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Paper manufacturers have long used silicone as the coating agent for release liners. However, silicone‐based release paper is very difficult to recycle due to covalent bonds between silicone and fibers. The most suitable solution to overcome this problem is to use alternative coating materials with adequate release properties, provided that they can be easily repulped in typical paper recycling facilities. We proposed a coating agent composed of phosphate esters and dimethylacetamide in order to manufacture a recyclable and efficient release paper. Analyses carried out on coated sheets showed that phosphate esters allowed the formation of a surface with adequate release properties (low peeling force and surface free energy). In addition, the residual adhesion values obtained with phosphate esters confirmed that they are well anchored on the backing paper surface, thus limiting the mass transfer to the adhesive tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of release coatings has been increasing in recent years because of their use in various fields. However, commercially available release coatings are regarded as non-recyclable. As a consequence, the repulping of these residues is difficult, and their presence in the recycling stream represents an important source of contamination. One solution to this problem is to use new coating materials that can replace the siliconized backing, provided that these new materials are recyclable. As a solution to this problem, the authors propose the use of alkylated phosphorylated fibers to produce an environmentally friendly and inexpensive release paper. The results show that a surface application of hydrophobic phosphorylated fibers reduces the surface free energy of the paper support, as well as the peel strength, which facilitates the separation of the adhesive tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a review of EcoSonic ESD paper, designed to safeguard sensitive materials like printed circuit boards and integrated circuits from electrostatic discharge while also providing corrosion inhibition, all without the need for complex application systems.

Kraft paper (KP) has the advantages of being biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. It has a wide range of applications in paper packaging, food packaging, and other fields. However, the non-waterproof characteristic of KP limits its application in harsh environments or special paper packaging, etc. To solve the problem of poor water resistance of KP, a simple and efficient method is proposed to prepare superhydrophobic coatings on kraft paper (SKP) by spraying method using hydrophobic Nano-calcium carbonate (Nano-CaCO 3) particles and rosin (RA) as raw materials. Here, the micro-nano structures are mainly constructed by hydrophobic Nano-CaCO 3 particles, and RA is utilized as a binder to improve the adhesion between the nanoparticles and the paper. The results indicated that the water contact angle (WCA) of SKP reached 154.5° and the water sliding angle (WSA) was 3.2°. And after 34 h of immersion in water, the WCA of SKP surface can remain above 150°. It can also withstand 30 times of sandpaper abrasion and 30 times of tape peeling. Overall, SKP shows excellent stability, water resistance, stain resistance and self-cleaning. It is expected to protect important documents in harsh environments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Conductor on Round Core (CORC) cable wound with a high-temperature superconductor is an important cable concept for high-current density applications. It is widely used in large power systems because of its advantages of good flexibility and high engineering current density. However, the complex design structure of CORC cable makes it very difficult to understand its electromagnetic properties (such as AC loss). In particular, the different winding directions of each layer in multi-layer cable have a great influence on its electromagnetic characteristics. In this paper, the H-method is used to solve the electromagnetism and mechanics equations. The influence of the winding direction of CORC cable on its electromagnetic field distribution characteristics, AC loss, and mechanical variation under the action of external magnetic field is investigated. The AC loss study of single-layer cable reveals that when the applied magnetic field is increased from 0.01 to 0.02 and 0.03 T, the AC loss peak of the cable increases by 107 and 103 orders of magnitude, respectively, indicating that the effect of low applied magnetic field on the AC loss of the cable is more significant. For multi-layer cables, cables with opposite winding directions have a greater depth of current density penetration than cables with the same winding direction. In addition, the mechanical variations of multi-layer cables with different winding orientations are explored. The results show that the Mises stress in the cable with the same winding direction is about 32% higher than that of the cable with the opposite winding direction, which indicates that the method of winding the cable in the opposite direction between adjacent layers of tape can avoid excessive mechanical stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-precision mechanized seeding can greatly contribute to the vegetable production at present. In this study, a spotting glue-paper tape precision seeder was designed for the small seed vegetables, particularly combining the seed rope and printing seeding. Three components were also divided in the seeder, including the peristaltic pump glue, ratchet spotting glue, and seed metering device. Among them, the glue was a mixture of pregelatinized starch and water. Specifically, the glue volume and viscosity were the main factors affecting the number of adhered seeds. The glue point volume depended mainly on the rotation angle of the peristaltic pump during the movement. A pretest of seed adhesion was carried out to preliminarily determine the mass ratio of pregelatinized starch to water (less than 1:5), representing the glue viscosity. Furthermore, the frequency of pump and dispensing were analyzed to clarify the relationship between the peristaltic pump and ratchet speed, where the number of ratchet teeth was determined to be 4. As such, the matching was realized between the peristaltic pump and ratchet spotting glue. The ratchet profile was also designed, according to the spotting glue motion. A theoretical analysis was made on the movement of seeds in the seed guiding tube. It was found that the aggregation effect of seeds on the paper tape relied on the length and cross-sectional angle of the seed guiding tube, as well as the rotation speed of the socket wheel. The seed guiding tube was then optimized for the optimal structural parameters. A Box_Behnken test was also carried out, where the length and cross-sectional angle of the seed guiding tube, while the rotation speed of the socket wheel was taken as the test factors, whereas, the percentage of seeds in the effective area on the paper tape was taken as the test index. The results showed that the percentage of seeds in the effective area on the paper tape was 57.23%, when the length of the seed guiding tube was 56 mm, the section angle was 35°, and the rotation speed of the seed metering wheel was 30 r/min. An adhesion test was also performed on the Shanghai Qing 605 seeds with a diameter of 1.5-2.0 mm. The test factors were then selected as the roller angle of the peristaltic pump and the mass ratio of pregelatinized starch to water. An optimal combination of parameters was achieved, including the size of the glue point, and the mass ratio of pregelatinized starch to water. Once the roller rotation angle was 10° and the mass ratio of pre-gelatinized starch to water was 1:6, the single seed rate of glue point adhesion to seeds reached 97.4%. The adaptability test was also carried out on the whole machine on the working performance of different varieties of small seed vegetables. It was found that the single seed rates of Shanghai Qing 605 and Siji Chinese cabbage seeds were greater than 95% under the working speed of 0.5-1.5 m/s, whereas, the coefficient of variation of plant spacing was less than 10%, fully meeting the requirements of precision sowing indicators that