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Traditionally, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production has primarily relied on virgin cellulose sources. Yet, the shift to using paper mill sludge (PMS) as a source for CNF underscores the significance of reusing and recycling industrial byproducts. PMS contains significant amounts of cellulose that can be extracted as a raw material. The purpose of present study is to provide a sustainable approach to PMS utilization as a paper coating additive in the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFPMS) form via simply scalable wire-wound rod coating method. The effect of CNFPMS additive amounts at two coating layers on microstructure and surface properties of coatings such as porosity, air permeability surface roughness and optical properties such as brightness, gloss and CIE L*a*b* is studied, which they can also provide insight for the eventual print performance. Results indicated that the obtained CNFPMS in paper coating shows 52% decrease in porosity, presenting significant improvement in the coating microstructure. The marginal increase in permeability coefficient and surface roughness, 54% and 10%, respectively, suggests improving color reproduction and preventing color density losses. Optical analysis showed slight decrease in brightness and gloss, as was expected. Notably, the lightness was improved, which also indicates increasing color gamut volume in printing applications. As a result, the current work offers a sustainable approach to manage PMS for use in paper coatings as a high-value-added material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetra Pak® paper and PE (polyethylene) wastes were evaluated to obtain a new composite material with awareness of environmental responsibility. Fillers and coupling agents were used for this joining process. Calcite (CaCO3), boric acid (H3BO3), SPT (Sodium Perborate Tetrahydrate / NaBO3.4H2O), titanate, MAPE (maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene, and vinyltriethoxysilane (C8H18O) composites were produced in 30 x 30 cm plates. A total of 30 samples were prepared as 5 mg flour for thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Samples were observed in a thermal analyzer at 10, 15, or 20 °C/min heating rate in nitrogen atmosphere. Graphs were obtained as a result of TGA, and the activation energies were calculated using these graphs. The activation energy was calculated using the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. The determined activation energies of the composites were close to each other for each temperature group. In the samples using calcite and vinyltriethoxysilane, relatively higher activation energies were observed in comparison to the samples with boric acid and MAPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper comprehensively analyzes a company's supply chain design process in the pulp and paper industry. It focuses on the company's supply chain strategy, structure, operations, and performance and highlights the challenges and opportunities specific to the industry. The purpose of this case study is to show how effective supply chain design can improve a company's competitiveness and success. This paper also offers recommendations for improving supply chain design in the pulp and paper industry and other similar industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the collective effort to edit and produce the periodical "Frederick Douglass' Paper" when the paper's founder and editor, African American journalist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass, sought temporary asylum in Great Britain in the wake of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859. The article also examines the collective nature of the broader Black press in the U.S. in the mid-19th century.

This article introduces a flexible and easy-to-implement open-ended scientific inquiry activity called the Paper Towels Challenge. After experimentally determining which of three unbranded paper towels is the most absorbent, students discuss their results and methods. The teacher facilitates the discussion of epistemological issues. This activity can be used regardless of the participants' age or country to promote science understanding, NGSS science and engineering practices, and twenty-first century skills, such as critical thinking and communication. The many uses, benefits, and possible adaptations of the activity are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La transición hacia el uso del papel para la enseñanza de la escritura en las escuelas elementales públicas en México no fue sencilla. Al finalizar el siglo XIX, se había cuestionado el uso de las pizarras por el riesgo que representaban para la salud, pues muchas veces los estudiantes borraban sus escritos con saliva y el material con el que estaban fabricadas no siempre guardaba las especificaciones necesarias, además el ruido al escribir era insoportable. En cambio, el papel, desde el punto de vista higiénico, pedagógico y estético, fue considerado un material superior frente a la dureza de la pizarra, el brillo de la superficie y la poca precisión que se obtenía en el trazo de las letras. Derivado de este planteamiento, se vislumbró seriamente la posibilidad de la adopción de papel en las escuelas oficiales. Sin embargo, este material era escaso y muy caro. Hacia el cambio de siglo, sólo dos fábricas de papel podían surtir a las escuelas y era necesario que abarataran el precio, que el sistema de distribución garantizara el abastecimiento y que el suministro fuera continuo. Este artículo analiza el inicio del proceso de reconversión de una tecnología para la enseñanza como era la pizarra por el papel. Analizo el gasto que significó y cómo esta modificación fue resultado de una multiplicidad de relaciones sociales, culturales, económicas y políticas que se entrecruzaron para dar una nueva configuración del tiempo, el ruido y los valores establecidos en el salón de clases. The transition to the use of paper in public elementary schools in Mexico was not easy. At the end of the nineteenth century, the use of slates had been questioned due to the health risk they represented since students often erased their writing with saliva and the material with which the slates were made did not always meet the necessary specifications. On the other hand, paper, from a hygienic, pedagogical and aesthetic point of view, was considered a superior material compared to the hardness of the slate, the shine of the surface and the lack of precision obtained in the tracing of the letters. Derived from this approach, the possibility of changing materials in official schools was seriously envisioned. However, the paper represented a very high cost. Only two paper mills could supply the schools and it was necessary to lower the price, and guarantee the supply by enhancing the distribution system. This article analyses the beginning of the conversion process of a technology for learning to write such as the slate for paper. I analyse the expense that it meant for the authorities and families, how the change was the result of a multiplicity of social, cultural, economic and political relations that intersected to give a new configuration of time, noise and established values in the classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐charging power systems (SCPSs) are envisioned as promising solutions for emerging electronics to mitigate the increasing global concern about battery waste. However, present SCPSs suffer from large form factors, unscalable fabrication, and material complexity. Herein, a type of highly stable, eco‐friendly conductive inks based on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) are developed for direct ink writing of multiple components in the SCPSs, including electrodes for miniaturized spacer‐free triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and microsupercapacitors (MSCs), and interconnects. The principle of "one ink, multiple functions" enables to almost fully print the entire SCPSs on the same paper substrate in a monolithic manner without post‐integration. The monolithic fabrication significantly improves the upscaling capability for manufacturing and reduces the form factor of the entire SCPSs (a small footprint area of ≈2 cm × 3 cm and thickness of ≈1 mm). After pressing/releasing the TENGs for ≈79000 cycles, the 3‐cell series‐connected MSC array can be charged to 1.6 V while the 6‐cell array to 3.0 V. On‐paper SCPSs are promising to serve as lightweight, thin, sustainable, and low‐cost power supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple, paper‐based device that enables sensitive detection by mass spectrometry (MS) without solid phase extraction or other