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Packaging waste makes up more than 10% of the landfilled waste in the United States. While consumers often want to make environmentally friendly product choices, we find that their perceptions of the environmental friendliness of product packaging may systematically deviate from its objective environmental friendliness. Eight studies (N = 4,103) document the perceived environmental friendliness (PEF) bias whereby consumers judge plastic packaging with additional paper to be more environmentally friendly than identical plastic packaging without the paper. The PEF bias is driven by consumers' "paper = good, plastic = bad" beliefs and by proportional reasoning, wherein packaging with a greater paper-to-plastic proportion is judged as more environmentally friendly. We further show that the PEF bias impacts consumers' willingness to pay and product choice. Importantly, this bias can be mitigated by a "minimal packaging sticker" intervention, which increases the environmental friendliness perceptions of plastic-only packaging, rendering plastic-packaged products to be preferable to their plastic-plus-paper-packaged counterparts. This research contributes to the packaging literature in marketing and to research on sustainability while offering practical implications for managers and public policy officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene-, polyvinylidene chloride-, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-coated paper generate microplastics or fluorochemicals in the environment. Here, we report an approach for the development of oil-resistant papers using an environmentally friendly, fluorine-free, water-dispersible poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coating on kraft paper. Carboxylic-functionalized PDMS (PDMS-COOH) was synthesized and subsequently neutralized with ammonium bicarbonate to obtain a waterborne emulsion, which was then coated onto kraft paper. The water resistance of the coated paper was determined via Cobb60 measurements. The Cobb60 value was reduced to 2.70 ± 0.14 g/m2 as compared to 87.6 ± 5.1 g/m2 for uncoated paper, suggesting a remarkable improvement in water resistance. Similarly, oil resistance was found to be 12/12 on the kit test scale versus 0/12 for uncoated paper. In addition, the coated paper retained 70–90% of its inherent mechanical properties, and more importantly, the coated paper was recycled via pulp recovery using a standard protocol with a 91.1% yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-related research on paper products has focused on food packaging with less consideration on the presence of PFAS at different stages of the paper recycling chain. This study analysed the prevalence of PFAS in paper grades used for the manufacture of recycled paperboard. The presence of PFAS was attributed to the use of PFAS-containing additives, consumer usage, exposure to packed goods as well as contamination during mingling, sorting, collection, and recovery of paper recycling material. Q Orbitrap mass spectrometry was used to analyse the paper samples after accelerated solvent extraction and solid phase extraction. The distribution and possible propagation of 22 PFAS were determined in pre-consumer, retail and post-consumer paper products. Post-consumer samples had the highest combined average concentration (ΣPFAS) at 213 ng/g, while the ΣPFAS in retail (159 ng/g) and pre-consumer samples (121 ng/g) was detected at lower concentrations. This study showed that waste collection and recycling protocols may influence PFAS propagation and that measures must be developed to minimise and possibly eliminate exposure opportunities., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This research explores the challenges and limitations faced at the basic level for the recycling of paper in an academic institute. It focuses on encouraging recycled paper use rather than bringing traditional virgin paper to prevent the rate of deforestation for reducing global warming. Data was collected from the academic institute via questionnaire and on-site observation and found that the institute was producing approximately 16 tons of wastepaper in a year. Besides that, another purpose of this research is to estimate the energy and assess the environmental effect by using the life cycle assessment as a tool. The results of this study revealed that traditional virgin paper derived from wood proves to be costly and less environmentally friendly than recycled paper. It also revealed that Traditional virgin paper has greater global warming, human toxicity, smog, acidification, and eutrophication potential than recycled paper. This study concludes that recycled paper does not only prove economically beneficent for any institution, but also beneficial for environment as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis has become crucial due to their presence in the environment, their persistence and potential health risks. These compounds are commonly used in food contact materials (FCM) as a coating to provide water and grease-repellent properties. One of the pathways for PFAS to enter the human body is either through direct consumption of contaminated food or indirectly through migration from FCM into food. The purpose of this study was to investigate where the initial contamination of paper FCM occurs. We analysed paper material consisting of fresh fibre and secondary materials, intended to produce food packaging for the presence of PFAS. The samples were extracted and analysed for 23 different PFAS substances using the targeted approach with LC tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This analytical technique detects specific, easily ionisable PFAS with high sensitivity. However, one drawback of this approach is that it allows the identification of less than 1% of the PFAS known today. For this reason, we used combustion ion chromatography (CIC) to determine the content of extractable organic fluorine compounds (EOF) and compare it to the total fluorine content. The targeted analysis using LC-MS/MS measured an average sum concentration of PFAS of 0.17 ng g -1 sample. Our research shows that the primary PFAS contamination happens during the recycling process since all of the samples in which the targeted PFAS were measured belonged to the secondary material. The most frequently detected analytes were PFOA and PFOS, detected in 90% and 62% of the samples, respectively, followed by PFBS (in 29% of the samples). CIC showed that measured PFAS via LC-MS/MS amount to an average of 2.7 × 10 -4 % of total fluorine content, whereas the EOF was under the LOD in all of the measured samples. This result highlights the complexity of the accurate determination of PFAS compounds, displaying what kind of information the chosen methods provide.

