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Electronic paper displays rely on electrokinetic effects in nonpolar solvents to drive the displacement of colloidal particles within a fluidic cell. While Electrophoresis (EP) is a well-established and frequently employed phenomenon, electro-osmosis (EO), which drives fluid flow along charged solid surfaces, has not been studied as extensively. We hypothesize that by exploiting the interplay between these effects, an enhanced particle transport can be achieved. In this study, we experimentally investigate the combined effects of EP and EO for colloidal particles in non-polar solvents, driven by an electric field. We use astigmatism micro-particle tracking velocimetry (A- μ PTV) to measure the motion of charged particles within model fluidic cells. Using a simple approach that relies on basic fluid flow properties we extract the contributions due to EP and EO, finding that EO contributes significantly to particle transport. The validity of our approach is confirmed by measurements on particles with different magnitudes of charge, and by comparison to numerical simulations. We find that EO flows can play a dominant role in the transport of particles in electrokinetic display devices. This can be exploited to speed up particle transport, potentially yielding displays with significantly faster switching times. Interplay of electrokinetic effects : Driven by the applied electric field, both electro-osmosis (EO, top left), which drives a flow along the surfaces of the fluidic cell, and electrophoresis (EP, top right), which drives a migration of particles relative to the background liquid, occur in our system. A typical example of the resultant particle velocity field (bottom) illustrates the important role of EO on particle transport in the fluidic cell. • Studied electrokinetics of particles in nonpolar solvent using astigmatism micro-PTV. • Both electrophoresis (EP) and electro-osmosis (EO) play important roles. • Combination of EO and EP could be exploited in faster switching e-paper displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The complex spreading dynamics of blood on paper matrix is likely to be quantitatively altered with variations in the fractional occupancy of red blood cells in the whole blood (haematocrit). Here, we presented an apparently surprising observation that a finite volume blood drop undergoes a universal time-dependent spreading on a filter paper strip that is virtually invariant with its hematocrit level within physiologically healthy regime, though distinctively distinguishable from the spreading laws of blood plasma and water. Our hypothesis was ascertained by performing controlled wicking experiments on filter papers of different grades. Spreading of human blood samples of different haematocrit levels ranging between 15% and 51% and the plasma separated from therein were traced by combined high-speed imaging and microscopy. These experiments were complemented with a semi-analytical theory to decipher the key physics of interest. Our results unveiled the exclusive influence of the obstructing cellular aggregates in the randomly distributed hierarchically structured porous pathways and deciphered the role of the networked structures of the various plasma proteins that induced hindered diffusion. The resulting universal signatures of spontaneous dynamic spreading, delving centrally on the fractional reduction in the interlaced porous passages, provide novel design basis for paper-microfluidic kits in medical diagnostics and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium metal is deemed a promising anode material for the next-generation batteries with high specific energy. Unfortunately, the growth of Li dendrites and infinite volume change during cycling, caused by the "hostless" feature of metallic Li, have posed a great challenge to the commercialization of Li metal anode. The introduction of appropriate host materials for Li metal is highly desirable. In this work, a N, P dual-doped 3D carbon derived from low-cost quantitative filter paper (NPCQP) is designed and fabricated for direct using as a host for Li metal anode. The resulting NPCQP host achieves a high deposition/stripping Coulombic efficiency of above 97.5 % with a low nucleation overpotential. Moreover, the NPCQP@Li symmetric cells enable an excellent long-term cycling performance (1000 h) with an ultralow voltage hysteresis (12 mV) and stable interface behavior. When paired with the commercial LiFePO 4 cathode, the full cell with NPCQP@Li anode displays impressive long-term cyclic stability and rate capability, outperforming the counter cell with bare Li anode. This contribution sheds light on the rational design of viable host for practical lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible rechargeable Ag 2 O-Zn battery was in situ constructed on the filter paper. • The tree-root-like interfacial design was achieved between Ag 2 O and filter paper. • The interlocking interface favored high mechanical stability for the Ag 2 O-Zn battery. Flexible zinc–silver oxide (Zn–Ag 2 O) batteries have attracted extensive attention for comfortable wearable electronics owing to their stable output voltage, inherent safety, and environmental benignity. However, they suffer from inferior specific capacity and poor mechanical stability due to the low utilization of Ag 2 O cathodic material and weak interfacial adhesion of active material/substrate. Inspired by the nature of the tree root system, we develop an interface-engineered cathode, in which Ag 2 O nanoparticles are rooted on an Au, Ni co-modified filter paper substrate (CFP) through an electroless plating followed by an in situ electrochemical oxidation. The staggered-stacked Ag 2 O nanoparticles provide abundant electrochemically active sites and convenient ion diffusion paths, and the unique biological tree-root-like structure of the electrode material creates robust interlocking interfaces. A quasi-solid-state Zn–Ag 2 O battery assembled with a tree-root-like Ag 2 O/CFP cathode delivers a high areal specific capacity of 1.08 mAh cm−2 and long-term cycling durability with a capacity retention of 77.3% even after 100 cycles. Moreover, the device presents good mechanical stability under various flexural deformations, including bending, folding, and twisting, and exhibits minimal capacity changes after 1000 bending cycles. These findings suggest that the bio-inspired interface-engineered electrode structure is an efficient approach for developing flexible batteries with excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass is achieved by the synergistic action of a group of enzymes called cellulases. Cellulose is a long chain of chemically linked glucoses by β-1,4 bonds. The enzyme β-1,4-endoglucanase is the first cellulase involved in the degradation, breaking the bond of the amorphous regions. A β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme with high activity was obtained from a Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that the gene amplified by PCR consisting of 1407 nucleotides and coding for a β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme of approximately 55 kDa. The open reading frame (ORF) encoding the mature endoglucanase (eglS) was successfully inserted in a modified cloning plasmid (pITD03) and into the pYD1 plasmid used for its expression in yeast. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plate assay, SDS-PAGE, and zymogram confirmed the production and secretion by the transformed E. coli BL21-SI strain of a 39 kDa β-1,4-endoglucanase consistent with the catalytic domain without the cellulose-binding module (CBM). The results showed that the truncated β-1,4-endoglucanase had higher activity and stability. • A strain of Bacillus subtilis with endoglucanase activity was isolated from the wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. • The endoglucanase gene was inserted into a modified plasmid (E. coli) and into pYD1 (S. cerevisiae). • The endoglucanase in pYD1 is expressed with good activity in E. coli , being the first report of this finding. • A truncated recombinant endoglucanase is obtained and is very stable at pH (2-10) and temperature (30–55 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bilayered V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel constructed 2D nanopapers were synthesized. • The V 2 O 5 nH 2 O Xerogel combines oxygen defect engineering. • Oxygen defect improves Zn2+/Mg2+ insertion/extraction kinetics. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) and aqueous magnesium ion batteries (AMIBs) offer powerful alternatives for large-scale energy storage because of their high safety and low cost. Consequently, the design of high-performance cathode materials is essential. In this paper, we present a simple strategy that combines oxygen defect (O d) engineering with a 2D-on-2D homogeneous nanopape-like bilayer V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel (BL-HVO d NPS). This strategy employs O d to improve Zn2+/Mg2+insertion/extraction kinetics and reduce irreversible processes for high-performance AZIBs/AMIBs. And interlayer water molecules serve as an effective spacer to stabilize the expanded interlayer gap in BL-HVO d NPS, thereby providing extended diffusion channels for Zn2+/Mg2+ during insertion/extraction. The interlayer water molecules help shield the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+/Mg2+ and BL-HVO d NPS lattice, which improves diffusion kinetics during repeated. In addition, electrochemical characterization results indicate that the BL-HVO d NPS can effectively the surface adsorption and internal diffusion of Zn2+/Mg2+. More importantly, the successfully prepared unique 2D-on-2D homogenous nanopaper structure enhances electrolyte/electrode contact and reduces the migration/diffusion path of electrons/Zn2+ and Mg2+, thus greatly improving rate performance. As a result, the BL-HVO d NPS as AZIBs/AMIBs electrodes offer better reversible capacity of 361.8 and 162.8 mA h g−1 (at 0.2 A g−1), while displaying impressively long cycle lifes. This method provides a way to prepare advanced xerogel cathode materials for AZIBs and AMIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Solar interfacial evaporation is one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly clean