sample preparation. Using glass fiber filter papers within a 3D printed holder, the device employs electrokinetic manipulations to stack, separate, and desalt charged molecules on paper prior to spray into the MS. Due to counter‐balanced electroosmotic flow and electrophoresis, charged analytes stack on the paper and desalting occurs in minutes. One end of the paper strip was cut into a sharp point and positioned near the inlet of a MS. The stacked analyte bands move toward the paper tip with the EOF where they are ionized by paper spray. The device was applied to analysis of PFAS in tap water with sub part‐per‐trillion detection limits in less than ten minutes with no sample pretreatment. Analysis of opioids in urine also occurs in minutes. The crucial parameters to enable stacking, separation, and MS ionization of both positively and negatively charged analytes were determined and optimized. Experimental and computational modeling studies confirm the electrokinetic stacking and analyte transport mechanisms. On‐paper separations were carried out by stacking analyte bands at different locations depending on their electrophoretic mobility, achieving baseline separation in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple, paper‐based device that enables sensitive detection by mass spectrometry (MS) without solid phase extraction or other sample preparation. Using glass fiber filter papers within a 3D printed holder, the device employs electrokinetic manipulations to stack, separate, and desalt charged molecules on paper prior to spray into the MS. Due to counter‐balanced electroosmotic flow and electrophoresis, charged analytes stack on the paper and desalting occurs in minutes. One end of the paper strip was cut into a sharp point and positioned near the inlet of a MS. The stacked analyte bands move toward the paper tip with the EOF where they are ionized by paper spray. The device was applied to analysis of PFAS in tap water with sub part‐per‐trillion detection limits in less than ten minutes with no sample pretreatment. Analysis of opioids in urine also occurs in minutes. The crucial parameters to enable stacking, separation, and MS ionization of both positively and negatively charged analytes were determined and optimized. Experimental and computational modeling studies confirm the electrokinetic stacking and analyte transport mechanisms. On‐paper separations were carried out by stacking analyte bands at different locations depending on their electrophoretic mobility, achieving baseline separation in some cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a cultural carrier of historical inheritance, paper has high cultural, historical and scientific research value. But with the passage of time and the change of the environment, many paper are aging and damaged. In order to protect the paper, CMC-β-CD composite material for paper protection was synthesized by carboxymethyl cellulose as substrate, epichlorohydrin (ECH) as crosslinking agent, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as catalyst and solvent, and water as medium, β-cyclodextrin as grafter. Through single factor experiment, the synthetic condition was obtained. The structure of the synthesized materials was characterized by infrared spectroscopy; CMC-β-CD was applied to paper reinforcement. The effects of solution concentration on the tensile strength, tearing degree, folding times, whiteness and gloss of paper were tested, and the suitable conditions for coating paper were found. The results show that the mass concentration of 2 % CMC-β-CD is coated on paper, its mechanical properties are greatly improved, the gloss is slightly increased, and the whiteness is basically unchanged, which is in line with the principle of “repairing the old as the old”. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating academic papers and groups is important in scholar evaluation and literature retrieval. However, current evaluation indices, which pay excessive attention to the citation number rather than the citation importance and unidirectionality, are relatively simple. This study proposes new evaluation indices for papers and groups. First, an improved PageRank (PR) algorithm introducing citation importance is proposed to obtain a new citation-based paper index (CPI) via a pre-ranking and fine-tuning strategy. Second, to evaluate the paper's influence inside and outside its research field, the focus citation-based paper index (FCPI) and diversity citation-based paper index (DCPI) are proposed based on topic similarity and diversity, respectively. Third, aside from the statistical indices for academic papers, we propose a foreign academic degree of dependence (FAD) to characterise the dependence between two academic groups. Finally, artificial intelligence (AI) papers from 2005 to 2019 are utilised for a case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization represents a promising coating technology, addressing drawbacks of traditional processes (solvent use, multistep procedures, etc.) while enabling deposition of thin cross‐linked polymer layers with high contour fidelity. We address technological challenges with a novel plasma device that integrates multiple plasma source benefits and investigate the suitability of two plant‐based precursors, chia and tung oil, for plasma polymerization to hydrophobize glass and paper. Chia oil enables the deposition of thin, covalently bonded hydrophobic polymer layers. Such coatings have diverse applications especially inside the paper industry, where water repellents in the form of internal and surface sizing have always been an essential functionalization step. Using bio‐based precursors and reducing extra chemicals contributes to substituting fossil‐based or harmful substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foam-forming technique imparts ceramic fiber paper with excellent uniformity, low density, and high porosity, but its strength loss must be compensated. Herein, a flexible and rigid foam-formed ceramic fiber network was manufactured by using different strength improvement methods and simultaneously investigated their strength and thermal insulation properties. Sufficient strength (1136 kPa) was achieved by combining Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) 2 % and Polyester (PET) 3 %. However, the tensile strength of fiber networks would decrease under the contribution of inter-fiber bonding area reduced when the fiber length was longer than 24 mm. Benefiting from the developed flocculation system (aluminum sol-anionic polyacrylamide-carboxymethylcellulose), the strength of the foam-formed ceramic fiber network was 20 kPa, the retention rate increased from 75 % to 88 %, and the average aggregation factor of fillers in the Z direction was 0.67. By adjusting the ratio and Z-directional distribution of functional fillers, the sintered foam-formed paper with a tensile strength of 1300 kPa and compressive strength of 1000 kPa could be obtained. The thermal insulation performance (thermal conductivity 0.03252 W/(m·K)) was similar to the quartz fiber paper reinforced silica airgel, and the flame resistance was better than the commercialized aluminum silicate wool board. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of different hot air speeds and temperatures on the drying characteristics of half-ripe rice paper were investigated by hot air convection drying experiments. The thin-layer drying experiments were carried out at three different combinations of air speeds of 1.97 m/s, 3.00 m/s, and 3.90 m/s and temperatures of 85 °C, 100 °C and 115 °C. The results show that among the 10 drying kinetic models selected, the Modified Page model is the most suitable model to describe the drying characteristics of the thin layer of half-ripe rice paper; the whole drying process exists obvious ascending, constant and descending processes; the effective moisture diffusion coefficient of half-ripe rice paper is in the range of 1.52656 × 10−9 m2/s–3.15816 × 10−9 m2/s, whose size increases with the increase of the hot wind speed and temperature. Its magnitude increases with the increase of wind speed and temperature; the drying activation energy of half-ripe rice paper is 6.55 kJ/mol calculated by Arrhenius equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of subjects is often told analysing notions of knowledge in historical reforms, policies, curricula, and textbooks. In this article, we analyse student papers from 1968, focusing on their responses to the topic 'Social distinctions and prejudices in Denmark'. The students present a number of concepts and categories of social differences and prejudices, depict a contemporary problem, refer to theoretical or categorical frameworks, provide a historical account, state