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Waste paper and tyre are typical solid wastes with distinct composition. Their pyrolysis could generate varied volatiles that may interact with each other or with resulting char. In this study, the co-pyrolysis of waste paper and tyre was investigated at 400 and 600 ºC, with the focus on understanding the interaction of the volatiles on evolution of the products. The results show that the interaction of the volatiles at 400 ºC forms more gaseous products like CO and CO 2 , while the interactions of the heavier organics at 600 ºC forms more oil (49.3% vs 42.6%). The interaction of the volatiles also affects the generation of sulfur-containing organics and diminishes the paper-derived aldehydes and ketones or the heavy organics with the π-conjugated structures in the oil. In addition, the volatile-char interactions exist and form the char of higher carbon content through promoting carbonization and deoxygenation reactions, generating char of higher thermal stability and higher hydrophilicity via tailoring functional group, pore structures and morphologies of the char. [Display omitted] • Interaction of volatiles in co-pyrolysis of waste paper and tyre exists. • Co-pyrolysis promotes formation of gases at 400 ℃ while oil at 600 ℃ via condensation. • Paper-derived intermediates capture CH x * /H* radicals, minimizing CH 4 /H 2 formation. • Volatiles interactions interfere formation of S-containing organics and aldehydes/ketones. • Co-pyrolysis affects composition, stability, functionality and morphologies of char. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Waste tissue paper is utilized as a solar absorber and vapor generator. • Excellent evaporation rate of 1.58 Kg m−2h−1 and photothermal efficiency of 82 %. • Salts and organic dye water purification ability were also analyzed. • Offering flexibility and salt rejection capability. • Prototype solar still has been constructed to show the practical application. The lack of water is becoming a severe threat to society. An advanced free source-based technology called Solar thermal interfacial evaporation (STE) has been developed to address this issue. This renewable-based technique is a sophisticated water purification method that is both environmentally benign and cost-effective. In this study, we have converted the waste tissue paper into a highly stable solar thermal evaporator, which brings a high evaporation rate of 1.58 Kg m−2h−1 under one sun illumination. The device shows an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 82 %, delivering a high freshwater conversion. Moreover, the device's purification ability was tested with salt water, and dye water solution demonstrated excellent purifying properties. For long-term practical usage of the device, the device brings excellent flexibility and compressibility. A prototype solar still was constructed to demonstrate the device's real-time application behaviour under direct solar illumination. Nearly 160 ml of freshwater was collected from the solar still having an area of ∼ 0.06 m2 under varying natural solar illumination with an average radiation of 416.66 W m−2 under 4 h. CCS STE may become an ideal choice for solar steam-generating applications because of its minimalistic design, high efficiency, waste material, widespread availability, and low cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, an increasing focus has been placed on the mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions, underscoring the significance of the sustainable energy-conservation industry as a prominent and consequential field of development. As an energy-intensive procedure within the papermaking sector, the process of pulp-fiber beating necessitates an imperative exploration of alternative approaches aimed at mitigating energy consumption. This study has synthesized renewable cationic cellulose nanoparticles (CCNPs) extracted from the parenchymal cells of maize stalk pith. The objective is to demonstrate their viability as a reinforcing additive for paper sheets, thereby reducing the reliance on conventional beating processes. The results showed that CCNPs were prone to augment the physical strength of bleached papers, compared with unbleached papers. The inclusion of 9% CCNPs led to a remarkable 163.5% and 140.0% increase in tear and tensile indexes for bleached Eucalyptus paper, respectively. Incorporating CCNPs into non-refined paper yields physical traits akin to wood pulp paper beaten over 40 °SR. The CCNP-strengthened handsheets exhibited superior tensile and tear index in comparison to commercial dry strength additives such as cationic starch (CS) and cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM). Additionally, at 80 μg/ml concentration, E-B-9 displayed significant bactericidal effectiveness, achieving an impressive 97% reduction in Escherichia coli. This notable outcome is attributed to the presence of quaternary ammonium salt moieties in the formulation. This investigation introduces a promising approach where in the utilization of CCNP as an innovative multifunctional agent for paper holds the potential to enhance paper performance and concurrently reduce production costs. [Display omitted] ● The agro-waste CCNP acted well as a paper multifunctional addictive. ● The CCNPs promoted physical strengths of the paper from non-refined wood pulps. ● 9% CCNP-added sheet has mechanical properties akin to that from the 40°SR paper. ● 80 μg/ml of the bleached hardwood showed 97% bactericidal efficacy against E. coli. ● The improvement of CCNPs applied to bleached pulps is superior to unbleached pulps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A versatile SERS chip based on CMOF-enforced carbon paper was firstly constructed. • CMOF provided a pre-concentration effect for increasing sensitivity and stability. • Uniform electrodeposition of Au NPs can be contributed to superior reproducibility. • The SERS chip showed low LOD, wide linear range and good reusability for diazepam. • Diazepam in aquatic products was recognized with excellent practical applicability. Herein, a versatile surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform was firstly constructed by integrating conductive metal organic framework (CMOF) with controlled electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) on flexible carbon paper (CP-CMOF@Au) for sensitively recognizing diazepam (DZP) in aquatic products. The CMOF not only provided a pre-concentration effect for boosting sensitivity, but also dramatically improved the intrinsic electrical conductivity contributing to homogeneous distribution of Au NPs and forming SERS-active "hot spot" with superior stability and reproducibility. Based on CP-CMOF@Au chip, DZP can be sensitively detected with low limit of detection of 0.64 ng mL−1 and wide linear detection range from 0.001 to 10 μg mL−1. Also, DZP in aquatic products can be collected and recognized using multiple approaches (drip coating, soaking and wiping) with excellent reusability and satisfactory recovery of 85.8–103.3%. This method would provide an ingenious SERS strategy for rapidly monitoring DZP in aquatic products with good practical applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based composite materials exhibit a marked tendency towards thinner and lighter profiles in the context of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Carbon fiber paper (CFP) has excellent electrical conductivity and Lightweight base characteristics. However, its single electrical loss characteristic and uncontrollable EMI shielding performance are limited in application. Therefore, we prepared CFP@ graphene oxide (GO)/ZIF-67 composites by chemical bonding and in-situ polymerization, and then prepared CFP@rGO/Co/C composites with integrated structure and function by heat treatment. Layer-by-layer assembly technology was employed to develop composite materials with tunable EMI shielding performance. The composite material has excellent high conductivity (2475.86 S/m) and excellent EMI shielding performance (average X-band EMI efficiency (SE)38.46 dB, absolute shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) = 14388.56 dB cm2 g−1). Through the layer-by-layer assembly technology, the EMI SE performance of the 7-layer assembled material reached 85.83 dB, and the EMI SSE/t reached 32110.51 dB cm2 g−1. Through simulation verification, the EMI shielding performance of the materials is compared, and ideas for EMI material design are provided. In addition, the material also has excellent Joule heating performance, fast electrothermal response and good temperature controllability. The material exhibits remarkable resilience against harsh environmental conditions, including strong acids, bases, organic reagents, ultrasonic waves, combustive processes, and extremely low temperatures. Despite these severe treatments, its performance remains above 90 % intact. This study proposes a magnetic-dielectric synergistic, performance-adjustable CFP-based shielding material, which has great application potential in the future wearable, defense, and aerospace fields. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Facile and scalable self-assembly of perylene diimide polymer with carbon paper. • Effective facilitation of carrier separation by π-π built-in electric field. • Narrowed band gap and low VB due to the VB tail states induced by π-π interactions. • Enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation activity of the PDIP/CP photocatalyst sheet. • Suitability of the PDIP/CP photocatalyst sheet for large-scale applications. Photocatalytic water splitting is a highly promising future energy technology. In contrast to the extensive work on particulate photocatalysts, there is still a lack of sufficient investigation for regularized photocatalysts. Here, from perylene diimide polymer (PDIP) and commercial carbon paper (CP), we develop a self-assembled PDIP/CP photocatalyst sheet that is easily scalable and can be used for photocatalytic water oxidation. Driven by strong interfacial π-π interactions, the PDIP spontaneously adsorbs onto the CP, which leads to a narrowed band gap, down-shifted VB edge, and enhanced separation of the photogenerated charge carriers of the PDIP. Under visible light, the PDIP/CP photocatalyst sheet shows significantly enhanced photocatalytic water oxidation activity (4 h cumulative oxygen evolution is 1.7 times higher than that of the powder-suspended system) and considerable cycling stability. The PDIP/CP photocatalyst sheet has the potential for large-scale device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A technology-rich system model is created by integrating operations at MRFs and recycling paper mills. • Our model assesses sustainable pathways for U.S. domestic paper recycling industry. • Domestic recycling rate can increase by 15 % with better collection rate and sorting efficiency. • Use of recycled fibers can reduce energy and carbon intensities for most paper products. Dramatic changes in global recovered paper markets, triggered in large part by Chinese import restrictions, challenge the U.S. to find sustainable pathways for increasing the domestic paper recycling rate. This study presents a technology-rich process model of the U.S. domestic paper recycling industry to assess the energy consumption, carbon emissions, and system costs. A scenario analysis shows the viability of three potential pathways for achieving the national goals of a 15 % increase in both the paper recycling rate and the recycled paper utilization rate. The results suggest that the national goals can be achieved by recovering 80 % of recyclable papers from households and commercial stores, while trading all exported bales to domestic recovery with additional investments in processing capacity expansion. The deployment of advanced technology can enable material recovery facilities (MRFs) and paper mills to produce most recycled paper products that are more energy efficient with fewer CO 2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the pyrolysis of cellulose-based paper templates infiltrated with a suitable polymer precursor, ceramic composites exhibiting a paper-like structure can be conveniently prepared. Such polymer-derived ceramic papers (PDCPs) unite the unique morphology of regular cellulose papers with the properties of the ceramic system utilized. Here, two paper templates, made from eucalyptus and cotton, respectively, were infiltrated with two polysilazane-based polymer precursors modified with either Fe, Ni, or Pd and converted into multi-phasic ceramic papers. In addition to the type of paper template, precursor composition, and transition metal used, the present study aims to rationalize the influence of pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere on the morphology, microstructure, and phase composition of the ceramic papers generated. For this purpose, scanning electron microscopy, SEM, and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy, (S)TEM, in conjunction with EDS analyses were used to elucidate the microstructural features of the ceramic composites in great detail. It is shown that the transition metals precipitate as nanosized metallic particles and silicides in the case of Pd and Ni, while the introduction of Fe features oxide and carbide phases in addition to that. Moreover, the metals catalyze both the graphitization of the cellulose fibers and, at higher temperatures, the generation of whisker-like Si-based nanostructures composed of either SiC or Si 3 N 4 , depending on the processing atmosphere used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and scalable approach to modify electrodes with achieving excellent performance and low-cost is urgently needed for direct liquid fuel cells (DLFCs). A carbon paper (CP) electrode with porous carbon nanosheets is successfully fabricated by electrochemical exfoliation to enhance the charge transfer and increase reaction sites in DLFCs. After in-situ electrochemical exfoliation for 4 min, the carbon fiber surface becomes porous and rough to enlarge specific surface area and produce abundant defects for the electrode, greatly increasing reaction active sites. In addition, massive oxygen functional groups are introduced to significantly improve the reaction kinetics and wettability of the electrode. The exfoliated CP shows superior electrocatalytic activity with minimum overpotential and highest reduction reaction rate, benefitting from the larger specific surface area, abundant defects, and superhydrophilic property. Moreover, the exfoliated CP without catalysts is directly used as the cathode for a membraneless DLFC with sodium persulfate as an oxidant to yield outstanding performance. The peak power density of the DLFC with the exfoliated CP is 188.6 mW cm−2, 93.4% higher than that with the pristine CP. Results show that a feasible way to acquire excellent cell performance and low cost is obtained by electrochemically exfoliated CP electrode for DLFCs. [Display omitted] • An effective method to modify cathode is proposed for low-cost DLFCs. • Carbon fiber surface becomes porous and rough to enlarge specific surface area. • Abundant defects and oxygen functional groups are introduced. • Electrochemical exfoliation enhances charge transfer and increases active sites. • The exfoliated cathode without catalysts yield the outstanding cell performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Scheme 1. Schematic illustration of the procedures for activation of WP. • Activating WP with K 2 C 2 O 4 , H 3 PO 4 or ZnCl 2 forms products of distinct nature. • H 3 PO 4 /ZnCl 2 catalyzes formed more bio-oil but less gas, and K 2 C 2 O 4 is opposite. • K 2 C 2 O 4 and ZnCl 2 are more effective than H 3 PO 4 for creating pores from WP. • ZnCl 2 creates abundant macropores via converting fibers in WP to graphitic crystals. • K 2 C 2 O 4 shows lower environmental impact than ZnCl 2 in activating WP. Waste paper (WP) is rich in cellulose, which can be activated to produce porous carbon, bio-oil, and combustible gases. During chemical activation of WP, the use of varied chemical agents not only generates activated carbon of distinct pore structure but also bio-oil/gases of different property. In this study, the activation of WP with varied chemical agents was conducted. The distinct characteristics of activated carbon and also bio-oil/gases were correlated with the different nature of the used chemical agents. The results indicated that H 3 PO 4 and ZnCl 2 catalyzed polymerization reactions for producing more bio-oil while less gases owing to their Brønsted and Lewis acidic sites. K 2 C 2 O 4 showed high activity for cracking/gasification reactions, forming bio-oil with higher abundance of organics with smaller π-conjugated structures. In addition, ZnCl 2 could create a very coarse porous structure with abundant macropores via destroying fiber structure in WP and promoting the growth of graphitic crystals. In comparison, K 2 C 2 O 4 hindered the aromatization and facilitated the formation of amorphous activated carbon. K 2 C 2 O 4 and ZnCl 2 were much more effective than H 3 PO 4 for creating micropores and mesopores from WP, the derived activated carbon showed superior performances as the electrode of supercapacitor and adsorbent for adsorption of oxytetracycline from aqueous solution. In addition, K 2 C 2 O 4 as activating agent showed lower environmental impact than ZnCl 2 in terms of energy consumption, environmental pollution and the greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Co-pyrolysis of homogeneous polypropylene plastic and paper wastes. • Analysis of physicochemical characteristics, and synergetic effects. • Energy analysis of mixed municipal waste conversion. Co-pyrolyzing mixed wastes of the different physicochemical kinds is often a challenge. This study reports the co-pyrolysis of homogeneous polypropylene plastic and paper wastes, highlighting their characteristics, synergetic effects, and kinetic and thermodynamic parameters using robust thermal gravimetric analysis technique. Results show that 20% paper in the blend improved the bulky density, fuel ratio from 0.09 to 0.13, maximum degradation temperature from 369.55 to 447.88 °C and thermal stability from 381.60 to 393.82 °C. The average activation energies of the blend from Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Friedman and Coats-Redfern were 148.73 ± 7.87, 133.98 ± 11.59 and 143.74 ± 13.83 kJ/mol, respectively, lower than at least one of the homogenous wastes. All the enthalpy and Gibbs free energy values were positive, thus, endothermic non-spontaneous pyrolysis. In addition, average enthalpies for the mixed sample were lower than homogeneous polypropylene (from 159.57 ± 11.86, 153.74 ± 16.07 and 181.27 ± 28.90 to 143.60 ± 24.42, 128.86 ± 34.61 and 138.61 ± 41.32 kJ/mol, respectively) in all models, respectively. The entropy values for all samples were negative. They decreased with increasing conversion rates for mixed waste samples, indicating ease to reach thermodynamic equilibrium during pyrolysis. There is an insignificant difference between the experimental and the calculated TGA/DTG curves, signifying meagre synergetic effects. In addition, the 3D surface response for the conversion rate against temperature and heating rate showed closeness in results between the homogeneous and mixed waste. The results of this study are vital in handling municipal solid waste without any need for isolation during the conversion process to valuable products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Starch paste was destroyed more easily than the paper fibers under UV-A irradiation. • Paper coated with high concentration of paste could cause fiber breakage due to the photodegradation of paste. • Paper coated with low concentration of paste could damage both the paste and paper fibers. • It's important to keep an appropriate concentration of starch paste to improve the irradiation stability of paste-restored paper artifacts. Starch paste has been the main adhesive of choice for paper conservation until now. Studies evaluating the properties of paste-coated paper under UVA irradiation conditions are limited but necessary to enable conservators for a proper choice of materials in terms of durability. In this paper, SEM, FTIR, Raman, and measurements of mechanical properties were used to investigate the aging features of UVA-irradiated paste-coated paper. The increased macro and micro physical and chemical changes with increasing UVA exposure time indicated the degradation of paste and paper polymers. The pH and spectroscopic analyses indicated that the carboxyl groups, which led to the acidity of the sample, were slowly produced with increasing irradiation, and the pH of the paste was lower than that of the paper samples when exposed for the same amount of time. The change in crystallinity also affected the degradation rate of paste-coated papers. SEM observations showed that the paste was destroyed more easily than the paper fibers, a higher concentration of paste caused the paper fibers to break, and a lower concentration of paste damaged both the paste and paper fibers. The