Safe, accurate, and reliable analysis of urinary biomarkers is clinically important for early detection and monitoring of the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as it has become one of the world's most prevalent non-communicable diseases. However, current technologies for measuring urinary biomarkers are either time-consuming and limited to well-equipped hospitals or lack the necessary sensitivity for quantitative analysis and post a health risk to frontline practitioners. Here we report a robust paper-based dual functional biosensor, which is integrated with the clinical urine sampling vial, for the simultaneous and quantitative analysis of pH and glucose in urine. The pH sensor was fabricated by electrochemically depositing IrOx onto a paper substrate using optimised parameters, which enabled an ultrahigh sensitivity of 71.58 mV pH -1 . Glucose oxidase (GOx) was used in combination with an electrochemically deposited Prussian blue layer for the detection of glucose, and its performance was enhanced by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan, and graphite composites, achieving a sensitivity of 1.5 μA mM -1 . This dual function biosensor was validated using clinical urine samples, where a correlation coefficient of 0.96 for pH and 0.98 for glucose detection was achieved with commercial methods as references. More importantly, the urine sampling vial was kept sealed throughout the sample-to-result process, which minimised the health risk to frontline practitioners and simplified the diagnostic procedures. This diagnostic platform, therefore, holds high promise as a rapid, accurate, safe, and user-friendly point-of-care (POC) technology for the analysis of urinary biomarkers in frontline clinical settings.

The patterning of hydrophilic paper with hydrophobic materials has emerged as an interesting method for the fabrication of paper-based devices (PADs). Herein, we demonstrate a digitally automated, easy, low-cost, eco-friendly, and readily available method to create highly hydrophobic barriers on paper that can be promptly employed with PADs by simply using a bioink made with rosin, a commercially available natural resin obtained from conifer trees. The bioink can be easily delivered with the use of a ballpoint pen to produce water- and organic solvent-resistant barriers, showing superior properties when compared to other methods such as wax-printing or permanent markers. The approach enables the pen to be attached to a commercially available cutting printer to perform the semiautomated fabrication of hydrophobic barriers for PADs. With the aid of digitally controlled optimization, together with features of machine learning and design of experiments, we show a thorough investigation on the barrier strength that can be further adjusted to the desired application's needs. Then, we explored the barrier sturdiness across various uses, such as wide range aqueous pH sensing and the harsh acidic/organic conditions needed for the colorimetric detection of cholecalciferol.

We proposed a triple functional SERS substrate by immobilized Ag nanoparticles on the surface of filter paper. The high dense Ag nanoparticles were distributed on the SERS substrate via in-situ growth process. By optimizing the parameter in preparation process, the optimal filter paper SERS substrate was fabricated by using 30 mM of AgNO 3 with 20 S growth time. Due to capillary-effect wicking of cellulose fiber, the paper SERS substrate provide simple, fast and pump-free function for transferring analyte onto sharp tip through development of fluid. The fluid flow also brings target concentrate effect within the tip area. Furthermore, the separation feasibility was obtained during the development process of fluid. The preconcentrated effects not only enhanced the SERS signal of analyte, but also improve the fluorescence visible effect. The filter paper SERS substrate was successfully used for separating, concentrating and detecting Sudan dye from chili product, the detection limit could achieve 10 -6 M. This study developed a portable, cost-effective and eco-friendly SERS substrate for separating and detecting trace chemical in food., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Paper documents are an important carrier of information related to human civilization, with the reinforcement and protection of fragile paper documents being a key aspect of their protection. This research utilized amphoteric polyvinylamine polymer as a paper reinforcement agent, strengthening the Xuan paper commonly used in paper documents. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), solid-state 13C NMR, and other analytical methods were employed to compare the physical properties, micro-morphology, crystallinity, and aging resistance of the paper before and after reinforcement. Research was conducted on the effects of reinforcement, the aging resistance, and the effects on the fiber structure. The results indicate that polyethylenimine has a filling and bridging effect between the paper fibers. After treatment with polyethylenimine, there was a significant improvement in the folding endurance and tensile strength of the paper. Additionally, the paper maintains a good mechanical strength even after undergoing dry heat and humid aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deinking waste paper is done in various ways, and research on newer methods is also being done. Traditional deinking methods to remove ink from waste printing papers have a relatively high efficiency compared to contact methods, but in non-contact printing such as electrophotographic printing (LaserJet printers and photocopiers) due to Mixing of the ink with the paper texture during the stabilization of the ink with the help of high heat, the traditional deinking methods are less efficient and it is necessary to use newer methods. In this research, enzymatic deinking of office waste paper was done by a commercial cellulase enzyme in a neutral environment. 15 tests were conducted, and optical and printing properties including the paper were investigated. By measuring the reflection before and after printing and measuring the print density after printing, it was determined that the printability of deinked paper is within the desired range. Eric's number was 128 ppm for sample number 8 and 138 ppm for sample number 12, which has decreased compared to the control sample with an Eric number of 571 ppm. Measuring the reflection before and after printing and measuring the print density after printing, show that the printability of decomposed ink paper is in the desired range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of chlorinated derivatives of bisphenol S (Cl x -BPS) and BPS was investigated in nine types of paper products ( n = 125), including thermal paper, corrugated boxes, mail envelopes, newspapers, flyers, magazines, food contact paper, household paper, and business cards. BPS was found in all paper product samples, while Cl x -BPS were mainly found in thermal paper (from below the limit of detection (-1 ), corrugated box (-1 ), mailing envelope (-1 ), and newspaper (-1 ) samples. All samples with detectable Cl x -BPS concentrations contained a high concentration of BPS. Cl 1 -BPS was the most frequently detected analyte, followed by Cl 2 -BPS-2 (2-chloro-4-(3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol), Cl 2 -BPS-1 (2,6-dichloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfonylphenol), Cl 3 -BPS, and Cl 4 -BPS. The estimated daily intake of Cl x -BPS via dermal transfer upon handling of paper products was 0.546 and 16.4 ng per day for generally and occupationally exposed individuals, at the maximum concentration of 3.76 μg g -1 . Additionally, the potential toxicity of Cl x -BPS was predicted using an in silico tool, showing toxicity gradually increased with an increasing degree of chlorination of BPS. Thus, human exposure to Cl x -BPS through paper products should be given due attention as a health risk.

