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This study investigated the effects of shredded waste office paper as a raw material on the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard. Two amounts of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin (10 and 15%) and five shredded waste office paper/wood fiber mixing ratios (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 100/0) were selected. The findings showed that all characteristics of boards were improved with an increase in resin content at various wastepaper participation ratios. The 15% UF-bonded board with 100% wood fiber had the highest modulus of rupture (MOR) value, but there was no statistically significant difference between it and the board with 50% wastepaper. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) values of the 15% UFbonded boards increased as the wastepaper participation ratio increased, and the highest was obtained from the board with 75% wastepaper. The highest internal bond (IB) strength value was also recorded from the 15% UF-bonded board with 50% wastepaper. This was due to the presence of sufficient bonding potential and smoother surfaces in the shredded wastepaper, which allowed for a synergistic interaction between the wastepaper and wood fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize hybrid nanocomposites of powder celluloses (PCs) derived from waste newsprint and cardboard, incorporating silver nanoparticles. The focus was on the mechanism of nanoparticle formation and stabilization within the cellulose matrix during the reduction process. Methods: Hybrid nanocomposites were prepared using the diffusion-reduction method, with trisodium citrate serving as the reducing agent for silver salt solutions under heterogeneous conditions. The PC/silver molar ratio was varied from 20 to 40. Structural and morphological characterization of the nanocomposites was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). Results and Discussion: The study demonstrated that silver nanoparticles with a spherical shape and sizes mostly below 100 nm formed on the PC surface. The silver content in the nanocomposites ranged from 1.2 to 7.3 wt %. Structural analysis revealed that the cellulose retained its crystalline modification (cellulose I) after the reaction. The cellulose matrix participated in a redox process during nanoparticle formation, leading to the establishment of new intermolecular bonds between the nanoparticles and the cellulose matrix. Conclusions: The developed method provides a simple and efficient approach for producing powder cellulose/silver nanocomposites with potential applications as antibacterial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To comprehensively analyze the influencing factors of the blood plate paper bridge method for H antigen induction and identification, and to investigate its mechanism in order to promote the application of this method in Salmonella serotyping. Methods The experimental conditions of the blood plate paper bridge method for Salmonella serotyping were optimized by comparing the effects of different paper bridge materials on the induction and identification of H antigen, scanning the surface of different paper bridge materials by scanning electron microscope to explore the mechanism of the effects, and combining the factors of environmental humidity and saline dosage. The optimized method was compared with the simple plate method of GB 4789.4 standard for serotyping 40 strains of Salmonella. Results The matte surface of CN110 and CN95 nitrocellulose membranes had similar bridging effect with ordinary filter paper, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05), while the effect of filter membrane was significantly lower than that of ordinary filter paper (P< 0.05). Salmonella spread better at higher humidity, and there was a significant difference between the results at 80% humidity compared with those of the 50% and 20% groups (P<0.0167). The spreading effect was significantly improved with increasing amount of saline (P<0.001), and the optimal amount was 15 µL. Forty foodborne Salmonella strains were identified using the two methods, and the method in this study was able to accurately identify Salmonella serotypes in one go, whereas the simple plate method required one to three inductions. Conclusion The blood plate paper bridge method optimized in this study is easy to operate and has a significant induction effect, which is suitable for the identification of Salmonella serotypes. This method can be used as an effective complement to Salmonella serotyping methods to improve the efficiency and accuracy of foodborne disease traceability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Excessive paper dust during paper production may harm the workers' respiratory health. We wanted to assess the inhalable paper dust levels and its determinants among paper industry workers. Methods: A study was conducted in Ethiopia to assess the level of personal inhalable paper dust exposure among four paper mills. A total of 150 samples were collected using the IOM sampler attached to Side Kick Casella pumps at a flow rate of 2 L/min. The samples were analyzed in Nemko Norlab, Norway. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to identify determinants of inhalable paper dust. Results: The geometric mean of personal inhalable paper dust was 3.3 mg/m3 with 80% of the measurements exceeding the Swedish occupational exposure limit (OEL) of 2 mg/m3. The linear mixed-effects model showed that the level of dust was 28% higher when using high-speed than when using low-speed rewinding machines, while paper mills with an average of more than four machines per job group had 22% higher exposure than paper mills with a lower number of machines. Furthermore, working in packing and preparation was associated with higher dust exposure than in other areas. Conclusions: The dust exposure levels were above the Swedish OEL for 80% of the samples. This indicates that preventive measures should be established in the industry. The exposure model identified high-speed rewinding machines, a high number of machines, and work in preparation and packing as associated with high levels of paper dust exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the pulp and paper industry's transition to sustainability by valorizing unused roadside and natural grasses for paper production. Large-scale production from residual grass poses multifaceted challenges, requiring collaboration across stakeholders, from biomass collection to manufacturing. To understand key drivers and barriers within this complex system, experts from various fields, including local farmers, researchers, policymakers, and industry executives were interviewed, leading to the development of a Fuzzy Cognitive Map (FCM). The analysis explores various scenarios to assess how socio-economic, technological, and political factors influence the transition to low-carbon practices. These scenarios highlight the effects of varying levels of technology development, economic conditions, and policy support on the transition's progress and outcomes. Results show that the system is highly sensitive to shifts in socio-economic and political conditions. Political interventions play a crucial role, especially during energy crises and increased public demand for sustainable solutions. Grass-based paper production is seen as a viable pathway, but challenges such as the economic feasibility of emerging technologies remain. We recommend targeted policies to improve the economic viability of grass-based products and optimize biomass allocation between energy and bio-based products, ensuring a more balanced and sustainable transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based artworks are prone to natural aging processes driven by chemical and biological processes. Numerous treatments have been developed to mitigate deterioration and prevent irreversible damage. In this study, we investigated the use of poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2 composite hydrogels, combining their cleaning and protective functions in a minimally invasive treatment. Hydrogels allow for controlled water flow and photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles enhance the hydrogel's efficacy by enabling the removal of oxidation products and inactivating biological contaminants. Furthermore, this innovative material can act as a protective coating against UV-induced aging, preserving both color and stability of the paper. Raman spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging techniques were employed to evaluate the treatments, allowing for us to differentiate between hydrolytic and oxidative aging processes. Our findings demonstrate that papers coated with poly(acrylic acid)/TiO2 composite hydrogels exhibit