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Design can play a fundamental role in addressing the climate crisis and preserving the planet's finite resources. Through design, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of products and services right from concept stage. The elements that concur within a project are diverse and often have an impact on each other. The material is one of them, being able to influence the product, but also the business model, company relations, etc. To help the designer keep all these aspects under control, various methodologies and tools have been developed, among them design strategies and guidelines. To date, several authors have dealt with the topic, offering different perspectives and generating a critical mass of information, which differs in the level of depth and operability of the suggestions, often differing only in terminology rather than content. This inhomogeneity can confuse both professionals and students. This study proposes an ordered taxonomy of the different levels of detail and a unified terminology of the strategies and guidelines in the literature. To test taxonomy and systematisation, this article focuses on guidelines for material choice, resulting in a framework to guide the selection of materials with a view to sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging waste correct sorting hugely impacts fiber-based packaging circularity. Currently, this is more crucial than ever, also due to the increased market share of fiber-based packaging. This study evaluated the relationship between the aesthetic properties and user material sorting actions of lightweight dispersion-coated and uncoated paper substrates. Unlike previous literature, no labeling or graphics were involved in this study, focusing on the physical and aesthetic properties of both coatings and substrates. Untrained panelists participated in a multi-phase (descriptive and hedonic) analysis involving a questionnaire and antonym scales about samples' visual and tactile properties, which were also characterized. The results highlight a remarkable panelist's ability to assess the relative gloss and roughness. Perceived roughness and mattness statistically significantly correlated to cellulosic material identification. Moreover, material sorting into the paper recycling stream was statistically significantly regulated by sample mattness, followed by sample roughness. This work suggests that, without any graphic or textual information, the combination of substrate characteristics and coating formulation strongly impacts the packaging aesthetics, hence packaging perception as paper-based material. Consequently, the correct material identification and sorting can be encouraged by proper packaging materials selection and coating development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersion coatings are offered as alternative solutions to extrusion coating technology for paper-based packaging. In addition to providing barrier properties, waterborne dispersions may implement the processing and converting properties of coated substrates, which are of extreme interest for an effective transfer to the industry. In this work, styrene-butadiene-based aqueous dispersions were formulated considering different amounts of kaolin as pigment. The authors assessed the heat-seal ability, fold cracking resistance, and blocking tendency, comparing the results against commercial dispersion coating grades. Kaolin content dominated the sealing behavior of experimental formulations, changing the minimum heat-seal temperature from 80 °C to >140 °C for 0% and 60% kaolin solid content, respectively. On the contrary, commercial grades were mostly affected by temperature. Additionally, despite the low latex glass temperature (0 °C), experimental formulations generally showed little, if any, blocking. On the downside, increasing kaolin content eases fold cracking, showing a different magnitude according to fold direction and coat orientation yet achieving a higher moisture barrier compared to commercial grades for both folded and unfolded samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental impact of industrial technologies and related remediation methods are major research trend lines. Unfortunately, in the development of materials for wastewater treatment or air purification, hazardous reactants are often employed, reducing the overall beneficial contribution of such technology on the environment. We here synthesize stable titanium dioxide (TiO2) sols using a green route, with titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) as precursor, water as solvent and acetic acid acting as catalyst, chelating agent and peptizing agent. The sol was deposited on glass by dip-coating and then analyzed using XRD, SEM and spectrophotometry. Wastewater purification ability was evaluated in the photocatalytic degradation of two organic dyes (Rhodamine B and Methylene Blue). Results on RhB showed > 85% degradation in 6 h maintained along a series of 7 tests, confirming good efficiency and reusability, and 100% in 3 h on MB; efficiency mostly depended on calcination temperature and layer thickness. High photodegradation efficiency was found in nonannealed samples, suggesting TiO2 nanoparticles crystallization during sol–gel production. Yet, such samples showed a gradual decrease in photoactivity in repeated tests, probably due to a partial release of TiO2 particles in solution, while on calcined samples a good adhesion was obtained, leading to a more durable photoactive layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersion coating may represent an alternative technology to extrusion coating, currently dominating the market of coated paper-based packaging. Being processed as inks, dispersion coatings can be applied with conventional equipment, achieving lower dry coat grammages. In this work, two styrene-butadiene-based (Tg1 ≅ 0 °C; Tg2 ≅ 15 °C) dispersion coatings filled with