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Non-wood fibers are projected as fast-growing resources and sustainable alternate materials to reduce deforestation and enhance efficiency in the pulp and paper industry. This paper addressed the paucity of data on the fiber morphological characteristics (Fiber Length, Diameter, Lumen Diameter, and Wall Thickness) and pulping properties (Slenderness Ratio, Rigidity Coefficient, Flexibility Coefficient, Runkel Ratio, Solids Factor, and Luce’s Shape Factor) for Silk Cotton, leaves and stalk of Elephant Grass and Sugarcane Bagasse found in Ghana, especially, as environmental variations may cause differences in regional data. Observed values for the studied parameters were within the suitable range for paper production and differed from those reported for other regions. Elephant Grass (stalk) and Bagasse that had higher values of Fiber Length (4101.42 ± 197.89 and 3960.20 ± 194.35 µm), Diameter (60.03 ± 1.82 and 59.85 ± 1.72 µm), Lumen Diameter (33.33 ± 1.76 and 35.97 ± 1.38 µm), Wall Thickness (13.35 ± 0.83 and 11.94 ± 0.55 µm), Slenderness Ratio (70.8 ± 4.2 and 67.2 ± 3.4), and Flexibility Coefficient (55.7 ± 2.3 and 55.7 ± 2.3) would perform better during paper production. They would exhibit good physico-mechanical properties suitable for manufacturing flexible, high tearing, elastic, dense, smooth, and well-formed papers with high tensile and bursting strengths. Silk Cotton may also produce good papers with low tearing index, well-bonded, rigid, bulky, and coarse textured.

The present study reports on the development by thermoforming of highly sustainable trays based on a bilayer structure composed of paper substrate and a film made of a blend of partially bio-based poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA). The incorporation of the renewable succinic acid derived biopolyester blend film slightly improved the thermal resistance and tensile strength of paper, whereas its flexural ductility and puncture resistance were notably enhanced. Furthermore, in terms of barrier properties, the incorporation of this biopolymer blend film reduced the water and aroma vapor permeances of paper by two orders of magnitude, while it endowed the paper structure with intermediate oxygen barrier properties. The resultant thermoformed bilayer trays were, thereafter, originally applied to preserve non-thermally treated Italian artisanal fresh pasta, "fusilli calabresi" type, which was stored under refrigeration conditions for 3 weeks. Shelf-life evaluation showed that the application of the PBS–PBSA film on the paper substrate delayed color changes and mold growth for 1 week, as well as reduced drying of fresh pasta, resulting in acceptable physicochemical quality parameters within 9 days of storage. Lastly, overall migration studies performed with two food simulants demonstrated that the newly developed paper/PBS–PBSA trays are safe since these successfully comply with current legislation on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an analysis of a hundred and one handwritten essays by master students in Informatics. The students reflected on their experiences of working with pen and paper for reading and writing as a mandatory assignment for the duration of a five-week intensive course. Taking an inductive approach, reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning across the full dataset. The essays elicited insightful student reflections on learning, knowing, and being. One overarching theme, New connections, and four sub-theses were identified: Handwriting as note making, Being present for learning, Freedom to think, and Materiality of reading and writing. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the affordances of paper and laptops in the lecture room, based on a student-centred approach, and reflects on how student perspectives can be implemented during lectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of sustainable materials as an alternative to plastic is fundamental for the protection of the environment and for the safeguard of marine ecosystems. The replacement of plastic with organic materials for fish storage might affect its shelf-life due to the high concentration of oxidizable fatty acids in fish flesh. This study investigated the effectiveness of two organic packaging materials, namely coconut fiber (Coc) and paper (Pap), as alternatives to the conventionally used polystyrene (Pol), on the shelf-life, hygienic parameters, and quality traits of anchovies refrigerated for one (T0), three (T1), or seven (T2) days. The hygienic quality of anchovies packaged in the organic Pap and Coc boxes was better than the traditional Pol, probably due to the higher porosity of the packaging, which allows a higher bacterial proliferation. Results of the T-BARS test showed a lower (p < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentration in fillets from the Pap group, which increased (p < 0.05) from the first to the seventh day of storage. The polyunsaturated fatty acids concentration did not differ between groups, but it decreased (p < 0.05) from T0 to T2. Coconut fiber and paper are worthy of further investigation since these packaging materials did not affect the shelf-life and fatty acid profile of anchovies during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are a variety of