerous paper-based biosensors have been established that rival conventional pathogen detection methods. Among them, colorimetric strategies are promising since results can be interpreted by eye, and are simple to operate, which is advantageous for point-of-care testing (POCT). Particularly, the application of nanomaterials on paper-based biosensors has become important as these materials are capable of converting signals from pathogens through unique mechanisms to yield an amplified colorimetric readout. To highlight the research progress on using nanomaterials in colorimetric paper-based biosensor for pathogen detection, we discuss the sensing mechanisms of how they work, structural and analytical characteristics of the devices, and representative recent applications. Current challenges and future directions of using PADs and nanomaterial-mediated strategies are also discussed., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Recent developments in paper-based analytical devices for colorimetric detection of pathogens are reviewed in detail. • Three main types of point-of-care paper-based devices are exploited for robust performance in pathogen detection. • Colorimetric strategies are sensitive and offer fast response and convenience to end-users. • Diverse nanomaterials are deployed for both signal transduction and amplification to enhance sensitivity. • Sensing mechanisms fundamental to colorimetric pathogen detection are discussed.

Agriculture is the important aspect of country economy. Farmers employ laborers for various purposes of works to be carried out on their farm. One of the important works is to make a ridge and furrow in their agricultural fields. In general, farmers use tractors, plowing machines, and other manual methods for making ridges and furrows in the agricultural field which increases the cost of operation to produce ridges and furrows. Further, the manual method of producing ridges and furrows needs more labor and takes more number of days to complete the work. Work. It also needs a lot of physical work. [1] . Plowing machines are costly and use power. This machine is highly economical and efficient which would replace the existing manual method of removal of furrows. Further, the machine is operated by freely available solar energy. The new machine is capable of reducing the physical work and also speed up the removal of wastages along the furrow. This furrow formation machine is mainly designed and fabricated to dug the tunnel and to form the furrows along the boundary of the land and along both the sides of the crops.

In production, poor ergonomic environments not only lead to increased workloads and health hazards for employees but also tend to reduce efficiency and quality. Recently, the human-cyber-physical (HCP) system has been proposed and widely studies to meet human capabilities and limitations. However, most existing frameworks are still not adaptive enough to integrate humans into a smart production environment due to a lack of real-time individual human factors digitalization. This research proposes an HCP workstation model for comprehensive assembly resources digitalization and autonomous interaction by CPS enabling technologies. Based on this, an adaptive control system has been developed for proactive ergonomic risk mitigation. Computer vision is deployed for real-time individual ergonomic evaluation and a prototype has been set up for functional validation.

The aim of this study is to design a fully automatic Sundry board machine for reduction of congestion in the cardboard making process and increase the quality and quantity of production. For this purpose, the manual cutting and transfer of sheet is replaced by automated mechanism. The mechanisms include the incorporation of the cutting arrangement in the cutting drum itself, deployment of air pressure to separate the sheet edge from the cutting drum, a cross cutting mechanism and a mechatronic system to control these all mechanism. The initial review is done on the semi-automatic machine followed by the requirement definition. The required components are brainstormed and individually developed. A time based relation is designed such that a microcontroller can be programmed later on for the synchronism of all the components. Thisrelation is visually represented and the entire system is now ready for assembling.

Objectives The aim of this study is to clarify the concept of replication research to improve its appropriate use by researchers, editors, research funders, and decision makers. Study Design and Setting We combined concept analysis and metanarrative review methods to synthetize knowledge on replication research from various scientific fields. We used multiple search strategies to identify the relevant literature published before April 2018. We summarized the data by seeking commonalities and differences in underlying conceptual and theoretical assumptions in the literature. Results A total of 153 articles from various disciplines were included. The analysis led to the identification of three major definitions of replication: the repetition of a previous study, the extension of a previous study, and the road-testing of a theory. Attributes, conditions required to conduct replication studies, concerns related to the interpretation of replication studies, and diverse replication research typologies were synthesized, combined, and analyzed. Based on this metanarrative review, a comprehensive theoretical definition of replication research was formulated. Conclusion This study can support the adoption of a shared understanding and recognition of the indispensable nature of replication research for the sound development of knowledge in all research fields.

