12,925 results
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2. Call for Papers: Exploring Covalent Modulators in Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology.
- Author
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Ferrins L and Adams A
- Subjects
- Protein Binding, Drug Discovery, Biology
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
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3. Extreme Heat Affects Early Childhood Development and Health. Working Paper 1
- Author
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Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, Early Childhood Scientific Council on Equity and the Environment (ECSCEE)
- Abstract
Personal experience, common sense, and science all confirm that temperatures are rising across the United States and around the world. Record-setting heat waves are occurring with greater frequency and lasting longer than ever before. This working paper is the first in a series focusing on the ways that environmental conditions shape young children's development. Heat is just one component of a set of interrelated conditions that affect how children's bodies and brains develop. This working paper offers a summary of current knowledge about how heat impacts developing biological systems.
- Published
- 2023
4. Frequency and Content of the Last Fifty Years of Papers on Aristotle's Writings on Biological Phenomena.
- Author
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Sharpley CF and Koehn C
- Subjects
- Animals, Insecta, Writing, Biology, Biological Phenomena
- Abstract
Aristotle is often named as the first zoologist or biologist because of his writings on animals. Although Aristotle's major intention in these books was to illustrate his ideas of how knowledge and understanding might advance, at least one modern biologist (C. Darwin) has recognized Aristotle's depth and breadth as being of surviving merit. Of greater surprise is the ongoing attention that his works continue to receive, including publications in contemporary scientific journals. This review identifies 38 peer-reviewed papers on various topics from Aristotle's biological writings that have been published during the last 50 years. These papers are described according to content (genetics, population biology, anatomy, brain, movement), specific creatures (fish, scorpions, elephants, insects, birds), publication outlet, distribution over the fifty year period surveyed, and visible trends in the topics studied. It is concluded that, in the highly-competitive field of peer-reviewed scientific publication and citation, Aristotle's biology continues to excite the interest of scientists and remains salient to modern science itself., (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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5. How Do Readers at Different Career Stages Approach Reading a Scientific Research Paper? A Case Study in the Biological Sciences
- Author
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Hubbard, Katharine E., Dunbar, Sonja D., Peasland, Emma L., Poon, Jacquelyne, and Solly, Jeremy E.
- Abstract
Reading primary research literature is an essential skill for scientists. However, the high complexity of research papers may pose a barrier to the development of scientific literacy. In semi-structured interviews, we explore how 33 biologists including undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers approach reading an unfamiliar scientific paper. We find that some readers are data-centric, focusing on their own critical evaluation of the data presented, whereas others adopt a more narrative-centric approach, relying on the descriptions of authors to inform their understanding. There was a bias towards undergraduates adopting the narrative-centric approach and researchers adopting the data-centric approach. All postdoctoral researchers and academics prioritised critical interpretation of the data, indicating this is a characteristic of experienced scientific readers. The ability to demonstrate scientific reading skills was context-dependent, particularly with respect to time available and whether a paper aligns well with a reader's specialist area of knowledge. Inexperienced readers often lacked sufficient prior knowledge on which to base their reading, which represented a barrier to their engagement. We make recommendations for how scientific literacy should be developed within undergraduate teaching and beyond, noting that 'one-off' teaching strategies are insufficient when the development of scientific reading skills is a career-long process.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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6. A Comparison of Paper-Based and Computer-Based Formats for Assessing Student Achievement
- Author
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Scrimgeour, Meghan B. and Huang, Haigen H.
- Abstract
Given the growing trend toward using technology to assess student learning, this investigation examined test mode comparability of student achievement scores obtained from paper-pencil and computerized assessments of statewide End-of-Course and End-of-Grade examinations in the subject areas of high school biology and eighth-grade English Language Arts and math. Propensity score matching was used to generate comparable groups of students who were assessed using paper-pencil or computer-based formats. T-tests and generalized linear models were further used to examine test mode effect. Analyses revealed a small test mode effect for all three subjects such that students using the paper-based format achieved higher scores than students using the computer-based format. The findings are germane to school districts transitioning to computerized assessments and investigating test mode comparability.
- Published
- 2022
7. Biology Undergraduate Students' Graphing Practice in Digital versus Pen and Paper Graphing Environments
- Author
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Gardner, Stephanie M., Suazo-Flores, Elizabeth, Maruca, Susan, Abraham, Joel K., Karippadath, Anupriya, and Meir, Eli
- Abstract
Graphing is an important practice for scientists and in K-16 science curricula. Graphs can be constructed using an array of software packages as well as by hand, with pen-and-paper. However, we have an incomplete understanding of how students' graphing practice vary by graphing environment; differences could affect how best to teach and assess graphing. Here we explore the role of two graphing environments in students' graphing practice. We studied 43 undergraduate biology students' graphing practice using either pen-and-paper (PP) (n = 21 students) or a digital graphing tool GraphSmarts (GS) (n = 22 students). Participants' graphs and verbal justifications were analyzed to identify features such as the variables plotted, number of graphs created, raw data versus summarized data plotted, and graph types (e.g., scatter plot, line graph, or bar graph) as well as participants' reasoning for their graphing choices. Several aspects of participant graphs were similar regardless of graphing environment, including plotting raw vs. summarized data, graph type, and overall graph quality, while GS participants were more likely to plot the most relevant variables. In GS, participants could easily make more graphs than in PP and this may have helped some participants show latent features of their graphing practice. Those students using PP tended to focus more on ease of constructing the graph than GS. This study illuminates how the different characteristics of the graphing environment have implications for instruction and interpretation of assessments of student graphing practices.
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
8. A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Biology: Developing Systems Thinking through Field Experiences in Restoration Ecology
- Author
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Stanfield, Erin, Slown, Corin D., Sedlacek, Quentin, and Worcester, Suzanne E.
- Abstract
Course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) introduce research leading to skills acquisition and increased persistence in the major. CUREs generate enthusiasm and interest in doing science and serve as an intervention to increase equity and participation of historically marginalized students. In the second-semester laboratory of our introductory sequence for biology and marine science majors at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), instructors updated and implemented a field-based CURE. The goals of the CURE were to promote increased scientific identity, systems thinking, and equity at a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI). Through the CURE, students engaged in scientific writing through a research paper with a focus on information literacy, critical thinking, and quantitative reasoning as important elements of thinking like a scientist. Course exams also revealed that students showed gains in their ability to evaluate a new biological system using systems thinking. More broadly, because such field-based experiences demonstrate equity gains among Latinx students and a much greater sense of scientific identity, they may have impacts beyond introductory biology including in students' personal and professional lives.
- Published
- 2022
9. Learning Biology in the Early Years Through Nature Play in the Forest: An Exploratory Study from Slovenia
- Author
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Kos, Marjanca, Tunnicliffe, Sue Dale, Praprotnik, Luka, Torkar, Gregor, Hammann, Marcus, Series Editor, Yarden, Anat, Series Editor, Ergazaki, Marida, Founding Editor, Kampourakis, Kostas, Founding Editor, Zabel, Jörg, Editorial Board Member, Korfiatis, Constantinos, Editorial Board Member, Jimenez Aleixandre, Maria Pilar, Editorial Board Member, Harms, Ute, Editorial Board Member, Reiss, Michael, Editorial Board Member, Gericke, Niklas, Editorial Board Member, El-Hani, Charbel Nino, Editorial Board Member, Dawson, Vaille, Editorial Board Member, Nehm, Ross, Editorial Board Member, McComas, William, Editorial Board Member, Passmore, Cynthia, Editorial Board Member, Grace, Marcus, Editorial Board Member, Knippels, Marie Christine, Editorial Board Member, and Korfiatis, Konstantinos, editor
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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10. Incorporating the Biological Bases of Behavior throughout Introduction to Psychology: A Review and Application of 7½ Lessons about the Brain
- Author
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Williamson, Manda J.
- Abstract
Introduction: Research suggests benefits for incorporating popular press books into courses to encourage critical thinking and student-instructor interactions about concepts. Objective: This article offers a summary and critique of "7 ½ Lessons about the Brain" by Lisa Feldman-Barrett along with pedagogical strategies for integrating the book within Introduction to Psychology courses. Teaching Implications: This popular press book affords an opportunity to incorporate a biopsychology thematic approach to Introduction to Psychology. Several pedagogical strategies using active learning and collaboration are provided. Conclusion: Choosing to include a popular press book in class to supplement student learning may benefit critical thinking about many concepts presented within "Introduction to Psychology."
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
11. Characteristics of papers that affect citations in the Journal of Fish Biology.
- Author
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Fenton, M. A., Fennell, H. L., and Kaiser, M. J.
