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• We explain the causal relationship between boundary-spanning paper and its citation and find that the boundary-spanning paper has a positive effect in citation counts. • We propose a new idea for recognizing and quantifying the role of a paper play in the citation network and figure out how boundary-spanning paper perform in citation network. Previous studies diverged on whether boundary-spanning papers are cited more heavily, however, there is as yet no research that explains how boundary-spanning papers affect citation counts from a causal view and how they influence knowledge diffusion in citation network. To this end, we utilized Propensity Score Matching to clarify the relationship between the citation counts and the degree of boundary-spanning of 281,707 papers in the field of Astronomy (AS), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Library and Information Science (LIS) based on causal inference. We also adopted Sentence-BERT to compute the content similarity among seed papers, cited papers, citing papers, to imply how seed paper affects citation network when knowledge diffuses. According to the similarity between seed paper and citing paper, cited paper and citing paper, we defined paper's role in citation network as four types: Disseminator, Broker, Trigger , and Outlier. The major findings are as follows: (1) Papers with a higher degree of boundary-spanning are more likely to be cited heavily; (2) Disseminator and Outlier account for a larger proportion in three disciplines, while Broker and Trigger account for a smaller proportion; (3) The degree of boundary-spanning and citation counts of four types vary in three disciplines. This work, which reveals paper's value and role in citation network from the perspective of content, has implications to provide some enlightenment for the paper's evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method is proposed to find sleeping beauty papers and their princes in technology. • This method could consider both direct and indirect citations. • 22 sleeping beauty papers in technology are detected. • 9 sleeping beauty papers are among the top 10 papers with the highest contribution. • The princes of 9 typical sleeping beauty papers in technology are all papers. In science-technology research, papers and patents are used to represent science and technology, respectively. Detecting sleeping beauty papers and their princes in technology (patent field) could uncover dynamic knowledge contributions from science (paper field) to technology (patent field). However, previous studies have mainly focused on sleeping beauty in science. Some studies have examined SB patents in technology, but SB papers in patents are rarely studied and need to be further discussed. In addition, knowledge could flow along citations. Thus, if one paper is cited by one patent's reference (indirect citation), it also contributes to the patent, even though the patent does not directly cite it. At the same time, indirect citations are rarely discussed in sleeping beauty studies. This could lead to a loss of significant information. Therefore, to reveal the dynamic knowledge contribution from science to technology considering indirect citations, this study proposed a new method of mining sleeping beauty papers in technology and their princes. The lithium-ion battery domain is selected as a case study. The findings are as follows: (1) Most papers do not contribute knowledge to technology continuously, even when considering indirect citations, and the time-varying knowledge contribution strength changes significantly overtime. (2) The knowledge contribution strength with a time delay of more than 11 years occupies 80% of the total knowledge contribution strength. It is suggested that the window period of paper publication evaluation be extended. (3) 22 sleeping beauty papers in technology are detected. Nine papers are among the top 10 regarding the total knowledge contribution strength. (4) The princes of 9 typical sleeping beauty papers in technology are all papers. This implies that the awakening of these papers in technology was all provoked by scientific development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-use plastics and food packaging are the most common items polluting the environment, commonly identified in surveys and litter monitoring campaigns. There are pushes to ban these products from production and use in different regions, and to replace them with other materials viewed as "safer" or "more sustainable". Here, we address the potential environmental impacts of take-away cups and lids used for hot and cold beverages, consisting of plastic or paper. We produced leachates from plastic cups (polypropylene), lids (polystyrene), and paper cups (lined with polylactic acid), under conditions representative of plastic leaching in the environment. The packaging items were placed and left to leach in sediment and freshwater for up to four weeks, and we tested the toxicity of contaminated water and sediment separately. We used the model aquatic invertebrate Chironomus riparius and assessed multiple endpoints both on larval stages and on emergence to the adult phase. We observed a significant growth inhibition with all the materials tested when the larvae were exposed in contaminated sediment. Developmental delays were also observed for all materials, both in contaminated water and sediment. We investigated teratogenic effects via the analysis of mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae, and observed significant effects on larvae exposed to polystyrene lid leachates (in sediment). Finally, a significant delay in time to emergence was observed for females exposed to paper cups leachates (in sediment). Overall, our results indicate that all the tested food packaging materials can have adverse effects on chironomids. These effects can be observed from one week of material leaching in environmental conditions, and tend to increase with increasing leaching time. Moreover, more effects were observed in contaminated sediment, indicating that benthic organisms might be especially at risk. This study highlights the risk posed by take-away packaging and their associated chemicals, once discarded into the environment. [Display omitted] • Leachates impacted growth, development, and emergence of chironomid larvae. • Adverse effects were observed for all the tested takeaway packaging materials. • Effects were observed after 7 days of exposure. • Stronger effects were observed in contaminated sediment, compared to water. • Effects increased with increasing leaching time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressure on natural resources and the climate has been noted by businesses and governments worldwide, who now face the difficult task of integrating paths of environmental sustainability and economic growth. One promising approach to sustainable development, reducing the pressure on natural resources and solving waste problems is circular economy. From different ways of implementing circular economy, this study focuses on the productization of industrial side streams, which carry a great deal of underutilized potential. In this article, the productization of pulp and paper industry side stream, fiber sludge, for commercial use as a dust-binding agent is studied via a descriptive, in-depth case study. Apart from inconsistent quality, fluctuating supply, cost of storage and logistics, what makes industrial side stream utilization challenging is the lack of knowledge that stakeholders have about side streams and their utilization and the lack of new value chain development for their commercial use. Therefore, it is essential for all parties involved to have a clearer vision of what is being sold for what purposes, through productization. This study found that the productization of side streams follows the same steps as the productization of any other traditional product, and the productized side streams can be added to the company's product portfolio as by-products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread availability of banana pseudo stems which do not have considerable commercial value in the country presents a potential source of non-wood raw material for paper production. This investigation determined the suitability of using banana fiber for wrapping paper production. Banana fiber was used with sugarcane bagasse and wastepaper to produce paper in 20:80, 40:60, 60:40 and 80:20 ratios. Banana and sugarcane bagasse were chemically pulped using 12% NaOH and 4% Na 2 S for 1.5 h. The mean thickness of the papers were 0.263 ± 0.04 mm. 100% banana paper and 100% bagasse paper showed nearly similar water absorbency (2.15 s and 2.17 s) and were 2.25 times more than paper from 100% wastepaper. Highest tensile index was evidenced by banana paper with 20% wastepaper (29.4 Nm/g). For banana-bagasse mix-ratios, 20% bagasse demonstrated highest tensile index (16.04 Nm/g). 