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The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in the paper industry faces challenges in controlling and estimating Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) to improve monitoring and optimize the process under varying operational and environmental conditions. However, maintaining the COD content at the desired level becomes difficult due to constantly changing environmental conditions and stricter regulations. A common method in WWTP to remove organic COD is aeration treatment. For simulating the aeration process, Activated Sludge Model No.1 (ASM1) is a widely used tool, but it requires an abundance of influent COD concentration samples to estimate the effluent COD. Collecting these samples is costly both in terms of time and human resources. This study aims to use limited wastewater samples to generate artificial data for the ASM1 model using linear regression techniques. The objective is to reduce costs associated with COD concentration sample collections for a WWTP processing wastewater of a Finnish paper mill, while still providing reliable estimations for effluent COD over an extended period by identifying the optimal tuning parameters for the ASM1.

Abstract MXene is a promising energy storage material for miniaturized microbatteries and microsupercapacitors (MSCs). Despite its superior electrochemical performance, only a few studies have reported MXene‐based ultrahigh‐rate (>1000 mV s−1) on‐paper MSCs, mainly due to the reduced electrical conductance of MXene films deposited on paper. Herein, ultrahigh‐rate metal‐free on‐paper MSCs based on heterogeneous MXene/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)‐stack electrodes are fabricated through the combination of direct ink writing and femtosecond laser scribing. With a footprint area of only 20 mm2, the on‐paper MSCs exhibit excellent high‐rate capacitive behavior with an areal capacitance of 5.7 mF cm−2 and long cycle life (>95% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles) at a high scan rate of 1000 mV s−1, outperforming most of the present on‐paper MSCs. Furthermore, the heterogeneous MXene/PEDOT:PSS electrodes can interconnect individual MSCs into metal‐free on‐paper MSC arrays, which can also be simultaneously charged/discharged at 1000 mV s−1, showing scalable capacitive performance. The heterogeneous MXene/PEDOT:PSS stacks are a promising electrode structure for on‐paper MSCs to serve as ultrafast miniaturized energy storage components for emerging paper electronics.

Relevance. At present, the problem of soil pollution with heavy metals, which are accumulated in the body of animals and plants, causing various toxic effects, is especially acute. Despite the existence of various methods of reclamation of disturbed lands, as a rule, their application is inefficient or expensive, especially when it comes to abnormally high concentrations of heavy metals. Thus, an extremely urgent task is to find effective and inexpensive ways to recultivate lands contaminated with high concentrations of heavy metals. The article considers one of the promising areas for the reclamation of such lands using a mixture obtained from the accumulated waste of lignin-containing sediments from the pulp and paper industry of Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill as sorbents. Aim. To study and evaluate the effectiveness of using a mixture, which includes frozen lignin-containing sediments of Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill, as heavy metal sorbent. Methods. To assess the sorption efficiency of the obtained sorbent from the frozen sediments of sludge-lignin, the samples of anomalously contaminated soils were taken from the industrial site of the former battery plant "Vostsibelement", located in Svirsk, Irkutsk region. To determine the surface structure of the obtained sorbent for the presence of micro-, meso-, and macropores, its surface was surveyed using a JEOL two-beam system. IR spectroscopy was used to establish the types of bonds between the sorbent and the extracted metals. Results. The studies have shown that the resulting sorbent from the frozen lignin-containing sediments of Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill has a porous structure with a predominance of mesopores, sorbing heavy metal ions, while a large number of micropores contributes to the occurrence of chemical sorption. The obtained IR spectra indicate the possibility of chemical sorption of lead as a result of the reaction of substitution of a hydrogen atom in various hydroxyl groups of the sorbent of the group of aromatic or carboxyl structures. At the same time, the resulting sorbent in terms of its sorption properties is not inferior to commercial natural sorbents – bentonite clay and grassroots peat. The conducted studies allow us to make a positive conclusion about the possibility of using the developed mixture as a sorbent for the immobilization of heavy metals during the reclamation of lands that are contaminated with high levels of heavy metals, including lead.

Writing a research paper is like telling a story of your journey, your discoveries, and your contributions to medical science. It's not something you rush through; it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Each section, from the introduction that sets the stage to the discussion that interprets your results, plays a crucial role. And when it comes to increasing citations and quality, publishing in reputable journals, writing clear and concise abstracts, and adhering to guidelines for reporting research studies are key factors to consider. How many of us are familiar with the reporting guidelines for various research studies, such as CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA, and COREQ? These guidelines provide valuable frameworks for writing different types of studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and qualitative research. As editors, we look for manuscripts that align with these principles, ensuring that each paper contributes meaningfully to the scientific community.

Abstract Objectives Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition (EUS‐TA) is used for pathological diagnosis and obtaining samples for molecular testing, facilitating the initiation of targeted therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, samples obtained via EUS‐TA are often insufficient, requiring more efforts to improve sampling adequacy for molecular testing. Therefore, this study investigated the use of oil blotting paper for formalin fixation of samples obtained via EUS‐TA. Methods This prospective study enrolled 42 patients who underwent EUS‐TA for pancreatic cancer between September 2020 and February 2022 at the Osaka International Cancer Institute. After a portion of each sample obtained via EUS‐TA was separated for routine histological evaluation, the residual samples were divided into filter paper and oil blotting paper groups for analysis. Accordingly, filter paper and oil blotting paper were used for the formalin fixation process. The total tissue, nuclear, and cytoplasm areas of each sample were quantitatively evaluated using virtual slides, and the specimen volume and histological diagnosis of each sample were evaluated by an expert pathologist. Results All cases were cytologically diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. The area ratios of the total tissue, nuclear, and cytoplasmic portions were significantly larger in the oil blotting paper group than in the filter paper group. The frequency of cases with large amount of tumor cells was significantly higher in the oil blotting paper group (33.3%) than in the filter paper group (11.9%) (p = 0.035). Conclusions Oil blotting paper can increase the sample volume obtained via EUS‐TA on glass slides and improve sampling adequacy for molecular testing.