The pulp and paper industry is an important contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions 1,2 . Country-specific strategies are essential for the industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, given its vast heterogeneities across countries 3,4 . Here we develop a comprehensive bottom-up assessment of net greenhouse gas emissions of the domestic paper-related sectors for 30 major countries from 1961 to 2019-about 3.2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions from the same period 5 -and explore mitigation strategies through 2,160 scenarios covering key factors. Our results show substantial differences across countries in terms of historical emissions evolution trends and structure. All countries can achieve net-zero emissions for their pulp and paper industry by 2050, with a single measure for most developed countries and several measures for most developing countries. Except for energy-efficiency improvement and energy-system decarbonization, tropical developing countries with abundant forest resources should give priority to sustainable forest management, whereas other developing countries should pay more attention to enhancing methane capture rate and reducing recycling. These insights are crucial for developing net-zero strategies tailored to each country and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 for the pulp and paper industry., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

In this study, the potential of ultrafiltered xylano-pectinolytic enzymatic bleaching approach was investigated, for manufacturing wheat straw-based paper. The enzymatic step was found to be most effective, with xylanase-pectinase dose of 4-1.7 IU/g pulp and time period of 180 min. The absorption spectra of the pulp free filtrate samples obtained after treatment of the pulp with ultrafiltered enzymes showed the removal of more impurities, in comparison to the treatment with crude enzymes. Microscopic analysis also showed the removal of lignin impurities in enzymatically bleached pulp samples. This bleaching approach using enzymes resulted in 27% reduction in ClO 2 dose. Ultrafiltered enzymes treated pulp samples also showed improved quality-related parameters, and Gurley porosity, burst index, breaking length, double fold, tear index, and viscosity increased by 19.05, 13.70, 8.18, 29.27, 4.41, and 13.27%, respectively. The lignin content, TDS, TSS, BOD and COD values also decreased in the effluent samples obtained after enzymatic bleaching plus 73% chemical bleaching dose. The BOD and COD values of the effluent samples improved by 23.01 and 23.66%, respectively. Thus, indicating the potential of ultrafiltered xylano-pectinolytic enzymes in reducing pollution during bleaching of wheat straw. This is the first study, mentioning the efficacy of ultrafiltered enzymes in the bleaching of wheat straw-based paper with better optical-strength-related properties and effluent characteristics., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The pulp and paper industry plays an important role in the global economy and is inextricably linked to human life. Due to its large scale, the production process generates a large amount of wastewater, which poses a major threat to the environment. The sustainable utilization and safe treatment of pulp and paper wastewater can effectively reduce environmental pollution, improve resource utilization efficiency, protect water resources, provide economic benefits for pulp and paper enterprises, and thus promote the green and sustainable development of the pulp and paper industry. Therefore, this study discusses the pollution components of pulp and paper wastewater and their impact on the environment and human health. In this review, we aim to explore the sustainable development of pulp and paper wastewater by summarizing the characteristics of current pulp and paper wastewater, the commonly used treatment methods for pulp and paper wastewater, the application of pulp and paper wastewater recycling, and the future development direction of pulp and paper wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of the reporting practice and paper technologies like forms on reports that were later used for national morbidity statistics by studying the Swiss reporting system for infectious diseases between 1886 and 1921. Analysing the production processes of notifications shows the difficulties and solutions in the implementation of the statutory reporting process. Two disease outbreaks-a smallpox outbreak in Schaffhausen and a typhoid outbreak in the canton of Lucerne-serve as case studies. It is shown that reports are not only objective representations of diseases, but also symbolize the medico-social interactions that produce them, timed by administrative tools like reporting forms and the act of reporting. This destabilises historical statistics and illustrates the complexity of the historical source material, as these interactions and their impact on reporting must be considered. These findings are further supported by examining the Swiss reporting system during the Spanish flu of 1918 and its failure to record influenza cases., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