- Subjects
- *
BIOLOGY , *AUTHORSHIP - Abstract
Identifying the factors that influence the citation of articles helps authors improve the impact and reach of their research. Analysis of publications in the Journal of Fish Biology between 2008 and 2021 revealed that variables such as the number of keywords, abstract length, number of authors, and page length were associated with higher impact papers. These trends applied to both review and regular papers. These findings suggest that papers that are more informative, have higher numbers of authors, and have more keywords are more likely to be cited. Adoption of some simple "best‐practice" behaviors can improve the likelihood that a paper is cited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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12. The sequential analysis of DNA interpretation and fingerprint ridge patterns on porous paper evidence
- Author
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Hegenbart, Sarah
- Subjects
Biology - Abstract
In forensic investigations, when porous substances are submitted for analysis, either fingerprint or DNA analysis can be performed. The purpose of this study was to see if it is possible to perform both fingerprint and DNA analysis on the same piece of evidence and to determine the sequence of analysis that produces the best results. Studies have focused on what fingerprint methods affect DNA analysis but have yet to focus on how DNA analysis affects fingerprint enhancement quality. There are many methods to enhance the visibility of fingerprints on porous substances, but this study chose to use ninhydrin and 1,2-indanedione. In this study, three volunteers deposited their DNA and latent prints onto five different paper substrates (money, copy paper, cardboard, cardstock, and thermal paper). The samples then went through one of the following sequences of analysis: 1) fingerprint enhancement first with ninhydrin method, 2) fingerprint enhancement first with 1,2-indanedione method, 3) DNA analysis first and then fingerprint enhancement with ninhydrin method, and 4) DNA analysis first and then fingerprint enhancement with 1,2-indanedione. The results show that the DNA analysis process significantly decreased the fingerprint enhancement quality while the fingerprint enhancement process with either ninhydrin or 1,2-indandione methods does not significantly decrease the quality and quantity of DNA. These results are important because both fingerprint enhancement and DNA analysis can be performed on the same paper substrates.
- Published
- 2023
13. The Public's Understanding of 'Evolution' as Seen through Online Spaces
- Author
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Park, Hyoung-Yong and Seo, Hae-Ae
- Abstract
Evolution is a central concept that unifies all areas of life sciences. Despite longstanding scientific efforts in science education, the public's scientific awareness of evolution still needs to improve. Furthermore, teaching evolution is subject to recurring controversy. This study aimed to investigate the gap between public understanding of evolution seen through online spaces and contents in a school curriculum and explore its reasons. A content analysis was conducted using data mining on a major online portal in Korea. It examined the characteristics of creating and consuming content on evolution through the online portal service based on analyzing the number of posts related to biological evolution and active participants. It also discussed the feasibility of automatic document classification to distinguish between scientific understanding and nonscientific beliefs on the evolution and related online circulating contents. The results show that there are tactics for public exposure and dissemination of creationism through online discussions. [For the full proceedings, see ED629086.]
- Published
- 2023
14. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus varies across different paper types
- Author
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Tomo Daidoji, Hajime Miyazaki, Takaaki Nakaya, Risa Bandou, Ryohei Hirose, Takuma Yoshida, Naoto Watanabe, and Yoshito Itoh
- Subjects
Paper ,Microbiology (medical) ,2019-20 coronavirus outbreak ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Virus transmission ,viruses ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,IP, inkjet paper ,PBS, phosphate-buffered saline ,Viral transmission ,Biology ,medicine.disease_cause ,SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ,Virus ,IPP, inkjet photo paper ,FBS, fetal bovine serum ,IAV, influenza A virus ,Influenza A virus ,medicine ,Humans ,Surface structure ,Pharmacology (medical) ,FFU, focus-forming units ,DMEM, Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium ,TCID50, 50% tissue culture infectious dose ,SARS-CoV-2 ,PP, plain paper ,Postcard ,COVID-19 ,MDCK, Madin–Darby canine kidney ,Orthomyxoviridae ,Virology ,Infectious Diseases ,Original Article ,Stability - Abstract
Introduction The assessment of the risk of virus transmission through papers, such as postcards, is important. However, the stability of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza A virus (IAV) on different types of papers is currently unknown. Investigation of the survival time of these viruses on different types of papers will provide insights into their risk of long-distance transport by postal items. Methods We evaluated the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and IAV, mixed with a culture medium, on the surface of postcards with various coatings, including plain paper (PP), inkjet paper (IP), and inkjet photo paper (IPP). The surface structure of each paper was microscopically assessed. Results The surface structures of PP, IP, and IPP varied greatly depending on the presence or absence, and type, of coat layer, regardless of the base material. IP and IPP surfaces were less conducive to virus survival than PP surfaces, because of the difference in surface shapes. The survival times of SARS-CoV-2 on each paper were approximately 59.8 (PP), 6.5 (IP), and 9.8 h (IPP), and significantly longer than those of IAV (10.3, 1.8, and 3.3 h, respectively). Conclusions The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via paper, such as postcards, is significantly higher than that of IAV transmission. While PP, IP, and IPP have the same base material, their surface structures differ, which affects viral stability. The IP and IPP surfaces are less suitable for virus survival. This study provides novel insights into the risks of viral transmission via paper.
- Published
- 2022
15. Sterilization of paper during crisis
- Author
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Fwzah H. Alshammari and Hebat-Allah A. Hussein
- Subjects
Paper structure ,Infection risk ,Materials science ,Dry heating ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,biology ,Biophysics ,Bacillus cereus ,Human decontamination ,Contamination ,Sterilization (microbiology) ,Salmonella typhi ,biology.organism_classification ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Microbiology ,QR1-502 ,Gamma radiation ,Dry heat ,Escherichia coli ,Food science ,Respiratory pathogen ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Gamma irradiation ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Paper sheets represent one of the infection risk sources inside educational and administrative institutions under biological pandemics. So, the present study aimed to validate the efficiency of gamma radiation or dry heat techniques to sterilize contaminated paper sheets with different indicator pathogens while retaining their structure. The results showed that gamma radiation at 6, 12, or 24 kGy can successfully kill Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, and fungi such as Candida albicans. Moreover, dry heating at 100 °C for 60 min, 150 °C for 30 min, or 200 °C for 15 min can be successful in paper decontamination of all tested species. Surprisingly, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs proved that gamma radiation at 6 kGy, dry heat at 100 °C for 60 min or 150 °C for 30 min or 200 °C for 15 min, is suitable for paper sheet sterilization while maintaining their structure. Ultimately, dry heat is a simple, effective, fast, safe, and inexpensive technique for paper sterilization. It may be used as a precautionary step inside educational institutions, especially during written examination periods, to ensure a safe life for academic members during biological pandemics such as COVID-19.
- Published
- 2022
16. Evaluation of pulp and paper making properties of Caesalpinia decapetela
- Author
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Tesema Hailu Asrat, Limenew Abate, Mesfin Getachew, and Rakesh Kumar Bachheti
- Subjects
biology ,Pulp (paper) ,engineering ,Environmental science ,General Materials Science ,Forestry ,Caesalpinia ,engineering.material ,biology.organism_classification ,Pulp and paper industry - Abstract
The world demand for paper has been increased due to the increasing population Therefore, to cop up the limited wood fiber resources introducing raw material in pulp and paper industries is necessary. The aims of this study to evaluate the pulp and paper-making properties of Caesalpinia decapetela based on proximate chemical composition, fiber morphology, pulping, bleaching, and physical test of the final product. The results proximate chemical analysis showed that C. decapetela has holocellulose content of 78.14±0.1 % and lignin content 18.0±0.04 %. Fiber morphology revealed that the fibers were 0.708 mm long, 18.63 μm width, and have 5.1 μm cell wall thicknesses. Kraft pulping of C. decapetale, was performed at different active alkali (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 % and 25 %) and temperature (150, 160 and 170 °C), keeping the sulphidity 25 % constant. The pulp maximum yield 44.1 % was obtained at active alkali content of 15 %, temperature 160 °C, and cooking time 90 minutes. The effect of pulping on fiber morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy which showed the surface of fiber before pulping was tight, orderly arranged and the texture was relatively hard. After pulping, there was the removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose. Due to this fiber become soft loosened and contain micro-pores. Pulp produced was bleached, sheet preparation and testing were performed. The prepared paper sheets have a tensile index of 28.19 Nm/gm, burst index of 1.359 kPa m 2 / gm 1.359\hspace{0.1667em}\text{kPa}\hspace{0.1667em}{\text{m}^{2}}/\text{gm} , and tear indices of 4.2 mN m 2 / gm 4.2\hspace{0.1667em}\text{mN}\hspace{0.1667em}{\text{m}^{2}}/\text{gm} . This study concluded C. decapetale can be the new raw material for pulp and paper making industries. However, pilot plant studies are required to check this raw material for the full recommendation of the pulp and paper industries.