100% banana paper produced a tensile index of 18.97 Nm/g. Highest bursting index was from banana paper with 20% wastepaper mix (2.00 kPa m 2 /g). For banana-bagasse mix-ratios, 20% bagasse addition showed the greatest bursting index (0.88 kPa m 2 /g). 100% banana paper produced a burst index of 1.05 kPa m 2 /g. Highest abrasion resistance was 180 turns which was demonstrated by 100% banana paper. 20% mix bagasse and 20% mix wastepaper demonstrated the greatest abrasion resistance with 136 turns and 120 turns respectively. 20 ̶ 40% of wastepaper (5.4 ̶ 5.8% weight loss) and 10 ̶ 30% bagasse (10.0 ̶ 15.5% weight loss) were categorised as optimal mix percentages in the pulp mix for their minimal weight losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (EAM) has the potential to identify the pathological substrate underlying ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in different clinical settings by detecting myocardial areas with abnormally low voltages, which reflect the presence of different cardiomyopathic substrates. In athletes, the added value of EAM may be to enhance the efficacy of third-level diagnostic tests and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in detecting concealed arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. Additional benefits of EAM in the athlete include the potential impact on disease risk stratification and the consequent implications for eligibility to competitive sports. This opinion paper of the Italian Society of Sports Cardiology aims to guide general sports medicine physicians and cardiologists on the clinical decision when to eventually perform an EAM study in the athlete, highlighting strengths and weaknesses for each cardiovascular disease at risk of sudden cardiac death during sport. The importance of early (preclinical) diagnosis to prevent the negative effects of exercise on phenotypic expression, disease progression, and worsening of the arrhythmogenic substrate is also addressed. • Three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping (EAM) has the potential to identify the pathological substrate underlying ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). • In athletes, EAM may enhance the efficacy of third-level diagnostic tests and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in detecting concealed arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. • An electroanatomical mapping-guided endomyocardial biopsy may be considered as additional diagnostic tool among athletes presenting with complex ventricular arrhythmias and unclear findings after comprehensive clinical-imaging assessments and genetic testing. • The role of electroanatomical mapping is particularly relevant in the differentiation between myocarditis and forms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, especially if integrated with the biopsy and histological examination that allows sampling in an extremely precise way the areas of altered voltage, expression of myocardial fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major research efforts in liver cancer have been devoted to increasing the efficacy and effectiveness of surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As with other cancers, surveillance programmes aim to detect tumours at an early stage, facilitate curative-intent treatment, and reduce cancer-related mortality. HCC surveillance is supported by a large randomised-controlled trial in patients with chronic HBV infection and several cohort studies in cirrhosis; however, effectiveness in clinical practice is limited by several barriers, including inadequate risk stratification, underuse of surveillance, and suboptimal accuracy of screening tests. There are several proposed strategies to address these limitations, including risk stratification algorithms and biomarkers to better identity at-risk individuals, interventions to increase surveillance, and emerging imaging- and blood-based surveillance tests with improved sensitivity and specificity for early HCC detection. Beyond clinical validation, data are needed to establish clinical utility, i.e. increased early tumour detection and reduced HCC-related mortality. If successful, these data could facilitate a precision screening paradigm in which surveillance strategies are tailored to individual HCC risk to maximise overall surveillance value. However, practical and logistical considerations must be considered when designing and implementing these validation efforts. To address these issues, ILCA (the International Liver Cancer Association) adjourned a single topic workshop on HCC risk stratification and surveillance in June 2022. Herein, we present a white paper on these topics, including the status of the field, ongoing research efforts, and barriers to the translation of emerging strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Paper" plays an important role in the development and spread of civilization. However, massive use of paper has led to nonnegligible negative influence on environment. Recently, great progresses have been made in the fields of rewritable paper that has enormous potential in alleviating the increasing demand for paper. Therefore, we report a new photochromic tetraphenylethene-based Schiff base derivative 2-ethoxy-6-(((4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl)imino)-methyl)phenol (TPENOEt). TPENOEt exhibits reversible photochromic behavior, fast response, simple synthetic step, lower cost and excellent fatigue resistance. The bleaching rate of TPENOEt is tunable by longer wavelength light, white light irradiation and elevated temperature. The fluorescence of TPENOEt is weak in solid state, which increases obviously after grinding with a pestle accompanied by reduced photochromic efficiency and longer response time. These results provide a new view to get insight into the relationship between packing style and fluorescence/photochromism property of Schiff base derivatives. TPENOEt is successfully applied as a visible light driven rewritable paper, 410 nm violet light can serve as a pen, while 420–590 nm visible light and white light is employed as the eraser. The recorded information will be erased in about 15 s after white light irradiation and will be self-erased in 20 min in daylight and in about 15 days in dark. Moreover, TPENOEt can also serve as a UV strength sensor for naked eye detection of UV radiation pollution. Image 1 • TPENOEt exhibits reversible photochromic behavior, fast response, and excellent fatigue resistance. • TPENOEt is successfully applied as a visible light driven rewritable paper. • The recorded information on TPENOEt will be self-erased in 20 min in daylight and in about 15 days in dark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The techniques empolyed to produce this handmade paper included filling with kaoline, polishing with wax and dyeing with pigment and dye. • Both of cochineal and minium red were used to dye handmade paper showing purple-red color. • Wax and neutral/weak alkaline condition protected paper from humidity and mold growth and kept its stability. Although it is a very important Chinese traditional handmade paper, the technique employed to produce Lajian paper has been lost. Unambiguous characterization of this unique paper is essential for its conservation and reservation. A fragment of ancient purple-red Lajian paper, dated from the Qing Dynasty and decorated with flecked Au, was analyzed via non-destructive and/or micro-destructive methods, such as Optical microscopy (OM), SEM-EDS, X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The results showed that the Lajian paper, which was 50–60 μm thick overall, was produced from bamboo fibers that were mixed mainly with wheat and mulberry fibers. The front surface was first filled with kaolin to form a coating that was approximately 10 μm thick and then polished with wax mixed with cochineal dye, minium pigment and animal glue to form a purple-red color to protect it from humidity and mold growth. The back surface was treated the same as the front, except that cochineal was not used. The handmade paper and color were stable because cochineal produced neutral/weak alkaline conditions. This study provides comprehensive information about the production process of this traditional handmade paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work focused in assessing the hydrogen production from pretreated wastes of the paper industry (PIW) by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) using anaerobic biofilms developed in natural fibers (ixtle) at different conditions. Anaerobic sludge from brewery wastewater treatment was used for biofilms and they were developed in plastic spheres covered with fiber cord from ixtle. The