New biodegradable paper-based films are a hot research topic in the development of green agriculture. In this study, a black paper-based film coated with cooked tung oil with excellent mechanical properties, a hydrophobic surface, high heat transfer and strong weather resistance was prepared by spraying high-pigment carbon black solution on the surface of base paper. The results showed that the surface-solidified oil film had a rough structure produced via the brush coating process using cooked tung oil. The base film of the black paper had a given hydrophobic structure, and the contact angle reached 98.9°. Cooked tung oil permeates into the inside of the paper base, and after curing, it forms a multi-dimensional network film structure. The maximum tensile stress of the black paper base film is about 123% higher than that of the original paper base film. The coloring of carbon black gives the black paper base film a heat conduction effect, and the average heat transfer rate reaches 15.12 °C/s. Cooked tung oil is combined with the paper-based fiber high-toughness layer to form a stable system. The existence of a cured film improves the basic mechanics and hydrophobicity, and the resistance to ultraviolet radiation and hot air is greatly improved. This study provides a feasible scheme for the application of a black paper base film coated with cooked tung oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care providers worldwide are rapidly adopting electronic medical record (EMR) systems, replacing paper record-keeping systems. Despite numerous benefits to EMRs, the environmental emissions associated with medical record-keeping are unknown. Given the need for urgent climate action, understanding the carbon footprint of EMRs will assist in decarbonizing their adoption and use., Objective: We aimed to estimate and compare the environmental emissions associated with paper medical record-keeping and its replacement EMR system at a high-volume eye care facility in southern India., Methods: We conducted the life cycle assessment methodology per the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 14040 standard, with primary data supplied by the eye care facility. Data on the paper record-keeping system include the production, use, and disposal of paper and writing utensils in 2016. The EMR system was adopted at this location in 2018. Data on the EMR system include the allocated production and disposal of capital equipment (such as computers and routers); the production, use, and disposal of consumable goods like paper and writing utensils; and the electricity required to run the EMR system. We excluded built infrastructure and cooling loads (eg. buildings and ventilation) from both systems. We used sensitivity analyses to model the effects of practice variation and data uncertainty and Monte Carlo assessments to statistically compare the 2 systems, with and without renewable electricity sources., Results: This location's EMR system was found to emit substantially more greenhouse gases (GHGs) than their paper medical record system (195,000 kg carbon dioxide equivalents [CO 2 e] per year or 0.361 kg CO 2 e per patient visit compared with 20,800 kg CO 2 e per year or 0.037 kg CO 2 e per patient). However, sensitivity analyses show that the effect of electricity sources is a major factor in determining which record-keeping system emits fewer GHGs. If the study hospital sourced all electricity from renewable sources such as solar or wind power rather than the Indian electric grid, their EMR emissions would drop to 24,900 kg CO 2 e (0.046 kg CO 2 e per patient), a level comparable to the paper record-keeping system. Energy-efficient EMR equipment (such as computers and monitors) is the next largest factor impacting emissions, followed by equipment life spans. Multimedia Appendix 1 includes other emissions impact categories., Conclusions: The climate-changing emissions associated with an EMR system are heavily dependent on the sources of electricity. With a decarbonized electricity source, the EMR system's GHG emissions are on par with paper medical record-keeping, and decarbonized grids would likely have a much broader benefit to society. Though we found that the EMR system produced more emissions than a paper record-keeping system, this study does not account for potential expanded environmental gains from EMRs, including expanding access to care while reducing patient travel and operational efficiencies that can reduce unnecessary or redundant care., (©Cordelia Kwon, Lernik Essayei, Michael Spencer, Tom Etheridge, Rengaraj Venkatesh, Natrajan Vengadesan, Cassandra L Thiel. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 06.02.2024.)

Thermal printing technology requires a color developer to activate the dye under the action of heat. Bisphenol A (BPA) has traditionally been used for this purpose, although it has increasingly been replaced by bisphenol S (BPS) in recent years. Due to concerns regarding their toxicity, the Swiss authorities have banned both BPA and BPS from thermal papers since 2020. The impact of this regulatory decision was evaluated during 3 monitoring campaigns: in 2013-2014, 2019 and 2021. They were used to describe the starting point, the transition phase, and the status after entry into force of the ban, respectively. Whereas the use of BPA as color developer dropped from 82.2% in 2013/14 to 10.8% in 2021, the fraction of BPS-based thermal paper rose from 3.1% to 19.1% during the same period, despite being banned. However, Pergafast® 201 (PF201) is now the main color developer in thermal paper in Switzerland, with an occurrence of 60.3%. Other alternatives such as D-8, TGSA, PPSMU, NKK-1304, BPS-MAE, D-90 and Blue4est® have only been marginally detected. This study demonstrates the efficiency of the regulatory measure and the feasibility to substitute BPA in thermal papers with less-toxic alternatives., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In the field of book heritage, it is important to develop cleaning/disinfecting treatments that can slow down the degradation of paper to prevent evident and irreversible damage. The objectives of the cleaning treatments are to remove external contaminants and oxidation and decomposition products of the paper, but these processes must not modify the unique characteristics of the book heritage resulting in irreversible changes in the structure of the paper. Recently, several innovative cleaning treatments were developed with the aim of being minimally invasive; however, to assess the effect of these treatments on paper, it is necessary to use a diagnostic non-destructive, rapid, and affordable process. In previous work, we used surface scanning Raman spectroscopy to develop a diagnostic protocol able to follow the aging processes of the paper, discriminating between hydrolysis and oxidation. In this paper, we applied this protocol to study the action of different types of treatments (hydrogel and EUV irradiation), evaluating both their effectiveness and impact on paper parameters. The results reported here demonstrate that the developed in operando diagnostic procedure can follow the changes in the paper structure comparing them to the variability due to the intrinsic inhomogeneity of paper, without sample contact in a rapid and effective way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of our study was to determine the order in which science and health researchers read scientific papers, their reasons for doing so and the perceived difficulty and perceived importance of each section., Study Design and Setting: An online survey open to science and health academics and researchers distributed via existing research networks, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn., Results: Almost 90% of respondents self-declared to be experienced in reading research papers. 98.6% of the sample read the abstract first because it provides an overview of the paper and facilitates a decision on continuing to read on or not. Seventy-five percent perceived it to be the easiest to read and 62.4% perceived it to be very important (highest rank on a 5-point Likert scale). The majority of respondents did not read a paper in the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results And Discussion) format. Perceived difficulty and perceived importance influenced reading order., Conclusion: Science and health researchers do not typically read scientific and health research papers in IMRAD format. The more important a respondent perceives a section to be, the more likely they are to read it. The easier a section is perceived, the more likely it will be read. We present recommendations to those teaching the skill of writing scientific papers and reports., Competing Interests: The authors declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Shiely et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Obesity is a chronic and relapsing disease due to the coexistence of a patient with predisposing individual characteristics and an obesogenic environment. The recent acquisition of detailed knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the energetic homeostasis paved the way to more effective therapeutic hypotheses as compared to traditional treatments. Since obesity is a complex issue, it requires a multidisciplinary approach which is difficult to implement. However, new drugs appear promising. Currently, therapeutic success is discrete in the short term, but unsatisfying in the long term due to the high probability of body weight gain. Cardiologists play a key role in managing patients with obesity, but they are not used to manage them. The aim of this document is to summarize knowledge that clinicians need to have to appropriately manage these patients. The paper emphasizes the pivotal role of an appropriate relationship with the patient to embark on a successful treatment journey. We analyze the criteria commonly used to diagnose obesity and point out strengths and limitations of different criteria. Furthermore, we discuss the figure of the obesitologist and the role of the cardiologist. In addition, we report the main components of an effective therapeutic strategy, from educational questions to pharmacological options.

