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In this work, we predicted the gradient of the deformational moisture dynamics in a sized commercial paper by observing the curl deformation in response to the one-sided water application. The deformational moisture is a part of the applied liquid which ends up in the fibers causing swelling and subsequent mechanical response of the entire fiber network structure. The adapted approach combines traditional experimental procedures, advanced machine learning techniques and continuum modeling to provide insights into the complex phenomenon relevant to ink-jet digital printing in which the sized and coated paper is often used, meaning that not all the applied moisture will reach the fibers. Key material properties including elasticity, plastic parameters, viscoelasticity, creep, moisture dependent behavior, along with hygroexpansion coefficients are identified through extensive testing, providing vital data for subsequent simulation using a continuum model. Two machine learning models, a Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) and a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), are probed in this study. Both models are trained using exclusively numerically generated moisture profile histories, showcasing the value of such data in contexts where experimental data acquisition is challenging. These two models are subsequently utilized to predict moisture profile history based on curl experimental measurements, with the RNN demonstrating superior accuracy due to its ability to account for temporal dependencies. The predicted moisture profiles are used as inputs for the continuum model to simulate the associated curl response comparing it to the experiment representing “never seen” data. The result of comparison shows highly predictive capability of the RNN. This study melds traditional experimental methods and innovative machine learning techniques, providing a robust technique for predicting moisture gradient dynamics that can be used for both optimizing the ink solution and paper structure to, QC 20231227

Objectives: Meningitis is a medical emergency, and it is crucial to diagnose it accurately and promptly in order to manage patients effectively. It would, therefore, be essential to introduce and have fast, accurate, and user-friendly methods to determine the cause of these infections. This study aimed to demonstrate a potentially cost-effective new approach for detecting meningitis using a paper-based vertical flow microarray, which could be useful in settings with limited resources. Methods: We describe a multiplex paper microarray for detecting Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Salmonella spp. by the passive vertical flow of PCR-amplified clinical samples. A multibiotinylated amplicon was obtained as a product of PCR in the presence of both a biotinylated primer and biotin-11-dUTP. An enhancement step based on an enzyme-free gold enhancement protocol was also used to facilitate visual detection. Results: This study showed that the vertical flow microarray (previously evaluated for one pathogen) can discriminately detect the amplification results down to the 102 copies of DNA limit for four meningitis pathogens in a multiplexed set-up. The study further demonstrated the ability of this device and setup to detect three of the four pathogens from clinical biosamples. Discussion: This study demonstrated the capacity of a vertical flow microarray device to detect amplification products for four prevalent meningitis pathogens in a multiplex format. The vertical flow microarray demonstrated consistent visualization of the expected gene amplification results; however, indicating limitations in the pre- and amplification steps. This study highlights the potential of this multiplexing method for diagnosing meningitis and other syndromic diseases caused by various pathogens, especially in resource-limited areas., QC 20240926

Extended reality (XR) enables both new opportunities but also introduces new barriers for inclusion in society. Furthermore, XR is less researched than web, desktop and mobile applications. This position paper presents the concept of an XR platform for inclusion, with the purpose to make people on the autism spectrum and with other disabilities, more independent of help from others in everyday life situations. Based on previous research, our position is that, through current and future XR technologies combined with civic and artificial intelligence, it is possible to create individually personalised support for this purpose, grounded in practice to ensure validation., QC 20240820

The use of household waste -derived materials for wastewater treatment has double environmental benefit due to the availability of simultaneous disposal of household waste and wastewater. In this work, we report the facile production of phosphorus -rich carbon from waste paper as a potential adsorbent for the disposal of uranium (VI)containing nuclear wastewater. A simple phosphoric acid activation -carbonization strategy is developed to effectively transform waste paper into carbon. The phosphorus content of the obtained carbon reaches 8.55 at% and large pores with sizes ranging from 2 to 100 nm are observed. Batch and column adsorption experiments verify that waste paper -derived carbon can efficiently adsorb uranium (VI) from aqueous solution under weakly acidic conditions. The maximum amount of uranium adsorption on the carbon attains 492 mg g -1 at pH 4.6, and adsorption of uranium (VI) on the carbon quickly reaches the equilibrium within 20 minutes. The distribution coefficient of uranium (VI) on waste paper -derived carbon is as high as 128 L g -1 . The carbon can be reused for five times with uranium (VI) adsorption efficiencies above 89% and can be used for dynamic adsorption of uranium (VI) in a fix -bed column. Kinetics, thermodynamics and DFT calculations reveal a surface complexation mechanism between uranium (VI) ion and ionized phosphoric acid group. Moreover, to avoid the generation of secondary polluted water during the treatment of uranium -containing nuclear wastewater, a water -saving method is developed for the adsorption preparation and a water -free combustion method is employed for the disposal of uranium -containing spent adsorbent instead of recycling. This study demonstrates the good application potential of household waste -derived materials in wastewater treatment and provides more clues for the amalgamation of multifold subjects., QC 20240524

