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The non-wood pulp fibers in the paper and printing industry have been in demand for economic and environmental necessity. In this communication, the agro-processing waste sugarcane bagasse (SCB) and amla pomace was used to develop a packaging application paper. The physical and mechanical properties of non-wood pulp remain an issue for further application. The synergistic effect of nanoparticle TiO2 and amla pomace addition into the SCB was investigated. The developed SCB paper evaluated the physical, mechanical, and barriers to moisture. The molecular interaction between the constituents of paper was investigated with FTIR. The paper's morphological crystallinity and surface topology behavior were observed in FESEM, XRD, and AFM analysis. The analysis results indicate that the SCB utilization approach could bring a sustainable solution for non-wood pulp. The mechanical properties of the paper have not been considerably affected by the addition of TiO2. The water vapor barrier quality improved as compared to the control bagasse paper. The microstructural topology of the paper is well elaborated through FESEM and AFM. The crystallinity of the paper has been significantly affected by the addition of TiO2. The EDX analysis confirms the elemental composition of cellulose and TiO2 particles in the paper sheets. In conclusion, the results may not have significantly affected the paper's performance. The antibacterial effectiveness of paper was determined by analyzing its ability to inhibit the growth of E. coli. It was discovered that the antibacterial activity of paper increased as TiO2 concentration increased. Still, the approach to developing paper from agro-processing waste sources with nanoparticles can take a step toward a sustainable packaging solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The large-scale, high-strength, super-tough, and multifunctional nacre-like heterocyclic aramid (HA)/MXene@polypyrrole (PPy) (HMP) nanocomposite papers were fabricated using the in-situ assembly of PPy onto the HA/MXene hydrogel template. The "brick-and-mortar" layered structure and abundant hydrogen-bonding interactions among MXene, PPy, and HA respond cooperatively to external stress and effectively increase the mechanical properties of HMP nanocomposite papers. The templating effect from HA/MXene was utilized to guide the assembly of conducting polymers, leading to high electrical conductivity and outstanding electromagnetic interference shielding performance. Robust, ultra-flexible, and multifunctional MXene-based electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding nanocomposite films exhibit enormous potential for applications in artificial intelligence, wireless telecommunication, and portable/wearable electronic equipment. In this work, a nacre-inspired multifunctional heterocyclic aramid (HA)/MXene@polypyrrole (PPy) (HMP) nanocomposite paper with large-scale, high strength, super toughness, and excellent tolerance to complex conditions is fabricated through the strategy of HA/MXene hydrogel template-assisted in-situ assembly of PPy. Benefiting from the "brick-and-mortar" layered structure and the strong hydrogen-bonding interactions among MXene, HA, and PPy, the paper exhibits remarkable mechanical performances, including high tensile strength (309.7 MPa), outstanding toughness (57.6 MJ m−3), exceptional foldability, and structural stability against ultrasonication. By using the template effect of HA/MXene to guide the assembly of conductive polymers, the synthesized paper obtains excellent electronic conductivity. More importantly, the highly continuous conductive path enables the nanocomposite paper to achieve a splendid EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 54.1 dB at an ultra-thin thickness (25.4 μm) and a high specific EMI SE of 17,204.7 dB cm2 g−1. In addition, the papers also have excellent applications in electromagnetic protection, electro-/photothermal de-icing, thermal therapy, and fire safety. These findings broaden the ideas for developing high-performance and multifunctional MXene-based films with enormous application potential in EMI shielding and thermal management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a bast fiber plant known for its long fibers, making it an excellent source of pulp for paper production. In Ethiopia, flax is primarily cultivated for oil, with the residual straw utilized for papermaking. This study focuses on pulping flax straw using the Kraft process and investigates its chemical composition, proximate analysis, and morphological properties. The proximate analysis revealed an ash content of 4.13% and moisture content of 11%. Chemical composition analysis showed cellulose at 51.34%, hemicellulose at 25.20%, lignin at 14.12%, ash at 4.13%, and extractives at 5.21%. The morphological properties included a fiber length of 1.41 mm, diameter of 16.78 μm, lumen width of 9.45 μm, and cell wall thickness of 3.77 μm. Flax straw exhibited an acceptable Runkel ratio (0.8) and flexibility coefficient (56.32), placing it within the range of non-wood fibers. SEM analysis of the pulp's morphology was conducted to assess fiber structure, including the presence of cracks. Pulp quality and length are directly linked to paper strength. Various pulping conditions were studied using a full-factorial design, with optimum conditions being 10% alkaline, 131.74°C, and 120 min of cooking time, yielding a pulp with a Kappa number of 10.45 and a yield of 40.56%. The resulting paper demonstrated standard tensile, tearing, and burst strengths, indicating that flax straw is a promising raw material for paper production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon paper is a type of porous carbon material with a highly developed pore structure and a large specific surface area. It finds extensive applications in adsorption, complexation, and catalyst support. To prepare high-performance activated carbon paper, this study investigates the changes in performance and structure of Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) paper under CO2 activation, ZnCl2 activation, H3PO4 activation, and NaOH activation conditions. The research reveals that carbon paper after CO2 activation has a certain tensile strength (0.36 MPa), while chemically activated carbon paper lacks tensile strength. Incorporating 15% carbon fiber (CF) into PPTA paper increases the tensile stress (1.26 MPa) and tensile strain (4.18%) of the activated carbon paper. NaOH-activated carbon paper has the highest specific surface area (1321.6 m2/g), the most disordered carbon structure (ID/IG = 1.22), the lowest carbon yield (23.9%), and a pore rate 4.16% higher than that of CO2-activated samples. The activated carbon paper prepared by ZnCl2 activation has the highest content of C = N bonds, with the nitrogen content of pyridine increasing by 31.8% compared to CO2 activation. This indicates that ZnCl2 protects the N elements in PPTA paper during the activation process, preventing their decomposition during carbonization. The activated carbon paper prepared by H3PO4 activation has the lowest electrical conductivity (1.62 S/cm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) was conducted in paper and online reading modes in 2016 using the same samples of students in a number of countries. Differences in reading literacy scores were found in several European countries. In some countries, the differences favored the electronic reading mode. Yet in others, the paper reading mode was favored. As the electronic reading mode differs substantially in the cognitive demands compared to the paper mode, it can be expected that the differences between the two modes are related to the variables related to technology: availability and access, general use, use for educational purposes in class or out-of-school, and self-efficacy with technology. This study investigates the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) factors related to the differences in paper and online reading in six European countries participating in both modes in PIRLS 2016. This study uses linear regression models as the application of multilevel modeling is not suitable because of the