significant reductions in oxidative markers, an enhanced color stability, and an overall improved resistance to degradation compared to uncoated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites are pivotal in Europe's evolving packaging sector, which is undergoing changes due to circular and bioeconomy initiatives, which prioritize eco‐friendly packaging. Despite paper's high recycling rates, dynamic markets challenge recycling and circularity. Innovative paper‐based composites demand flexible recyclability assessments, which impacts product development. Recyclability methods are evolving as they struggle to match the dynamic changes occurring in the packaging sector. This article outlines paper recycling and compares global lab recyclability evaluation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The review focuses on application of chemometric modeling in raw material characterization and quantification of parameter in various steps of pulp and papermaking processes. These models are built by supervised or unsupervised machine-learning techniques. Chemometric models are predominantly developed with data from spectroscopic instruments like, Ultraviolet spectrophotometer (UV), Near Infrared spectrophotometer (NIR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Raman Spectrometer etc. These spectroscopic data are large in size which are reduced by applying different dimension reduction techniques. Moreover, these data contain instrumental noise in most of the cases, and they are de-noised or smoothed by several preprocessing techniques for developing better performing models. Among the popular calibration techniques for classification, Soft Independent Modeling for Classification Algorithm (SIMCA), Discrimination Analysis (DA) are mentionable. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Principal Component Regression (PCR), Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM) etc., are used for quantification of different physical, morphological and chemical properties of wood, pulp and paper properties. Based on chemometric models, sensors for online measurements of different parameters in pulping and papermaking processes are being developed in recent years. Through this review, better performing multivariate analysis based chemometric modeling techniques have been identified for determining different parameters by comparing the existing ones which could be used in different processes in pulp and papermaking industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic removal of trace formaldehyde (HCHO) at ambient temperatures is crucial for improving indoor air quality, necessitating the use of monolithic catalysts over traditional powder forms for real-world applications. In this study, an aluminosilicate fiber-woven ceramic filter paper (CFP) was selected as the substrate, onto which a Mn2O3 catalyst was in situ coated via a combustion method utilizing Mn(NO3)2 as the oxidant and glycine as the fuel. The resulting monolithic Mn2O3/CFP catalyst was compared to a MnO2/CFP catalyst, prepared by direct decomposition of Mn(NO3)2 on the same substrate. The Mn2O3/CFP catalyst exhibited superior characteristics for HCHO oxidation, including a more porous architecture, higher redox capability, and an abundance of surface-active oxygen species with enhanced mobility of surface lattice oxygen. These features enabled the Mn2O3/CFP catalyst to achieve significantly higher HCHO conversion at room temperature (90%) compared to the MnO2/CFP catalyst (21%). Additionally, in a durability test carried out in a mode of dynamic flow at room temperature, the Mn2O3/CFP catalyst maintained a high HCHO conversion rate of 66% over 11 days, demonstrating its potential for practical indoor air purification applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquors can serve as an emergency fuel if they can be directly converted to electricity using a highly efficient solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). To realize this concept, integrating a paper-structured catalyst (PSC) onto the SOFC anode is an effective solution. Shochu is a most popular distilled liquor in Japan with nominal composition of 25 vol% ethanol and 75 vol% water. In this study, the catalytic performance of a Ni-loaded hydrotalcite (HT) dispersed-PSC (Ni/HT-PSC) toward the steam reforming of ethanol (SRE) was evaluated in 500–800 °C when shochu was supplied. The H 2 production rate for a shochu produced by a continuous distillation (Shochu-25°-A) was comparable to that of a mixture of 25 vol% ethanol–75 vol% water (simulated-Shochu). However, that for a shochu produced by a single-type distillation (Shochu-25°-B) containing various types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including sulfur compounds, was lower in the whole investigated temperature range. The results thus indicate that Shochu-25°-A is suitable as an emergency fuel, whereas a refinement process is necessary for Shochu-25°-B. Electrochemical evaluations of electrolyte-supported cells (ESCs) with the Ni/HT-PSC applied on the anode revealed that the PSC effectively avoids coking on the anode when shochu is supplied for power generation at 750 °C. [Display omitted] • Suitability of shochu, poplar liquor in Japan, as a fuel for SOFC was investigated. • Paper-structured catalyst (PSC) was applied for steam reforming of ethanol (SRE). • Shochu with lower VOC content behaved like a mixture of pure ethanol and water. • Shochu produced by single distillation was characterized by a higher VOC content. • Sulfur-containing VOCs must be removed for both reforming and power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superhydrophobic paper-based functional materials have emerged as a sustainable solution with a wide range of applications due to their unique water-repelling properties. Inspired by natural examples like the lotus leaf, these materials combine low surface energy with micro/nanostructures to create air pockets that maintain a high contact angle. This review provides an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in the development of superhydrophobic paper-based materials, focusing on methodologies for modification, underlying mechanisms, and performance in various applications. The paper-based materials, leveraging their porous structure and flexibility, are modified to achieve superhydrophobicity, which broadens their application in oil–water separation, anti-corrosion, and self-cleaning. The review describes the use of these superhydrophobic paper-based materials in diagnostics, environmental management, energy generation, food testing, and smart packaging. It also discusses various superhydrophobic modification techniques, including surface chemical modification, coating technology, physical composite technology, laser etching, and other innovative methods. The applications and development prospects of these materials are explored, emphasizing their potential in self-cleaning materials, oil–water separation, droplet manipulation, and paper-based sensors for wearable electronics and environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billions of paper Electrocardiograms (ECGs) are recorded annually worldwide, particularly in the Global South. Manual review of this massive dataset is time-consuming and inefficient. Accurate digital reconstruction of these records is essential for efficient cardiac disease diagnosis. This paper proposes a systematic framework for digitizing paper ECGs with 12 symmetrically distributed leads and identifying abnormal samples. This method consists of three main components. First, we introduce an adaptive rotated convolution network to detect the positions of lead waveforms. By exploiting the symmetric distribution of 12 leads, a novel loss is proposed to improve the detection model's performance. Second, image processing techniques, including denoising and connected component analysis, are employed to digitize ECG waveforms. Finally, we propose a transformer-based classification method combined with a state space model. Our process is evaluated on a large synthetic dataset, including ECG images characterized by rotations, noise, and creases. The results demonstrate that the proposed detection method can effectively reconstruct paper ECGs, achieving an 11% improvement in SNR compared to the baseline. Moreover, our classification model exhibits slightly higher performance than other counterparts. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for the automated analysis of paper ECGs, supporting clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of pulp and paper from recycled paper generates significant quantities of deinking paper sludge (DPS). This sludge contains a significant amount of organic matter (36%) as well as heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, and Cr. In this work, the incorporation of DPS (0%, 8%, 10%, and 12%) in the manufacture of clay bricks leads to valorization of this waste by showing that two of its contents considered problematic (organic matter and heavy metals) have several positive effects. It was found that the organic parts were transformed into pores after brick firing (850°C), which improved thermal insulation while keeping mechanical resistance in conformity with usual standards. For the heavy metals, which make DPS a hazardous waste, a leaching test was employed. The results show that these metals were trapped in the ceramic matrix after the firing of bricks at a high temperature, resulting in a final product that was not dangerous. Other tests were carried out on bricks with DPS to evaluate density, water absorption, shrinkage, loss on ignition, porosity, and microstructure in order to characterize this new product. It was concluded that DPS can be used in clay bricks as an asset for the formation of pores to enhance thermal insulation. The addition of DPS can be optimized at 10% to comply with the standard and not exceed the required values for shrinkage, water absorption, and loss on ignition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct air capture (DAC) is a sustainable technology to alleviate the greenhouse effect and a reliable pathway to acquire inexhaustible CO2 for the production of costly chemicals and energy products. Current DAC technologies with amine‐related sorbents rely on chemisorption, while they consume intensive energy for CO2 release and sorbent regeneration by heating. Developing new DAC processes with weak, reversible adsorption can substantially reduce the regeneration energies. Herein, the design of CO2 breathing paper (CBP) is demonstrated toward spontaneous CO2 extraction from ambient air and solar‐driven regeneration. The CBP is fabricated by coupling 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole to carbon nanotube paper on the basis of density functional theory calculations. At ambient conditions, CBP spontaneously captures atmospheric CO2 with a capacity of 0.14–1.75 mmol g–1 at 0–35 °C through non‐covalent electrostatic interaction. Upon exposure to sunlight, all adsorbed CO2 can be released and converted to concentrated gas for storage. Attractively, the efficiency of solar‐driven CO2 release is much higher than the traditional temperature‐swing method owing to the IR sensitivity of CO2. Besides the reversibility, the mild conditions also ensure the durability of CBP. These findings suggest that the CBP is a promising candidate for cost‐effective DAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper and paper products sector is a crucial component of the Turkish economy, characterized by significant interactions with various other sectors. Türkiye imports substantial amounts of paper, playing a vital role in the growth and sustainability of this sector. Accurate import forecasting is essential for strategic planning and resource management. This study aims to forecast the imports of the Turkish paper sector for the period from April 2023 to March 2024 using two artificial neural network (ANN) models: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF). The dataset, obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), covers 219 months of data from 2005 to 2023. The dependent variable is Türkiye’s monthly import value of paper and paper products, while the independent variables include the monthly average US Dollar exchange rate, monthly imports of Türkiye, the Manufacturing Industry Production Index, the Paper Production Index, and the monthly exports of paper and paper products from Türkiye. The MLP model forecasts that the monthly imports of paper and paper products will range between 270 to 300 million USD, while the RBF model predicts values between 268 and 321 million USD. These findings underscore the efficacy of ANNs in providing accurate and reliable forecasts. This study addresses a gap in the literature by applying ANN methods to forecast imports in the paper and paper products sector, presenting a novel approach that can assist companies in making better-informed decisions regarding inventory management, production planning, and marketing strategies. By leveraging the advanced computational power and pattern recognition capabilities of ANNs, the study aims to enhance the strategic planning processes in the paper and paper products industry. The traditional methods often used in trade data analysis and forecasting are limited in capturing the complex and non-linear relationships present in economic data. This study's application of ANNs offers a significant advancement by utilizing models that can better handle such complexities. The accuracy of the MLP and RBF models highlights their potential as valuable tools for economic forecasting, providing insights that are crucial for optimizing supply chain operations and improving market responsiveness. The results indicate that companies can achieve better operational performance and increased customer satisfaction by effectively forecasting future import requirements. The originality of this study lies in its methodological approach, utilizing ANN models to forecast import values in a sector where traditional methods have been predominant. This innovative approach not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge but also offers practical applications for businesses within the sector. The detailed analysis of the data, combined with the robust modeling techniques employed, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of paper imports and making strategic decisions based on accurate predictions. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the significant success of artificial neural networks in predicting import values for the Turkish paper and paper products sector. The findings provide valuable information that can aid companies in strategic planning, enhancing their ability to manage inventory, plan production, and develop effective market strategies. The research contributes to the literature by filling a gap with its innovative approach, offering new perspectives and practical applications for improving decision-making processes in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baicalin (Bn) is one of the flavonoids with various biological activities, and its accurate determination is of great significance to clinical medicine. The new "MOF-on-MOF" materials have a broad application prospect. ZIF-67 and MIL-101(Fe) are typical metal–organic frame (MOF) materials, which have the advantages of flexible structure, large specific surface area, large porosity, and adjustable pore size. In this paper, a disposable and sensitive Bn electrochemical sensor based on ZIF-67/MIL-101(Fe) composite modified carbon paper (CP) electrode was developed for the first time. The sensing nanomaterials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of Bn on different modified electrodes. The results showed that ZIF-67/MIL-101(Fe)/CP exhibited a well-defined redox peak compared with bare CP, ZIF-67/CP, and MIL-101(Fe)/CP, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of ZIF-67 and MIL-101(Fe). Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical sensor was able to quantify Bn in the ranges of 0.01 ~ 3 µM and 3 ~ 6 µM with a detection limit (LOD) as low as 0.009 µM (S/N = 3). In addition, the sensor was successfully used for the quantitative analysis of Bn in Dual yellow oral liquid with reliable results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocellulose has shown promising improvements in the technological properties of various products within the paper industry. The aim of this research was to evaluate the influence of nanofibrillar cellulose (NCF) from bamboo (Guadua angustifolia Kunth.) on the physical-mechanical properties of paper made with virgin bamboo fiber, recycled fibers from Double Kraft Liner (DKL), and a mix of both. The NCF was obtained by means of TEMPO at a defibrillation of 25 000 RPM. Then, it was added in concentrations of 0, 2, 4, and 6% for each type of paper. The results, which were statistically analyzed, demonstrated that thickness, permeability, and tear resistance decreased, while density and resistance to tension and folding increased as the NCF concentration increased. Due to the characteristics of NCF, the potential use of the paper made with this additive is food wrapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Paralympic Games have been around for over 60 years, women remain underrepresented in almost all aspects of the Paralympic Movement. It has been suggested that a way to increase women's involvement is through the implementation of mixed-gender events. On paper, this approach makes sense. However, when it comes to the implementation of mixed-gender opportunities