- Published
- 2021
17. Do Biology Syllabi Provide Opportunities for Secondary School Students to Engage with Critical Thinking Skills?
- Author
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Selina Thomas Mkimbili
- Abstract
This paper explores the extent to which Biology syllabi are open to students' engagement with and acquisition of critical thinking skills in Tanzania's developing country context. It focuses on the Biology syllabus of Ordinary-level secondary education and that of Advanced-level secondary education. The paper reports the findings of a study whose primary objective was to explore the coherence of the two syllabi under review with the elements of critical thinking skills drawn from extant literature. The analysis also entailed exploring the coherence between the specific objectives of the syllabi linked with critical thinking skills and the assessment questions suggested. The study used the Atlas TI programme to analyse the data to achieve the research objectives. The findings revealed that the specific objectives in the syllabi under review focus mostly on lower order thinking (LOT) skills, according to Bloom's taxonomy of learning, rather than on higher order or critical thinking skills.
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- 2024
- Full Text
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18. Defining Language Goals in EMI: Vocabulary Demand in a High-Stakes Assessment in Hong Kong
- Author
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Daniel Fung and Edsoulla Chung
- Abstract
Despite the rapid growth of English Medium Instruction (EMI) programmes around the globe, the language goals in such programmes have not been clearly defined, making it difficult to evaluate their success. Accordingly, our paper reports on a study that attempted to identify the language goals, operationalised as the vocabulary expected of learners, by investigating the under-explored area of EMI assessment. We sampled a corpus of 16 sets of examination papers in two subject areas, namely, Biology and Geography, spanning eight years in Hong Kong. The examination papers, analysed for their vocabulary profiles, indicated that students were expected to learn beyond the K3 level (the most frequent 3,000 words in English) and master mid-frequency words (K4-K8) as well as academic words. Our findings suggest that the less frequent words were not often shared by the two subjects. Analysing academic words also enabled us to showcase how some words were common across the two subjects while others were more subject-specific. Pedagogical implications are discussed, highlighting the need for teachers and students to attend to target language goals in EMI, and to consider the subject-specific nature of vocabulary items in EMI.
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
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19. Optimization of biodegradable paper cup packaging coated with whey protein isolate and rice bran wax as potential popcorn package
- Author
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Majid Javanmard Dakheli, Sedigheh Ganjizadeh Zavareh, and Behjat Tajeddin
- Subjects
business.product_category ,Materials science ,biology ,Nutrition. Foods and food supply ,RSM ,food and beverages ,coating ,Paper cup ,engineering.material ,Whey protein isolate ,Coating ,engineering ,biology.protein ,TX341-641 ,Food science ,sense organs ,Rice bran wax ,business ,WVTR ,paper cup ,snacks ,Food Science ,Original Research - Abstract
Biodegradable paper cups coated with rice bran wax and whey protein isolate were designed to package popcorn. Coatings with different concentrations of whey protein isolate (5.5, 7.75, and 10% w/v) and rice bran wax (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% w/v) were applied on the outer surface of the paper cups. Thickness, color changes, Young's modulus and tensile strength, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the coated and uncoated cups, and also popcorns properties (pH, texture, and sensory properties) were evaluated. Water vapor transmission rate, Young's modulus, thickness, total color change index, and tensile strength of coated cups with the optimal coating formulation was 19.785 (g/m2 day), 11.810 (MPa), 276.583 (µm), 1.839, and 11.222 (MPa), respectively. The results showed that paper cup coating increased thickness and yellowness and reduced the brightness, Young's modulus, and WVTR. Coating had a positive effect on the pH and texture of popcorns packaged in coated cups than samples packed in uncoated cups (p, Biodegradable packaging is one of the best types of packaging that wishes not to harm the environment. Paper packaging coated with materials, such as rice bran wax and whey protein isolate, both of which are food waste, can improve paper color and resistance, and provide a good moisture barrier. This type of coating can be used in paper packaging of food such as snacks, noodle packaging, semi‐prepared foods, etc. This type of packaging can also maintain the physicochemical and sensory properties of food for a long time. Also, due to the edible nature of this type of coating, this coating can be used inside the package so that the printability of the packaging surface is not affected.
- Published
- 2021
20. Non-destructive and Rapid Method for Monitoring Fish Freshness of Grass Carp Based on Printable Colorimetric Paper Sensor in Modified Atmosphere Packaging
- Author
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Enqiang Yin, Houbin Li, Yixiang Wang, Junwei Wen, Yu Sun, Xinghai Liu, Shibo Qiu, and Zhengjie Chen
- Subjects
biology ,Food spoilage ,biology.organism_classification ,Pulp and paper industry ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Analytical Chemistry ,Grass carp ,Color changes ,Modified atmosphere ,Non destructive ,Screen printing ,Environmental science ,%22">Fish ,Color response ,Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality ,Safety Research ,Food Science - Abstract
The freshness indicator can detect the freshness of food through characteristic color changes, and has the advantages of high accuracy and visualization. However, existing freshness indicators cannot achieve low-cost mass production. Addressing this challenge, a printed colorimetric freshness indicator which can be used into the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of grass carp for freshness monitoring is developed. A printable ink based on natural purple cabbage pigment, carboxymethyl cellulose, and glycerin was prepared, then it was printed in the paper by screen printing and applied to MAP. Additionally, the indicator labels were used in an application trial, which was conducted to monitor the freshness of grass carp under refrigeration (4°C) and at room temperature (25°C). The color response of freshness label was consistent with the spoilage threshold of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and trimethylamine (TMA) content in fish sample. Therefore, the paper-sensor label can be used as a simple and practical indicator for freshness monitoring of grass carp.
- Published
- 2021
21. Adaptive Potential and Endocrine Profile of Pulp and Paper Workers in Arkhangelsk
- Author
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Viktoriya Alikina, A. E. Elfimova, and E. V. Tipisova
- Subjects
Pulp (tooth) ,Endocrine system ,Adaptive potential ,Biology ,Pulp and paper industry - Abstract
Introduction. Maintaining good health and working capacity of the population is one of the main tasks of the healthcare system. Living under adverse climatic conditions of the North and being exposed to dangerous production factors of the pulp and paper industry, strongly represented in the Arkhangelsk Region, can significantly reduce the adaptive capacity of the body. Major role in providing an adequate response to the action of irritators and initiating the adaptation process is played by the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems, which reflect qualitative and quantitative changes in the body while being reliable markers of homeostasis. The aim was to study the adaptive potential of workers showing the level of functioning of the circulatory system and to evaluate their endocrine profile depending on the revealed functional capabilities of the body. Materials and methods. The study involved 50 men aged 22–60 years working in the production departments of Solombala Pulp and Paper Mill (Arkhangelsk) with a body mass index of 19–25 and without earlier history of endocrine pathology. Serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin and oestradiol were determined by means of radioimmunoassay, while serum concentrations of total cortisol, thyrotropin, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, C-peptide, and somatotropin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The research demonstrated that in 2/3 of the examined employees of the pulp and paper mill the adaptation mechanisms were under strain, while the condition of two subjects corresponded to the physiological norm, which is characterized by good and satisfactory adaptation. Workers with decreased adaptive capabilities to the point of unsatisfactory adaptation showed increased levels of cortisol, thyroxine-binding globulin, oestradiol, C-peptide, and insulin against the background of a decrease in testosterone, progesterone, and the testosterone/oestradiol ratio. The authors recommend conducting periodic medical examinations of pulp and paper workers, including endocrine profile assessment, and monitoring changes that occur over time.
- Published
- 2021
22. Xylanolytic Enzymes in Pulp and Paper Industry: New Technologies and Perspectives
- Author
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Rajeev Kumar Kapoor, Pratyoosh Shukla, Guddu Kumar Gupta, and Mandeep Dixit
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Laccase ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,Biomass ,Bioengineering ,Cellulase ,Raw material ,Biodegradation ,Pulp and paper industry ,Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology ,Biochemistry ,Xylan ,Enzyme ,chemistry ,biology.protein ,Xylanase ,Molecular Biology ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The pulp and paper industry discharges massive amount of wastewater containing hazardous organochlorine compounds released during different processing stages. Therefore, some cost-effective and nonpolluting practices such as enzymatic treatments are required for the potential mitigation of effluents released in the environment. Various xylanolytic enzymes such as xylanases, laccases, cellulases and hemicellulases are used to hydrolyse raw materials in the paper manufacturing industry. These enzymes are used either individually or in combination, which has the efficient potential to be considered for bio-deinking and bio-bleaching components. They are highly dynamic, renewable, and high in specificity for enhancing paper quality. The xylanase act on the xylan and cellulases act on the cellulose fibers, and thus increase the bleaching efficacy of paper. Similarly, hemicellulase enzyme like endo-xylanases, arabinofuranosidase and β-d-xylosidases have been described as functional properties towards the biodegradation of biomass. In contrast, laccase enzymes act as multi-copper oxidoreductases, bleaching the paper by the oxidation and reduction process. Laccases possess low redox potential compared to other enzymes, which need some redox mediators to catalyze. The enzymatic process can be affected by various factors such as pH, temperature, metal ions, incubation periods, etc. These factors can either increase or decrease the efficiency of the enzymes. This review draws attention to the xylanolytic enzyme-based advanced technologies for pulp bleaching in the paper industry.