specified in the standard NY/T1143-2006. Therefore, the single seed rate and the working efficiency of the improved seeder increased by 3.53%, and 50% than before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability demands circular and material solutions with an emphasis on using local resources. Using alternative fibers from invasive plants and agro-residue promotes local production in smaller paper mills, which have additional benefits for the environment (protecting the local species, reducing agro-industrial waste). In electrophotography printing, toner adhesion is a vital quality parameter showing the prints' resistance against different mechanical stress, leading to toner particle detachment. This study tested six different papers made from invasive plants Japanese Knotweed, Black Locust, Canadian Goldenrod, agro-industrial residues Miscanthus, and Tomato stems and waste jute bags. The papers were printed with electrophotography, and three different toner adhesion methods were used to evaluate the toner adhesion. Paper properties like roughness, surface energy and surface resistivity were tested. The results indicate that uncoated agro-industrial residue and invasive plant papers with low surface roughness, low surface energy and high surface resistivity result in low toner adhesion. The cellulose content of the papers acquired with FTIR analysis did not influence the adhesion. Papers with surface energy over 35 mJ/m2 and surface resistivity below 5E + 1012 Ω values resulted in excellent paper toner adhesion (high IGT printability tester and tape pull test). High grammage and long fibers also improved the adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which explores how wearable plasmonic paper–based microfluidics for continuous sweat analysis. It mentions that wearable sweat sensors have the potential to provide clinically meaningful information associated with the health and disease states of individuals. It discusses that welld-defined flow characteristics of paper microfluidic devices enable accurate quantification of sweat loss and sweat rate.

Alternating current (ac) losses in conductor-on-rounded-core (CORC) cables of YBCO high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tapes are a significant challenge in HTS power applications. This study employs two finite element analysis (FEA) models to investigate the contributions from different ac loss components and provide approaches for reducing ac losses in cables. An FEA model based on the T-A formulation treats the cross section of thin superconducting layers as 1D lines and, therefore, only can predict the ac loss generated by the perpendicular magnetic field. In contrast, the model based on H-formulation can be performed on the actual 2D rectangular cross section HTS tapes to provide the total ac losses generated by magnetic fluxes penetrating from both the edges and surfaces of HTS tapes, although this model requires more computing time and memory. The 1D and 2D simulation models were validated by cross comparing the results from both models and by comparing sub-section and full cross section models. Subsequently, two models relate cable design and operational parameters to the surface and edge losses of a two-layer CORC cable by considering the (1) relative contributions of edge and surface losses to the overall ac losses; (2) effect of the current distribution between inner and outer HTS layers on ac losses; (3) impact of the tape alignment on ac losses in each HTS layer; (4) influence of the thickness of HTS layers on ac losses; (5) effect of size and number of inter-tape gaps on ac losses; and (6) contribution frequency on the ac losses. The research results given in this paper are therefore not only valuable to suggest strategies for reducing ac loss in multi-layer cables but also for developing more accurate and effective methods to calculate ac loss in CORC HTS cables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second generation (2G) high-temperature superconducting (HTS) REBCO tape and the HTS cable made by the REBCO company are considered to be alternative materials for future superconducting magnet design due to their exceptional performance. The twisted stacked-tape slotted-core (TSSC) cable-in-conduit-conductor cable, which is one of the crucial layout structures in HTS cables, has been extensively studied by numerous research groups over the years. In this paper, a 3D finite element model of the TSSC HTS cable under bending and axial tensile loads is established using the bilinear isotropic hardening model in COMSOL commercial finite element software. The mechanical behavior of the TSSC cable under bending and axial tensile loads, as well as the evolution process of overall cable performance and critical current of individual tapes inside slots, are revealed by conducting mechanical analysis and using an empirical fitting formula between the critical current density of the 2G HTS tapes and axial strain. Furthermore, optimization engineering suggestions for its structure are provided, such as reducing the twist pitch, decreasing the tape width, increasing the number of tapes, reducing the slot width while avoiding direct contact between tapes and slot walls, increasing the number of slots, increasing diameter of diversion trench and inner diameter of helical core under predominant bending loads. In the case of axial tensile loads, the aforementioned suggestions are also applicable except for the inner and outer diameters of the helical core. The critical current performance can be enhanced by augmenting the outer diameter of the helical core in this case. However, it is almost unaffected by the inner diameter of the helical core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flexible conducting lossy shield is developed and demonstrated for a reduction in the back radiation of a linearly polarized X-band patch antenna for Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) applications. The proposed structure comprises a flexible patch antenna backed by a laminated sheet of Expanded Graphite (EG). This flexible sheet is prepared from EG powder pressed uniformly over a thin adhesive tape. The conducting nature of EG is exploited, and the EG sheet is used as a protective shield to prevent back radiation emanating out of the WBAN antenna from propagating toward the human body. The antenna performance is tested over human wrist phantoms experimentally and through full wave simulation studies. The results indicate the marginal variation in the −10 dB impedance bandwidth with a slight increase in the gain and directivity values for a resonant frequency in the range 9.7–10.3 GHz (bending radius variation of 40, 30, and 20 mm and along two bending planes). A measured on-body gain of 6.7 dBi is exhibited by the antenna backed by the EG shield and bent over a 20 mm radius human wrist phantom with an S11 of −19 dB, a −10 dB % bandwidth of 8%, and a directivity of 9.4 dBi. All the other bending configurations exhibit values higher than these. Electric field and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) studies reveal a reduction in wave penetration by the EG shield antenna inside the wrist phantom with a decrease in the SAR by a maximum of 5%. The measured front-to-back ratio values indicate the lowering of back radiation with a maximum average increase of 76% exhibited by an EG backed antenna. The developed EG shield has an additional advantage of being a standalone structure, which can be integrated with any wearable antenna for a possible reduction in the back radiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intrinsic hydrophilicity of conventional dressings cannot achieve effective management of excessive biofluid around the wound bed, which inevitably causes infection and hinders wound healing. In addition, present dressings such as medical gauze or band aids have a limited stretching capability, which does not comply well with the skin deformation during muscle movement, thus impacting patient comfort. Herein, a Janus wound dressing is reported by assembling an external hydrophobic (HP) adhesive tape, a filter paper, and a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) Janus film. The PDMS Janus film as the primary dressing can unidirectionally remove biofluid away from the wound bed. The