costs associated with publication of scientific findings. The purpose of this work was to estimate the cost of peer review in scientific publishing per reviewer, per year and for the entire scientific community. Methods: Internet-based self-report, cross-sectional survey, live between June 28, 2021 and August 2, 2021 was used. Participants were recruited via snowball sampling. No restrictions were placed on geographic location or field of study. Respondents who were asked to act as a peer-reviewer for at least one manuscript submitted to a scientific journal in 2020 were eligible. The primary outcome measure was the cost of peer review per person, per year (calculated as wage-cost x number of initial reviews and number of re-reviews per year). The secondary outcome was the cost of peer review globally (calculated as the number of peer-reviewed papers in Scopus x median wage-cost of initial review and re-review). Results: A total of 354 participants completed at least one question of the survey, and information necessary to calculate the cost of peer-review was available for 308 participants from 33 countries (44% from Canada). The cost of peer review was estimated at $US1,272 per person, per year ($US1,015 for initial review and $US256 for re-review), or US$1.1–1.7 billion for the scientific community per year. The global cost of peer-review was estimated at US$6 billion in 2020 when relying on the Dimensions database and taking into account reviewed-but-rejected manuscripts. Conclusions: Peer review represents an important financial piece of scientific publishing. Our results may not represent all countries or fields of study, but are consistent with previous estimates and provide additional context from peer reviewers themselves. Researchers and scientists have long provided peer review as a contribution to the scientific community. Recognizing the importance of peer-review, institutions should acknowledge these costs in job descriptions, performance measurement, promotion packages, and funding applications. Journals should develop methods to compensate reviewers for their time and improve transparency while maintaining the integrity of the peer-review process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An awareness of the problems associated with the use of plastics can provide new opportunities for the paper industry. We have to try to enhance the public awareness of the environmental value of papers by using diverse advertising approaches. We have to collaborate to make paper more viable to replace plastics in many uses. The collaboration not only between industry and academia but also between countries and associations is essential to advance the age of paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological degradation of documentary heritage is a serious issue faced by libraries, museums and archives as it can lead to paper becoming brittle, fragile and discoloured, resulting in a loss of information. This study investigates the impact of didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) on the properties of pure or inked paper and the growth of different types of fungi. Three fungi species known for their ability to cause paper biodete-rioration in libraries and museums, Aspergillus clavatus Desm, Penicil-lium paneum Frisvald and Ulocladium chartarum Preuss, were selected for the DDAB salt antifungal activity test. The study measured the pH and degree of polymerization (DP), monitored colour changes and conducted scanning electron microscopy analyses (SEM) to confirm that DDAB can be used as a biocide for fungi on pure or inked paper. The study also investigated the antifungal effect of DDAB on paper treated with different types of ink, including black (iron-gall ink) and brown (copper ink). Didecyldi-methylammonium bromide (DDAB) can be used as a biocide for cleaning and preserving paper documents, with active concentrations of 0.7 and 1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A small framed display panel holds a selection of paper and media common in works on paper plus a set of Blue Wool Standards. The selection of materials and design of the panel including two types of glazing are presented, and the purpose of the panel as a tool for explaining the effects of light on materials is discussed. At the centre of the panel are watercolour samples prepared using primary colours in mixed washes that illustrate hue shift resulting from selective fading of one colourant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop bio-based adhesives that can be used for various packaging papers. In addition to commercial paper samples, papers produced from harmful plant species in Europe, such as Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, were used. In this research, methods were developed to produce bio-based adhesive solutions in combinations of tannic acid, chitosan, and shellac. The results showed that the viscosity and adhesive strength of the adhesives were best in solutions with added tannic acid and shellac. The tensile strength with adhesives of tannic acid and chitosan was 30% better than with commercial adhesives and 23% for combinations of shellac and chitosan. For paper from Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, the most durable adhesive was pure shellac. Because the surface morphology of the invasive plant