- Published
- 2021
23. #lets-discuss: Analyzing Student Affect in Course Forums Using Emoji
- Author
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Blobstein, Ariel, Gal, Kobi, Kim, Hyunsoo Gloria, Facciotti, Marc, Karger, David, and Sripathi, Kamali
- Abstract
Emoji are commonly used in social media to convey attitudes and emotions. While popular, their use in educational contexts has been sparsely studied. This paper reports on the students' use of emoji in an online course forum in which students annotate and discuss course material in the margins of the online textbook. For this study, instructors created 11 custom emoji-hashtag pairs that enabled students to quickly communicate affects and reactions in the forum that they experienced while interacting with the course material. Example reporting includes, inviting discussion about a topic, declaring a topic as interesting, or requesting assistance about a topic. We analyze emoji usage by over 1,800 students enrolled in multiple offerings of the same course across multiple academic terms. The data show that some emoji frequently appear together in posts associated with the same paragraphs, suggesting that students use the emoji in this way to communicating complex affective states. We explore the use of computational models for predicting emoji at the post level, even when posts are lacking emoji. This capability can allow instructors to infer information about students' affective states during their "at home" interactions with course readings. Finally, we show that partitioning the emoji into distinct groups, rather than trying to predict individual emoji, can be both of pedagogical value to instructors and improve the predictive performance of our approach using the BERT language model. Our procedure can be generalized to other courses and for the benefit of other instructors. [For the full proceedings, see ED623995.]
- Published
- 2022
24. Baroque biology (paper theatre).
- Author
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Willet, Jennifer
- Subjects
BIOLOGY ,VIGNETTES ,AGAR ,AESTHETICS ,BACTERIA - Abstract
In the photographic series Baroque Biology Paper Theatre (2019), Jennifer Willet enages with GMO bacteria growing in LB Agar petri dishes. Each plate presents imaginary biological vignettes where non-human organisms teach humans complex biotechnological processes. In this work, living bacteria cultures serve as collaborators in the creative process creating artworks that are both sublime and disgusting. Baroque Biology (Paper Theatre) presents a series of biotechnological vignettes where I reimagine laboratory aesthetics as feminine, gawdy, and fantastical in direct contradiction to the norms of contemporary scientific practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
25. Evaluation of filter paper to transport inactivated bacteria to detect carbapenem resistance genes by multiplex real-time PCR using high-resolution melting
- Author
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Priscila Lamb Wink, Maiara dos Santos Carneiro, Marina Niada Crispim, and Afonso Luis Barth
- Subjects
Paper ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Bacteria ,Ethanol ,Filter paper ,Microorganism ,Biology ,Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ,biology.organism_classification ,Microbiology ,High Resolution Melt ,Specimen Handling ,Real-time polymerase chain reaction ,Medical microbiology ,Carbapenems ,Drug Resistance, Bacterial ,Media Technology ,medicine ,Food microbiology ,Multiplex ,Clinical Microbiology - Short Communication - Abstract
Infections caused by resistant microorganisms are a complex global public health challenge, and the way to combat the increase of resistance is the development of more modern and faster techniques for resistance detection. This study aimed to evaluate the transport of inactivated bacteria impregnated in a filter paper disk to detect carbapenem resistance genes by multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) using high-resolution melting (HRM). A total of 88 isolates of 10 different species of Enterobacterales harboring well-characterized carbapenem resistance genes were evaluated. A full 10-µL loop of fresh growth of bacteria were impregnated in a filter paper disk, which was left at room temperature for 2 days in order to simulate the time spent in transportation. Bacterial inactivation was performed with 70% ethanol at 15 min. Afterwards, the DNA was extracted from the paper disks for further analysis by qPCR HRM. The time of 15 min in 70% ethanol was enough to inactivate all the isolates tested. It was possible to correctly identify the presence of the carbapenem resistance gene by HRM qPCR in 87 isolates (98.87%) that were transported in the filter paper disks. Our results indicated that it is possible to use filter paper to transport inactivated bacteria and to identify carbapenem resistance genes by qPCR HRM. This alternative tends to facilitate the access to this technology by many laboratories which do not have the qPCR equipment.
- Published
- 2021
26. ASSESSMENT OF FIBRE CHARACTERISTICS OF SPONDIA MOMBIN L. (ANACARDIACEAE) FOR PULP AND PAPER PRODUCTION
- Author
-
David Oriabure Ekhuemelo, B. T. Aondoaver, and Emmanuel Terzungwue Tembe
- Subjects
Animal science ,biology ,Pulp (paper) ,engineering ,Paper production ,Anacardiaceae ,engineering.material ,Raw material ,biology.organism_classification ,Mathematics - Abstract
The fibre characteristics of five Spondia mombin stands were studied to determine their suitability for pulp and paper production. Wood slivers obtained parallel to grain at three (3) different positions along the bole were macerated in combined identical amounts of glacial acetic acid plus hydrogen peroxide under heat at between 80-100o C. Macerated fibres were washed clean of mixture and mounted on slide for microscopic examination of fibre characteristics. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed for the experiment. Data were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) while, the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used to separate means of significant differences among the treatments. Results show that significant differences existed in fibre characteristic of sampled trees, however the fibre length ranged from 0.98-1.0 mm, fibre diameter (18.22-21.47 um), lumen width (10.90-12.98 um) and cell wall thickness (3.86-4.60 um). Significant differences were also observed among the derived fibre characteristics, the Runkel ratio ranged from 0.66-8.89, elasticity coefficient (57.22-60.50 %), coefficient of rigidity (19.78-22.24 %), slenderness ratio (43.27-46.5). This implied that, the fibres of S. mombin were short and elastic which make the wood species an appropriate raw material for pulp and paper making especially when blended with other long fibre species.
- Published
- 2021
27. Partial purification of bacterial cellulo-xylanolytic enzymes and their application in deinking of photocopier waste paper
- Author
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Jitender Sharma, Nishi Kant Bhardwaj, Sunita Dalal, Puneet Pathak, and Chakarvati Sango
- Subjects
Paper ,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis ,Ultrafiltration ,Cellulase ,010501 environmental sciences ,engineering.material ,01 natural sciences ,law.invention ,law ,Environmental Chemistry ,Ammonium sulfate precipitation ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Endo-1,4-beta Xylanases ,biology ,Chemistry ,Pulp (paper) ,General Medicine ,Pulp and paper industry ,Deinking ,Pollution ,Enzyme assay ,Folding endurance ,biology.protein ,Xylanase ,engineering ,Ink - Abstract
The potential of alkaline cellulo-xylanolytic enzymes from non-pathogenic Bacillus subtilis strain was tested for deinking of photocopier waste paper. Cellulase and xylanase play a crucial role in deinking of different types of waste paper. Partial purification of cellulo-xylanolytic enzymes was carried out using ultrafiltration followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The ultrafiltered enzyme was used for deinking the photocopier waste paper along with chemical deinking. An enzyme dose of 0.6 IU/g and reaction time of 60 min for ultrafiltered cellulo-xylanolytic enzyme significantly increased deinking efficiency, tear index (9.52%) and folding endurance (5±2%) as compared to chemical deinking. There was improvement in strength properties such as tear index and double-fold along with freeness of pulp (18%). There was slight decrease in tensile index (0.6%) and burst index (16%) while ISO brightness remained unaffected. Enzymatic deinking (74.3%) by ultrafiltered cellulo-xylanolytic from Bacillus subtilis was found significant over conventional chemical deinking.
- Published
- 2021
28. Examining Lebanese Secondary Students' Biology Learning Loss Due to the Economic Crisis and COVID-19 Pandemic
- Author
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Shaaban, Eman
- Abstract
The economic crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019 forced both public and private schools in Lebanon to close for an extended period of time. Many topics were suspended from the curriculum due to decreasing the number of learning days. The predominant causes of learning loss are lengthy gaps or cutouts in students' education. This study aims to investigate the impact of school closure on students' learning, specifically the learning loss in biology at the secondary level during the period between 2019-2022. This is a mixed research: qualitative data was collected through document analysis to compare the topics covered in biology and the official exams for grade 12-Life Science section during the last two academic years with those covered and implemented before the dual crisis; and quantitative data through teachers' questionnaire implemented to address the biology learning loss. The results revealed a huge learning loss in biology, more than 50 % of the biology program was not covered in grades 10, 11-S and 12-LS, and a decline in the quality of the official exams. Similar results were obtained in a parallel study addressing Lebanese secondary students' learning loss in mathematics. [This research was presented at ICSES conference held in Antalya between 10 and 13 November, 2022.]