solid wastes of paper industry were previously pretreated with H 2 SO 4 at 2.5% (v/v) at 120 °C by 30 min. The solids pretreated were hydrolyzed and fermented in batch reactors. All reactors were kept at an initial pH of 5.0 and three levels of enzyme loadings (10, 40 and 70 FPU/mL) and temperatures (35, 45, 55 °C) were assessed. The maximum hydrogen obtained (60.75 mmol/h*g volatile solids) was at 45 °C and 70 FPU/mL, moreover, no methane was detected in all cases. • SFS is an integral process to produce hydrogen. • Anaerobic sludge useful as inoculum for H2 production. • Effects of temperature/enzyme loading on biohydrogen. • Chemical-thermal pretreatments against methanogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Office waste paper constitutes an excellent low cost and high quality fibre source for the papermaking industry. Limitations in the application of conventional deinking to such paper are related to negative environmental impacts chemicals can cause, hence enzymatic deinking is receiving growing attention. This study is focused on the investigation of the effect of cellulases application on the deinking of office waste paper. The methodology involved: preparation of samples, impregnation, repulping, enzymatic treatment, flotation, papermaking, and finally evaluation of optical properties. Five preparations, working under acidic and neutral conditions, were tested (Cellusoft CR, Cellusoft AP, Novozymes 342, Cellusoft L, Accelerase 1500). The added amount of each enzyme preparation corresponded to 150 FPU/100 g paper. It was observed that the deinking experiments using enzymes achieved generally better results in comparison with those in which the enzymes were previously deactivated. Despite the positive effect of activated enzymes as compared to deactivated, the application of enzymes appeared disadvantageous compared with the conventional deinking in terms of specks surface of the deinked paper sheets. Apart from the type of enzyme preparation itself, another critical factor affecting the effectiveness of the enzymatic treatment was the addition of nitric acid used to achieve acidic conditions for the optimum enzyme function. To this end, further study have to be performed on enzyme preparations functioning under alkaline conditions as well as on other paper types while the effect of enzyme amount to the deinking and the subsequent impacts on mechanical strength of produced papers may be also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China's paper production accounted for nearly a quarter of the world's total paper production in 2010. In this study, 23 energy saving technologies applicable to the pulping and papermaking process in China are identified and analyzed. The conservation supply curve (CSC) method is employed to assess the technical and economic aspects of energy conservation. The fuel CSC for Chinese pulp and paper industry shows the cost-effective and technical fuel conservation potential is 180 PJ and 254 PJ, accounting for 27% and 38% of total fuel used in 2010, respectively. The CO 2 mitigation potential related to the cost-effective fuel efficiency is 17 Mt CO 2 and the technical potential is 24 Mt CO 2 . The electricity CSC shows the technical electricity conservation potential is 2316 GWh, representing 4% of total electricity consumption. All of the electricity efficiency measures are shown to be cost-effective in this study. The CO 2 mitigation resulted from electricity efficiency is around 2 Mt CO 2 . In addition, sensitivity analyses for the parameters of penetration rate, discount rate, and energy price are conducted to assess their influence on the final results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the navigating manuscript rejection. Topics include the study demonstrating how common manuscript rejection is among faculty of all academic ranks in hopes to normalize rejection and open conversations about rejection in mentorship; approach, innovations related to the study design, and reason for the rejection of the study to quantify on the fate of manuscripts.

The landfilling of paper mill sludge (PMS) has been restricted or even banned in many countries due to the raised concern about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contamination of the soil and water, calling for a sustainable PMS management approach. The potential valorization of PMS to nanomaterials combined with traditional biorefinery was examined in this work. Three types of PMS-derived cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were prepared and evaluated: enzymatically assisted CNF (AU: with in-house produced enzyme and CT: with commercial enzyme), mechanically pretreated CNF (BT), and chemically pretreated CNF by TEMPO oxidation (TEMPO). It was found that enzyme-assisted mechanical fibrillation-derived CNFs had a comparable average diameter (27.9 nm for AU and 22.7 nm for CT) with that produced from mechanical pretreatment (26.5 nm for BT) and TEMPO oxidation pretreatment (20.0 nm for TEMPO), and they showed the best drainage properties among the three types of CNF. The CNFs resulting from enzymatic pretreatment reduced 15% of energy consumption compared to the mechanical method and had better thermostability than TEMPO oxidation method. In addition, the on-site produced enzyme showed similar performance to the commercial enzymes towards the CNF properties. These findings provide new insights into a promising integrated strategy in engineering CNF from PMS with on-site enzyme production as a novel and sustainable approach for PMS management and valorization. [Display omitted] • A novel and integrated biorefinery strategy was developed for enzyme hydrolysis-assisted CNF fabrication. • The in-house enzyme was comparable to the commercial enzyme in CNF preparation. • The CNF prepared by enzyme was compared with that using mechanical and chemical pretreatment. • The enzyme-hydrolysis-assisted CNF had the best drainage property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Preparation of dual functional humidity humidity-sensitive paper using sustainable nanoclay and beeswax. • Increment of actuation degree up to 110° (30 %RH) from 40° (90 %RH). • Able to detect humidity from changes in electrical resistances (150-700kΩ). A highly humidity-responsive paper can detect moisture or OH-attached molecules at the sub-micron or nano level range. Applying hydrophilic nanoclay as an active material for water sensing would reduce the fabrication cost while remaining environmentally friendly. In this communication, we report the preparation of a nanoclay-inspired dual-responsive smart film that can signal humidity levels from mechanical and electrical responses. The paper will bend as the nanoclay layer swells whereas the resulting bending strain will trigger the electrical resistance changes in the hydrophobic electrically conductive graphite-beeswax layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current work, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were isolated from unbleached kraft pulps of date palm fruit stalks (DPFS) and date palm rachis (DPR) residues by ultrafine grinding. The isolated CNF were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zeta potential measurement, tensile strength properties, contact angle, as well as oil-proof testing. The CNF were applied as a coating material for cardboard paper sheets made from unbleached kraft DPFS and DPR pulps. The results showed that CNF from DPFS and DPR had close dimensions (4–14 nm in width and several microns in length) but their zeta potential was different (−44.65 eV and −51.46 eV for CNF from DPFS and DPR pulps, respectively), as well as their crystallinity (79.4% and 75.5% for CNF from DPFS and DPR pulps, respectively). CNF films from DPFS had tensile stress and Young's modulus of 113.3 MPa and 3.81 GPa, respectively, while those from DPR had tensile stress and Young's modulus of 71.0 MPa and 2.93 GPa, respectively. Films from DPFS CNF showed lower hydrophilicity than that from DPR, nevertheless excellent oil-proof property was obtained in both kinds of films. Coating of cardboard sheets prepared from unbleached kraft DPFS and DPR pulps with CNF layer of about 7-µm thickness resulted in significant changes in some physical properties of paper sheets, such as decreasing their air permeability, water vapor transmission rate, and water absorption; both kinds of CNF imparted paper sheets good oil-proof properties. CNF coating also imparted paper sheets remarkable wet tensile strength properties. The results showed the feasibility of utilizing date palm wastes in producing CNF films with distinct properties from low-cost unbleached kraft pulp, as well as using these CNF as a multi-functional coating material in papermaking industry. • Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were isolated from unbleached date palm pulps. • The