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We have executed a cost-effective approach to produce a high-performance multifunctional human–machine interface (HMI) humidity sensor. The designed sensors were ecofriendly, flexible, and highly sensitive to variability in relative humidity (%RH) in the surroundings. In this study, we have introduced a humidity sensor by using carbon paper (as both a substrate and sensing material) and a silver (Ag) conductive ink pen. The carbon paper-based humidity sensor was developed by using a simple handwriting approach and the resulting devices exhibited excellent results including fast response/recovery times (12/24 s), a wide sensing range (30 to 85%), small hysteresis (1.1%), high stability (1 month), and repeatability. This high-performance humidity response could be attributed to the highly porous, hydrophilic, and permeable nature of carbon paper. Besides these features, the sensor offered high flexibility (100 bending cycles across different radii) and adaptability for uses like breath monitoring (through mouth and nose), proximity sensing (from multiple distances ranging from 1 to 10 cm), and depicting Morse code. This research work is a significant step forward in humidity sensing technology and the sustainable future of electronic devices by using a cost-effective, fast, and simple fabrication technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) have undergone a significant transformation related to the evolution in management of acute coronary syndrome and influenced by other factors such as the epidemiological transition, the increasing complexity of clinical cases, the technological advancement, and the growth of clinical and scientific expertise of cardiologists. In the context of this evolution, a functional reorganization of CICUs in Italy has to be implemented in order to meet the changing needs of the population with cardiovascular disease requiring critical care. Therefore, the Italian Association of Hospital Cardiologists (ANMCO) proposes this position paper for the reorganization of CICUs into three levels with increasing functional complexity, based on the hospital characteristics, the available technology, and clinical cases treated. The system would be functionally integrated into a regional CICU organization modeled on a time-dependent care network. This proposed network aims to standardize diagnostic and therapeutic protocols and establish unified data collection registries to facilitate self-assessment and support clinical research. The document delineates specific requirements for each CICU level, including the management of clinical cases, the expertise of intensive care cardiologists, the technological facilities, and the medical and nursing staff needed to ensure optimal care delivery.

This study investigated the properties of paper coated with nanocelluloses and nanocellulose-enhanced recycled paper derived from diverse waste paper sources. The grammages and thicknesses of both coated and recycled paper increased proportionally with the number of coating layers and the concentration of added cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). While the tensile index and modulus of elasticity of coated paper decreased post-coating, these properties of recycled paper improved with higher CNF concentrations, with minimal changes observed with CNC. The burst strength of coated paper increased with additional coating layers, regardless of whether CNF or CNC was used. The tear index of coated paper surpassed that of the base paper, while the burst strength of recycled paper with CNF exceeded that of CNC. Recycled paper with added nanocellulose exhibited higher tear index values than control paper, with CNF addition notably enhancing tear index compared to CNC. The types of nanocellulose significantly influenced the optical and barrier properties of both coated and recycled paper. In conclusion, this study suggests that leveraging CNF and CNC can enhance the quality of low-grade and recycled paper, potentially opening new avenues for their applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine mould resistance of the plaster made from waste paper. To study the plaster quality, two laboratory tests were conducted. First, mould resistance of a dry plaster was studied, and second, mould resistance of a wet plaster was tested. Since wet plaster mix must be used for plastering, the resulting surfaces are extremely wet. The plaster placed on the wall would dry for at least two weeks under favourable conditions (sufficient ventilation and temperature). During this period, there is a great risk that the plaster might become mouldy. Another risk of becoming mouldy occurs when an already plastered wall receives moisture (e.g., water damage). The experiments carried out under laboratory conditions showed that in an environment with high relative humidity the plaster did not become mouldy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the properties of composite preservation paper containing antagonistic fungi and the effect of the composite preservation paper on the physiological quality and preservation quality of Gala apples at room temperature, and at the same time to solve the limitations of the antagonistic fungi in the application of difficult to germinate, subject to the influence of the environment, etc., this study used Pichia membranaefaciens as the antagonistic fungi, added to the mixture of 1.16% gelatin and 2% trehalose solution, and combined with a paper-based material to prepare a composite preservation paper containing antagonistic fungi. The structure was characterized, and the physical properties and thermal stability performance of the composite preservation paper were measured. Effects of composite preservation on the natural disease incidence of Gala apples, spot diameter, weight loss, hardness, browning degree, reducing sugar, titratable acid, vitamin C and soluble solids content were analyzed to comprehensively evaluate the preservation effect of the composite preservation paper on Gala apples. Results showed that the composite preservation liquid containing antagonistic fungi caused the surface of Alternaria spp. spores to crumple and deform, and the morphology was destroyed. The composite preservation liquid containing antagonistic fungi at a concentration of 108 CFU/mL was tightly combined with the paper-based material. The water absorption rate of the composite preservation paper was 768.94%±38.05%, which was at a high level. The thickness of the composite preservation paper was 0.232±0.008 mm, the tensile strength was 13.88±0.59 N/mm2, and the percentage of breaking elongation was 6.33%±0.58%, indicating that it had good physical properties. There was a major mass loss in the range of 320~450 ℃, and the residual rate was 5.31% at 800 ℃, with good thermal stability. In vivo application showed that the composite preservation paper could effectively delay the expansion of spots in inoculated fruits, reduce the weight loss rate and browning degree of fruits and maintain the hardness of fruits, delay the reduction of vitamin C, reducing sugar and soluble solids content of fruits, maintain the good organoleptic and physiological qualities of fruits, and prolong the storage time. The composite preservation paper has good physical properties and thermal stability, and maintains the storage quality of Gala apples after harvesting, which not only provides new ideas for antagonistic yeast inhibition and preservation, but also provides a reference for the development of new biological preservation paper and preservation application.