present study suggests that an appropriate concentration of paste coated on the paper surface could improve the irradiation stability of paper samples for paste-restored paper artifacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• BC/ZnO nanocomposite strengthens paper and improves aging resistance. • The nanocomposite imparts antifungal properties to paper. • The nanocomposite helps in deacidification of paper. Paper, commonly used as an information carrier, can become acidified and brittle over time. In this study, 0.3 % bacterial cellulose (BC) composite with 1.0% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was prepared and used to coat brittle book paper for deacidification and consolidation. The BC/ZnO nanocomposite was characterized using zeta potential, micro morphology, elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectra, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analyses. The results indicated that the composite exhibited good stability. ZnO nanoparticles were bonded to the hydroxyl groups on BC, enhancing the thermal stability of BC. The composite was uniformly sprayed on the paper surface, and the mechanical properties, color difference, readability, pH, and micromorphology of the paper samples were examined before and after the treatment. The BC/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited good deacidification and consolidation effects on paper samples with low impact on the original paper appearance. Moreover, the BC/ZnO nanocomposite showed a good inhibitory effect on fungi growth on paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Adding kaolin reduces the volatility and leachability of heavy metals. • Xerogel with high porosity was successfully synthesized for heavy metal adsorption. • Silica-alumina xerogel can effectively adsorb heavy metals in pyrolysis gas. • Heavy metal species can form ionic or covalent bonds with kaolinite. It is of great significance to reduce the secondary risk of heavy metals during the pyrolysis of paper sludge. This study used kaolin and alumina-silica-based xerogels to control heavy metals released during sludge pyrolysis. Pyrolyzing a mixture of sludge and 7% kaolin at 400 °C achieved high retention rates for Cu (95.85%), Zn (95.97%), Pb (97.15%), Cd (84.23%), and Cr (84.05%) when the pyrolysis tail gas was treated with 9 g of xerogel. The addition of kaolin facilitated the transformation of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr from the unstable fraction to the stable fraction in pyrolysis biochar, reducing their leachability. The xerogels also played a crucial role in adsorbing and stabilizing the heavy metals. The results of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations showed that Pb(g), PbS(g), PbCl 2 (g), PbCl(g), Zn(g), ZnCl 2 (g), and Cd(g) were the main gaseous products of Zn, Pb, and Cd during paper sludge pyrolysis. The Pb atoms in PbCl 2 and PbS, and the Zn atoms in ZnCl 2 bond with the oxygen atoms on the kaolin surface by covalent bonds, while the Cl atoms in PbCl and the Pb atoms of elemental lead form ionic bonds with H and O atoms on the kaolinite surface, respectively. These experimental and simulation results offer new ideas for controlling heavy metals during sludge pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1 Amorphous carbon was facilely obtained via the treatment of waste papers with sulfuric acid. 2 The combination of amorphous carbon with graphitic carbon nitride leads to an increased photo-catalytic H 2 generation. 3 The enhancement in H 2 generation is resultant from the efficient separation of electrons and holes owing to the excellent electrical conductivity of amorphous carbon. Up-cycling of waste papers to value-added carbon products has significant environmental and economic benefits in real life. This work aims to recycle the waste papers to construct amorphous carbon modified graphitic carbon nitride composite photocatalysts for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water under visible light. Amorphous carbon (labeled as a-C) was yielded from the office waste papers by simple sulphuric-acid treatment and then combined with graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) to form the g-CN/a-C composite photocatalysts by the thermolysis of a-C and melamine mixture. The addition of a-C enlarges the surface area of g-CN from 11.52 m2 g−1 of pristine g-CN to 28.12 m2 g−1 of g-CN/a-C-100. In addition, the a-C incorporation can significantly separate the electrons from the photoexcited g-CN owing to the excellent conductivity of a-C. As a result, an increased photocatalytic H 2 generation was realized under visible light exposure. The g-CN/a-C-100 sample with optimized a-C contents offers the highest photocatalytic H 2 generation rate of up to 17.1 μ mol h−1, which is ∼12 times higher than that of pristine g-CN under the same condition. The present study manifests the great potential of the recycling of office waste papers for increased photocatalytic H 2 generation. Graphical Abstract [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a novel method for synthesizing hierarchical porous zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures by thermally decomposing green-synthesized hydrozincite. The hydrozincite was prepared at room temperature using zinc acetate dihydrate and calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) in cellulose printing papers as the precipitating agent. The resulting ZnO particles exhibit a distinctive flower-like morphology, consisting of porous nanosheets composed of interconnected nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of the hierarchically structured zinc oxide nanoparticles, as determined via X-ray diffraction Rietveld refinement method, was found to be 18.8 nm when calcined at 500 °C. However, with increasing calcination temperature to 600, 700, and 800 °C, the average crystallite size also increased to 24.3, 30.4, and 47.2 nm, respectively. The ZnO synthesized at temperatures of 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) compared to both the ZnO synthesized at 800 °C and commercial ZnO. This enhanced performance can be primarily attributed to the nanosized ZnO particles, which provide a substantial surface area, high accessibility of active sites, and fast charge transfer kinetics. In terms of photocatalytic activity, all the samples show HER improvement under the UV light irradiation, attributed to the generation of photoexcited charge carriers. The ZnO synthesized at 800 °C and the commercial ZnO exhibit greater enhancements in photocatalytic activity compared to the other samples. This implies that larger solid particles with fewer nanopores result in a greater exposed surface area for UV-light absorption. The hierarchically structured ZnO nanoparticles demonstrate promising electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities, as well as stability, opening up potential applications in various fields, including energy conversion and environmental remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel photoelectrochemical ultraviolet detection technologies based on semiconductor/electrolyte heterojunctions have attracted significant attention due to their cost-effective fabrication and self-powered characteristic. In this study, ZnO films were deposited on three-dimensional carbon fiber paper (3D CFP) using a one-step sputtering method, resulting in the preparation of 3D ZnO/CFP composites as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) type photodetectors (PDs). The fabricated device demonstrates outstanding photoelectrochemical performance, showcasing a remarkable responsivity of approximately 31.76 mA/W, a detectivity of 3.06 × 1012 jones, and a rapid photoresponse time of 76.51/48.51 ms. Furthermore, the device exhibits exceptional photoresponse stability during cycling tests. The unique structure of 3D CFP, composed of intertwined carbon fiber in three dimensions, offers an enlarged specific surface area and efficient carrier transport pathways for the photoanode in self-powered PEC-PDs. This characteristic facilitates effective electrolyte diffusion throughout the entire film, as well as efficient transport of photo-generated charge carriers, thereby significantly enhancing the overall performance of the PEC-PDs. This study affirms the effectiveness of the synergistic interaction between 3D CFP and ZnO film for advanced UV photodetectors, demonstrating both mass production viability and promise for the future of photoelectrochemical detection technology. [Display omitted] • Preparation of three-dimensional ZnO/CFP composites as photoanodes for self-powered UV photodetectors by one-step sputtering. • The 3D ZnO/CFP photochemical photodetector has a remarkable response rate and outstanding photoresponse stability. • Demonstration of the effectiveness of synergy between 3D CFP and ZnO films for advanced UV photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many suggestions offered within the literature to decide if a job type is a profession, some using tick box type trait and characteristics analyses to compare the actions and qualities of individuals to a predefined list. However, there is no specific way to resolve what makes or defines a profession. Writers in many disciplines, including radiography, have used these different models, sometimes with conflicting results. This paper explores the use of Bourdieu's replacement of the concept of profession with that of a 'field', meaning a network of occupants with common attributes, in this case radiographers, in an attempt to resolve this issue. In the UK, radiography practitioners and professional bodies generally use the term profession to describe radiography, and this paper explores a defence of the term for radiography. Using Bourdieu's field theory not only helps define a profession, but also explains the difficulties at the boundaries of professions, and the work needed to protect a profession as a credible entity. This paper supports the argument that radiography is a profession when using Bourdieu's field theory. Radiography continues to work to maintain its status by increasing its symbolic capital by increasing the research output and evidence base of the profession and through role extension. Radiographers can perhaps be assured that radiography is a profession when using Bourdieu's field theory. This paper shows how theoretical frameworks and concepts from outside radiography can be used to support new ways of thinking within the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Office paper waste is processed using physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. • The yeast is isolated from rotten banana for the fermentation process. • Box-Behnken analysis was used to determine optimal conditions for key variables. • A blended membrane was applied for the purification process. • Amicon cell and polymeric membrane dehydrate ethanol–water combinations. One potential replacement for fossil fuels is the generation of biofuel from biomass feedstock. To reach the global sustainability goals, it is also necessary to address a number of issues, such as reducing environmental pollution, climate change, and carbon emissions. This work was aimed to convert the office paper waste as biomass feedstock into bioethanol through a sustainable pathway. The office paper waste was hydrolyzed via physiochemical and enzymatic hydrolysis, the liberated glucose was estimated at 15.72 g/L using the optimum conditions of 15 % HCl and 6 % office paper waste followed by enzymatic hydrolysis. The yeast isolate B2 that was applied for the fermentation process was isolated from rotten banana, identified as Hanseniaspora uvarum (STDF-B2) and submitted to GenBank with accession number (OP800106). The Box-Behnken design was applied to estimate the optimal conditions for the three most significant variables depending on the one variable at a time results. A blended membrane of sulphonated polyvinyl chloride with poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid) (SPVC-PAMPS) was applied for the purification of both standard ethanol and produced bioethanol via pervaporation technique (PV). The morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties and permeability of the membrane were all analyzed in various ways. Following purification using a membrane-integrated amicon cell, the total permeate flows of the laboratory-prepared ethanol and generated bioethanol were 289.54 and 253.06 (g/m2 h), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a reflection of the scholar's mastery of basic theories and professional knowledge, the dissertation is an important yardstick for measuring the level of scientific research. At present, the problem of academic misconduct is becoming increasingly prominent, which is not only related to personal academic ethics, but also related to the overall development of the national academic and scientific research field. In the traditional method of evaluating the quality of papers, it is mainly based on the evaluation experts' comments and scores. However, there are cases that the evaluation experts' comments and scores are inconsistent in practice. To address this problem, we proposed a paper quality consistency detection model based on the nearest neighbor analysis dimensionality reduction algorithm. Compared with other traditional models, the experimental results show that the detection accuracy of XGBoost model after dimensionality reduction using nearest neighbor analysis algorithm reaches 85.81%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With prolonged pandemic conditions, and emerging evidence but persisting low awareness of the importance of nutritional derangements, ESPEN has promoted in close collaboration with World Health Organization-Europe a call for papers on all aspects relating COVID-19 and nutrition as well as nutritional care, in the Society Journals Clinical Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. Although more COVID-related papers are being submitted and continue to be evaluated, ESPEN and WHO present the current editorial to summarize the many published findings supporting major interactions between nutritional status and COVID-19. These include 1) high risk of developing the disease and high risk of severe disease in the presence of pre-existing undernutrition (malnutrition) including micronutrient deficiencies; 2) high risk of developing malnutrition during the course of COVID-19, with substantial impact on long-term sequelae and risk of long COVID; 3) persons with obesity are also prone to develop or worsen malnutrition and its negative consequences during the course of COVID-19; 4) malnutrition screening and implementation of nutritional care may improve disease outcomes; 5) social and public health determinants contribute to the interaction between nutritional status and COVID-19, including negative impact of lockdown and social limitations on nutrition quality and nutritional status. We believe the evidence supports the need to consider COVID-19 as (also) a case of malnutrition-enhanced disease and disease-related malnutrition, with added risk for persons both with and without obesity. Similarities with many other disease conditions further support recommendations to implement standard nutritional screening and care in COVID-19 patients, and they underscore the relevance of appropriate nutritional and lifestyle prevention policies to limit infection risk and mitigate the negative health impact of acute pandemic bouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foster care children tend to have greater physical and mental health needs compared to those of their peers who are not in foster care due to many challenges that threaten their well-being. Yet, owing to frequent placement changes, their treatment may be fragmented. Moreover, if foster children are unable to provide important information about their own health status, and the same cannot be obtained from their families of origin, the resulting incomplete and/or inconsistent health history puts them at risk for unrecognized problems and conflicting diagnoses. Paradoxically, foster parents and resource providers often request psychotropic medications for children and youth in their care as a means of managing their behaviors. The phenomenon of inappropriate polypharmacy arises due in part to the difficulties related to integrating trauma-informed principles into the care process. It is further exacerbated by the complexity of intersecting systems in which child welfare case workers need to communicate including foster and biological parents, social service agencies, and advocates. In this second paper, we report on the same intervention as that discussed in the first paper, focusing on the effectiveness of the live 2-hour face-to-face training for child welfare staff and the 3-month web-based curriculum for leadership personnel in improving the participants' trauma responsiveness. 1. What are the child welfare staff's perceptions of their own knowledge, attitudes, and communication behaviors associated with medications used to treat mental health symptoms and monitoring for side-effects of psychotropic medication use in children? 2. What is the level of trauma responsiveness among child welfare staff? The ABC Medication Scale was employed to measure staff knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with medications used to treat mental health symptoms before and after the intervention to determine if the training resulted in any improvements. Individual- and organizational-level trauma responsiveness was rated on a continuum of the Missouri Model: A Developmental Framework for Trauma-Informed Approaches. Artifacts of the web-based curriculum and qualitative interview data were analyzed by applying grounded theory methods. There was a significant increase in The ABC Medication Scale scores following the training. The qualitative findings further revealed that majority of the participants rated themselves as "trauma aware" or "trauma responsive" on the Missouri Model, while indicating that their agencies could work harder to become more fully trauma-informed. As trauma-informed child welfare workforce that understands the complexity and advocacy requirements of psychotropic medication management is needed, further longitudinal research is required is to assess the training effects over time. In particular, the aim should be to establish (a) how knowledge and attitude shifts correlate with greater degrees of trauma responsiveness, and (b) if and how such trainings translate into improved systems of support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of inappropriate polypharmacy among the foster care population arises in part due to the challenges related to integrating trauma-informed principles into service delivery. It is further exacerbated by the complexity of intersecting systems in which child welfare case workers need to communicate, including foster and biological parents, social service agencies, and advocates. Yet, there is limited research about trauma-informed psychotropic medication management interventions for child welfare staff. This pilot study was conducted to evaluate a trauma-informed psychotropic medication management intervention and is reported in two manuscripts, pertaining respectively to the facilitators and barriers to learning, and perceived individual and institutional trauma responsiveness. The intervention comprised of a 2-hour-long training session for child welfare staff and a 3-month web-based curriculum for leadership personnel, aiming to increase their understanding of trauma-informed psychotropic medication management. In the first paper, we report on the facilitators and barriers to learning, grouped into three categories: teacher attributes, learner attributes, and situational factors. In the second paper, in addition to trauma responsiveness ratings, we also provide a detailed account of one participant's life experience and perceptions of the intervention provided, as an exemplar of the psychosocial facets of resilience. The ABC Medication Scale scores that measured staff knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with medications used to treat mental health symptoms showed a significant change in scores following training. Based on these findings, we provide practical solutions to address situational factors that are worth considering when providing training for child welfare staff. Given that foster care children experience many challenges that threaten their well-being, their physical and mental health needs tend to be greater than those of their peers who are not in foster care. However, owing to the transient nature of the foster care placements, as well as continuous changes in medical providers and counselors, the screenings, supportive interventions, and treatments they receive may be fragmented. This is particularly problematic when considering that many of these children are medicated as a means of managing their behavior. Moreover, children in foster care are also more vulnerable to having the medications and diagnoses accumulate due to frequent placement changes and lack