properties of CNF were dependent on the date palm residue used. • CNF films had excellent oil-proof and good mechanical properties. • CNF were successfully used for coating cardboard sheets. • CNF coating improved wet strength, air, oil, and moisture barrier properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring functional paper-based materials in advanced electronics meets the requirements of high-value utilization of biological resources and sustainable development. Herein, a facile strategy of impregnating cellulose-based polyurethane into cellulose paper was developed to fabricate highly transparent paper with desirable requirements. The novelty of this work lies in the development of a sustainable technology to prepare highly transparent and hazy paper, which uses a facile impregnation treatment of cellulose-based polyurethane to obtain functional paper with high transparency, high optical haze, low surface roughness, hydrophobicity, excellent tensile strength, water barrier property, and shape memory behavior. The desirable characteristics were attributed to the tight combination of cellulose paper and cellulose-based polyurethane based on covalent and hydrogen bonds. The desirable properties of highly transparent paper included high optical transmittance (84.1% at 800 nm), high optical haze (92.6% at 800 nm), low root-mean-square roughness (0.28 nm), excellent tensile strength (37.62 MPa), hydrophobicity (water contact angle of 115.5°), water barrier property, and shape memory behavior. Especially, the transparent paper with carbon nanotubes lines has high conductivity even after bending, folding and immersing. The ideal characteristics of highly transparent and hazy paper provide vast opportunities for the development of flexible electronic devices. [Display omitted] • A facile strategy by impregnating paper with functional polymers was developed. • Transparent paper was endowed with high transmittance, high haze and hydrophobicity. • Ideal characteristics were attributed to the functional cellulose-based polyurethane. • Transparent paper possess a minimum surface roughness compared with previous studies. • Transparent paper with CNTs has high conductivity even after folding and immersing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hierarchically porous nitrogen, oxygen-rich carbon material is developed by Mg(NO 3) 2 treatment of filter paper in a one-step pyrolysis. The obtained carbons exhibit high specific surface area (1031 m2 g−1), interconnected micro-, meso-, and macroporous conductive network and attractive heteroatom contents (2.84 at.% nitrogen and 13.82 at.% oxygen). The as-prepared carbon tested as anode for lithium ion batteries displays an excellent reversible capacity (1560 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), superior rate capability (501 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and desired cycling performance (1538 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 1105 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1after 100 cycles). Moreover, a full battery with an as-obtained carbon anode and a LiFePO 4 cathode delivers a high discharge capacity of 165 mAh g−1 (the theoretical capacity of LiFePO 4 was 170 mAh g−1) and good cyclability (156 mAh g−1 after 20 cycles). Unlabelled Image • A hierarchically porous nitrogen, oxygen-rich carbon was fabricated in a one-step pyrolysis. • The as-obtained carbon delivers superior electrochemical performances for LIBs. • Mg(NO 3) 2 can not only acts as a pore-making agent, but also contributes to the heteroatom doping effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the morphology and thermomechanical properties of graphene oxide (GO) paper sheets and GO paper composites reinforced with carbon fibers. GO paper was fabricated using GO paste obtained by the condensation of GO aqueous solution synthesized using the Hummers' method. Carbon fibers were implemented to improve the mechanical properties of the pristine GO paper. All the investigated papers were subjected to thermal treatment to check thermo-related morphological and mechanical properties. The results presented in this study allowed for the deeper insight into morphological, structural, and mechanical volume and surface-related properties of pristine GO and GO-based composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers. We showed that there are two important factors that should be taken into consideration for the design and fabrication of GO-based papers. These factors were the concentration of the reinforcing agent and the thermal reduction of the papers. Both factors have influenced the final properties of the resulting GO-based papers. For the first time, it was revealed how the addition of the reinforcing material affects the GO paper thermal expansion coefficient. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based digital microfluidic biochips (PB-DMFBs) have emerged as the most promising solution to biochemical applications in resource-limited regions. However, like silicon chips, the reliability of PB-DMFBs is affected by physical defects. Even worse, since electrodes, conductive wires, and droplet routings are entangled on the same layer, multiple faults may occur simultaneously. Such faults not only cause waste of samples and human resource but also affect the correctness of the diagnostics. In this paper, we propose a reliability scheme with emphasis on design-for-reliability (DfR) and probability-based fault tolerance to ensure the correct functionality of PB-DMFBs with multiple faults. • Multiple fault assumption is considered for electrode open fault and wire open fault models. • Design-for-Reliability design flow is proposed for alternative droplet paths to bypass the faulty electrodes. • On-the-fly fault tolerance procedure is proposed to tolerate the faulty electrodes. • The proposed procedure has the least dependence on sensors for fault tolerance automation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coating mesoporous nano adsorbent on fiber paper matrix for better adsorption. • Evaluating DCOP and dehumidification capacity of different nano-adsorbent wheels. • GFP nano-adsorbent wheel has dehumidification capacity of 2.1 g·kg-1 at 50 °C. • Nano-adsorbent wheels have improved thermal conductivity in the range of 31 to 59%. • DCOP of the nano-adsorbent wheel is high at 50 °C regeneration temperature and 8rph. This paper investigates the dehumidification performance of desiccant wheel (DW) with different fiber paper (FP) substrates such as wood pulp, glass fiber, ceramic fiber, Nomex fiber, and brown wood pulp FP, coated with nano SiO 2 as adsorbent for energy efficient air dehumidification. The FP substrates are coated with SiO 2 nano-adsorbent by impregnation-dip coating method to the thickness of 5 mils. The adsorption capacity for all the FP substrates was evaluated at temperature of 28 °C and 70% relative humidity. It was found that the adsorption capacity increases with increasing the desiccant coatings. The adsorption capacity of GFP was high with a value of 57.6 g· m -2 and thermal conductivity was improved from 0.038 W· m -1· K -1 to 0.094 W· m -1· K -1 with desorption temperature of 45 °C after coating with SiO 2 nano-adsorbent. Among varying regeneration temperature from 50‒90 °C, the desiccant wheel GFP-SiO 2 -DW has high dehumidification capacity and dehumidification coefficient of performance (DCOP) of 2.1 g·kg-1 and 2.2 respectively at 50 °C. The results confirm that less energy is necessary for the regeneration heater which can be supplied from a low-grade energy source thus reducing the energy consumption for regeneration of the desiccant wheel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing a feasible and low-cost approach to fabricate recyclable, UV-shielding, biodegradable as well as water- and oil-resistant coating for paper substance is still a challenge. Herein, novel full-biobased chitosan-derived cardanol glycidyl ether (CS- x CGE, x = 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1) coatings with different contents of cardanol glycidyl ether (CGE) were developed for paper substance via the ethoxylation of cardanol and sequent addition with chitosan in a one-pot process. Benefiting from the hydrophobicity and ultraviolet resistance of CGE, the resultant CS-CGE (x = 1) coated paper exhibited not only remarkable oil resistance (kit rating value of 11/12), but also water resistance (Cobb 60 value of 5.78 g/m2), UV shielding and excellent recyclability. Compared with the uncoated paper, the mechanical properties of CS-CGE coated paper including tensile strength, folding strength, and resistance of water vapor permeability were improved 25 %, 63 %, and 73.4 %, respectively, which could be ascribed to the flexible long-alkyl chain in the structure of CS-CGE and the continuous and homogeneous CS-CGE