OBJECTIVE: Comprehensive investigation of published work by authors suspected of academic misconduct can reveal further concerns. We aimed to test for data integrity concerns in papers published by an author with eight retracted articles. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the integrity of all papers reporting on prospective clinical studies by this author. We assessed the feasibility of study methods, baseline characteristics, and outcomes. We plotted the author's clinical research activity over time. We conducted pairwise comparisons of text, tables, and figures to identify duplicate publications, and checked for consistency between conference abstracts, interim analyses, trial registrations, and final papers. Where indicated, we recalculated p-values from the reported summary statistics. RESULTS: We identified 263 papers claiming to have enrolled 74,667 participants between January 2009 and July 2022, 190 (72%) of which reported on studies that recruited from the Assiut Women's Health Hospital in Assiut, Egypt. The number of active studies per month was greatest between 2016 and 2019, with 88 ongoing studies in May 2017. We found evidence of data integrity concerns in 130 (49%) papers, 43 (33%) of which contained concerns sufficient to suggest that they could not be based on data reliably collected from human participants. CONCLUSION: Our investigation finds evidence of widespread integrity concerns in the collected work of one author. We recommend that the involved journals collaborate in a formal investigation.

The amount of disposable nonwovens used today for different purposes have an impact on the plastic waste streams which is built up from several single-use products. A particular problem comes from nonwoven products with “hidden” plastic (such as cellulose mixed with synthetic fibers and/or plastic binders) where the consumers cannot see or expect plastic. We have here developed a sustainable binder based on natural components; wheat gluten (WG) and a polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) made from chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose and citric acid which can be used with cellulosic fibers, creating a fully biobased nonwoven product. The binder formed a stable dispersion that improved the mechanical properties of a model nonwoven. With WG added, both the dry and the wet strength of the impregnated nonwoven increased. In dry-state, PEC increased the tensile index with >30 % (from 22.5 to 30 Nm/g), and with WG, with 60 % (to 36 Nm/g). The corresponding increase in the wet strength was 250 % (from 8 to 28 Nm/g) and 300 % (to 32 Nm/g). The increased strength was explained as an enrichment of covalent bonds (ester and amide bonds) established during curing at 170 °C, confirmed by DNP NMR and infrared spectroscopy., QC 20231023

QC 20240715

Two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) materials have attracted extensive interest because of their superior electrical, optical, thermodynamic, and mechanical properties, which hold great potential in the development of flexible paper-based devices. The family of vdW materials is significantly diverse and their electronic features range from metallic to semiconducting and superconducting. This review covers the state-of-the-art research progress in the development of various vdW materials from fabrication to applications in paper-based electronics and optoelectronics. In particular, the promising applications of vdW materials integrated with paper as flexible mechanical sensors, environmental sensors, and photodetectors are highlighted. The remaining challenges and prospects related to paper-based devices with vdW materials are discussed. This review provides a comprehensive roadmap to inspire future breakthroughs. © 2023 The Authors

Using biobased polyelectrolytes to emulsify natural fatty molecules is one possible key technology to create sustainable materials. The emulsions can be used in papermaking instead of synthetic hydrophobizing agents or in nonwoven manufacturing to create strong, hydrophobic textile-like materials. This article investigates a novel emulsification system based on a polyelectrolyte complex between chitosan dissolved in citric acid and carboxymethyl cellulose together with sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil. Viscose nonwoven treated with the emulsion had a contact angle of over 120°. Tensile tests showed that the produced paper and nonwoven materials achieved high dry and, especially, high wet strength. Infrared spectroscopy illuminated the impact of heat curing the binder, and electron microscopy showed that the oil droplets from the emulsion were spread across the fibre surface. The results from this study enable sustainable nonwovens to be applied in areas where high dry and wet strength and water repellence are required; this includes outdoor applications, including agricultural mulch films, where nonwoven is used frequently and a sustainable approach is urgently needed to reduce the accumulation of plastics in the environment., QC 20230626

A noble-metal-free bifunctional electrocatalyst with outstanding activity and stability is of great importance for the development of rechargeable zinc-air batteries (ZABs). Herein, we employed a facile strategy to fabricate nitrogen-doped NiCo2O4 nanostructures on carbon paper as a binder-free air cathode for rechargeable ZABs. An optimized process of nitrogen plasma treatment has enhanced the electrical conductivity of the metal oxide and induced abundant active sites into the crystal structures, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic activities toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Notably, mild plasma treatment leads to efficient N doping while the morphology and specific surface area of the catalyst both remain unchanged. The air cathode with NiCo2O4 doped with nitrogen in 2 min plasma treatment and integrated into a zinc-air battery with liquid electrolyte provided a small charge-discharge voltage gap and distinguished cycling stability superior to the air cathode with noble-metal catalyst counterparts. Furthermore, the solid-state zinc-air battery with this material displays excellent stability with just a small increase of the charge-discharge voltage gap over 20 h of operation. This work illustrates the promising potential of plasma treatment in the fabrication of high-performance catalysts., QC 20230824