Developing land use strategies to optimize carbon sinks and improve carbon footprints involves proposing efficient nature-based solutions that industries and businesses can implement while considering financial and legislative constraints. The pulp and paper industry is associated with significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, primarily due to the substantial carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint of its mills. Also, some forestry operations contribute to the release of carbon to the atmosphere in the form of CO2 and methane (CH4). Conversely, this industry could potentially be a significant ally in the fight against climate change by favoring forestry practices that reduce carbon emissions and increase its sequestration, namely, by adding value to industrial by-products (e.g., biosolids) instead of treating them as wastes and landfilling them. Notably, the pulp and paper industry has been seeking alternative uses of its by-products, such as fertilizers to maximize tree growth. In this paper, we identify opportunities and challenges that exist for the pulp and paper industry in regard to recycling industrial by-products to: 1) lower GHG emissions directly at the mill and 2) improve its GHG budget by increasing carbon sequestration in forests and plantations. We illustrate our analyses by describing a case study of a pulp and paper mill in southern Quebec, Canada, that uses its biosolids and other by-products as fertilizers. This case study highlights that this strategy could not only contribute to the reduction of GHGs but could also create added value and improve economic returns of forest operations.

The increase in energy valorization of paper sludge and biomass waste through incineration results in a rise in waste paper fly ash (WPFA), often perceived as hazardous and requiring specific treatment. In this study, natural carbonation technology at a pilot scale was employed to mitigate the hazardous nature of WPFA by enhancing the stabilization of metal and metalloid trace elements (MMTE), particularly barium (Ba) and lead (Pb) leaching. Natural carbonation of WPFA was found to be optimal at a water/solid ratio of 0.3 L/kg under natural temperature and humidity conditions. Batch leaching tests based on thermodynamic equilibrium were used to assess MMTE solubility concerning pH in both non-carbonated and carbonated WPFA at natural pH. After 7 days of natural carbonation, the leaching concentration of Ba and Pb was below the legal limit in France. The concentration of Ba and Pb in carbonated samples decreased by 98.5% and 98%, respectively. Analyses using thermogravimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy demonstrated the increased formation and quantity of calcite (CaCO3) with longer carbonation times, along with the formation of new minerals as BaCO3 and PbCO3, confirming the immobilization of these elements post-carbonation. The leaching behavior and release potential of carbonated WPFA were further evaluated using the four-stage sequential extraction procedure proposed by the European Commission’s Bureau of Reference (BCR). The speciation of Ba and Pb shifted significantly from the soluble substance (F1) at 17.6% and 14.8%, respectively, to the carbonate fraction (F2) at 0.49% and 0.02% after 90 days of carbonation. The percolation water collected during the carbonation process adheres to discharge standards into the sea.

Conventional techniques for sharing paper documents in teleconferencing tend to introduce two inconsistencies: 1) media inconsistency: a paper document is converted into a digital image on the remote site; 2) space inconsistency: a workspace deliberately inverts the partner’s handwriting to make a document easy to read. In this paper, we present a novel system that eliminates these inconsistencies. The media and space inconsistencies are resolved by reproducing a real paper document on a remote site and allowing a user to handover the paper document to a remote partner across a videoconferencing display. From a series of experiments, we found that reproducing a real paper document contributes to a higher sense of information sharing. We also found that handing over a document enhances a sense of space sharing, regardless of whether the document is digital or paper-based. These findings provide insights into designing systems for sharing paper documents across distances.

This comprehensive analysis delves into the multifaceted evolution of research concerning information and communication technology (ICT) within the dynamic landscape of education. Embracing the meta-analysis methodology, this study embarks on a detailed journey through the corpus of scientific literature devoted to exploring the intricate interplay between ICT and education. Covering a substantial temporal span from 2002 to 2022, this investigation meticulously scrutinises and synthesises a wealth of scholarly contributions, illuminating diverse dimensions of the integration of ICT and its impact in educational settings. The overarching objective is to discern not only the methodological nuances, but also the transformative potential and broader trends that underscore the nexus of ICT and education. With a keen focus on Lithuanian scholarly output, this analysis seeks to unravel the intricate tapestry of research endeavours, shedding light on the methodological paradigms, thematic trajectories, and empirical insights that have shaped the discourse surrounding the role of ICT in education over the past decade. At its core, this study aims to address a constellation of probing questions that lie at the heart of contemporary educational discourse. How has the research methodology pertaining to the application of ICT in education evolved over time? In what specific domains and subdomains of education are the contours of the influence of ICT most discernible, and what emergent themes and focal points have garnered scholarly attention? Furthermore, what demographic cohorts and educational stakeholders emerge as primary subjects of inquiry, and how do researchers navigate the complexities of data collection and analysis in elucidating the nuanced dynamics of ICT integration in educational contexts? Through a judicious blend of quantitative and qualitative analyses, this study embarks on an ambitious journey to unravel the intricate threads of inquiry that animate the discourse surrounding ICT in education. By adopting a mixed-method meta-analytical framework, this investigation offers a panoramic vista that spans thematic, temporal, methodological, and demographic dimensions, thereby affording a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted landscape of the integration of ICT in education. In traversing this expansive terrain of inquiry, this study aspires not only to illuminate the contours of past research endeavours, but also to chart a course for future inquiry and innovation in harnessing the transformative potential of ICT to enrich and enhance educational practices and outcomes. After analysing Lithuanian scientific works related to the application of ICT in the field of education, it is evident that quantitative methodologies are most commonly chosen for empirical research on this topic, while qualitative methodologies are less prevalent. In articles employing quantitative methodologies, prevalent themes relating to ICT include: competency, application, possibilities and experiences, virtual learning environments, users of these environments, development in education, usage habits, attitudes towards ICT tool usage, augmented reality technologies, ICT as a component of learning environments, computer usage at home, and incentive-based encouragement using ICT tools. In articles employing qualitative methodologies, prevalent themes relating to ICT include: values education, opportunities, the internet, incentive-based encouragement, virtual learning environments, cloud computing, and experiences of using ICT in the teaching and learning process. Mixed-methodology articles commonly focus on the pedagogical foundations of educational environments, virtual experiments, the engagement of education participants, skills development, adult education, the personalisation of teaching and learning, e-learning, the educational environment, and increasing motivation. The most frequently studied subjects in these articles are teachers, followed by students, with other participant groups such as education experts and support specialists being less common. Systematising the data collection instruments used in the scientific articles analysed revealed that questionnaires predominated, with interviews being chosen less frequently, and other types of instruments being rare. An analysis of the essential conclusions of the examined scientific articles reveals that positive experiences of using ICT in the field of education are significantly more prevalent than negative experiences.