derived film covered in paper substance. Most importantly, CS-CGE film is biodegradable when it is only buried in soil. This study affords a feasible and sustainable strategy for large-scale fabrication of full-biobased, recyclable, UV-shielding, water and oil resistant, as well as biodegradable coating for green paper-derived packaging. [Display omitted] • Full-biobased chitosan-derived coating is fabricated via the one-pot reaction. • The coating imparts paper substance excellent water, oil, air, and UV resistances. • The coating exhibits not only excellent recyclability but also biodegradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides optimal correlated color temperature and illuminance to increase comfort and reduce fatigue by considering psychological and physiological quantities when working with paper and electronic devices. Task performance was not affected by devices and lighting conditions. The subjective evaluation revealed no significant differences between devices. The participants felt tired with an illuminance of 300lx and preferred a correlated color temperature of 5000K or 6500K and an illuminance of 750lx. However, the participants were more comfortable at 3000K and 750lx than at high correlated color temperature and low illuminance. The adjustment method demonstrated that comfortable illuminance does not show a significant difference in correlated color temperature and that paper requires significantly higher brightness levels than a screen. The adjustment method and subjective evaluation found consistent results for comfortable illuminance. Physiological measurements revealed that oxygenated hemoglobin was higher for computer than for paper use. In addition, illuminance of 500lx and correlated color temperature of 5000K resulted in the least fatigue. Although the subjective evaluation found no significant differences in fatigue, physiological measurements revealed that illuminance and correlated color temperature were accompanied by the least fatigue. Therefore, the results of this study highlight the necessity of creating a work environment that considers psychological and physiological quantities based on the work medium. • Illuminance and color temperature with computers and paper were examined. • Objective and subjective measurements were used for comfort and fatigue. • Comfort level with different types of lightning was identified. • Differences between perceived and measured comfort were found. • The importance of device and task content was discerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Redesigned paper-based packaging with obvious recovered waste content was perceived by consumers as more environmentally friendly. • Obvious recovered waste content acted as clues for environmental sustainability. • Brown paper packaging (made with recycled linerboard) was preferred over white paper packaging (made with bleached pulp). • Paper packaging with obvious agricultural waste was preferred over paper packaging with paper waste. • The consumer survey presentation format (online vs. in-person) significantly influenced respondents' preference decisions. This study explores consumers' visual sustainability impressions of paper-based packaging that has incorporated obvious waste content. Two research questions were addressed concerning (i) the environmental sustainability perception of noticeable waste content in packaging and (ii) the impact of the presentation format (i.e., online versus in-person surveys) when studying these perceptions. Best-worst scaling experiments were conducted, which made respondents choose the 'most' and 'least' environmentally friendly package. Packages were designed using paperboard substrates blending either brown linerboard or white hardwood pulp with different recovered waste materials. The results showed that consumers perceive obvious waste-containing packaging as more environmentally friendly than classical packaging (with no visual waste). Samples with a brown base and agricultural waste were perceived as more sustainable compared to white packaging and the use of paper waste. In addition, the presentation format changed respondents' perception, and should therefore be carefully considered when designing surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• To consider differential diagnosis for multiple ring enhancing lesions in an immunocompromised patient. • To highlight the characteristic imaging signs of toxoplasmosis: Concentric and eccentric target signs. • To radiologically demonstrate the intracranial course of oculomotor nerve and its nucleus. • To lay stress on rare causes of Weber's syndrome: Cerebral toxoplasmosis in our case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma is the second most common hematological malignancy in the USA and Europe. Despite improvements in the 5-year and overall survival rates over the past decade, older adults (aged ≥65 years) with multiple myeloma continue to experience disproportionately worse outcomes than their younger counterparts. These differences in outcomes arise from the increased prevalence of vulnerabilities such as medical comorbidities and frailty seen with advancing age that can influence treatment-delivery and tolerance and impact survival. In general, geriatric assessments can help identify those patients more likely to benefit from enhanced toxicity risk-prediction and aid treatment decision-making. Despite the observed benefits of geriatric assessments and other screening frailty tools, provider and systems-level barriers continue to influence the overall perception of the feasibility of geriatric assessments in clinical practice settings. Clinical trials are underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of various multiple myeloma therapies in less fit/frail older adults, with a minority examining fitness-based/risk-adapted approaches. Thus, significant gaps exist in knowing which myeloma therapies are most appropriate for older and more vulnerable adults with multiple myeloma. The purpose of this Review is to discuss how geriatric assessments can be used to guide the management of transplant-ineligible patients; and to highlight frontline therapies for standard-risk and high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities [i.e., t(4;14), t(14;16), and del(17p)] associated with multiple myeloma. We also discuss the current shortcomings of the existing clinical approaches to care and highlight ongoing clinical trials evaluating newer fitness-based approaches to managing transplant-ineligible patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human trafficking is a pandemic human rights violation with an emerging paradigm shift that reframes an issue traditionally seen through a criminal justice lens to that of a public health crisis, particularly for children. Children and adolescents who are trafficked or are at risk for trafficking should receive evidence-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care from trained health care providers (HCPs). The purpose of this article was to engage and equip pediatric HCPs to respond effectively to human trafficking in the clinical setting, improving health outcomes for affected and at-risk children. Pediatric HCPs are ideally positioned to intervene and advocate for children with health disparities and vulnerability to trafficking in a broad spectrum of care settings and to optimize equitable health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a clinical condition characterized by the abrupt onset of coagulopathy and biochemical evidence of hepatocellular injury, leading to rapid deterioration of liver cell function. In children, ALF has been characterized by raised transaminases, coagulopathy, and no known evidence of pre-existing chronic liver disease; unlike in adults, the presence of hepatic encephalopathy is not required to establish the diagnosis. Although rare, ALF has a high mortality rate without liver transplantation (LT). Etiology of ALF varies with age and geographical location, although it may remain indeterminate in a significant proportion of cases. However, identifying its etiology is crucial to undertake disease-specific management and evaluate indication to LT. In this position statement, the Liver Disease Working Group of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) reviewed the most relevant studies on pediatric ALF to provide recommendations on etiology, clinical features and diagnostic work-up of neonates, infants and children presenting with ALF. Recommendations on medical management and transplant candidacy will be discussed in a following consensus conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This position paper opens a discussion forum of this Journal dedicated to a scientific debate on Vitamin E nomenclature. With this article we provide the scientific and medical communities with what we