The benefits of many breakthroughs in biotechnology, health, and medicine have often been restricted by the high cost and the limited availability of tests and application devices. There is a need for low-cost bioassays for biotechnological applications and health diagnostics. To facilitate quality health care to resource-limited regions, the point-of-care devices needs to be affordable, sensitive, user-friendly, rapid, and robust. Paper is an ideal ingredient to develop disposable bioassay devices. Bioactive papers can be used to develop paper-based analytical devices for clinical diagnosis, assessing organ dysfunction, and detecting infectious diseases and microorganisms. Bioactive papers can also be used as antibacterial papers in healthcare and food packaging. At present the paper diagnostics is a multibillion-dollar market. Considering the product range and applications in health sector the market potential of bioactive papers is very high. Synchronized scientific and industrial research is needed to develop high quality and consistent commercial products from laboratory proof of concept.

In this study, we compare paper- and web-based self-reporting survey results with smartphone-based survey data. The focus is on the error in the departure or arrival times of the trips reported by the participants and it is measured by the time difference between smartphone-based and self-reporting survey results. Most of the results show that the time difference for the web-based survey is larger than that for the paper-based survey. We find that the burden of the paper-based survey may increase the time difference. The number of elapsed days taken to record impacts the time difference, particularly in the web-based survey. Furthermore, for a young long-time internet user, the paper-based survey results are less accurate.

The remarkable increase in the number of authors and publications is observed in almost all fields in last decade. Inherently publication engages process of peer review and is a vital segment in research and development progression. The Reviewer Assignment Problem (RAP) is one of the most important and apparent process that involves the process of assigning a reviewer to paper. RAP has motivated many researchers in the recent decade as the conference organizers and journal editors are demanding for automatic assignment with fair and accurate reviews. Fair and accurate reviews mostly depend on accurate expert assignment to the paper. RAP entails two core phases: matching submitted manuscript and experts, and expert assignment to paper for review. Matching manuscript and expert involves building both paper and expert profiles correctly and then matching them accurately. Similarly assigning an expert to paper accurately involves solving assignment problem by satisfying constraints like a conflict of interest, fulfilling coverage requirements and balancing the load of the expert reviewer. Many researchers have contributed to the topic by proposing solutions for RAP. Each proposed methodology necessitates using an appropriate performance metric for proving its effectiveness. In the case of RAP, we can measure the performance of the whole process; one can measure the performance of the core phases separately as both phases engross different processes and different metric. Testing performance and reducing errors in phases will lead to overall improved results. Both subjective (also known as qualitative) and objective (also known as quantitative) measures have been practiced by the researchers. In this paper, we present trends in using performance measures, their applicability and suitability for RAP. It is observed that ‘Unanimity’ is the most appropriate measure for the overall review process. Use of performance measures- matching score, authority, coverage, and diversity are the most suitable for measuring the performance of phase one- matching paper and reviewer. It is noticed that load balance, fairness and accuracy are suitable for measuring the performance of phase two that assigns a reviewer to paper by satisfying constraints. The study derives the conclusion that hybrid approach with the proper combination of these measures is the best for measuring the performance of process of assigning reviewer to the paper.

Actuators, detectors and controllers associated with most current microfluidic chips continue to be bulky and costly. The ability of paper (and other porous materials) to wick fluids circumvents the need for a pump, making such devices portable, low-cost, and ideal for use in low-resource settings. Such devices are known as “paper microfluidic devices” and when combined with smartphones as recording devices, represent an ultimate achievement in green analytical chemistry. The carbon footprint of such an approach to chemical analysis is almost negligible. In this paper, recent developments in the field of paper microfluidic devices are described with an emphasis on the simplest variant of paper microfluidics: microzones on paper. The role of smartphones as an inexpensive and green counterpart to paper microzones with a similarly low environmental impact level and simplicity of operation is also described.

Paper spray ionization has grown to become one of the most successful ambient ionization methods within the past decade. Requiring little to no sample preparation and being remarkably simple to construct, this technique has seen application in a wide number of fields. This review approaches the mechanism of how paper spray works, and seeks to better classify what it is and is not in a rapidly expanding field of ambient techniques. Additionally, many applications of the technique in clinical, forensic, environmental, and reaction monitoring regimes are explored. Finally, perspectives towards the future of how paper spray could be utilized will be expanded upon, including unexplored substrates and possibilities for the 'omics space.