low between-school variances across countries. The results from this study show limited support for the relative effect that the student individual, school, and classroom ICT variables have on the differences between paper and electronic reading. Access to technology is related to mode differences only in Italy, and the use of computer devices in and out of school is related to the mode differences in Italy and Portugal. Student self-efficacy is related to the mode differences in Portugal and Slovenia. School resources show significant effects in Denmark (computers to students ratio) and Italy (instruction affected by digital resource shortages). None of the classroom variables showed any significant relationship in any of the countries. In addition, socio-economic status (which is proxied by the variable on home resources for learning) is a significant predictor in half of the countries. In addition to these findings, the general technological context within countries is discussed as part of an evaluation of the difference in reading in the two test delivery modes. The general uptake of technology in different social and economic aspects, as measured by the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), follows the differences between the two reading modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although philosophy cites less than most other academic subjects, many scholars still take a lack of reference to and engagement with the relevant literature as a reason to reject a paper in philosophy. Here I argue against that idea. Literature requests should only in rare circumstances be an absolute requirement, and a lack of (engagement with) references is not a good reason to reject a paper. Lastly, I briefly discuss whether an author has reasons to provide references, and I argue that although there are special circumstances in which we ought to avoid referencing papers, there are strong reasons in favor of engaging with the literature. Hence there is an asymmetry between what the author has a reason to do in writing a paper and how reviewers and editors ought to evaluate it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials that provide dynamically tunable infrared (IR) response are important for many applications, including active camouflage and thermal management. However, current IR-tunable systems often exhibit limitations in mechanical properties or practicality of their tuning modalities, or require complex and costly fabrication methods. An additional challenge relates to providing compatibility between different spectral channels, such as allowing an object to be reversibly concealed in the IR without making it appear in the visible range. Here, we demonstrate that conducting polymer-cellulose papers, fabricated through a simple and cheap approach, can overcome such challenges. The papers exhibit IR properties that can be electrochemically tuned with large modulation (absolute emissivity modulation of 0.4) while maintaining largely constant response in the visible range. Owing to high ionic and electrical conductivity, the tuning of the top surface can be performed electrochemically from the other side of the paper even at tens of micrometer thicknesses, removing the need for overlaying electrode and electrolyte in the optical beam path. These features enabled a series of electrically tunable IR devices, where we focus on demonstrating dynamic radiative coolers, thermal camouflage, anti-counterfeiting tags, and grayscale IR displays. The conducting polymer-cellulose papers are sustainable, cheap, flexible and mechanically robust, providing a versatile materials platform for active and adaptive IR optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Home Literacy model predicts different outcomes depending on formal and informal literacy practices carried out at home. However, this model does not explicitly consider the potential differences that the media (paper vs. tablets) in which these practices are carried out can have on performance. The present study explored this issue. Participants were 136 children aged 6–7 years old and their parents. The different activities performed at home were analysed through reports of the parents, and children were assessed at school for their reading performance (decoding and comprehension). Results showed how formal practices using traditional materials predicted reading comprehension, but informal practices did not predict any performance measure. The digital home literacy environment showed no impact on reading performance, suggesting that two different environments (paper and digital) might exist, each one of them having differential impacts on performance. Implications for research and education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High bulk papers are attractive because they use less pulp but achieve properties suitable for applications in tissue, filters, and lightweight packaging. This study explores using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a low-cost and renewably-sourced cellulose derivative, as a surface modifier for mechanical pulps to enhance paper properties. Two application methods were investigated: (1) pre-treatment by adding HPMC to the pulp dispersion and (2) post-treatment by spraying HPMC solution onto paper. Both pre- and post-treated handsheets exhibited improved tensile index and bulk concurrently, which is rarely observed. HPMC adsorbed to the fibre surface spontaneously improving fibre–fibre bonds through polymer entanglement, which led to higher tensile properties. Higher bulk values resulted from preventing fibre collapse during drying (i.e., maintaining open fibre lumens), attributed to the surface activity of HPMC and reinforcement of the fibre cell wall (supported by reduced kinks and curl index upon HPMC adsorption). X-ray tomography showed non-collapsed fibres and symmetric structures in handsheets from fibres pre-treated with HPMC, also suggesting improved cell wall strength and fibres that resisted pressure gradients. These findings indicate that HPMC as a paper additive is a practical and sustainable approach to reinforcing paper products, offering an alternative to high energy refining and oxidizing agents. This approach challenges the traditional trade-off between tensile index and bulk in pulp refining, emphasizing the potential of HPMC as a "green" surface modifier to enhance the strength of bulky papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Current study aimed at valorizing carrot pomace (CP), an abundant waste from the juice industry. A water-soluble fraction of CP was separated from solid fraction of CP (SFCP) and employed as feedstock for producing fungal biomass (FB) in bench-scale bioreactors. FB combined with SFCP were used to develop mycelium-based papers (MBP) using the wet-laid method. The potential and capacity of FB, SFCP and MBP to remove dye (methylene blue) from wastewater was then investigated. The maximum achieved dye removal was 92% when using a mixture of SFCP and FB in their suspended forms. The MBP with the lowest density (549 kg/m3) reached 83% dye elimination. The findings of this study support the valorization of carrot pomace, through environmentally benign processes, to mycelium-based papers with potential application in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper- and paperboard-based materials are alternatives to petroleum-based plastics in food packaging but unsuitable for their poor moisture and oil resistance. In this sense, fluorinated compounds improve water and grease repellency, though their use is controversial. This Perspective discusses main techniques to combine fluorinated compounds with paper and paperboard, including water and oil contact angles and grease resistance values, and summarizes main legal aspects in Europe and the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present era of agricultural digitalization, documenting on-farm operations is critical. These records contextualize other layers of data and underpin economic analysis and informed decision-making. On-farm recordkeeping is rooted in an ancient tradition and has evolved from pen and paper to digital means integrating diverse tools and methods. These tools