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Electronic paper displays rely on electrokinetic effects in nonpolar solvents to drive the displacement of colloidal particles within a fluidic cell. While Electrophoresis (EP) is a well-established and frequently employed phenomenon, electro-osmosis (EO), which drives fluid flow along charged solid surfaces, has not been studied as extensively. We hypothesize that by exploiting the interplay between these effects, an enhanced particle transport can be achieved. In this study, we experimentally investigate the combined effects of EP and EO for colloidal particles in non-polar solvents, driven by an electric field. We use astigmatism micro-particle tracking velocimetry (A- μ PTV) to measure the motion of charged particles within model fluidic cells. Using a simple approach that relies on basic fluid flow properties we extract the contributions due to EP and EO, finding that EO contributes significantly to particle transport. The validity of our approach is confirmed by measurements on particles with different magnitudes of charge, and by comparison to numerical simulations. We find that EO flows can play a dominant role in the transport of particles in electrokinetic display devices. This can be exploited to speed up particle transport, potentially yielding displays with significantly faster switching times. Interplay of electrokinetic effects : Driven by the applied electric field, both electro-osmosis (EO, top left), which drives a flow along the surfaces of the fluidic cell, and electrophoresis (EP, top right), which drives a migration of particles relative to the background liquid, occur in our system. A typical example of the resultant particle velocity field (bottom) illustrates the important role of EO on particle transport in the fluidic cell. • Studied electrokinetics of particles in nonpolar solvent using astigmatism micro-PTV. • Both electrophoresis (EP) and electro-osmosis (EO) play important roles. • Combination of EO and EP could be exploited in faster switching e-paper displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The complex spreading dynamics of blood on paper matrix is likely to be quantitatively altered with variations in the fractional occupancy of red blood cells in the whole blood (haematocrit). Here, we presented an apparently surprising observation that a finite volume blood drop undergoes a universal time-dependent spreading on a filter paper strip that is virtually invariant with its hematocrit level within physiologically healthy regime, though distinctively distinguishable from the spreading laws of blood plasma and water. Our hypothesis was ascertained by performing controlled wicking experiments on filter papers of different grades. Spreading of human blood samples of different haematocrit levels ranging between 15% and 51% and the plasma separated from therein were traced by combined high-speed imaging and microscopy. These experiments were complemented with a semi-analytical theory to decipher the key physics of interest. Our results unveiled the exclusive influence of the obstructing cellular aggregates in the randomly distributed hierarchically structured porous pathways and deciphered the role of the networked structures of the various plasma proteins that induced hindered diffusion. The resulting universal signatures of spontaneous dynamic spreading, delving centrally on the fractional reduction in the interlaced porous passages, provide novel design basis for paper-microfluidic kits in medical diagnostics and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible rechargeable Ag 2 O-Zn battery was in situ constructed on the filter paper. • The tree-root-like interfacial design was achieved between Ag 2 O and filter paper. • The interlocking interface favored high mechanical stability for the Ag 2 O-Zn battery. Flexible zinc–silver oxide (Zn–Ag 2 O) batteries have attracted extensive attention for comfortable wearable electronics owing to their stable output voltage, inherent safety, and environmental benignity. However, they suffer from inferior specific capacity and poor mechanical stability due to the low utilization of Ag 2 O cathodic material and weak interfacial adhesion of active material/substrate. Inspired by the nature of the tree root system, we develop an interface-engineered cathode, in which Ag 2 O nanoparticles are rooted on an Au, Ni co-modified filter paper substrate (CFP) through an electroless plating followed by an in situ electrochemical oxidation. The staggered-stacked Ag 2 O nanoparticles provide abundant electrochemically active sites and convenient ion diffusion paths, and the unique biological tree-root-like structure of the electrode material creates robust interlocking interfaces. A quasi-solid-state Zn–Ag 2 O battery assembled with a tree-root-like Ag 2 O/CFP cathode delivers a high areal specific capacity of 1.08 mAh cm−2 and long-term cycling durability with a capacity retention of 77.3% even after 100 cycles. Moreover, the device presents good mechanical stability under various flexural deformations, including bending, folding, and twisting, and exhibits minimal capacity changes after 1000 bending cycles. These findings suggest that the bio-inspired interface-engineered electrode structure is an efficient approach for developing flexible batteries with excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium metal is deemed a promising anode material for the next-generation batteries with high specific energy. Unfortunately, the growth of Li dendrites and infinite volume change during cycling, caused by the "hostless" feature of metallic Li, have posed a great challenge to the commercialization of Li metal anode. The introduction of appropriate host materials for Li metal is highly desirable. In this work, a N, P dual-doped 3D carbon derived from low-cost quantitative filter paper (NPCQP) is designed and fabricated for direct using as a host for Li metal anode. The resulting NPCQP host achieves a high deposition/stripping Coulombic efficiency of above 97.5 % with a low nucleation overpotential. Moreover, the NPCQP@Li symmetric cells enable an excellent long-term cycling performance (1000 h) with an ultralow voltage hysteresis (12 mV) and stable interface behavior. When paired with the commercial LiFePO 4 cathode, the full cell with NPCQP@Li anode displays impressive long-term cyclic stability and rate capability, outperforming the counter cell with bare Li anode. This contribution sheds light on the rational design of viable host for practical lithium metal anodes. [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]

The production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass is achieved by the synergistic action of a group of enzymes called cellulases. Cellulose is a long chain of chemically linked glucoses by β-1,4 bonds. The enzyme β-1,4-endoglucanase is the first cellulase involved in the degradation, breaking the bond of the amorphous regions. A β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme with high activity was obtained from a Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that the gene amplified by PCR consisting of 1407 nucleotides and coding for a β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme of approximately 55 kDa. The open reading frame (ORF) encoding the mature endoglucanase (eglS) was successfully inserted in a modified cloning plasmid (pITD03) and into the pYD1 plasmid used for its expression in yeast. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plate assay, SDS-PAGE, and zymogram confirmed the production and secretion by the transformed E. coli BL21-SI strain of a 39 kDa β-1,4-endoglucanase consistent with the catalytic domain without the cellulose-binding module (CBM). The results showed that the truncated β-1,4-endoglucanase had higher activity and stability. • A strain of Bacillus subtilis with endoglucanase activity was isolated from the wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. • The endoglucanase gene was inserted into a modified plasmid (E. coli) and into pYD1 (S. cerevisiae). • The endoglucanase in pYD1 is expressed with good activity in E. coli , being the first report of this finding. • A truncated recombinant endoglucanase is obtained and is very stable at pH (2-10) and temperature (30–55 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bilayered V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel constructed 2D nanopapers were synthesized. • The V 2 O 5 nH 2 O Xerogel combines oxygen defect engineering. • Oxygen defect improves Zn2+/Mg2+ insertion/extraction kinetics. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) and aqueous magnesium ion batteries (AMIBs) offer powerful alternatives for large-scale energy storage because of their high safety and low cost. Consequently, the design of high-performance cathode materials is essential. In this paper, we present a simple strategy that combines oxygen defect (O d) engineering with a 2D-on-2D homogeneous nanopape-like bilayer V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel (BL-HVO d NPS). This strategy employs O d to improve Zn2+/Mg2+insertion/extraction kinetics and reduce irreversible processes for high-performance AZIBs/AMIBs. And interlayer water molecules serve as an effective spacer to stabilize the expanded interlayer gap in BL-HVO d NPS, thereby providing extended diffusion channels for Zn2+/Mg2+ during insertion/extraction. The interlayer water molecules help shield the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+/Mg2+ and BL-HVO d NPS lattice, which improves diffusion kinetics during repeated. In addition, electrochemical characterization results indicate that the BL-HVO d NPS can effectively the surface adsorption and internal diffusion of Zn2+/Mg2+. More importantly, the successfully prepared unique 2D-on-2D homogenous nanopaper structure enhances electrolyte/electrode contact and reduces the migration/diffusion path of electrons/Zn2+ and Mg2+, thus greatly improving rate performance. As a result, the BL-HVO d NPS as AZIBs/AMIBs electrodes offer better reversible capacity of 361.8 and 162.8 mA h g−1 (at 0.2 A g−1), while displaying impressively long cycle lifes. This method provides a way to prepare advanced xerogel cathode materials for AZIBs and AMIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MXene-modified papers with high-uniform loading of polypyrrole and excellent conductivity have been fabricated via a multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy, which achieves boosting areal capacitance. [Display omitted] • Multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy is proposed tofabricate paper-based supercapacitors. • Alternate adsorption of MXene and polypyrrole on paper yields an ultra-high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2. • The paper-based supercapacitor shows a boosting areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2. Despite the intriguing features of freestanding flexible electronic devices, such as their binder-free nature and cost-effectiveness, the limited loading capacity of active material poses a challenge to achieving practical high-performance flexible electrodes. We propose a novel approach that integrates multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization techniques to fabricate a high-loading paper-based flexible electrode (MXene/Polypyrrole/Paper) with exceptional areal capacitance. The approach enables polypyrrole to form a porous conductive network structure on the surface of paper fiber through MXene grafting via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, resulting in an exceptionally high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2 and a conductivity of 2.03 S/cm. Moreover, MXene-modified polypyrrole paper exhibits a more homogeneous pore size distribution ranging from 5 to 50 μm and an increased specific surface area of 3.11 m2/g. Additionally, we have optimized in-situ polymerization cycles for paper-based supercapacitors, resulting in a remarkable areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2 (at 2 mA/cm2). The capacitance retention rate and conductivity rate maintain over 90 % after undergoing 100 bends.The maximum energy density and cycling stability are characterized to be 83.6 μWh/cm2 and up to 96 % retention after 10,000 cycles. These results significantly outperform those previously reported for paper-based counterparts. Overall, our work presents a facile and versatile strategy for assembling high-loading, paper-based flexible supercapacitors network architecture that can be employed in developing large-scale energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals devote substantial time, energy and resources to assessing nonmating social partners. However, relatively little is known about how individual characteristics influence the process and outcome of social partner choice. Social partner choice is an important aspect of Polistes fuscatus wasp lives, as nest-founding queens form and dissolve many short-term social relationships before settling down in stable cooperative groups. Here, we asked how personality and body size influence social partner assessment, the specific partners chosen, behaviour within social groups and group offspring production. We evaluated social and nonsocial personality traits (exploration, affiliation, aggression, investigation) and body mass in 75 individually marked queens, then released them in a large naturalistic enclosure where we recorded social partner assessment, nest founding behaviour and behaviour on nests. At the end of the season, we collected nests as a measure of group reproductive output. Exploratory personality had a stronger effect on social behaviour than other personality measures. More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners, joined nests later and spent fewer days as members of stable nests. Less exploratory wasps were more likely to become dominant on nests and were more aggressive after partnerships were established. Larger wasps sampled more potential nest sites, suggesting that sampling induces energetic costs that larger individuals are better able to bear. Among dominant and solitary-nesting wasps, more affiliative wasps built larger nests and more aggressive wasps built smaller nests. We did not find that wasps selected partners based on any measured trait. Overall, our work demonstrates that personality traits play an important role in how social partners are assessed, how social groups are formed, behaviour within established social groups and the success of social groups. Our study also suggests that personality mediates a trade-off between time spent sampling partners and social bond stability. • We evaluated effects of personality and body size on social partner choice in wasps. • More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners and joined nests later. • They spent fewer days in stable groups and were less likely to be dominant on nests. • Body size and social personality had little effect on partner assessment. • Personality may mediate a social assessment–stable social bond trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Solar interfacial evaporation is one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly clean freshwater production technologies. Plasma metal nanoparticles are excellent optical absorption materials, but their high cost and inherent resonance narrow bandwidth absorption limit their application. In this work, commercial cellulose papers are used as substrates to synthesize Ag-Ni/cellulose paper by the seed-mediated method. The Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits high light absorption at the full wavelength (200–2500 nm) resulting from the synergistic effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs and the interband transitions (IBTs) of Ni. Under one-sun irradiation (1 kW m−2), the energy utilization efficiency of Ag-Ni/cellulose paper is as high as 93.8%, and the water evaporation rate is 1.87 kg m−2 h−1. Diffusion inhibition experiment results show that the Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits excellent antibacterial performance, and the antibacterial performance is highly related with Ag NPs content. These provide new opportunities for commercial production of competitive cost, green, and portable solar evaporators for different application sceneries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe–Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies. [Display omitted] • Geochemical fractionation unveils less bioavailable Fe in contaminated soil. • EF, ICF, and I geo indicate high Fe contamination. • Adults are more susceptible to potential health risks from surplus Fe exposure. • HQ analysis pinpoints dermal contact as the primary pathway for Fe exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively. [Display omitted] • Microalgae and bacteria symbiotically initiated bioreactor start-up. • Initial inoculation concentrations were critical for photogranule development. • High total nitrogen removal efficiency in all bioreactor configurations. • Optimal setup boosts biomass and pigment. • Microalgae-bacteria consortium facilitated the production of valuable bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] An abundance of early warning graphene-based nano-materials and sensors have been developed to avoid and prevent the critical fire risk of combustible materials. However, there are still some limitations that should be addressed, such as the black color, high-cost and single fire warning response of graphene-based fire warning materials. Herein, we report an unexpected montmorillonite (MMT)-based intelligent fire warning materials that have excellent fire cyclic warning performance and reliable flame retardancy. Combining phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) molecules, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber (PBONF), and layers of MMT to form a silane crosslinked 3D nanonetwork system, the homologous PTES decorated MMT-PBONF nanocomposites are designed and fabricated via a sol–gel process and low temperature self-assembly method. The optimized nanocomposite paper shows good mechanical flexibility (good recovery after kneading or bending process), high tensile strength of ∼81 MPa and good water resistance. Furthermore, the nanocomposite paper exhibits high-temperature flame resistance (almost unchanged structure and size after 120 s combustion), sensitive flame alarm response (∼0.3 s response once exposure onto a flame), cyclic fire warning performance (>40 cycles), and adaptability to complex fire situations (several fire attack and evacuation scenarios), showing promising applications for monitoring the critical fire risk of combustible materials. Therefore, this work paves a rational way for design and fabrication of MMT-based smart fire warning materials that combine excellent flame shielding and sensitive fire alarm functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, the risk assessment of dermal exposure to pollutants in print paper products has received considerable attention. Most studies have focused on organic pollutants, especially bisphenol A (BPA). However, little is known about the levels of trace elements in print paper products, despite the knowledge that these elements are components of printing inks and toners. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in 5 types of paper products, namely bulletins, magazines, special events program booklets, handbills, and newspapers. The average daily intake (ADI) of each element was subsequently estimated through dermal exposure to the papers. The detection frequency of the elements of interest was high (nearly 100%) in most paper products, with the exception of chromium, whose detection was low. In contrast, Ag was not detected in any sample. The levels of the elements in the paper products were low and comparable to those found in other personal and consumer products with the potential for skin contact. The range values of estimated ADIs were 1.70–3.90E-08, 2.30–18.2E-10, 2.60–16.4E-09, 3.65–5.75E-08, 1.29–4.38E-08, 6.23–15.6E-10, 1.51–2.80E-10, 1.43–9.16E-09, 0.00–9.47E-09, and 4.68–220E-08 mg/kg bw/day for Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Fe respectively. These values were well below the dermal standard reference doses (R f D) for each element. The present results indicate that dermal exposure to trace elements from print paper products was low and does not pose significant risks for toxic (non-carcinogenic) effects on humans. • Previous efforts have focused on the risk assessment of organic contaminants in print paper products. • Limited attention accorded to risk assessment of trace elements in print paper products • Human dermal exposure to trace elements via print paper products was low • Exposure to trace elements via print paper products has low risks of non-carcinogenic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specific catalysts, namely ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67), Co@NCF (Co@Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), and 3D NCF (Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), were prepared and studied for pulp and paper mill effluent degradation using heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Numerous characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N 2 adsorption, were used to characterize the properties of three different catalysts. 3D NCF is remarkably effective at heterogeneous activation of PMS to generate sulfate radicals to degrade pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) compared to the other as-prepared catalysts. The catalytic activity reveals a sequence of 3D NCF > Co@NCF > ZIF-67.3D NCF could degrade organic pollutants in 30 min at an initial COD concentration of 1146 mg/L of PPME, 0.2 g/L catalysts, 2 g/L PMS, and 50 °C. Consequently, it was observed that the degradation of PPME using 3D NCF followed first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 40.54 kJ mol−1. Overall, 3D NCF/PMS system reveals promising performance for PPME removal. • 3D NCF synthesized via calcining and etching a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67). • 3D NCF presented the highest activity in the pulp and paper mill effluent degradation. • 3D NCF proved to be a promising catalyst and has superior stability. • Pulp and paper mill effluent degradation on 3D NCF followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a freshness indicator was developed by immobilizing extracted betacyanins from prickly pear fruit (PFB) onto cellulose filter paper to visually determine fish spoilage. Various properties of the prepared indicator, including color stability, moisture uptake, sensivity to hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) gas and pH changes, and chemical analysis were studied. The PFB-based indicator exhibited good color stability at various temperatures and times, with no significan color changes observed during storage at 25, 4, and −18 °C for 8 days. The moisture absorption of the indicator based on PFB was lower than that of cellulose paper, which is crucial for colorimetric indicators. Basic nitrogen and sulfur compounds are the main volatile compounds produced during fish spoilage. The results of the present study showed that both total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and H 2 S gas produced during fish spoilage contributed to the color changes of betacyanin-based colorimetric indicators. The prepared freshness indicators were pH-sensitive, with significant color changes due to TVB-N and H 2 S production during fish storage. A significant correlation was observed between fish quality (pH, TVB-N and total viable count) and the visible color changes of the indicators. The color of the designed indicator shifted from dark pink to pale pink/white during fish storage. These prepared freshness indicators were inexpensive, easy to use, and non-toxic, making them suitable for assessing the quality and shelf life of fish fillets. • A freshness indicator was prepared based on prickly pear fruit betacyanins using cellulose paper. • The prepared indicator was sensitive to not only TVB-N but also H 2 S compounds. • A significant correlation was observed between fish quality and visible color changes. • The prepared indicator is low-cost and efficient for spoilage detection of protein-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass can be used as an energy source to thermochemical conversion processes to biocrude production. However, the supply and dependence on only one biomass for biocrude production can be an obstacle due to its seasonality, availability, and logistics costs. In this way, biomass waste and agroindustrial residues can be mixture and used as feedstock to the hydrothermal co-liquefaction (co-HTL) process as an alternative to obtaining biocrude. In this sense, the present paper analyzed the biocrude yield influence of the co-HTL from a quaternary unprecedented blend of different biomasses, such as sugarcane bagasse, brewer's spent grain (BSG), sludge from a paper recycling mill (PRM), and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). In this way, a simplex lattice design was employed and co-HTL experiments were carried out in a 2000 mL high-pressure stirred autoclave reactor under 275 °C for 60 min, considering 15% of feedstock/water ratio. Significant effects in each feedstock and their blends were analyzed aiming to increase biocrude and biochar yield. It was found that the addition of microalgae is only significant when considered more than 50% into the blend with BSG and PRM sludge to increase biocrude yield. • Unprecedented blend (microalgae, sugarcane bagasse, BSG, and PRM sludge) in co-HTL. • Highest biocrude yield of 51.7% using microalgae as the only feedstock. • Second-highest biocrude yield (29%) for BSG and PRM sludge (synergetic interaction). • BSG and PRM sludge can complement co-HTL feedstock in low microalgae availability. • E RoI higher than one for 50% of microalgae, 25.8% of BSG, and 24.2% of PRM sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite length graded R -module M has the Weak Lefschetz Property if there is a linear form ℓ in R such that the multiplication map × ℓ : M i → M i + 1 has maximal rank. The set of linear forms with this property form a Zariski-open set and its complement is called the non-Lefschetz locus. The main result is to give a complete proof for the theorem stated in [1] that for any general complete intersection I in R [ x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , x 4 ] the non-Lefschetz locus has expected codimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-based pulp and paper mills (PPMs) inevitably produce numerous refractory pollutants in their wastewater, including chlorolignin, chlorophenols, chlorocatechols, chloroguaiacol, cyanide, furan, dioxins, and other organic compounds, as well as various heavy metals, such as nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), etc. These pollutants pose significant threats to aquatic and terrestrial life due to their cytogenotoxicity, mutagenicity, impact on sexual organs, hormonal interference, endocrine disruption, and allergenic response. Consequently, it is crucial to reclaim pulp paper mill wastewater (PPMW) with high loads of refractory pollutants through effective and environmentally sustainable practices to minimize the presence of these chemicals and ensure environmental safety. However, there is currently no comprehensive published review providing up-to-date knowledge on the fate of refractory pollutants from PPMW in soil and aquatic environments, along with valuable insights into the associated health hazards and remediation methods. This critical review aims to shed light on the potential adverse effects of refractory pollutants from PPMW on natural ecosystems and living organisms. It explores existing effective treatment technologies for remediating these pollutants from wastewater, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, all in pursuit of environmental safety. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies used to decontaminate wastewater discharged from PPMs, ensuring the preservation of the environment. Additionally, this review addresses the major challenges and proposes future research directions for the proper disposal of PPMW. It serves as a comprehensive source of knowledge on the environmental toxicity and risks associated with refractory pollutants in PPMW, making it a valuable reference for policymakers and researchers when selecting appropriate technologies for remediation. The scientific community, concerned with mitigating the widespread risks posed by refractory pollutants from PPMs, is expected to take a keen interest in this review. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel multifunctional hard core/soft shell colloidal nanoparticles have been developed by introducing the elastic compounds into the shell and the rigid compounds into the core via Semi-continuous seed emulsion polymer method. these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. With these outstanding features, it can be concluded that this kind of novel multifunctional PCs papers can be served as a promising candidate for next-generation rewriteable and environment-friendly papers, anti-counterfeiting tags and smart tunable bio-sensors, etc. [Display omitted] Photonic crystals film that possesses periodic dielectric structure have shown great prospect in developing environmentally friendly paper alternatives due to the unique properties of dye free and non-photobleaching, but their practical application is limited by the weak interaction between colloidal particles. Although some progress has been obtained, it is still a challenge to develop photonic paper with the desired mechanical and optical properties. Herein, multifunctional hard core/soft shell nanoparticles with controlled size are fabricated by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization method. Compared with convention colloidal particles, these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The facile fabrication route enables the continuous high-through put production of the photonic papers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. Moreover, due to the good compatibility of core/shell interface, these photonic films possess excellent mechanical properties, demonstrating that this multifunctional film makes the fabrication of novel robust rewritable papers possible and enables visual monitoring of deformation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper disposed in landfills notably contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and impedes more sustainable, circular alternatives, such as recycling. In Hong Kong, this unsustainable approach is currently dominant as 68% of waste paper products are treated in landfills in 2020. To contextualize the impact of local waste paper management and explore mitigation potentials of circular alternatives, this paper develops a quantitative assessment framework around GHG emissions development trajectories. Combining guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), national GHG inventories, and local parameters from life cycle analysis, five GHG emissions projections were simulated along the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) until 2060. Most recent baselines indicate that Hong Kong's current waste paper treatment generated 638,360 tons CO 2 -eq in 2020, comprising 1,821,040 tons CO 2 -eq from landfill and 671,320 tons CO 2 -eq from recycling, and −1,854,000 tons CO 2 -eq from primary material replacement. Proceeding along a Business-as-Usual scenario under SSP5, GHG emissions will dramatically increase to a net 1,072,270 tons CO 2 -eq by 2060, whereas a recycling-intensive scenario will lead to a net saving of −4,323,190 tons CO 2 -eq. To complement the quantitative evidence on the benefits of waste paper recycling, field research was conducted to explore the feasibility of circular policy innovation from the perspective of recycling stakeholders. These empirical qualitative and quantitative findings from stakeholders' business routines and material transactions provide crucial indications for policy and institutional innovation: Essentially, for Hong Kong to improve waste paper recycling capacities and facilitate a circular economy (CE), local stakeholders require support via fiscal policy measures (financial subsidies or tax reductions) and infrastructure improvements (delivery access and material storage). In sum, this study employs a novel analytical framework combining original qualitative and quantitative evidence to provide policy innovation towards circular, GHG emission-saving waste paper management. [Display omitted] • A new framework assessing greenhouse gas emissions from waste paper treatment. • Exploring long-term carbon neutrality pathways for managing waste paper. • Using empirical evidence from recycling stakeholders for circular policy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel route to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality. • CQDs with amine functionality obtained from modified paper precursors. • Amine functionalized CQDs demonstrated as efficient probes for DNA binding studies. We report a novel synthesis route for preparing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality from readily available precursors. The synthetic strategy is based on the chemical modification of paper precursors prior to preparing CQDs from them. The pre-synthesis modification of paper precursors with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTES) enabled us to synthesize CQDs with amine functional groups on the surface. The silane coupling via condensation between the ethoxy group of APTES and the cellulose hydroxyl group on the paper resulted in the tethering of amine groups on the paper substrates, which are retained as surface-bound species during the synthesis of CQDs from the modified paper. Amine functionalization on the surface of CQDs helped us use them in applications such as DNA binding. We analyzed the interaction of CQDs with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), and the results imply their propensity as an efficient biological probe. The synthetic strategy presented here can also be extended to other functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 heterojunction photocatalyst with Z scheme photogenerated electron transfer mechanism was loaded on cellulose fibers to construct a visible light-responsive photocatalytic composite paper for efficient and recyclable degradation of organic dyes in water. The introduction of O vacancies in Bi 2 WO 6 by alkali etching increased the utilization rate of Bi 2 WO 6 for visible light and achieved effective regulation of the energy band structure and Fermi level, which transformed Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 type-II heterojunction into Z scheme heterojunction. The light-excited electrons in the conduction band of O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 directly migrated to the valence band of SrTiO 3 , which improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and maximized the redox capability of semiconductors. Compared with other control papers, O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper exhibited the best photocatalytic performance, and its degradation rate for rhodamine B could reach 71.1% under 100 min of Xe lamp irradiation. The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper also showed good photocatalytic cycle stability. Loading heterojunction on the cellulose fibers solved the problem of poor reusability and difficult in recovery for powder semiconductor photocatalyst in practical applications. This study provides a novel strategy for constructing Z scheme heterogeneity on cellulose fibers to prepare composite paper with high photocatalytic activity and good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filter paper provides an excellent matrix for retention of proteins containing a cellulose binding domain. To use this capability for manipulating recombinant fusion proteins, binding and elution parameters were explored and procedures developed for small scale purification, modification and assay. Proteins were tagged with the cellulose binding domain from the Clostridium thermocellum CipB gene via a cleavable linker. Filter paper disks of 6 mm diameter were able to bind up to 80 μg protein although there was a substantial dependence on molecular size. Different means of introducing fusion proteins to the disks allow either binding within 20 min from microliter volumes or slower binding from milliliter volumes. Elution with protease in small volumes yielded greater than 10 μg amounts with concentrations in the 1–2 mg/ml range. To demonstrate their utility, disks were used for small scale protein purification, covalent modification of protein, immunoprecipitation, and in a binding assay. These versatile methods allow parallel processing of multiple samples and may find many uses when only small amounts of protein are needed. [Display omitted] • Rapid, high throughput, small scale purification of recombinant fusion proteins. • Binding assays on filter paper disks. • Protein modification on filter paper disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that >400 Mt of board and paper are produced globally per year, and that 4.3–40 kg (dw) of sludge like material, pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS), is generated for every tonne of product. PPMS are now more widely reused in agriculture as a soil amendment due to their high organic content of 40–50% by weight, perceived low toxicity and possible liming capabilities. Within this review article historic and recent literature on PPMS land spreading are combined with knowledge of European and UK regulation to explore the benefits, potential impacts and viability of land spreading PPMS. The review reveals that risks relating to potential N immobilisation in soils post-application can be readily mitigated, if desired, by coapplication of an N source, or even pre-treatment of sludge via composting. The benefits to crops have been demonstrated emphatically, while negative ecological impacts under typical field application rates have not been observed to date. The case is therefore strong for continued land application of the material as an environmentally responsible and sustainable use option. However, there