Developing chrome-free and sustainable tanning agents is extremely important to the sustainability of the leather industry. Herein, we have synthesized an Al-Zr-oligosaccharides tanning agent via a simultaneous degradation and oxidation of cellulose in waste paper. The influence of the temperature and the concentrations of AlCl3 and H2O2 during the synthesis were thoroughly investigated on the properties of the tanning agent and the leather produced. The synthesis temperature and the concentration of AlCl3 were the factors primarily affecting the effective depolymerization of cellulose. They controlled the conversion of waste paper into oligosaccharides with an appropriate molecular weight to efficiently penetrate the leather matrix. In parallel, the H2O2 concentration substantially influenced the tanning performance of the Al-Zr-oligosaccharides, diminishing the chromaticity of the tanning liquid via oxidation and promoting the conversion of C2/C3/C6-OH moieties into -CHO/-COOH. These functional groups increased the surface charge of the oligosaccharides allowing more effective coordination with Al/Zr, which facilitated the penetration of Al/Zr species into the leather matrix. Once inside the leather matrix, Al and Zr were released and reacted with the collagen fibers in leather, which resulted in effective leather tanning. The process optimization revealed that up to 57% of waste paper could be converted into a low-chromaticity (4350 AU) liquid hydrolysate with the synthesis conducted at 177 °C in a system comprising 47 mM AlCl3 and 5 vol% H2O2. The application of this liquid for tanning provided leather with a shrinkage temperature (86.5 °C) sufficiently high for commercial applications. These excellent results, combined with the intrinsic green nature of our approach, exemplify a step forward to simultaneously reduce pollution and hazards in leather industries giving a second life to waste paper.

The International Symposium on Andean Geodynamics (ISAG) is an international conference that was held, on average, every 3–4 years in different European cities between 1990 (Grenoble) and 2008 (Nice). These symposia usually offer an opportunity for researchers from Latin American countries and Europe as well as other countries to review the state of knowledge in geosciences on the Andes. After a long period without an edition, the 8th ISAG was organized for the first time in a Latin American country, Ecuador, from 24th to 26th September 2019. The organizing committee led by Pablo Samaniego relied heavily on the Instituto Geofísico of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), in particular through its office in Quito, and through the Laboratoire Mixte International in France and Ecuador: “Seismes et Volcans dans les Andes du Nord” (LMI-SVAN); and the French Embassy in Ecuador. Field trips in tectonics, seismotectonics and volcanology at emblematic sites in Ecuador were organized by researchers from the IRD (Isterre and LMV), the Institut de Radio Protection Nucléaire (IRSN), IG-EPN and the University of Geneva. Four invited speakers gave presentations: Peter Molnar (University of Boulder) on the mechanisms of the Andes uplift, Suzanne Kay (Cornell University) on its magmatism, Victor Ramos (University of Buenos Aires) on the scientific approaches developed through time for the Andean orogeny and Eric Calais (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris) on the difficulty of dialog between seismic risk specialists and the authorities in Haiti. The symposium also provided an opportunity for more than 250 participants to meet, with more than 80 oral presentations and over 150 posters. As a result of this conference, the Editor of the Journal of South American Earth Sciences proposed to the organizing committee to publish a special issue on the contours of these presentations. Following the peer review process, 19 papers ar

The co-combustion reactivity and kinetics of petroleum coke (PC) and paper sludge-derived hydrochar (PS) were investigated via thermogravimetric analysis. The physical and chemical structure features were also systemati-cally tested. The results show that the combustion process of PS could be divided into three stages, while for PC only one stage could be clarified. Due to high volatile content, developed pore structure and low carbon-order degree, the combustion reactivity of PS was higher than that of PC. Although the ignition property of the blends could be significantly improved by addition of PS, it changed little for the burnout temperature and as a result the combustion intensity was deteriorated. For the samples with addition of PS from 20 % to 80 %, the comprehensive combustion index decreased from 3.69 x 10-15 to 2.12 x 10-15. The Kissinger AkahiraSunose model-free method was used in the co-combustion reaction of PC and PS, and good fitting results were obtained. For different samples with varying addition of PS, the activation energies were in the range of 107.51-198.44 kJ/ mol, with the lowest value obtained at 20 % of PS, which was also the optimum proportion for co-combustion of PC and PS., QC 20221108