- Published
- 2023
29. The Effectiveness of an Interdisciplinary Approach in Biology Teaching in Primary School: A Comparison with Monodisciplinary Approach
- Author
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Županec, Vera, Lazarevic, Tihomir, Sekulic, Vanja, and Pribicevic, Tijana
- Abstract
Interdisciplinary teaching and learning is an approach that synthesizes the curricular objectives and methods of two or more disciplines or subjects focusing on a specific topic or issue. While it is being increasingly implemented in universities, at lower levels of education there are still countries where science subjects are taught and learned fragmentarily. To assess the significance of the interdisciplinary approach in primary school biology teaching, the paper aims at an experimental verification of the effectiveness of this method in relation to the quality and retention of student knowledge, compared to the monodisciplinary approach to teaching and learning biology. The paper also describes a scenario for teaching a topic in which biological and geographical contents correlate. The study applied a pedagogical experiment with parallel groups. In total, 180 students attending two primary schools in the city of Novi Sad participated in the experiment and were divided into an experimental and a control group. The findings suggest that the interdisciplinary approach improved the quality and retention of student knowledge. The experimental group was more successful in completing tasks that required comprehension and practical application of knowledge. The study thus emphasizes the need for a professional curriculum development that would enhance the interdisciplinary correlation of various disciplines.
- Published
- 2023
30. Linking Inclusive Narratives to Create STEM Synergy (LINCSS): A Framework for Culturally Responsive STEM Education and Engagement
- Author
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Chavarria, Sara P. and Knox, Corey
- Abstract
This paper introduces a novel framework aimed at supporting non-education faculty and facilitators in creating inclusive educational programs and learning opportunities that address the needs, interests, and priorities of underrepresented individuals and communities in the field of STEM. The framework centers on the fundamental concept of understanding the learner's "why" to assist faculty in developing effective teaching strategies. The article outlines how this framework can be applied in various academic settings and contexts and provides educators and program facilitators with guidance to foster meaningful student connections. Each element of the framework is discussed, accompanied by a set of reflective questions that encourage educators to rethink and redesign their educational experiences. Furthermore, the paper illustrates the practical application of the framework through three distinct case studies that include a project-based learning program for high school students, a college undergraduate STEM course, and a summer research experience for undergraduates. By employing this framework, educators and facilitators can enhance their pedagogical practices, ensuring that traditionally marginalized voices and perspectives are elevated, acknowledged, and valued within STEM education. Ultimately, this work can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape, fostering increased engagement and success among underrepresented learners in STEM fields.
- Published
- 2023
31. Implementation and Student Perceptions of OneNote as an Electronic Laboratory Notebook in a General Biology Course
- Author
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Nyutu, Eva
- Abstract
Paper Laboratory Notebooks (PLNs) have been used for centuries to document and archive the thoughts and work of inventors, scientists, students, and engineers. PLNs are the first formal means of scientific communication we teach our students and, in turn, a student's first training on cultivating and expressing scientific thinking. In the science teaching laboratory, PLNs are at the forefront and serve various purposes for students in the science laboratory curriculum, like good documentation practices and accurate record keeping. This paper discusses the reasons for switching to OneNote ELN, the criteria for selecting OneNote ELN software, how OneNote ELN was introduced and used in the course, and students' opinions on using this ELN. We successfully implemented the OneNote ELN in our General Biology Laboratory II sequence course for biology majors and nonmajor students entering the health professions. Students had a generally favorable response to using the OneNote ELN; 98% of students agreed that ELNs enabled them to keep a well-maintained laboratory notebook. Overall, student experience with ELNs was positive, with 85% of students indicating that they would recommend other future science laboratory courses they will be taking to adopt the OneNote ELN. In general, the OneNote ELN was viewed more positively in many respects than the PLNs in ease of its usage, access and organizing the notebook.
- Published
- 2023
32. Reliable screening of beta 2 ‐adrenoceptor ligands from Rheum palmatum L extract using a paper‐based chromatographic column containing the immobilized receptor
- Author
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Xunyu Xiong, Yefei Nan, and Hong-Jiang Yu
- Subjects
Rheum palmatum ,Chromatography ,biology ,Adrenergic receptor ,Chemistry ,Paper based ,Chromatographic column ,Receptor ,biology.organism_classification ,G protein-coupled receptor - Published
- 2021
33. Predictive model of geographical origin discrimination of paper mulberry and handmade paper using ICP-AES/MS and multivariate statistical analysis
- Author
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Tae Young Heo, Sir Lin Jeong, Tea Ho Choi, Ah Hyeon Jo, Kun Cho, and In Hee Go
- Subjects
Archeology ,Materials Science (miscellaneous) ,02 engineering and technology ,Conservation ,01 natural sciences ,East asian region ,Fiber ,Spectroscopy ,Mathematics ,biology ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Paper mulberry ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,biology.organism_classification ,0104 chemical sciences ,Horticulture ,Chemistry (miscellaneous) ,Elemental analysis ,visual_art ,Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy ,visual_art.visual_art_medium ,Bast fibre ,Bark ,Multivariate statistical ,0210 nano-technology ,General Economics, Econometrics and Finance - Abstract
The fiber of paper mulberry, which is mostly grown in the East Asian region, varies in both length and width—even if from the same species—depending on the country, soil, and climate where it is grown. This accounts for differences in the quality of handmade paper between domestic and imported products. Once handmade paper is manufactured as sheets, its origin cannot be determined from a morphological perspective, regardless of macroscopic and microscopic observations. Therefore, this study attempted to determine the origin of Korean and imported products using mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper from a chemometrics perspective. The inorganic components of wood are absorbed from the soil and exist in the bark of trees; thus, metal and rare-earth elements in the bast fibers and handmade papers were quantitatively analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectrometry (ICP-AES/MS). Following this, a prediction model of their origin was constructed by applying multivariate statistical analysis, i.e., a partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) loading plot was constructed, which helped in identifying the discrimination factors resulting from their origin. According to the ICP-AES results, Pb was only detected in the Gyeongbuk Mungyeong dak sample of the Korean bast fibers. The Chinese bast fiber sample had high contents of Ca, and B and Zn were detected only in the Chinese bast fiber samples. Bast fiber samples from China, Japan, and Thailand showed relatively high contents of Al, Ca, and Na. Meanwhile, Cu and Zn were detected in the handmade paper manufactured from the imported materials. According to the ICP-MS results, among the Korean handmade papers, the products from Gyeongbuk Mungyeong, Andong, and Chungbuk Goesan exhibited a high U content and that from Gapyeong had high Sc, Rb, Sr, and Ba contents. Thus, the elemental analysis employed in this study effectively identified the origin of the papers. The origin prediction by PLS-DA for the domestic and imported products revealed an accuracy of 86.4% and 72.7% for ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods, respectively, which is deemed acceptable to assess the origin. We believe this method significantly contributes to determining the origin of paper mulberry bast fiber and handmade paper manufactured in East Asia.
- Published
- 2021
34. Miniaturizing chemistry and biology using droplets in open systems.
- Author
-
Zeng Y, Khor JW, van Neel TL, Tu WC, Berthier J, Thongpang S, Berthier E, and Theberge AB
- Subjects
- Microfluidics methods, Biology
- Abstract
Open droplet microfluidic systems manipulate droplets on the picolitre-to-microlitre scale in an open environment. They combine the compartmentalization and control offered by traditional droplet-based microfluidics with the accessibility and ease-of-use of open microfluidics, bringing unique advantages to applications such as combinatorial reactions, droplet analysis and cell culture. Open systems provide direct access to droplets and allow on-demand droplet manipulation within the system without needing pumps or tubes, which makes the systems accessible to biologists without sophisticated setups. Furthermore, these systems can be produced with simple manufacturing and assembly steps that allow for manufacturing at scale and the translation of the method into clinical research. This Review introduces the different types of open droplet microfluidic system, presents the physical concepts leveraged by these systems and highlights key applications., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Effect of Paper Mulberry Extract on Damaged Hair
- Author
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Ju-Sub Kim
- Subjects
Measurement method ,Ingredient ,Materials science ,Hair characteristics ,integumentary system ,biology ,Ultimate tensile strength ,Paper mulberry ,sense organs ,General Medicine ,Absorption (skin) ,Food science ,biology.organism_classification - Abstract
Purpose: The study aims to manufacture paper mulberry-added formulations to improve hair quality, apply it to damaged hair, and examine the effect of the formulations in improving hair quality. Methods: Formulations were manufactured by varying the contents of paper mulberry extract at 0, 2, 4, and 6 g. Then, the formulations were applied to discolored sample hairs, which were treated with heat and left in nature. Then, the conditions of the sample hairs before and after application of the formulations were compared. To examine the effect of the formulations on hair quality, the study measured tensile strength, optical absorption using methylene blue, and luster. Results: For all samples, the average values for tensile strength increased after application of the formulations, especially for samples 7L(1), 7L(2), 7L(3), and 9L(3). The analysis of optical absorption using methylene blue demonstrated that the average values for optical absorption decreased for all samples except in the case of healthy hair. Such decreases were noted for samples 7L(1), 7L(2), 7L(3), and 9L(3). Finally, the average values for luster increased samples 7L(3) and 9L(3). Conclusion: The study found that paper mulberry extract is effective for improving tensile strength, optical absorption, and luster of damaged hair. However, the study only verified the results on a limited number of hair characteristics and used one ingredient. Thus, further research using various measurement methods and other ingredients is necessary.