bold claims and/or present conceptual definitions. Then, by giving different examples from their everyday life and by establishing some form of line or structure in their writings, they form an argument or narrative. They do this by using—we assume—information from their textbooks, from what have been discussed in teaching, in the public debate, and in the students' homes. The student papers not only passively reflect but are part of the ongoing constitution of the subjects and subject matter, during a period of tremendous educational change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the tasks required of most statistics researchers and academic faculty is to publish their innovative ideas in the peer‐reviewed literature. In this paper, we provide guidance about the different stages of the process as experienced authors and offer advice from those who hold the decision about the success or failure of these papers, namely the editors of applied statistics journals. The paper is organized into four sections focusing on the different stages of publishing: (1) Planning what to write about, where to submit and how to organize the paper; (2) The process of writing the paper; (3) Interpreting and responding to peer‐reviews from the journal editors and referees to prepare for resubmission; and (4) General comments about the publication process, including collaboration and mentoring. Each section starts with fundamentals provided by the moderators (C.A.C. and L.L.) on key aspects to consider on each topic and then is followed with discussion from some current and past editors of impactful journals in the field of applied statistics. Our hope is that this collection of insights may help accelerate learning about the process for young researchers and help all researchers to understand some of the important often‐unspoken aspects of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A thermoelectric generator (TEG) is one of the important energy harvesting sources for wearable electronic devices, which converts waste heat into electrical energy without any external stimuli, such as light or mechanical motion. However, the poor flexibility of traditional TEGs (e.g., Si-based TE devices) causes the limitations in practical applications. Flexible paper substrates are becoming increasingly attractive in wearable electronic technology owing to their usability, environmental friendliness (disposable, biodegradable, and renewable materials), and foldability. The high water-absorbing quality of paper restricts its scope of application due to water failure. Therefore, we propose a high-performance flexible waterproof paper-based thermoelectric generator (WPTEG). A modification method that infiltrates TE materials into cellulose paper through vacuum filtration is used to prepare the TE modules. By connecting the TE-modified paper with Al tape, as well as a superhydrophobic layer encapsulation, the WPTEG is fabricated. The WPTEG with three P–N modules can generate an output voltage of up to 235 mV at a temperature difference of 50 K, which can provide power to portable electronic devices such as diodes, clocks, and calculators in hot water. With the waterproof property, the WPTEG paves the way for achieving multi-scenario applications in humid environments on human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An uniform and effective deacidification method of acidified paper was proposed. • The mechanism of uniform deacidification was elucidated with capillary action. • This method can endow the treated paper with long-lasting aging resistance. • The mechanism of excellent aging resistance was clarified from microstructure. Deacidification is a necessary and urgent means of protecting acidified paper documents. However, the contradiction between deacidification efficiency and uniformity in existing aqueous or organic phase deacidification methods has not been resolved yet, which is mainly attributed to the differences in capillary action of paper on solvents with different polarities. In this work, a strategy of two-phase deacidification was proposed to achieve efficient and uniform deacidification and long-lasting aging resistance. Impregnation of nano magnesium oxide organic dispersion of deacidified paper achieved efficient batch deacidification and sufficient alkali reserve. Using ultrasonic atomization of saturated calcium hydroxide aqueous solution, the penetration of alkaline substances into paper promoted uniform deacidification based on strong capillary action. Meanwhile, microstructural reinforcement of paper fibers was achieved based on the multiple interactions. This method can endow the treated paper with better thermal stability and long-lasting aging resistance. After artificial accelerated aging for 30 d, the treated paper samples still maintained the highest tensile index (18.46 Nm/g), folding endurance (8.5 times), tear index (3.95 mN·m2/g) and displayed negligible chromatic aberration (∆ E = 2.46 ± 0.21). This method greatly extends the lifespan of acidified paper, which has significant value for the protection of paper documents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of porous SiC ceramics derived from highly-filled preceramic papers. The SiC ceramics were obtained by spark plasma sintering of stacked preceramic papers at temperatures of 2100 and 2200 °C under pressures of 5–60 MPa for 10 min. The microstructure and phase composition were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. Gas permeation tests were performed using hydrogen permeation cell at room temperature. It is revealed that the porosity of sintered SiC can be varied from 9 to 45 % depending on the sintering parameters. The shrinkage of the materials during spark plasma sintering occurs in four stages. The linear shrinkage value of the material increases from 7 to 47 % at 2100 °C and from 20 to 50 % for the samples sintered at 2100 and 2200 °C, respectively. Correlation dependencies between porosity and mechanical properties of the fabricated SiC were established. The obtained porous SiC ceramics exhibit high bending strength of 165 MPa and gas permeation flux of 78 molH 2 /m2/s at the porosity of 36 % that make it suitable for ceramic-based membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This white paper consists of evidence-based recommendations for conducting forensic interviews with children. The recommendations are jointly drafted by researchers in child interviewing active within the European Association of Psychology and Law and are focused on cases in which children are interviewed in forensic settings, in particular within investigations of child sexual and/or physical abuse. One particular purpose of the white paper is to assist the growing Barnahus movement in Europe to develop investigative practise that is science-based. The key recommendations entail the expertise required by interviewers, how interviews should be conducted and how interviewers should be trained. Interviewers are advised to use evidence-based interview protocols, engage in hypothesis-testing and record their interviews. The need to prepare the interview well and making efforts to familiarise the child with the interview situation and create rapport as well as acknowledging cultural factors and the possible need for interpretation is underscored, and a recommendation is made not to rely on dolls, body diagrams and the interpretation of drawings in the interviews. Online child interviewing is noted as showing promising results, but more research is warranted before conclusive recommendations can be made. Interviewers should receive specialised training and continuous feedback on their interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a H 2 O 2 electrochemical biomimetic enzyme sensor, the stability, repeatability and sensitivity of hemin-based composites are closely connected with the loading of hemin on high-performance matrix. Herein, polypyrrole/paper-derived carbon (PPy/PC) nanocomposite was used for the construction of a hemin-based non-enzymatic sensor to detect H 2 O 2. Where the poplar wood is used to obtain crude cellulose through a straightforward paper-making process. This crude cellulose is then subjected to pyrolysis to yield the desired paper-based carbon material. The hemin-decorated PPy/PC was demonstrated possessing remarkable electrocatalytic activity for H 2 O 2 reduction, and the possible mechanism of the reactions was discussed. The electrochemical sensor, utilizing the H-PPy/PC composite, achieved a low detection limit of 30 ​nM, along with enhanced selectivity and stability under optimized conditions. The favorable results observed can primarily be attributed to the superior electrochemical performance of PPy/PC, as well as its unique 3D