mechanism of the unidirectional biofluid transport is investigated, demonstrating that the stretching or bending of the Janus dressing is beneficial for unidirectional biofluid draining. It indicates that the Janus PDMS film has potential for practical applications on stretched or bended skin surface. In addition, in order to prevent bacterial infection, amoxicillin powder is uniformly encapsulated on the HP layer of Janus film, resulting in faster wound healing. This study is valuable for designing and fabricating next‐generation dressings with high performance for clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantilevers are one of the most utilized mechanical elements for acoustic sensing. In comparison to the edge clamped diaphragms of different shapes, a single edge clamped cantilever makes an acoustic sensor mechanically sensitive for detection of lower pressure. The aspect ratio of cantilevers is one of the most important parameters which affect sensitivity. Herein, we present a mathematical, finite element method and experimental analysis to determine the effect of the aspect ratio on the resonant frequency, response time, mechanical sensitivity, and capacitive sensitivity of a cantilever-based acoustic pressure sensor. Three cantilevers of different aspect ratios (0.67, 1, and 1.5) have been chosen for sound pressure application to detect capacitance change. The cantilever with the smallest aspect ratio (0.67) has the highest response time (206 ms), mechanical sensitivity, and capacitive sensitivity (22 fF), which reduce after increasing the aspect ratio. The resonant frequency of the cantilever was also analyzed by applying sweep in sound frequency. It was found to be minimum for the cantilever with the smallest aspect ratio (510 Hz) and increases with an increase in the aspect ratio. We have applied the garage fabrication process using low cost, recyclable, and easily available materials such as metal coated polymer sheets, mounting tapes and glass slides as alternative materials for expensive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the effect of liquid evaporation on electrochemical measurements with electrochemical paper-based devices (ePADs) is studied. The time evolution of cyclic voltammograms of ferricyanide is used to study the effect of liquid evaporation under different conditions of relative humidity and air currents. Moreover, the enclosure of ePAD channels with adhesive tape is evaluated in terms of minimising the evaporation, as well as increasing the sensitivity in the electrochemical determination of horseradish peroxidase in long-term assays. Unlabelled Image • Electrochemical measurements made using uncovered paper-based analytical devices depend on the evaporation rate. • Enclosure of the paper channels with adhesive tape is effective in minimising this dependence. • Enclosure of the channels can improve the results of long-term assays with electrochemical paper-based analytical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research attempts to fabricate a novel type of pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape utilizing epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) as the primary component in an effort to reduce reliance on petrochemical polymers. This raw material comes from the natural renewable resources, making this tape a more environmentally friendly choice in reducing impact on the environment and alleviating resource pressure. The ester groups on ELO are subjected to hydrolysis in order to yield a combination of epoxy linseed oil fatty acids (ELFAs) containing both epoxy and carboxyl groups. By controlling the temperature and catalyst conditions, the epoxy and carboxyl groups undergo a ring‐opening reaction, resulting in the self‐polymerization of the ELFA mixture and the formation of hydroxy‐functionalized polymers. These polymers are then applied as a coating on kraft paper and subsequently cut to produce PSA tapes. The tapes produced using this method exhibit a peak peel strength of 20.538 N per 25 mm. Moreover, the incorporation of glycerol ester of rosin serves to enhance the peel strength, resulting in a higher value of 21.883 N per 25 mm. The utilization of sealing the cardboard box by the tapes also serves as validation for the immense capabilities of the tapes in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the first outcomes and results of using an integrated territorial tool applied by the Interreg V-A Slovakia-Hungary Cooperation Programme (2014–2020), the 'Territorial Action Plan for Employment', or, briefly: the TAPE. The tool is aimed at facilitating quality employment and cross-border labour mobility through the implementation of 2–7 interdependent projects within a geographically defined subregion of the programme area, with the involvement of SMEs, training institutions, NGOs and municipalities. The author introduces the tool and the nine TAPEs financed by the CBC programme and gives a comprehensive assessment of their outcomes and results from the points of view of cross-border labour market development, integrated soft planning and trust building with a special focus on the aspect of cross-border relevance. The study concludes that the tool does not meet the preliminary expectations: its cross-border relevance is not much stronger than the traditional standalone CBC projects. At the same time, the bottom-up cross-border planning exercise has significant added value which might make the tool attractive for other CBC programmes, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the influence of superconducting tape insulation on the recovery time of superconducting fault current limiters. The analysis is based on the experimental results of short-circuit tests. The reduction in the thermal and dynamic effects of the passage of a fault current can be achieved by limiting the short-circuit time and the value of the surge current. An ideal fault current limiter is required to have almost zero impedance at operating currents and significant impedance at fault conditions. A superconducting fault current limiter (SFCL) meets these requirements under certain conditions. The recovery time—a very important parameter—shows the ability of the limiter to return to the superconducting state to be ready to limit the subsequent short circuit. The experimental results show that the recovery time can be significantly reduced with the application of thin-film insulation and an appropriate design of the conduction cooling of the HTS tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystal violet (CV) staining technique represents a prevalent approach for the development of latent fingerprints, especially on adhesive tape surfaces. Nevertheless, the technique necessitates intricate formulations to augment its performance. In this investigation, an optimized CV staining protocol was developed, characterized by the absence of residual dye on the target substrates and the capability of facilitating fingerprint visualization under ambient light conditions. Four donors, comprising two males and two females, deposited natural fingerprints on various substrates, including glass microscope slides, aluminum foil, and 115 g glossy coated paper, without any specific guidelines. Fingerprints developed using cyanoacrylate fuming served as benchmarks and were contrasted with those generated through alternative methods: CV, ardrox, rhodamine 6G, powdering, and the optimized CV staining protocol. The fingerprint development experiment was replicated at seven distinct time intervals, encompassing 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, resulting in a dataset of 420 fingerprints. The evaluation of fingerprint identifiability employed a scoring system established by the Home Office Centre for Applied Science and Technology. The results indicated that the optimized CV staining technique demonstrated superior performance, boasting a 92.9% rate of identifiable fingerprint development in contrast to other employed methodologies. Consequently, this optimized CV staining approach is recommended as an efficient, rapid, and straightforward critical dyeing method, applicable to a wide array of substrates in forensic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a fibrocellular proliferation on the inner surface of the