- Published
- 2021
36. Research on VOCs and odor from heartwood and sapwood of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent.) with different moisture content
- Author
-
Jun Shen, Huiyu Wang, Qifan Wang, and Bin Zeng
- Subjects
040101 forestry ,0106 biological sciences ,Fiber saturation point ,biology ,Chemistry ,musculoskeletal, neural, and ocular physiology ,Paper mulberry ,Forestry ,04 agricultural and veterinary sciences ,Plant Science ,Broussonetia ,biology.organism_classification ,01 natural sciences ,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering ,Total volatile ,Odor ,Wood panel ,010608 biotechnology ,Environmental chemistry ,0401 agriculture, forestry, and fisheries ,General Materials Science ,Water content ,psychological phenomena and processes - Abstract
The impact of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor on indoor environment and people has attracted much attention. To reduce this problem of odorous compounds contained in wood panel, this study focused on identifying odorant compounds and exploring the influence of moisture content factors on VOCs and odor emissions. Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera (L.)Vent.) was investigated using the technology of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactory (GC–MS/O). Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and characteristic odor-active compounds were studied, and the emission of heartwood and sapwood of paper mulberry was compared at the same time. It was found that the main components from heartwood and sapwood were aromatics, alkanes, alkenes, aldehydes ketones, alcohols and esters. Totally, 23 kinds of odor-active compounds were identified from heartwood and sapwood of paper mulberry, among which, aromatics and aldehydes ketones were the main odorant compounds. Seven kinds of key odorant compounds were identified in this process. With the decrease in moisture content, the TVOC and total odor intensity of heartwood and sapwood generally decreased. The moisture content had a great effect on VOC release when the moisture content decreased from 70 to 50% and reduced from fiber saturation point (30%) to air saturation point (10%). The main odor impressions of paper mulberry were aromatic, fresh fruit fragrance, sweet scent and special pungent. In the whole process of moisture content decrease, the TVOC, concentration of odorant and odor intensity of sapwood were higher than that of heartwood.
- Published
- 2021
37. Bioremoval capacity of phenol by some selected endophytic fungi isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa and batch biodegradation of phenol in paper and pulp effluents
- Author
-
Doaa Montaser Ahmed Khalil, Mohamed Salah Massoud, Magdi A. El-Sayed, and Soad A. El-Zayat
- Subjects
Microbiology (medical) ,Fusarium ,aspergillus ,biodegradation ,biology ,Pulp (paper) ,Hibiscus sabdariffa ,engineering.material ,Biodegradation ,biology.organism_classification ,Hibiscus ,hibiscus ,Microbiology ,Plant use of endophytic fungi in defense ,QR1-502 ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,phenol ,chemistry ,endophytes ,engineering ,Phenol ,Food science ,biodiversity ,Effluent - Abstract
Background and Objectives: The use of endophytic fungi for management of phenol residue in paper and pulp industries has been shown as cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. In this study, isolation of endophytic fungi from roots, stems, and leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa was conducted. Additionally, the isolated fungi were examined for their ability to degrade phenol and its derivatives in paper and pulp industrial samples, using different growth conditions. Materials and Methods: Out of 35 isolated endophyitc fungi, 31 were examined for their phenol biodegradation capacity using Czapek Dox broth medium containing Catechol and Resorcinol as a sole carbon source at final concentrations of 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8%. Results: A total of 35 fungal species belonging to 18 fungal genera were isolated and identified from different parts of H. sabdariffa plants. All strains have the capability for degrading phenol and their derivatives with variable extents. The optimum condition of degrading phenol in paper and pulp effluent samples by Fusarium poae11r7 were at pH 3-5, temperature at 28-35°C, good agitation speed at no agitation and 100 rpm. Conclusion: All endophytic fungal species can utilize phenol and its derivatives as a carbon source and be the potential to degrade phenol in industrial contaminants.
- Published
- 2021
38. Functional and analytical recapitulation of osteoclast biology on demineralized bone paper.
- Author
-
Park, Yongkuk, Sato, Tadatoshi, and Lee, Jungwoo
- Subjects
BIOLOGY ,DRUG development ,BONE marrow ,OSTEOBLASTS ,OSTEOCLASTS - Abstract
Osteoclasts are the primary target for osteoporosis drug development. Recent animal studies revealed the crucial roles of osteoblasts in regulating osteoclastogenesis and the longer lifespans of osteoclasts than previously thought with fission and recycling. However, existing culture platforms are limited to replicating these newly identified cellular processes. We report a demineralized bone paper (DBP)-based osteoblast culture and osteoclast assay platform that replicates osteoclast fusion, fission, resorption, and apoptosis with high fidelity and analytical power. An osteoid-inspired DBP supports rapid and structural mineral deposition by osteoblasts. Coculture osteoblasts and bone marrow monocytes under biochemical stimulation recapitulate osteoclast differentiation and function. The DBP-based bone model allows longitudinal quantitative fluorescent monitoring of osteoclast responses to bisphosphonate drug, substantiating significantly reducing their number and lifespan. Finally, we demonstrate the feasibility of humanizing the bone model. The DBP-based osteo assay platforms are expected to advance bone remodeling-targeting drug development with improved prediction of clinical outcomes. Here, authors report demineralized bone paper-based in vitro osteogenic culture and assay platforms that replicate essential bone tissue complexity, osteoclast processes, and drug responses with high fidelity and predictive power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. The respiratory metabolism of overwintering paper wasp gynes ( Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus )
- Author
-
Helmut Käfer, Anton Stabentheiner, Helmut Kovac, and Iacopo Petrocelli
- Subjects
Paper wasp ,Physiology ,Insect Science ,Respiratory metabolism ,Zoology ,Biology ,Polistes gallicus ,biology.organism_classification ,Polistes dominula ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Overwintering - Published
- 2021
40. A comparative fiber morphological analysis of major agricultural residues (used or investigated) as feedstock in the pulp and paper industry
- Author
-
Zoltán Börcsök, Levente Csóka, Vladimír Gryc, Kyriaki Giagli, Zoltán Pásztory, and Dimitrios Tsalagkas
- Subjects
Environmental Engineering ,biology ,Chemistry ,Pulp (paper) ,Bioengineering ,Miscanthus ,engineering.material ,biology.organism_classification ,Sunflower ,Husk ,Animal science ,Stalk ,Hardwood ,engineering ,Fiber ,Bagasse ,Waste Management and Disposal - Abstract
The suitabilities of major agricultural residues were assessed as papermaking feedstocks. All the examined agricultural residues were assumed as potential candidates for substituting hardwood fibers in mixed pulp blends from a fiber morphological perspective. Wheat, barley, rice, rapeseed, maize, sunflower, sugarcane bagasse, coconut husk, and two genotypes of miscanthus grass underwent identical maceration. The fiber length, fiber width, cell wall thickness, and lumen diameter were measured to calculate the slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio. The average fiber length ranged from 0.50 mm ± 0.32 mm (MG-S-02-V) to 1.15 mm mm ± 0.58 mm (sugarcane bagasse). The fiber width ranged from 10.77 μm ± 3.28 μm (rice straw) to 22.99 mm ± 5.20 mm (sunflower stalk). The lumen diameter ranged from 4.52 μm ± 2.52 μm (rice straw) to 13.23 μm ± 4.87 μm (sunflower stalk). The cell wall thickness ranged from 3.02 μm ± 0.95 μm (rice straw) to 4.80 μm ± 1.48 μm (sunflower stalk). The slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient, and Runkel ratio values ranged between 28.08 to 58.11, 37.97 to 60.8, and 0.62 to 1.68, respectively. Wheat, maize, rapeseed, sugarcane bagasse, and coconut husk were found to be appropriate residue sources for papermaking feedstocks.