interconnected structure. This structure effectively impedes the self-dimerization of hemin, thereby ensuring the generation of active catalytic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent sensors with single reading are generally subject to unpredictable disturbs from environmental and artificial factors. In order to overcome this barrier of detection reliability, a paper-based optical sensor with proportional fluorescence was established and further combined with a smartphone for visual, on-site and quantitative detection of Fe3+, which affects the color, smell and taste of water, and endangers the health of plants and animals. The ratio fluorescent probe was fabricated by rhodamine B and carbon quantum dots derived from xylan. The red fluorescence of rhodamine B was inert to Fe3+, which was referred to as background. And blue emitting carbon quantum dots functioned as signal report units, which would be quenched by Fe3+ and make the fluorescence of the ratio probe change from purple to red. The quantitative detection of Fe3+ was conducted by investigating the RGB value of fluorescent images with a smartphone. With the increase of Fe3+ concentration, the R/B (red/blue) value of the fluorescent paper gradually increased. The linear detection range was 10–180 μM, and the limit of detection was 198.2 nM. The application of ratio fluorescent paper with a smartphone provides a facile method for the rapid detection of ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The notable increase in retraction papers has attracted considerable attention from diverse stakeholders. Various sources are now offering information related to research integrity, including concerns voiced on social media, disclosed lists of paper mills, and retraction notices accessible through journal websites. However, despite the availability of such resources, there remains a lack of a unified platform to consolidate this information, thereby hindering efficient searching and cross-referencing. Thus, it is imperative to develop a comprehensive platform for retracted papers and related concerns. This article aims to introduce "Amend," a platform designed to integrate information on research integrity from diverse sources. The Amend platform consolidates concerns and lists of problematic articles sourced from social media platforms (e.g., PubPeer, For Better Science), retraction notices from journal websites, and citation databases (e.g., Web of Science, CrossRef). Moreover, Amend includes investigation and punishment announcements released by administrative agencies (e.g., NSFC, MOE, MOST, CAS). Each related paper is marked and can be traced back to its information source via a provided link. Furthermore, the Amend database incorporates various attributes of retracted articles, including citation topics, funding details, open access status, and more. The reasons for retraction are identified and classified as either academic misconduct or honest errors, with detailed subcategories provided for further clarity. Within the Amend platform, a total of 32,515 retracted papers indexed in SCI, SSCI, and ESCI between 1980 and 2023 were identified. Of these, 26,620 (81.87%) were associated with academic misconduct. The retraction rate stands at 6.64 per 10,000 articles. Notably, the retraction rate for non-gold open access articles significantly differs from that for gold open access articles, with this disparity progressively widening over the years. Furthermore, the reasons for retractions have shifted from traditional individual behaviors like falsification, fabrication, plagiarism, and duplication to more organized large-scale fraudulent practices, including Paper Mills, Fake Peer-review, and Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC). The Amend platform may not fully capture all retracted and concerning papers, thereby impacting its comprehensiveness. Additionally, inaccuracies in retraction notices may lead to errors in tagged reasons. Amend provides an integrated platform for stakeholders to enhance monitoring, analysis, and research on academic misconduct issues. Ultimately, the Amend database can contribute to upholding scientific integrity. This study introduces a globally integrated platform for retracted and concerning papers, along with a preliminary analysis of the evolutionary trends in retracted papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly acid base indicators (anthocyanins) are always a center of attention in quantitative volumetric analysis as substitute for synthetic dye indicators. The purpose of the study is to promote utilization of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel biomass by developing a novel eco-friendly acid–base indicator for titrimetric analysis. Pomegranate peel extract (PPEx) was prepared by ultrasonic probe sonication, a green method for extraction. The obtained extracts were evaluated for total phenol, anthocyanin content and the color change ability analysis (CIEL*a*b* analysis). The pKa of PPEx was determined, the effectiveness of PPEx as indicator was established in different acid–base titrations and compared with conventional synthetic indicators phenolphthalein and methyl orange. The aspirin powder and tablet (Ecosprin) were analyzed by using PPEx as indicator. An attempt was also made to develop PPEx pH indicator paper. The aqueous and ethanolic PPEx prepared by ultrasonic probe sonication contains 657.1 ± 21 and 718.1 ± 21 mg/LGAE of total phenols and 38.49 ± 0.83 and 42.91 ± 2.10 mgC3G/100gm of anthocyanins, respectively.The PPEx and pH indicator paper shows color change with the pH of solution. The pKa of PPEx was 7.14. PPEx was served as eco-friendly substitute for phenolphthalein and methyl orange indicators. PPEx was effective to analyze aspirin. The statistical analysis ensures the reliability and effectiveness of PPEx as an eco-friendly indicator in acid base titrations as substitute for the synthetic dye indicator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature on electronic reading (e-reading) versus paper reading. The main objective was to assess the current state of research comparing digital and paper reading outcomes among students aged 6–18 years old, as well as assessing the impact of various factors (gender, socioeconomic status, and school location) in explaining the differences between the two modes. Inclusion criteria included the following: participants (6–18 years), research focus (comparing digital reading and paper reading), study type (quantitative or mixed methods), publication (peer reviewed between 2015 and 2022), and language (English). A systematic search in four databases (WOS, Scopus, ERIC, and JSTOR) in August 2022 was conducted by three reviewers. The search revealed 23 studies matching the inclusion criteria. The findings from the reviewed studies are diverse, with some reporting no significant differences in reading comprehension between the two modes, while others suggest screen inferiority, thereby favoring paper reading. Individual-level predictors, such as prior comprehension skills and reading habits, play a crucial role in determining reading performance across modes. Family-level factors, such as the number of books at home, and school-level factors, like the usage of ICT resources, influence both paper and digital reading comprehension. Moreover, gender differences in attitudes and performance towards different reading modes are apparent. SES is positively associated with reading achievement in both modes, with a larger effect shown for paper reading. Overall, the comparison between electronic and paper reading modes reveals a complex interplay of individual and contextual factors influencing reading comprehension and attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale development of flexible electrode is urgently needed for water electrosplitting. Herein, the common and low-cost filter paper (FP) is utilized as the substrate to adjust the flexible property of the catalytic electrode. Through an electroless plating method, the NiFeP alloys were deposited onto the filter paper, which acted as the flexible and self-supported electrode for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The resultant NiFeP@FPs require low overpotentials of 158 mV for HER and 282 mV for OER to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, and exhibit a good stability of 30 h in 1 M KOH. The synergistic effect of Fe–Ni sites regulates electron structure and boosts the catalytic activity. Benefited from good hydrophilicity and interlaced fiber structure of filter paper, electrolyte penetration and electron transfer in the sample are promoted. The assembled two-electrode electrolyzer only requires 1.814 V to achieve 100 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting and shows excellent stability. This work provides a new strategy for the development of flexible and efficient electrodes for water splitting, which advances the development of wearable electronic devices. [Display omitted] • The flexible filter paper-based electrode was successfully synthesized. • The good hydrophilicity and porous structure facilitated electrolyte permeation. • The sample required low overpotentials of 158 mV for HER and 282 mV for OER. • The two-electrode electrolyzer provided 100 mA cm−2 at a low voltage of 1.814 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creatinine is one of the most important biomarkers to detect renal failures. The electrochemical detection of creatinine has been performed using complex enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrode arrays hindering their commercialization. In this work, a new and practical non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor was fabricated depositing copper on carbon paper electrodes by physical vapor deposition (namely Cu/CP). Surface and cross-sectional SEM images demonstrated the deposition of copper over the 3D structure of carbon paper. A thin film was found on the surface, while Cu nanowires with diameters of 180 ± 30 nm were found inside the 3D structure of CP. The thickness of the Cu film on the tubular structures of CP was of 390 ± 40 nm. High-resolution TEM images indicated that the Cu film was integrated by hierarchical structures containing terminal Cu hemispheres of 17.6 ± 2.2 nm. Additionally, interplanar distances from the selected-area electron diffraction pattern demonstrated the presence of Cu0, while Cu2O was also found. Creatinine concentrations in saliva between 16 and 400 µM indicate kidney failure. The Cu/CP electrochemical sensor detected creatinine with linear concentration ranges from 0 to 1000 µM with a r2 = 0.9936. Outstandingly, this sensor presented good reproducibility (RSD = 7.3%), and selectivity to detect creatinine in artificial saliva using interferents like urea, glucose, glycine, ascorbic and uric acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well-known that energy consumption is increasing around the world on a daily basis. In the construction sector, a highly effective solution for reducing energy consumption involves exploring both modern and traditional buildings designed to adapt to climate changes. One promising approach is to use paper waste and bio-sourced materials as the basis for insulation. The purpose of this study was to improve the sustainability of buildings by using recycled waste materials that have a positive impact on the environment, people, and the economy. A novel insulating material composed of recycled paper waste and Ampelodesmos mauritanicus leaves and fibers was developed and used in non-load-bearing elements. The paper waste was transformed into pulp and mixed with the bio-sourced materials to create a composite material that exhibits excellent insulation properties. The resulting material is lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. Furthermore, different mechanical and thermal analyses were performed on specimens with varying dosage ratios. The results showed that the developed material has good thermal insulation, with a value of 0.027 W/m.K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the realm of food waste recycling, industrial suberoligneous by‐products like cork and peels, pose a challenge for value‐added conversion, primarily due to their intricate structures. This study introduces an innovative approach by utilizing recycled cork as a prime example of repurposing food waste to create a reusable and durable packaging paper. Notably, the manufacturing process of this cork‐based paper avoids the generation of waste liquids from lignin removal, effectively alleviating concerns related to liquid waste pollution. The resulting packaging paper demonstrates remarkable printability, readability, and erasability while offering reusability. Its performance can be fine‐tuned through pH value adjustments. Moreover, this packaging paper exhibits outstanding antioxidative properties and barrier properties, seamlessly integrating superb UV‐blocking proficiency and heightened visible transparency, rendering it highly appealing for sustainable food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is one of the oldest adhesives, and has been utilised for a variety of applications, including as a consolidant for artworks and archives, after cooking. Although widely available, cost-effective, and versatile it has limitations such as large particle size, which makes it challenging for the adhesive to penetrate deeply into objects. Attempts to increase the concentration of starch adhesives for enhanced strength often lead to increased viscosity, hindering penetration and causing an undesirable film on the surface. Achieving a workable consistency often leads to reduced adhesive power. An approach to using nanosized starch as a binder for paper and cellulose-based objects is presented. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) from wheat, rice, maize and waxy maize were successfully synthesised using a ‘top-down’ approach that is facile as well as energy efficient. Size distribution measurements indicate most particles to be less than 50 nm, smaller than the pore size of most historic papers. SNPs could make a better sizing adhesive than traditionally-made starch paste, and they are also a green alternative to a variety of chemically formulated, organic solvent-based adhesives. The compatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability of starch remained uncompromised during the modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a new, direct paper-based fluorimetric method is described for the quantitative determination of glutathione (GSH) molecules in nutritional supplements. Briefly, the proposed analytical method is based on the fluorescence emission resulting from the direct and selective chemical reaction of GSH molecules with the derivatization reagent that is o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) in acidic conditions at room temperature. The intensity of the emitted fluorescence on the surface of the analytical paper devices after irradiation with a lamp at 365 nm is proportional to the concentration of GSH and is measured using a smartphone as the detector. This methodology, which is suitable for measurements in laboratories with limited resources, does not require specialized instrumentation or trained personnel. The protocol governing the proposed method is simple and easily applicable. Essentially, the chemical analyst should adjust the value of pH on the surface of the paper by adding a minimal amount of buffer solution; then, after adding a few microliters of the derivatization reagent, wait for the surface of the paper to dry and, finally, add the analyte. Subsequently, the irradiation of the sensor and the measurement of the emitted fluorescence can be recorded with a mobile phone. In the present study, several parameters affecting the chemical reaction and the emitted fluorescence were optimized, the effect of interfering compounds that may be present in dietary supplements was examined, and the stability of these paper sensors under different storage conditions was evaluated. Additionally, the chemical stability of these paper devices in various maintenance conditions was studied, with satisfactory results. The detection limit calculated as 3.3 S/N was 20.5 μmol L−1, while the precision of the method was satisfactory, ranging from 3.1% (intra-day) to 7.3% (inter-day). Finally, the method was successfully applied to three different samples of dietary supplements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the aging characterization of a kind of insulating paper modified by magnetron sputtering MgO particles based on a microstrip resonant sensor was presented. Firstly, the modified insulating paper with 0, 15 and 30 min MgO particle sputtering times was prepared by a magnetron sputtering device. After that, the properties of the modified insulating paper with different sputtering times were analyzed through microscopic characterization, infrared spectrum, polymerization degree, dielectric constant, AC breakdown strength and thermal aging experiments. The results show that the dielectric constant of the modified insulating paper decreased obviously, the AC breakdown strength increased and the thermal aging resistance was better after 15 min of sputtering. The overall performance of the modified insulating paper after 30 min of sputtering is reduced due to excessive sputtering. In addition, microstrip resonant sensors are introduced to characterize the thermal aging degree of the modified