freshwater production technologies. Plasma metal nanoparticles are excellent optical absorption materials, but their high cost and inherent resonance narrow bandwidth absorption limit their application. In this work, commercial cellulose papers are used as substrates to synthesize Ag-Ni/cellulose paper by the seed-mediated method. The Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits high light absorption at the full wavelength (200–2500 nm) resulting from the synergistic effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs and the interband transitions (IBTs) of Ni. Under one-sun irradiation (1 kW m−2), the energy utilization efficiency of Ag-Ni/cellulose paper is as high as 93.8%, and the water evaporation rate is 1.87 kg m−2 h−1. Diffusion inhibition experiment results show that the Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits excellent antibacterial performance, and the antibacterial performance is highly related with Ag NPs content. These provide new opportunities for commercial production of competitive cost, green, and portable solar evaporators for different application sceneries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bilayer photothermal paper-based 3D cone flowing evaporator with high solar light absorption, low water evaporation enthalpy and excellent salt-rejecting performance is fabricated using multilayered MXene, ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, and hydrophilic polymers. The 3D cone flowing evaporator cooperates with a siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit to guide concentrated saline flows out from the evaporating surface, leading to high water evaporation rate and salt-rejecting stable seawater desalination performance. [Display omitted] • A bilayer photothermal paper-based cone flowing water evaporator is reported. • The evaporator exhibits excellent properties for solar seawater desalination. • The evaporator exhibits much higher water evaporation rate than most reported values. • The evaporator can effectively prevent salt accumulation on the evaporating surface. Solar energy-driven water evaporation technology is a promising, low-cost and sustainable approach to alleviate the global clean water shortage, but usually suffers from low water evaporation rate and severe salt deposition on the water evaporation surface. In this work, a hydrophilic bilayer photothermal paper-based three-dimensional (3D) cone flowing evaporator was designed and prepared for stable high-performance seawater desalination with excellent salt-rejecting ability. The as-prepared bilayer photothermal paper consisted of MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) and HAA (ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(acrylic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester)). The accordion-like multilayered MXene acted as the efficient solar light absorber, and ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires served as the thermally insulating and supporting skeleton with a porous networked structure. A siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit in the 3D cone flowing evaporator could guide the concentrated saline flowing away from the evaporating surface to prevent salt deposition on the evaporation surface, avoiding severe deterioration of the performance in solar water evaporation. Furthermore, combining high solar light absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiencies, low water evaporation enthalpy (1838 ± 11 J g−1), and additional energy taken from the ambient environment, the as-prepared cone flowing evaporator exhibited a high water evaporation rate of 3.22 ± 0.20 kg m−2 h−1 for real seawater under one sun illumination (1 kW m−2), which was significantly higher than many values reported in the literature. This study provides an effective approach for designing high-performance solar energy-driven water evaporators for sustainable seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe–Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies. [Display omitted] • Geochemical fractionation unveils less bioavailable Fe in contaminated soil. • EF, ICF, and I geo indicate high Fe contamination. • Adults are more susceptible to potential health risks from surplus Fe exposure. • HQ analysis pinpoints dermal contact as the primary pathway for Fe exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Energy consumption from air cooling systems in summer, water scarcity in hot regions, and the functional reusability of waste paper are emerging environmental problems. Finding solutions to these problems simultaneously remains a significant challenge. Herein, a superhydrophobic passive cooling Cellulose-CaCO 3 film with hierarchical nano-sheets was fabricated to realize daytime radiative cooling with a temperature drop of 15–20 °C in summer and water harvesting with harvesting efficiency of 387 mg cm−2h−1 bd utilization of recycled waste paper. The superhydrophobic Cellulose-CaCO 3 film demonstrates its self-cleaning properties against inorganic and organic pollutants. Furthermore, the superhydrophobicity of the film was maintained after base/acid corrosions, dynamic water flushing, and thermal treatment at 100 °C for 7 h, exhibiting good durability of the superhydrophobicity. Moreover, the superhydrophobic Cellulose-CaCO 3 film is nonflammable after exposure to fire combustion for 1 min. In addition to waste paper, waste maize straws, and pasteboards were also collected to produce superhydrophobic passive cooling films. Results indicate that the above three cellulose-based raw materials can be well used to prepare durable superhydrophobic passive cooling materials. Environmental toxicology assessments confirm the safety of the material. This study not only provides a protocol for preparing superhydrophobic materials; but also demonstrates their potential for passive cooling and water harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MXene-modified papers with high-uniform loading of polypyrrole and excellent conductivity have been fabricated via a multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy, which achieves boosting areal capacitance. [Display omitted] • Multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy is proposed tofabricate paper-based supercapacitors. • Alternate adsorption of MXene and polypyrrole on paper yields an ultra-high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2. • The paper-based supercapacitor shows a boosting areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2. Despite the intriguing features of freestanding flexible electronic devices, such as their binder-free nature and cost-effectiveness, the limited loading capacity of active material poses a challenge to achieving practical high-performance flexible electrodes. We propose a novel approach that integrates multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization techniques to fabricate a high-loading paper-based flexible electrode (MXene/Polypyrrole/Paper) with exceptional areal capacitance. The approach enables polypyrrole to form a porous conductive network structure on the surface of paper fiber through MXene grafting via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, resulting in an exceptionally high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2 and a conductivity of 2.03 S/cm. Moreover, MXene-modified polypyrrole paper exhibits a more homogeneous pore size distribution ranging from 5 to 50 μm and an increased specific surface area of 3.11 m2/g. Additionally, we have optimized in-situ polymerization cycles for paper-based supercapacitors, resulting in a remarkable areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2 (at 2 mA/cm2). The capacitance retention rate and conductivity rate maintain over 90 % after undergoing 100 bends.The maximum energy density and cycling stability are characterized to be 83.6 μWh/cm2 and up to 96 % retention after 10,000 cycles. These results significantly outperform those previously reported for paper-based counterparts. Overall, our work presents a facile and versatile strategy for assembling high-loading, paper-based flexible supercapacitors network architecture that can be employed in developing large-scale energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals devote substantial time, energy and resources to assessing nonmating social partners. However, relatively little is known about how individual characteristics influence the process and outcome of social partner choice. Social partner choice is an important aspect of Polistes fuscatus wasp lives, as nest-founding queens form and dissolve many short-term social relationships before settling down in stable cooperative groups. Here, we asked how personality and body size influence social partner assessment, the specific partners chosen, behaviour within social groups and group offspring production. We evaluated social and nonsocial personality traits (exploration, affiliation, aggression, investigation) and body mass in 75 individually marked queens, then released them in a large naturalistic enclosure where we recorded social partner assessment, nest founding behaviour and behaviour on nests. At the end of the season, we collected nests as a measure of group reproductive output. Exploratory personality had a stronger effect on social behaviour than other personality measures. More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners, joined nests later and spent fewer days as members of stable nests. Less exploratory wasps were more likely to become dominant on nests and were more aggressive after partnerships were established. Larger wasps sampled more potential nest sites, suggesting that sampling induces energetic costs that larger individuals are better able to bear. Among dominant and solitary-nesting wasps, more affiliative wasps built larger nests and more aggressive wasps built smaller nests. We did not find that wasps selected partners based on any measured trait. Overall, our work demonstrates that personality traits play an important role in how social partners are assessed, how social groups are formed, behaviour within established social groups and the success of social groups. Our study also suggests that personality mediates a trade-off between time spent sampling partners and social bond stability. • We evaluated effects of personality and body