different amounts of kaolin were developed and rod-coated on two different paper substrates. The samples were tested for water, moisture, and grease barrier properties. Kaolin-containing formulations showed moisture barrier as low as 15 g/(m2∙day), as well as grease barrier higher than 24 h. The best formulation involved 20% by weight of kaolin, whereas higher amounts were detrimental for water barrier, beneficial for moisture barrier, and slightly detrimental for grease barrier properties. Benchmarked to two commercial grades, kaolin-filled coatings strongly improved grease barrier, yet achieving similar moisture barrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 deeply changed traditional teaching, forcing the adoption of emergency remote teaching (ERT). ERT provided flexibility to teaching/learning activities (TLAs) yet affecting face-to-face communication and sociality. In this work, we present specific constructive alignment for an ERT/extended classroom course at Politecnico di Milano, as well as the tools involved. Two tutorials introduced the learners to the final essay, encouraged collaborative discussion, and promoted self-learning. The final essay, to be done individually or by joining a group, was part of the evaluation alongside a written exam. An evaluation rubric was shared when launching the topics of the essay, and setting the evaluation criteria. Results show how almost half of the essays were delivered by learners working alone, despite the attempts to promote collaborative interaction. Additionally, synchronous class attendance was only 55%, attributed to the availability of recordings and slides. Among the unattended results, the learners positively perceived TLAs and generated new collective knowledge, which was shared on the research group's Instagram profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper proposes a comprehensive and operational definition of Sustainable Food Packaging (SFP). Sustainability is a multifaceted concept, yet most SFP conversations decline it as a mere material substitution issue. The efforts of regulators, packaging producers, food companies, and consumers towards the design and adoption of SFP products are likely to fail without a common understanding of the multiple means by which food packaging contributes to sustainability. Based on an extensive literature review and the contributions of SFP innovation experts, the paper builds a Food Packaging Sustainability Framework (FPSF) that encompasses the three main dimensions of SFP, namely environmental conservation, food safety, and social value, and operationalizes them in terms of objectives and activable levers. The framework can be used as a tool to search and evaluate food packaging products, a conceptual guide for SFP design, and a narrative platform for coordinating supply chain actors, including consumers. The experimental activities applying FPSF gathered the different actors in the supply chain to jointly adopt the integrated model that distributes environmental, social, and economic benefits along the entire production chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a tangible and holistic vision of sustainable development, embodying a systemic vision that integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects. By adopting such a systemic vision, designers can drastically reduce the negative impact of their products. Materials represent a design element capable of influencing the entire life cycle of a product. Indeed, in the last decade there has been a frenetic race towards greener materials, focusing mostly on the environmental aspects of sustainability and neglecting economic and social dimensions. This paper aims to investigate a new thread of thought regarding sustainability within the design process, analysing the connections between SDGs and materials. The result is a taxonomy of materials that meet the SDGs and enhance their relationships by offering designers a new approach to sustainable material selection and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Clear cell mesothelioma is an extremely rare neoplasm of the pleura, which can easily be mistaken for a metastasis of clear cell carcinoma to the pleura. We report here [...]

Background: Until now, environmental sustainability issues are almost entirely unsolved for packaging materials. With the final aim of finding materials with a single recycling channel, cellulose fiber/poly(vinyl)alcohol composites were investigated. Methods: After extrusion and injection molding, samples of composite with different cellulose fiber content (30%, 50% and 70% w/w) were tested. Results: Tensile mechanical tests exhibited an improvement in composite stiffness when the reinforcement content was increased together with a decrease in composite elongation. Solubility tests performed at room temperature and 45°C showed different behavior depending on the water-resistant film applied on the composite (50% cellulose fiber content). In particular, the uncoated composite showed complete solubility after 2 hours, whereas at the same time point, no solubility occurred when a non-water-soluble varnish was used. Conclusions: The proposed composites, named Poly-paper, appear to warrant further investigation as highly sustainable packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this work was the development and characterization of a photocatalytic filter for the treatment of indoor air, characterized by a low pressure drop. Methods: The filter (photocatalytic filter) was based on a polyester substrate additivated with active carbon (Carbotex 150-6), treated with a sol of titanium dioxide (Sol 121-AB; NextMaterials Ltd.) and illuminated with UV LEDs to induce photocatalytic activity. Results: Tests showed that this filter, used in a suitable device for air circulation with a very low noise level, had the ability to block solid particulates, to photocatalytically oxidize a major fraction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and