are currently gaps in the literature regarding longer-term implications of PPMS applications in agriculture and in regards to the possible presence of emerging contaminants in some PPMS materials, both of which have been identified as areas that merit further research. • Land spreading paper pulp mill sludge (PPMS) offers economic and environmental benefit. • Characteristics and utility of PPMS vary with treatment level (primary vs secondary). • Co-application of N sources can prove beneficial in some cases. • Routine analysis and robust regulation prevent adverse outcomes from PPMS use. • Longer term studies on soil chemistry and ecology effects are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual colorimetric/electrochemical sensor integrated with a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) is created for rapid and sensitive detection of cabaryl in fruit. For colorimetric sensor, quercetin modified silver nanoparticle (QCT-AgNPs) is synthesized via self-reduction, resulting in the color change from green to dark green in the presence of cabaryl, which can be readily observed via naked eyes. This colorimetric sensor provides a linear response of 5 – 50 μM quantified by Image J software. For electrochemistry, AgNPs/MXene nanocomposite electrode offers high electrocatalytic activity towards the detection of carbarly with a linear range of 0 – 60 µM and a detection limit of 0.01 µM. The limit of detection values obtained from this dual sensor are lower than a cut-off of carbaryl residue in food, which is 7 mg.kg−1 (35 µM) verifying the desired sensitivity of this platform. Ultimately, this dual sensor is successfully applied for on-site detection of carbaryl in the orange samples read out on the smartphone with satisfactory results. [Display omitted] • Dual colorimetric/electrochemicl sensor is developed on μPAD for cabaryl sensor • QCT-AgNPs is synthesized by self-reduction and applied for colorimetric detection. • AgNPs/MXene modified electrode provided high electrochemical sensitivity. • This platform is applied for on-site carbaryl detection in fruits on smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydrogen harvesting from fermentation of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was promoted by maintaining synergism between sulfonated graphene (SGR) catalyst and paper mill sludge (PMS). The sulfonic acid (–SO 3 H) groups in the catalyst played a major role in destructing the β-1,4 glycosidic bonds of sugarcane bagasse, releasing readily biodegradable sugars into the fermentation medium. The cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin conversion efficiency were improved by 127.5%, 495.0%, and 109.2%, respectively with 20 mgSGR/gVS catalyst addition, compared with the control samples. These values were also higher than those obtained by non-sulfonated graphene catalyst. The hydrogenation of sugarcane bagasse was maximized at a sulfonated graphene catalyst dosage of 60 mgSGR/gVS, providing the highest hydrogen harvesting of 4104 ± 321 mL. This was associated with an increase of the Proteobacteria phyla up to 52.0%, Firmicutes phyla to 13.9%, and Acinetobacter sp. to 39.8% compared with only 37.0%, 11.3% and 11.1% in the control assay respectively. Moreover, sulfonated graphene catalyst supplementation promoted the acetate fermentation reaction pathway by increasing the acetate/butyrate ratio up to 4.1. Nevertheless, elevating the catalyst dosage up to 120 mgSGR/gVS reduced the hydrogen harvesting (1190 ± 92 mL) due to the release of furfural (1.76 ± 0.02 g/L) in the fermentation cultures, deteriorating the microbes' internal composition and metabolism bioactivities. Finally maximizing the hydrogen productivity from sugarcane bagasse is feasible by incorporation of paper mill sludge and sulfonated graphene catalyst at dosage not exceeding 60 mgSGR/gVS. However, investigating the recyclability and disposal of digestate containing sulfonated graphene catalyst and the associated economic feasibility needs more attention in the future. [Display omitted] • Sugarcane bagasse was fermented by paper mill sludge supported on sulfonated graphene. • Synergism between paper mill sludge/sulfonated graphene improved bio-H 2 by 4.8 times. • Sulfonated graphene promoted acetate fermentation (HAc/HBu of 4.1) and inhibited HPr. • Acinetobacter degrading phenol increased by 3.6 folds with sulfonated graphene catalyst. • MolDock visualized H-bonding in hydrogenase protein/sulfonated graphene interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper [39] uses the Craig-Wayne-Bourgain method to construct solutions of an elliptic problem involving parameters. The results of [39] include regularity assumptions on the perturbation and involve excluding parameters. The paper [39] also constructs response solutions to a quasi-periodically perturbed (ill-posed evolution) problem. In this paper, we use several classical methods (freezing of coefficients, alternative methods for nonlinear elliptic equations) to extend the results of [39]. We weaken the regularity assumptions on the perturbation and we describe the phenomena that happens for all parameters. In the ill-posed problem, we use a recently developed time-dependent center manifold theorem which allows to reduce the problem to a finite-dimensional ODE with quasi-periodic dependence on time. The bounded and sufficiently small solutions of these ODE give solutions of the ill-posed PDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accompanying China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the rapid development of the Chinese economy has led to increasingly serious environmental issues. However, the inherent mechanisms underlying the impact of Environmental Information Disclosure (EID) policy and trade on the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises remain unclear in the context of the era's requirement for a resource-conserving and environmentally-friendly society. The pollution problem in the papermaking industry has received attention worldwide, and how to balance the environmental and development issues of papermaking enterprises is an urgent issue that needs to be solved in the academic community. This study explores the impact mechanisms of EID policy and trade on the environmental effects of enterprises from the perspective of financial constraints. Utilizing the PSM-DID model, the study investigates the moderating effects of financial constraints on the EID policy and import-export trade. The findings reveal that both external and internal financial constraints have negative, detrimental effects on the environmental effects of the EID policy and trade. These constraints impede research and development investment and technological upgrades, hinder productivity improvement, and hamper the realization of "regulatory and trade innovation effects". This study enriches our understanding of the mechanisms by which trade affects the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises and further identifies the impacts of Chinese EID policy and trade on pollution emissions by enterprises, providing a theoretical basis and practical foundation for the government in formulating financial, environmental, and trade policies. • Analyzing the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises from the perspective of financing constraints. • This study validated the research hypothesis using three micro databases. • This study decomposes the impact mechanism into three aspects: scale effects, technical effects, and structural effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the interfacial dispersion and suspension stability is crucial for magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2) nanomaterials in the long-term deacidification of paper-based cultural relics. However, because of the low specific surface area and the poor solvent compatibility of as-prepared large-sized Mg(OH) 2 , it often tends to agglomerate and settle down during the usage and storage, that is harmful for paper protection due to its unevenly deacidification and nonuniformly distribution on paper cellulose. Herein, we propose a feasible preparation of colloidal Mg(OH) 2 ultrathin nanoflakes with high dispersion stability via a simple one-step surfactant-assisted strategy. The surfactant acts as both a structure-direct agent to confine the growth of Mg(OH) 2 with rich active sites and a surface modifier to enhance its solvent adaptability and dispersion stability, avoiding the common fussy procedure with additional steric stabilizer. Owing to the evenly interaction with free acid species therein and the uniformly distribution on the paper fiber as alkaline reserve, the as-obtained Mg(OH) 2 presents the superior paper protection performance characterized by its safer pH of 7.29 for the original aged paper (pH = 5.03) and the excellent long-term anti-acidification effect with competitive pH of 5.47 after accelerated-aging at 105 °C for 5 months. Furthermore, Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with surfactant-modified structure also endue them as an improved flame retardant for multifunctional paper protection. The protection with Mg(OH) 2 has little effect on the paper surface properties and cellulose crystallinity, in line with the principle of least intervention. This work will put forward a feasible way toward colloidal Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with excellent paper protection performance, shedding light on the development of emerging protection materials for paper-based cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper mill biomass boilers generate large quantities of