vary widely in mode of data recording and this presents challenges in achieving complete, accurate and interoperable data. Assessing this diversity of existing recordkeeping systems is a key step toward the improvement in recordkeeping systems that enhance data quality and interoperability. Despite the importance, as of present, comprehensive studies addressing this challenge are lacking. A systematic review of existing on-farm recordkeeping systems was carried out to address their advantages and weaknesses and to analyze their features and traits, focusing on interoperability and adherence to efficient and comprehensive on-farm recordkeeping. Paper-based recordkeeping, a longstanding and reliable method, is gradually being replaced by digital platforms. Many universities and agencies have released farm management spreadsheets and interactive database forms representing the initial step toward intuitive recordkeeping. Furthermore, farm management software, web apps, and user-friendly smartphone apps are increasingly crucial for handling agricultural big data. Notably, among the surveyed software packages and apps, most of them are not free and only a few support data interoperability. The survey also indicates a scope for further development in open-source tools with automation in recordkeeping. Adopting digital on-farm recordkeeping tools can positively impact both on and off the farm, fostering data interoperability, controlled yet flexible data access, completeness, and appropriate accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was performed over the modified cellulose filter paper via a simple filtration set-up. A plain cellulose filter paper was covalently functionalized by silane groups followed by Pd/C NPs. The adsorption-reduction took place completely for 30 min under neutral pH, at 25 °C, for 500 mg/L of Cr(VI) in the presence of formic acid. The best conditions for the reduction were achieved by an experimental design on Design-Expert 13.0.5.0 × 64 software. According to the kinetics studies, the reduction follows a pseudo-second-order kinetics. The positive value of ΔH indicates that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) by the adsorbent was endothermic. Also, negative ΔG indicates that the reaction is spontaneous. The obtained positive ΔS value also indicates an increase in disorder in the reduction and an increase in adsorption in the expected phase of solid and liquid during the adsorption process. Also, a deep study was conducted over the mechanism of the reduction, wherein a consecutive adsorption-reduction was suggested and the Pd sites and formic acid play a crucial role in the electron transfer and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions. The recyclability studies revealed that the filter paper could be reactivated and recycled several times without loss of catalytic activity, as well as physical quality of the filter paper in terms of swellability and shrinkage. Applicability of the filter was also studied on a real industrial wastewater, wherein Cr(VI) reduction/adsorption was carried out without the interference of other anions and cations. The results suggest that the catalytic filter paper can be effectively used in purification systems to reliably remove Cr(VI). A new approach has been developed for the efficient reduction of Cr(VI) based on an adsorption-reduction on a modified cellulose filter paper via fast filtration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A virus is a sub-microscopic infectious organism that causes diseases in humans, animals, and plants resulting in morbidity and may cause mortality. Proper diagnosis is necessary to initiate the treatment and pave the way to eradicate the viral infection. The current diagnostic kits for nucleic acid amplification assay, blood filtration, single-cell analysis are highly accurate, even though the procedure necessitates large sample volumes, complicated fabrication steps, time-consuming processes, and high costs. The filtration of viral samples from the blood is a tedious process. In this research, we have presented a home-based fabricated paper microfluidic chip to effectively filtrate viral particles from the sample to facilitate the nucleic acid amplification assay. The filtration analysis was exhibited for lateral and vertical flow paper chips fabricated via laser printing and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) encapsulation that circumvents the necessity of a traditional wax printer and hot plate. The results convey that the vertical flow paper chip with grade 4 inlet and outlet filters 98.57% of unnecessary particles from the sample. The paper-based microfluidic chip developed in this research is simple, easy to fabricate, and inexpensive to access in underdeveloped countries. The paper chip can pave the way for applications like lab-on-chip devices, POC assays, rapid nucleic acid amplification tests, cell cultures, and biomolecular research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper bookbindings have been disregarded for centuries by scholars since they were only considered temporary covering materials for manuscripts and books. Recently, there is a willingness to reconsider these bindings and to evaluate their role. Thanks to the collaboration with the Marciana National Library in Venice, which stores an impressive collection of 849 detached bindings, the current research provides a chemical-physical elucidation about the composition and the manufacture of paper bookbindings realized between the 16th and the eighteenth century in the Venetian area. A selection of bookbindings was analysed by the means of complementary methods (thickness measurements, Attenuated Total Reflection—Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) and X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)). Data evidence the presence of cellulose as the main component of paper pulp; hemicellulose and lignin were identified too, probably related to the presence of linen/hemp rags in the paper production. Gelatine was detected muck likely related to paper sizing; among inorganic additives CaCO3 was found in all samples. The presence of waxy material may be due to past undocumented conservation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have created a modern infrared (IR) sensor that is both super-sensitive and highly flexible. This remarkable device possesses impressive properties of exceptional sensitivity (24,000%), high responsiveness (1.25 A/W), and fast response time (3 ms). This innovation stands out for its unique construction: an ultrathin layer of lead sulfide (PbS) deposited on a standard Whatman filter paper. This design achieves a photo-current 32 times greater than previous record-holding PbS thin films. The key advantage is its unmatched flexibility. This sensor can bend and flex without breaking, maintaining its IR detection capabilities even after enduring extreme bending cycles. This breakthrough paves the way for a new era of wearable IR photo sensors, flexible electronics, and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is the largest renewable industrial substrate produced for various applications and can be recycled by disintegrating the fibers and reforming the paper. Paper and its fiber constituents lack functions such as electrical conductivity and papermaking itself has not been used for producing electronic devices. In this work, we show a potential industrially viable route for introducing cationic charges on the cellulose fibers and subsequently show how the adsorption of negatively charged ionically and electrically conductive materials onto these fibers from aqueous media can be applied at time scales relevant to industrial papermaking. This results in electroactive fibers, that can subsequently be used to prepare electroactive papers using standard papermaking procedures. Since fibers in the paper can selectively be coated with different active materials, various functions can be added into the paper. To demonstrate applications, we prepared electroactive papers using fibers with adsorbed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and conducting polymers. We achieved conductivity of 21 S/m with only 1wt% CNT. We also