Scientific societies promote numerous activities, including the training of professionals. With the continuous growing of knowledge and the availability of new evidence in the cardiological field, the achievement and maintenance of knowledge and know-how is difficult. The evolving educational needs of professionals in cardiology have been analyzed during the 2023 ANMCO General States. Furthermore, the initiatives implemented to meet professionals' needs after the university medical training have been discussed. In this document, we report the main and most innovative training activities promoted by ANMCO, from distance training to simulation training, including courses for master's degree, training to and through clinical research and the potential role of teaching hospitals.

Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE) is not only an essential component of cancer rehabilitation, but also a pillar of preventive cardio-oncology. CORE is a comprehensive model based on a multitargeted approach and its efficacy has been widely documented; when compared to an "exercise only" program, comprehensive CORE demonstrates a better outcome. It involves nutritional counseling, psychological support and cardiovascular risk assessment, and it is directed to a very demanding population with a heavy burden of cardiovascular diseases driven by physical inactivity, cancer therapy-induced metabolic derangements and cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicities. Despite its usefulness, CORE is still underused in cancer patients and we are still at the dawning of remote models of rehabilitation (telerehabilitation). Not all cardio-oncology rehabilitation is created equal: a careful screening procedure to identify patients who will benefit the most from CORE and a multidisciplinary customized approach are mandatory to achieve a better outcome for cancer survivors throughout their cancer journey.The aim of this position paper is to provide an updated review of CORE not only for cardiologists dealing with this peculiar patient population, but also for oncologists, primary care providers, patients and caregivers. This multidisciplinary team should help cancer patients to maintain a healthy and active life before, during and after cancer treatment, in order to improve quality of life and to fight health inequities.

For over 40 years, clinical research has been one of the most important aims of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO), being an essential tool in pursuing promotion and fulfillment of good clinical practices in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of cardiovascular diseases. Since 1992, with the creation of the Research Center (now part of the Heart Care Foundation), ANMCO is capable of independently and professionally managing all the aspects related to planning, management, and publication of the results of clinical studies. The other strength of ANMCO is the network built in Cardiology Departments on the whole territory of Italy, a human capital that allows ANMCO to deal with the new scientific challenges, in a context of profound changes in the social, economic, technological, and methodological setting. This document is based on the debate about the state of clinical research in Italy and the role of ANMCO in this setting that took place during the 2023 ANMCO States General.

Technological innovation provides easily accessible tools capable of simplifying healthcare processes. Notably, digital technology application in the cardiology field can improve prognosis, reduce costs, and lead to an overall improvement in healthcare. The digitization of health data, with the use of electronic health records and of electronic health files in Italy, represents one of the fields of application of digital technologies in medicine. The 2023 States General of the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) provided an opportunity to focus attention on the potential benefits and critical issues associated with the implementation of the aforementioned digital tools, artificial intelligence, and telecardiology. This document summarizes key aspects that emerged during the event.

Paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PSI MS) has emerged as a notable method for the rapid analysis of biological samples. However, the typical cellulose-based paper tip is incompatible with protein detection due to the strong interaction between cellulose hydroxyl groups and proteins. In this study, we utilized a commercially available polyolefin-based synthetic paper, Teslin ® , as an alternative PSI substrate for simple protein analysis. We have named this method "droplet PSI" MS, as the aqueous protein solution droplet retains its shape on the Teslin ® paper tip. For droplet PSI, no further chemical pretreatment was necessary for the Teslin ® substrate; the only required preparation was shaping the Teslin ® paper into a triangular tip. In droplet PSI MS, protein ion signals were instantly detected from a protein solution droplet upon applying a spray solvent in situ along with high voltage (HV). When compared with conventional PSI MS, our method demonstrated superior sensitivity. The droplet PSI MS utilizing Teslin ® also showcased flexibility in real-time observation of protein alterations induced by an acid additive. Additionally, the effects of spray solvent composition and the application method were discussed.