consider relevant information in favor of revising the nomenclature of vitamin E. To our knowledge, only RRR -α-tocopherol has been medically used to protect against a deficiency disease in humans, and therefore, it would be appropriate to restrict the term vitamin to this molecule. The direct demonstration of a vitamin function to other tocochromanols (including other tocopherols, tocotrienols and eventually tocomonoenols), has not yet been scientifically shown. In fact, the medical prescription of a molecule against the deficiency disease only because it has been included in the "Vitamin E family", but not tested as vitamin E, could lead to ineffective therapy and potentially dangerous consequences for patients. The idea of this revision launched during the recent 3rd Satellite Symposium on Vitamin E of the 2022 SFRR-Europe meeting, offers a open platform of discussion for the scientists involved in vitamin E research and scientific societies interested to this subject. [Display omitted] • This position paper opens a scientific debate on the change the nomenclature of Vitamin E. • FACTS: only RRR -α-tocopherol has been shown to protect against a deficiency disease in humans. • REVISION PROPOSAL: the attributes of vitamin have to be uniquely restricted to RRR -α-tocopherol. • Other vitamin analogues should be described only by their chemical names. • If a disease is identified that is prevented by these analogues, these can be given the name of vitamin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords Pulp and paper mill sludge; Enzymatic hydrolysis; Pretreatment; Glucose recovery; Valorisation Highlights * Pulp and paper mill sludge is a suitable source of fermentable sugar. * Pulping and paper making processes can influence pulp and paper mill sludge properties. * Cost efficient strategies are suggested to promote enzymatic hydrolysis. * Pretreatment can help overcome challenges encountered with enzymatic hydrolysis. Abstract Pulp and paper mill sludge is a waste stream derived from the pulp and paper making industry, comprised of organic and inorganic material in the form of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash. In South Africa, approximately fivefour hundred thousand wet tonnes are produced per annum and is currently disposed via landfilling or incineration. However, these disposal methods raise environmental and financial concerns. This waste stream is an attractive feedstock for fermentable sugars, mainly glucose, recovery and can be redirected for valorisation as a feedstock for microbial fermentation to produce value-added products. Sugar recovery by enzymatic hydrolysis, as opposed to acidic hydrolysis, is a promising approach but is hampered by the lignin and inorganic material found in pulp and paper mill sludge. Several treatment steps to reduce or remove these components prior to enzymatic hydrolysis are assessed in this review. Pretreatment improves hydrolysis of cellulosic fibres and ensures a substantial yield of sugars.

The article lists the winners of the journal's awards for best paper that appeared between July 2019 and June 2020.

• Index of recycling sustainability for assessing waste paper recycling. • Integrating methodology of GIS and value chain model. • Historical changes of informal recyclables distribution sites in Beijing. • Value chain of waste paper recycling in Beijing may face challenges in the future. • Policy implications to improve waste paper recycling in Beijing. China established a self-organized and market-driven recycling system, which was dominated by the informal sectors. In recent years, the amount of domestically-recycled waste paper grew slower than expectation in China, which may be resulted from a decline in economic sustainability of current recycling system. For understanding the waste paper recycling system in most cities in China, the economic mechanism remains unclear and the city-level data is extremely insufficient. In this work, an index of recycling sustainability (IRS, benefit divided by cost) is analyzed with a resolution of 1 km2 grid in Beijing City, by adopting value chain and GIS methodology. Five degrees of IRS are defined, from high-degree (IRS > 1.10) to low-degree (IRS < 0.95). Different stakeholders in the informal waste paper recycling system were interviewed to fill the data gap. Results show that: (1) from 2015 to 2018, the informal recycling of waste paper accounted for approximate 80% in Beijing; (2) the number of informal recyclables distribution sites decreased from 27 to 11, and their average distance to the city-center rose from 27.5 km to 40.9 km; (3) in 2015 and 2018, the grids with high-degree IRS accounted for 99.5% and 89.2%, respectively, indicating a sustainable waste paper recycling industry in Beijing; and (4) according to the scenario analysis, if the operating cost rises by 30%, the grids with low-degree IRS accounts for 98.5%, indicating a nontrivial challenges when the recycling cost keeps increasing in the future. Policy recommendations are put forward for a more sustainable paper waste recycling system in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper summarises articles regarding orthognathic surgical planning and computerised technology, which were published in two leading national journals in both oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. This article aims to keep readers up to date with the literature published in this rapidly progressing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here in this study, co-pyrolysis of paper mill sludge (PMS) and spent coffee ground (SCG) was conducted to mainly recover energy and additionally produce engineered biochar as an adsorbent. More specifically, to enhance the generation of syngas (H 2 and CO) through co-pyrolysis of PMS and SCG and modify the physico-chemical properties of biochar, carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) was used as reaction medium. The CO 2 co-feeding impact on co-pyrolysis with various mass ratios of PMS and SCG was also evaluated to explore any catalytic effects arising from CO 2 and Fe/Ca species in PMS. The decrease in pyrolytic oil substances was apparent due to the synergistic effects of CO 2 and Fe/Ca species. Moreover, the generation of CO was catalytically enhanced in the presence of Fe/Ca species in PMS. Co-pyrolysis in CO 2 not only converted the impregnated Fe ions into magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ), but also created porous biochar. One biochar fabricated at the optimal mass ratio (PMS:SCG = 7:3) exhibited the highest adsorption capability toward As(V) due to adequate balancing between the amount of Fe/Ca solid minerals and biochar porosity. As a result, co-pyrolysis using CO 2 as reaction medium can be a feasible option for the generation of CO along with production of biochar as a byproduct which can be used in environmental application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The content of potentially toxic metal in KB and PB was low. • Terminal temperature remarkably affected the morphology of potentially toxic metals in biochar. • PB and KB were not hazardous waste with low environmental risk. • PB and KB can fix potentially toxic metal in Tibet soil admirably. This study investigated the morphology and potentially toxic metal concentrations of paper waste-based biochar (PB) and kitchen waste-based biochar (KB) obtained at 500 and 700 °C. The morphology and potentially toxic metals (Cr, Mn, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ag, and Ba) concentrations in the biochars were determined by SEM and FT-IR analysis. The Cr, Mn, Cu, and Cd concentrations in PB were low, while the Ba content was relatively high at 0.1 mg∙kg−1. An increase in the terminal temperature led to an increase in the concentrations of Fe/Mn oxide-bound potentially toxic metals of PB, and a decrease in the concentrations of organic matter-bound potentially toxic metals. The Fe/Mn oxide-bound Cr, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations of KB decreased with an increase in the terminal temperature. Therefore, increasing the terminal temperature could reduce the bioavailability of potentially toxic metals in PB and KB. The environmental risk of the different biochars when used for soil remediation was assessed by the potential ecological risk index (RI), and a case study of a Tibetan soil was also conducted. The potentially toxic metal concentrations leached from both PB and KB were lower than the relevant standards. The findings showed that both PB and KB can be safely used for soil remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current challenge facing the European pulp and paper industry is how to materialize the transformation to a bio-economy, as well as to realize the necessary new green innovations. The risks, costs and constraints of doing business will