prepared papers with CNTs and black phosphorus, used as paper-based lithium, and sodium ion battery (free-standing) anodes. They delivered a specific capacity of 642 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 3500 cycles with 99.5% columbic efficiency. Furthermore, we recycled the papers, and as the disintegration of the fibers did not lead to removal of the ionic or electroactive materials from the fiber surface, the recycled papers showed similar electrical and mechanical properties to the original papers. This opens the path for recyclable paper-based electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a simple, low-temperature method to synthesize carbonized polymer nanosheets (CPNSs) using sodium alginate, a biopolymer derived from algae, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate. These nanosheets are produced through a solid-state pyrolysis at 180 °C, involving dehydration, cross-linking through phosphate ester bonds, and subsequent carbonization, forming 2D structured CPNSs. These synthesized CPNSs exhibit excellent bacterial adsorption capabilities, particularly against V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus. When applied to ordinary filter paper, the CPNS-modified paper efficiently filters bacteria from aquaculture water, removing over 98% of V. parahaemolyticus within two hours and maintaining effectiveness after 24 h. In contrast, control filter paper showed significantly reduced efficiency over the same period. Our filtration tests demonstrated enhanced survival rates for shrimp in aquaculture systems, highlighting the potential of CPNSs-modified filter paper as a suitable treatment to reduce the microbiological contamination levels in recirculating aquaculture systems in the event of a disease outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-in-water emulsions of different mass ratios of beeswax:chitosan (1:1, 3:1, and 5:1) in water were prepared using a high shear homogenizer for paper coating. The emulsions were analysed for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity, and creaming stability. The results showed that emulsions containing a 3:1 mass ratio of beeswax:chitosan were most stable with a minimum particle size (435 ± 18 nm), maximum zeta potential (− 33 ± 1 mV), and creaming stability (> 95%) during storage. Furthermore, kraft paper was coated with the emulsions, and its mechanical, and barrier properties were evaluated. The tensile and tear indices in the machine direction, burst index, folding endurance in the cross direction, and oil resistance significantly improved by 40%, 86%, 36%, 230%, and 220%, respectively. Compared with the control, the kraft paper coated with the most stable emulsions (3:1, beeswax:chitosan) showed a significant reduction in porosity (11%), water absorption (84%), and water vapour permeability (38%). The results suggested that the developed biocoatings can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic coatings, and the coated kraft paper can potentially be used in fast/oily food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of paper–polymer composite materials based on polystyrene and plant extracts of coniferous trees is described. The resulting bioplastics have increased resistance to biodegradation and are a promising basis for use as reinforcing polymer systems of cellulose-containing materials used for the production of packaging materials and special-purpose papers as part of electrical devices for various purposes. It has been shown that the inclusion of plant extracts makes it possible to improve the physical and mechanical properties of paper composites and ensure their resistance to biocorrosion. The conducted research makes it possible to expand the areas of application of paper materials and products based on them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of long-term information on the use of industry forest residues in Pinus taeda L plantations for purposes of enhancing sustainability. The study goal was to evaluate tree growth and nutrition, soil chemical properties, litter accumulation, and weed occurrence in a Pinus taeda L. system amended with alkaline residues from recycled paper. The residues were broadcasted at planting using different rates (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha−1) on a sandy soil with low fertility. Tree diameter and height along with soil chemical properties were monitored for 15 years. At 15 years samples of litter, weeds, and soil were collected for evaluation. Over 15 years of monitoring, no changes in tree growth or final yield were observed despite increased Ca and reduced Mn foliar tissue concentrations. Low Mg concentration in needles combined with symptoms resembling Mg deficiency and a high increase in Ca levels, suggest that this nutrient could be a limiting factor in tree response. At the same time, a reduction in weed mass with residue application was verified. Residue amendment increased soil Ca and attenuated acidity down to 60 cm after 15 years with the maximum effect on soil properties at ~ 13 years. Litter decreased from 36.2 (control) to 26.9 Mg ha−1 (highest rate) but increased Ca and diminished Al concentrations. The alkaline residue (rich in Ca) improved soil chemical properties at the surface and subsurface, decreased weed growth, increased Ca and reduced Mn in needles, but probably failed to increase tree yield due to an Mg deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharification of cellulosic material is crucial before utilizing it as the feedstock of fermentation processes. This study focuses on developing of robust catalysts for enzymatic hydrolysis of paper waste. Cellulase enzyme was immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) via multi-covalent bonds. Therefore, the attachments of MNPs were performed by three approaches (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) (Method I), polyethyleneimine (PEI) (Method II), and both monolayer molybdenum disulfide and PEI (MoS2-PEI) (Method III). The biocatalysts were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The immobilization yield and loading efficiency of cellulase were determined at 38.65% and 162 mg g−1 in Method I, 13.33% and 31 mg g−1 in Method II, and 14.38% and 33 mg g−1 in Method III. The specification of the biocatalysts was determined for the hydrolysis of filter paper, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose, and cellobiose. The total cellulase activity was 2.77, 0.943, 1.38, and 2.02 µmolGlucose mgEnzyme−1 h−1for free-cellulase and the immobilized biocatalysts prepared by Method I, II, and III, respectively. The prepared biocatalyst in Method I maintained 54.54% of its original activity after five cycles, which was more robust than Method II (20.25%) and Method III (12.33%). Further studies were performed on the saccharification of paper waste. The results showed the biocatalyst obtained by Method II resulted in 5.8 folds of higher glucose than the free-cellulase. The highest glucose recovery of about 72.47% was achieved after 48 h using the immobilized biocatalyst prepared by Method II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice straw is an agricultural by-product that is considered to have the potential to be processed into pulp and various kinds of its derivative products. Pulping condition is an essential prior step to isolate cellulose from fibers. In this study, atmospheric hot soda pulping (AHSP) and soda pulping (SP) methods were successfully used to manufacture pulp and paper from rice straw residues. Pulp modification using water-soluble chitosan was performed aimed at increasing the hydrophobicity of the pulp and paper. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results revealed an increased degree of crystallinity of pulp after both treatments compared to native rice straw. The significant effect of pulping process and chitosan concentration on paper hydrophobicity and its mechanical properties were conducted by performing ANOVA and Duncan tests. According to the statistical results, pulping types, chitosan concentration, and their interaction significantly affected the hydrophobicity but not the mechanical properties of paper (p < 0.05). The best hydrophobicity properties were obtained from AHSP 2% chitosan paper (water absorption of 24.23 ± 1.32% and contact angle (θe) 122.852 ± 0.268) while the best tensile properties of paper were obtained from SP 2% chitosan (tensile strength (S) 1401 N/m). However, the thermal stability was not affected by chitosan concentration. According to the micrographs by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) images, chitosan addition in the paper created changes in surface characteristics compared to the unmodified pulp possibly due to fiber–fiber and fine-fiber flocculation phenomenon Besides, the presence of chitosan can be seen in the N element of the EDS result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lot of attention has been paid to cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) due to their wide availability with a great potential to replace synthetic materials. The formation of CNCs from agricultural waste has numerous positive economic and environmental consequences. Cellulose nanocrystals were synthesized from pineapple leaf by acid hydrolysis and characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, etc. Different concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals (1%, 3%, and 5% w/w) reinforced gelatin-based bio-nano composite was coated on tissue paper. The optimized fibrogenic solution was infused with three different plant leaf extracts (Banana leaf extract, Mantharai leaf extract, and Lotus leaf extract) used as an antimicrobial agent for hygienic tissue paper. Thickness, grammage, and bulk density analysis show the efficiency of the coating formation. The coated tissue paper shows increased mechanical properties and air permeability but significantly reduced water vapour permeability. Antimicrobial efficacy showed improved activity against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-2913), Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC-27853), and fungi Candida glabrata (NCYC 388). These results reveal the potential of cellulose materials to serve as accessible platforms for anti-infective or self-sterilizing materials against both bacteria and fungi. [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]

Paper-based electronics offer a simple and cost-effective means to fabricate reconfigurable devices. In response to the problem of fixed shape and single function of most antennas, which limits their applications, a reconfigurable paper-based metamaterial antenna with 2D and 3D forms is presented for tunable operating frequency. The proposed antenna consists of two square split resonant rings fed by a coplanar waveguide. The working frequency of the 2D antenna is adjusted by the length, width, and opening size of the internal open resonant ring. While the folding angle of the antenna turns from 0° to 90°, the operating frequency of the paper-based metamaterial antenna changes from 2.759 to 4.223 GHz. In terms of 3D form, an additional resonant peak is generated by bending the paper-based metamaterial antenna, thus further realizing dual-band antenna design. After a simple process flow, a series of proposed antennas are fabricated and evaluated. The simulated and measured results both demonstrate that the proposed antenna has a good performance in turning the working band. The environment-friendly nature and pliability of paper, as well as simple fabrication procedures, make paper-based metamaterial promising candidates for future green electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synergistic photocatalytic system based on Fe-based perovskite with persulfate was constructed for alkali lignin (AL) degradation in pulp and paper wastewater. The degradation performance and mechanism on AL were carried out under ambient temperature and pressure, accompanied by visible light irradiation. The results showed that the synergistic photocatalytic system exhibited much better performance on AL degradation than the single catalytic system. The degradation efficiency reached 73.5% under the optimal conditions and was constant at around 65% over the pH range from 2 to 8. A significant escalation of the AL degradation was observed at pH 10, reaching 80.1%. The photogenerated holes, 1O2 and SO4−·, generated by the system were involved in the degradation, and the holes played a dominant role. During the degradation process, the efficient promotion of cleavage events in lignin methoxy, β-O-4 bond, and benzene ring was observed. Consequently, the depolymerization process led to the generation of high-value compounds, namely p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin. Remarkably, the yields of the high-value compounds in the synergistic photocatalytic system were five times larger than those in the control. This study offered a viable method to activate persulfate for alkali lignin degradation and to achieve a mutually beneficial strategy for wastewater treatment and recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honesty of publications is fundamental in science. Unfortunately, science has an increasing fake paper problem with multiple cases having surfaced in recent years, even in renowned journals. There are companies, the so-called paper mills, which professionally fake research data and papers. However, there is no easy way to systematically identify these papers. Here, we show that scanning for exchanged authors in resubmissions is a simple approach to detect potential fake papers. We investigated 2056 withdrawn or rejected submissions to Naunyn–Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology (NSAP), 952 of which were subsequently published in other journals. In six cases, the stated authors of the final publications differed by more than two thirds from those named in the submission to NSAP. In four cases, they differed completely. Our results reveal that paper mills take advantage of the fact that journals are unaware of submissions to other journals. Consequently, papers can be submitted multiple times (even simultaneously), and authors can be replaced if they withdraw from their purchased authorship. We suggest that publishers collaborate with each other by sharing titles, authors, and abstracts of their submissions. Doing so would allow the detection of suspicious changes in the authorship of submitted and already published papers. Independently of such collaboration across publishers, every scientific journal can make an important contribution to the integrity of the scientific record by analyzing its own pool of withdrawn and rejected papers versus published papers according to the simple algorithm proposed in the present paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a spatial equilibrium problem for a pulp and paper supply chain network under the Emission Trading System (ETS) and the circular economy principles. The developed closed-loop supply chain model, based on the variational inequality theory, accounts for the forest deployment and the production of paper using both virgin pulp and recyclable paper waste in an area that is subject to the ETS. In addition, it considers the exchanges of virgin pulp, paper, recyclable and not-recyclable paper waste between this regulated area and geographical zones where no environmental policies apply. The aim of this paper is to investigate the ETS impacts on the pulp and paper industries located in an environmentally regulated area in terms of operating costs, production and trading volumes of the aforementioned commodities, and emissions generated. The case study focuses on the European pulp and paper companies, which are among the energy-intensive industries deemed to be exposed to the carbon leakage risk as a consequence of the ETS application. Sensitivity analyses on the carbon price value and on the trade flexibility are conducted. Our results show that the ETS implies additional costs for the European pulp and paper companies and induces them to resort more on imports of virgin pulp and paper from not-regulated zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of portable and cost-effective sensing system for Hg2+ quantitation is highly demanded for environmental monitoring. Herein, an on-site, rapid and portable smartphone readout device based Hg2+ sensing system