Compounds was born in 2021 as an interdisciplinary journal with a clear vocation towards the scientific community and a tool to present its scientific achievements in an open access format that would allow a rapid and efficient dissemination of its scientific results in the field of chemistry [...]

In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a landmark report on oral health, emphasizing the staggering global prevalence of oral disorders, which affect approximately 3 [...]

Polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin (PAAE) is a permanent wet strength resin used in papermaking. When applied to paperboard, some amount of resin is retained in the sheet, and some is lost to the white water. The papermaker usually knows the amount of PAAE charged to the pulp but has no idea how much chemical is retained in the sheet. In addition, the influence of PAAE dosage, freeness, zeta potential, and pulp kappa number variability on PAAE retention is not well understood. Factorial design experiments using unbleached and bleached softwood (loblolly pine) kraft pulps were conducted to understand the factors that affect PAAE retention. The results revealed that PAAE retention, wet tear index, and tensile index not only depended on the PAAE charged of the pulp but also depended significantly on the pulp freeness. In lieu of freeness, zeta potential data can be used to predict PAAE retention. In addition, at similar freeness, bleached pulp has the highest retention of PAAE compared to low and high kappa unbleached kraft pulps. The results also suggest that lignin may have potential as a wet strength agent.

Polyamidoamine epichlorohydrin (PAAE) is a permanent wet strength resin used in papermaking. When applied to paperboard, some amount of resin is retained in the sheet, and some is lost to the white water. The papermaker usually knows the amount of PAAE charged to the pulp but has no idea how much chemical is retained in the sheet. In addition, the influence of PAAE dosage, freeness, zeta potential, and pulp kappa number variability on PAAE retention is not well understood. Factorial design experiments using unbleached and bleached softwood (loblolly pine) kraft pulps were conducted to understand the factors that affect PAAE retention. The results revealed that PAAE retention, wet tear index, and tensile index not only depended on the PAAE charged of the pulp but also depended significantly on the pulp freeness. In lieu of freeness, zeta potential data can be used to predict PAAE retention. In addition, at similar freeness, bleached pulp has the highest retention of PAAE compared to low and high kappa unbleached kraft pulps. The results also suggest that lignin may have potential as a wet strength agent.

Abstract Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) have been proposed to facilitate mechanistic understanding of interactions of chemicals/materials with biological systems. Each AOP starts with a molecular initiating event (MIE) and possibly ends with adverse outcome(s) (AOs) via a series of key events (KEs). So far, the interaction of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) with biomolecules, biomembranes, cells, and biological structures, in general, is not yet fully elucidated. There is also a huge lack of information on which AOPs are ENMs-relevant or -specific, despite numerous published data on toxicological endpoints they trigger, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. We propose to integrate related data and knowledge recently collected. Our approach combines the annotation of nanomaterials and their MIEs with ontology annotation to demonstrate how we can then query AOPs and biological pathway information for these materials. We conclude that a FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) representation of the ENM-MIE knowledge simplifies integration with other knowledge. Scientific contribution This study introduces a new database linking nanomaterial stressors to the first known MIE or KE. Second, it presents a reproducible workflow to analyze and summarize this knowledge. Third, this work extends the use of semantic web technologies to the field of nanoinformatics and nanosafety.

The aim of this third Eng Special Issue is to collect experimental and theoretical re-search relating to engineering science and technology [...]

Abstract Autistic individuals often experience a wide range of barriers and challenges with employment across their lifetime. Despite their strengths and abilities to contribute to the workforce, many individuals experience unemployment, underemployment and malemployment. However, current supports and services are often inadequate to meet their needs. To allow autistic people to achieve vocational success, we explore four contributors to employment and expand upon the issues and potential solutions to each. These positions include the importance of family support and its consideration in the application of vocational support interventions, addressing transitional needs for autistic youth, building employer capacity, and conducting research that advises the development of meaningful programs and policies. By advocating for these positions, we aim to foster greater inclusivity and support for individuals with ASD in the workplace.

Objective: It was aimed to emphasize the relationship between domestic violence and suicides by evaluating the cases referred to prepare a report due to domestic violence, suicide attempt and homicide. Methods: From 2014, when Muğla Training and Research Hospital Forensic Medicine Polyclinic was established, until the end of 2022, cases who applied to our polyclinic due to suicide attempt and domestic violence were analyzed separately. The records of the cases who applied due to suicide attempt and those who applied for domestic violence before/after the attempt were evaluated. Results: In the 9-year period between 2014-2022, a total of 14.821 reports were prepared in Muğla Training and Research Hospital Forensic Medicine Polyclinic, and 1.099 (7.4%) of them were reported due to domestic violence. In 763 (69.4%) cases reported due to domestic violence, the perpetrator was the spouse/partner, and in the remaining cases, the violence came from other domestic individuals. 686 (89.9%) cases of spousal/partner violence and 180 (53.6%) of cases of nonspousal/partner domestic violence belong to women.631 (4.2%) of the reports were due to suicide attempt, and 402 (63.7%) of them belonged to women. It was determined that 17 of the female cases who attempted suicide were reported due to violence by spouse/partner before/after the attempt, and in 19 (4.7%) of them, including domestic violence in 2 cases, by spouse/partner and other domestic individuals. In men, the number of cases in this group is 5, and the rate is 2.2%. Only 1 of them is spousal violence and the others are domestic violence. According to results obtained, the rate of suicide attempt in cases of spousal/partner violence was 2.2%, while the rate of suicide attempt was 6.8% in cases diagnosed with mental disorder due to spousal/partner violence. Conclusion: It has been suggested that detailed evaluation of both suicide attempters and victims of domestic violence will contribute to the solution of both social problems.