Abstract In this study, a severely damaged official document produced in the Qing Dynasty (1911 A.D.), was characterized using a range of techniques and subsequently restored using the traditional Chinese conservation methods. The pH and crystalline index of the paper were measured using a pH meter, attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The results indicate that the paper archive is acidic and degraded, which is also supported by the broken fibres as observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the properties and durability of the conservation materials, including the conservation paper made of Wikstroemia fibre and wheat starch paste, were explored by determination of colour difference, whiteness, pH, tensile strength, and observation of cross-sectional features before and after dry- and moist-heat degradation. The results demonstrate the conservation materials presented good durability and were then used to perform subsequent conservation treatments, including the assembly of paper pieces and the application of backing paper, to provide additional mechanical support for the preservation of the historical paper archive.

At present, the detection of surface defects of paper-plastic composite bags still mainly depends on manual visual inspection, which is very inefficient and easy to cause false detection. Based on the algorithm which combines edge detection and adaptive region growth, binary images of the surface defect areas is extracted, six types of shape features and seven types of invariant moment features are defined by calculation as the basis to complete the effective extraction of the surface features, then a paper-plastic composite bags surface defect detection platform is built to complete the defect detection experiment, the defect screening experiment was completed by the rapid screening method of its surface defect image based on gradient projection difference. At the same time, based on Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization, and Grey Wolf Optimization, parameter optimization models of Support Vector Machine were established, respectively. Through experimental comparison, some results show that the defect detection and classification accuracy rate reach 96.83% based on the GA, and the detection speed with the screening method is 3.75 times faster than that without the screening method. Therefore, the reliability of the image classification and screening method for bags surface defects proposed in this study is verified.