integrating nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCDs) modified paper strip was proposed, and the physicochemical properties of NCDs were characterized by high resolution TEM, FTIR, UV–vis absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectral analysis. The modified paper strip was prepared via "ink-jet" printing technology and exhibits sensitive fluorescence response to Hg2+ with fluorescence color of bright blue (at the excitation/emission wavelength of 365/440 nm). This portable smartphone-based sensing platform is highly selective and sensitive to Hg2+ with the limit of detection (LOD) of 10.6 nM and the concentration range of 0–130 nM. In addition, the recoveries of tap water and local lake water were in the range of 89.4% to 109%. The cost-effective sensing system based on smartphone shows a great potential for trace amounts of Hg2+ monitoring in environmental water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oil spills are widespread and can cause devastating environmental consequences. Rapid oil identification is critical to find the origin of the spill, monitor the environment, and lead to informed mitigation measures. The current standard methods in oil spill identification are precise and reliable, but require extensive sample preparation, long instrument runs, and time-consuming data processing. Direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-ToF MS) has been employed to screen for spilled petroleum oils, with results obtained in mere hours. The present study introduced an innovative, simple, and fast oil sampling method using hydrophobic filter paper and demonstrated its compatibility with DART-ToF MS analysis. Motor oils, jet fuels, marine diesels, crude oils, intermediate fuel oils, heavy fuel oils, and diluted bitumen were collected using the filter paper sampling method. Classification models were constructed from the spectral data by heat map inspection followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). Oil slicks and weathered oil slicks were prepared from five oil types, and samples from each slick were collected using filter paper. Results: The filter paper technique allowed for effective oil sampling and data acquisition by DART-ToF MS for diluted source oils, oil slicks and weathered oil slicks. Classification via the constructed DAPC models indicated that the DART-ToF MS instrument in tandem with filter paper sampling and multivariate statistics can accurately identify common oil types, with significant improvement of sample collection and turnaround time. Conclusions: The promising classification results, simple sample collection, and rapid data analysis illustrate the potential use of hydrophobic filter paper and DART-ToF MS as tools in managing large scale oil spill emergency situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoxicillin, an antibacterial drug commonly used in food production, requires rapid and accurate detection due to its illegal usage and potential health risks. This study focuses on the development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensors using filter paper substrates coated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for the detection of amoxicillin. The Ag NPs were prepared by employing a chemical method, and their characteristics were analyzed through various techniques. The SERS substrates exhibited an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 10–12 M for amoxicillin, with a mean relative standard deviation (RSD) of 6.63% for repeated measurements. The experimental and simulated enhancement factors were determined as 4.044 × 104 and 2.996 × 104, respectively. These disposable, reproducible, and chemically stable substrates demonstrate great potential for SERS-based research and the development of highly sensitive biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) is chosen as a coating material on industrial Kraft paper substrates to impart a barrier against air, grease, and water. This is an excellent initiative to replace the existing non-biodegradable and petroleum-based coating materials used in many industrial products such as packaging and coated abrasives. In this study, the effect of the crystallinity of PLA on its barrier properties is evaluated. Initially, amorphous and semi-crystalline PLA (sc-PLA) are compared for properties such as coating weight, gloss, heat seal strength, air resistance, grease resistance, contact angle, water resistance, and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Sc-PLA is observed to show better barrier properties than its amorphous counterpart. To understand if the barrier properties imparted by a biodegradable coating material on Kraft paper will improve with an increase in crystallinity, sc-PLA is compared to a more crystalline biodegradable polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL). The results indicate that PCL shows compromised results with respect to sc-PLA as a barrier coating material. The theory behind this effect is discussed, and the two bio-based polymers, namely, PLA and PCL, are also comparatively evaluated against the conventionally used synthetic barrier coating materials, acrylic, and varnish, on identical paper substrates under identical process conditions. SEM and DSC analyses on amorphous PLA, sc-PLA, and PCL coatings are also conducted to decipher the microstructural traits of these macromolecules. Sc-PLA serves as an ideal barrier coating material on Kraft paper, and it possesses better hydrophobic properties than untreated, PCL-treated, acrylic-treated, or varnish-treated Kraft paper substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry generates vast quantities of paper sludge, posing significant environmental challenges due to its disposal in landfills or incineration. This study explores the potential of valorizing paper sludge by incorporating it into particleboard production. It aims to optimize sludge content and particle size to enhance board properties—a novel approach to waste management in the wood composites industry. Through systematic variation of sludge content (0–25%) and particle size (< 0.5 to > 2 mm), we assessed the mechanical and physical properties such as internal bond strength (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS). The findings indicate that incorporating paper sludge at moderate levels (5–15%) with optimized particle sizes (< 1 mm) significantly improves the mechanical properties of the particleboard, including increased IB, MOR, and MOE while reducing WA and TS. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further supported these results, revealing that higher-density boards with enhanced mechanical properties absorb less water, highlighting the interrelationship between structural integrity and moisture resistance. The PCA also identified thickness swelling as an independent factor, suggesting that while mechanical properties can be optimized, additional strategies are needed to control swelling. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that up to 15% paper sludge can be effectively used in particleboard production without compromising quality, provided particle size is carefully controlled. This approach not only offers a sustainable solution for managing paper sludge but also contributes to the development of eco-friendly composite materials, aligning with circular economy principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many animals, early-life decisions influence long-term fitness. Mantidflies are spider egg predators; their tiny larvae climb aboard spiders to find eggs, but little is known about how they find spiders. We tested the hypothesis that mantidfly larvae (Dicromantispa sayi) detect and respond to substrate-borne spider cues (e.g., silk and/or excreta). We presented larvae with filter paper exposed to different types of spiders (adult female, adult male, or juvenile Habronattus trimaculatus jumping spiders) versus a no-cue control. Larvae spent more time on filter paper with spider cues. We then tested the hypothesis that mantidflies make finer distinctions between spiders when given direct choices between these cues. Larvae did not discriminate between sexes but spent more time (and exhibited more phoretic