ash in Canada with British Columbia (BC) being the highest ash generating province followed closely by Quebec. Generally, the generated ash is landfilled, particularly in BC, with only a small amount being used beneficially. It is anticipated that the difficulty associated with the management of ash will worsen over time as the industry increases its reliance on green fuel. Thus, there is a strong need to identify beneficial uses of pulp and paper boiler ash for the sake of environmental and economic sustainability. The purpose of this report is to provide the first step in this direction, a review of proposed or implemented uses for coal and hog (or wood) ash around the world. Considering both the properties of the ash and local opportunities, this could be the first step toward screening the applications that may apply to individual mills. Several large-scale practices use ash, such as land application (as a nutrient source or as a liming agent), use in the construction industry (as a replacement for cement or as a fill material), and reclamation of mine sites and stabilization of unpaved forest roads. In some cases, relatively small-scale applications have been used which included uses such as a compost component, agent for pH adjustment of liquid streams and slurries, blasting abrasive, and source of quartz for glass manufacturing to name a few. It is important to note that the chemical nature of both fly and bottom ashes can be quite variable due to the type of wood residues combusted as well as combustion equipment used and must be considered in identifying beneficial applications. • General ash characterization is not enough to find useful applications of ash. • Ash use in the liming agent requires different properties than ash use in concrete. • Ash must be characterized according to its application requirements. • PPM ash can mainly be used for concrete, ag lands, liming agent, and forest roads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heteroatoms and transition metal co-doped carbon-based catalysts are an important way to improve the catalytic activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we reported a facile method to obtain iron, nitrogen, and sulfur co-doped cellulose paper carbon fibers as catalysts (Fe–N–S/CFs) for ORR in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with the adsorption recovery of Congo red molecules from dye wastewater. The thermal treatment promoted the etching of carbon surface by ferric ions, resulting in increased surface roughness for forming the defective carbon structure. The rich active species and defective carbon formed on the etched surface to enhance the electroactive surface area and effective sites. Fe–N–S/CFs catalysts achieved high half-wave potential due to the synergy effect between chemical components and defect structures. The assembled single-chamber air cathode MFC gained a high maximum power density of 1773 ± 40 mW m−2 versus Pt/C MFC of 1325 ± 94 mW m−2. This work provides a strategy for recovering dye molecules from wastewater to prepare non-precious metal catalysts for enhancing ORR activity. • Mg(OH) 2 @PF was employed to efficiently adsorb Congo red from the dye wastewater. • Congo red/Mg(OH) 2 @PF co-calcined with iron nitrate to fabricate Fe–N–S/FCs catalyst. • The Fe–N–S/CFs showed the excellent ORR performance with the active specie of FeN x. • The assembled air cathode MFCs achieved high maximum power density (1773 ± 40 mW m−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do people adapt to others in adversarial settings? Prior work has shown that people often violate rational models of adversarial decision-making in repeated interactions. In particular, in mixed strategy equilibrium (MSE) games, where optimal action selection entails choosing moves randomly, people often do not play randomly, but instead try to outwit their opponents. However, little is known about the adaptive reasoning that underlies these deviations from random behavior. Here, we examine strategic decision-making across repeated rounds of rock, paper, scissors, a well-known MSE game. In experiment 1, participants were paired with bot opponents that exhibited distinct stable move patterns, allowing us to identify the bounds of the complexity of opponent behavior that people can detect and adapt to. In experiment 2, bot opponents instead exploited stable patterns in the human participants' moves, providing a symmetrical bound on the complexity of patterns people can revise in their own behavior. Across both experiments, people exhibited a robust and flexible attention to transition patterns from one move to the next, exploiting these patterns in opponents and modifying them strategically in their own moves. However, their adaptive reasoning showed strong limitations with respect to more sophisticated patterns. Together, results provide a precise and consistent account of the surprisingly limited scope of people's adaptive decision-making in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Investigation of sluggish redox kinetics and polysulfide shuttling is crucial to design advanced lithium sulfur battery. Cerium oxide (CeO 2) has remarkable polysulfide adsorption capability and has been recently investigated in lithium sulfur battery application. With the goal of bridging towards commercialization of lithium sulfur battery, cellulose paper derived carbon fiber decorated with CeO 2 nanorods using hydrothermal method has been fabricated and used as interlayer material for lithium sulfur battery. In this novel design, the carbon fiber provides physical confinement with its 3-D interconnected conductive structure and CeO 2 adsorbs lithium polysulfides chemically to reduce shuttle effect to achieve long lifetime and high capacity for lithium sulfur battery. With a sulfur content of 2 mg, a high capacity of 1177 mAhg−1 was achieved at 0.2C with an excellent stability of only 0.11% capacity decay per cycle over 300 cycles. The improved performance is attributed to the binding of lithium polysulfides by CeO 2 and the blocking of polysulfides physically by the compact conducting carbon fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary source of soil pollution is a complex mixture of numerous inorganic and organic compounds (including chlorinated compounds, nutrients, and heavy metals, etc.). The presence of all of these compounds makes remediation and cleanup difficult. In this study, the phytoremediation ability of Jatropha curcas and Pongamia pinnata was tested to remove nickel (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) from paper mill and municipal landfill contaminated soils, to understand the uptake potential and to estimate the accumulation pattern of Ni and Zn in the vegetative parts of the plant. The experiments were carried out in pots (3 kg capacity) and the different combinations of soil were made by mixing the contaminated soil with a reference soil (forest soil) as T 0 , T 25 , T 50 , T 75 and T 100. The plant biomass, chlorophyll content, proline, nitrate reductase activity and metal removal efficiency (%)were determined after 120 DAS (i.e., the days after sowing). The results of the study showed that with increasing metal stress, there is a reduction in the above-ground biomass content in both the plant species with a slightly less impact on the root biomass. Over a period of 4 months, J. curcas and P. pinnata removed 82–86% and 93-90% Ni, respectively. The removal of Zn was significantly less as compared to Ni as most of the Zn remained in the belowground part (roots) and in the soil. Besides, the phytostabilization capacities of the plants were calculated on the basis of their tolerance index (TI), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF). The low BAF and TF values with increasing heavy metals (HMs) content indicates its higher phytostabilization capacity in the root and rhizospheric region as compared to phytoaccumulation. [Display omitted] • J. curcas and P. pinnata removes 82 - 86 % and 93- 90 % Ni respectively. • High biomass and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) > 1: Suitable for metal phytoextraction. • Low biomass and BAF < 1: Suitable for metal phytostabilization. • Low translocation factor (< 1) indicated the phytostabilization capacity of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Soybean-oil-based polymer is a promising bio-based water barrier coating on paper packaging but the application is challenged due to its poor water dispersibility. In this present study, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was used to implement a stable dispersion of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) in water and thus synergistically improved the water vapor barrier properties after coating on paper. APTES-NCC was successfully prepared, and displayed a better interface compatibility with AESO through the Michael addition reaction. Compared with NCC, APTES-NCC displayed an improved hydrophobicity and wettability with AESO, with an increase of contact angle from 38.0° to 76.4°, and a decrease of interfacial tension from 91.5 ± 3.5 mN/m to 82.9 ± 1.8 mN/m. As an emulsifier, APTES-NCC can be more effectively adsorbed on the oil–water interface to form a more stable emulsion than NCC, with a decrease of AESO droplets size from 4.8 µm to 3.1 µm, and a remarkable improvement in static and centrifugal stability. In rheological measurement, the APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion showed a wider linear viscoelastic region (3.4%), better viscoelasticity and thermal curing properties than that of NCC/AESO emulsion, which further explained that the