papers was more open and had numerous pores compared to the commercial papers, the adhesives penetrated the paper structure and filled the voids. There was less adhesive on the surface and the commercial papers achieved better adhesive properties. As expected, the bio-based adhesives also showed an increase in peel strength and exhibited favorable thermal stability. In summary, these physical properties support the use of bio-based adhesives use in different packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is widely used as a packaging material because it is biodegradable and completely safe for the environment. The use of antimicrobials as a coating on paper can improve its mechanical, optical, physical and antimicrobial properties. Antimicrobial packaging suppresses the development of pathogenic microorganisms in order to ensure the safety of the product, extend the shelf life and protect the quality of the product. Giving antibacterial properties to papers and cardboards expands their use in different areas and for different purposes. Antibacterial paper prevents the entry and development of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, mould. Antimicrobials that occur naturally in nature have a number of advantages, as they are considered to pose less risk to the consumer. One of the modern directions in research is the inclusion of different types of active substances in the packaging material, which can give it additional functions, such as elimination of oxygen, moisture, ethylene, ethanol emission, antimicrobial activity and others. The present work aims to obtain plant extracts, their characterization and their surface application on paper. Extracts of Bulgarian herbs St. John's wort, cumin, rosemary, thyme and basil were obtained and characterized and studied. Plant extracts are applied by spraying on the surface of various papers. The antimicrobial effect of treated papers on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was studied. The results of the analysis of the obtained papers show the possibility of using plant extracts containing biologically active ingredients for the production of papers with barrier properties. The use of plant extracts is a promising and innovative solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the present research is to examine the effect of progressive deinking and reprinting on the paper properties of inkjet-printed paper. A typical office copy paper was selected as the base paper and printed using an inkjet printer having at least 50 % ink coverage. Thereafter, it was deinked and reprinted thrice, and its paper properties were measured. The paper properties that were measured were roughness, porosity, opacity, brightness, specular gloss, whiteness, bursting strength, tearing resistance, tensile strength, contact angle, deinkability efficiency, visible dirt area, ink elimination factors, and color differences. The results showed that in comparison to the base paper, the progressively deinked and reprinted paper samples showed an increase in roughness, porosity, opacity, tearing resistance, dirt area, and color difference. On the other hand, there was a decrease in brightness, gloss, whiteness, burst strength, tensile strength, contact angle, deinkability efficiency, and ink elimination factors. The experiment shows that the progressively deinked and reprinted papers can be compared to the base paper in the major paper properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel paper multifunctional protective solution was prepared by mixing berberine modified trimethoprimed carboxymethyl cellulose (TMP-DCMC-BBR), KH-791 modified nano-SiO2 (KH791-SiO2) and hydroxypropyl starch phosphate (HPDSP), and the mechanical properties, optical properties, antibacterial properties, aging resistance, acid and alkali resistance of the paper coated with the protective solution were investigated. It is shown that the paper coated with the multifunctional protective liquid showed good mechanical properties, and has little influence on optical properties of the paper. At the same time, it had good antibacterial properties, aging resistance and acid and alkali corrosion resistance, and there is no obvious change in paper appearance, no decolorization and ink diffusion, which is in line with the principle of "repairing the old as the old and keeping the original appearance". Moreover, the compound solution has certain reversibility and can absorb a certain degree of ultraviolet rays, so as to weaken the damage of ultraviolet rays to the paper. It is an ideal multifunctional protective liquid for paper and has broad application prospects in paper protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated color measurement systems have become significant components of offset lithographic printing presses for better process control and reduced job waste. Some European press manufacturers are known to offer automated color measurement equipment that is confined to polarized density readings, which is uncommon in US. Introducing polarized densitometry into an environment where unpolarized densitometry is utilized can be problematic. Print professionals are on the lookout for a solution that is evidenced by a recent feature in a post from the IDEAlliance G7 Professionals forum seeking for a methodology to convert polarized to