insulating paper, and two microstrip resonant sensors are prepared: a complementary split ring resonator (CSRR) and an interdigital-capacitor-shaped defected ground structure resonator (IDCS-DGS). The resonance frequency deviation of the modified insulating paper samples after aging was measured by microstrip resonance sensors to show the influence of aging temperature on aging degree. The experimental results show that the test results of the microstrip resonance sensors are in good agreement with the traditional characterization methods and can characterize the various aging stages of the modified insulating paper to a certain extent, which proves the feasibility of the characterization method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of biodegradable mulch film with paper-based materials has become a significant focus in mulch film development due to the serious pollution caused by plastic mulch film. This study utilized the esterification cross-linking reaction of LA, PVA, and GA to coat the surface of paper as the substrate. FTIR, TGA, XRD, SEM, tensile testing, and oxygen, water vapor barrier performance tests were performed. The optimal conditions for film preparation were determined to be a 10 % PVA aqueous solution, 5 % GA content, and a PVA/LA/GA ratio of 1:2:1. The resulting film paper exhibited a dry strength of 6.52 kN/m, a wet strength of 0.23 kN/m, a tearing degree of 969.35 mN, a Cobb value of 12.04 g/m2, a water vapor transmission rate of 573.27 g m−2 24 h−1, and an oxygen transmission rate of 7.373 cm3 m−2 24 h−1. After a 6-week landfill degradation test, the film showed a degradation rate of 25.3 %, while still maintaining a tensile strength of 1.89 kN/m. Field application tests in greenhouses confirmed that the film paper facilitated the growth of strawberry, its mechanical and barrier properties suitable for a biodegradable paper mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose filter paper (CFP) was modified with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and/or poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate (PEGMA), followed by Cu immobilization for 4-nitrophenol (4NP) reduction. Among these samples, Cu-immobilized CFP modified with PEGMA polymer (CFP@PEGMA-Cu) exhibited the highest Cu incorporation of 2.21%. Those having the copolymer (CFP@PAA-co-PEGMA-Cu) demonstrated the highest efficiency, completing 4NP reduction in 3 min with an impressive 99.45% conversion, a high-rate constant (k) of 27.5 × 10−3 s−1, and turnover frequency (TOF) of 18.36 h−1. Notably, the catalysts containing PAA maintained good reusability, preserving 97% conversion upon 9 cycles. These results suggest their promising applications in sustainable catalysis, offering the catalytic potential with simple preparation and low cost required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast growth of building constructions industry and of the universal population is the main cause of increase in global energy consumption. Therefore, the improvement of the building envelope encourages the scientific community to investigate the use of alternative materials that assure indoor comfort conditions and at the same time promote the reduction of energy consumption by adopting energy saving strategies in the manufacturing process. The present research contribution aims to focus on the potential use of innovative building materials developed with waste paper, classified as urban non-hazardous discard component. The use of paper pulp originated from recycled paper and cardboard with the addition of textile fibers from industrial by-products was explored. Here, an effort has been made to realize sustainable insulating panel for internal use, considering different mix design and recycled components in various percentages. The research focuses on hygric, thermal, and physical performances of recycled waste based panels, measuring physical aspects as bulk porosity and bulk density and testing hygrothermal performances as the dry-state thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, volumetric heat capacity, and water vapour permeability. Furthermore, in order to assess the hygrothermal behaviour of the building envelope, a numerical simulation, carried out by WUFI® Plus in a Mediterranean context, was developed using as inputs the results collected from the measurement campaign in laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of conservation mounting, starch paste made from wheat flour is the glue of choice to paste reinforcing strips and backing papers, often Xuan paper, for mending and decorating aged and damaged paper-based Chinese artworks. To keep objects intact and select appropriate conservation materials, this research explored the applicability of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis for the characterization of contemporary unsized Xuan paper with and without starch. In particular, partial least squares (PLS) regression was used to predict the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper, i.e., one of the most important properties of paper materials, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to detect starch and to distinguish between papers with different amounts of starch. Using 12 contemporary unsized Xuan papers, the NIR-PLS method for DP prediction was validated, and the best-performed model was generated using the logarithmic transformation of DP−1 as a response variable, with root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of DP 128. The NIR-PCA method was also found to be applicable to separate starch-free papers and papers treated with starch, and the results indicate that the higher the content of starch, the better PCA classification performs. This research provides supporting data for the non-destructive characterization of Xuan paper-based objects and differentiates between Xuan paper before and after treatment with starch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfite, a widely used food additive, is subject to regulated labeling. The extraction of sulfite as the stable hydroxymethylsulfonate (HMS) form and its quantitative analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has been recognized for their good sensitivity, selectivity, and versatility across various food materials. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective and simpler method for sulfite quantitation, while maintaining the superior sensitivity and selectivity of mass spectrometry (MS). To achieve this, we introduced paper spray ionization (PSI), an ambient desorption ionization technique that could achieve the direct measurement of analytes without employing separation. We also employed a novel internal standard (IS) structurally similar to the analyte, replacing the more expensive isotopically labeled IS. Although the PSI-MS/MS method developed in this study exhibited slightly lower analytical performance compared to the conventional LC-MS/MS, it remained effective for sulfite analysis in dried fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information coding, recording, encryption, and decryption are of great importance in the field of anti‐counterfeiting, especially in the current AI information era. Herein, a paper‐like hydrogel composed of solely H‐bonded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(n‐vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL), namely VAPN, is developed for multiple ways of encryption and decryption based on chemical‐induced phase separation. It not only exhibits excellent ability of ink absorption and retention by the noncovalent H‐bonds and n−π* interactions and good mechanical strength but also maintains a negligible volume change during the phase separation that is crucial for the information fidelity. Given that the noncovalent interactions are the driving force to trigger the phase separation in the hydrogel, available chemical inks are numerous ranging from small molecules to polymers. Furthermore, together with thermally induced phase separation, the different dynamic processes of the association and dissociation between ink molecules and the hydrogel endow the latter with reversible information recording and self‐erasing, temporary or permanent, and customized encryption and decryption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Paper-based artifacts hold significant cultural and social values. However, paper is intrinsically fragile to microorganisms, such as mold, due to its cellulose composition, which can serve as a microorganisms' nutrient source. Mold not only can damage papers' structural integrity and pose significant challenges to conservation works but also may subject individuals attending the contaminated artifacts to health risks. Current approaches for strain identification usually