stability of APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion were improved. Therefore, APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion as a coating on paper cured into a continuous barrier film can effectively improve the water vapor barrier properties of paper, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of paper can be reduced from 1392.8 g/m2•24 h (NCC/AESO emulsion-coated) to 1286.3 g/m2 24 h (APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion-coated), both are significantly lower than that of base paper (1926.7 g/m2•24 h). CLSM testing showed that APTES-NCC could interact effectively with AESO to forming a tight barrier on paper surface and at the same time, sealing the pores inside the paper to resist water vapor penetration. The high-stable AESO emulsion prepared by APTES-NCC is expected to facilitate the utilization of NCC and AESO as a value-added material in making sustainable barrier packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effectiveness of extended aeration system (EAS) and rice straw activated carbon-extended aeration system (RAC-EAS) in the treatment of pulp and paper biorefinery effluent (PPBE). RAC-EAS focused on the efficient utilization of lignocellulosic biomass waste (rice straw) as a biosorbent in the treatment process. The experiment was designed by response surface methodology (RSM) and conducted using a bioreactor that operated at 1–3 days hydraulic retention times (HRT) with PPBE concentrations at 20, 60 and 100%. The bioreactor was fed with real PPBE having initial ammonia-N and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations that varied between 11.74 and 59.02 mg/L and 31–161 mg/L, respectively. Findings from the optimized approach by RSM indicated 84.51% and 91.71% ammonia-N and 77.62% and 84.64% total phosphorus reduction in concentration for EAS and RAC-EAS, respectively, with high nitrification rate observed in both bioreactors. Kinetic model optimization indicated that modified stover models was the best suited and were statistically significant (R2 ≥ 0.98) in the analysis of substrate removal rates for ammonia-N and total phosphorus. Maximum nutrients elimination was attained at 60% PPBE and 48 h HRT. Therefore, the model can be utilized in the design and optimization of EAS and RAC-EAS systems and consequently in the prediction of bioreactor behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The JK Paper industry located at Rayagada discharges biologically untreated effluent more than the permissible limit prescribed by Pollution Control Board, Odisha in to the environment. The industry is seriously polluting the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environment. No detailed intensive study was carried out by previous workers on this industry earlier. The present study aims at finding out the impact of effluent on the flora at the contaminated site. The chemically treated effluent (TE) contained significant amount of mercury and cadmium. The TE has high BOD, COD, dissolved solids and suspended solids when compared to normal river water at the site of discharge. The TE deteriorated the natural water bodies changing the physico-chemical properties of natural river water. After meeting the river water the TE was diluted after 1 km distance from the meeting point of the river. Crop plants collected from the contaminated site showed higher level of residual Hg and Cd and significant depletion in pigment was observed. Plants collected from both the sides of the treated effluent canal showed significant amount residue mercury and cadmium in the plant leaves. The plants exposed to the TE, showed variation in chlorophyll and Phaeophytin pigment content when compared to their respective control values in all terrestrial plants collected from the contaminated site. In some plant leaves little increment in the pigment level was noted but the values were not significant. The changes observed in the plant pigment might be due to heavy metal accumulation. The presence of residual Hg and Cd in crop plants and plant leaves grazed by grazing animals after absorption, accumulation and enrichment may lead to a possible biological magnification, warrants attention. Proper biological treatment, treatment of effluent by modern methods and removal of heavy metals from the effluent before discharge by the industry is suggested. • Biological treatment of the effluent was not carried out by the industry & chemicals present in the effluent were significantly high.. • The water quality of the river water deteriorated due to the discharge of effluent of the paper mill. • Plants collected from the contaminated site showed significant accumulation of cadmium and mercury in leaf tissues • Significant depletion in pigment content of exposed plant leaves was noticed. • Depletion in plant pigment was due to accumulation of cadmium and mercury in plant tissues absorbed from the effluent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper fly ash (WPFA) and bottom ash (WPBA), derived from fluidised bed combustion of a paper recycling plant, exhibit cementitious properties owing to its mineralogical composition, and hence, could be proposed as a hydraulic binder. However, it may also contain some traces of heavy metals. Considering it is necessary to understand the effect of reusing any kind of waste on the environment, this study proposes of reusing WPFA/WPBA as a hydraulic road binder by evaluating its mineralogical composition and leaching activity. Chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties of raw WPFA/WPBA and the microstructural evolution of binders were carried out. Results showed that both ashes undergo hydration reactions while showing some cementitious properties by forming C–S–H gel, Friedel's salt, and calcite. According to the European standard EN 13282–1, both WPFA and WPBA can be categorised as N1 considering they reach 5.3 and 3.6 MPa, respectively, at 56 days. Furthermore, the mechanical performance of various soils was improved by using WPFA and WPBA as a binder. From the environmental point of view, the amount of barium in WPFA and WPBA, which is the main problem, was significantly decreased by using these ashes as a binder. • Ashes from a plant using 100% recycled paper to produce paper are studied. • WPFA and WPBA have cementitious properties. • The hydrated products are calcite, C–S–H gel, and Friedel's salt. • Implementation of WPFA on six different soils was successful. • A stabilised soil with WPFA can be categorised as an inert material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective packaging solutions are pivotal in addressing sustainability challenges associated with food consumption. Sustainable packaging must not only reduce ecological impact but also ensure food quality preservation, minimize the risk of foodborne diseases, and contribute to mitigating the accumulation of plastic waste. While paper-based food packaging is environmentally friendly, it is susceptible to mold growth when exposed to specific humidity and temperatures, potentially leading to spoilage and safety concerns. This study introduces an innovative modeling approach employing survival analysis to estimate time to visible mold growth on paper-based materials used in food-contact packaging under varying environmental conditions. The objective is to establish an alternative statistical framework for assessing the impact of relative humidity and temperature on mold proliferation. This approach is particularly relevant to novel sustainable packaging materials in the food industry, especially when dealing with censored data. Survival heatmaps are developed to simplify the visualization of spoilage likelihood, measured by time to visible growth at a given confidence level. Although the survival model is proposed for paper-based materials, there are no theoretical limitations to its extension for use with other materials within and beyond the food industry. • Proposed survival heatmaps to simplify spoilage likelihood visualization. • Investigated spoilage characteristics of novel paper-based packaging. • Addressed challenges of censored data in mold growth modeling. • Proposed a conservative predictive model to assess spoilage timelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a printing paper functionalized with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) was used as a flexible surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) swab (AgNP@FP) to evaluate its ability to detect sodium sulfite residues on the surface of edible mushrooms. The results showed that the prepared AgNP@FP swab had fingerprint-like signals (at 620 and 927 cm–1), which could serve as a clear confirmation of the analyte. In addition, the swab not only exhibited good repeatability, with spot-to-spot variation of < 2.6% at 620 cm–1 signal intensity, but it also met the requirement of commercial transportation as the peak intensity at 620 cm–1 remained at 57.84% of its initial value after 5 days of storage. The sensitivity of the substrate to sodium sulfite on the surface of oyster mushroom and enoki mushroom was as low as 0.2 mg/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) values of the sulfite residue on the surface of oyster and enoki mushrooms were 1.2 and 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. This study demonstrated that the AgNP@FP swab provided a simple tool for obscure and in situ screening of residues on the surface of agricultural products. • A in-situ screening of sodium sulfite using SERS print-paper swab was developed. • The SERS substrate exhibits high SERS activity and stability. • The method