The incorporation of lime sludge from the paper and pulp industry for the manufacturing of clinker in the cement industry is considered a more environmentally friendly option which is not acceptable due to stricter environmental norms. The cement clinkerization in the raw mix designs by utilizing different dosages of lime sludge, ranging from 0 to 50 (per cent by weight), together with other raw materials like limestone, clay, bauxite, and laterite with Lime saturation factor-LSF in between 92.87 and 93.26, Silica Modulus-SM in between 2.19 and 2.37 and Alumina Modulus-AM in between 1.12 and 1.14. The estimated free lime (CaOf) and mineral phase analyses on all lab-fired clinkers at 1350 °C, 1400 °C, and 1450 °C were done by X-ray diffraction and the phases conform with optical microscopy. The clinker fired at 1450 °C has more alite (C3S) phase in the range of (37–59% by weight) and less free lime in the desirable limit. The cement prepared using this lab-fired clinker imparts desirable mechanical strength. Here, lime sludge was incorporated as a raw material in the design of the raw mix for Portland cement clinker production, and it was discovered that the quality of the produced cement was within OPC's acceptable range in the limiting of cement quality. This has diminished lime sludge in the environment although it is still possible to consider it an acceptable alternative to limestone.

Bamboo, a member of the grass family, is a fast growing and high yielding renewable resource. The popularity of bamboo has risen in recent times owing to its multifaceted and myriad of practical applications. There are unlimited uses of bamboo, therefore proper utilization of this beneficial resource will be useful to the industrial sector. This review provides a comprehensive summary regarding the potential of bamboo as a vital non-wood fibrous raw material for pulp, paper and other allied industries owing to its ability to conserve forests and foster sustainable economic development. Bamboo's abundance, renewability, mechanical strength, and other functional features make it an appealing and potential building biomaterial in the pursuit of sustainable raw materials needed for industrial development. This review provides an in-depth summary and unique perspective on the application of bamboo at a commercial scale in various sectors, thereby encouraging the utilization of this potential material towards environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Metalloid nanoparticles (MNPs) possess unique physicochemical properties but are challenging to create through biological or chemical routes. Using Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid (PLAL), Mg–C MNPs are fabricated from powders. The produced nanocolloids were ablated after the target was removed to tailor the particle size. MNPs with a mean size 300 nm could be reduced to 60 nm. Alternatively, MNPs with a mean size of 60 nm could be increased to 90 nm. The increase/decrease in size is controlled by the laser processing parameters and showcases the ability of PLAL for real-world applications that require meticulous control of size. The as-fabricated nanocolloids were successfully inkjet printed on paper, achieving a low resistivity of 75 Ω/square after 60 prints, highlighting their potential in printed electronics. To address a historical research gap, this article explored the impact of PLAL processing parameters, including fluence (1–2 J/cm2), pulse width (0.2–0.9 ns), repetition rate (10–20 kHz), and pH, factors often overlooked which is partly limiting applications. The influence of powder vs rod target on the PLAL process was addressed revealing that powders produce better size control and are easier to handle but they produce lower colloid concentrations.

The second issue of the Interdisciplinary Journal of Partnership Studies (IJPS) in 2024 celebrates the 10th anniversary of the journal. We honor the past by looking to the future. The theme of this issue is Building a Partnership World. For the anniversary issue we invite authors to imagine the partnership-based future that we are co-designing. We especially invite previous IJPS authors to describe the future that their cultural transformation work is helping to create. What will this future mean for education, agriculture, our cities, our governance? What will a partnership-based future mean for our children, for elders, for currently marginalized peoples, and for the rest of Nature? The submission deadline is September 15th, 2024. See the PDF for complete information.

The manuscript describes a technique for fabrication and validation of a standalone handheld optical biosensor designed for non-invasive monitoring of glucose through saliva. In this cost-effective process, a 3D-printed glucose test strip was filled with sieving paste comprising of cellulose, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and glycerol, onto which, glucose oxidase-peroxidase (GOD-POD) enzymes and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) chromogenic dye were co-immobilized. The enzymatic reaction produced H2O2 as by-product with which the ABTS reacted, leading to colour change on the detection zone of the strip which was detected by the developed glucometer. The in-house developed meter included an optically isolated section in its structure for inserting the strip to prevent interference from the ambient light conditions. The biosensor exhibited a broad detection range of 28–204 mg/dL of glucose concentration, with a sensitivity of 26.89 count/mg/dL and a limit of detection (LOD) at 28 mg/dL, within a response time of 120 s. The device along with strips was validated with clinical samples, comparing salivary glucose levels (SGL) to blood glucose levels (BGL) using a commercial glucometer i.e., Accu-Chek Active. Student's t-test on clinical data yielded p-values of 0.018, 0.01, 0.008, and 0.003 in fasting and post-prandial samples of non-diabetic and diabetic patients respectively, which represents a significant correlation. The device also passed Clarke's error grid analysis and is hence considered medically acceptable. The low-cost and simple-to-use saliva-based glucometer should be ideally suited for mass screening of diabetes as well as day-to-day health check-ups in a non-invasive and painless manner.