deactivate all of the bacteria blocked on the filter, in contrast to traditional commercial air filters on which the bacteria remain viable. Conclusions: Activated charcoal filters treated with TiO2 and illuminated by UV LEDs were found to be extremely effective in killing bacteria and effective in decreasing VOC and total suspended particulates (TSP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose materials are widely used in food packaging. Paper-based packaging, intended to be in contact with food, require specific properties to ensure food safety. In order to obtain greaseproof paper, packaging industry commonly uses mechanical treatments, surface coatings, or otherwise paper can be coupled with aluminum and polymeric films. In many cases these processes compromise food packaging recyclability. The renewed interest in the development of sustainable packaging solutions, together with the increasing environmental standards and laws, speed up the research of CIPACK - Interdepartmental Centre for Packaging to the exploration of innovative natural-based coatings as barrier to oil and grease. Experimental tests, conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta" - Politecnico di Milano, confirmed the good repellent properties of the natural-based coatings. After laboratory analysis, possible applications for the developed treatments were investigated: compostable food containers represent a sustainable alternative to common packaging used for frozen food, ready-to-eat meals or fast food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital interactions are becoming more and more widespread in our contemporary world. However, they are immaterial interactions, which lack the richness of the sensory and physical experience we have while interacting with the real world. It is said that material interactions are more effective in eliciting emotions, since they can affect more senses together, instead of only sight. For this reason, we aim to find ways to re-integrate physical forms of interaction in products through dynamic sensory features. Such features are made possible by the use of smart materials, which change properties in response to external stimuli. This allows products to react to their environments and to give simple and intuitive messages to the user. In this study, different uses of smart materials are explored, as well as the potential support that they can give to the implementation of dynamic products. As a result, a design tool was created in order to relate changeable sensory features to smart materials, with the aim to create more engaging user experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Although it is a curable disease, fewer than half of patients are cured with conventional chemotherapy. The highly variable outcome reflects a heterogeneous group of tumors, with different genetic abnormalities and responses to therapy. We analyzed 74 cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma using interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization with commercially available probes for split-signal targeting BCL-2, BCL-6, MYC, BCL-10, and MALT-1. Gene rearrangements were identified in 48 (65%) of 74 cases. BCL-6 was the most rearranged gene (45%), followed by BCL-2 (21%), BCL-10 (18%), and MYC (16%). No MALT-1 rearrangements were found. When diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cases were subdivided into germinal-center B-cell–like and activated B-cell–like groups, an inverse pattern of BCL-2 and BCL-6 rearrangements was observed. Of interest, the presence of chromosome rearrangements was associated with a worse prognosis. The pattern of cytogenetic abnormalities highlighted the fact not only that diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a heterogeneous entity but also that even individual cases may contain subclones bearing different chromosomal rearrangements. The relevance and the clinical implication of minor clones showing gene rearrangements are poorly understood; however, this first observation suggests that different rearrangements may be involved in the progression of the disease. The fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis with the panel used in this study is useful to detect the heterogeneity of diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and identify alterations with prognostic implications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Recently, corrugated cardboard furniture gained interest from the market, yet is limited to indoor application. With an aim toward outdoor usage, water-barrier improvement of such products must be achieved. In this work, three commercially available coating grades (i.e., polymeric, mineral-filled polymeric, and hybrid silica sol-gel products) were spray-coated on corrugated cardboard using a facile, yet readily transferable, process. The investigation assessed the coating performance from the different drying conditions and natural UV-vis weathering effects, characterising their water absorption, hydrophobicity, coating morphology, and colour change. Results show a reduction in water absorption values (up to −98%) for both the polymeric coatings; instead, the hybrid sol-gel coating showed contact angles up to almost 150°. Generally, the SEM micrographs displayed some surface defects as well as good thickness homogeneity. A perceivable colour change occurred for each sample (CIEDE2000 up to 6.41), mainly occurring in the 0–100 h time range. This work provides promising results for the outdoor application of corrugated cardboard furniture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear translocation of beta-catenin has been correlated with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression/activation in non-small cell lung cancer. Less is known on beta-catenin transactivation in high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors and on the status of beta-catenin activating EGFR