A paper microfluidic device capable of conducting enzyme-linked assays is presented: a microfluidic enzyme-linked paper analytical device (μEL-PAD). The system exploits a wash-free sandwich coupling to form beads/analyte/enzyme complexes, which are subsequently added to the vertical flow device composed of wax-printed paper, waxed nitrocellulose membrane and absorbent/barrier layers. The nitrocellulose retains the bead complexes without disrupting the flow, enabling for an efficient washing step. The entrapped complexes then interact with the chromogenic substrate stored on the detection paper, generating a color change on it, quantified with an open-source smartphone software. This is a universal paper-based technology suitable for high-sensitivity quantification of many analytes, such as proteins or nucleic acids, with different enzyme-linked formats. Here, the potential of the μEL-PAD is demonstrated to detect DNA from Staphylococcus epidermidis. After generation of isothermally amplified genomic DNA from bacteria, Biotin/FITC-labeled products were analyzed with the μEL-PAD, exploiting streptavidin-coated beads and antiFITC-horseradish peroxidase. The μEL-PAD achieved a limit of detection (LOD) and quantification <10 genome copies/μL, these being at least 70- and 1000-fold lower, respectively, than a traditional lateral flow assay (LFA) exploiting immobilized streptavidin and antiFITC-gold nanoparticles. It is envisaged that the device will be a good option for low-cost, simple, quantitative, and sensitive paper-based point-of-care testing., (© 2023 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The mechanical properties for paper sheets composited with glucose (Glc), methyl cellulose (MC), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were investigated. The paper composites were prepared by immersing paper sheets in aqueous solutions of these materials and drying at 100 °C for 30 min. The stress–strain curves for these paper composites were measured by a uniaxial tensile apparatus with a stretching speed of 2 mm/min. The breaking stress and strain for untreated paper were 24 MPa and 0.016, respectively. The paper composites demonstrated stress–strain curves similar to the untreated paper; however, the breaking point largely differed for these composites. The breaking strain and breaking stress for the Glc composite slightly decreased and those for the MC composite gradually increased with the concentration of materials composited. Significant increases in the mechanical properties were observed for the CMC composite. The breaking stress, breaking strain, and breaking energy for the 3 wt.% CMC composite were 2.0-, 3.9-, and 8.0-fold higher than those for untreated paper, respectively. SEM photographs indicated that the CMC penetrated into the inner part of the paper. These results strongly suggest that the mechanical improvement for CMC composites can be understood as an enhancement of the bond strength between the paper fibrils by CMC, which acts as a bonding agent. It was also revealed that the breaking strain, breaking stress, and breaking energy for the CMC composites were at maximum at the first cycle and decreased gradually as the immersion cycles increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to predict a suitable paper substrate which has high capillary pressure with the tendency of subsequent fluid wrenching in onward direction for the fabrication of microfluidics device application. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment has been done on the WhatmanTM grade 1, WhatmanTM chromatography and nitrocellulose paper samples which are made by GE Healthcare Life Sciences. The structural characterization of paper samples for surface properties has been done by scanning electron microscope and ImageJ software. Identification of functional groups on the surface of samples has been done by Fourier transform infrared analysis. A finite elemental analysis has also been performed by using the "Multiphase Flow in Porous Media" module of the COMSOL Multiphysics tool which combines Darcy's law and Phase Transport in Porous Media interface. Findings: Experimentally, it has been concluded that the paper substrate for flexible microfluidic device application must have large number of internal (intra- and interfiber) pores with fewer void spaces (external pores) that have high capillary pressure to propel the fluid in onward direction with narrow paper fiber channel. Originality/value: Surface structure has a dynamic impact in paper substrate utilization in multiple applications such as paper manufacturing, printing process and microfluidics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many centuries, paper is the main material for recording cultural achievements all over the world. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is an essential analytical tool for the structural analysis of paper and pulp chemistry. This review article introduced recent technical and scientific reports in terms of IR spectroscopy in the paper science and application, where interest had increased during the last couple decades (2000–2022). Five parts were described according to the application of IR spectroscopy: the analysis of cellulose and its derivatives, estimation the date of documents, identification the origins of fiber or paper, specification the chemical and physical properties of paper, and characterization the new materials of paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten white-rot fungal isolates were evaluated for the decolorization potential of pulp and paper mill effluent. Trametes elegans PP17-06, Pseudolagarobasidium sp. PP17-33, and Microporus sp.2 PP17-20 showed the highest decolorization efficiencies between 42 and 54% in 5 d. To reveal the mechanisms involved in decolorization and assess the long-term performance, PP17-06, which showed the highest decolorization efficiency, was further investigated. It could reduce the ADMI color scale by 63.6% in 10 d. However, extending the treatment period for more than 10 d did not significantly enhance the decolorization efficiencies. The maximum MnP activity of 3.27 U L -1 was observed on the 6 d during the biodegradation. In comparison, laccase activities were low with the maximum activity of 0.38 U L -1 (24 d). No significant LiP activities were monitored during the experiment. Dead fungal biomass showed an optimum decolorization efficiency of 44.18% in 8 d employing the biosorption mechanism. No significant changes in the decolorization efficiency were observed after that, suggesting the equilibrium status was reached. These results revealed that PP17-06 has the potential to decolorize pulp and paper mill effluent by employing both biodegradation and biosorption processes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Though paper is an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic as a packaging material, it lacks antibacterial properties, and some papers have a low resistance to oil or water. In this study, a multifunctional paper-coating material was developed to reduce the use of plastic packaging and enhance paper performance. Natural cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with excellent properties were used as the base material for the coating. The CNCs were functionalized into dialdehyde CNCs (DACNCs) through periodate oxidation. The DACNCs were subsequently complexed using erythrosine as a photosensitizer to form an erythrosine–CNC composite (Ery-DACNCs) with photodynamic inactivation. The Ery-DACNCs achieved inactivations above 90% after 30 min of green light irradiation and above 85% after 60 min of white light irradiation (to simulate real-world lighting conditions), indicating photodynamic inactivation effects. The optimal parameters for a layer-by-layer dip coating of kraft paper with Ery-DACNCs were 4.5-wt% Ery-DACNCs and 15 coating layers. Compared to non-coated kraft paper and polyethylene-coated paper, the Ery-DACNC-coated paper exhibited enhanced mechanical properties (an increase of 28% in bursting strength). More than 90% of the bacteria were inactivated after 40 min of green light irradiation, and more than 80% were inactivated after 60 min of white light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of paper laser processing. It begins with the selection and examination of the processing parameters, then an examination of the properties of the modified papers and examples of applications of the developed modification method. The properties of laser-modified paper were studied using reflectance spectrophotometry to examine the colour aspects of the modified papers, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy for a morphological analysis, and Raman spectroscopy to analyse the papers under the influence of laser light. The influence of laser processing on the wettability of paper and the evenness of unprinted and printed paper was also investigated. The knowledge gained on paper surface modification with laser light was used to propose several applications, such as methods of marking, tactile detection, the controlled removal of optical brightener, ink, and metallised coatings from paper packaging, highlighting the design and aesthetics of paper. The developed laser-assisted method shows a promising, ecological approach to the design of many value-added paper products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores the materiality of Dutch blue paper (1650-1750), describing the methodology developed at the Moulin du Verger papermill (France). Starting from the visual examination of blue paper objects housed in the Rijksmuseum and the study of written sources, the group of researchers based their experiments at this 16th-century mill, equipped with traditional papermaking stampers, a Hollander cylinder and an immense drying loft. The experiments involved the dyeing and preparation of linen fibres with woad and indigo. The study of written sources revealed how scholars, traders and artists described "Dutch blue paper" and how it compared with its Venetian predecessor. The access to new raw materials (cotton, indigo, logwood) broadened the range of possibilities, while the introduction of the Hollander beater (ca. 1673) improved considerably the efficiency of Dutch papermakers who were able to produce faster and in greater quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition of paper cups creates a challenge for the recycling industry, as the paperboard--plastic film composite is hard to separate. Therefore, paper cups are sent to landfills or waste incinerators. This study explores the combined use of red worms (Eisenia fetida) and Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella) in the biodegradation of paper cups. The study investigates the conditions and combinations that promote using Eisenia fetida and Galleria mellonella for degrading paper cups. The study considered the influence of environmental temperature, the presence of food waste, varying the number of Eisenia fetida worms, and the presence of a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent on the degradation process. To achieve the study objectives, the study followed a quantitative approach. The study monitored the degradation of paper cup cuts that were placed in jars containing different combinations of Eisenia fetida worms, Galleria mellonella larvae, food waste, bedding material, and Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agents. The study found that the best operating temperature is 30°C. The study found that using food waste improves the performance of Eisenia fetida worms and Galleria mellonella larvae significantly. The study found that adding a Galleria mellonella growth-slowing agent slightly enhances the degradation of the paper cup. Finally, a numerical model was obtained to simulate the paper cup degradation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the fusing process in electrophotography has a significant impact not only on printing quality but also on machine internal temperature and toner blocking on outlet tray, accurate paper temperature prediction for various types of papers is essential, especially in the production printing. To develop the thermophysical model of fusing process to predict the paper temperature after the fusing process, thermal properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal contact resistance of several types of papers are necessary. However, paper is composed of complex fiber, surface coating, filler, and moisture, making it difficult to measure thermophysical properties of paper accurately. This work developed a machine learning (ML) model that can predict the thermophysical properties of paper based on a conventionally used 1D thermal network model of the fusing process and experiment results. The thermophysical properties of each paper obtained by ML and the thermophysical properties obtained by the conventional method were input to the thermal network model to predict the paper temperature after the fusing process and compared with the measured paper temperatures of the experiment. The results showed that the paper temperature was predicted with higher accuracy by using thermophysical properties obtained by ML than that by the conventional method. Although the method for predicting paper temperature by using only ML had been proposed, it had the disadvantage of requiring a large number of training experiments. In contrast, this method trained under the conditions of one fusing temperature and two printing speeds, and was able to predict under five fusing temperatures and four printing speeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is an ideal candidate for the development of new disposable diagnostic devices because it is a low-cost material, allows transport of the liquid on the device by capillary action, and is environmentally friendly. Today, colorimetric analysis is most often used as a detection method for rapid tests (test strips or lateral flow devices) but usually gives only qualitative results and is limited by a relatively high detection threshold. Here, we describe studies using fluorescence as a readout tool for paper-based diagnostics. We study how the optical readout is affected by light transmission, scattering, and fluorescence as a function of paper characteristics such as thickness (grammage), water content, autofluorescence, and paper type/composition. We show that paper-based fluorescence analysis allows better optical readout compared to that of nitrocellulose, which is currently the material of choice in colorimetric assays. To reduce the loss of analyte molecules (e.g., proteins) due to adsorption to the paper surface, we coat the paper fibers with a protein-repellent hydrogel. For this purpose, we use hydrophilic copolymers consisting of N , N -dimethyl acrylamide and a benzophenone-based cross-linker, which are photochemically transformed into a fiber-attached polymer hydrogel on the paper fiber surfaces in situ. We show that the combination of fluorescence detection and the use of a protein-repellent coating enables sensitive paper-based analysis. Finally, the success of the strategy is demonstrated by using a simple LFD application as an example.