The processing of hierarchical porous zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) into a cellulose paper using sheet former Rapid-Kothen (R.K.) is reported. The procedure is a promising route to overcome a significant bottleneck towards applying metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in commercial products. ZIF-8 crystals were integrated into cellulose pulp (CP) or TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical)-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) following an in-situ or ex-situ process; the materials were denoted as CelloZIFPaper_In Situ and CelloZIFPaper_Ex Situ, respectively. The materials were applied as adsorbents to remove heavy metals from water, with adsorption capacities of 66.2-354.0 mg/g. CelloZIFPaper can also be used as a stand-alone working electrode for the selective sensing of toxic heavy metals, for instance, lead ions (Pb2+), using electrochemical-based methods with a limit of detection (LOD) of 8 mu M. The electrochemical measurements may advance 'Lab-onCelloZIFPaper' technologies for label-free detection of heavy metal ions., QC 20220815

A paper-based device (PAD) capable of colorimetric detection was developed to determine the presence of glutamate in various food samples. The PAD employs an enzymatic reaction with glutamate followed by an oxidation reaction with N-benzoyl leucomethylene blue (BLMB) in the presence of horseradish peroxidase. The designed PAD consists of a sample introduction zone connected to a channel that transports a sample solution to three detection zones. The detection zones contain pre-deposited reagents: glutamate oxidase, horseradish peroxidase, BLMB, a phosphate buffer, and poly(acrylic acid). The PAD is perpendicularly immersed into a sample solution and bent at a right angle using a 3D-printed holder to allow the sample to simultaneously flow into three different detection zones. When the PAD is immersed into a sample containing glutamate, glutamate oxidase produces hydrogen peroxide, which changes the pale blue color of BLMB to a deep blue color in the presence of horseradish peroxidase. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration curve between the logarithm of the glutamate concentrations and the color intensity was linear within a range of from 5 x 10(-6) mol L-1 to 10(-2) and with a correlation coefficient of 0.994. Using this system, the PAD successfully determined glutamate in soup stocks, sauces, snacks, and tomato juice without the need of complicated sample pretreatment. These results agreed with those of a commercially available glutamate assay kit, which was employed as a certification method (t(stat )= 1.95, t(crit )= 2.57). The developed PAD is simple, easy to fabricate, portable, and could be used outside of equipped laboratories to determine the presence of glutamate in food samples.

The International Symposium on Andean Geodynamics (ISAG) is an international conference that was held, on average, every 3–4 years in different European cities between 1990 (Grenoble) and 2008 (Nice). These symposia usually offer an opportunity for researchers from Latin American countries and Europe as well as other countries to review the state of knowledge in geosciences on the Andes. After a long period without an edition, the 8th ISAG was organized for the first time in a Latin American country, Ecuador, from 24th to 26th September 2019. The organizing committee led by Pablo Samaniego relied heavily on the Instituto Geofísico of the Escuela Politécnica Nacional (IG-EPN) and the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), in particular through its office in Quito, and through the Laboratoire Mixte International in France and Ecuador: “Seismes et Volcans dans les Andes du Nord” (LMI-SVAN); and the French Embassy in Ecuador. Field trips in tectonics, seismotectonics and volcanology at emblematic sites in Ecuador were organized by researchers from the IRD (Isterre and LMV), the Institut de Radio Protection Nucléaire (IRSN), IG-EPN and the University of Geneva. Four invited speakers gave presentations: Peter Molnar (University of Boulder) on the mechanisms of the Andes uplift, Suzanne Kay (Cornell University) on its magmatism, Victor Ramos (University of Buenos Aires) on the scientific approaches developed through time for the Andean orogeny and Eric Calais (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Paris) on the difficulty of dialog between seismic risk specialists and the authorities in Haiti. The symposium also provided an opportunity for more than 250 participants to meet, with more than 80 oral presentations and over 150 posters. As a result of this conference, the Editor of the Journal of South American Earth Sciences proposed to the organizing committee to publish a special issue on the contours of these presentations. Following the peer review process, 19 papers ar

The quality of healthcare services and outcomes in the Pacific vary widely, with some countries enjoying some of the world's longest life expectancies, others have high rates of maternal and child mortality and relatively low life expectancy. Nurses and midwives make up more than two thirds of the regional regulated healthcare workforce. This paper argues that if countries are to meet Universal Health Coverage nursing and midwifery leaders need to be explicitly involved in shaping policy at the highest levels of government to optimise individual and community health both now and in the future. Using United Nations 2019 declaration towards building a healthier world, this paper provides a rationale for inclusion of these leaders into national and regional decisionmaking forums related to health policy to provide an informed voice in ministerial deliberations on health policy. We suggest that following several comprehensive regional and global studies, South Pacific Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alliance and the newly developed Pacific Heads of Nurses and Midwifery provide a vehicle for this to occur. As outlined in the WHO Strategic Directions, it is now time to embed Chief Nurses in national and regional health policy development.