The sustainable use of natural resources is becoming an increasingly important issue today. Stone paper, produced as an alternative to cellulose-based paper from the forest, is rich in minerals and produced without cellulose and water. This study focuses on the behavior of screen-printing ink on two different papers, stone paper and coated sticker paper. Properties such as ink adhesion, rubbing resistance, optical printing ink density, ink consumption, and lightfastness were measured on these surfaces. Solvent- and UV-based inks were used, and printing was carried out on cellulose-based (coated sticker paper) and mineral-based (stone paper) paper layers using three different mesh counts (90, 120, and 140 tpc). The rubbing resistance and lightfastness of the papers were also measured. The present findings revealed that stone paper had the same printability properties as cellulose-based paper. The study concluded that using a 140 tpc mesh with both types of ink results in a high-lightfastness ink layer and lower ink consumption. UV-based inks exhibited high rub resistance across all mesh counts. Additionally, when printing with stone paper, there will be a reduction in ink consumption, thereby achieving cost savings. Based on the present findings, it was concluded that water- and oil-resistant stone paper can be considered an essential alternative in many fields, including the printing industry.

Inductive contact force sensors, known for their high precision and anti-interference capabilities, hold significant potential applications in fields such as wearable and medical monitoring devices. Most of the current research on inductive contact force sensors employed novel nanomaterials as sensitive elements to enhance their sensitivity and other performance characteristics. However, sensors developed through such methods typically involve complex preparation processes, high costs, and difficulty in biodegradation, which limit their further development. This article introduces a new flexible inductive contact force sensor using paper as a sensitive element. Paper inherently possesses micro- and nanostructures on its surface and interior, enabling it to sensitively convert changes in contact force into changes in displacement, making it suitable for use as the sensor’s sensitive element. Additionally, the advantages of paper also include its great flexibility, low cost, wide availability, and biodegradability. Performance testing on this flexible sensor showed good repeatability, hysteresis, sensitivity, and consistency. When used in experiments for monitoring human motion and respiration, this sensor also exhibited great detection performance. The proposed inductive paper-based flexible contact force sensor, with its simple structure, easy manufacturing process, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and good sensing performance, provides new insights into research for contact force sensors.

BackgroundReading medical papers is a challenging and time-consuming task for doctors, especially when the papers are long and complex. A tool that can help doctors efficiently process and understand medical papers is needed. ObjectiveThis study aims to critically assess and compare the comprehension capabilities of large language models (LLMs) in accurately and efficiently understanding medical research papers using the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist, which provides a standardized framework for evaluating key elements of observational study. MethodsThe study is a methodological type of research. The study aims to evaluate the understanding capabilities of new generative artificial intelligence tools in medical papers. A novel benchmark pipeline processed 50 medical research papers from PubMed, comparing the answers of 6 LLMs (GPT-3.5-Turbo, GPT-4-0613, GPT-4-1106, PaLM 2, Claude v1, and Gemini Pro) to the benchmark established by expert medical professors. Fifteen questions, derived from the STROBE checklist, assessed LLMs’ understanding of different sections of a research paper. ResultsLLMs exhibited varying performance, with GPT-3.5-Turbo achieving the highest percentage of correct answers (n=3916, 66.9%), followed by GPT-4-1106 (n=3837, 65.6%), PaLM 2 (n=3632, 62.1%), Claude v1 (n=2887, 58.3%), Gemini Pro (n=2878, 49.2%), and GPT-4-0613 (n=2580, 44.1%). Statistical analysis revealed statistically significant differences between LLMs (P

Plastic waste mismanagement is a pertinent environmental concern among developing countries. The Philippines has a significant plastic waste concern as the country is among the top emitters of plastic wastes to the ocean. To manage plastic wastes, the government enacted policies. resulting to paper carrying bags becoming a prominent alternative. Switching from one carrying bag to another, however, requires clear assessment on the environmental implications as environmental trade-offs can occur. To provide the needed clarity, this study assessed the environmental implications of plastic and paper carrying bags through a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. This study developed a model with the novelty of a) supply chain integration, b) augmented Environmental Design of Industrial Products (EDIP) impact assessment, and c) inventory categorization. From the augmented EDIP assessment, paper carrying bags had a single score impact of 0.73 whereas plastic carrying bags had a single score of 0.63. In terms of geographic emissions, this work revealed that paper carrying bags emit 50.28% of its emissions outside the country whereas plastic carrying bag emit 34.72%. Policy recommendations derived from the findings are provided in this paper. Recommendations include carbon capture and storage, green procurement, circular management, and waste management system improvement. Policy makers may infer from the recommendations in managing environmental issues from the use of carrying bags.

Money laundering and reverse money laundering, also known as terrorism financing, have emerged as critical issues in the 21st century, posing threats to security, economic stability, and the integrity of financial systems. This article explores the growing use of anonymous shell companies as a method for executing money laundering and reverse money laundering. It focuses on two key jurisdictions: the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (US).The research draws on case studies published by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, including the Panama Papers, FinCEN Files, and Pandora Papers. These case studies have prompted regulatory changes in beneficial ownership This study examines the practical implementation of laws, comparing the approaches of the UK and the US. It addresses the vulnerabilities revealed by the aforementioned case studies and assesses the actions taken by these countries in response to the leaks. The study evaluates the progress achieved in enhancing beneficial ownership regulations and reducing anonymity in shell company creation.In conclusion, this article provides insights and recommendations for future developments in this critical area.