increase, thereby further intensifying competition, but at the same time new business opportunities will open up. This study adopts a three-round dissensus-based Delphi approach in order to explore our key research question of how the pulp and paper industry may change strategically, and what is the potential for value creation in the year 2030. According to our expert panel, the main drivers of competitiveness in 2030 will include energy and material efficiency, sustainability, as well as new innovations in products to serve customer needs better. According to the projected 2030 scenario, the pulp and paper industry will produce more diversified products, focus on higher value-added, and aim at consumer segments with higher environmental awareness. On average, 40 percent of the turnover will according to the panel come from genuinely new products. Strategic cross-sectorial partnerships will have a key role in making this big leap, while simultaneously acknowledging the changing needs of sustainability-conscious customers and other stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of an amine-based post-combustion CO 2 capture and storage (CCS) process in an existing Kraft pulp mill and an existing pulp and board mill was assessed. The pulp and paper industry is an energy-intensive industry, with significant amounts of CO 2 emitted onsite. The majority of this CO 2 originates from the combustion of biomass, which renders it carbon neutral if the biomass used by the industry is grown and harvested in a sustainable manner. If the CO 2 emissions from the pulp and paper industry were to be captured and permanently stored, then this could make the industry a potential carbon sink. In this evaluation, different configurations of capturing CO 2 from the flue gases of the recovery boiler, the multi-fuel boiler and the lime kiln were assessed. For a stand-alone Kraft pulp mill, the excess steam available is sufficient to cover the demand from the CO 2 capture plant. For an integrated pulp and board mill, there is less excess steam available for the CO 2 capture plant and an auxiliary boiler may be required. The retrofit of a post-combustion CO 2 capture plant into an existing pulp mill increases the steam demand by 1–8 GJ/air dried tonne (adt) pulp, depending on the volume of the flue gas treated. This translates to a reduction in the amount of electricity exported to the grid by 0.1–1.0 MWh/adt pulp for a stand-alone Kraft pulp mill, and by 0.1–0.5 MWh/adt pulp for an integrated pulp and board mill. The total potential for negative CO 2 emissions amounts to just under 2.0 Mt CO 2 /a both for the market pulp mill and for the integrated pulp and board mill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laccase has the enormous potential to be implemented as the multitasking biocatalyst in whole process of paper making. The enzyme can utilize effectively for pulping, delignification of pulps as alone or in the combination with other bleaching enzymes. Laccase has been evaluated for the biografting of pulp fibers, decolorize and stabilize the effluent of the paper mills, biotransformation of high molecular weight (HMW) lignins to lower molecular weight (LMW) aromatic compounds. Further this enzyme has the huge possibilities to apply for deinking of old newsprint (ONP) and pitch removal from varieties of the different pulps. There is no doubt on versatility mode of action of laccases in paper industry, but still there is limited commercialization of this enzyme has been possible, because of laccases has the less redox potential (E0) and needs mediators for the oxidation of non phenolic substrates, production of enzyme is cost intensive at large scale. This review is providing the proper updated information on the state of the art of different applications of laccase in paper industry. It also confer the interpretation to the readers about the areas of extensively studied and the field where there is still much left to be done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Patterned paper sensors such as letter- and barcode-shaped sensors have become a subject of growing interest due to the potential in information embedding and data interpretation, which brings a requirement on easily fabricating these paper-based analytical devices. The answer, in part, may lie in the influence of paper structure on the performance of paper-based analytical devices. After investigating the effect of physical properties of paper on precipitation and non-precipitation assays for detecting Fe(II), here we propose a simple and promising approach for barrier-free paper patterning. Without building hydrophobic boundaries, the precipitates of sensing reactions on low-bulk and medium-thick paper substrates allow patterned signal readout directly. As a proof of concept, barrier-free patterned paper sensors for detecting heavy metals were fabricated, with detection limits of 0.25 ppm for Fe(II), 0.4 ppm for Ni(II), and 0.5 ppm for Cu(II). Our work provides a valuable perspective on fabrication of patterned paper sensors. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Skipping the hydrophobic treatment in fabrication of patterned paper sensors. • Providing a versatile platform for facile preparation of patterned paper sensors. • Low-bulk and medium-thick paper substrate holds the key to barrier-free fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the efficiency in the Swedish pulp and paper industry using national account data. By using a directional distance function approach we are able to investigate different aspects of efficiency relating to the direction of scaling. In the first analysis, desired output (pulp and paper) and undesired output (pollution) are considered equally important. This analysis shows that there is a 12% potential to simultaneously reduce pollution and increase the production of pulp and paper. In the second analysis, only undesired output is considered. The analysis shows an average potential reduction in pollution of 22%. If, on the other hand, this potential is computed in terms of desired output, keeping undesired output constant, the average potential increase in desired output is 14%. In a fourth analysis we discuss the potential to evaluate the costs of environmental regulations using the DEA methodology. Finally, our paper demonstrates that data from national accounts can be used to investigate different aspects of environmental efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study was to isolate and characterize a strain which could utilize catechol as sole source of carbon and energy. The strain Achromobacter xylosoxidans 15DKVB was isolated from paper and pulp industrial effluent contaminated site of Harihar. In the present study 38 bacterial strains isolated were investigated for their ability to degrade catechol in MBM at different concentrations ranging from 100 mg/L to 2000 mg/L. The taxonomic position of strain 15DKVB was studied by sequencing of 16SrRNA gene with a GenBank accession number HQ448950. The maximum-likelihood algorithm showed that, strain 15DKVB formed a coherent cluster with the clade that comprised type strains of Achromobacter genus. The optimal temperature and pH for biodegradation of catechol by strain 15DKVB were 37 °C and pH 7.5 respectively. Among the carbon and nitrogen sources tested, glucose (83.4%) and yeast extract (99.6%) showed highest catechol degradation. Interestingly the strain 15DKVB was able to degrade catechol completely up to 1600 mg/L within 198 h. Immobilization experiment demonstrated that freely suspended cells could degrade 500 mg/L catechol within 60 h of incubation, whereas, the same cell population in alginate-immobilized flask, amended with 500 mg/L catechol was degraded in 42 h. Our results evidently depict that physicochemical parameters of Harihar industrial effluents does not comply with national standards set by ISI to discharge the effluents into irrigation waters. The isolated strain 15DKVB could be a good alternative for the bioremediation of catechol contaminated paper and pulp industrial effluent water and soil. These findings may open new bioremediation applications for the degradation of catechol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In people with bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, do feedback-guided exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen hasten return to work, reduce healthcare usage and improve clinical recovery more than a home exercise program prescribed on paper? Randomised, parallel-group trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis. Seventy-four workers with limited functional ability due to bone and soft tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers. Participants in the experimental and control groups received the same in-patient physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Participants