size on social partner choice in wasps. • More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners and joined nests later. • They spent fewer days in stable groups and were less likely to be dominant on nests. • Body size and social personality had little effect on partner assessment. • Personality may mediate a social assessment–stable social bond trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively. [Display omitted] • Microalgae and bacteria symbiotically initiated bioreactor start-up. • Initial inoculation concentrations were critical for photogranule development. • High total nitrogen removal efficiency in all bioreactor configurations. • Optimal setup boosts biomass and pigment. • Microalgae-bacteria consortium facilitated the production of valuable bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Paper mill sludge-based calcium-containing biochar was cleanly prepared. • The maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity of an as-prepared biochar could be up to 68.49 mg·g−1. • Phosphorus was immobilized onto the as-prepared biochar in the forms of CaHPO 4 and Ca 5 (PO 4) 3 (OH). With the increased awareness of reusing solid wastes for higher sustainability and the concern of water pollution associated with phosphorus over-emission, there are strong interests in developing solid waste based adsorbents for purifying phosphorus-containing wastewater. As a rich calcium resource, paper mill sludge (i.e., a major solid waste from pulping industry) can be used as phosphorus removal adsorbent after calcination. Thus, in this work, a simple and clean thermally treating route has been proposed for preparing calcium-containing biochar from paper mill sludge. The effect of the physicochemical properties of paper mill sludge and its carbonization condition on phosphorus adsorption has been analyzed. Moreover, the influence of some key adsorption parameters, e.g., biochar dosage, initial pH of solution, co-existing anions, initial phosphorus concentration and contact time has also been investigated. The results showed that the phosphorus adsorption data could be fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal models. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity of the as-prepared optimal calcium-containing biochar could reach to 68.49 mg·g−1 at 25 °C. Combined with the characterization results, it can be reasonably inferred that the adsorption process was chemisorption-dominated. Lastly, the application of this spent adsorbent in agriculture field has also been discussed. In brief, this work provided a feasible strategy for converting paper mill solid waste to an environmental functional material (i.e., calcium-rich biochar) for remediation of eutrophic water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Filter paper was selected as the template for synthesis of 1D NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite. • Ultra simple synthetic procedures of only metal salts adsorption and calcination was referred. • The effective bandwidth is up to 6.08 GHz at thin thickness of 1.88 mm. Filter paper, as a widely used and low-cost lab consumable, can serve as template for the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) materials since it is composed of 1D cellulosic fiber. In this work, 1D NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite was simply fabricated by adsorption of Ni and Co acetate on the filter paper and subsequent calcination process. The precursors were obtained without further treatment to filter paper or chemical reaction between metal salts. Calcination process leads to the removal of template and formation of binary NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite. Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance of NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite could be tuned by adjusting the calcination temperatures and dosage of metal salts. For the optimized absorber (calcination temperature of 600 °C and dosage of Ni and Co acetate with 2 mmol and 4 mmol), a wide absorption bandwidth of 6.08 GHz could be achieved with thickness of 1.88 mm and minimum reflection loss value was up to −57.4 dB by changing the thickness. The facile synthetic route may also inspire the preparation of other high-performance one-dimensional EM wave absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kind of nanocomposite filter paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, cellulose fibers and double metal oxide nanosheets has been developed for high-performance dye separation. Simultaneous enhancement in water flux and removal efficiency during the filtration process remains a big challenge for separation membranes. The porous structure of the filter paper can provide many channels for water transportation, but the separation performance is generally poor. The purpose of this study is to develop a new kind of filter paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires, cellulose fibers (CFs) and double metal oxide (LDO) nanosheets, and to achieve the simultaneous enhancement of both water flux and removal efficiency for high-performance dye separation. In this work, a novel kind of LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper consisting of ultralong HAP nanowires and CFs and LDO nanosheets has been developed for rapid water filtration and highly efficient dye adsorption. Positively charged LDO nanosheets can adsorb on the surface of negatively charged ultralong HAP nanowires and embed in the porous networked structure of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper, which can provide a porous structure for rapid water transportation and can adjust the pore size of the nanocomposite filter paper. As a result, the pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can be adjusted. The optimized pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can reach 783.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which is 1.51 times that of the HAP/CF filter paper without LDO nanosheets (518.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). More importantly, the adsorption capacity of LDO nanosheets is high for dye molecules, the rejection percentage of Congo red (CR) by the as-prepared HAP/CF filter paper is only 59.8%, and its water flux is 534.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. The optimized rejection percentage and water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper for CR are significantly enhanced (98.3% and 736.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, respectively) compared to those of the HAP/CF filter paper. The size of LDO nanosheets has a significant effect on the water flux and dye rejection percentage of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper. The as-prepared LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper is promising for the applications in highly efficient purification of wastewater containing dye molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] An abundance of early warning graphene-based nano-materials and sensors have been developed to avoid and prevent the critical fire risk of combustible materials. However, there are still some limitations that should be addressed, such as the black color, high-cost and single fire warning response of graphene-based fire warning materials. Herein, we report an unexpected montmorillonite (MMT)-based intelligent fire warning materials that have excellent fire cyclic warning performance and reliable flame retardancy. Combining phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) molecules, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber (PBONF), and layers of MMT to form a silane crosslinked 3D nanonetwork system, the homologous PTES decorated MMT-PBONF nanocomposites are designed and fabricated via a sol–gel process and low temperature self-assembly method. The optimized nanocomposite paper shows good mechanical flexibility (good recovery after kneading or bending process), high tensile strength of ∼81 MPa and good water resistance. Furthermore, the nanocomposite paper exhibits high-temperature flame resistance (almost unchanged structure and size after 120 s combustion), sensitive flame alarm response (∼0.3 s response once exposure onto a flame), cyclic fire warning performance (>40 cycles), and adaptability to complex fire situations (several fire attack and evacuation scenarios), showing promising applications for monitoring the critical fire risk of combustible materials. Therefore, this work paves a rational way for design and fabrication of MMT-based smart fire warning materials that combine excellent flame shielding and sensitive fire alarm functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, the risk assessment of dermal exposure to pollutants in print paper products has received considerable attention. Most studies have focused on organic pollutants, especially bisphenol A (BPA). However, little is known about the levels of trace elements in print paper products, despite the knowledge that these elements are components of printing inks and toners. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in 5 types of paper products, namely bulletins, magazines, special events program booklets, handbills, and newspapers. The average daily intake (ADI) of each element was subsequently estimated through dermal exposure to the papers. The detection frequency of the elements of interest was high (nearly 100%) in most paper products, with the exception of chromium, whose detection was low. In contrast, Ag was not detected in any sample. The levels of the elements in the paper products were low and comparable to those found in other personal and consumer products with the potential for skin contact. The range values of estimated ADIs were 1.70–3.90E-08, 2.30–18.2E-10, 2.60–16.4E-09, 3.65–5.75E-08, 1.29–4.38E-08, 6.23–15.6E-10, 1.51–2.80E-10, 1.43–9.16E-09, 0.00–9.47E-09, and 4.68–220E-08 mg/kg bw/day for Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Fe respectively. These values were well below the dermal standard reference doses (R f D) for each element. The present results indicate that dermal exposure to trace elements from print paper products was low and does not pose significant risks for toxic (non-carcinogenic) effects on humans. • Previous efforts have focused on the risk assessment of organic contaminants in print paper products. • Limited attention accorded to risk assessment of trace elements in print paper products • Human dermal exposure to trace elements via print paper products was low • Exposure to trace elements via print paper products has low risks of non-carcinogenic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoride removal from aqueous solution by adsorption using fly ash cenospheres (FAC) modified with paper mill lime mud (LM) as composite adsorbent had been investigated. The characterization of FAC and composite adsorbent were analyzed by Scanning electron spectroscope (SEM), Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), Brunauer emmett teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), which demonstrated that the porous structure of composite adsorbent was obtained after surface modification. Adsorption of fluoride on modified fly ash cenospheres was fitted with pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir model. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of F− concentration, pH, adsorbent dosage and temperature on the removal efficiency. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the adequacy of the mathematical models. The Nonelectrostatic model of modified fly ash cenospheres adsorbing fluoride was built through the Generalized composite method, indicating that two inner-spherical complexes, ≡SF and ≡SOHF−, were formed in the adsorption process by means of the ligand exchange and surface complexation. Optimization of the adsorption conditions enabled the realization of the practical needs for fluoride contaminated water. Image 1 • A low-cost fly ash cenospheres modified with paper mill lime mud adsorbent was prepared. • Response surface methodology was employed to research the effects on fluoride removal. • Nonelectrostatic model-Generalized composite approach had successfully described and predicted the adsorption process. • ≡SF and ≡SOHF− formed in the removal of fluoride via the ligand exchange and surface complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a freshness indicator was developed by immobilizing extracted betacyanins from prickly pear fruit (PFB) onto cellulose filter paper to visually determine fish spoilage. Various properties of the prepared indicator, including color stability, moisture uptake, sensivity to hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) gas and pH changes, and chemical analysis were studied. The PFB-based indicator exhibited good color stability at various temperatures and times, with no significan color changes observed during storage at 25, 4, and −18 °C for 8 days. The moisture absorption of the indicator based on PFB was lower than that of cellulose paper, which is crucial for colorimetric indicators. Basic nitrogen and sulfur compounds are the main volatile compounds produced during fish spoilage. The results of the present study showed that both total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and H 2 S gas produced during fish spoilage contributed to the color changes of betacyanin-based colorimetric indicators. The prepared freshness indicators were pH-sensitive, with significant color changes due to TVB-N and H 2 S production during fish storage. A significant correlation was observed between fish quality (pH, TVB-N and total viable count) and the visible color changes of the indicators. The color of the designed indicator shifted from dark pink to pale pink/white during fish storage. These prepared freshness indicators were inexpensive, easy to use, and non-toxic, making them suitable for assessing the quality and shelf life of fish fillets. • A freshness indicator was prepared based on prickly pear fruit betacyanins using cellulose paper. • The prepared indicator was sensitive to not only TVB-N but also H 2 S compounds. • A significant correlation was observed between fish quality and visible color changes. • The prepared indicator is low-cost and efficient for spoilage detection of protein-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spreading of hydromulch as a crop management technique might show important advantages over plastic films for weed control, because it can be applied anywhere in a field, even in orchard and vineyard rows. In the present work, 24 blends were prepared by mixing paper pulp, from recovered paper and cardboard coming from paper mills, with different additives: (a) wheat straw, rice hulls, and substrate used for mushroom cultivation on the one hand as fillers, and (b) rice bran, white glue, sodium silicate, and powered gypsum on the other hand as agglomerating agents. The blends were tested with a texture analyser to evaluate their mechanical properties, testing the puncture resistance (24 blends) and the tensile strength (15 blends). Scanning electron photomicrographs of some blends were obtained in order to explore the relationship between their components and the mechanical properties. The results indicate that a blend prepared with paper pulp, wheat straw sieved at 2.5 mm and gypsum attained the highest stress resistance and tensile strength. An environmentally controlled experiment was performed on this and another hydromulch in which rice husk substituted wheat straw to evaluate their efficiency for reducing weed seedling emergence, using propagules of four common summer weeds. Compared with the control treatment performed, the hydromulches reduced seedling emergence from 64.6% to 95.9%. In general, the percentage of dead seedlings underneath was greater than that which passed through the barrier, making the hydromulches promising tools for preventing seedling emergence and for managing the weed seed bank in field conditions. • Mechanical properties of hydromulch blends based on paper pulp were tested. • The most resistant blend was dosed with paper pulp, wheat straw and gypsum. • The frame was quite compact and showed a suitable punching and traction resistance. • The barrier effect of the hydromulches reduced seedling emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agro-based pulp and paper mills (PPMs) inevitably produce numerous refractory pollutants in their wastewater, including chlorolignin, chlorophenols, chlorocatechols, chloroguaiacol, cyanide, furan, dioxins, and other organic compounds, as well as various heavy metals, such as nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), etc. These pollutants pose significant threats to aquatic and terrestrial life due to their cytogenotoxicity, mutagenicity, impact on sexual organs, hormonal interference, endocrine disruption, and allergenic response. Consequently, it is crucial to reclaim pulp paper mill wastewater (PPMW) with high loads of refractory pollutants through effective and environmentally sustainable practices to minimize the presence of these chemicals and ensure environmental safety. However, there is currently no comprehensive published review providing up-to-date knowledge on the fate of refractory pollutants from PPMW in soil and aquatic environments, along with valuable insights into the associated health hazards and remediation methods. This critical review aims to shed light on the potential adverse effects of refractory pollutants from PPMW on natural ecosystems and living organisms. It explores existing effective treatment technologies for remediating these pollutants from wastewater, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, all in pursuit of environmental safety. Special emphasis is placed on emerging technologies used to decontaminate wastewater discharged from PPMs, ensuring the preservation of the environment. Additionally, this review addresses the major challenges and proposes future research directions for the proper disposal of PPMW. It serves as a comprehensive source of knowledge on the environmental toxicity and risks associated with refractory pollutants in PPMW, making it a valuable reference for policymakers and researchers when selecting appropriate technologies for remediation. The scientific community, concerned with mitigating the widespread risks posed by refractory pollutants from PPMs, is expected to take a keen interest in this review. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel multifunctional hard core/soft shell colloidal nanoparticles have been developed by introducing the elastic compounds into the shell and the rigid compounds into the core via Semi-continuous seed emulsion polymer method. these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. With these outstanding features, it can be concluded that this kind of novel multifunctional PCs papers can be served as a promising candidate for next-generation rewriteable and environment-friendly papers, anti-counterfeiting tags and smart tunable bio-sensors, etc. [Display omitted] Photonic crystals film that possesses periodic dielectric structure have shown great prospect in developing environmentally friendly paper alternatives due to the unique properties of dye free and non-photobleaching, but their practical application is limited by the weak interaction between colloidal particles. Although some progress has been obtained, it is still a challenge to develop photonic paper with the desired mechanical and optical properties. Herein, multifunctional hard core/soft shell nanoparticles with controlled size are fabricated by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization method. Compared with convention colloidal particles, these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The facile fabrication route enables the continuous high-through put production of the photonic papers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. Moreover, due to the good compatibility of core/shell interface, these photonic films possess excellent mechanical properties, demonstrating that this multifunctional film makes the fabrication of novel robust rewritable papers possible and enables visual monitoring of deformation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specific catalysts, namely ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67), Co@NCF (Co@Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), and 3D NCF (Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), were prepared and studied for pulp and paper mill effluent degradation using heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Numerous characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N 2 adsorption, were used to characterize the properties of three different catalysts. 