unpolarized readings. The present study applies the Bland–Altman method together with other statistical analyses to determine if a conversion between polarized and unpolarized densitometry can be established within a limited set of parameters. Three spectrodensitometers were used to record densitometric readings of wet and dry process inks on coated and uncoated drawdown proofs. The results showed that coated papers had significantly less variation between instruments compared to uncoated papers. Wet inks had more minor variations compared to dry inks. Furthermore, pure difference values and a Mann–Whitney U test indicated differences between unpolarized and polarized densitometric readings in all cases. Finally, t‐tests performed on the resulting difference data for both unpolarized versus polarized and unpolarized versus predicted polarized that showed fixed bias by means of the computed p‐values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our contribution is to evaluate the possibilities for the biochemical utilization of paper wastes. We tested aerobic and anaerobic degradation of paper waste sludges from a plant that processes recycled paper. Testing included the assessment of phytotoxicity. We can conclude that the concentration of paper sludges did not have toxic effects on the bacterial consortium of the anaerobic or aerobic conditions. However, the leachate of paper sludges and water from sludge dewatering had a slightly negative effect on the germination of cress (Lepidium sativum L.) and lettuce (Lepidium sativum L.) seeds where the germination ranged from 83.3% to 100% but the mass yield was higher.

The pulp and paper industry plays an important role in the global economy and is inextricably linked to human life. Due to its large scale, the production process generates a large amount of wastewater, which poses a major threat to the environment. The sustainable utilization and safe treatment of pulp and paper wastewater can effectively reduce environmental pollution, improve resource utilization efficiency, protect water resources, provide economic benefits for pulp and paper enterprises, and thus promote the green and sustainable development of the pulp and paper industry. Therefore, this study discusses the pollution components of pulp and paper wastewater and their impact on the environment and human health. In this review, we aim to explore the sustainable development of pulp and paper wastewater by summarizing the characteristics of current pulp and paper wastewater, the commonly used treatment methods for pulp and paper wastewater, the application of pulp and paper wastewater recycling, and the future development direction of pulp and paper wastewater.

Pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) were biopulped using Trametes versicolor, and the resulting biopulp was bleached with xylanase-enzymatic treatments. The biopulping was extensively described using determinations of fiber morphology, color, chemical composition, extractive content, and thermal stability using the structural characteristics determined by XRD and paper properties. The results showed that the chemical and enzymatic treatments shortened the fiber, almost to 50%, and the Kappa index decreased from 27 to 13. Cellulose and holocellulose contents increased from 65% to 74% and from 86% to 91%, respectively, but extractives, lignin (from 12% to 4%), pentosans (from 25% to 14%) and the crystallinity decreased from 58% to 67% in both chemical bleaching and further xylanase-enzymatic processing. Xylanase-enzymatic processing allowed us to obtain whiter (increased lightness color and decreased redness and yellowness tonality) and heavier paper, even though it presented decreased mechanical properties (decreased stress resistance, rupture length, tear resistance and index longitudinal tearing). The xylanase-enzymatic treatment with the best pulping and paper properties is when the biopulp is treated with a xylanase enzyme concentration of 0.04% (w/w).

Banana stem is a known alternative to wood for the production of pulp and paper. During the production of paper, it is extremely important to save costs and time while at the same time enhancing quality of produced paper. In the present study, paper was developed from banana stem fiber by optimizing its density. Response surface methodology (RSM) using Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to determine optimum blending parameters of the developed papers. The influence of banana stem fiber amount (250-1000 g), water amount (1-2liters) and blending time (5-10 min) on paper density was analyzed using software Stat-Ease 360, Version 13. The optimum conditions of banana stem fiber amount, water amount and blending time to achieve a density of 675.75 g/m3 were determined as 461.83 g, 1.31liters, and 8.53 min, respectively. ANOVA results revealed that the quadratic model best fits the density response, with blending time and banana stem fiber amount as the most significant model terms. Linear effects were more predominant than quadratic and interaction effects. The developed density model was in close agreement with experimental findings with an R2 value of 0.9748. Developed paper had cellulosic contents, with volatiles as high as 82.11%wb and 2.11%wb ash composition. Future works on thermal properties of paper are encouraged.