for women, it is less clear how effective these events are in increasing participation by women in Para sport. Through document analysis and interviews with athletes and organizers of mixed-gender Paralympic sport, we explore the various strategies that four mixed-gender sports have used to address the issue of gender parity. Using critical feminist theories, we illustrate how larger social, political, and cultural ideas about gender influence women's experiences within these events and discuss the potential of using mixed-gender initiatives to address gender parity within the Paralympic Movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article from World Pumps discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by manufacturers in the pulp and paper market in Latin America. Despite challenges such as declining demand for traditional paper products and environmental concerns, the industry continues to thrive, with Latin America leading in kraft pulp production. The region's favorable climate, abundant resources, and infrastructure have contributed to rapid growth, with new plants being developed to meet increasing demand. Pump manufacturers play a crucial role in the production process, with digitalization and automation enhancing efficiency and performance in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

This study explored using ultrafiltration (UF) membranes to treat pulp and paper mill wastewater, implementing a novel Taguchi experimental design to optimize operating conditions for pollutant removal and minimal membrane fouling. Researchers examined four factors: pH, temperature, transmembrane pressure, and volume reduction factor (VRF), each at three levels. Optimal conditions (pH 10, 25°C, 6 bar, VRF 3) led to a 35% reduction in flux due to fouling and high pollutant rejections: total hardness (83%), sulfate (97%), spectral absorption coefficient (SAC254) (95%), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (89%). Conductivity had a lower rejection rate of 50%. Advanced imaging techniques like atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed reduced membrane fouling under these conditions. The Taguchi method effectively identified optimal conditions, significantly improving wastewater treatment efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability in the pulp and paper industry. Practitioner Points: This study optimized UF membrane conditions for pulp and paper mill wastewater, reducing fouling and enhancing pollutant removal, offering practical strategies for industrial treatment.AFM and SEM provided key insights into membrane fouling and mitigation, promoting real‐time diagnosis and optimization for enhanced treatment efficiency.Prioritizing anaerobic fixed‐bed systems in wastewater treatment is beneficial for achieving high COD removal efficiency. Optimizing hydraulic retention time (HRT) in these systems can further improve their overall effectiveness and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the demand for digital dentistry constantly increases, digital devices are gradually replacing conventional methods of recording occlusal contacts. The study aimed to assess the inter-rater reliability of occlusal contact point detection using 40 μm articulating paper, Medit i700, and OccluSense and to compare the distribution of occlusal contacts using the articulating paper and intraoral scanner. Material and Methods: The study included 25 participants aged 20 to 30 (13 women and 12 men). Photographs of contact points were taken and marked in maximum intercuspal position (MIP), in protrusive and laterotrusive movements, on working and non-working sides using 40 μm articulating paper and digital devices. The Cohen's Kappa coefficient assessed the inter-rater reliability. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare dependent groups, articulating paper, and Medit i700. Results: The Cohen's Kappa index showed that almost perfect agreement was achieved with 40 μm articulating paper. Compared to Medit i700, the 40 μm articulating paper showed an increased mean number of contacts per tooth, except for the third molars. Conclusions: The 40 μm articulating paper has detected more overall contacts than the digital devices, particularly in the posterior areas. An ideal method for registering occlusal contacts has not been established yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralization of inorganic components in paper sludge offers potential for their re-use in various fields. This study synthesized carbonates based on the minerals present in paper sludge and aimed to investigate the control of particle size distribution and particle shape of the synthesized carbonates. First, the physicochemical and thermal properties of paper mill sludge and ash were evaluated using a spectrophotometer, XRF, and TGA. Paper sludge ash was obtained by incinerating the paper sludge, followed by a carbonation reaction using CO2 gas injection and pH neutralization to produce recycled fillers. The average particle size, crystal lattice structure, and morphology of the recycled fillers were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, XRD, and FE-SEM. The results indicate that the recycled filler produced from coating paper sludge exhibited similar brightness and morphology to conventional paper-based fillers, suggesting its potential to replace commercial PCC (Precipitated Calcium Carbonate). In contrast, the recycled filler manufactured using old corrugated container mill sludge was deemed unsuitable due to its low hydration activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a pigment coating on the mechanical properties of fluting paper. Design/methodology/approach: Two different calcium carbonate pigments were used in the preparation of the coated color, precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) and ground calcium carbonate (GCC). Fluting paper produced by recycling waste paper was used as base paper. The effects of PCC and GCC pigments on mechanical properties were compared. Ring crush test (RCT), corrugating medium test (CMT), corrugating crush test (CCT), tensile and burst strength tests were applied to the coated papers, and the results were compared to the mechanical properties of base paper. Findings: The tensile and burst indices of the coated papers were found to be higher than base papers about 13.9% and 6.05%, respectively. While the coating process positively affected the RCT and CCT values, it did not show a significant impact on the CMT values. GCC, one of the pigments used in coating colors, had a more effective effect on the mechanical properties of fluting papers compared to PCC. Originality/value: These results suggest that coating of fluting papers has a positive effect on mechanical properties and the use of GCC as a pigment is more effective than PCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CMC-β-CD-sulfaguanidine was synthesized by saturated aqueous solution method with β-CD as carrier and sulfaguanidine as inclusion compounds based on the preparation of CMC-β-CD, through single factor and orthogonal experiment, suitable conditions for the synthesis of CMC-β-CD-sulfaguanidine was obtained. The structure of the synthesized CMC-β-CD-sulfaguanidine was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy and SEM. The inclusion compounds was applied to paper reinforcement. By testing the effects of different mass concentrations of sulfaguanidine solution on the tensile strength, tearing strength, folding times, whiteness, glossiness and antibacterial properties of the paper, the suitable conditions for coating paper were found. The results show that when inclusion concentration of 3 mg/mL is coated on the paper, its mechanical properties are improved, the glossiness is slightly increased, and the whiteness is basically unchanged, at the same time, the paper has certain antibacterial properties. CMC-β-CD-SG studied in this paper has the functions of strengthening, slow-releasing, anti-mildew and antibacterial for paper, which is an innovation of paper protection material, provides the theoretical basis and data reference, as well as a new research idea and technical approach for the development of products for paper protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the strength and antimicrobial properties of paper cultural relics, and prolong the life of paper cultural relics, it is an urgent need to prepare new material for preservation and protection of paper. In this paper, CMC-β-CD-SG was synthesized with β-CD as carrier and sulfaguanidine as inclusion complex, the suitable conditions for the synthesis of CMC-β-CD-sulfaguanidine was obtained. By testing the effects of different mass concentrations of sulfaguanidine solution on the tensile strength, tearing degree, folding times, whiteness, gloss and