3D NCF is remarkably effective at heterogeneous activation of PMS to generate sulfate radicals to degrade pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) compared to the other as-prepared catalysts. The catalytic activity reveals a sequence of 3D NCF > Co@NCF > ZIF-67.3D NCF could degrade organic pollutants in 30 min at an initial COD concentration of 1146 mg/L of PPME, 0.2 g/L catalysts, 2 g/L PMS, and 50 °C. Consequently, it was observed that the degradation of PPME using 3D NCF followed first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 40.54 kJ mol−1. Overall, 3D NCF/PMS system reveals promising performance for PPME removal. • 3D NCF synthesized via calcining and etching a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67). • 3D NCF presented the highest activity in the pulp and paper mill effluent degradation. • 3D NCF proved to be a promising catalyst and has superior stability. • Pulp and paper mill effluent degradation on 3D NCF followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bioactive substances in the Biobio River Basin in Chile were examined by deploying Semi Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs) upstream and downstream of 4 pulp mill effluent discharges. Androgenic and estrogenic activity of SPMD extracts were then evaluated using in vitro fish sex steroid receptor binding assays. The results indicated the occurrence of estrogenic type compounds associated with one of the mill discharges. A significant correlation among the presence of these compounds, an increase in gonadosomatic index GSI and induction of hepatic EROD activity of two native fish species was observed. However, no significant presence of mature oocytes in female gonads was detected. Although EROD induction was observed in sites impacted by mill effluents, an increase of its activity occurred towards the downstream areas, suggesting other non-mill sources. More research is needed to understand the environmental changes in context of the new technological improvements in treatment systems to MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) recently implemented by the pulp mill industries. Highlights • Hormonally active substances were captured by SPMDs downstream pulp mill effluents. • Estrogenic type compounds were related to increased GSI in two wild fish species. • EROD activity depends on benthic behavior and spawning period of the wild fish species. • Chilean pulp mill effluents effects on fish reproduction are different from some Canadian mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Heavy metal contamination is becoming a limitation to the utilization of soil and the distribution of vegetation. In particular, cadmium (Cd) pollution has had a serious impact on the food chain. Broussonetia papyrifera is a widely distributed pioneer tree species of heavy metal contaminated areas with important economic value. However, little is known about the genomic background of the Cd-tolerance mechanism in B. papyrifera. Results The CdCl 2 responsive physiology was evaluated and proved to be involved in antioxidase activity and active oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. The leaf and root transcriptomes derived from B. papyrifera grown under normal and CdCl 2 stress conditions were systematically investigated using the Illumina HiSeq method. A total of 180,678,660 bp (27.1 GB) clean reads were assembled into 589,487 high-quality unigenes, of which 256,025 (43.43% of the total) and 250,251 (42.45% of the total) were aligned in Gene Ontology (GO) and Protein family (Pfam), respectively. A total of 24,414 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were GO-annotated into 53, 23, 55, and 60 terms from the transcriptomes of root and leaf tissues under Cd stress and control conditions. A total of 117,547 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Orthology (KO)-annotated DEGs were enriched in at least 47 KEGG pathway terms among the four comparisons. Many genes encoding important transcription factors (e.g., auxin/indole-3-acetic acid (AUX/IAA), basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), DNA-binding one zinc finger (Dof), and MYB) and proteins involved in plant-pathogen interactions, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, oxidative phosphorylation, carbon fixation, peroxisomes, flavonoid biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism, among others, were substantially upregulated under CdCl 2 stress. Conclusions These genes represent important candidates for studying Cd-response mechanisms and molecular biology of B. papyrifera and related species. Our findings provide a genomic sequence resource for functional genetic assignments in B. papyrifera , which will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of its Cd-stress responses and facilitate the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated areas via breeding of new stress-tolerant cultivars. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Broussonetia papyrifera respond to Cd stress involving in reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme metabolic pathway. • Abundant important Cd response related genes and regulation pathways that involving in ABA and auxin signal were identified. • The gene resource of B. papyrifera will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Cd-stress responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As promising energy storage equipment, Zn-air battery exhibits the advantage of high energy density, lightweight and compact structure over other rechargeable batteries, which is an ideal choice for electric vehicles. For Zn-air battery, the activity of air cathode plays an important role in its performance. Here, we report the fabrication of Co 3 O 4 based bulky electrode with three-dimensional mesoporous carbon as matrix, which originates from cheap filter paper precursor. This electrode exhibits excellent activity and durability in oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process, which possesses small half-wave potential (ORR 1/2 = 0.811 V) and low overpotential (OER 10 = 1.518 V) for ORR and OER, respectively. With this electrode as air cathode directly, a rechargeable Zn-air battery is assembled successfully. During discharge process, the maximum power density of this Zn-air battery achieves 71 mW cm−2. Furthermore, it also exhibits high specific capacity (828 mAh g−1 at 20 mA cm−2, 544 mAh g−1 at 50 mA cm−2) and small voltage gap (0.91 V at 10 mA cm−2) in charge and discharge process. As a rechargeable battery, it also shows promising stability after long time charge-discharge experiments. Thus, we find out a simple and convenient method to fabricate cheap and effective bi-functional air cathode for rechargeable Zn-air battery. Graphical abstract A Co 3 O 4 electrode was fabricated with Co(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O and filter paper as precursors, which exhibits excellent ORR and OER activities. It was employed as air cathode in Zn-air battery. fx1 Highlights • Filter paper was employed as precursor to fabricate Co 3 O 4 electrode. • 3D mesoporous electrode with N-doped carbon as matrix is obtained. • The electrode exhibits excellent ORR and OER activities. • The electrode is employed as air cathode in Zn-air battery directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste paper disposed in landfills notably contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and impedes more sustainable, circular alternatives, such as recycling. In Hong Kong, this unsustainable approach is currently dominant as 68% of waste paper products are treated in landfills in 2020. To contextualize the impact of local waste paper management and explore mitigation potentials of circular alternatives, this paper develops a quantitative assessment framework around GHG emissions development trajectories. Combining guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), national GHG inventories, and local parameters from life cycle analysis, five GHG emissions projections were simulated along the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) until 2060. Most recent baselines indicate that Hong Kong's current waste paper treatment generated 638,360 tons CO 2 -eq in 2020, comprising 1,821,040 tons CO 2 -eq from landfill and 671,320 tons CO 2 -eq from recycling, and −1,854,000 tons CO 2 -eq from primary material replacement. Proceeding along a Business-as-Usual scenario under SSP5, GHG emissions will dramatically increase to a net 1,072,270 tons CO 2 -eq by 2060, whereas a recycling-intensive scenario will lead to a net saving of −4,323,190 tons CO 2 -eq. To complement the quantitative evidence on the benefits of waste paper recycling, field research was conducted to explore the feasibility of circular policy innovation from the perspective of recycling stakeholders. These empirical qualitative and quantitative findings from stakeholders' business routines and material transactions provide crucial indications for policy and institutional innovation: Essentially, for Hong Kong to improve waste paper recycling capacities and facilitate a circular economy (CE), local stakeholders require support via fiscal policy measures (financial subsidies or tax reductions) and infrastructure improvements (delivery access and material storage). In sum, this study employs a novel analytical framework combining original qualitative and quantitative evidence to provide policy innovation towards circular, GHG emission-saving waste paper management. [Display omitted] • A new framework assessing greenhouse gas emissions from waste paper treatment. • Exploring long-term carbon neutrality pathways for managing waste paper. • Using empirical evidence from recycling stakeholders for circular policy innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite length graded R -module M has the Weak Lefschetz Property if there is a linear form ℓ in R such that the multiplication map × ℓ : M i → M i + 1 has maximal rank. The set of linear forms with this property form a Zariski-open set and its complement is called the non-Lefschetz locus. The main result is to give a complete proof for the theorem stated in [1] that for any general complete intersection I in R [ x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , x 4 ] the non-Lefschetz locus has expected codimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Many paper products are coated with plastic to improve their quality and stability. However, this limits recycling and recovery options and the plastic-coated waste paper is mostly disposed in landfills. Such practices are uneconomical and contrary to sustainable waste management. In this work enzymes of the white rot fungus Dichomitus squalens were investigated for possible delamination of plastic-coated waste paper. Enzymes were found capable to release the polyethylene foil from plastic-coated paper which resulted in 88.6–91.5% mass loss. The delamination rate, however, was depended on the ratio between plastic-coated paper and volume of enzyme filtrate. Results of a consequent experiment showed that enzymes are also efficient when plastic-coated paper is treated in a sequencing batch reactor resulting in 88.2–90.6% mass loss. The system was fully functional up to the 5th cycle; afterwards, the delamination rate reduced due to high thickness of the waste paper sludge. The enzyme activity, however, was still very high; with the laccase activity at the end of the experiment above 900 U/L and manganese peroxidase above 250 U/L. Our results demonstrated, that plastic-coated waste paper has the potential to be efficiently recovered instead of being disposed in landfills. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Enzymatic delamination of waste paper was investigated. • Enzymes were capable to release the polyethylene foil from the plastic-coated paper. • Treatment in a sequencing batch reactor is also possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Using waste paper as fuel for domestic heating is a beneficial recycling option for small island developing states where there are lacks of resources for energy and waste treatment. However, there are concerns about the impact of air pollutants emitted from the burning of the self-made paper briquettes as household air pollution is recognised as the greatest environmental risk for human. In this study, combustion tests were carried out for paper briquettes made in one Pacific island and three commercial fuels in Australia including wood briquettes, kindling firewood and coal briquettes in order to: 1) characterise the emissions of three criteria air pollutants including particulate matters, CO and NO x including their emission factors (EF) from the tested fuels; and 2) compare the EFs among the tested fuels and with others reported in the literature. The results showed that waste paper briquettes burned quickly and generated high temperature but the heat value is relatively low. Paper briquettes and coal briquettes produced higher CO concentration than the others while paper briquettes generated the highest NO x level. Only PM 2.5 concentration emitted from paper briquettes was similar to kindling firewood and lower than wood briquettes. Burning of paper briquettes and wood briquettes produced particulate matter with large average count median diameter (72 and 68 nm) than coal briquette and kindling firewood (45 and 51 nm). The EFs for CO, NO x and PM 2.5 of paper briquettes were within the range of EFs reported in this study as well as in the literature. Overall, the results suggested that using paper briquettes as fuel for domestic heating will not likely to generate higher level of three major air pollutants compared to other traditional fuels. Highlights • The first attempt to report emission of key air pollutants from waste paper briquettes. • Burning of paper briquettes emitted relatively high CO and NO x concentration. • Burning of paper briquettes emitted PM with large average particle size. • Waste paper could be recycled as briquettes for domestic use like other common fuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass can be used as an energy source to thermochemical conversion processes to biocrude production. However, the supply and dependence on only one biomass for biocrude production can be an obstacle due to its seasonality, availability, and logistics costs. In this way, biomass waste and agroindustrial residues can be mixture and used as feedstock to the hydrothermal co-liquefaction (co-HTL) process as an alternative to obtaining biocrude. In this sense, the present paper analyzed the biocrude yield influence of the co-HTL from a quaternary unprecedented blend of different biomasses, such as sugarcane bagasse, brewer's spent grain (BSG), sludge from a paper recycling mill (PRM), and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). In this way, a simplex lattice design was employed and co-HTL experiments were carried out in a 2000 mL high-pressure stirred autoclave reactor under 275 °C for 60 min, considering 15% of feedstock/water ratio. Significant effects in each feedstock and their blends were analyzed aiming to increase biocrude and biochar yield. It was found that the addition of microalgae is only significant when considered more than 50% into the blend with BSG and PRM sludge to increase biocrude yield. • Unprecedented blend (microalgae, sugarcane bagasse, BSG, and PRM sludge) in co-HTL. • Highest biocrude yield of 51.7% using microalgae as the only feedstock. • Second-highest biocrude yield (29%) for BSG and PRM sludge (synergetic interaction). • BSG and PRM sludge can complement co-HTL feedstock in low microalgae availability. • E RoI higher than one for 50% of microalgae, 25.8% of BSG, and 24.2% of PRM sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel route to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality. • CQDs with amine functionality obtained from modified paper precursors. • Amine functionalized CQDs demonstrated as efficient probes for DNA binding studies. We report a novel synthesis route for preparing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality from readily available precursors. The synthetic strategy is based on the chemical modification of paper precursors prior to preparing CQDs from them. The pre-synthesis modification of paper precursors with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTES) enabled us to synthesize CQDs with amine functional groups on the surface. The silane coupling via condensation between the ethoxy group of APTES and the cellulose hydroxyl group on the paper resulted in the tethering of amine groups on the paper substrates, which are retained as surface-bound species during the synthesis of CQDs from the modified paper. Amine functionalization on the surface of CQDs helped us use them in applications such as DNA binding. We analyzed the interaction of CQDs with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), and the results imply their propensity as an efficient biological probe. The synthetic strategy presented here can also be extended to other functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, there is no reliable method in use that unequivocally describes paper industry material flows and makes it possible to compare geographical regions with each other. A functioning paper industry Material Flow Account (MFA) that uses uniform terminology and standard definitions for terms and structures is necessary. Many of the presently used general level MFAs, which are called frameworks in this article, stress the importance of input and output flows but do not provide a uniform picture of material recycling. Paper industry is an example of a field in which recycling plays a key role. Additionally, terms related to paper industry recycling, such as collection rate, recycling rate, and utilization rate, are not defined uniformly across regions and time. Thus, reliably comparing material recycling activity between geographical regions or calculating any regional summaries is difficult or even impossible. The objective of this study is to give a partial solution to the problem of not having a reliable method in use that unequivocally describes paper industry material flows. This is done by introducing a new material flow framework for paper industry in which the flow and stage structure supports the use of uniform definitions for terms related to paper recycling. This new framework is termed the Detailed Wheel of Fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some animals are thought to exhibit cognitive specialization, as they have specialized cognitive modules that solve specific social or ecological problems instead of one general-purpose mechanism that addresses diverse problems. Although there are many examples of specialized cognition, little is known about whether specialization develops through experience or is produced by innate, species-specific differences. Previous work has shown that Polistes fuscatus wasps use face recognition to individually identify other wasps and that P. fuscatus are specialized for learning conspecific faces. Here, we test how experimentally altering face experience in three Polistes species influences the development of face specialization. We show face learning is influenced by both experience and innate, species-specific differences. In P. fuscatus , experience with conspecific faces is not required for the development of face specialization. In two related Polistes species that naturally lack individual face recognition, Polistes metricus and Polistes dominula , experience has different effects on specialization. Polistes metricus , a close relative of P. fuscatus , develops face specialization with experience. However, P. dominula , a more distant relative, uses general pattern recognition to learn faces regardless of experience. Therefore, some species have innate mechanistic architecture that facilitates the development of face specialization, while other species do not. These results suggest that selection shapes animal minds in a modular manner. The capacity for specialized cognitive skills evolves in response to specific ecological or social demands, such as social benefits associated with accurate individual face recognition. Highlights • We test whether cognitive specialization is inherited or requires experience. • We experimentally altered face experience in three species of paper wasps. • Experience produces face specialization in some wasp species but not others. • Face specialization in wasps is influenced by both inheritance and experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 