Lignocellulosic materials are widely used for food packaging due to their renewable and biodegradable nature. However, their porous and absorptive properties can lead to the uptake and retention of bacteria during food processing, transportation, and storage, which pose a potential risk for outbreaks of foodborne disease. Thus, it is of great importance to understand how bacteria proliferate and survive on lignocellulosic surfaces. The aim of this research was to compare the growth and survivability of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria innocua on bleached and unbleached paper packaging materials. Two different paper materials were fabricated to simulate linerboard from fully bleached and unbleached market pulps and inoculated with each bacterium at high bacterial loads (107 CFU). The bacteria propagated during the first 48 h of incubation and persisted at very high levels (>107 CFU/cm2) for 40 days for all paper and bacterium types. However, the unbleached paper allowed for a greater degree of bacterial growth to occur compared to bleached paper, suspected to be due to the more hydrophobic nature of the unbleached, lignin-containing fibers. Several other considerations may also alter the behavior of bacteria on lignocellulosic materials, such as storage conditions, nutrient availability, and chemical composition of the fibers.

In the present article we report a new hybrid microfluidic device (hyFlow) comprising a disposable paper electrode and a three-dimensional (3D) printed plastic chip for the electrochemical detection of a magnetic bead-silver nanoparticle (MB-AgNP) bioconjugate. This hybrid device evolved due to the difficulty of incorporating micron-scale MBs into paper-only fluidic devices. Specifically, paper fluidic devices can entrap MB-containing conjugates within their cellulose or nitrocellulose fiber matrix. The hyFlow system was designed to minimize such issues and transport MB conjugates more efficiently to the electrochemical detection zone of the device. The hyFlow system retains the benefit of fluid transport by pressure-driven flow, however, no pump is required for its operation. The hyFlow device is capable of detecting either pre-formed MB-AgNP conjugates or conjugates formed in situ. The detection limit of AgNPs using this device is 12 pM, which represents just 22 AgNPs per MB.

In paper-based microfluidics, the simplest devices are colorimetric, giving qualitative results. However, getting quantitative data can be quite a bit more difficult. Distance-based devices provide a user-friendly means of obtaining quantitative data without the need for any additional equipment, simply by using an included ruler or calibrated markings. This article details the development of a quantitative DNA detection device that utilizes the aggregation of polystyrene microspheres to affect the distance that microspheres wick through filter paper. The microspheres are conjugated to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) oligomers that are partially complementary to a target strand and, in the presence of the target strand, form a three-strand complex, resulting in the formation of aggregates. The higher the concentration of the target strand, the larger the aggregate, and the shorter the distance wicked by the microspheres. This behavior was investigated across a wide range of target concentrations and under different incubation times to understand aggregate formation. The device was then used to successfully detect a target strand spiked in extracted plant DNA.

Deacidification is a method used to neutralize acids that can damage paper and provide a buffer to protect paper from the effects of acid from the outside. This research is related to the application of deacidification for archive paper at BBIB Singosari. BBIB Singosari is the Singosari Center for Artificial Insemination (BBIB) and is a technical implementation unit (UPT) of the Directorate General of Livestock and Animal Health. The purpose of this research is to apply the deacidification process at the BBIB Singosari Center and observe the physical factors which have an effect on preservation efforts. High acidity levels cause damage to archive paper, staining it yellow, and making it brittle. The deacidification process can change the condition of the paper to alkaline. In this experiment, the deacidification process is done by means of brushing and spraying techniques using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) solutions at 0.1% and 1%.