Introduction. Medium voltage power cables with paper impregnated insulation remain an important component of power networks. The reliability and efficiency of such cables have been confirmed by their long service life also at nuclear power plants. Problem. It is not possible to directly determine the dielectric parameters of phase and belt paper insulation of power cables. Effective electrical diagnostic systems are required to assess the technical condition of such types of power cable insulation. The aim of the work is to substantiate the methodology for determining the dielectric properties of phase and belt paper impregnated insulation based on cumulative measurements of the electrical capacitance and the tangent of the dielectric loss angle of power cables of nuclear power plants and power networks. Methodology. The developed methodology is based on the solution of a system of linear algebraic equations of the sixth order for determining the dielectric properties of types of paper impregnated insulation of power three-core cables in a metal sheath. Scientific novelty. The differences in the structure of the probing electric field in phase and belt paper insulation depending on the inspection scheme of three-core power cables with sector cores in a metal sheath have been established. The shares of electric energy in the types of insulation under different probing electric field schemes have been determined, which allows determining the tangent of the dielectric loss angle of phase and belt paper insulation. Practical significance. The results of the practical implementation of the developed methodology for assessing the differences in the properties of phase and belt insulation of power cables of nuclear power plants and power network cables during spatial scanning of electrical insulation by frequency and voltage, respectively, are presented. References 41, figures 4, table 6.

High-quality scientific research papers need the support of correct and rigorous statistical methods. However, many papers in transfusion medicine research have problems with the improper use of statistical methods. This paper starts from the transfusion medicine related papers published in China in recent years, summarizes and analyzes common problems in the use of statistics from the aspects of research data type description, statistical method selection, statistical result interpretation and statistical content writing, and discusses possible solutions to provide certain references for the writing of research papers in transfusion medicine.

This paper proposes an innovative method to upgrade Um Nar Banded Iron Formation (BIF). The method consists of three stages: reduction roasting using paper industry sludge and sawdust, sulfuric acid leaching, and magnetic separation. The effects of CaCO3/sawdust concentration and magnetic field intensity were examined. This approach not only provides an effective means of processing complex and low-grade iron ores but also offers a sustainable solution for recycling industrial waste. Additionally, it utilizes biomass sawdust as a green reducing agent, a new type of clean energy source with low sulfur content, which does not pollute the environment. Adding paper industry sludge as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) led to its reaction with Si and Al minerals, forming grossular (Ca3Al2(SiO4)2(OH)4). This prevented SiO2 from reacting with iron oxides, thereby enhancing iron recovery. The resulting iron concentrate meets the quality standards necessary for steel production. The iron concentrate obtained through this method, i.e. reduction roasting conducted with 10% dosage of reductant, followed by acid leaching and magnetic separation at 2000 gauss, contains 67.23% total Fe and 1.5% SiO2 with a total Fe recovery of 73.82%, meeting the iron ore quality requirements of the steel and iron industry.

Abstract Rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB) is a critical issue with significant implications for patient care, public health, and TB control efforts that necessitate comprehensive strategies for detection. This study presents a novel point-of-care diagnostic tool for RR-TB detection employing a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-paper-based sensor combined with isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The sensor targets mutations in codons 516, 526, and 531 of the rpoB gene, the top three common mutations associated with rifampicin-resistant strains. PNA probes specifically recognised wild-type sequences, generating a visual signal through a reverse hybridisation assay. The absence of a signal was observed when the mutant strains were detected because of the inability to bind the mutant sequence. Our proof-of-concept assay displayed high accuracy (100% for detecting mutations at codons 516, 526, and 531), a short turnaround time (110 min), no cross-reactivity with other bacterial pathogens, and ultrasensitivity. This PNA-paper-based sensor model can be a valuable diagnostic tool for RR-TB detection, providing an accessible diagnostic platform that can be advantageous in resource-limited settings where sophisticated laboratory infrastructure may be lacking.

Abstract The pulp and paper manufacturing wastewater is as complicated as any other industrial effluent. A promising approach to treating water is to combine photocatalysis and membrane processes. This paper demonstrates a novel photocatalytic membrane technique for solar-powered water filtration. The method is based on creating green-prepared TiO2, and MnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) using Pomegranate peels and Seder leaf extracts and incorporation into polyvinylidene chloride to produce a novel water purification system that combines semiconductor photocatalysis with membrane filtration. The prepared heterostructure of the TiO2/MnO2 nanocomposite membrane provides photogenerated charge separation. To ensure chemical bonding at the membrane surface, Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed. The modified membrane’s hydrophilicity and roughness increased significantly. Additionally, the modified nanocomposite membrane’s porosity was measured. The integrated process demonstrated much higher removal of humic acid and high efficiency of wastewater treatment for pulp and paper. In sunlight, humic acid removal was 98% from synthetic wastewater. While using the produced membrane on pulp and paper effluent, these studies indicate that: in the dark, the removal was 50%, while in the sunlight, the removal increased to 70%, with a reduction in the COD from 1500 mg/L to 247 mg/L. Additionally, the TDS decreased from 1630 to 452 ppt in the sunlight. This research sheds light on how solar energy can clean wastewater from the pulp and paper industry while improving membrane separation. Also, an alternative source to sunlight was used to manufacture a photocatalytic membrane with high efficiency for wastewater treatment and an inexpensive price.