To study the current response to space charge in oil–paper insulation, a simultaneous space charge and external current measurement system are developed for a solid–liquid sample. The space charge and external current of oil-immersed paper are tested under different applied voltages. In the oil–paper sample, it accumulates heterocharge at 0.25 kV and homocharge at a higher voltage. The external currents first decrease and then increase with time. The changing timepoint decreases with the applied voltage. It shows that dynamic space charge evolution influences external current development. An unusual phenomenon is observed that the charge on both electrodes increases without heterocharge accumulation in a certain time range after voltage application, resulting in an increase in the average electric field. The transient electric field and displacement current at the cathode are calculated according to the amount of surface charge at the cathode. It indicates that displacement current takes up the main part of external current and decreases to zero when the surface charge amount stops increasing. After this stage, the conduction current is almost equal to the external current. The correlation between conduction current and electric field is analyzed. It reveals that when the electric field is lower than 5 kV/mm, the conduction current of oil–paper seems to be linear to the electric field strength, following Ohm’s law. When the electric field is higher than 5 kV/mm, the conduction current of oil–paper follows the Fowler–Nordheim law that the ln(jc/E2) is linear to 1/E. The transient external current has great potential in diagnosing electrical equipment.

The exponential increase in the number of submissions, further accelerated by generative AI, and the decline in the availability of experts are burdening the peer review process. This has led to high unethical desk rejection rates, a growing appeal for the publication of unreviewed preprints, and a worrying proliferation of predatory journals. The idea of monetarily compensating peer reviewers has been around for many years; maybe, it is time to take it seriously as one way to save the peer review process. Here, I argue that paying reviewers, when done in a fair and transparent way, is a viable solution. Like the case of professional language editors, part-time or full-time professional reviewers, managed by universities or for-profit companies, can be an integral part of modern peer review. Being a professional reviewer could be financially attractive to retired senior researchers and to researchers who enjoy evaluating papers but are not motivated to do so for free. Moreover, not all produced research needs to go through peer review, and thus persuading researchers to limit submissions to their most novel and useful research could also help bring submission volumes to manageable levels. Overall, this paper reckons that the problem is not the peer review process per se but rather its function within an academic ecosystem dominated by an unhealthy culture of ‘publish or perish’. Instead of reforming the peer review process, academia has to look for better science dissemination schemes that promote collaboration over competition, engagement over judgement, and research quality and sustainability over quantity.

Human resources play an important role in the successful achievement of performance. Employee performance is the result of the work achieved by employees in a company. This study aims to investigate the impact of organizational culture, organizational commitment, and perceived organizational support on employee performance at a paper manufacturing plant. The descriptive data and SEM were analyzed using The Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) method. Data were collected from 107 respondents who participated in paper manufacturing plants (52 males (48.6%), 55 females (51.4%); MageMage= 38, SD = 8.4). The results showed that (1) organizational culture has a significant effect on employee performance (β = 0,533, p 0,05). (3) Perceived organizational support has no significant effect on employee performance (β = 0,039, p > 0.05). In this study, organizational commitment and perceived organizational support did not influence employee performance. Among employees, expectations for increasing organizational commitment and perceptions of organizational support for improving employee performance are still not high enough. The findings of this study highlight that organizational culture has the strongest influence compared to organizational commitment and perceived organizational support on employee performance. To improve employee performance, organizations can internalize cultural values through socialization activities, corporate culture training, and cultural rituals so that employee work behavior will develop, contributing to improved performance in the organization.

As water effluents are often highly contaminated with metals, having a quick and cost-effective method of analysis is crucial. This study used the supernatant derived from the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with Solanum mammosum to detect mercury, copper, and iron with a low-cost cellulose paper-based sensor and a rapid colorimetric method applying ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis). AgNPs in two precursor concentrations using silver nitrate, 1 mM (17.4 ± 9 nm) and 50 mM (and 22 ± 8.1 nm), were utilized to assess the efficacy of the analysis and removal of Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ from contaminated water. Cellulose paper-based sensor showed limits of detection (LODs) for Hg2+ of 2.46 and 123 μM using AgNPs at concentrations of 1 and 50 mM, respectively. For Cu2+, the LODs were 55 and 2750 μM, and for Fe3+, the LODs were 49 and 2470 μM using the respective concentrations. To differentiate and detect the cations with the naked eye, a potassium iodide and potassium ferrocyanide (1:1) aqueous solution was used, producing a yellow, pink, and blue color for Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+, respectively. Additionally, the titration curves of Hg2+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ were examined by UV–Vis using the supernatant liquid. The LODs for the UV–Vis method using AgNPs at a concentration of 1 mM were 1.50 μM for Hg2+, 10.7 μM for Cu2+, and 4.33 μM for Fe3+, while the LODs for AgNPs at 50 mM were 5.75, 27.6, and 15 μM for Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+, respectively. Furthermore, these nanoparticles were utilized to assess the efficacy of the removal of Hg2+, Cu2+, and Fe3+ from contaminated water. Removal efficiency with the solid 50 mM AgNPs was analyzed via flame absorption spectrophotometry; values over 95% were obtained for the three ions. The results underscore the effectiveness of a green synthesis approach to generating AgNPs, enabling efficient and economical cation analysis and water decontamination.

Self-management of long-term conditions requires health professionals to understand and develop capabilities that empower the population they serve. A rapid evidence review was undertaken to assess the current evidence based on the psychometric properties of patient empowerment tools. MEDLINE was searched, and data were extracted for each publication and scored using a modified Psychometric and Pragmatic Evidence Rating Scale (PAPERS) evidence rating scale. The results were grouped into the following domains: (a) health literacy; (b) patient activation; (c) long-term conditions; (d) self-management needs and behaviors. A full-text review of 65 publications led to the inclusion of 29 primary studies. The highest scoring tools were selected with respect to performance for each domain: (a) Newest Vital Sign and the Brief Health Literacy Screen; (b) Consumer Health Activation Index and PAM-13; (c) LTCQ and LTCQ8; and (d) SEMCD and Patient Enablement Instrument. PAPERS was a useful tool in determining the generalizability, validity, and reliability of these patient empowerment tools. However, further research is required to establish whether an individual's health literacy status influences patient empowerment tool outcomes.