heterojunction photocatalyst with Z scheme photogenerated electron transfer mechanism was loaded on cellulose fibers to construct a visible light-responsive photocatalytic composite paper for efficient and recyclable degradation of organic dyes in water. The introduction of O vacancies in Bi 2 WO 6 by alkali etching increased the utilization rate of Bi 2 WO 6 for visible light and achieved effective regulation of the energy band structure and Fermi level, which transformed Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 type-II heterojunction into Z scheme heterojunction. The light-excited electrons in the conduction band of O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 directly migrated to the valence band of SrTiO 3 , which improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and maximized the redox capability of semiconductors. Compared with other control papers, O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper exhibited the best photocatalytic performance, and its degradation rate for rhodamine B could reach 71.1% under 100 min of Xe lamp irradiation. The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper also showed good photocatalytic cycle stability. Loading heterojunction on the cellulose fibers solved the problem of poor reusability and difficult in recovery for powder semiconductor photocatalyst in practical applications. This study provides a novel strategy for constructing Z scheme heterogeneity on cellulose fibers to prepare composite paper with high photocatalytic activity and good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the avoidance behaviour of the earthworm Eisenia fetida towards Cd, Cu, and Zn, trace elements (TEs) tested as chloride, nitrate and sulphate salts. Sub adults were exposed individually using dual-cell chambers at 20 + 2 °C in the dark. Recordings were realised at different dates from 2 h to 32 h. We used filter paper and extruded water agar gel as exposure media to evaluate the contribution of the dermal and the digestive exposure routes on the avoidance reactions. Exposures to Cu or Cd (10 mg metal ion L −1 ) resulted in highly significant avoidance reactions through the exposure duration. Worms avoided Zn poorly and reactions towards Zn salts varied along the exposure. Worm sensitivity towards TEs differed between salts and this could result from differential toxicity or accessibility of these TE salts to earthworms. The anion in itself was not the determinant of the avoidance reactions since exposures to similar concentrations of these anions using calcium salts did not result in significant avoidance worm behaviour. Avoidance responses towards TEs were higher in the case of water agar exposures than in filter paper exposures. Thus, dermal contacts with TE solutions would elicit worm avoidance but signals from receptors located inside the digestive tract could reinforce this behaviour. The use of extruded water agar gels as the substrate allows checking the real sensitivity of earthworm species towards TEs since the TE concentrations leading to significant avoidance reactions were below those reported in the literature when using TE-spiked soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The total emission control target of water pollutants (e.g., COD and NH 4 –N) for a certain industrial sector can be predicted and analysed using the popular technology-based bottom-up modelling. However, this methodology has obvious uncertainty regarding the attainment of mitigation targets. The primary uncertainty comes from macro-production, pollutant reduction roadmap, and technical parameters. This research takes the paper and pulp industry in China as an example, and builds 5 mitigation scenarios via different combinations of raw material structure, scale structure, procedure mitigation technology, and end-of-pipe treatment technology. Using the methodology of uncertainty analysis via Monte Carlo, random sampling was conducted over a hundred thousand times. According to key parameters, sensitive parameters that impact total emission control targets such as industrial output, technique structure, cleaner production technology, and end-of-pipe treatment technology are discussed in this article. It appears that scenario uncertainty has a larger influence on COD emission than NH 4 –N, hence it is recommended that a looser total emission control target for COD is necessary to increase its feasibility and availability while maintaining the status quo of NH 4 –N. Consequently, from uncertainty analysis, this research recognizes the sensitive products, techniques, and technologies affecting industrial water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is estimated that >400 Mt of board and paper are produced globally per year, and that 4.3–40 kg (dw) of sludge like material, pulp and paper mill sludge (PPMS), is generated for every tonne of product. PPMS are now more widely reused in agriculture as a soil amendment due to their high organic content of 40–50% by weight, perceived low toxicity and possible liming capabilities. Within this review article historic and recent literature on PPMS land spreading are combined with knowledge of European and UK regulation to explore the benefits, potential impacts and viability of land spreading PPMS. The review reveals that risks relating to potential N immobilisation in soils post-application can be readily mitigated, if desired, by coapplication of an N source, or even pre-treatment of sludge via composting. The benefits to crops have been demonstrated emphatically, while negative ecological impacts under typical field application rates have not been observed to date. The case is therefore strong for continued land application of the material as an environmentally responsible and sustainable use option. However, there are currently gaps in the literature regarding longer-term implications of PPMS applications in agriculture and in regards to the possible presence of emerging contaminants in some PPMS materials, both of which have been identified as areas that merit further research. • Land spreading paper pulp mill sludge (PPMS) offers economic and environmental benefit. • Characteristics and utility of PPMS vary with treatment level (primary vs secondary). • Co-application of N sources can prove beneficial in some cases. • Routine analysis and robust regulation prevent adverse outcomes from PPMS use. • Longer term studies on soil chemistry and ecology effects are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper industry produces massive amounts of sludge from wastewater treatment, which constitute an enormous environmental challenge. A possible management option is the conversion of sludge into carbon-based adsorbents to be applied in water remediation. For such utilization it is important to investigate if sludge is a consistent raw material originating reproducible final materials (either over time or from different manufacturing processes), which is the main goal of this work. For that purpose, different primary (PS) and biological sludge (BS) batches from two factories with different operation modes were sampled and subjected to pyrolysis (P materials) and to pyrolysis followed by acid washing (PW materials). All the materials were characterized by proximate analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (IC), attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and N 2 adsorption isotherms (specific surface area ( S BET )and porosity determination). Sludge from the two factories proved to have distinct physicochemical properties, mainly in what concerns IC. After pyrolysis, the washing step was essential to reduce IC and to considerably increase S BET , yet with high impact in the final production yield. Among the materials here produced, PW materials from PS were those having the highest S BET values (387–488 m 2 g −1 ). Overall, it was found that precursors from different factories might originate final materials with distinct characteristics, being essential to take into account this source of variability when considering paper mill sludge as a raw material. Nevertheless, for PS, low variability was found between batches, which points out to the reliability of such residues to be used as precursors of carbon adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual colorimetric/electrochemical sensor integrated with a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) is created for rapid and sensitive detection of cabaryl in fruit. For colorimetric sensor, quercetin modified silver nanoparticle (QCT-AgNPs) is synthesized via self-reduction, resulting in the color change from green to dark green in the presence of cabaryl, which can be readily observed via naked eyes. This colorimetric sensor provides a linear response of 5 – 50 μM quantified by Image J software. For electrochemistry, AgNPs/MXene nanocomposite electrode offers high electrocatalytic activity towards the detection of carbarly with a linear range of 0 – 60 µM and a detection limit of 0.01 µM. The limit of detection values obtained from this dual sensor are lower than a cut-off of carbaryl residue in food, which is 7 mg.kg−1 (35 µM) verifying the desired sensitivity of this platform. Ultimately, this dual sensor is successfully applied for on-site detection of carbaryl in the orange samples read out on the smartphone with satisfactory results. [Display omitted] • Dual colorimetric/electrochemicl sensor is developed on μPAD for cabaryl sensor • QCT-AgNPs is synthesized by self-reduction and applied for colorimetric detection. • AgNPs/MXene modified electrode provided high electrochemical sensitivity. • This platform is applied for on-site carbaryl detection in fruits on smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filter paper provides an excellent matrix for retention of proteins containing a cellulose binding domain. To use this capability for manipulating recombinant fusion proteins, binding and elution parameters were explored and procedures developed for small scale purification, modification and assay. Proteins were tagged with the cellulose binding domain from the Clostridium thermocellum CipB gene via a cleavable linker. Filter paper disks of 6 mm diameter were able to bind up to 80 μg protein although there was a substantial dependence on molecular size. Different means of