antimicrobial properties of the paper, the suitable conditions for coating paper were found. The results show that when inclusion mass concentration of 3 mg/mL is coated on the paper, its mechanical properties are improved, the gloss is slightly increased, and the whiteness is basically unchanged. At the same time, the paper has certain antimicrobial properties, which is in line with the principle of “repairing the old as old”. CMC-β∼CD-SG studied in this paper exhibits properties of reinforcing, slow-releasing and antimicrobial activity for paper protection, which is an innovation of paper protection material, provides the theoretical basis and data reference, as well as a new research idea and technical approach for the development of products for paper protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of antibodies (Abs) in the body is an indicator of the individual immune response to an infection. In the post-pandemic era, an accurate, cheap, and rapid antibiotic sensor is critically needed to monitor Ab levels. Therefore, we present a simple fabrication method for a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor that detects SARS-CoV2 spike Abs. The sensor comprises filter paper with a composite made of polypyrrole (PPy) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The rGO structure is observed using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR). The presence of rGO improves protein conjugation which is identified using a fluorescent microscope and FTIR. The sensitivity test performs high selectivity and reproducibility in two different SARS-CoV2 Abs separately and shows the range of detection limits between 10 and 1000 fg/mL. The results demonstrate an advancement in developing PPy/rGO composite sensors for SARS-CoV2 Ab detection and as a promising sensor for monitoring COVID-19 exposures and infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a heterogeneous graph network using citation relations between papers and their basic information centered around the "Paper mills" papers under withdrawal observation, and we train graph neural network models and classifiers on these heterogeneous graphs to classify paper nodes. Our proposed citation network-based "Paper mills" detection model (PDCN model for short) integrates textual features extracted from the paper titles using the BERT model with structural features obtained from analyzing the heterogeneous graph through the heterogeneous graph attention network model. Subsequently, these features are classified using LGBM classifiers to identify "Paper mills" papers. On our custom dataset, the PDCN model achieves an accuracy of 81.85% and an F1-score of 80.49% in the "Paper mills" detection task, representing a significant improvement in performance compared to several baseline models. We considered only the title of the article as a text feature and did not obtain features for the entire article. The PDCN model we developed can effectively identify "Paper mills" papers and is suitable for the automated detection of "Paper mills" during the review process. We incorporated both text and citation detection into the "Paper mills" identification process. Additionally, the PDCN model offers a basis for judgment and scientific guidance in recognizing "Paper mills" papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of multifunctional microwave absorbing materials with the characteristics of stronger absorption, wider bandwidth, lighter weight, higher strength and thinner thickness is an urgent research direction. Due to the difficulty of controllable distribution of absorbers, excellent microwave absorption performance is usually accompanied by large absorber amount and thickness, which can result in microwave absorption composite materials lack flexibility, mechanical properties, and adaptability to the environment. In this study, Ti 3 C 2 T x /Fe 3 O 4 /glass fiber paper composite was prepared by vacuum-assisted filtration. The controllable pore structure constructed by glass fiber enables uniform distribution of MXene/Fe 3 O 4 and effectively spreading of MXene monolayer film, enhancing conductivity loss and interface loss. By controlling the diameter of glass fiber, the pore size and the distribution of absorber can be regulated, thereby achieving a minimum reflection loss of up to −57.2 dB at an ultra-low filling ratio of 1.66 wt%. With the addition amount of 1.90 wt%, the effective absorption bandwidth can cover the whole X-band. The ultra-low specific reflection loss exceeds most of fabric materials and MXene-based absorbers. Meanwhile, the composite material exhibited excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 3.054 kN/m and a burst resistance of 290 kPa. In addition, the adhesion between the filler and the glass fiber was increased by adding acrylic resin-based aqueous adhesive, and the surface grafting functional group (-F) made the composite material superhydrophobic. This work provides a new strategy to synthesize multifunctional absorbing material with low filling ratio and strong environmental practicality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pretreated carboxymethylated nanofibrillated cellulose (CM-NFC) was tested as a strength enhancer for specialty paper, such as banknotes made from cotton linter mixed pulp (CLMP). The pretreatment agent was cationic poly(acrylamide) (C-PAM). The CM-CMF prototype was supplied by a Korean manufacturer. Laboratory tests and pilot trials were performed to evaluate the strength enhancement of banknotes incorporated with surface-modified CM-NFC and determine the process problems encountered in a pilot paper machine. The CM-NFC was surface modified with 0.1% C-PAM without any agglomerates. The prepared laboratory handsheets had high paper strength, which was attributed to the higher nanofibril content of surface-modified CM-NFC compared with that of unmodified CM-NFC. Pilot trials showed that the incorporation of 3% surface-modified CM-NFC was highly effective in promoting the strength of banknote without low retention and drainability on the wet-end part of the pilot paper machine. Therefore, surface-modified CM-NFC at a controlled dosage could be used as a strength enhancer for specialty paper without incurring serious problems in a paper mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grease-proof paper is an energy-demanding paper product to manufacture, especially during refining and dewatering. Increases in energy efficiency in either stage could result in major savings. This article investigates the potential gains with addition of a stepwise progression vacuum suction box to the forming section during production. For both a lighter, 50 g/m², and a heavier paper grade, 100 g/m², with a pulpdrainability of 86 °SR, a stepwise progression vacuum suction box in four steps would result in increased dryness, simultaneously with decreased energy expenditure. The observed effects were higher for the lower basis weight paper (50 g/m²). Both basis weights experienced clogging of the forming fabric due to the high degree of refining. This adversely affected the dewatering rate, decreasing the amount of air pulled through the paper even when increasing the vacuum pressure. When a stepwise progression suction box in four steps was compared to a single vacuum suction box, there was a 14% increase in dryness for lighter paper, over an equal energy consumption, measured as amount of air pulled through the paper. For the 100 g/m² paper, the increase in dryness was 3% compared to the 50 g/m² paper run over a single vacuum suction box. The results show great promise for energy savings when utilizing stepwise progression suction box dewatering for grease-proof paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop special insulating paper is of great significance to promote the service life of transformers. Using molecular simulation to guide the development of special insulating paper can greatly reduce the trial-and-error rate and waste of resources in traditional experiments. The effect of different types of polysilsesquioxane (POSS) on cellulose insulating paper was investigated by using molecular simulation. This paper investigated the thermal stability and mechanical properties and electrical characteristics of caged POSS, semi-caged POSS, and ladder-like POSS doped cellulose insulating paper. The results show that POSS with all types can enhance the performance of cellulose insulating paper, and ladder-like POSS possess the best modification effect. The glass transition temperature was increased by 58 K, and the bulk modulus, shear modulus, and elastic modulus of cellulose insulating paper doped with ladder-like POSS can improve up to 27.07%, 45.67%, and 41.28%, respectively. Meanwhile, the dielectric properties of ladder-like POSS modified insulating paper are also