The quality of healthcare services and outcomes in the Pacific vary widely, with some countries enjoying some of the world's longest life expectancies, others have high rates of maternal and child mortality and relatively low life expectancy. Nurses and midwives make up more than two thirds of the regional regulated healthcare workforce. This paper argues that if countries are to meet Universal Health Coverage nursing and midwifery leaders need to be explicitly involved in shaping policy at the highest levels of government to optimise individual and community health both now and in the future. Using United Nations 2019 declaration towards building a healthier world, this paper provides a rationale for inclusion of these leaders into national and regional decisionmaking forums related to health policy to provide an informed voice in ministerial deliberations on health policy. We suggest that following several comprehensive regional and global studies, South Pacific Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alliance and the newly developed Pacific Heads of Nurses and Midwifery provide a vehicle for this to occur. As outlined in the WHO Strategic Directions, it is now time to embed Chief Nurses in national and regional health policy development.

The quality of healthcare services and outcomes in the Pacific vary widely, with some countries enjoying some of the world's longest life expectancies, others have high rates of maternal and child mortality and relatively low life expectancy. Nurses and midwives make up more than two thirds of the regional regulated healthcare workforce. This paper argues that if countries are to meet Universal Health Coverage nursing and midwifery leaders need to be explicitly involved in shaping policy at the highest levels of government to optimise individual and community health both now and in the future. Using United Nations 2019 declaration towards building a healthier world, this paper provides a rationale for inclusion of these leaders into national and regional decisionmaking forums related to health policy to provide an informed voice in ministerial deliberations on health policy. We suggest that following several comprehensive regional and global studies, South Pacific Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Alliance and the newly developed Pacific Heads of Nurses and Midwifery provide a vehicle for this to occur. As outlined in the WHO Strategic Directions, it is now time to embed Chief Nurses in national and regional health policy development.

Chemically-bonded nonwoven is commonly used in single-use products, and are often composed of cellulose fibers with a fossil-based binder. To reduce the amount of plastic littering, we investigated a biobased and biodegradable binder consisting of polyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose and citric acid. The binder significantly improved the mechanical properties of two different types of cellulosic fiber systems in both dry and wet states. The quality of the water used in the binder had a significant impact on the mechanical properties, especially in the dry state, indicating a beneficial effect by the presence of cations. It was shown that covalent bonds were formed during the low temperature drying, and that the amount of bonds increased with a high temperature curing. Electron microscopy and tensile data indicated that the binder acted as a joint between the fiber/fiber parts. The presented results enable a sustainable solution for the current plastic-based nonwoven industry., QC 20220926Svagan, Anna J. Alternativt namn =(Anna Hanner)

The blue economy concept has been discussed at high-level policy fora since the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Simultaneously, a burgeoning body of literature on the blue economy is emerging from academia. This scoping analysis uses data from journal articles and policy documents to provide a preliminary understanding of how small-scale fisheries in the blue economy are framed by academics and policymakers. We found that high-level policies include ideal proposals for fisheries and other ocean sectors, but in ways that suit industrial-scale fisheries and aquaculture more than small-scale fisheries. Academics highlight emerging uncertainties for small-scale fisheries. The review points out differences between small-scale and industrial-scale fisheries, particularly the social aspects that could make small-scale fisheries more suitable for achieving some of the stated goals of a blue economy. We conclude that, while the blue economy in its broadest sense is still a work in progress, it should be guided by clearly articulated goals in terms of governance that supports small-scale fisheries.

Reinforced concrete has been employed worldwide as a leading building material for public and private structures as well as in modern sculptural art. Although the unrivalled mechanical strength and modelling versatility of this material, several interrelated processes are responsible for its progressive degradation (e.g., carbonation, penetration of aging-promoting agents), decreasing its long-last durability and representing a risk for the public security or the cultural heritage. With the aim to tackle this issue, the present work reports a novel configuration of a screen-printed sensor, obtained by the combination of flexible and robust polyester support and wax-printed filter paper device for the direct application on the concrete surface. Our sensor consists of a polyester-printed three-electrochemical cell that allows dual measurements on reinforced concrete, namely (i) the evaluation of corrosion probability of the metallic reinforcements (which outperforms the half-cell potential standard method) and (ii) the employment of a pH-sensitive iridium oxide film for the measurement of the pH of concrete. The paper was used as a porous material capable of ensuring the electrochemical connection between the Ag/AgCl printed electrode and the concrete solid matrix, acting also as a protective envelope for the electrode. After the laboratory tests, which revealed the noteworthy performances of the sensors in distinguishing among different levels of corrosion as well as measuring the pH of concrete, the developed sensor was applied for on-site measurement at the Giacomo Manzu Museum (Ardea, Italy), demonstrating its suitability for the real application to cultural heritage conservation. Overall, this easy-to-handle and non-invasive diagnostic device provides an innovative analytical approach for the on-site and prompt multiparametric monitoring of the physico-chemical phenomena that endanger the long-lasting preservation of reinforced concrete structures.