Cash register receipts made of thermal paper expose workers and shoppers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and contaminate paper recycling streams. In 2022, 571 receipts were collected from retail stores in the United States and tested for developer chemicals using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The results were compared to a 2017 study of 167 receipts to determine changes in color developer use over time. Receipts were tested as-is and a subset were additionally subjected to a simple extraction that improved detection of receipt chemicals. Bisphenol S was the most frequently detected developer (85% of tested receipts), followed by Pergafast 201 (12%), bisphenol A (1%); and Appvion Alpha Free, D-8, and NKK-1304 (each below 1%). NKK-1304 is reported here for the first time in a scientific journal. The frequency of bisphenol A usage in receipts decreased and the frequency of bisphenol S and Pergafast 201 increased between 2017 and 2022, particularly among large companies. National retailers were more likely than regional or local retailers to have adopted non-bisphenol alternatives. Potential health and environmental hazards of the detected developer chemicals and strategies for reduction are discussed., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Point-of-care (POC) devices can provide inexpensive, practical, and expedited solutions for applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental monitoring. This work reports on the development of low-cost microfluidic substrates for POC systems suitable for analytical assays, while also satisfying the need for social and environmentally conscious practices regarding circular economy, waste reduction, and the use of local resources. Thus, an innovative greener process to extract cellulose from plants including abaca, cotton, kozo, linen, and sisal, originating from different places around the world, is developed, and then the corresponding paper substrates are obtained to serve as platforms for POC assays. Hydrophobic wax is used to delineate channels that are able to guide solutions into chambers where the colorimetric assay for total cholesterol quantification is carried out as a proof of concept. Morphological and physicochemical analyses are performed, including the evaluation of fiber diameter, shape and density, and mechanical and thermal properties, together with peel adhesion of the printed wax channels. Contact angle and capillary flow tests ascertain the suitability of the substrates for liquid assays and overall viability as low-cost, sustainable microfluidic substrates for POC applications.