significantly improved. The findings of this paper propose a method for the preparation of ladder-like POSS modified insulating paper, which provides theoretical guidance for the experimental preparation of special insulating paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is a thin nonwoven material made from cellulose fibers as the main raw material together with some additives. Paper is highly flammable, leading to the destruction of countless precious ancient books, documents, and art works in fire disasters. In recent years, researchers have made a lot of efforts in order to obtain more durable and fire-retardant paper. Owing to the successful synthesis of ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires as a new kind of inorganic nanofiber material, it becomes possible to develop a new kind of super-durable and fire-resistant paper. Recently, the authors' research group prepared a new kind of fire-resistant "Xuan paper" consisting of ultralong HAP nanowires. In this article, the super-durable fire-resistant "Xuan paper" based on ultralong HAP nanowires and the traditional Xuan paper based on cellulose fibers were evaluated by the accelerated aging method for 1200 days at 105 °C in air, which is the equivalent of 10,000 years of natural aging in the ambient environment. The aging mechanism of the traditional Xuan paper was further investigated by studying the fiber length/width and their distributions, morphology, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, H–nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and C–nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of cellulose fibers before and after the accelerated aging. The durability, properties, and mechanism of the fire-resistant "Xuan paper" based on ultralong HAP nanowires during the accelerated aging were studied. The experiments reveal the reasons for the deteriorated properties and reduced durability by aging of the traditional Xuan paper based on cellulose fibers, and the mechanism for the super-durability and excellent performances of the fire-resistant "Xuan paper" based on ultralong HAP nanowires during the accelerated aging process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among writing substrates produced historically in different regions of the world, paper is one of the most complex materials. Its complexity results not only from a variety of highly processed ingredients, which can be used in its production, but also from a variety of methods in which these materials are combined to form the fibrillar network referred to as paper. While material identification methods are well established in the analysis of historical papers, the identification of manufacturing technologies is still an under-researched topic, that requires the development of appropriate methods and measurement protocols. This paper reports on the results of a research project aimed at the application of synchrotron scanning small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method in the characterization of paper structure, with emphasis on the assessment of fibrillar orientation as a marker characteristic for different, historical papermaking technologies. The main objective of this study consists of the development of a measurement protocol involving the SAXS technique complemented by other analytical methods in the characterization of the fibrous paper structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic starch serves as a prevalent wet‐end additive in the papermaking industry. Yet, the definitive effects of the ratio between the two principal components—amylose (AM) and amylopectin (AP)—and the degree of substitution (DS) on the mechanical strength enhancement of paper sheets remain incompletely understood. This study synthesizes a series of quaternized amylose (QAM) and quaternized amylopectin (QAP) with varying DS levels and blended these derivatives in diverse ratios. Subsequently, these mixtures are integrated into pulp suspensions to ascertain the DS and the AM‐to‐AP ratio that optimize paper strength. These results indicate that a QAM‐to‐QAP blend with a DS of 0.08 at a ratio of 2:8 yielded the most pronounced improvement in paper mechanical properties. This precise formulation significantly enhances tensile, burst, and tear strength indices, increasing by approximately 55.0%, 44.4%, and 78.4%, respectively, under the most favorable conditions and with an additive dosage of 1 wt.%. This investigation provides substantive and actionable knowledge for selecting starch additives in the wet‐end of papermaking, which can significantly augment the efficiency and efficacy of paper manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodegradation kinetics of paper materials with various chemical additives was studied, focusing on their potential tunability. Paper materials with additives, including retention aid, hydrophobic agent, and wet and dry strength agents, were explored in two forms: disintegrated fiber and paper form. Using the Gompertz equation, biodegradation kinetics were modeled to calculate the lag phase, initial biodegradation rate, and ultimate biodegradation extent. All paper materials showed higher biodegradation extents than microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) due to the highly biodegradable nature of hardwood bleached pulp. Disintegrated paper materials exhibited similar lag phase values and ultimate biodegradation to MCC regardless of treatment, while punched paper materials showed noticeable differences, suggesting that fiber disintegration plays a critical role in initiating biodegradation. Hydrophobic and wet strength treatments, such as alkyl ketone dimer (AKD) and wetstrength agents (PAE), respectively, significantly increased the lag phase, but their ultimate biodegradation extent remained intact. These findings highlight that the biodegradability of paper materials can be preserved even after chemical treatments, underscoring their environmentally friendly potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive copper (Cu2+) causes adverse effects on human health and the ecological environment. Traditional methods for detecting Cu2+ have drawbacks such as high detection costs, complex operating conditions, and being time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple detection methods to better meet specific health and environment quality needs. In this work, a paper-based fluorescence sensor was prepared (herein referred to as the as-prepared method) by immersing filter paper in aqueous polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution, and its potential use in Cu2+ detection was investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared paper samples, with fluorescence properties obtained by aggregation-induced luminescence of PEI, have selective recognition of Cu2+ based on the internal filtration effect, and the lowest detection limit is 0.03 μM. In addition, the relative error of this method is in the range of 1.80~2.23%, which is relatively comparable to the national standard method (0.63~630 μM), demonstrating high accuracy. Therefore, paper-based sensors with a simple preparation method have potential applications in the detection of Cu2+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An inexpensive, easy-to-use, simple, and non-toxic freshness indicator was developed based on anthocyanins from saffron petal waste material and filter paper to show the quality and shelf life of trout fillets. Previous studies considered the color changes of freshness indicators based on anthocyanins during fish spoilage due to pH changes following the production of volatile nitrogen. However, in this study, we showed that not only volatile nitrogen but also hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas produced during fish spoilage caused structural and color changes in anthocyanins. The indicator showed a wide range of naked-eye color changes from purple to light blue over a pH of 2–11 and from purple to yellow over different concentrations of H2S gas compounds. The prepared indicator had good color stability and was not affected by various temperatures and times. pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, total viable count of trout fillets, and the color changes of the prepared indicators were simultaneously determined during 8 days of storage in the refrigerator. A significant correlation was observed between fish quality and visible color changes of the indicator. The sensitivity of saffron petal anthocyanins to volatile nitrogen and H2S compounds showed that it could be used as a raw material for producing low-cost and efficient colorimetric indicators for spoilage detection of protein-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper sludge (PS) from paper mills has a significant potential for bioethanol