behavior) on filter paper with female or male cues compared with juvenile cues. While this suggests that mantidflies actively seek out adult spiders, we also found that adult spiders were more active than juveniles and may have simply deposited more silk and excreta, providing a stronger cue to detect. We discuss these findings in the context of the risks and benefits of different spider hosts, and how early-life spider-searching strategies may shape a mantidfly's long-term fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was designed to explore the efficiency of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs)/bacterial cell assembly to biodegrade lignin and lignocellulose, decontaminate pulp and paper-contaminated wastewater and optimize lignin adsorption by Fe3O4 NPs. Water samples were collected from three paper and carton manufacturing companies, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Pseudomonas otitidis MCC10330, the most active and promising strain among 10 previously screened indigenous and exogenous isolates, was selected and decorated with magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles, that were prepared by the co-precipitation method, characterized and used to decontaminate paper and pulp effluent in a batch mode bioassay for 4 h. Fe3O4 NPs/bacterial cell assembly achieved the highest removals (64.1, 52.0, 54.3 and 66.6%) of TSS, COD, BOD, and Total Tannin and Lignin after 1, 4 and 4 h, reaching residual concentrations (RCs) of 322, 216, 112 and 7 mg/L, which are still slightly higher (5.35, 2.7 and 1.86-fold) than their maximum permissible limits (MPLs), respectively. RCs of pH, DO and TDS in the treated effluent are accepted for safe discharging. Maximum lignin adsorption and removal (82.14%) using Fe3O4 NPs was achieved at the optimized conditions (pH 6, Fe3O4 NPs dosage of 100 mg and 10 min contact time). Results confirmed that the proposed magnetite-coated Pseudomonas otitidis treatment system is highly efficient and recommended to treat the highly contaminated pulp and paper wastewater. Also, as far as we know, this integrated assemblage is the first time to be used as a novel, very promising, eco-friendly, renewable and economical biotechnological approach to minimize/eliminate the involved pollutants with the least running time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coating paper with cellulose micro/nanofibrils (CMF/CNF) can improve the performance of paper packaging. However, the cost of the process is high due to the significant energy consumption during the CMF/CNF production process, which can be reduced through pre-treatment of cellulosic fibers. The objective of this work was, therefore, to evaluate the performance of CMF/CNF subjected to accelerated carbonation with different concentrations of calcium hydroxide (5% and 10% m/m) as a paper coating for packaging production in terms of spreading properties of adhesives, air permeability, and water absorption. The CMF/CNF coating was able to fill pores contained in the papers, with the treatment with 10% carbonation (CMF/CNF 10%) being the one that adhered best to the surface. There was a reduction in surface roughness from 1.35 ± 0.53 μm (uncoated paper) to 0.72 ± 0.21 μm (CMF/CNF 10%). Similarly, air permeability in the coated treatments was decreased, indicating good barrier properties and possible CO2 absorption activity in the carbonated samples. Coated papers showed greater spreading of water, PVA, and PVOH. On the other hand, the Cobb value dropped from 41.55 ± 3.83 g m2 (uncoated paper) to 26.26 ± 2.36 g m2 (CMF/CNF 10%). CMF/CNF subjected to pre-treatment with accelerated carbonation have the potential for use as a coating material, being recommended for applications in food packaging and those that will be subjected to gluing/coating processes with other materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper sludge consists mainly of wet short cellulose fibers that are lost during papermaking and of residual chemicals used in the manufacturing process that remain dissolved in the water. Each ton of paper generates about 40–50 kg of dry sludge, of which 70% is primary sludge. Paper production, which exceeded 400 million tons globally in 2020, generates vast volumes of solid waste. Primary sludge is usually fiber-rich and hence suitable to be recycled back into the papermaking process. However, if the sludge is to be disposed of in landfills, sustainable practices must be developed in order to recover the fibers as they are valuable source for manufacturing high value-added products. This study investigates the valorization of paper sludge discarded by a filter paper manufacturer, with the purpose of producing cellulose acetate films for food packaging. The process involves recovering cellulose fibers from the sludge, purifying them and through acetylation reaction produce cellulose acetate films. FTIR spectra confirmed successful acetylation of fibers and also that acetyl groups reduced the hydrophilicity of cellulose—the contact angle was increased to over 80° from 50° in native cellulose. The films exhibited very good water barrier properties at both 50% and 90% relative humidity (RH). [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]

Research into alternative packaging materials is becoming more and more popular as a result of growing eco-friendly concerns regarding the usage of some petroleum-based polymeric packaging materials and coatings, as well as growing buyer demands for products with nutritious quality and extended shelf lives. Barrier coatings made of naturally renewable biopolymers can be applied to paper packing materials. These biopolymer coatings have the potential to replace the current synthetic paper and paperboard coatings, are strong oxygen and oil barriers, and may prevent the unintended moisture transfer in food goods. An appealing method of controlling the growth and spread of microorganisms in food packaging is the integration of antimicrobial compounds into coatings to create active/functional paper-based packaging materials. Here, in this review of the oxygen/moisture barrier, mechanical, and other characteristics of paper coated with bio-based materials. Examples are used to discuss the current and future uses of bio-based material coatings on paper packaging materials to improve barrier performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scitility’s tool Argos identifies work whose authors have a record of misconduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanochromic photonic crystals are attractive due to their force-dependent structural colors; however, showing unrecordable color and unsatisfied performances, which significantly limits their development and expansion toward advanced applications. Here, a thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystal with a multicolor recordability-erasability was fabricated by combining non-close-packing mechanochromic photonic crystals and phase-change materials. Multicolor recordability is realized by pressing thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals to obtain target colors over the phase-change temperature followed by fixing the target colors and deformed configuration at room temperature. The stable recorded color can be erased and reconfigured by simply heating and similar color-recording procedures respectively due to the thermoswitchable on-off mechanochromism of thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals along with solid-gel phase transition. These thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystals are ideal rewritable papers for ink-freely achieving multicolor patterns with high resolution, difficult for conventional photonic papers. This work offers a perspective for designing color-recordable/erasable and other stimulus-switchable materials with advanced applications. Mechanochromic photonic crystals are extremely attractive due to their force-dependent structural colors yet are limited by unrecordable color and unsatisfactory performances. Here, the authors report a thermal-responsive mechanochromic photonic crystal with multicolor recordability-erasability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is crucial to develop