The cross-directional model predictive control (CD-MPC) tuning problem is investigated for multiple-array paper-making process with parametric uncertainty. A systematic spatial tuning method is proposed to tune the penalty matrices such that the harmful high frequency elements in each actuator profile can be eliminated. A multivariable temporal filter is employed to adjust the output references, and a temporal tuning algorithm is developed for the filter parameters to achieve the pre-specified 2 σ performance indices. The computational time of the proposed methods is reduced via event-based sampling strategy. The effectiveness of the techniques is shown via a CD system from paper-making industry.

A truly international and systematic review (SR) identifies and synthesizes relevant evidence regardless of the geographical provenance or language of publication. Despite recommendations, international SRs continue to exclude papers in languages other than English (LOE) at searching, screening, and analysis phases either explicitly in their protocols or by omitting to attend to LOE. Although guidelines on including LOE publications in SRs are lacking, a small body of literature provides strategies for screening LOE titles and abstracts. Drawing on experience from published SRs, this commentary summarizes the existing literature and highlights further strategies that can be used. Online translation tools and language skills of colleagues can often be used during searching and screening at no financial cost. When LOE papers meet inclusion criteria, a member of the SR team with relevant language skills, if available, or an external translator will ideally be involved multiple times during the review process. Weighing up the novelty and import of insights from a paper against translation costs can inform decisions about whether LOE papers should be included and the frequency with which a translator should be involved. Removing language restrictions requires attention at all stages of an SR. A plan for addressing LOE papers at each stage should be documented at the outset of the review and may need to be revised depending on the number of papers identified. Reporting of the approach used is important for transparency and confirmability.

This work focuses on the study of ink seepage and spreading into paper to ease the deciphering of digitized ancient documents and therefore make them legible and researchable. A three-dimensional model is proposed for the simulation of ink seepage into paper at the fiber level. The model takes into account a finite volume of ink and describes the system state through gravity, cohesion and adhesion force interactions. At the mesoscopic scale, the writing paper is modeled using a discretized fiber structure generated using a numerical deposition procedure. A modified Monte Carlo method is introduced for the simulation of the ink dynamics. Finally a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method is suggested to fine-tune the mesoscopic variational model parameters and it is shown that the ink seepage behaviors predicted by the proposed model can resemble those predicted by a method relying on first principles .

This paper provides an introduction to set-theoretic methods with respect to their application to research in the qualitative paradigm, as part of a series of papers on qualitative research being featured in Early Human Development. It discusses the philosophical assumptions underlying set-theoretic methods and the properties that make them well-suited for use in the analysis of qualitative data. It also takes a closer look at qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a cross-case analysis method that has arguably been most widely applied among the set-theoretic methods and has also been gaining ground in the health field. Theoretical underpinnings, sample-size considerations, set calibration, QCA software packages, parameters of fit and limitations of the method are discussed. A description of the analytic output issued by a freely available software package, fs/QCA, is used as an example to illustrate QCA results and their interpretation.

In the past, the animal glues were used in paper manufacturing and in restoration of artworks preserved in museums, libraries and archives. By ageing they went through deterioration creating distortions, tensions, cockling and discolouration in paper materials. Consequently, the removal of glue residues becomes an essential step in the restoration of ancient and artwork paper material. Current mechanical and chemical methods display serious drawbacks mainly related to aggressiveness towards material or toxicity for restorers. Bio-based methods for paper cleaning rely on the use of enzymes that require skilled operators, optimal application conditions and high costs, creating difficulties in mastering enzyme use so far. This paper describes a first attempt of biocleaning ancient paper from organic deposits using living bacteria. The non-pathogenic, non-spore-forming and non-cellulolytic original strain Ochrobactrum sp. TNS15 E was successfully applied -immobilised in an agar gel-on original paper specimens dating back to the 17th. After 4 h of contact with the bacterial pack, the cellulose fibres underlying glue were disclosed, highlighting the bacterial capacity of removing the glue layer without damaging the paper or leaving undesirable residues. Both colorimetry and SEM analyses proved the results. The procedure is simple, low-cost and safe for the artefact, the restorers and the environment.