- Published
- 2021
41. Announcement of the 17th Plant Species Biology Best Paper Award (PSB Award).
- Author
-
Miyake, Takashi
- Subjects
- *
PLANT species , *AWARDS , *BIOLOGY , *MYCORRHIZAL fungi , *ORCHIDS ,REPRODUCTIVE isolation - Abstract
The Society for the Study of Species Biology has announced the recipient of the 17th Plant Species Biology Best Paper Award. The winning paper, titled "Environmental and genetic effects on phenotypic differences between Elaeocarpus photiniifolia ecotypes in dry and mesic habitats on a Japanese oceanic island," explores how different environmental conditions have led to reproductive isolation and genetic differentiation in a specific plant species. Another paper, titled "The epiphytic orchid Vanda falcata is predominantly associated with a single Tulasnellaceae fungus in adulthood, and Ceratobasidiaceae fungi strongly induce its seed germination in vitro," investigates the symbiotic relationships between orchids and mycorrhizal fungi at different stages of growth. Both papers are featured in recent issues of Plant Species Biology. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists profile in infused papers seized in Brazilian prisons
- Author
-
Mônica P. Souza, Mauricio Yonamine, Luiz Ferreira Neves Junior, Jose Luiz Costa, Taís B. Rodrigues, Julio de Carvalho Ponce, and Lilian de Melo Barbosa
- Subjects
media_common.quotation_subject ,Population ,Prison ,RECEPTORES ,Criminology ,Toxicology ,01 natural sciences ,Federal law ,Pathology and Forensic Medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Political science ,030216 legal & forensic medicine ,education ,media_common ,Paper sheet ,education.field_of_study ,State police ,biology ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Biochemistry (medical) ,Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists ,Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry ,biology.organism_classification ,0104 chemical sciences ,Cannabis - Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) are a class of varied compounds that mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids found in cannabis. Because they have a wide range of diverse structures, they vary widely in their potency. The abuse of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in prisons was reported in many European countries and in the USA. In the present study, we have described the identification of SCRAs in 56 infused paper sheet samples, seized mainly in Brazilian prisons between 2016 and 2020. The materials were seized by local or federal law enforcement and analyzed by Sao Paulo State Police or Brazilian Federal Police using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Most of these samples (87.5%) were seized in 2019–2020; seven different SCRAs were identified in samples, and the most frequently identified substances were MDMB-4en-PINACA (23.6%) and 5F-MDMB-PICA (36.4%), the newest SCRAs emerging recently. As observed in Europe and the USA, Brazil also shows the prevalence of indazole-3-carboxamides and indole-3-carboxamides among SCRAs seizures in the prison system. This phenomenon is spreading all over the world at this moment. These data on the prevalence could help to alert judicial authorities to shutting down the introduction of NPS, including SCRAs, into prisons to ensure safety and security for avoiding health risks of prisoners and staff, leading to positive effects in this population. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of SCRAs smuggling into prisons in Latin America.
- Published
- 2021
43. Simple MoS2–Nanofiber Paper-Based Fluorescence Immunosensor for Point-of-Care Detection of Programmed Cell Death Protein 1
- Author
-
Yijia Wang, Wei Wen, Xiaolun Peng, Xiuhua Zhang, Miaomiao Chen, and Shengfu Wang
- Subjects
Detection limit ,Chromatography ,biology ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,Chemistry ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Paper based ,010402 general chemistry ,01 natural sciences ,Fluorescence ,0104 chemical sciences ,Analytical Chemistry ,Förster resonance energy transfer ,Programmed cell death 1 ,Nanofiber ,Immunoassay ,biology.protein ,medicine ,Point of care - Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) is one of the coinhibitory checkpoints upon T cell activation, the abnormal expression of which severely threatens host immune modulatation for chronic infection. Thus, fast and sensitive monitoring of PD-1 is of vital importance for early diagnosis and cancer treatment. The current detection methods largely based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) require time-consuming incubation and complicated washing steps. Herein, we designed a simple and portable nanofiber paper (NFP)-based fluorescence "off-on" immunosensor for PD-1 rapid determination. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets modified NFP (MoS2-NFP) was employed for adsorbing and immobilizing CdSe/ZnS quantum dots-antibody (QDs-Ab) complex to construct a ready-to-use fluorescent immunosensor. The fluorescent signal of QDs-Ab was initially quenched by MoS2 under the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect. When the PD-1 target was specifically captured onto NFP by immunization, the QDs-Ab-PD-1 complex was promptly desorbed from the MoS2-NFP surface, resulting in FRET impediment and fluorescence recovery. As an alternative quenching agent, graphene oxide (GO) served as a contrast to investigate NFP-based sensing performance. Owing to superior quenching and desorption efficiency, the MoS2-NFP-based fluorescence immunosensor exhibited nearly 2-fold lower detection limit (85.5 pg/mL) than GO-NFP-based sensor (151 pg/mL) for PD-1 monitoring. Excellent selectivity and satisfactory recovery in PD-1 mouse cell culture supernatant samples were confirmed as well. In addition, the comparable detectability of the MoS2-NFP-based immunosensor was accurately evaluated by a standard PD-1 mouse ELISA kit. This study displayed a simple, rapid, low-cost, and portable point-of-care PD-1 assay, indicating its broad application prospect toward clinical diagnoses.
- Published
- 2021
44. Developing a Paper-Based Antigen Assay to Differentiate between Coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Variants
- Author
-
Delyan R. Hristov, Jose Gomez-Marquez, Kimberly Hamad, and Hom Rijal
- Subjects
China ,Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ,Computational biology ,Biology ,010402 general chemistry ,medicine.disease_cause ,Cross-reactivity ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Analytical Chemistry ,Coronavirus OC43, Human ,Signal quality ,Antigen ,Binding pattern ,medicine ,Humans ,Coronavirus ,SARS-CoV-2 ,Chemistry ,fungi ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Spike Protein ,COVID-19 ,virus diseases ,Paper based ,0104 chemical sciences ,Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus ,Spike (software development) ,Function (biology) - Abstract
COVID-19 first appeared in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since then it has become a global pandemic. A robust and scalable diagnostics strategy is crucial for containing and monitoring the pandemic. RT-PCR is a known, reliable method for COVID-19 diagnostics which can differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses. However, PCR is location dependent, time consuming and relatively expensive. Thus, there is a need for a more flexible method which may be produced in an off-the-shelf format and distributed more widely. Paper-based immunoassays can fulfill this function. Here we present the first steps towards a paper-based test which can differentiate between different between the Spike protein of various coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2 and CoV-HKU1 with negligible cross reactivity for HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E in a single assay which takes less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, our test can distinguish between fractions of the same Spike protein. This is done by an altered assay design with four test line locations where each antigen builds a unique, identifiable binding pattern. The effect of several factors, such as running media, immunoprobe concentration and antigen interference is considered. We find that running media has a significant effect on the final binding pattern where human saliva provides results while human serum leads to the lowest signal quality.
- Published
- 2021
45. A Simple Paper-Based α-Amylase Separating System for Potential Application in Biological Sciences
- Author
-
Gul Karima, Sujin Hyung, K. R. Shin, Kwang Sik Kim, and Jong Wook Hong
- Subjects
Saliva ,Disease status ,biology ,Chemistry ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Biomedical Engineering ,Bioengineering ,02 engineering and technology ,Paper based ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,01 natural sciences ,0104 chemical sciences ,Biochemistry ,Salivary diagnostics ,Pancreatic juice ,biology.protein ,Amylase ,Stress conditions ,Electrical and Electronic Engineering ,0210 nano-technology ,Biological sciences ,Biotechnology - Abstract
The salivary glands are closely associated with stress conditions and the neuroendocrine system. The concentrations of these salivary biomarkers fluctuate with a person’s disease status. Until now, salivary diagnostics have been promising; however, the analytical tools for detecting salivary biomarkers have remained burdensome due to the lack of user-friendly and cost-effective equipment. In this study, we used a microfluidic starch-coated paper-based chip to isolate ɑ-amylase from human saliva. The concentration of ɑ-amylase on the head and tail sections of the paper-based chip was compared in the presence or absence of starch. We found that ɑ-amylase was highly concentrated only in the head section of the starch-coated paper-based chip through Western blotting (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We expect our designed paper-based chip will aid in α-amylase detection technologies using saliva and small amounts of other biofluids including blood, tears, pancreatic juice, and urine.
- Published
- 2021
46. Social Network Analysis of Male Dominance in the Paper Wasp Mischocyttarus mastigophorus (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
- Author
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Rheanna Congdon, Katherine Fiocca, and Sean O'Donnell
- Subjects
Paper wasp ,Social network ,Vespidae ,business.industry ,Aggression ,Biology ,Affect (psychology) ,biology.organism_classification ,Eusociality ,Dominance (ethology) ,Animal ecology ,Insect Science ,medicine ,medicine.symptom ,business ,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics ,Demography - Abstract
Social aggression is a pervasive feature of insect societies. In eusocial Hymenoptera, aggression among females can affect task performance and competition over direct reproduction (egg laying); in most species males participate in social interactions relatively rarely. Males of the independent-founding paper wasp Mischocyttarus mastigophorus are exceptional: they are aggressive toward female nestmates, leading us to explore the function of this unusual behavior. We applied social network analyses to data on M. mastigophorus social aggression to quantify sex differences in giving and receiving social aggression. The network analyses supported the pattern of biased male aggression toward female nestmates; females are relatively rarely aggressive to males. We then asked whether male aggression toward females was biased by females’ relative ovary development. Males were more aggressive toward females with better-developed ovaries, opposite to patterns of aggression among females. Because food brought to the colonies is often monopolized by dominant females, we suggest that males direct aggression toward socially dominant females with better-developed ovaries to obtain food. The implications of biased male aggression for female task performance and physiology are unknown.