production. In this study, waste-paper-containing PS is used as the raw material for bioethanol production because the annual waste paper utilization rate has increased globally. Although PS does not require delignification, the antiseptics and deinking agents in waste paper-containing PS inhibit enzymatic reactions such as saccharification and fermentation. Their removal is important, but it has not yet been reported. Using subcritical water pretreatment, the selective decomposition of enzyme inhibitors in PS is examined without the generation of other enzyme inhibitors. The optimum pretreatment conditions are identified as 240 °C, 3.3 MPa, 3 min, and pH 4.5. Glucose was obtained in 71% yield from pretreated 5 wt% PS using cellulase, which is 5.5 times higher than that from unpretreated PS. This is because the reactivity of the pretreated PS increases with increasing surface area of the cellulose fibers, and the cellulase inhibitors are decomposed by subcritical water. Next, semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation treatments are performed to produce bioethanol from waste-paper-containing PS. The bioethanol yield based on cellulose after 96 h is 68% for PS pretreated with subcritical water, whereas the bioethanol yield is 6% for unpretreated PS. Therefore, subcritical water pretreatment increases the bioethanol yield by 11 times. The proposed method may enable the use of large amounts of PS as ethanol feedstock in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay charts the way that ideas of nature, life and disease generated new approaches to Europe's documentary culture between roughly 1650 and 1950. Training its focus on the medium of paper, specifically the essay, reveals conceptual intersections between caretakers of libraries and archives and naturalists or physicians whose focus was the entomology or bacteriology. The recognition of the fundamentally organic nature of books (animal, vegetable, mineral, in a Linnaean sense) invited fresh vocabularies and practices of care and preservation. The essay first explores how book lovers—often encouraged by learned societies or state agencies in the eighteenth century—campaigned against insects whose habitat lay between the covers of precious tomes. It then traces how nineteenth-century microscopy and bacteriology informed notions of sickness or 'pathology' in books. It ends by describing the efforts to remediate these impairments in the twentieth century: to deploy chemistry and medicine as therapies for bringing imperilled papers back to health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arts of cutting and joining paper (katʿı and vas·s·¯ale) were much prized at the early-modern Ottoman court in Istanbul. This essay takes a single folio of katʿı prepared by the Ottoman paper joinery master (vas·s·¯al) Kalender Efendi (d. 1616) as a starting point from which to explore the essential role of paper in the administration and unification of the Ottoman Empire, shaping the state's relationships with its subjects, and making possible the environment in which Kalender was educated and rose to prominence. Through his skillful manipulation of paper, Kalender created intricate artworks that served as resting place for the eye and mind, astonishing viewers with his skills, and encouraging them to engage in insightful looking. Paper thus served as the locus of intellectual, artistic, and economic encounters, and gave shape to relationships both in the moment and over time [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue examines paper as it became the definitive material for both artistic practice and jurisprudence. European paper made from pulped rags and linens to create the mythic white empty grounds for design was foundational to early modern European ideas about both sovereignty and the creative act. The materiality of paper—as a surface created from refuse—also introduced a form of ecological thinking into both artistic practice and political theory that recognised the value and revolutionary potential of the material world to create from the detritus of failed projects and revolutions. Surveying artistic production across the European continent and into the Ottoman empire, this series of essays examines paper as both a material force that redefined the limits of the creative act while also being inseparable from the consolidation of new political regimes emerging from the rise of early modern colonialism. Paper was both the tool of dispossession and also the grounds on which the potential of artistic practice was reimagined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution at the nanoscale continues to pose adverse effects on environmental sustainability and human health. However, the detection of nanoplastics (NPLs) remains challenging due to limitations in methodology and instrumentation. Herein, a "green approach" for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was exploited to detect polystyrene nanospheres (PSNSs) in water, employing untreated filter paper and a simple syringe-filtration set-up. This SERS protocol not only enabled the filtration of nano-sized PSNSs, which are smaller than the pore size of the ordinary filter paper, but also offered SERS enhancement by utilizing quasi-spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as the SERS-active substrate. The filtering of NPLs was accomplished by adding an aggregating agent to the nanoparticle mixture, which caused the aggregation of NPLs and AgNPs, resulting in a larger cluster and more hot spots for SERS detection. The optimal aggregating agent and its concentration, as well as the volume ratio between the AgNPs and NPLs, were also optimized. This SERS method successfully detected and quantified PSNSs of various sizes (i.e., 100, 300, 460, 600, and 800 nm) down to a limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.31 μg mL−1. The method was also validated against the presence of several interferents (i.e., salts, sugars, amino acids, and surfactants) and was proven practical, as evidenced by the detection of 800nm PSNSs in drinking and tap water (LODs of 1.47 and 1.55 μg mL−1, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study emphasizes the significance of appropriate air-drying times in toxicity bioassays to accurately establish sublethal concentrations and discriminating concentrations for resistance detection in mosquitoes to a highly volatile pyrethroid, namely, transfluthrin. The high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay study demonstrated consistent dose-dependent responses in susceptible mosquito populations. Our findings emphasize the importance of accurate susceptibility testing to facilitate early resistance detection. The air-drying duration significantly affected the efficacy of transfluthrin: after drying for 24 h, the concentration needed to achieve the same level of efficacy was 2.8 times higher compared to the concentration needed after 1 h of drying. This is the first study to evaluate spatial repellents using a high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay, yielding precise sublethal concentrations and discriminating concentrations for varying air-drying times of transfluthrin-treated filter papers. The study underscores the importance of early detection of resistant mosquito populations and emphasizes the need to optimize air-drying durations in toxicity bioassays. Selecting the right concentrations and assessing behavioral responses are crucial for developing effective mosquito control strategies with spatial repellents. This research enhances our understanding of resistance dynamics and provides guidance for practical implementation in vector control programs. Increasing temperature can enhance the geographical spread and behavior of disease vector mosquitoes, exposing vulnerable populations to Aedes-borne viruses and infections. To address this risk, cost-effective and sustained intervention vector control tools are required, such as volatile pyrethroid spatial repellents. This study used a high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay to determine the discriminating concentrations of transfluthrin-treated filter papers with variable air-drying times exposed to pyrethroid-susceptible Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. At the highest transfluthrin concentration (0.01706%), a significant reduction in mosquito mortality was observed in filter papers air-dried for 24 h compared to those air-dried for 1 h (odds ratio = 0.390, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.66). Conversely, no significant difference in mortality was found between filter papers air-dried for 1 h and those air-dried for 12 h (odds ratio = 0.646, p = 0.107, 95% confidence interval: 0.38–1.10). The discriminating concentration was 2.8-fold higher for transfluthrin-treated filter papers air-dried for 24 h than it was for papers air-dried for 1 h, and it increased 5-fold from 1 h to 336 h of air-drying. These results show that the optimal air-drying period of transfluthrin-treated filter paper is critical, as higher discriminating concentration values may lead to underestimations of insecticide resistance. The instability of transfluthrin-treated papers necessitates the use of the World Health Organization (WHO) bottle bioassay, which is the preferred method for determining mosquito susceptibility to volatile insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pre-treatment process was evaluated in this work for wastewater from paper recycling using microwave technology followed by rapid precipitation of contaminants through centrifugation. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used to analyze and optimize the turbidity values. Thirty experimental runs were utilized including microwave (MW) power, duration, centrifuge time, and centrifuge speed as input variables, generated by the Central Composite Full Design (CCFD) approach. The experimental turbidity ranged from 8.1 to 19.7 NTU, while predicted values ranged from 8.4 to 19.7 NTU by ANN. The ANN model showed a robust prediction performance with low mean squared error values during training and testing. Moreover, high R² values showed a remarkable agreement between the experimental observations and ANN predictions. The results obtained from the input values (A:150.00, B:60.00, C:15.00, D:30.00) of sample 2, which gave the lowest turbidity value, showed the most removal of pollution. The results obtained from the input values (A:250.00, B:60.00, C:7.00, D:20.00) of sample 30, which gave the highest turbidity value, showed the least removal of pollution. The results showed that increasing RPM and time of the centrifugation process significantly affected the removal of pollution in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of mineral-based fillers tends to reduce the mechanical properties of paper, which can limit their application. The filler surface modification is a significant treatment to overcome this limitation. This research aims to offer a novel modified mineral-based filler to provide its industrial application. The surface of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) was modified with xylan (XS), which is a type of hemicellulose, a polysaccharide consisting mainly of xylose residues. It is used as a filler at different filler dosage levels in paper pulp. Modified PCC(MPCC) was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and Field-emission scanning electron microscopy analyses. The analysis demonstrated that the MPCC filler surface was coated with XS successfully. The effect of PCC and MPCC-filled hand-sheet paper physical, chemical and optical properties were studied. The experimental results showed that the mechanical (tensile, burst, tear strength) and optical (brightness, opacity) of hand-sheet paper filled with MPCC were significantly improved compared with unmodified PCC-filled paper at the same ash content. The filler retention of PCC and MPCC fillers in paper was investigated, and the MPCC filler showed better filler retention properties in paper stock than the PCC filler. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes as new biomarkers for cancer diagnosis have attracted attention because they are highly released by tumor cells in various biological fluids. In this study, an electrochemical paper-based immunosensor device (Exo-sensing paper) is introduced for the detection of exosome in the serum. The Exo-sensing paper is a three-electrode system that is prepared using pattern paper and carbon and silver inks. The sensor part of this immunosensor contains a three-dimensional porous nanocomposite of nickel nanofoam coupled with graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. The high specific surface area of this nanocomposite increases the antibody loading on the sensor surface significantly and consequently leads to obtaining a wide linear range of 500–1 × 107 Exospore µL−1 with a detection limit of 110 Exosome µL−1. Due to some advantages of this constructed Exo-sensing paper such as easy storage, simple application, low cost and good selectivity in the real samples, this system has a good potential to be used as a point of care testing for in situ detection of the exosomes and is a promising strategy for minimally invasive liquid biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid impregnated ground film paper was prepared using the method of lactic acid impregnation of raw paper. The physical properties, chemical composition, crystallinity, thermal stability, surface morphology of the paper, barrier properties, and light transmittance of the lactic acid paper were investigated using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, SEM, water vapor blocking, oxygen blocking, mechanical properties testing, and optical property testing. Results showed that at room temperature (20 °C), when lactic acid concentration was 100 %, reaction time was 48 h, and 100 °C high temperature drying prepared lactic acid paper, it exhibited superior performance: dry strength of 2.83 IkN/m, wet strength of 0.36 kN/m, Cobb value of 4.50 g/m2, tear of 359.42 mN, water vapor barrier of 693.46 g m−2 24 h−1, and oxygen barrier of 933.43 cm3 m−2 24 h−1. Degradation rate reached 22.94 % after two weeks of soil landfill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising approach for obtaining clean hydrogen energy. In this work, novel molybdate@carbon paper composite electrocatalysts (CoxFe10-xMoO@CP), displaying outstanding electrocatalytic capabilities, were deriving from anchoring cobalt/iron molybdate materials onto the surface of carbon paper fibers. By adjusting the cobalt-to-iron ratio, the composite (Co5Fe5MoO@CP), with the optimal molar proportion (Co/Fe = 5/5), exhibited a distinctive nanoflower morphology (50–100 nm), which provided a significant number of active sites for electrocatalytic reactions, and showed the strongest electrocatalytic potency for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Specifically, the overpotentials for HER and OER were 123.6 and 245 mV at 10 mA·cm−2, with a Tafel slope of 78.3 and 92.2 mV·dec−1, respectively. The hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions remained favorable and stable over 35 days and 2 weeks of cyclic voltammetry cycles. In a two-electrode system, efficient overall water splitting was achieved at a cell voltage of 1.60 V. Under high alkaline concentration and temperature conditions, the Co5Fe5MoO@CP composite still maintained excellent HER and OER catalytic activity and stability, indicating its satisfactory potential for industrial applications. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis revealed that the promoted hydrogen evolution capability derived from the synergistic catalytic effect of iron and cobalt atoms within the molecule, while cobalt atoms functioned as the catalytic core for the oxygen evolution process. This work provides a novel strategy towards high-efficiency electrocatalysts to significantly accelerate the overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper deacidification is one of the most important tasks in the conservation of cultural relics. Recently, fluorocarbon solvents which are safe, environment-friendly, and do not react with paper have attracted extensive attention and have been used as the deacidification solvent. However, as one of the most commonly used deacidification agents, the poor dispersibility of nano-MgO in organic solvent has greatly restricted the paper deacidification effect. Herein, by introducing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, K30) as a guiding agent during the process of nano-MgO electrolysis synthesis, we enhanced the dispersibility of nano-MgO in fluorocarbon solvent (C5H3F9O) with stable suspension time extended to 1.5 h, then optimized deacidification performance of paper in Qing Dynasty. The nano-MgO immobilized with PVP (MgO/PVP) is flaky. Compared with MgO synthesized directly without surfactant, its suspension stability increased from 30 min to 1.5 h. Moreover, nano-MgO immobilized with PVP exhibited the best paper deacidification effect. Other than pH 7.8 and 7.9 in groups of MgO and MgO-PVP (PVP addition after MgO synthesis), the pH of the paper after deacidification reached 8.85 for MgO/PVP. In addition, tensile strength of the treated paper is increased 16.3% and the color of the paper is slightly influenced. Overall, We have improved the electrolysis method, and realized the uniform dispersion of nano-MgO in fluorocarbon solvent, which brought the good deacidification effect to the paper and had certain significance in the protection of cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]