detected sodium sulfite residues in mushroom with high sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal printing technology requires a color developer to activate the dye under the action of heat. Bisphenol A (BPA) has traditionally been used for this purpose, although it has increasingly been replaced by bisphenol S (BPS) in recent years. Due to concerns regarding their toxicity, the Swiss authorities have banned both BPA and BPS from thermal papers since 2020. The impact of this regulatory decision was evaluated during 3 monitoring campaigns: in 2013–2014, 2019 and 2021. They were used to describe the starting point, the transition phase, and the status after entry into force of the ban, respectively. Whereas the use of BPA as color developer dropped from 82.2% in 2013/14 to 10.8% in 2021, the fraction of BPS-based thermal paper rose from 3.1% to 19.1% during the same period, despite being banned. However, Pergafast® 201 (PF201) is now the main color developer in thermal paper in Switzerland, with an occurrence of 60.3%. Other alternatives such as D-8, TGSA, PPSMU, NKK-1304, BPS-MAE, D-90 and Blue4est® have only been marginally detected. This study demonstrates the efficiency of the regulatory measure and the feasibility to substitute BPA in thermal papers with less-toxic alternatives. [Display omitted] • Swiss authorities banned BPA and BPS from thermal papers in 2020. • Whereas BPA use dropped drastically, BPS increased slightly despite its ban. • PF201 is clearly the most frequent color developer currently in Switzerland. • D-8, TGSA, PPSMU, NKK-1304, BPS-MAE, D-90 and Blue4est® were marginally detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of compostable bioplastics collected with the food waste is constantly growing, particularly due to the bags used for collection. According to the Italian legislation, compostable bioplastics must be accepted by all biological treatment plants, including aerobic and anaerobic facilities. Anyway, the compostability standard requires only the assessment of the aerobic degradability, while it is generally not required to test the behaviour under anaerobic conditions. This aspect is evaluated in the paper, where the anaerobic degradability of bioplastic bags used for the food waste collection is assessed. First, Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) tests were performed on four commercial types of bioplastic bags, including those designed only for the collection of food waste and the shoppers, that can be reused for the same purpose. Subsequently, an innovative approach for this kind of substrate was applied, subjecting two bags to semi-continuous co-digestion tests together with the food waste. Both tests were performed by comparing the behaviour of bioplastic bags with that of an alternative collection paper bag. Finally, tests to evaluate the influence of physical phenomena on the degradation of bioplastics were performed to better understand the results of biological tests. BMP tests indicated a good degradability (>71%) of bioplastic bags, while semi-continuous tests showed a much lower degradability (<27%), confirmed by the observation of the undigested bag pieces. On the contrary, the paper bag presents interesting characteristics, because its degradability in the semi-continuous tests (82%) resulted even higher than that observed in the BMP tests (74%). These results highlight an important difference between the bags mono-digestion by means of BMP tests and the semi-continuous co-digestion tests with food waste, which better simulate the full-scale operational conditions. [Display omitted] • Bioplastic and paper bags were tested with BMP and semi-continuous digestion tests. • Paper bags show a good degradability in both the tests (>74%). • The BMP tests on bioplastic bags indicate a good degradability (>71%). • Semi-continuous digestion of bioplastics with food waste shows a low degradability. • The degradability of bioplastics is influenced by physical factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of Africa's long, complex human history has been enriched by the work of archaeological scientists for over a century. Since 1977 over 500 papers on African topics have been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science. This paper briefly reviews the geographical location of the research that they report along with their authorship and thematic content. Significant imbalances highlight continuing disparities in archaeological opportunities within the continent and between Africa and the rest of the world. The twenty-one papers included in this special collection nevertheless showcase the breadth of archaeological science in Africa, focusing on papers that have shaped subsequent research, explored new methodological approaches, or introduced novel areas of study. Discussion of how to capitalise upon this diversity emphasises the importance of increasing funding for archaeological science on a sustainable basis, forging co-operation between archaeologists and other scientists, playing to strengths in less expensive (but potentially highly informative) areas of archaeological science, and developing regional hubs of expertise. Collectively, these efforts can enhance capacity and ensure a future for archaeological science research by African scholars within Africa. • Archaeological science is a longstanding component of archaeology in Africa. • The selected papers show its diversity and capacity for innovation in the African context. • However, regional biases still favour Egypt, South Africa and non-African scholars. • Enhanced efforts are needed to build capacity for sustained research within Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp-paper industry is one of the main industrial sectors that produce massive amounts of residual sludge, constituting an enormous environmental burden for the industries. Traditional sludge management practices, such as landfilling and incineration, are restricted due to mounting environmental pressures, complex regulatory frameworks, land availability, high costs, and public opinion. Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge (PPS) to produce high-value products is a promising substitute for traditional sludge management practices, promoting their reuse and recycling. Valorization of PPIS for biorefinery beneficiation includes biomethane, biohydrogen, bioethanol, biobutanol, and biodiesel production for renewable energy generation. Additionally, the various thermo-chemical technologies can be utilized to synthesize bio-oil, hydrochar, biochar, adsorbent, and activated carbon, signifying potential for value-added generation. Moreover, PPIS can be recycled as a byproduct by incorporating it into nanocomposites, cardboard, and construction materials development. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive overview of PPIS management approaches and thermo-chemical technologies utilized for the development of platform chemicals in industry. Substitute uses of PPIS, such as making building materials, developing supercapacitors, and making cardboard, are also discussed. In addition, this article deeply discusses recent developments in biotechnologies for valorizing PPIS to yield an array of valuable products, such as biofuels, lactic acids, cellulose, nanocellulose, and so on. This review serves as a roadmap for future research endeavors in the effective handling of PPIS. [Display omitted] • Valorization of pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable option for getting waste to wealth. • Pre-treatment of pulp-paper industry sludge helps in yielding platform chemicals in the biorefinery scenario. • Pulp-paper industry sludge is a sustainable feedstock for renewable energy production. • Biochars derived from pulp-paper industry sludge exhibited excellent adsorption performance for metals removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary drug residues in food-producing animals pose a threat to human health and public safety, and accurate measurement of these drug residues is necessary. However, detecting nitrofuran metabolite residues is challenging because of their low molecular weight and the long derivatisation time required for their indirect detection. Current antibodies produced against these metabolites have limited accuracy and sensitivity owing to the traditional and ineffective hapten design based on the reaction of 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidone (AMOZ) with nitrobenzaldehyde. In this study, a new antigen strategy was adopted using an original-structure-based hapten design combined with a new carrier protein with immunosynergistic effects to produce a monoclonal antibody that could recognise the metabolite of furaltadone (AMOZ) directly without derivatisation with excellent analytical performance. Finally, a gold-based paper lateral flow immunoassay for AMOZ without derivatisation was established with a visual limit of detection of 5 ng/mL, IC 50 of 0.97 ng/mL and linear range (IC 20 ∼IC 80) of 0.45–2.07 ng/mL. The method was sensitive and accurate, and detection was completed within 10 min. This new antigen design strategy provides a theoretical basis and reference for antibody production of other ultrasmall molecules. [Display omitted] • An antigen strategy of AMOZ was proposed by hapten design and new carrier proteins. • The excellent antibody directly recognizes AMOZ without derivatization. • Effect of EP distribution and spatial structure to antibody production was studied. • This method could be used as a rapid screening method for AMOZ analysis on site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]