Delirium is a common complication in acute stroke patients, occurring in 15–35% of all stroke unit admissions and is associated with prolonged hospital stay and a poor post-stroke prognosis. Managing delirium in acute stroke patients necessitates an intensive and multiprofessional therapeutic approach, placing a significant burden on healthcare staff. However, dedicated practical recommendations for delirium management developed for the population of acute stroke patients are lacking. For this purpose, the Austrian Stroke Society, in cooperation with the Austrian Society of Neurology, the Austrian Society of Neurorehabilitation, and the Austrian Society of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics has formulated an evidence-based position paper addressing the management of delirium in acute stroke patients. The paper outlines practical recommendations on the three pillars of care in stroke patients with delirium: (a) Key aspects of delirium prevention including stroke-specific delirium risk factors and delirium prediction scores are described. Moreover, a non-pharmacological delirium prevention bundle is presented. (b) The paper provides recommendations on timing and frequency of delirium screening to ensure early diagnosis of delirium in acute stroke patients. Moreover, it reports on the use of different delirium screening tools in stroke populations. (c) An overview of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment strategies in patients with delirium and acute stroke is presented and summarized as key recommendation statements.

Objective: To assess the feasibility of administrating an electronic and paper-based food insecurity screener among patients presenting to a stroke clinic during the study period. We aimed to ensure a consecutive sample for our retrospective analysis and evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of food insecurity in this population. Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with an initial telemedicine or in-person appointment to a stroke outpatient clinic between February 1 and July 31, 2021. Prior to their initial visit, patients were sent an electronic questionnaire to screen for food insecurity using the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign™ and to collect socio-demographic characteristics. Patients who were evaluated in-person were given a paper questionnaire if the electronic version was not completed upon clinic appointment. We collected data on patient demographics, screener completion rates, and the prevalence of food insecurity. The feasibility was evaluated by comparing the amount of missing data between electronic and paper-based screeners. Results: Among 406 adult stroke survivors, 365 (89.9 %) completed the food insecurity screener, with 234 (64.1 %) completing it electronically and 131 (35.9 %) by paper. Overall, 14.3 % of the stroke patients experienced food insecurity. A higher prevalence of food insecurity was observed among patients who completed paper-based compared to electronic questionnaires (21.4 % vs 10.2 %, p = 0.004). Hispanic patients were more likely to complete paper-based questionnaires (32.1 %) compared to electronic questionnaires (18.0 %, p = 0.011). Patients with a 12th grade education or less were more likely to complete paper-based (49.5 %) vs. electronic questionnaires (36.4 %, p = 0.029). Feasibility was evaluated by comparing the amount of missing data between the screener delivery modalities. A higher percentage of socio-demographic characteristics was missing in the paper-based questionnaires compared to electronic questionnaires (105.3 % vs. 14.11 %). Conclusions: Sample characteristics differ based on the mode of questionnaire delivery, suggesting that different screening modalities may be necessary to identify patients at the highest risk for food insecurity. Our study provides detailed insights into the feasibility of using electronic and paper-based screeners in a clinical setting, highlighting the importance of considering delivery methods in food insecurity assessments. It is important to note that the Spanish language electronic survey was only available during the last two months of the study, which may affect the findings regarding Hispanic patients' preference for paper surveys.

Abstract This study assessed the features of the 100 most-cited papers on diabetes mellitus (DM) in dentistry using bibliometric measures. A search of the most cited papers on DM using journals included in the category “Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Medicine” in the Web of Science database up to January 2023 was performed. The complete bibliographic records of the selected papers were exported in plain text or Research Information Systems (RIS) file format. The following bibliometric indicators were collected: title, year, authors, number of citations, mean number of citations, institution, country, continent, study design, journal, impact factor, and keywords. Graphical bibliometric networks were created using the VOSviewer software. The number of citations for the 100 most-cited papers in DM research ranged from 111 to 566. Six papers each had more than 400 citations. Most were observational studies (n = 50) from the United States (USA) (n = 23) and were published in the Journal of Periodontology (30%; n=30). Robert Genco was the most cited author and contributed the most to the top 100 articles (3,653 citations; n = 13). The VOSviewer map of co-authorship showed the existence of clusters in research collaboration. The most prolific institutions were the Universities of Buffalo and Michigan (n = 6 each). “Diabetes mellitus” was the most frequent keyword, with 31 occurrences. In conclusion, the most cited studies that investigated the relationship between dentistry and DM were in periodontology. Observational studies, primarily from the USA, have been the most cited thus far.

Abstract Adopting a scoping review method, we examined peer‐reviewed academic papers published about human–lion conflict (HLC) (including coexistence) and identified knowledge gaps. We searched papers published between January 1981 and December 2023 using academic databases, with the key terms African lion, human–lion conflict, human–lion coexistence, and human–lion interaction. This produced 485 records, reduced to 137 after using additional criteria. Ninety‐eight papers were focused on lions in Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. Ten pan‐African studies were identified in our review. Our inductive analysis identified four themes related to HLC: attitudes and perceptions toward lions, causes of HLC, consequences of HLC, and mitigating HLC. Some limitations identified in systematic reviews of human–wildlife conflict have been addressed in recent years, such as broadening the geographical scale of research. However, some knowledge gaps remain, including a lack of assessment of mitigation strategies and studies on climate changes impact on human–lion conflict. Addressing the knowledge gaps highlighted in this review will require diversifying the disciplinary composition of the research teams and increasing researcher reflexivity.

Digitized data is presented based on the 1966 and 1972 seminal papers by R. J. Bell and P. Dean, which in turn are based on a physical ball and stick model of vitreous silica. The original Bell and Dean paper supports the random network theory for glass structure proposed by Zachariasen in 1932. The data were collected and digitized by verifying the data set in the Appendix of the Bell and Dean paper. One error in location was corrected. The dataset provides a convenient method to determine specific information about bond locations and angles of silica and oxygen atoms if researchers want to test theories of glass structure or fracture in amorphous materials.