retina causing blurred and distorted central vision. Surgery is the only effective method for ERM removal. This paper investigated the mechanical properties of ERM peeling using the finite element (FE) method. A FE model of ERM formation on the retina surface was constructed. The failure criterion was applied to the attachment pegs to represent the adhesive force between the ERM and retina. The simulation results were consistent with the experimental data in published research. The maximum peeling force was 4.1 mN at a peeling velocity of 2 mm/s and an angle of 30°. The peeling force was minimum at the peeling angle of 45° and increased with the increase in peeling velocity and Young's modulus of the membrane. The outcome of this paper can improve the safety and efficiency of ERM removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As it is known, the electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection design of integrated circuit is very important, among which the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) is one of the most commonly used ESD protection devices. However, the traditional SCR has the disadvantages of too high trigger voltage, too low holding voltage after the snapback and longer turn-on time. The purpose of this paper is to design a high-performance SCR in accordance with the design window under 0.25 µm process, and provide a new scheme for SCR design to reduce the trigger voltage, improve the holding voltage and reduce the turn-on time. Design/methodology/approach: Based on the traditional SCR, an RC-INV trigger circuit is introduced. Through theoretical analysis, TCAD simulation and tape-out verification, it is shown that RC-INV triggering SCR can reduce the trigger voltage, increase the holding voltage and reduce the turn-on time of the device on the premise of maintaining good robustness. Findings: The RC-INV triggering SCR has great performance, and the test shows that the transmission line pulse curve with almost no snapback can be obtained. Compared with the traditional SCR, the trigger voltage decreased from 32.39 to 16.24 V, the holding voltage increased from 3.12 to 14.18 V and the turn-on time decreased from 29.6 to 16.6 ns, decreasing by 43.9% the level of human body model reached 18 kV+. Originality/value: Under 0.25 µm BCD process, this study propose a high-performance RC-INV triggering SCR ESD protection device. The work presented in this paper has a certain guiding significance for the design of SCR ESD protection devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesive sealing tapes play an important role in ensuring the air tightness of the building, affecting the indoor microclimate and efficient energy use. However, there is still a lack of objective indicators that would demonstrate the ability of the sealing tape to ensure the long-term air tightness of the sealing joints of various building structures. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to investigate the indicators demonstrating the suitability of adhesive sealing tapes for sealing building structures of different surfaces and deformation, to provide detailed analyses of the results, and to propose practical recommendations. The investigated self-adhesive tapes differed in backing (nonwoven material, plastic reinforced film, paper, metal foil) and adhesives (acrylic and butyl). The materials of the sealed structural joints were plywood, OSB, plasterboard, cement sawdust board, plastered board, and plastic. The thickness, deformability, peel and shear adhesion of the self-adhesive tapes were used to determine its suitability for sealing of different structural joints. It was determined that tapes with higher deformability are more versatile, as they are suitable for sealing joints subjected to small and large deformations. The higher peel adhesion is typical for tapes of an air-permeable non-woven material backing and a thin adhesive layer. Tapes with a thicker adhesive layer are most suitable for sealing complex-shaped joints. Tapes with acrylic adhesive have a higher peeling force from smooth and moderately smooth surfaces, whereas butyl adhesive creates better contact with uneven surfaces in highly deformable joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work presents an experimental evaluation of the bonding strength of materials commonly used in printing industry, using double-sided adhesive tape and thermal adhesives. The study revealed changes in adhesive strength when bonding various types and structures of paper and cardboard surfaces, as well as laminated glossy and matte surfaces. The experimental study aims to identify surfaces that exhibit optimal adhesive tape adhesion. Moreover, there are also surfaces that should not be used with double-sided tape, but instead should be glued with thermal adhesives. In addition, the study examines the effect of different separation rates on the bond strength of these materials. The results provide valuable information about the adhesive properties of materials in the printing industry, providing useful information for professionals to optimize printing processes and ensure the production of high-quality and durable printed products. The data presented in this article can assist in selecting appropriate adhesives for a variety of printing applications, which will achieve consistent and reliable results and can greatly affect their quality and durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether paper tape prevents foot blisters in multistage ultramarathon runners. Design: Multisite prospective randomized trial. Setting: The 2014 250-km (155-mile) 6-stage RacingThePlanet ultramarathons in Jordan, Gobi, Madagascar, and Atacama Deserts. Participants: One hundred twenty-eight participants were enrolled: 19 (15%) from the Jordan, 35 (27%) from Gobi, 21 (16%) from Madagascar, and 53 (41%) from the Atacama Desert. The mean age was 39.3 years (22-63) and body mass index was 24.2 kg/m² (17.4-35.1), with 31 (22.5%) females. Interventions: Paper tape was applied to a randomly selected foot before the race, either to participants' blister-prone areas or randomly selected location if there was no blister history, with untaped areas of the same foot used as the control. Main Outcome Measures: Development of a blister anywhere on the study foot. Results: One hundred six (83%) participants developed 117 blisters, with treatment success in 98 (77%) runners. Paper tape reduced blisters by 40% (P< 0.01, 95% confidence interval, 28-52) with a number needed to treat of 1.31. Most of the study participants had 1 blister (78%), with most common locations on the toes (n = 58, 50%) and heel (n = 27, 23%), with 94 (80%) blisters occurring by the end of stage 2. Treatment success was associated with earlier stages [odds ratio (OR), 74.9, P < 0.01] and time spent running (OR, 0.66, P = 0.01). Conclusion: Paper tape was found to prevent both the incidence and frequency of foot blisters in runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the fast-growing of package business in express delivery industry, replacing traditional scotch tapes with degradable materials has attracted extensive attention. Herein, holocellulose paper (H-paper) was prepared by an efficient delignification and papermaking process from bamboo. The structure and properties of resultant holocellulose fibers and H-paper were characterized and compared with those from other pulping methods, such as Kraft pulping, enzyme treated, sulfite and alkaline sulfite process. The yield of holocellulose pulp (55%) increased by about 10% compared with that of other fibers. Compared to that of Kraft paper (38 MPa), the strength of H-paper increased by nearly 60% at similar density, reaching a maximum of 65 MPa. The total transmittance of H-paper was about 20% higher than Kraft paper. Moreover, H-papers displayed high mechanical properties, good printability, and degradability, which was important for the application as paper tape. [Display omitted] • PAA delignification was used to prepare the bamboo holocellulose fibers. • The holocellulose paper exhibited excellent mechanical and optical properties. • It was potential for H-paper tape as an alternative to scotch tape in the express delivery industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For high-temperature superconducting (HTS) cables carrying substantial currents, the current carrying capacity of a single YBCO tape is limited, and multiple tapes need to be connected in parallel. The current sharing design of parallel YBCO tapes has emerged as a central concern in the HTS cable design. However, various tape parameters, including critical current I c , n-value, and joint resistance, can significantly influence the current distribution in the system. In this paper, the influence of YBCO tape parameters on the current distribution characteristics of the cable was studied. The results showed that the current distribution and quench characteristics were regulated by tape I c , tape n-value, and tape joint resistance together, and that meanwhile, the total current also served as an important factor. Significant influence of the joint resistance was also observed in the event of a limited total current, which was no longer obvious for a total current close to the total I c . For the parallel tapes with the same I c , the one with higher resistance quenched later, while in the case of the same resistance, the effect of the tape I c is greater than that of the tape n-value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze in detail the features of the application of the magneto-optical imaging technique for studying HTS tapes. We present a detailed description of the experimental technique and features of the research facility for low temperatures research. The features of the penetration of a magnetic field into a superconductor are described, and the procedure for calibrating a magneto-optical film and algorithms for calculating magnetic field profiles from magneto-optical images are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, FRP composites are widely applied in the construction industry. Their inherent characteristics are used to strengthen structural elements made of various materials and to increase their durability. The following paper contains the results obtained in a conducted research program aimed at determining the ability to improve the durability of epoxy resin modified with the sonication process, microsilica and carbon nanotubes. The adhesive modified was used to adhere a CFRP tape to a concrete surface. Changes in the viscosity, physicochemical parameters and adhesion of the resin were studied. Selected parameters of the concrete substrate prepared using the sandblasting method, determined with the contact profilometry, were also taken into account. During the tests, attention was paid to the thorough execution and preparation of the samples. As a result of the research, it was demonstrated that the adhesion of the modified epoxy adhesive to concrete could be increased by approximately 28% in the case of the addition of carbon nanotubes and by up to 66% in the case of the addition of microsilica. The modifications used, in addition to increasing the adhesion of the resin to the concrete substrate, were also aimed at reducing the weakening of the adhesive joints caused by oxidation of the resin over time. The results obtained will serve as a basis for evaluating the possibility of their use in the practical reinforcement of structural reinforced-concrete elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport loss of stacked high-temperature superconducting tapes is an important factor affecting their working performance, so it has always been an important research content of superconducting technology. However, the current simulation model for stacked superconducting tapes is slow and time-consuming when there are more stacked layers, which seriously affects the research process. In this paper, the homogenization model and simplified model of stacked superconducting tapes are built and compared with the original model, and the results show that the two models can both greatly improve the simulation speed and obtain the correct AC loss value, which proves their accuracy and reliability. Subsequently, the transport loss characteristics of superconducting tapes under different stacked conditions are simulated and analyzed using the simplified model. The results show that the transport loss of stacked superconducting tapes is positively correlated with the number of layers and negatively correlated with the stacked spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stable and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection relies on successful immobilization of quantum dots (QDs) on working electrodes. Herein, we report a new technique to apply double-sided carbon adhesive tape as the working electrode to improve the stability and reproducibility of QD-based ECL emission. CdS QD-modified electrodes were prepared by dropping and drying CdS QD suspension on the carbon adhesive tape supported by indium tin oxide (ITO) glass. The ECL detection was performed with the prepared electrode on a paper-based platform. We tested our system using H2O2 of various concentrations and demonstrated that consistent ECL emission could be obtained. We attribute stable and reproducible ECL emission to the robust attachment of CdS QDs on the carbon adhesive tape. The proposed method could be used to quantify the concentration of dopamine from 1 μM to 10 mM based on the quenching effect of dopamine on ECL emission of CdS QD system using H2O2 as the coreactant. Our approach addressed the problem in the integration of stable QD-based ECL detection with portable paper-based analytical devices. The similar design offers great potential for low-cost electrochemical and ECL analytical instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, water‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives (PSAs) were synthesized through an emulsion polymerization process using n‐butyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, and N‐vinylpyrrolidone monomers, in combination with anionic and non‐ionic surfactants. The PSA was coated onto the corona‐treated surface of a BOPP film using a Mayer bar to prepare packaging tape. The effect of surfactant concentration on the properties of the resulting copolymer and PSA was investigated. The chemical structure, component distribution, and thermal behavior of the copolymer were analyzed using FTIR, HPLC, and DSC. The physical properties of the synthesized copolymer, such as solid content, viscosity, particle size, and gel content, were also determined. The performance of the prepared packaging tapes was evaluated through loop tack, 180° peel, and holding shear time tests. The results indicated that surfactant concentration significantly affected the adhesive's performance. Notably, the use of a 2.5 wt% surfactant mixture yielded promising results, with high monomer conversions and excellent adhesion properties in the tape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Undesirable injuries during the intraoperative period, such as pressure injuries caused by improper positioning, medical devices, or adhesive tapes, can lead to patient harm and decreased satisfaction. This study aims to identify the risk factors of pressure injuries during the intraoperative period and the characteristics of these injuries. Methods: A retrospective case‑control study was conducted at King Khaled University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from the hospital incident reporting system and electronic medical records for incidents reported from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of all patients with a reported pressure injury, including pressure ulcers, medical adhesive‑related skin injuries, or medical device‑related pressure injuries, occurring at least once during surgery. Results: Among the 113 patients, 57 (50.44%) had intraoperative pressure injuries (cases), while 56 (49.56%) did not (controls). The most common locations for pressure injuries were the lips (33.33%). Most of these injuries were classified as Medical Adhesive‑Related Skin Injury (61.40%). Stage 1 injuries were observed in 47 cases (82.46%), while Stage 2 injuries were observed in 10 cases (17.54%). Duration of surgery and device tightness were identified as significant risk factors (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This case‑control study identified the duration of surgery and device tightness as significant risk factors for intraoperative pressure injuries. The