introducing fusion proteins to the disks allow either binding within 20 min from microliter volumes or slower binding from milliliter volumes. Elution with protease in small volumes yielded greater than 10 μg amounts with concentrations in the 1–2 mg/ml range. To demonstrate their utility, disks were used for small scale protein purification, covalent modification of protein, immunoprecipitation, and in a binding assay. These versatile methods allow parallel processing of multiple samples and may find many uses when only small amounts of protein are needed. [Display omitted] • Rapid, high throughput, small scale purification of recombinant fusion proteins. • Binding assays on filter paper disks. • Protein modification on filter paper disks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic benefits of the pulp and paper industry have led it to be one of the most important industrial sections in the world. Nevertheless, in recent years, pulp and paper mills are facing challenges with the energy efficiency mechanisms and management of the resulting pollutants, considering the environmental feedbacks and ongoing legal requirements. This study reviews and discusses the recent developments of affordable methods dealing with pulp and paper mill wastewaters. To this end, the current state of the various processes used for pulp and paper production from virgin or recovered fibers has been briefly reviewed. Also, the relevant contaminants have been investigated, considering the used raw materials and applied techniques as the subject for further discussion about the relevant suitable wastewater treatment methods. The results of the present study indicated that adopting the integrated methods, alongside a combination of biological (e.g., anaerobic digestion) and physicochemical (e.g., novel Fenton reactions) treatment methods, can be environmentally and economically preferable to minimize environmental contaminants and energy recycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper [39] uses the Craig-Wayne-Bourgain method to construct solutions of an elliptic problem involving parameters. The results of [39] include regularity assumptions on the perturbation and involve excluding parameters. The paper [39] also constructs response solutions to a quasi-periodically perturbed (ill-posed evolution) problem. In this paper, we use several classical methods (freezing of coefficients, alternative methods for nonlinear elliptic equations) to extend the results of [39]. We weaken the regularity assumptions on the perturbation and we describe the phenomena that happens for all parameters. In the ill-posed problem, we use a recently developed time-dependent center manifold theorem which allows to reduce the problem to a finite-dimensional ODE with quasi-periodic dependence on time. The bounded and sufficiently small solutions of these ODE give solutions of the ill-posed PDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the interfacial dispersion and suspension stability is crucial for magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2) nanomaterials in the long-term deacidification of paper-based cultural relics. However, because of the low specific surface area and the poor solvent compatibility of as-prepared large-sized Mg(OH) 2 , it often tends to agglomerate and settle down during the usage and storage, that is harmful for paper protection due to its unevenly deacidification and nonuniformly distribution on paper cellulose. Herein, we propose a feasible preparation of colloidal Mg(OH) 2 ultrathin nanoflakes with high dispersion stability via a simple one-step surfactant-assisted strategy. The surfactant acts as both a structure-direct agent to confine the growth of Mg(OH) 2 with rich active sites and a surface modifier to enhance its solvent adaptability and dispersion stability, avoiding the common fussy procedure with additional steric stabilizer. Owing to the evenly interaction with free acid species therein and the uniformly distribution on the paper fiber as alkaline reserve, the as-obtained Mg(OH) 2 presents the superior paper protection performance characterized by its safer pH of 7.29 for the original aged paper (pH = 5.03) and the excellent long-term anti-acidification effect with competitive pH of 5.47 after accelerated-aging at 105 °C for 5 months. Furthermore, Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with surfactant-modified structure also endue them as an improved flame retardant for multifunctional paper protection. The protection with Mg(OH) 2 has little effect on the paper surface properties and cellulose crystallinity, in line with the principle of least intervention. This work will put forward a feasible way toward colloidal Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with excellent paper protection performance, shedding light on the development of emerging protection materials for paper-based cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, heterogeneous photocatalysis was used to treat pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME). Magnetically retrievable Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 was fabricated by employing a solvent-free mechanochemical process under ambient conditions. Findings elucidated the successful incorporation of Fe 2 O 3 into the TiO 2 lattice. Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 was found to be an irregular and slightly agglomerated surface morphology. In comparison to commercial P25, Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 exhibited higher ferromagnetism and better catalyst properties with improvements in surface area (58.40 m 2 /g), pore volume (0.29 cm 3 /g), pore size (18.52 nm), and band gap (2.95 eV). Besides, reusability study revealed that Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 was chemically stable and could be reused successively (five cycles) without significant changes in its photoactivity and intrinsic properties. Additionally, this study demonstrated the potential recovery of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 from an aqueous suspension by using an applied magnetic field or sedimentation. Interactive effects of photocatalytic conditions (initial effluent pH, Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 dosage, and air flow-rate), reaction mechanism, and the presence of chemical oxidants (H 2 O 2 , BrO 3 − , and HOCl) during the treatment process of PPME were also investigated. Under optimal conditions (initial effluent pH = 3.88, [Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 ] = 1.3 g/L, and air flow-rate = 2.28 L/min), the treatment efficiency of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 was 98.5% higher than the P25. Based on Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetic model, apparent rate constants of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 and P25 were 9.2 × 10 −3 and 2.7 × 10 −3 min −1 , respectively. The present study revealed not only the potential of using magnetic Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 in PPME treatment but also demonstrated high reusability and easy separation of Fe 2 O 3 -TiO 2 from the wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heteroatoms and transition metal co-doped carbon-based catalysts are an important way to improve the catalytic activity of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we reported a facile method to obtain iron, nitrogen, and sulfur co-doped cellulose paper carbon fibers as catalysts (Fe–N–S/CFs) for ORR in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with the adsorption recovery of Congo red molecules from dye wastewater. The thermal treatment promoted the etching of carbon surface by ferric ions, resulting in increased surface roughness for forming the defective carbon structure. The rich active species and defective carbon formed on the etched surface to enhance the electroactive surface area and effective sites. Fe–N–S/CFs catalysts achieved high half-wave potential due to the synergy effect between chemical components and defect structures. The assembled single-chamber air cathode MFC gained a high maximum power density of 1773 ± 40 mW m−2 versus Pt/C MFC of 1325 ± 94 mW m−2. This work provides a strategy for recovering dye molecules from wastewater to prepare non-precious metal catalysts for enhancing ORR activity. • Mg(OH) 2 @PF was employed to efficiently adsorb Congo red from the dye wastewater. • Congo red/Mg(OH) 2 @PF co-calcined with iron nitrate to fabricate Fe–N–S/FCs catalyst. • The Fe–N–S/CFs showed the excellent ORR performance with the active specie of FeN x. • The assembled air cathode MFCs achieved high maximum power density (1773 ± 40 mW m−2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When males and females have distinct behaviour, learning may vary between the sexes. Polistes fuscatus wasps provide an interesting model to study sex differences in learning because males and females have different social behaviour. Female wasps have highly variable facial patterns used for individual face recognition, live in cooperative groups where interactions depend on individual face recognition and excel at learning female faces. In contrast, male wasps lack the type of variable facial patterns necessary for individual face recognition and do not participate in the type of social interactions known to favour individual recognition in females. Instead, males leave the nest soon after adulthood and devote their energy to mating. Given the behavioural differences between males and females, females may be more adept at learning wasp faces than males. Here, we train male and female P. fuscatus to discriminate between pairs of female P. fuscatus face images and pairs of colours. Females learned to discriminate between pairs of face images more accurately than males. However, males and females were equally adept at colour learning, indicating that there are no generalized sex differences in learning. The sex differences in face, but not colour, learning are consistent with the adaptive specialization hypothesis, which posits that cognitive abilities are selected to solve particular social or ecological problems. Overall, general learning capacity is similar across male and female wasps, but face learning is shaped by sex-specific recognition behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]