in the experimental group received a home exercise program using the ReHand tablet application, which guides exercises performed on a tablet touchscreen with feedback, monitoring and progression. Participants in the control group were prescribed an evidence-based home exercise program on paper. The primary outcome was the time taken to return to work. Secondary outcomes included: healthcare usage (number of clinical appointments); and functional ability, pain intensity, and grip and pinch strength 2 and 4 weeks after randomisation. Compared with the control group, the experimental group: returned to work sooner (MD –18 days, 95% CI –33 to –3); required fewer physiotherapy sessions (MD –7.4, 95% CI –13.1 to –1.6), rehabilitation consultations (MD –1.9, 95% CI –3.6 to 0.3) and plastic surgery consultations (MD –3.6, 95% CI –6.3 to –0.9); and had better short-term recovery of functional ability and pinch strength. In people with bone and soft-tissue injuries of the wrist, hand and/or fingers, prescribing a feedback-guided home exercise program using a tablet-based application instead of a conventional program on paper hastened return to work and improved the short-term recovery of functional ability and pinch strength, while reducing the number of required healthcare appointments. ACTRN12619000344190 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing high-performance and low-cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) favorably promotes large-scale hydrogen production from water. Here, we design a nanocomposite of Co 9 S 8 -Ni 9 S 8 nanodiscs (CNS) in-situ grown from polypyrrole hollow nanospheres (PHS) on carbon paper (CP) via unipolar pulse electrodeposition (UPED) technique as HER catalyst in alkaline media. The lattice structure along with the interlacing nanodiscs-like morphology of the Co 9 S 8 -Ni 9 S 8 mischcrystal is controllable by UPED method. The optimal CNS/PHS/CP electrode obtained with pulse potential of − 0.80 V exhibits favorable catalytic activity with low overpotential (186 mV at 10 mA cm−2), superior stability performance (for 100 h with no current density decay), and high electrochemically active surface area up to 1925 cm2, which should be attributed to the interlacing Co 9 S 8 -Ni 9 S 8 mischcrystal with rich active sites, the ingenious combination with conductive polymer, and the integrated electron-proton conductive network. This work will provide a new sight to design low-cost bimetallic sulfide-based electrocatalysts for high-performance HER in water splitting. [Display omitted] • In-situ growth of Ni 9 S 8 -Co 9 S 8 is controllable by unipolar pulse electrodeposition. • Precise regulation of mischcrystal lattice works on the morphology optimization. • Escape from binder contributes to high conductivity and HER catalytic activity. • Integrated frame, large ECSA and rich active sites lift HER dynamics and stability. • The CNS-0.80 catalyst exhibits low overpotential and superior long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant improvements in the activity of a carbon-based electrode for the electro-oxidation of aqueous sulfur dioxide were obtained by introducing surface oxygen functionalities through the anodization of carbon fiber paper (CFP) in sulfuric acid solution. Electrodes of varying surface oxygen content (2.9 atomic% to 25.6 atomic%) and relative proportion of different types of oxygen functional groups were obtained by changing the anodization potential and the concentration of sulfuric acid. The activity of the optimal electrode was quantified by exchange current density and charge transfer resistance, respectively. The exchange current density was about 2.17-times the pristine CFP electrode (17.6 × 10−4 μ A cm − 2 compared to 8.09 × 10−4 μ A cm − 2). The morphological and structural changes in the electrode on anodization were determined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis. The chemical analysis of the electrode surface, done using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), showed a strong correlation between the electrode's activity and the ratio of the percentage of hydroxyl groups to the sum of percentages of epoxy and carbonyl groups. The electrode performed well in an accelerated stability test based on cyclic voltammetry for over 1000 cycles. [Display omitted] • Anodization of CFP induces high activity for SO 2 electro-oxidation. • The activity measured by exchange current density increases by 2.17 times. • Hydroxyl group promotes but expoxy and carbonyl group inhibit activity of electrode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aspects related to water consumption of P. peruviana were evaluated under different managements. • P. peruviana vegetative growth is favored by high temperatures. • Mulching reduced Kc values of P. peruviana in all phenological stages. • The Kc of P. peruviana can be estimated by means of NDVI. • Recycled paper mulch reduced soil evaporation and water consumption by the P. peruviana crop by 30.6%. The application of soil mulching has been widely used to increase crop production; however, few research studies have comprehensively evaluated the use of recycled paper as soil mulch and its effects in relation to water savings and crop coefficients. The objective was to evaluate the effects of mulching with recycled paper on evaporation and evapotranspiration of Physalis peruviana and to determine the crop coefficients in its development stages. The study was carried out in two cultivation cycles at the Lysimetric Station of Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The experiments were set up in a randomized block design with four replicates, where four lysimeter treatments were applied: P. peruviana cultivation without recycled paper mulch (C); P. peruviana cultivation with recycled paper mulch (CP); lysimeter with only recycled paper mulch (P); and lysimeter cultivated with Bahiagrass (G). Irrigation and drainage volumes in each lysimeter were measured daily to calculate crop evapotranspiration (ETc), reference evapotranspiration (ETo) and, therefore, the crop coefficients (Kc). In addition, crop phenology, fruit characteristics, gas exchange, yield and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were also evaluated. For the first cultivation cycle, over 218 days, the values of water consumption in the lysimeters C, CP, P and G were 405, 291, 88 and 444 mm, respectively. For the second cycle, over 206 days, the values of water consumption were 416, 279, 94 and 331 mm, respectively. Recycled paper significantly reduced water consumption, especially in the initial and late-season stages, also reducing Kc values. The Kc values for P. peruviana were 0.25, 0.55, 1.05 and 0.46 in cultivation with mulch and 0.45, 0.85, 1.35 and 0.48 in cultivation without mulch for the initial, development, mid-season and late-season stages, respectively. NDVI can be used to estimate the Kc values of P. peruviana. Recycled paper mulch reduced water consumption by 30.6% and increased gas exchange and yield of P. peruviana in cycles 1 and 2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey peach (Prunus persica) is easy to rot after picking because of its special property, and the damage of traditional preservation method to the ecological environment is unacceptable. Therefore, chitosan as a kind of environmental protection material with excellent performance has attracted people's attention. Though chitosan has good practicability, its application in practical production is limited due to its poor water solubility. In this study, we prepared phenolic acid- g -chitosan using two synthesis methods of carbodiimide-mediated coupling reaction and free radical-mediated grafting procedure. After comparing the grafting rates of these conjugates, the results showed that using the synthetic method of carbodiimide-mediated coupling reaction through NHS and EDC as the coupling agent to graft phenolic acid onto chitosan had a good grafting ratio at a molar ratio of 1.5:1. Therefore, six phenolic acids were used for the first time to prepare conjugates through this method, and these conjugates were characterized by UV and NMR. It can significantly improve the water solubility and DPPH scavenging activity of chitosan, thus releasing its good properties and meeting the application of post-harvest preservation of honey peaches. The results indicate the antisepsis and fresh-keeping effects of six conjugates showed that preservative paper containing 2-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid- g -CS has the best effect of inhibited decay index and weight loss when peach fruits were stored at 20 ± 5 °C under 40%–60% humidity for 8 days. Thus, the water-soluble conjugate prepared by grafting phenolic acid onto chitosan can enhance the market application range of chitosan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]