In chemical science research progress, reading other researcher research paper in same type area, will speed up the generation of their own research method. Researchers want to automate the extraction of information from charts in paper, because there are detail of what element involved and how experiment environment changed in the charts. This paper designs and implements a line chart information extraction algorithm using neural networks and Hough Transform. First, a large dataset of line charts was collected and annotated to provide a foundation for neural network training. Secondly, detect the line charts in the literature and save them as separate images. Then, the Hough transform line detection algorithm was used to detect the axes, and the line charts were segmented. For each segmented part, different recognition algorithms were designed to identify various elements in the line charts, including axes, line regions, and legends. To validate the effectiveness of the algorithm, experimental tests were conducted in the field of inorganic catalysis, automatically extracting information from line charts in the literature. The experimental results show that the designed algorithm can accurately recognize various elements in line charts and effectively extract experimental data. Compared with traditional manual methods, automated extraction not only saves a considerable amount of time but also improves the accuracy and consistency of data extraction on paper fast reading. In summary, this method provides researchers with an efficient tool that accelerates the acquisition and comparison of experimental data, thereby advancing the progress of related research electronic document.

Abstract This manuscript proposes the Jellyfish Search Optimization (JSO) algorithm-based Fractional Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller tuning for a paper machine headbox. The novelty of this method lies in integrating the JSO technique for optimizing the parameters of the FOPID controller to monitor and control headbox pressure and stock level efficiently and effectively. The JSO algorithm ensures optimal tuning of controller parameters by minimizing error indices such as Integral of Squared Error (ISE), Integral of Time Absolute Error (ITAE), and Integral of Absolute Error (IAE). Simulations conducted on the MATLAB/Simulink platform demonstrate that the FOPID controller tuned using JSO achieves superior performance compared to conventional PI (Proportional-Integral) and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controllers. Specifically, the JSO-tuned FOPID controller exhibited a 25% reduction in rise time, a 30% improvement in settling time, and a 20% decrease in overshoot when compared to the PID controller. Furthermore, comparative analyses with other optimization techniques, including Moth Flame Optimization (MFO), Ant Lion Optimization (ALO), and Elephant Herding Optimization (EHO), reveal that the JSO algorithm provides higher accuracy and stability in diverse operating conditions. This study underscores the efficacy of the JSO-tuned FOPID controller as a robust solution for complex industrial applications, such as paper machine headbox systems, and highlights its potential to enhance process efficiency and control precision.