Paper represents a potent but underexplored keyword for Victorian studies today. Not only is it the unacknowledged techno-material a priori of Victorian studies itself, but its histories also offer material connections that link literary texts, bureaucracy, and consumer culture to global ecologies and resource extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a biodegradable polymer, has been studied as a substitute for petroleum-based polymers used for barrier coating to improve the barrier and mechanical properties of paper. In this study, ethyl cellulose (EC), a cellulose derivative, was used to prepare a polymer blend for enhancing the barrier properties of PHB. The prepared PHB/EC blend was then applied as a paper coating material. Additionally, the barrier and mechanical properties of the PHB/EC blend-coated paper based on the PHB/EC mixing ratio and coating weight were analyzed. The results showed that the EC could act as a binder for the PHB/EC blendcoated paper. Consequently, the PHB/EC blend-coated paper exhibited significant improvements in mechanical and barrier properties, including a substantial increase of over 100% in internal bond strength, more than 20% in tensile strength, exceeding 60% enhancement in water resistance, and a remarkable increase of over 90% in air permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and cationic starch (CS) were evaluated as coating components relative to the physical and mechanical properties of fluting papersheets fabricated from recycled corrugated cardboard fibers. Fabricated fluting papers were subjected to size press applications by three different coating blends. Coating suspensions were prepared at various concentrations of CNF (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and 4 wt% CS, and the same amounts of CS/CNF. The paper sheets were fabricated using size press machine as three-time repetitive applications, followed by one-time drying section, and compared to uncoated, CScoated, and CNF-coated papers. The application of CNF suspensions increased tensile indices up to 11.7%. Moreover, CS/CNF suspensions resulted in a 67.2% increase in tensile index values. The coating of CS/CNF suspensions increased the burst index values by 163% at the CS+1%CNF concentration when compared to the control pulp. Surface application of prepared suspensions reduced the porosity of the samples under all conditions. The highest reduction in the air permeability was observed in the CS+4%CNF-coated samples as 91.5%. It can be concluded that the superficial applications of CNF on the physical and mechanical properties of recycled fluting paper was more effective in the presence of CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]