require extensive training, prolonged time for analysis, expensive operation costs, and higher risks of secondary damage due to sampling. Thus, in current conservation practices with mold-contaminated artifacts, little pre-screening or strain identification was performed before mold removal, and the cleaning techniques are usually broad-spectrum rather than strain-specific. With deep learning showing promising applications across various domains, this study investigated the feasibility of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fast in-situ recognition and classification of mold on paper. Methods: Molds were first non-invasively sampled from ancient Xuan Paper-based Chinese books from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Strains were identified using molecular biology methods and the four most prevalent strains were inoculated on Xuan paper to create mockups for image collection. Microscopic images of the molds as well as their stains situated on paper were collected using a compound microscope and commercial microscope lens for cell phone cameras, which were then used for training CNN models with a transfer learning scheme to perform the classification of mold. To enable involvement and contribution from the research community, a web interface that actuates the process while providing interactive features for users to learn about the information of the classified strain was constructed. Moreover, a feedback functionality in the web interface was embedded for catching potential classification errors, adding additional training images, or introducing new strains, all to refine the generalizability and robustness of the model. Results & Conclusion: In the study, we have constructed a suite of high-confidence classification CNN models for the diagnostic process for mold contamination in conservation. At the same time, a web interface was constructed that allows recurrently refining the model with human feedback through engaging the research community. Overall, the proposed framework opens new avenues for effective and timely identification of mold, thus enabling proactive and targeted mold remediation strategies in conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Test paper, a type of paper product chemically treated to produce color changes in response to specific substances, serves as a valuable tool for rapid detection and analysis. This experiment, based on the surface modification of glass fiber filter paper, introduces a heavy metal ion detection test paper designed with the fluorescence sensing characteristics of rare earth complexes. The test paper demonstrates its effectiveness and convenience in detecting heavy metal ions in water sources. The innovative test paper proves highly useful in addressing heavy metal ion contamination in water, emphasizing the significant role of chemistry in advancing ecological civilization. The simplified, safe, and environmentally friendly process of creating the test paper yields a practical and user-friendly product. This experiment not only educates on the general production and testing principles of test papers but also sparks students' interest in scientific exploration and application. The experiment, characterized by its simplicity, repeatability, low entry barrier, environmental friendliness, and safety, possesses a unique color aesthetic, leaving a lasting impression. It is suitable for conducting popular science experiments in public places and promoting awareness in experimental teaching across various educational levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochemical sensor for paraquat determination was facilely developed using nanocomposites of cellulose incorporated with manganese oxide (MnO2@cellulose) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). In this study, SPCE was fabricated on a low-cost poster paper, and nanocellulose from sugarcane bagasse was employed to enhance the electrode's surface area and improve the dispersion of MnO2. The MnO2@cellulose modified poster-SPCE exhibited a high electrochemical response toward paraquat. Various influencing factors, including differential pulse voltammetric parameters and accumulation time, were systematically explored. Under the optimal conditions, the cathodic peak current was linearly proportional to paraquat concentration in a range of 2 to 200 µM, featuring a low detection limit of 1 µM. The proposed sensor offers cost-effectiveness and can be readily prepared via a simple procedure. Moreover, this method exhibits excellent reproducibility, high selectivity, and a short analysis time. The portable electrochemical sensor was able to determine paraquat in water samples with acceptable recoveries from 95.45 to 109.20%, indicating that the sensor based on MnO2@cellulose/SPCE is reliable for paraquat quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early modern paper, formed from the fibers of recycled linen rags, captured the imagination of early modern writers, translators, and readers. Drawing on paper's material properties and history, seventeenth‐century chymists — including Thomas Tymme, Michael Maier, and Otto Tachenius — repeatedly imagine papermaking as a chymical purification in order to claim paper as a chymical invention. In doing so, these chymists seek to demonstrate their art's centrality to early modern knowledge production, circulation, and preservation. At the same time, by imagining papermaking as chymistry, these writers probe the boundaries of art and nature, the mechanical and liberal arts, and the ordinary and alchemical. Further, because of readers' familiarity and proximity to linen and paper, the material book offered proof of chymistry's usefulness, grounded in the tacit knowledge of daily experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil–paper insulation is the critical insulation element in the modern power system. Under a harsh operating environment, oil–paper insulation will deteriorate gradually, resulting in electrical accidents. Thus, it is important to evaluate and monitor the insulation state of oil–paper insulation. Firstly, this paper introduces the geometric structure and physical components of oil–paper insulation and shows the main reasons and forms of oil–paper insulation's degradation. Then, this paper reviews the existing condition assessment techniques for oil–paper insulation, such as the dissolved gas ratio analysis, aging kinetic model, cellulose–water adsorption isotherm, oil–paper moisture balance curve, and dielectric response technique. Additionally, the advantages and limitations of the above condition assessment techniques are discussed. In particular, this paper highlights the dielectric response technique and introduces its evaluation principle in detail: (1) collecting the dielectric response data, (2) extracting the feature parameters from the collected dielectric response data, and (3) establishing the condition assessment models based on the extracted feature parameters and the machine learning techniques. Finally, two full potential studies are proposed, which research hotspots' oil–paper insulation and the electrical–chemical joint evaluation technique. In summary, this paper concludes the principles, advantages and limitation of the existing condition assessment techniques for oil–paper insulation, and we put forward two potential research avenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global advocacy of resource conservation and waste management emphasizes the significance of sustainable practices, particularly in sectors such as paper manufacturing and recycling. Currently, conventional chemical methods are predominant for paper production, necessitating the use of substantial amount of toxic chemicals. This chemical-intensive approach compromises the recycled fiber quality, generates hazardous effluent causing serious ecological threats which triggers regulatory complexities for the mills. To address these challenges modern research suggests adopting sustainable eco-friendly practices such as employing enzymes. This review aims to explore the applicability of ‘laccase’ enzyme for paper recycling, investigating its properties and contribution to improved recycling practices. By delving into the potential application of laccase integration into the papermaking process, this article sheds light on the limitations inherent in traditional methods surmounted within both research and translational landscapes. Culture and process optimization studies, supporting the technological improvements and the future prospects have been documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an environmentally friendly oil- and water-resistant paper was developed using a holo-lignocellulosic nanofibril (LCNF)-based composite coating. The