The present study investigates the efficacy of chitosan and glyoxal-crosslinked chitosan (Chi-Gly) as reinforcing agents for enhancing the mechanical, physical, and functional properties of recycled paper. The research aims to evaluate the comparative performance of these two forms of chitosan in imparting strength characteristics and improved functionality to recycled paper substrates. Chitosan and Chi-Gly solutions prepared via glyoxal crosslinking were incorporated into recycled pulp suspensions at varying dosages. Laboratory handsheets were fabricated, and their properties were systematically evaluated through mechanical testing, morphological analysis, wettability measurements, and antibacterial assays. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the tensile index, burst index, and bending resistance for the chitosan and Chi-Gly treated papers, with the Chi-Gly exhibiting superior reinforcement. Notably, the Chi-Gly treated paper exhibited a higher wet tensile index and lower water absorption capacity than the control. SEM analysis revealed a denser, more cohesive fiber network facilitated by chitosan and Chi-Gly, aiding the reinforcement. The treated papers exhibited reduced hydrophobicity and pronounced antibacterial activity against E. coli (a gram-negative bacterium) and S. aureus (a gram-positive bacterium), with the Chi-Gly treatment outperforming chitosan. Notably, the treatments improved the functional properties without negatively impacting optical brightness. The findings highlight the synergistic effects of glyoxal crosslinking on chitosan's reinforcing ability and the potential of these biopolymers as sustainable and multifunctional additives for the recycled paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper has the multiple advantages of being breathable, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic for medical care. However, the flammability stemming from the raw materials of paper has limited its use in medical heat therapy. In this paper, a composite flame-retardant coating is assembled layer by layer on a medical paper surface using medically safe natural biomaterials with starch and adenosine triphosphate as internal layers, and starch and phytic acid as external layers. With the layer-by-layer assembly using the ultrathin adsorption method, the microscopic morphology and elemental mapping reveal that all the biomaterials are deposited uniformly and have completely capsulated the paper surface fiber. The flame-retardant coating shows less impact on medical paper appearance morphology and mechanical properties in medical usability. The coated medical paper exhibits significant flame-retardant performance, such that the limiting oxygen index increases from 19.70% to 25.40% where both internal and external layers reached 100 layers (BL), and relevant residual charring in the thermogravimetric test increases 17.00 wt% in a nitrogen atmosphere and 18.00 wt% in an air atmosphere at 800 °C. The peak and total heat release rates of 100 BL medical paper reduced by approximately 91.10% and 53.10%, respectively, and the variations in both CO and CO2 production also suggest that flame-retardant coating could effectively inhibit combustion. Benefiting from the intumescent flame-retardant function of different biomaterial combinations and the multilayer design on different thermal response temperatures, the flame retardancy of medical paper significantly improved, and this advancement will make medical heat therapy safer and healthier for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dimensional absorbency properties of paper towels were studied, focusing on three- and two-dimensional absorption mechanisms. Key factors affecting these absorption mechanisms were identified through a series of experiments and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the water absorption capacity, driven by capillary action (porosity), exhibited differences between two-dimensional surface absorption (in the X and Y directions) and three-dimensional bulk absorption (including the Z direction, or thickness). Porosity analysis revealed that three-dimensional absorbency is highly correlated with porosity, whereas two-dimensional absorbency has a relatively low correlation and is influenced by fiber properties such as length and width, as well as mass-related characteristics including fines content and freeness. The findings highlight the need to balance these dimensional properties to achieve optimal absorbency in paper towel products. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for developing more efficient paper towels and offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms of paper towel absorbency, which will aid in the development of improved hygiene paper products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pen-and-paper homework and project-based learning are both commonly used instructional methods in introductory statistics courses. However, there have been few studies comparing these two methods exclusively. In this case study, each was utilized in two different sections of the same introductory statistics course at a regional state university. Students’ statistical literacy was measured by exam scores across the course, including the final. The comparison of the two instructional methods includes using descriptive statistics and two-sample t-tests, as well authors’ reflections on the instructional methods. Results indicated that there is no statistically discernible difference between the two instructional methods in the introductory statistics course.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a major global health concern affecting women worldwide. Early detection of high-risk HPV genotypes is crucial for timely intervention and reducing disease burden. However, current detection methods often lack sensitivity, speed, or cost-effectiveness, especially in resource-limited settings. This work addresses this critical need by developing an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensing platform based on nitrogen-doped graphene paper electrodes for quantifying high-risk HPV16 DNA sequences. The N-graphene nanohybrid, fabricated via simple solvothermal treatment of biomass-derived graphene oxide, demonstrated significantly enhanced electrical and electrocatalytic properties compared to undoped graphene. DNA detection was achieved through characteristic oxidation signals of guanine bases, which displayed a wide linear dynamic range (0.5–100 μg/mL), low detection limit (75 pg/mL), and excellent reproducibility (relative standard deviation