of treatment continuity. Our research was guided by the question "What are the facilitators and barriers to learning about trauma-informed psychotropic medication management?" We developed an intervention to address the issue of inappropriate polypharmacy and examined the facilitators and barriers to learning using a mixed methods design. The facilitators to learning were instructor-specific (e.g., reputation, teaching style, capacity for selecting and implementing relevant resources), learner-specific (altruism, capacity to see personal relevance in the learning situation, desire for knowledge/competence, career advancement/recognition-seeking), and situational (immediacy/on-demand resources, reinforcement of pleasant learning experience). Barriers were largely situational (workload and family demands). Based on these findings, we provide practical strategies for addressing situational factors that are worth considering when designing training curricula aimed at child welfare staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes a direct optical readout of an ion-selective potentiometric sensing array without an external power supply. Electronic paper (e-paper) was chosen as the signal transducer owing to its fast response on the order of seconds and its wide dynamic range of about 1.5 V. The capacitive character of the display allows one to observe the optical response at zero current, which is a desired condition for the potentiometric measurement. An applied potential of 1 V gives a transient charge flow of about 11 μC for the e-paper to exhibit a maximal intensity change. The cathodes of three different pixels of the e-paper were connected to three different ISEs responsive to Na+, K+, and Ca2+, while their common anode was connected to the shared reference electrode (RE). In this manner, each pixel is mapped to the behavior of one sensor, making it possible to detect multiple ions with an e-pixel array. The sensor configuration gave quantitative information on Na+, K+, and Ca2+ from 10−5 M to 10−1 M by analyzing the RGB information of the pixels. The e-paper exhibited a stable response within half a minute, much faster than previously established electrochromic material transducers such as Prussian Blue (PB). With this approach we successfully carried out multi-ion concentration sensing without external power, which is potentially attractive for applications in environmental monitoring, clinical assays and wearable sensing devices. [Display omitted] • A self-powered multi-channel potentiometric sensor array for simultaneous monitoring of potassium, calcium, and sodium. • The rapid optical response of this sensor is adequate for real time monitoring. • Excellent correlation between this approach and direct potentiometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional petroleum-based synthetic polymeric fiber filter materials for separation may cause secondary pollution to the environment due to their non-degradable properties. Herein, we report a facile method of preparation of a biodegradable composite filter that can achieve filtration for air by underlaying the commercialized cellulose paper towel under electrospun zein fibers. The morphology of zein fibers was successfully steered via varying the weight ratios of ethanol/deionized water mixture solvent, as a result, the round or flat ribbon fibers were obtained. The effect of zein fiber morphology on air filtration performance was investigated both experimentally and theoretically. It was found that the flat ribbon fiber filter had a higher filtration efficiency (99%) for PM0.3 removal and a lower pressure drop (109 Pa) compared with the round zein fiber filter. Notably, the as-prepared composite filter can be biodegradable easily, contributing to green ecological environment. This work shows an efficient way to develop biodegradable filtration materials with the cheap price, easy availability of component materials, exhibiting a great potential application in air filtration area. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the wake of the IT revolution of recent decades, Polish companies have experienced changes, such as the obligation to report financials in purely electronic form. This shift creates benefits but is also a source of challenges. The authors' inspiration for this research stems from the recognition of a clear research gap in the literature relating to the electronic reporting of micro and small companies. The article aims to verify how Poland's smallest companies covered by reporting obligations cope with the compulsory compilation, signing and publication of financial statements solely by electronic means. The study was qualitative in nature, followed a case study methodology, and concerned two Polish micro-companies. The results show that the entities analyzed essentially do cope with e-reporting. Certain attributes of these reports - - such as timeliness or completeness, are questionable, however. The results contribute to the understanding of the financial reporting practice by micro companies in Poland. They can indicate directions for changes in the actions taken by those involved in corporate reporting. Cognizance of this issue can also provide the regulator with directions for regulatory changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of administrative databases and clinical registries in lower extremity arthroplasty research is growing. Such observational studies are unable to fully control for confounders and cannot establish causality. However, many authors use causal language when describing their aims or findings, potentially misleading readers. We examined the prevalence of causal language and inferences in the lower extremity arthroplasty literature. We systematically identified administrative database and registry studies on hip and knee arthroplasty that were published in 4 orthopaedic journals in 2020. Articles were graded independently by two reviewers for the presence of causal language in both the title and abstract and the full text. Chi-squared analyses were conducted to determine the relationship between the causality grading and article characteristics including the journal of publication. Of 116 eligible articles, we classified 79.3% of titles and abstracts as either consistently causal or inconsistently causal, with only 20.7% as consistently noncausal. A total of 40.5% of full texts were consistently causal, 49.1% were inconsistent, and 10.3% were consistently noncausal. Chi-squared analyses revealed no statistically significant association between the title and abstract's grading and the journal (P =.720) nor with the use of a database or registry (P =.716). Causal language and inferences were present in 79.3% of titles and abstracts of lower extremity arthroplasty observational database studies published in 2020. The high prevalence of causal language and inferences in the arthroplasty literature may mislead readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The clinical spectrum of atrial fibrillation means that a patient-individualized approach is required to ensure optimal treatment. Cardiac computed tomography can accurately delineate atrial structure and function and could contribute to a personalized care pathway for atrial fibrillation patients. The imaging modality offers excellent spatial resolution and has been utilised in pre-, peri- and post-procedural care for patients with atrial fibrillation. Advances in temporal resolution, acquisition times and analysis techniques suggest potential expanding roles for cardiac computed tomography in the future management of patients with atrial fibrillation. The aim of the current review is to discuss the use of cardiac computed tomography in atrial fibrillation in pre-, peri- and post-procedural settings. Potential future applications of cardiac computed tomography including atrial wall thickness assessment and epicardial fat volume quantification are discussed together with emerging analysis techniques including computational modelling and machine learning with attention paid to how these developments may contribute to a personalized approach to atrial fibrillation management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actionable incidental findings (AIFs) are common in radiologic imaging. Imaging is commonly performed in emergency department (ED) visits, and AIFs are frequently encountered, but the ED presents unique challenges for communication and follow-up of these findings. The authors formed a multidisciplinary panel to seek consensus regarding best practices in the reporting, communication, and follow-up of AIFs on ED imaging tests. A 15-member panel was formed, nominated by the ACR and American College of Emergency Physicians, to represent radiologists, emergency physicians, patients, and those involved in health care systems and quality. A modified Delphi process was used to identify areas of best practice and seek consensus. The panel identified four areas: (1) report elements and structure, (2) communication of findings with patients, (3) communication of findings with clinicians, and (4) follow-up and tracking systems. A survey was constructed to seek consensus and was anonymously administered in two rounds, with a priori agreement requiring at least 80% consensus. Discussion occurred after the first round, with readministration of questions where consensus was not initially achieved. Consensus was reached in the four areas identified. There was particularly strong consensus that AIFs represent a system-level issue, with need for approaches that do not depend on individual clinicians or patients to ensure communication and completion of recommended follow-up. This multidisciplinary collaboration represents consensus results on best practices regarding the reporting and communication of AIFs in the ED setting. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive trabeculation, often referred to as "noncompacted" myocardium, has been described at all ages, from the fetus to the adult. Current evidence for myocardial development, however, does not support the formation of compact myocardium from noncompacted myocardium, nor the arrest of this process to result in so-called noncompaction. Excessive trabeculation is frequently observed by imaging studies in healthy individuals, as well as in association with pregnancy, athletic activity, and with cardiac diseases of inherited, acquired, developmental, or congenital origins. Adults with incidentally noted excessive trabeculation frequently require no further follow-up based on trabecular pattern alone. Patients with cardiomyopathy and excessive trabeculation are managed by cardiovascular symptoms rather than the trabecular pattern. To date, the prognostic role of excessive trabeculation in adults has not been shown to be independent of other myocardial disease. In neonates and children with excessive trabeculation and normal or abnormal function, clinical caution seems warranted because of the reported association with genetic and neuromuscular disorders. This report summarizes the evidence concerning the etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical relevance of excessive trabeculation. Gaps in current knowledge of the clinical relevance of excessive trabeculation are indicated, with priorities suggested for future research and improved diagnosis in adults and children. [Display omitted] • Current evidence shows that the extent of trabeculated vs compact myocardium in the adult is determined by differential (allometric) growth of each myocardial layer. Because trabeculated myocardium does not coalesce to form the compact myocardial wall, the term "left ventricular noncompaction" is inaccurate and use should be discouraged. • Excessive trabeculation, as diagnosed using existing criteria, may be present as a normal variant or as a response to preload conditions. • In adults incidentally found to have excessive trabeculation with normal myocardial function and morphology, clinical management is determined by other cardiovascular symptoms or abnormalities, without regard to trabecular pattern. • In adults diagnosed with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy where excessive trabeculation is also present, the extent of ventricular trabeculation has not been demonstrated to alter management nor prognosis. Following guidelines developed specifically for those conditions is recommended. • In infants and children, caution is warranted because fewer data are available regarding the etiology and prognosis of excessive trabeculation. Clinical evaluation for occult neuromuscular disease or another genetic/metabolic etiology may be appropriate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A closed-loop material flow analysis model is established for China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI), followed by a comprehensive quantitative analysis from both retrospective and prospective perspectives. • By implementing sound plans and stricter regulations and standards, China has improved recycling and material use efficiency, reduced the organic material with wastewater, and shifted towards recovered paper as a raw material over non-wood fiber. • Lowering the waste paper recycling rate to increase carbon storage is not suitable for China, due to the limited virgin fiber and growing demand. • The growing paper demand requires efforts from both ends of virgin fiber supply and waste paper management towards the sustainable development of CPPI. As the largest global producer and consumer of pulp and paper, China faces significant sustainability challenges in fiber supply and waste paper management. A comprehensive material flow analysis of China's pulp and paper industry (CPPI) is needed to understand the interaction between raw material supply and waste paper management. Here, we construct a closed-loop material flow analysis model for CPPI, examine the evolution patterns of material metabolism from 1990 to 2019, and explore the demand for paper production, waste paper recycling, and virgin fiber supply in 2030 and 2050 under multiple scenarios considering critical factors. Results show that the industry has undergone rapid expansion, increased material use efficiency, and a shift towards recycled pulp from 1990 to 2019. China's paper demand will grow to 186 Mt in the next 30 years, resulting in a significant increase in both demand for fibers (173 Mt) and the generation of waste paper (138 Mt). To ensure a sustainable fiber supply for CPPI, domestic waste paper recycling needs to be prioritized. However, attention should also be paid to the availability of virgin pulp supply and proper disposal of organic solid waste. Proper management of these factors is crucial for achieving a circular economy in the industry and reducing its environmental impact. The findings highlight the importance of addressing both raw material supply and waste paper management for CPPI's sustainable development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use of Ag-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose on two paper types is studied. • Spectral reflectance is measured and CIE L*a*b* coordinates under D65 are obtained. • The treatment induces a pinkish coloration mainly evident in the inoculation region. • Reactions to the treatments of the two types of paper are different. • The proposed method can be applied to analyze effects of any type of treatment. Artifacts made of paper (books, manuscripts, and other documents) represent a valuable part of cultural heritage. They are particularly fragile compared to other objects due to the multiple physical, chemical, and biological factors able to degrade the paper basic constituents, i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Moreover, hemicellulose and lignin represent an ideal growth substrate for proliferation of microorganisms and fungi. Regarding this latter aspect, researchers have experimented several methods to prevent and control fungal development on paper documents, but, sometimes, these treatments present themselves collateral effects, being responsible for the variation of paper chromatic appearance. Recently, a suspension made of crystalline nanocellulose with the adding of silver nanoparticles was tested as antifungal method. Actually, the crystalline nanocellulose has been already experimented as starting material for preservation and consolidation treatments on paper, but the adding of silver nanoparticles also provided the suspension with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action. The aim of the research is to investigate the potential effects of the so-prepared suspension in modifying the optical characteristics of the treated paper. To do that, two different types of paper were analyzed: Whatman and Amalfi. Squared paper samples (3 cm side) were prepared, subjected to artificial ageing, and then inoculated with nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) and with Ag-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC/Ag). Spectral reflectance measurements were performed on the samples, and the CIE L*a*b* chromatic coordinates under D65 were obtained. Comparing the measurements referred to samples treated with CNC and those treated with CNC/Ag, it has been possible to describe the effects due to the presence of silver in the suspension. Obtained results demonstrate that the chromatic variations of the samples treated with CNC/Ag are higher than those referred to the samples treated with CNC. Specifically, the chromatic variations ΔE* D65 range from 0.2 to 10.5 for the Whatman paper and from 0.3 to 5.1 for the Amalfi one. Moreover, it has been shown that the two types of paper react in a different way to the treatments and that the alterations are not homogenous on the entire paper sample, but more evident in the inoculation region in which pinkish spots arise. Finally, it has been proved that the alterations are not stable over time, but, especially for Whatman paper, they become more evident after one month and half from the preparation of the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of its excellent analytical performance and high economic efficiency, the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) has proved to be a robust bioanalytical method. To achieve the application of LFIA in health care, several issues still need to be addressed, including a dramatic increase in sensitivity and reliability which is vital to enable early disease diagnosis and to avoid false-negative results. Electrokinetics in paper-based biosensors allows an integrated solution that simultaneously enables separation, preconcentration, and detection of different target analytes. Miniaturized electrokinetic biosensing platforms that incorporate all necessary electronics and use portable batteries for power sources enable their practical use at the point of care (PoC). The potential of electrokinetic phenomena in biosensing is still in its infancy, and there is still work to be done to boost the analytical sensitivity. In order to decentralize health care, the development of point-of-care (PoC) assays has gained significant attention in recent decades. The lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) has emerged as a promising bioanalytical method due to its low cost and single-step detection process. However, its limited sensitivity and inability to detect disease biomarkers at clinically relevant levels have hindered its application for early diagnosis. This review explores the potential of merging different electrokinetic phenomena into paper-based assays to enhance their analytical performance, offering a versatile and affordable approach for PoC testing. The review exposes the challenges faced in integrating electrokinetic phenomena with paper-based biosensing and concludes by discussing the issues that need to be improved to maximize the potential of this technology for early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper with simultaneous fire-resistance and hydrophobicity have greatly potential applications in the fields of packing, storage and delivering information, which attracts increasing attention recently. Different from the traditional cellulose-based paper which is extremely easily damaged by water and fire, a new type of highly flexible, fire-resistant and hydrophobic paper based on Si 3 N 4 nanowires and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is reported. Specially, the Si 3 N 4 @PDMS core-shell nanowires with 3D interlocking structure are designed, in which the Si 3 N 4 nanowires act as the inorganic fire-resistant frameworks and the PDMS shell with low surface energy provides the hydrophobic surface. The Si 3 N 4 @PDMS core-shell nanowires are intertwined and interlaced to form a highly flexible Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper. The tensile strength of Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper is 6.19 MPa, indicating the good mechanical property. The obtained Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper has the characteristics of writability, fire-resistance and hydrophobicity. The high thermal stability of Si 3 N 4 nanowires makes Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper exhibit excellent fire resistance. No obvious change is observed for the commercial paper with Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper as the fire-shielding layer after heating for 30 min. In addition, the contact angles of water droplets are all greater than 110° over the surfaces of Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper after mechanical damages, chemical corrosions and thermal treatments. Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper can be used in oil/water separation and oil collection. More importantly, Si 3 N 4 @PDMS paper can be used for writing without being damaged by fire or water. The present work may inspire the development and application of functional paper and is expected to become a breakthrough in the traditional paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given its superior structure, the abundance of surface functional groups, and low cost, cotton fiber filtration paper can be used as the support for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction catalysts (OER) instead of copper foam (CF), nickel foam (NF), or carbon cloth (CC). Herein, the chemical plating method was used to create thin self-supporting electrodes based on cotton fiber filtration paper (FP). The Co-Ni-P amorphous nanospheres can be uniformly dispersed on the self-supporting FP due to its porous structure and oxygen functional groups. The Co-Ni-P/FP electrode has an overpotential as low as 125 mV for HER and 320 mV for OER at the current density of 10 mA cm−2. Additionally, according to density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the Co atom added to the Ni-P nanosphere can lead to considerably more charge accumulation around the Co and Ni active sites, which greatly encourages the HER and OER processes. The novel porous support, FP, provides a fresh way the preparation of self-supporting electrodes. [Display omitted] • Filter paper is used to prepare the self-supporting electrode as the substrate. • The preparation method is simple and the properties are stable. • Rich oxygen-containing functional groups of FP promote deposition and dispersion. • Explore the excellent electrochemical performance of amorphous Co-Ni-P/FP by DFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current study, the exergoeconomic analysis of a cogeneration pulp and paper plant under bi-operating modes at different environment temperatures of 290, 295, 305, 310, and 320 K was investigated. Two operating modes of the cogeneration system, i.e., a hybrid operating mode using a power boiler and a recovery boiler and a singular operating mode using a power boiler only, were considered. Natural gas was utilized as the main fuel in the power boiler, while black liquor with heavy fuel oil was employed in the recovery boiler. The total capital investment, total operating, exergy, unit exergy, and exergy destruction costs for each operating mode were evaluated. The results indicated that the total capital investment cost was 3420.27 $/h, and the total capital investment and the operation and maintenance costs in the hybrid and singular modes were 5853.27 and 6226.67 $/h, respectively. As well, the unit exergy cost and the exergy cost of steam introduced by the power boiler were 39.31 $/MWh and 2503.69 $/h, respectively. Where these values for the recovery boiler were 34.69 $/MWh and 554.30 $/h, respectively. Furthermore, the exergy destruction costs at an environment temperature of 320 K for the power and recovery boilers were 1436.6 and 213.63 $/h, respectively. In the hybrid mode, the soda at a 10% concentration was recovered, with a rate of 32 t per hour desired for the cooking process in the pulp mill. In addition, the use of black liquor as a bio-fuel in the recovery boiler saved 14% of the consumption of natural gas. • Exergoeconomic analysis was performed for the pulp and paper industry. • Hybrid and singular operating modes for different ambient temperatures were studied. • Unit exergy cost, exergy cost, and exergy destruction cost were evaluated. • Using black liquor as a bio-fuel in RB saved about 14% of natural gas consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel filter paper patterning method based on parylene C. • A paper-based colorimetric sensor for detection of Al (III) using a smartphone platform. • The detection range of the sensor for Al (III) detection is 0.05 to 10 mg/mL. The detection limit is 0.05 mg/mL. • The assembled paper-based smartphone sensor platform has the potential to detect other biochemical molecules. The paper-based analytical platforms have been applied in biochemical detection and environmental monitoring due to their low cost and easy operation. Despite their advantages, the complexity of fabrication has limited their further application. Here, a simple and innovative approach using parylene C, a material commonly used in semiconductors, is reported to fabricate paper-based chips and construct a point-of-care testing (POCT) platform through smartphones. Parylene C is deposited on the filter paper through a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) clamp and forms a hydrophobic barrier. A three-channel paper-based chip was utilized to detect aluminum (Al) ions on a smartphone platform by the chromogenic method. The color change after Al3+ detection is represented with △E which was photographed and calculated by app on smartphone. The detection limit is 0.05 mg/L and the detection range is from 0.05 mg/L to 10 mg/L which indicates the application potential in the field of biochemical detection. This new paper-based sensing method and smartphone-based portable detection platform are simple, low-cost, fast, and highly sensitive, and provides a potential application for on-site, visual detection of ions and even other substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Producing sugar from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising resilient food solution to counter the near-total global failure of food production due to the agricultural collapse that would likely follow an abrupt sunlight reduction catastrophe such as a nuclear winter, a supervolcanic eruption, or a large asteroid or comet impact. This study examines how quickly edible sugar production could be ramped up globally by repurposing pulp and paper mills, sugarcane biorefineries, corn biorefineries, and breweries for lignocellulosic sugar production. A sub-unit component comparison to the NREL 2017 Biochemical Sugar Model indicates that 84%, 65%, 37%, and 39% of ISBL unit components are present, respectively. Fast construction methods were studied to analyze how this and other industrial foods could be rapidly leveraged in a catastrophe. Results suggest that the world’s current sugar demand could quickly be fulfilled by repurposing pulp and paper mills for lignocellulosic sugar production, given 5 months of production ramp-up and 24/7 construction. This method could reduce construction time to an estimated 32% of the original at an increased labor cost of 1.47 times, resulting in sugar production beginning 5 months after the catastrophe at a retail cost of $0.82 USD/kg. This could not only contribute a significant share of the food requirement after the catastrophe (∼28% within the first year), but also be key to preventing global starvation between the time at which global food storages run dry and other resilient food solutions can scale up significantly. This study aims to serve as the basis for more comprehensive scenario analyses. More research is needed to characterize material and labor constraints to fast response in more depth; repurposing and fast construction pilot studies and food safety studies are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a binary reinforcement system of polyamide polyamine epichlorohydrin with nanocellulose (PAE-NC) for effectively modification of the reclaimed fibres for paper production, and based on the improvement of physical and mechanical properties of cellulosic fibres together with PAE-NC self-crosslinking networks, the strengthening mechanisms of recycled papers are examined. The PAE-NC binary system was applied directly to old corrugated container (OCC) and softwood bleached kraft pulp (SWBKP), and handsheets are prepared with varying amounts of PAE/NC/PAE-NC, namely 0.05, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 wt% (dry pulp). The results showed that the studied additives improved the performance of recycled fibres, whether SWBKP or OCC pulp, and handsheets in solely or combined mechanisms except for the air permeability of the handsheets. The treatment of PAE-NC combination was significantly more effective than those of PAE or NC alone for both OCC and SWBKP, although the combined PAE-NC treatment results in better performance enhancement for OCC than SWBKP handsheets, and the NC alone is more effective than PAE for SWBKP recycled paper and conversely for OCC recycled paper. SEM observations further confirmed that the combined PAE-NC addition treatment imparted a relatively uniform surface structure to the handsheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 °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 kJ/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 °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. • Multi-scale study of pyrolysis behaviour of paper sludge. • Δ H ǂ, Δ G ǂ, and Δ S ǂ of pyrolysis reactions are studied on TG. • Detailed components analysis of the pyrolytic vapor on Py-GC/MS. • Comprehensive evaluation of pyrolysis product from bench-scale reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• H 2 O 2 modification of hydrochar increased surface functional groups on hydrochar. • Modified hydrochar adsorbed NH 4 + better than pristine hydrochar by two times. • NH 4 +adsorption was mainly controlled by cation exchange and electrostatic attraction. • Modified hydrochar can be used as a promising alternative adsorbent for NH 4 + removal. This work investigated adsorption behaviors of NH 4 + onto H 2 O 2 modified paper waste sludge-derived hydrochar (HPSH). Effect of various operational parameters, including modification ratio, solution pH, adsorbent dosage, initial NH 4 + concentration and contact time on NH 4 + adsorption was studied. Besides, the NH 4 + adsorption isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamics at different operational temperatures were systematically investigated. The textural, morphology, crystalline structure and surface chemistry characteristics of hydrochars were analyzed. Specially, NH 4 + adsorption mechanisms controlled by enriched oxygen-containing surface functional groups by treatment of H 2 O 2 onto hydrochars were deeply discussed. The results showed that the optimal treatment ratio between H 2 O 2 and PPSH was 40. Characterization data indicated H 2 O 2 modification increased the oxygen-containing functional groups on the hydrochar surface. The maximum adsorption capacity of HPSH-40 was 7.941 mg/g which was higher that of PPSH about double. NH 4 + adsorption onto hydrochars was well described by the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic studies showed NH 4 + adsorption onto hydrochars was endothermic in nature. The mechanisms of NH 4 + adsorption onto hydrochars included π-cation interaction, cation exchange, surface complexation and electrostatic attraction which were attributed to the vital role of enriched oxygen-containing surface functional groups on hydrochar's surface. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate crisis is dramatically changing life on earth. Environmental sustainability and waste management are rapidly gaining centrality in quality improvement strategies of healthcare, especially in procedure-dominant fields such as gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy. Therefore, healthcare interventions and endoscopic procedures must be evaluated through the 'triple bottom line' of financial, social, and environmental impact. The purpose of the paper is to provide information on the carbon footprint of gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy and outline a set of measures that the sector can take to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases while improving patient outcomes. Scientific societies, hospital executives, single endoscopic units can structure health policies and investment to build a "green endoscopy". The AIGO study group reinforces the role of gastrointestinal endoscopy professionals as advocates of sustainability in digestive endoscopy. The "green endoscopy" can shape a more sustainable health service and lead to an equitable, climate-smart, and healthier future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Achieving high waterproofing in modified cellulose sheets using silylated starch. • Accelerating to biodegradation rate of starch-modified cellulose material by water. • Increasing service life and decay acceleration by fungi for modified paper. Modifying natural polymers with silicones gives new possibilities for packaging products and waste management. In this study, the innovative papers produced were altered following the reaction of polysaccharides and organosilicon compounds. The susceptibility of the studied material to biodegradation caused by a brown-rot fungus was assessed. Strength properties by tensile strength and dynamic mechanical analysis and hydrophobic properties by water uptake test and water contact angle analysis were evaluated. Moreover, elemental analysis by ICP method was controlled. The durability against fungi and the hydrophobic properties were increased by the modification. The fungal decay resistance of the silanized paper was reduced by water storage, which allows for managing paper waste. Cellulose-based paper treated with starch-modified methyltrimethoxysilane showed potential as a packaging material due to its reduced water uptake. Possible application areas could be corrugated boxes, cellulose thermoformed products for electronics, and food packaging. However, the water-repellent effect is limited to short-term exposure in humid conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of incorporating lime mud (LM) as a filler material to develop sustainable, cementless ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) by replacing silica powder (SP) and silica sand (SS) at varying percentages. Flowability analysis reveals that LM, with its distinctive particle size, influences flow characteristics differently at different replacement levels. Compressive strength was improved by 5.4% with 30% SP replacement, showcasing the role of LM in nucleation, as well as its particle size advantage. The heat of hydration analysis indicates that LM likely influences the early curing stages, enhancing reactivity and nucleation. TGA analysis also confirms that LM plays a role in hydration reaction, influencing weight loss and hydration peaks. The mercury intrusion porosimeter results show the impact of LM on pore distribution, with 30% for SP and 50% for SS replacements, favoring denser matrices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) demonstrates reduced CO 2 emissions and favorable environmental performance, highlighting the sustainability potential of LM replacements. Overall, the incorporation of LM in UHPC shows promise in terms of enhancing its mechanical properties and environmental sustainability. [Display omitted] • Lime mud (LM) in UHPC boosts material strength, leading to denser, more effective concrete. • LM enhances hydration, flowability, and refines pore structure. • High LM ratios in UHPC increase sustainability and reduce CO 2 emissions. • LM's use in UHPC significantly advances its mechanical properties and eco-friendliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This quality improvement project aimed to transition completion of Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) at our supportive care clinic from paper to electronic format. Proportion of patients who completed electronic ESAS (eESAS). Starting July 2018, patients could complete eESAS 24h before check-in (eESAS-before), eESAS after check-in (eESAS-after) or on paper (pESAS). A total of 6631 cancer patients had 25,767 clinic visits between July 13, 2018 and November 5, 2021. The ESAS completion rate was 100%. eESAS uptake gradually increased over time, first reaching ≥75% eESAS completion in 5/2019 (eESAS-after 61.9%; eESAS-before 14.0%; pESAS 24.1%). We observed a sharp uptake in eESAS-before since adoption of telehealth during the pandemic (May 2020) and the ≥75% eESAS target was consistently achieved from November 2020 onwards (eESAS-after 0.6%; eESAS-before 76.7%; pESAS 22.7%). In an anonymous survey, we identified several modifiable barriers to implementing eESAS. Transition to eESAS was a gradual process and was catalyzed by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords Greenhouse gases; Wood ash; Paper sludge; Microbial activity; Mineral nitrogen; Boreal soils Highlights * The effect of wood ash and paper sludge on acid soils was tested in incubation tests. * Both increased the soil microbial biomass, respiration, and net mineralization. * Greenhouse gas emissions were larger for paper sludge amended soils. * Supplementing biochar to wood ash increased soil CO.sub.2 fluxes. * Supplementing biochar to paper sludge or limestone ash reduced soil CO.sub.2 fluxes. Abstract Land-use change in the boreal forest region leads to agriculture to be carried out on acid, shallow and low fertility soils. To correct soil fertility and promote crop productivity, manure and inorganic fertilizers are added, increasing the risk for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). To reduce the reliance on synthetic soil amendments while taking advantage of locally relevant industrial by-products, wood ash (WA) and paper sludge (SL) have been proposed as soil amendments for a range of soil types. We posited that amending soils with WA, SL and biochar will improve soil health parameters and fertility of boreal soils. Microbial activity resulting to nitrogen losses and availability were assessed. WA had a stronger ameliorative effect on acid boreal soils compared to SL. Both WA and SL increased soil microbial biomass and basal respiration resulting in higher net mineralization and thus significant increases in CO.sub.2 emissions. Co-application of urea with WA or SL further increased net mineralization compared to when used independently. Conversely, the biochar's effect was short-lived and not significant. Nevertheless, addition of biochar was shown to reduce CO.sub.2 emissions in all cases except in WA amended soils. No significant differences were observed in CH.sub.4 emissions across all treatments. WA and SL may improve soil fertility and quality but could also contribute significantly to GHG emissions in acid boreal soils. Further research is recommended to assess the mitigating effect of various biochar feedstocks on GHG emissions when co-applied with WA and SL. Author Affiliation: (a) School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, A2H 5G4, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (b) Environmental Science Program, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, A1B 3X7, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada (c) Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, H9X 3V9, Québec, Canada * Corresponding author. School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, Corner Brook, A2H 5G4, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Article History: Received 2 November 2022; Revised 16 December 2022; Accepted 30 December 2022 Byline: Ayodeji O. Medaiyese (a), Jianghua Wu (a), Adrian Unc [aunc@grenfell.mun.ca] (a,b,c,*)

Keywords Citation rate; Impact factor; JIFs; WoS; Models; fsQCA Highlights * The paper analyses the citation rate of an article published in the tourism, leisure and hospitality field. * Number of references, author[combining acute accent]s reputation, and early citations have a major impact using regression techniques. * Using QCA, we find that the combinations of several factors are needed to obtain a highly cited paper. Abstract This paper identifies the main factors that affect the citation rate of an article published in the tourism, leisure and hospitality field. Using several regression techniques, it has been identified that the number of references for an article, the reputation of the main author, and obtaining early citations have a major impact on a document's citation rate. As well as this, by means of a quantitative--qualitative analysis (fsQCA), the most efficient combinations of factors that influence the number of citations received have also been identified. This paper is useful for researchers, editors and readers interested in improving the impact of their research. Author Affiliation: Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain * Corresponding author. Article History: Received 12 June 2022; Revised 22 December 2022; Accepted 26 December 2022 Byline: Onofre Martorell Cunil [onofre.martorell@uib.es], Luis Otero González [luis.otero@usc.es] (*), Pablo Durán Santomil [pablo.duran@usc.es], Carlos Mulet Forteza [carles.mulet@uib.es]