findings emphasize the importance of implementing evidence‑based prevention strategies. Healthcare professionals should prioritize staff education and training, while future research should focus on conducting prospective, multicenter studies and developing risk assessment tools and innovative medical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacological inhibition of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation after ischemia alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. Purpose: To investigate whether AhR antagonist administration after reperfusion was also effective in attenuating cerebral IR injury. Material and Methods: A total of 24 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the sham-operated group (no IR), control group (IR), and 6,2′,4′-trimethoxyflavone (TMF) group (IR + TMF administration), with 10 rats assigned to each group. Cerebral IR injury was induced by 60 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. TMF (5 mg/kg) was used as the AhR antagonist and was administered intraperitoneally immediately after reperfusion. Cerebral IR injury was observed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurobehavioral assessments at baseline, immediately after ischemia, and at 3 days after ischemia. Results: On MRI, the TMF group showed no significant differences in relative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), T2, and fractional anisotropy (FA) values; midline shift value; and infarct volume. In terms of neurobehavioral function, factors such as grip strength, contralateral forelimb use, time to touch, and time to remove adhesive tape from the forepaw, were also not significantly different between the control and TMF groups. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that AhR treatment after reperfusion had no noticeable effect on reducing cerebral IR injury in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is one of the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin diseases and exerts a significant psychological impact, causing stigmatization, low self-esteem and depression. The pathogenesis of psoriasis is remarkably complex, involving genetic, immune and environmental factors, some of which are still incompletely explored. The cutaneous microbiome has become more and more important in the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Dysbiosis of the skin microbiome could be linked to acute flare ups in psoriatic disease, as recent studies suggest. Given this hypothesis, we conducted a study in which we evaluated the cutaneous microbiome of psoriasis patients and healthy individuals. In our study, we collected multiple samples using swab sampling, adhesive tape and punch biopsies. Our results are similar to other studies in which the qualitative and quantitative changes found in the cutaneous microbiome of psoriasis patients are different than healthy individuals. Larger, standardized studies are needed in order to elucidate the microbiome changes in psoriasis patients, clarify their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, decipher the interactions between the commensal microorganisms of the same and different niches and between microbiomes and the host and identify new therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing interfacial adhesion between functional coatings and target surfaces facilitates long‐term stable service by mitigating interferences of mechanical mismatches. Design of mechanical interlocks affords an effective strategy to strengthen the interfacial bonding with durability and compatibility, but the in‐depth investigations are still lacked. Herein, a gecko‐inspired hierarchical strategy realized by hybrid laser direct writing is proposed, which incorporates an armored frame scale for surface protection and a riveted anchor scale for interlocks. Such dual‐scale configurations endow the functional coatings with the stronger adhesion to the targets than the pristine and mono‐scale cases, resulting in 2 orders of magnitude enhancement resistant to tape peeling tests. Utilizing this scheme, a laser‐induced integrated deicing system is in situ manufactured on thermoplastics, primarily comprising superhydrophobic structures, carbon‐based sensors as well as adhesive copper (Cu) interconnects and heaters, where Cu‐based devices exhibit superior resistance to water impacts and stress fatigue. Interfacing with signal processing modules, such an all‐in‐one system demonstrates real‐time temperature monitoring and high efficiency in deicing (4.24 folds faster than the control group). The facile route for intensified adhesion holds promise in the interfaces within advanced equipment and under harsh scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For polyacrylate latex pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs), high peel strength is of crucial significance. It is not only a key factor for ensuring the long-lasting and effective adhesive force of polyacrylate latex PSAs but also can significantly expand their application scope in many vital fields, such as packaging, electronics, and medical high-performance composite materials. High peel strength can guarantee that the products maintain stable and reliable adhesive performance under complex and variable environmental conditions. However, at present, the peel strength capacity of polyacrylate latex PSAs is conspicuously insufficient, making it difficult to fully meet the urgent market demand for high peel strength, and severely restricting their application in many cutting-edge fields. Therefore, based on previous experimental studies, and deeply inspired by the adhesion mechanism of natural marine mussels, in this study, a traditional polyacrylate latex PSA was ingeniously graft-modified with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DHBA) through the method of monomer-starved seeded semi-continuous emulsion polymerization, successfully synthesizing novel high-peel-strength polyacrylate latex pressure-sensitive adhesives (HPSAs) with outstanding strong adhesion properties, and the influence of DHBA content on the properties of the HPSAs was comprehensively studied. The research results indicated that the properties of the modified HPSAs were comprehensively enhanced. Regarding the water resistance of the adhesive film, the minimum water absorption rate was 4.33%. In terms of the heat resistance of the adhesive tape, it could withstand heat at 90 °C for 1 h without leaving residue upon tape peeling. Notably, the adhesive properties were significantly improved, and when the DHBA content reached 4.0%, the loop tack and 180° peel strength of HPSA4 significantly increased to 5.75 N and 825.4 gf/25 mm, respectively, which were 2.5 times and 2 times those of the unmodified PSA, respectively. Such superior adhesive performance of HPSAs, on the one hand, should be attributed to the introduction of the bonding functional monomer DHBA with a rich polyphenol structure; on the other hand, the acetal structure formed by the grafting reaction of DHBA with the PSA effectively enhanced the spatial network and crosslink density of the HPSAs. In summary, in this study, the natural biological adhesion phenomenon was ingeniously utilized to increase the peel strength of pressure-sensitive adhesives, providing a highly forward-looking and feasible direct strategy for the development of environmentally friendly polyacrylate latex pressure-sensitive adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high aspect ratio of REBCO tapes has a significant impact on several characteristics in high-temperature superconducting applications, such as critical current and AC loss. Narrow filamentary technology can effectively reduce the impact of magnetic field dependence and enhance the electromagnetic performance of REBCO tapes. However, the existing methods are constrained by the trade-off between the narrow degree of REBCO filaments and high current capacity. Meanwhile, when processing REBCO tapes for large-scale magnets, there is a great possibility that local defects are lurking. A striated narrow-stacked (NS) structure is proposed based on the existing narrowing methods to address these challenges. To verify the validity of this structure, it is imperative to explore the non-uniform critical current and stacking effect on performance