Organic-rich pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS) has the potential to become a renewable carbon source for producing alternatives to fossil-based product. In this work, PPMS treated by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was investigated based on its pyrolysis properties. The pyrolytic mechanism, kinetics data and product of the sample were studied using TG as well as pyrolysis tests in Py-GC/MS and a bench-scale reactor at 450, 550, and 650 degrees C. The results show that the thermal decomposition of feedstock is a two-stage reaction. The mean activation energy of the pyrolysis of HTC treated PPMS was estimated as 233.08 kl/mol, which is higher than that of the pyrolysis of paper sludge reported before. The changes in enthalpies, entropies and Gibbs free energies from the reactants to the activated complex were estimated. The concentration of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the derived organic liquid fraction shows a positive correlation with the pyrolysis temperature. At 550 degrees C, the organic liquid fraction reached its highest yield at 13.7% with an oxygen level of 10.7 wt% and a higher heating value of 35.9 MJ/ kg. The pyrolytic chars show that a molar ratio of O:C is less than 0.2, which shows potential for use as a carbon sink., QC 20210825

The handling of cultural heritage objects has become a highly debated topic in the last decade. The work and outcomes described in this paper are aimed to provide objective data to assist in making appropriate decisions as to whether or not wearing gloves is appropriate in a given situation. The forensic fingermark development techniques of 1,2-indandione and single metal deposition II were used to investigate the efficacy of handwashing and glove use to improve the information available when deciding whether to use gloves when handling paper objects. It was found that fingermarks did not permeate through polymer glove types but could through cotton gloves. It was also shown that the amounts of observable fingermark residues were greater 5 min after handwashing than if handwashing had not occurred, undermining previous arguments for not wearing gloves if hands could be washed before object handling.

Since Nicolle, Manceaux and Splendore first described Toxoplasma gondii as a parasite of rodents and rabbits in the early 20th century, a diverse and vigorous research community has been built around studying this fascinating intracellular parasite. In addition to its importance as a pathogen of humans, livestock and wildlife, modern researchers are attracted to T. gondii as a facile experimental system to study many aspects of evolutionary biology, cellular biology, host-microbe interactions, and host immunity. For new researchers entering the field, the extensive literature describing the biology of the parasite, and the interactions with its host, can be daunting. In this review, we examine four foundational studies that describe various aspects of T. gondii biology, presenting a 'journal club'-style analysis of each. We have chosen a paper that established the beguiling life cycle of the parasite (Hutchison et al., 1971), a paper that described key features of its cellular biology that the parasite shares with related organisms (Gustafson et al., 1954), a paper that characterised the origin of the unique compartment in which the parasite resides within host cells (Jones and Hirsch, 1972), and a paper that established a key mechanism in the host immune response to parasite infection (Pfefferkorn, 1984). These interesting and far-reaching studies set the stage for subsequent research into numerous facets of parasite biology. As well as providing new researchers with an entry point into the literature surrounding the parasite, revisiting these studies can remind us of the roots of our discipline, how far we have come, and the new directions in which we might head.

Since Nicolle, Manceaux and Splendore first described Toxoplasma gondii as a parasite of rodents and rabbits in the early 20th century, a diverse and vigorous research community has been built around studying this fascinating intracellular parasite. In addition to its importance as a pathogen of humans, livestock and wildlife, modern researchers are attracted to T. gondii as a facile experimental system to study many aspects of evolutionary biology, cellular biology, host-microbe interactions, and host immunity. For new researchers entering the field, the extensive literature describing the biology of the parasite, and the interactions with its host, can be daunting. In this review, we examine four foundational studies that describe various aspects of T. gondii biology, presenting a 'journal club'-style analysis of each. We have chosen a paper that established the beguiling life cycle of the parasite (Hutchison et al., 1971), a paper that described key features of its cellular biology that the parasite shares with related organisms (Gustafson et al., 1954), a paper that characterised the origin of the unique compartment in which the parasite resides within host cells (Jones and Hirsch, 1972), and a paper that established a key mechanism in the host immune response to parasite infection (Pfefferkorn, 1984). These interesting and far-reaching studies set the stage for subsequent research into numerous facets of parasite biology. As well as providing new researchers with an entry point into the literature surrounding the parasite, revisiting these studies can remind us of the roots of our discipline, how far we have come, and the new directions in which we might head.