LCNF was prepared from wheat straw using a biomechanical method. Characterizations of oil- and water-resistant coated paper and the effect of LCNF content on the performance of the coated paper were confirmed by combining contact angle analysis, Cobb 300s, and mechanical performance tests. The results show that the barrier performance and mechanical strength of the coated paper were greatly improved with the increase of LCNF content. The contact angle of oil and water of coated paper containing 50% LCNF were 69° and 78°, respectively, while the contact angle of oil and water of the base paper were only 30° and 20°, respectively. Cobb 300s values reduced from 110 g/m2 to 30 g/m2 when the LCNF content increased from 50% to 90%. Moreover, under the coating amount of 20 g/m2, the tensile strength of the coating paper was 0.980 KN/m, an increase of 10.11% compared with the base paper. The bursting strength reached 701.930 KPa, which was 10.75% higher than the base paper. In short, it is feasible to prepare LCNF from wheat straw, and apply it to produce water-proof and oil-proof paper. The water-proof and oil-proof paper developed in this study not only offers a novel approach to addressing white pollution but also presents a new research avenue for exploring the potential applications of agricultural waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bilayer photothermal paper-based 3D cone flowing evaporator with high solar light absorption, low water evaporation enthalpy and excellent salt-rejecting performance is fabricated using multilayered MXene, ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, and hydrophilic polymers. The 3D cone flowing evaporator cooperates with a siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit to guide concentrated saline flows out from the evaporating surface, leading to high water evaporation rate and salt-rejecting stable seawater desalination performance. [Display omitted] • A bilayer photothermal paper-based cone flowing water evaporator is reported. • The evaporator exhibits excellent properties for solar seawater desalination. • The evaporator exhibits much higher water evaporation rate than most reported values. • The evaporator can effectively prevent salt accumulation on the evaporating surface. Solar energy-driven water evaporation technology is a promising, low-cost and sustainable approach to alleviate the global clean water shortage, but usually suffers from low water evaporation rate and severe salt deposition on the water evaporation surface. In this work, a hydrophilic bilayer photothermal paper-based three-dimensional (3D) cone flowing evaporator was designed and prepared for stable high-performance seawater desalination with excellent salt-rejecting ability. The as-prepared bilayer photothermal paper consisted of MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) and HAA (ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(acrylic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester)). The accordion-like multilayered MXene acted as the efficient solar light absorber, and ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires served as the thermally insulating and supporting skeleton with a porous networked structure. A siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit in the 3D cone flowing evaporator could guide the concentrated saline flowing away from the evaporating surface to prevent salt deposition on the evaporation surface, avoiding severe deterioration of the performance in solar water evaporation. Furthermore, combining high solar light absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiencies, low water evaporation enthalpy (1838 ± 11 J g−1), and additional energy taken from the ambient environment, the as-prepared cone flowing evaporator exhibited a high water evaporation rate of 3.22 ± 0.20 kg m−2 h−1 for real seawater under one sun illumination (1 kW m−2), which was significantly higher than many values reported in the literature. This study provides an effective approach for designing high-performance solar energy-driven water evaporators for sustainable seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tax havens are often connected to growth in tourism, as finance and tourism conveniently share infrastructural prerequisites. This paper addresses the detrimental impacts of a tax haven development strategy adopted by small open economies in relation to the development of their tourism industry. Utilizing the synthetic control method, we find that since the 2016 Panama Papers scandal, Panama's tourism exports have fallen relative to an estimated counterfactual level that would have otherwise been attained. Moreover, based on an analysis of panel data drawn from 20 small open economies, we find that in the long run, the growth of the financial industry crowds out the tourism industry. Our findings warn tourism practitioners, based in tax havens, that they face an additional risk linked to potential tax scandals. Furthermore, the tourism industry may suffer reputational harm due to tax haven blacklisting and the crowding out of productive resources by the financial industry. JEL classifications: F43, H26, O57, Z32 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties were examined using a uniaxial tensile tester, revealing that starch coated with the highest G-AgNPs concentration (12.75 ppm) exhibited UTS of 87.6 MPa compared to 48.48 MPa of control paper, a significant (p < 0.02) 65% increase. The assessment of the WVP showcased a statistical reduction in permeability by up to 8% with the incorporation of the hydrophobic layer. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were assessed following ISO 22196:2011, demonstrating a strong and concentration-dependent activity of G-AgNPs against E. coli. All samples successfully disintegrated in both simulated environments (soil and seawater), including samples presenting G-AgNPs. In the food trial analysis, the presence of starch and G-AgNPs significantly reduced weight loss after 6 days, with cherry tomatoes decreasing by 8.59% and green grapes by 6.77% only. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly packaging materials, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper‐based cultural relics are of great value and have been facing irreversible damage caused by multiple factors, among which acid hydrolysis and ultraviolet photodegradation are the main processes leading to paper deterioration. Paper protection highly relies on a limited range of materials with single functions, and the design of new materials that ensure long‐term safety and efficiency by simultaneously addressing the issues of acidification and UV degradation in paper is highly desired. In this study, the introduction of carbon dots (CDs)‐enhanced layered double hydroxides (LDH) 0D/2D nanohybrids (CDs/Mg‐Al LDH)  is proposed as novel dual‐functional materials for paper protection against UV degradation and acidification. Through a CDs‐assisted in situ growth strategy, CDs/Mg‐Al LDH with ultrathin thickness (≈9.1 nm) and CDs‐intercalated structure are achieved. The CDs/Mg‐Al LDH nanohybrids demonstrate high dispersibility, strong UV absorption, and remarkable photostability, resulting in protected‐paper with decelerated acidification, oxidation, and yellowing degradation processes under both accelerated UV‐aging and dry‐heat conditions. Additionally, the protected‐paper can emit uniform blue light under 365 nm UV excitation allows for easy identification of the distributed CDs/Mg‐Al LDH within the paper, marking a unique and practical feature. This research paces a new direction for the protection of paper‐based relics with emerging carbon dots‐based 0D/2D nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a notifiable viral disease caused by Lumpy Skin Disease virus (LSDV). It is usually associated with high economic losses, including a loss of productivity, infertility, and death. LSDV shares genetic and antigenic similarities with Sheep pox virus (SPV) and Goat pox (GPV) virus. Hence, the LSDV traditional diagnostic tools faced many limitations regarding sensitivity, specificity, and cross-reactivity. Herein, we fabricated a paper-based turn-on fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) sensor for the rapid detection of LSDV. The LSDV-MIPs sensor showed strong fluorescent intensity signal enhancement in response to the presence of the virus within minutes. Our sensor showed a limit of detection of 101 log10 TCID50/mL. Moreover, it showed significantly higher specificity to LSDV relative to other viruses, especially SPV. To our knowledge, this is the first record of a paper-based rapid detection test for LSDV depending on fluorescent turn-on behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]