Paper is increasingly recognized as a user-friendly and ubiquitous substrate for construction of microfluidic devices. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) provide an alternative technology for development of affordable, portable, disposable and low-cost diagnostic tools for improving point of care testing (POCT) and disease screening in the developing world, especially in those countries with no- or low-infrastructure and limited trained medical and health professionals. We in this review present fabrication techniques for microfluidic devices and their respective applications for biological detection as reported to date. These include: (i) fabrication techniques: examples of devices fabricated by using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) methods; (ii) detection application: biochemical, immunological and molecular detection by incorporating efficient detection methods such as, colorimetric detection, electrochemical detection, fluorescence detection, chemiluminescence (CL) detection, electrochemiluninescence (ECL) detection, photoelectrochemi (PEC) detection and so on. In addition, main advantages, disadvantages and future trends for the devices are also discussed in this review.

The writing of Sustainable Supply chain Management (SSCM) is overflowed with structures. Be that as it may, to date, there has been no endeavor to uncover the irregularities in the current systems and related research patterns. The motivation behind this paper is to survey SSCM structures and feature irregularities. The examination additionally helps in dissecting exploration patterns and builds of SSCM structures and encourages new applications. It utilizes the Scopus database and concludes a couple of systems in the SSCM are considering a period from 2000-2018, utilizing an organized writing audit approach and space specialists. It uses a battery of deliberate necessities-based inquiries to get patterns and covers building squares/develops. It uncovers irregularities at three unique stages: system arrangement, utilization stage catching existing exploration patterns, and build the structure. It likewise offers subtleties at structure square/develops level. Hence, it provides direction in diminishing irregularities and potential changes in existing systems. It uncovered existing growth and sub-builds and aides about the new forthcoming changes in a business affecting SSCM space. It additionally instructs about the qualities and shortcomings of every system. The investigation will help for change/revisions in existing structures by decreasing irregularities and urge new techniques to encourage applications. This is a one-of-a-kind report that offers a structures-based survey, depicts research patterns, and aids about develops a system by uncovering irregularities at each stage. It helps decrease irregularities and provides direction regarding changes in SSCM structure thinking about up and coming difficulties.

Sensitivity analysis (SA) has been used to evaluate the behavior and quality of environmental models by estimating the contributions of potential uncertainty sources to quantities of interest (QoI) in the model output. Although there is an increasing literature on applying SA in environmental modeling, a pragmatic and specific framework for spatially distributed environmental models (SD-EMs) is lacking and remains a challenge. This article reviews the SA literature for the purposes of providing a step-by-step pragmatic framework to guide SA, with an emphasis on addressing potential uncertainty sources related to spatial datasets and the consequent impact on model predictive uncertainty in SD-EMs. The framework includes: identifying potential uncertainty sources; selecting appropriate SA methods and QoI in prediction according to SA purposes and SD-EM properties; propagating perturbations of the selected potential uncertainty sources by considering the spatial structure; and verifying the SA measures based on post-processing. The proposed framework was applied to a SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) application to demonstrate the sensitivities of the selected QoI to spatial inputs, including both raster and vector datasets - for example, DEM and meteorological information - and SWAT (sub)model parameters. The framework should benefit SA users not only in environmental modeling areas but in other modeling domains such as those embraced by geographical information system communities.

This paper describes for the first time the use of a 3D pen to fabricate paper-based analytical devices. 3D pens are usually commercialized as “toy for children” and a kit containing four units and a handheld flashlight can be found at cost of US$ 10−15. The protocol involves the 3D pen drawing of the desirable layout on paper using an acrylic resin followed by a curing stage through a handheld flashlight. The barriers created with 3D pen revealed good chemical resistance when exposed to acid and alkaline solutions, surfactants and organic solvents, except ethanol. The proposed approach enabled the creation of zones with 2 mm diameter and channels with 3 mm wide. The analytical feasibility of the devices created with 3D pen was investigated through colorimetric measurements of clinically and environmentally relevant analytes using a free application for image capture and analysis. Considering the instrumental simplicity and the satisfactory analytical performance, we believe the reported approach exhibits potentiality to be implemented in laboratories or research centers with limited resources, opening possibilities to create the desirable devices for the point-of-need applications using only a pen and a flashlight.