for multi-filament REBCO tapes with potential defects. This article introduces a magnetic extended network (MEN) model to analyze the electrical characteristics of striated NS structures with different types of potential defects. Then, by coupling with a 3D finite element method electromagnetic module, the calculation results of the MEN model are visualized and used to analyze the electromagnetic characteristics including current sharing mechanism, magnetic field distribution, and critical current compensation due to stacking effect. It is found that stack structures successfully provide the performance remedy for multi-filament REBCO tapes with potential defects. This study aims to promote the narrowing improvement of REBCO tapes in high-field magnets and high-current applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a case series involving eight patients who underwent patch testing for suspected cyanoacrylate contact allergy post-surgery. The patients were tested using a conventional patch testing method as well as a modified method called tape stripping. The results showed that tape stripping increased the sensitivity of patch testing to cyanoacrylates, particularly in cases where the conventional method yielded negative or doubtful reactions. The study also found that ethyl cyanoacrylate (ECA) was positive in five cases, suggesting potential cross-reactivity or co-sensitization. The authors conclude that tape stripping prior to patch testing can be a useful and pragmatic method for testing with medical adhesives when the suspected allergens are not commercially available. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the use of LEGO bricks as a tool for modeling physics phenomena in laboratory courses. The author provides examples of how LEGO bricks can be used to represent various concepts in physics, such as parabolic trajectories and oscillation graphs. The article also discusses the benefits of using LEGO bricks for inquiry-based learning and fostering students' comprehension and creativity in physics. While the author emphasizes the pedagogical value of LEGO bricks in physics education, they acknowledge the need for further research in this area. The article concludes by clarifying that it is not funded or sponsored by the LEGO company. [Extracted from the article]

This article describes a method for fabricating 3D microfluidic devices by stacking layers of patterned paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Paper-based 3D microfluidic devices have capabilities in microfluidics that are difficult to achieve using conventional open-channel microsystems made from glass or polymers. In particular, 3D paper-based devices wick fluids and distribute microliter volumes of samples from single inlet points into arrays of detection zones (with numbers up to thousands). This capability makes it possible to carry out a range of new analytical protocols simply and inexpensively (all on a piece of paper) without external pumps. We demonstrate a prototype 3D device that tests 4 different samples for up to 4 different analytes and displays the results of the assays in a side-by-side configuration for easy comparison. Three-dimensional paper-based microfluidic devices are especially appropriate for use in distributed healthcare in the developing world and in environmental monitoring and water analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deployable extendable booms are widely used in aerospace technology due to many advantages they have, such as high folded-ratio, lightweight and self-deployable properties. A bistable FRP composite boom can not only extend its tip outwards with a corresponding rotation speed on the hub, but can also drive the hub rolling outwards with a fixed boom tip, which is commonly called roll-out deployment. In a bistable boom's roll-out deployment process, the second stability can keep the coiled section from chaos without introducing a controlling mechanism. Because of this, the boom's roll-out deployment velocity is not under control, and a high moving speed at the end will give the structure a big impact. Therefore, predicting the velocity in this whole deployment process is necessary to be researched. This paper aims to analyze the roll-out deployment process of a bistable FRP composite tape-spring boom. First, based on the Classical Laminate Theory, a dynamic analytical model of a bistable boom is established through the energy method. Afterwards, an experiment is introduced to produce some practical verification for comparison with the analytical results. According to the comparison with the experiment, the analytical model is verified for predicting the deployment velocity when the boom is relatively short, which can cover most booms using CubeSats. Finally, a parametric study reveals the relationship between the boom properties and the deployment behaviors. The research of this paper will give some guidance to the design of a composite roll-out deployable boom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3D paper-based microfluidic device has been developed for colorimetric determination of selected heavy metals in water samples by stacking layers of wax patterned paper and double-sided adhesive tape. It has the capability of wicking fluids and distributing microliter volumes of samples from single inlet into affrays of detection zones without external pumps, thus a range of metal assays can be simply and inexpensively performed. We demonstrate a prototype of four sample inlets for up to four heavy metal assays each, with detection limits as follows: Cu (II) = 0.29 ppm, Ni(II) = 0.33 ppm, Cd (II) = 0.19 ppm, and Cr (VI) = 0.35 ppm, which provided quantitative data that were in agreement with values gained from atomic absorption. It has the ability to identify these four metals in mixtures and is immune to interferences from either nontoxic metal ions such as Na(I) and K(I) or components found in reservoir or beach water. With the incorporation of a portable detector, a camera mobile phone, this 3D paper-based microfluidic device should be useful as a simple, rapid, and on-site screening approach of heavy metals in aquatic environments. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The coating process is broadly employed in the manufacturing of wallpapers, adhesive tapes, wrapping, protection of fabrics and metals, X-ray and photographic films, beautification, books and magazines, film foils, magnetic records, coated paper, etc. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, an incompressible flow of non-Newtonian fluid is modeled to inspect the rheological behavior of finite coating thickness in the reverse roll coating process. With the assistance of lubrication approximation theory (LAT), the dimensionless form of governing expressions is simplified. Exact solutions for distributions for velocity, flow rate, temperature and pressure gradient attained utilizing perturbation technique and their variation is presented as well as discussed in graphs. Meanwhile, some important factors from an engineering perspective including coating thickness and transition point were calculated mathematically and are displayed in a tabular manner. Also, streamlines are drawn to observe the flow pattern. Findings: Prandtl fluid parameters provide a controlling factor to regulate the flow rate, velocity, coating thickness, and pressure gradient leading to an efficient coating process. Moreover, the Brinkman number and Prandtl fluid parameters significantly improve the temperature distribution. Originality/value: In the literature, this study fills a gap in the theoretical prediction of coating thickness rheologically influenced by Prandtl fluid in reverse roll coating process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel two-step procedure for measuring the critical current (I c) properties as a function of tensile stress. The proposed method completely eliminates the possible negative effect of the voltage tap used during the tensile procedure, allowing the actual I c irreversible degradation stress to be clearly determined. Six different commercial REBCO tapes from five manufacturers were tested. The I c value does not degrade until the stress reaches the 'inflection area' in the tensile curve, which corresponds to the most pronounced