and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) or beta-catenin target genes cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7). beta-catenin immunoreactivity was evaluated in 51 large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) and 45 small-cell lung carcinomas (SCLC). Nineteen cases were assessed for beta-catenin gene exon 3 mutations, expression of MMP-7, and expression/gene amplification of EGFR, HER-2, and cyclin D1. beta-catenin was expressed in all 96 high-grade neuroendocrine tumors, the vast majority (94%) showing >50% immunopositive cells. A disarrayed immunoreactivity, however, was commonly encountered consisting in variably altered membrane-associated patterns of staining along with progressive accumulation of cytoplasmic immunoreactivity. In LCNEC, but not in SCLC, the disarrayed patterns correlated with EGFR and HER-2 protein expression. beta-catenin nuclear accumulation was found in nine tumors, including seven LCNEC and two SCLC, and was always associated with disarrayed immunoreactivity and increased MMP-7, but not cyclin D1 expression. These cases, however, did not show beta-catenin gene mutations or EGFR and HER-2 gene amplification or expression. No association was found between nuclear beta-catenin and any clinicopathological variable including patients' survival. The subcellular compartmentalization of beta-catenin is profoundly altered in high-grade pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors. A minor subset of these tumors shows beta-catenin nuclear accumulation in association with increased expression of MMP-7, but not of cyclin D1, independent of EGFR and HER-2 gene amplification or expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Development of PVA/cellulose fiber composite material with modulable properties, obtained through the increase of reinforcement and heat treatments in order to optimize the composite in terms of mechanical, thermal, and degradation properties. Methods: The composite was designed selecting as matrix an experimental formulation based on water-soluble, biodegradable, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), as reinforcement. Six different formulations, with increasing ratio of MCC content (from 0% to 55% w/w) in PVA, were developed and extruded by a co-rotating twin-screw extruder (TSA FSCM 21/40). Then, samples have been treated through two different thermal conditions (T1, T2) and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, tensile mechanical tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and water degradation tests to investigate, respectively, the influence of MCC ratios and heat treatment on morphological, mechanical, degradation, and thermal properties. Results: The PVA/MCC composite exhibited a good stress–strain behavior as well as a close correlation between MCC content on tensile, thermal, and degradation properties. The second part of the results includes the analysis of the effects that the thermal treatments (T1, T2) had on the composite. In fact, thermal treatments have allowed improving the thermal and water stability as well as a significant improvement in the considered mechanical parameters due to a possible crosslinking of the PVA matrix. Conclusion: The present work shows how the properties of the PVA/MCC composite can become modular with the aim of extending its range of application as a new sustainable solution in the field of consumer products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of immobilized nanostructured photocatalysts is of great importance in the purification of both polluted air and liquids (e.g., industrial wastewaters). Metal-supported titanium dioxide films with nanotubular morphology and good photocatalytic efficiency in both environments can be produced by anodic oxidation, which avoids release of nanoscale materials in the environment. Here we evaluate the effect of different anodizing procedures on the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanostructures in gas and liquid phases, in order to identify the most efficient and robust technique for the production of TiO2 layers with different morphologies and high photocatalytic activity in both phases. Rhodamine B and toluene were used as model pollutants in the two media, respectively. It was found that the role of the anodizing electrolyte is particularly crucial, as it provides substantial differences in the oxide specific surface area: nanotubular structures show remarkably different activities, especially in gas phase degradation reactions, and within nanotubular structures, those produced by organic electrolytes lead to better photocatalytic activity in both conditions tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ever growing number of studies involve the production of thin metal oxide films for various purposes, from surface hardening to sensing, to the production of self-cleaning surfaces. Among metallic oxides, titanium dioxide is by far the most investigated: it can be produced by anodic oxidation of titanium in a large variety of electrolytes, either acid, alkaline, or neutral, and within certain limits oxide thickness is linearly proportional to the cell voltage applied. Common industrial plants for titanium anodising use acid electrolytes, which may pose safety issues as well as plant corrosion issues. This article proposes a screening of most common, plus some uncommon, electrolytic solutions used in the anodising of titanium, in order to identify suitable alternatives to acids in the range of neutral electrolytes. Oxides produced in optimal conditions are fully characterised, and treatment robustness is investigated, in order to understand the feasibility of technological transfer. A selection of anodising electrolytes and conditions is finally proposed for applications in architectural and jewellery applications, together with a method for colour restoration in case of wear or mechanical damaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]