4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) has emerged in drug seizures as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) causing a public health risk of global concern. Currently, there are no commercial microfluidic devices for the selective detection of mephedrone and so this study presents a simple, low cost and portable paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device with colorimetric detection to fill this gap. Limits of detection for mephedrone in spiked urine and dissolved powder (aqueous) samples are clinically relevant at 4.34 ng mL-1 and 2.51 ng mL-1 respectively. No cross-reactivity for commonly encountered cutting agents, interferents and adulterants were detected. Mephedrone and its main metabolite were detectable in aqueous samples within 3 minutes. Stability and reproducibility measurements showed no significant difference in signal intensity over eight weeks and no significant difference within or between devices. The proposed device has the potential to provide cost-effective, rapid, on-site testing within forensic or clinical settings and therefore has wide global applicability.

4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) has emerged in drug seizures as a new psychoactive substance (NPS) causing a public health risk of global concern. Currently, there are no commercial microfluidic devices for the selective detection of mephedrone and so this study presents a simple, low cost and portable paper-based Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) device with colorimetric detection to fill this gap. Limits of detection for mephedrone in spiked urine and dissolved powder (aqueous) samples are clinically relevant at 4.34 ng mL-1 and 2.51 ng mL-1 respectively. No cross-reactivity for commonly encountered cutting agents, interferents and adulterants were detected. Mephedrone and its main metabolite were detectable in aqueous samples within 3 minutes. Stability and reproducibility measurements showed no significant difference in signal intensity over eight weeks and no significant difference within or between devices. The proposed device has the potential to provide cost-effective, rapid, on-site testing within forensic or clinical settings and therefore has wide global applicability.

Breastfeeding offers one of the most fundamental global health benefits for babies. Breastmilk is lifesaving, providing not only nutrition but immunologic benefits and as such is strongly supported by the World Health Organization and leading healthcare associations worldwide. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the impact of the restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease created challenges and questions about provision of safe, quality care, including breastfeeding practices, in a new 'normal' environment. Mothers were temporarily separated from their babies where infection was present or suspected, parents were prevented from being present on neonatal units and vital breastfeeding support was prevented. This discussion paper provides an overview of essential areas of knowledge related to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives who care for breastfeeding mothers and babies, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest global guidance. Three areas will be discussed; the protective benefits of breastfeeding, keeping breastfeeding mothers and babies together and supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies. Finally, care recommendations are presented to serve as a summary of key points for application to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives.

Breastfeeding offers one of the most fundamental global health benefits for babies. Breastmilk is lifesaving, providing not only nutrition but immunologic benefits and as such is strongly supported by the World Health Organization and leading healthcare associations worldwide. When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, the impact of the restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease created challenges and questions about provision of safe, quality care, including breastfeeding practices, in a new 'normal' environment. Mothers were temporarily separated from their babies where infection was present or suspected, parents were prevented from being present on neonatal units and vital breastfeeding support was prevented. This discussion paper provides an overview of essential areas of knowledge related to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives who care for breastfeeding mothers and babies, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest global guidance. Three areas will be discussed; the protective benefits of breastfeeding, keeping breastfeeding mothers and babies together and supporting mothers to breastfeed their babies. Finally, care recommendations are presented to serve as a summary of key points for application to practice for neonatal nurses and midwives.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, EASL and ESCMID published a position paper to provide guidance for physicians involved in the care of patients with chronic liver disease. In the meantime, many countries and healthcare systems have been, or are still overwhelmed by the pandemic, significantly impacting on the care of this group of patients, whilst others have started to return towards their usual routine. In addition, many studies have been published focusing on how COVID-19 may affect the liver and how pre-existing liver diseases might influence the clinical course of COVID-19. While many aspects remain poorly understood, it has become increasingly evident that pre-existing liver diseases and liver injury during the course of the disease have to be kept in mind when caring for patients with COVID-19. Thus, this review should serve as an update on the previous position paper summarizing the evidence for liver disease involvement during COVID-19 and also provid

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents with sick or premature babies have faced challenges following admission to a neonatal unit due to the imposed lock-down restrictions on social contact, hospital visitation and the wearing of personal protective equipment. The negative short-term impact on neonatal care in relation to the prevention of proximity, contact and bonding between parents and babies is potentially significant. However, an interesting finding has been reported of a reduction in premature birth admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit during the pandemic, raising important questions. Why was this? Was it related to the effect of the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth? This discussion paper focuses on an exploration of these factors in the light of the potential impact of COVID-19 restrictions on neonatal care. After contextualising both the effect of premature birth and the pandemic on neonatal and parental short-term outcomes, the discussion turns to the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth and makes recommendations relevant to the education, advice and care given to expectant mothers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents with sick or premature babies have faced challenges following admission to a neonatal unit due to the imposed lock-down restrictions on social contact, hospital visitation and the wearing of personal protective equipment. The negative short-term impact on neonatal care in relation to the prevention of proximity, contact and bonding between parents and babies is potentially significant. However, an interesting finding has been reported of a reduction in premature birth admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit during the pandemic, raising important questions. Why was this? Was it related to the effect of the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth? This discussion paper focuses on an exploration of these factors in the light of the potential impact of COVID-19 restrictions on neonatal care. After contextualising both the effect of premature birth and the pandemic on neonatal and parental short-term outcomes, the discussion turns to the modifiable risk-factors for premature birth and makes recommendations relevant to the education, advice and care given to expectant mothers.