transformation step from elastic to plastic deformation. This allows easy estimation of the stress corresponding to I c irreversible degradation by a simple and accurate cryogenic tensile curve instead of complicated in-situ I c tensile measurement. A feasible composite-material tensile model is established to explain the phenomenon. In addition, fatigue measurements on a commercial REBCO tape from Shanghai Superconductor technology show that the tape can withstand 10 000 cycles under 580 MPa and over 5000 cycles under 695 MPa, which also is consistent with the proposed composite-materials tensile model and is confirmed by the EBSD experiments on the Hastelloy substrate. This research provides better insight and tools for designing and fabricating extremely high-field magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to design an optimal reinforcement of steel thin-walled beams with composite materials, it is worth analyzing two important, although often overlooked issues, which are the selection of the appropriate thickness of the adhesive layer and the effective anchoring length of the composite tape. This paper, which is part of a wider laboratory study devoted to the strengthening of thin-walled steel profiles, focuses on the second issue. The paper involves a description of laboratory four-point bending tests during which ten thin-walled steel beams made of a rectangular section with dimensions of 120 × 60 × 3 and a length of 3 m were tested. Two beams were taken as reference beams, and the other eight were reinforced using Sika CarboDur S512 carbon fiber composite tape, assuming four different effective anchorage lengths. The impact of the length of the anchoring of the composite tape on the value of the displacements and strains of the tested beams and on the value of the destructive load that caused tape detachment was analyzed. The following phase was numerical analyses carried out in the Abaqus program, which showed high consistency with the results of laboratory tests. In reference to the conducted tests, it was observed that the increase in the anchoring length of the composite tape has a slight impact on the change in the value of strains and displacements in the tested beams. Nevertheless, the increase in the effective anchorage length has a significant impact on the load value at which the composite tapes are detached from the surface of the steel thin-walled beam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable antenna systems have attracted significant research efforts during the last decade and a rich pool of review papers can be found in the literature. Each scientific work contributes to various fields of wearable technology focusing, mainly, on constructing materials, manufacturing techniques, targeting applications, and miniaturization methods. In this review paper, we examine the use of clothing components in wearable antenna technology. By the term "clothing components" (CC), dressmaking accessories/materials such as buttons, snap-on buttons, Velcro tapes, or zips are considered. In light of their utilization in the development of wearable antennas, the clothing components can play a triple role: (i) that of a clothing item, (ii) that of an antenna part or the main radiator, and (iii) that of an integration means of the antennas into clothes. One of their advantages is that they consist of conductive elements, integrated into the clothes, which can be effectively exploited as operating parts of wearable antennas. This review paper includes classification and description of the clothing components used so far in the development of wearable textile antennas with an emphasis on designs, applications and performance. Furthermore, a step-by-step design procedure for textile antennas that use clothing components as a functional part of their configuration is recorded, reviewed, and described in detail. The design procedure takes into account the detailed geometrical models required for the clothing components and the way they are embedded into the wearable antenna structure. In addition to the design procedure, aspects of experimental procedures (parameters, scenarios, and processes) that should be followed in wearable textile antennas with an emphasis on antennas that use clothing components (e.g., repeatability measurements) are presented. Finally, the potential of textile technology through the application of clothing components into wearable antennas is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cleaning of paper objects represents one of the most complex cases of laser ablation, since low volumes of dispersed material phases are evaporated while a sensitive and fragile fibrous organic matrix has to be preserved. Conventional chemical and mechanical cleaning methods suffer from the common phenomenon that the foreign matter is diluted into the substrate rather than removed. The application of a laser beam allows highly localized and optically specific interaction. However, the occurrence of extreme temperatures and light intensities may cause irreversible alteration of the paper matrix. Further, incomplete removal and/or chemical conversion of contaminations may result in insufficient cleaning or affect the ageing behaviour. Laser treatments were performed by Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers at three wavelengths (355 nm, 532 nm, and 1064 nm). Papers contaminated with inks and adhesive-tape remnants served as model samples. Multispectral imaging and colorimetric results served to quantify and systematize the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The microbial diversity of different kinds of stains present on the surface of 14 historical documents (nine parchments and five paper letters) was evaluated through a combination of cultural and molecular methods. The samples were recovered using adhesive tape and swabs and were afterwards treated in two different ways: (1) direct inoculation on agar plates; or (2) suspension in physiological solution and plating in specific plates for the growth of bacteria and fungi. The isolated microorganisms, before identification, were selected by two different PCR-based methods – f-ITS and f-CBH, for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The f-ITS method is based on the amplification of the internal transcribed sequence between the bacterial 16S and 23S rDNA. The f-CBH method is a new molecular selection tool oriented to the fungal cellobiohydrolase gene. Both PCR selection methods produced typical profiles, which clustered the isolates in order to reduce them for subsequent sequencing identification through the amplification of the fungal 28S rRNA and the bacterial 16S rRNA genes. The cellulolytic and proteolytic abilities were screened through the use of three plate assays, the Ostazin Brilliant Red H-3B (OBR-HEC), milk agar, and gelatin agar. Massilia timonae, Lysobacter dokdonensis, and strains belonging to the genus Bacillus sp., Microbacterium sp., and Curtobacterium sp. with different fungal members such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium commune, Mucor spinosus, and Phoma herbarum (all recovered from paper) displayed both biodegradative activities. The parchment isolates with a marked proteolytic activity were Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Virgibacillus sp., Micromonospora sp., and again members of the fungal genera Penicillium, Mucor, and Phoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes three-dimensional microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (3-D µPADs) that can be programmed (postfabrication) by the user to generate multiple patterns of flow through them. These devices are programmed by pressing single-use ‘on’ buttons, using a stylus or a ballpoint pen. Pressing a button closes a small space (gap) between two vertically aligned microfluidic channels, and allows fluids to wick from one channel to the other. These devices are simple to fabricate, and are made entirely out of paper and double-sided adhesive tape. Programmable devices expand the capabilities of µPADs and provide a simple method for controlling the movement of fluids in paper-based channels. They are the conceptual equivalent of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) widely used in electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]