One of the most popular and well-established forms of payment in use today is paper money. Handling paper money might be challenging for those with vision impairments. Assistive technology has been reinventing itself throughout time to better serve the elderly and disabled people. To detect paper currency and extract other useful information from them, image processing techniques and other advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, etc., can be used. In this paper, we present a meticulously curated and comprehensive dataset named ‘NSTU-BDTAKA’ tailored for the simultaneous detection and recognition of a specific object of cultural significance - the Bangladeshi paper currency (in Bengali it is called ‘Taka’). This research aims to facilitate the development and evaluation of models for both taka detection and recognition tasks, offering a rich resource for researchers and practitioners alike. The dataset is divided into two distinct components: (i) taka detection, and (ii) taka recognition. The taka detection subset comprises 3,111 high-resolution images, each meticulously annotated with rectangular bounding boxes that encompass instances of the taka. These annotations serve as ground truth for training and validating object detection models, and we adopt the state-of-the-art YOLOv5 architecture for this purpose. In the taka recognition subset, the dataset has been extended to include a vast collection of 28,875 images, each showcasing various instances of the taka captured in diverse contexts and environments. The recognition dataset is designed to address the nuanced task of taka recognition providing researchers with a comprehensive set of images to train, validate, and test recognition models. This subset encompasses challenges such as variations in lighting, scale, orientation, and occlusion, further enhancing the robustness of developed recognition algorithms. The dataset NSTU-BDTAKA not only serves as a benchmark for taka detection and recognition but also fosters advancements in object detection and recognition methods that can be extrapolated to other cultural artifacts and objects. We envision that the dataset will catalyze research efforts in the field of computer vision, enabling the development of more accurate, robust, and efficient models for both detection and recognition tasks.

The high volatility of the terpenes contained in flavour-containing terpene (FCT) products causes the loss of these contents during product storage; thus, measuring the loss of FCT content during storage is important to estimate the final content. This work provides data on the reduction in FCT content of infused pre-rolled paper cones after 1 to 7 days of storage. Determination of FCT content was based on the formation of a reddish-brown precipitate resulting from the reaction of terpene moiety in FCT with sulphuric acid. Then, the absorbance of the precipitate was analysed using the UV-Vis Spectrophotometric method at a visible wavelength of 538 nm. A calibration standard curve was prepared concerning the concentration of the original FCT sample and used to determine the FCT content in infused pre-rolled paper. The FCT content on the first day of storage decreased and increased again after seven days of storage due to condensation. The data on the FCT content reduction as the effect of additive added was also evaluated.

Many neonates’ manifest hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice during the first week following birth because of bilirubin accumulation in the blood. Newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia develop neurotoxicity. Therefore, sensitive, accurate, cost-effective, and timely determination of bilirubin levels is highly desired. Herein, we present three simple systems of bilirubin assessment based on spectrophotometric, and digital imaging tools. Image-capturing devices pose a formidable challenge to sophisticated spectrophotometers and field-monitoring devices because of their simplicity and sensitivity. The first and second systems of bilirubin assessment, in solution, relied on spectrophotometric and conventional color responses of digital images collected with conventional or android smartphone camera, with LODs of 0.060–0.082 and LOQs of 0.200–0.273 ppm bilirubin. The third system utilized a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μ-PAD) that is patterned with a wax printer on Whatman grade-1 chromatographic papers, with linear calibration graphs of up to 2.70,s and LODs of 0.035–0.040 and LOQs of 0.117–0.133 μg bilirubin/μ-PAD.

Industrial production and domestic discharge produce a large amount of oily wastewater, which seriously affects the stability of the ecological environment. Membrane separation technology provides another path to treating oily wastewater. And appropriate surface modification of the membrane helps to achieve high efficiency of treating oily wastewater. With green, economy and stability been more concerned. The focal research reports a completely biodegradable all cellulose composite filter paper (ACCFP) composed of I-cellulose macrofibers and II-cellulose matrix. It is a simple one-step impregnation method to adjust the surface microstructure of the pristine filter paper (PFP), and it does not involve with chemical reaction. The pre-wetted ACCFP consist of II-cellulose hydrogel and I-cellulose reinforcement in the process of oil-water separation. This layer of hydrogel is the fundamental to underwater superoleophobicity, which determines their eligibility for applications of efficient oil-water mixture or oil-in-water (oil/water) emulsion separation. The separation efficiency of oil-water mixture and oil/water emulsion exceed 95% and 99.9%, respectively. In addition, excellent mechanical properties of ACCFP in dry and wet conditions ensure its stability in service and prolong service life in applications. The focal study provides a new method for high-performance oil-water separation and it is more in line with sustainable chemistry.

IntroductionTeenage parenthood presents multifaceted implications, affecting adolescent parents, their children, and extended families. Despite a decrease in teenage pregnancy rates across Europe, the phenomenon continues to present significant challenges, impacting not only the adolescent parents but also their offspring and extended families.MethodsA comprehensive literature review was conducted. Key factors influencing teenage pregnancies, including socioeconomic background, family structure, and access to sex education and contraception, were examined. This review was supplemented by expert opinions from the European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) and the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians (ECPCP).ResultsThe triad of mother, father, and child presents individual distinct healthcare needs and vulnerabilities, highlighting the importance of specialized support and healthcare. This paper explores the psychological, social, and educational repercussions of teenage parenthood on both parents and their children, including higher risks of postpartum depression, school dropout, and repeat pregnancies. Furthermore, it underscores the critical role that paediatricians and primary care providers play in supporting these young families.DiscussionThe position paper advocates for comprehensive care for adolescent parents and their children. It recommends preventive measures such as proper sex education and access to contraception to reduce unplanned teenage pregnancies. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for specialized healthcare and support for teenage parents to address their unique challenges and improve outcomes for both parents and their children.