- Published
- 2021
47. Investigation of cyanobacteria blooms in paper mill wastewaters and assessment of zinc as a control agent
- Author
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H. Burger, J. Marzouk, John van Leeuwen, John Awad, S. Dickson, Burger, H, Dickson, S, Awad, J, Marzouk, J, and Van Leeuwen, John
- Subjects
Cyanobacteria ,Chlorophyll a ,Environmental Engineering ,chemistry.chemical_element ,Zinc ,010501 environmental sciences ,engineering.material ,01 natural sciences ,cyanobacteria ,chemistry.chemical_compound ,Nutrient ,Environmental Chemistry ,Ecotoxicology ,paper mill ,wastewater ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,biology ,business.industry ,Pulp (paper) ,fungi ,zinc ,Paper mill ,Pulp and paper industry ,biology.organism_classification ,phycocyanin ,chemistry ,engineering ,Environmental science ,General Agricultural and Biological Sciences ,Bloom ,business - Abstract
Refereed/Peer-reviewed At a paper manufacturing mill (PML) that had been previously part of an integrated pulp (bisulphite) and paper mills industry, cyanobacterial blooms were observed in the mill’s aerated stabilization basin (ASB) ponds at about 3 years after pulping had been discontinued. This study aimed to determine the factors that led to bloom occurrences and potential control strategies applicable to the paper manufacturing mill’s, aerated stabilization basin system that discharges wastewaters into a coastal lake. Following discontinuation of pulping, the colour of the wastewaters reduced to low levels (~ 10 Hazen units or less), while the levels of nutrient remained potentially supportive of cyanobacteria growth with total phosphorus at ~ 0.1 mg/L and total nitrogen at > 2.5 mg/L. Incidences of blooms in the ABS were associated with preceding average monthly rainfalls and wind speeds being less (~ 44% and ~ 7%, respectively) and average direct sunlight hours being greater (~ 9%) than the long-term average values. Zinc was investigated for control of cyanobacteria as this metal is less toxic to aquatic organisms and microflora than copper algaecides. In laboratory culture trials, zinc was found to inhibit growth of M. aeruginosa (strain MIC338) and Pseudanabaena sp. when dosed at ~ 2.5 mg/L. The inhibition of cyanobacteria by zinc was found to vary between ASB pond samples which had different in situ chlorophyll a levels. This study found that the PML wastewaters investigated can be supportive of cyanobacterial growth to bloom levels after discontinuation of pulping processes and that zinc has potential as a cyanobacteria control agent.
- Published
- 2022
48. Simultaneously Detecting Monoamine Oxidase A and B in Disease Cell/Tissue Samples Using Paper-Based Devices
- Author
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Meirong Wu, Jie Liu, Changmin Yu, Xiao Huang, Wenhui Ji, Jinhua Liu, Lin Li, Hua Bai, Hai-Dong Yu, Ding Chen, Limin Wang, Qiong Wu, Bo Peng, Haixiao Fang, Yipei Chen, and Naidi Yang
- Subjects
Paper ,Cell ,Biomedical Engineering ,Mitochondrion ,law.invention ,Cell Line ,Biomaterials ,law ,Neoplasms ,medicine ,Humans ,Monoamine Oxidase ,Chemiluminescence ,chemistry.chemical_classification ,biology ,Chemistry ,fungi ,Biochemistry (medical) ,food and beverages ,Oxidative deamination ,General Chemistry ,Monoamine neurotransmitter ,medicine.anatomical_structure ,Enzyme ,Biochemistry ,Equipment and Supplies ,biology.protein ,Monoamine oxidase A ,Bacterial outer membrane - Abstract
As enzymes in the outer membrane of the mitochondrion, monoamine oxidases (MAOs) can catalyze the oxidative deamination of monoamines in the human body. According to different substrates, MAOs can be divided into MAO-A and MAO-B. The imbalance of the MAO-A is associated with neurological degeneration, while excess MAO-B activity is closely connected with Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD); therefore, detection of MAOs is of great significance for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. This work reports the multiplexed detection of MAO-A and MAO-B using paper-based devices based on chemiluminescence (CL). The detection limits were 5.01 pg/mL for MAO-A and 8.50 pg/mL for MAO-B in human serum. In addition, we used paper-based devices to detect MAOs in human cells and tissue samples and found that the results of paper-based detection and Western blotting (WB) showed the same trend. While only one antibody can be incubated on the same membrane by WB, multiple antibodies incubated on the same paper enabled simultaneous detection of MAO-A and MAO-B by paper-based devices. The paper-based assay could be used for preliminary early screening of clinical samples for MAOs and can be extended as an alternative to WB for multiplexed detection of various proteins in disease cell or tissue samples.
- Published
- 2022
49. Paper mulberry fruit juice: a novel biomass resource for bioethanol production
- Author
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Deng Shihuai, Mei Huang, Fei Shen, Qin Jiang, Yongmei Zeng, Dong Tian, Li Zhao, and Pleasure Chisom Ajayo
- Subjects
Optimization ,Technology ,Resource (biology) ,biology ,Ethanol conversion ,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment ,Chemical technology ,Nutrient screening ,Paper mulberry ,Biomedical Engineering ,Biomass ,TP1-1185 ,biology.organism_classification ,Pulp and paper industry ,Response surface methodology ,Biofuel ,Environmental science ,Production (economics) ,Fruit juice ,1G feedstock ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Food Science ,Biotechnology - Abstract
By way of broadening the use of diverse sustainable bioethanol feedstocks, the potentials of Paper mulberry fruit juice (PMFJ), as a non-food, sugar-based substrate, were evaluated for fuel ethanol production. The suitability of PMFJ was proven, as maximum ethanol concentration (56.4 g/L) and yield (0.39 g/g) were achieved within half a day of the start of fermentation, corresponding to very high ethanol productivity of 4.7 g/L/hr. The established potentials were further optimally maximized through the response surface methodology (RSM). At the optimal temperature of 30 °C, yeast concentration of 0.55 g/L, and pH of 5, ethanol concentration, productivity, and yield obtained were 73.69 g/L, 4.61 g/L/hr, and 0.48 g/g, respectively. Under these ideal conditions, diverse metal salts were afterward screened for their effects on PMFJ fermentation. Based on a two-level fractional factorial design, nutrient addition had no positive impact on ethanol production. Thus, under the optimal process conditions, and without any external nutrient supplementation, bioethanol from PMFJ compared favorably with typical sugar-based energy crops, highlighting its resourcefulness as a high-value biomass resource for fuel ethanol production. Graphical Abstract
- Published
- 2022
50. A Customized Microfluidic Paper-Based Platform for Colorimetric Immunosensing: Demonstrated via hCG Assay for Pregnancy Test
- Author
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Mahroo Baharfar, Guozhen Liu, Siyi Zou, and Mohammad Rahbar
- Subjects
Pregnancy test ,Paper ,Analyte ,Chorionic gonadotrophin ,Pregnancy Tests ,Clinical Biochemistry ,Microfluidics ,Biomedical Engineering ,Early pregnancy factor ,02 engineering and technology ,microfluidic paper-based analytical devices ,point-of-care testing ,human chorionic gonadotrophin ,colorimetric detection ,immunosensing ,pregnancy test ,01 natural sciences ,Article ,Analytical Chemistry ,Home pregnancy tests ,Pregnancy ,Humans ,Instrumentation ,Engineering (miscellaneous) ,Immunoassay ,Chromatography ,biology ,Filter paper ,Chemistry ,010401 analytical chemistry ,General Medicine ,Paper based ,Microfluidic Analytical Techniques ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,0104 chemical sciences ,biology.protein ,Colorimetry ,Female ,0210 nano-technology ,TP248.13-248.65 ,Biotechnology - Abstract
Over the past decades, paper-based lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) have been extensively developed for rapid, facile, and low-cost detection of a wide array of target analytes in a point-of-care manner. Conventional home pregnancy tests are the most significant example of LFAs, which detect elevated concentrations of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in body fluids to identify early pregnancy. In this work, we have upgraded these platforms to a higher version by developing a customized microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD), as the new generation of paper-based point-of-care platforms, for colorimetric immunosensing. This will offer a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative platform for paper-based immunosensing, eliminating the need for nitrocellulose (NC) membrane as the substrate material. The performance of the developed platform is demonstrated by detection of hCG (as a model case) in urine samples and subsequently indicating positive or negative pregnancy. A dual-functional silane-based composite was used to treat filter paper in order to enhance the colorimetric signal intensity in the detection zones of μPADs. In addition, microfluidic pathways were designed in a manner to provide the desired regulated fluid flow, generating sufficient incubation time (delays) at the designated detection zones, and consequently enhancing the obtained signal intensity. The presented approaches allow to overcome the existing limitations of μPADs in immunosensing and will broaden their applicability to a wider range of assays. Although, the application of the developed hCG μPAD assay is mainly in qualitative (i.e., positive or negative) detection of pregnancy, the semi-quantitative measurement of hCG was also investigated, indicating the viability of this assay for sensitive detection of the target hCG analyte within the related physiological range (i.e., 10–500 ng/mL) with a LOD value down to 10 ng/mL.
- Published
- 2021
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