high porosity and permeability carbon fiber paper for improving the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Herein, Porous carbon paper with gradient structure (GCP) was prepared by the process of impregnation with a solution of phenolic resin /carbon black composites, overlayer molding, carbonization and graphitization. Specially, conductive carbon black was modified by silane coupling agent (KH-550) and in-situ polymerization with phenolic resin to improve its dispersion uniformity. The microstructure, porosity, gas permeability, electric resistance and mechanic properties of the as-prepared GCP are characterized. The resultant GCP has a gradual transition of porosity from bottom layer to top layer, which constitutes diffusion channels conducive to the transport of gas and liquid. In addition, GCP exhibits superior gas permeability, conductivity, corrosion resistance and tensile strength over commercial carbon paper (CCP). It has potential application prospects for further improving the performance of fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the English language, when a sentence contains all letters of the alphabet, such as "The/A quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog", this is known as a pangram. Curiously, despite its odd meaning, this fox-dog pangram has found practical usage in some applications, mainly in text typography related to computer graphics, in linguistics, as a writing tutorial, or for testing computer keyboards. Even more curiously, it has been detected as a residual of template text in some academic papers. This unique linguistic curiosity was examined by screening Scopus and Web of Science, as well as Google Scholar from 2019–2023, to appreciate its practical use, as well as to assess whether there were any cases of residual template text, the main target of this exercise. In the latter case, this letter advocates for the removal of this residual text, in the form of a literary correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera L.) is a valuable source of woody forage that can be used for ruminants, such as goat and lambs. However, there is limited knowledge about how paper mulberry silage affects carcass characteristics, meat physicochemical attributes, amino acid and unsaturated fatty acids in Hu lambs compared to alfalfa silage. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the impact of substituting alfalfa silage with paper mulberry silage on the slaughter performance, meat quality, free amino acid and fatty acid composition in muscles of Hu lambs. Results: Thirty 60-day-old male Hu lambs with 17.13 ± 0.26 kg body weight were randomly allocated into paper mulberry silage (30% of total mixed ration) and alfalfa silage (30% of total mixed ration) treatment, and the feeding trial lasted 70 days. The results indicated no significant differences in all measurements (P > 0.05). However, compared to the group fed with alfalfa silage, the group fed with paper mulberry silage exhibited a reduction in meat drip loss (P < 0.05) without any notable effect on meat nutrients (P > 0.05). Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that feeding paper mulberry silage led to decreased levels of certain bitter amino acids, such as valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the consumption of paper mulberry silage significantly augmented the levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly n6-polyunsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6, C20:3n6, C20:4n6, etc.), in meat. Conclusions: Substituting paper mulberry silage for alfalfa in the daily diet of Hu lambs not only has no detrimental effect on animal performance but also improves meat unsaturated fatty acid composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn stalk is employed as a raw material to produce tissue paper and glucose for biofuel. Corn stalk pulp has a high amount of fines which makes it a problematic material for paper making as well as tissue paper. In this study, pulp was produced from whole corn stalk by soda-anthraquinone process, which contained 32% fines, generated from the pith of the starting raw material. High fines content resulted the tissue paper to have low bulk, poor water absorbance, and swelling. The fines were separated from the pulp by fiber classifier. The fines-free pulp was used for tissue paper and fines were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase to produce glucose for bioethanol production. The bulk, water absorbency, and porosity of pulp sheets increased with the removal of fines from the whole pulp. One-stage enzymatic saccharification treatment using cellulase enzyme was evaluated for the conversion of cellulosic fines to monomeric sugars by varying treatment time, consistency, and pH. Maximum fines conversion was observed at a temperature of 40°C, 5.0 pH, and consistency of 6% for 6-h reaction. Efficacy of the cellulase activity was evaluated by measuring sugar yield and residual dry weight of fines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and monitoring hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels is crucial across various industries due to its potential health hazards at elevated concentrations. Hence, there's an urgent need for cost-effective, rapid, and straightforward analytical methods for H2O2 detection and monitoring. This study introduces a simple synthesis method for Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) (BaTiO3/MS) nanocomposite via mechanochemical means. The nanocomposite exhibits remarkable peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the oxidation of TMB (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H2O2. This catalytic reaction results in the formation of a blue-colored solution with an absorbance peak at 652 nm. The increase in absorbance, facilitated by the catalytic properties of BaTiO3/MS enables precise detection of H2O2 with a detection limit of 8.0 µM. Furthermore, a modified filter paper incorporating the nanocomposite and agarose gel with TMB was developed. The change in color intensity of the filter paper upon exposure to H2O2 was observed and quantified in terms of RGB (Red Green Blue) values using an Android smartphone-based software Color Meter as well as Windows-based software ImageJ. Both the programs gave nearly similar RGB values. This paper-based sensor eliminates the reliance on a UV-visible spectrophotometer, making it portable and user-friendly. This study presents a novel approach for optical and colorimetric detection, with the potential to advance sensing devices for various analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on novel tools for model-based development differs from a mere engineering task by not only developing a new tool, but by providing some form of evidence that it is effective. This is typically achieved by experimental evaluations. Following principles of good scientific practice, both the tool and the models used in the experiments should be made available along with a paper, aiming at the replicability of experimental results. We investigate to which degree recent research reporting on novel methods, techniques, or algorithms supporting model-based development with MATLAB/Simulink meets the requirements for replicability of experimental results. Our results from studying 65 research papers obtained through a systematic literature search are rather unsatisfactory. In a nutshell, we found that only 31% of the tools and 22% of the models used as experimental subjects are accessible. Given that both artifacts are needed for a replication study, only 9% of the tool evaluations presented in the examined papers can be classified to be replicable in principle. We found none of the experimental results presented in these papers to be fully replicable, and 6% partially replicable. Given that tools are still being listed among the major obstacles of a more widespread adoption of model-based principles in practice, we see this as an alarming signal. While we are convinced that this situation can only be improved as a community effort, this paper is meant to serve as starting point for discussion, based on the lessons learnt from our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]