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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses an enormous challenge to healthcare systems in affected communities. Older patients and those with pre-existing medical conditions have been identified as populations at risk of a severe disease course. It remains unclear at this point to what extent chronic liver diseases should be considered as risk factors, due to a shortage of appropriate studies. However, patients with advanced liver disease and those after liver transplantation represent vulnerable patient cohorts with an increased risk of infection and/or a severe course of COVID-19. In addition, the current pandemic requires unusual allocation of healthcare resources which may negatively impact the care of patients with chronic liver disease that continue to require medical attention. Thus, the challenge hepatologists are facing is to promote telemedicine in the outpatient setting, prioritise outpatient contacts, avoid nosocomial dissemination of the virus to patients and healthcare providers, and at the same time maintain standard care for patients who require immediate medical attention.

In this work, a granular activated carbon (GAC) was produced using primary paper mill sludge (PS) as raw material and ammonium lignosulfonate (AL) as binder agent. PS is a residue from the pulp and paper industry and AL is a by-product of the cellulose pulp manufacture and the proposed production scheme contributes for their valorisation together with important savings in GAC precursors. The produced GAC (named PSA-PA) and a commercially available GAC (GACN), used as reference material, were physically and chemically characterized. Then, these materials were tested in batch experiments for the adsorption of carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), and paroxetine (PAR) from ultra-pure water and wastewater. Even though GACN and PSA-PA possess very similar specific surface areas (S) (629 and 671 m g, respectively), PSA-PA displayed lower maximum adsorption capacities (q) than GACN for the pharmaceuticals here studied (6 ± 1–44 ± 5 mg g and 49 ± 6–106 ± 40 mg g, respectively). This may be related to the comparatively higher incidence of mesopores in GACN, which might have positively influenced its adsorptive performance. Moreover, the highest hydrophobic character and degree of aromaticity of GACN could also have contributed to its adsorption capacity. On the other hand, the performance of both GACs was significantly affected by the matrix in the case of CBZ and SMX, with lower q in wastewater than in ultra-pure water. However, the adsorption of PAR was not affected by the matrix. Electrostatic interactions and pH effects might also have influenced the adsorption of the pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater.

The Phadebas® Forensic Press Test is routinely used for the detection of saliva. However, assessment of the use of Phadebas® paper for this purpose has not been studied extensively. The suitability of Phadebas® paper as a presumptive screening tool for saliva on forensic exhibits, was investigated by analysing the following: (1) sensitivity, (2) specificity, (3) effects of temperature on sensitivity and specificity, (4) detection of saliva in mixed body fluid samples, and (5) influence of substrate porosity. The results of this study demonstrated that Phadebas® paper is more sensitive to α-amylase activity and less specific for saliva than previously reported. The use of an examination temperature of 37 °C had no effect on sensitivity, but increased the incidence of cross-reactivity with other forensically relevant body fluid stains. Blood, urine and vaginal secretions can inhibit the detection of α-amylase activity with Phadebas® paper in mixed stains of saliva and body fluid. Substrate porosity is a weak predictor for the time taken for a saliva stain to achieve a strong positive result on Phadebas® paper. Overall, this study demonstrated that the Phadebas® Forensic Press Test has limitations as a presumptive test for the accurate identification of saliva.

BACKGROUND: In respect of the principle of autonomy and the right of self-determination, obtaining an informed consent of potential participants before their inclusion in a study is a fundamental ethical obligation. The variations in national laws, regulations, and cultures contribute to complex informed consent documents for patients participating in clinical trials. Currently, only few ethics committees seem willing to address the complexity and the length of these documents and to request investigators and sponsors to revise them in a way to make them understandable for potential participants. The purpose of this work is to focus on the written information in the informed consent documentation for drug development clinical trials and suggests (i) to distinguish between necessary and not essential information, (ii) to define the optimal format allowing the best legibility of those documents. METHODS: The Aide et Recherche en Cancérologie Digestive (ARCAD) Group, an international scientific committee involving oncologists from all over the world, addressed these issues and developed and uniformly accepted a simplified informed consent documentation for future clinical research. RESULTS: A simplified form of informed consent with the leading part of 1200-1800 words containing all of the key information necessary to meet ethical and regulatory requirements and 'relevant supportive information appendix' of 2000-3000 words is provided. CONCLUSIONS: This position paper, on the basis of the ARCAD Group experts discussions, proposes our informed consent model and the rationale for its content.