Paper aging and protection processes play an essential function in the preservation of library collections and archives. In this study, some physical-mechanical properties of paper samples from XXth century books (private collections), such as pH acidity, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity, as well as optical properties, such as absolute change in yellowness, were examined before and after treating them with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HAp). Accelerated light aging was also evaluated and discussed. The treatment with HAp nanoparticles increased the paper’s pH to slightly alkaline values (approximately pH 8). Washing and treating the paper improved its mechanical properties compared to untreated paper; the tear length increased by 35% and the modulus of elasticity increased by 56%. That the treated and aged samples are more elastic than the original samples demonstrates that HAp nanoparticles consolidated the cellulose fibers. Additionally, particle morphology, size, composition and size distribution were assessed via image analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the ImageJ processing program.

[Ar] تقييم كفاءة الثيمول كاحدى اجراءات الصيانة والترميم تطبيقا على السجلات الورقية المصابة بدار المحفوظات المصرية دار المحفوظات الوطنية المصرية هى ثاني أقدم دار أرشيفية فى العالم من أجل حماية جميع الوثائق والأوراق الأثرية والتاريخية الرسمية من الضياع والسرقة. والدار تمتلئ بنحو 150 مليون وثيقة أثرية وتاريخية رسمية.الا انه وللأسف الشديد اغلب هذه المواد الأثرية قد تعرضت لتدهور بيولوجى مما أدى إلى خسارة كبيرة. ومن هنا تظهر أهمية استخدام مبيدات الفطريات وقد وقع الاختيار على أحد أكثر المبيدات شيوعا فى مجال الاثار وهو «الثيمول» لدراسة مدى كفاءته تجاه الفطريات عند استخدامه بتركيزات مختلفة. هذا إلى جانب دراسة أولوية الحفظ للأرشيف الورقى المكتوب بخط اليد لعقود الزواج «بمحكمة دمياط» لما له من أهمية كبيرة في إبراز معلومات غاية فى الاهمية وثائقيا وذلك بعد تعرضه لعدوى فطرية. استراتيجيات عمليات الترميم والصيانة التى تمت بالدراسة تتم من اجل الحفاظ على هذا الدفتر الورقى من أجل الحفاظ عليه لما يحويه من معلومات أثرية هامة. كما تم استخدام بعض التقنيات الفحوص والتحليل خلال الدراسة وهى: طريقة حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD) للتعرف على الحبر الكربونى، والتحليل الطيفى للأشعة تحت الحمراء (FTIR) لتحديد المادة الرابطة للاحبارالمستخدمة ومدى بلورة السيليلوزالمكون الرئيسى للورق، حيث أظهرت النتائج أن الحبر الأسود المستخدم فلا الوئاثق الورقية بالدفتر عبارة عن كربون وأن المادة الرابطة للحبر هى الصمغ العربي. تم تطبيق عدة خطوات لترميم الدفتر مثل عملية التنظيف، تثبيت الأحبار، فرد الأوراق، إصلاح التمزقات، تدعيم الأجزاء الضعيفة وإزالة الترميمات السابقة غير المناسبة.وعلى هذا تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى إلقاء الضوء على دار المحفوظات الوطنية المصرية وإبراز دورها المهم في حماية وحفظ الوثائق الأثرية والتاريخية فضلا عن تقييم كفاءة الثيمول تجاه الفطريات باستخدام تركيزات مختلفة مع شرح أهم إجراءات الترميم المختارة للدفتر الورقى المكتوب بخط اليد الخاص بعقود الزواج بمحكمة دمياط. [En] The Egyptian National Archives Dar-Elmahfouzat is the second oldest archive house in the world built in order to protect all the official archaeological and historical documents and papers from loss and theft. It possesses about 150 million official archaeological and historical documents. Unfortunately, all these archaeological materials are exposed to biological degradation which results in great loss. Hence the importance of using fungicides. The choice fell on one of the most commonly used in the field “thymol” and its efficiency towards fungi in different concentrations. The author gives the priority of conservation to this important handwritten paper archive of the marriage contracts' of Damietta court, because of their great importance to posterity and to highlight such significant historical data threatened by fungal infection. The specific conservation strategies employed to conserve this paper archive were meant to keep them safe and secure and to give us the important archaeological information that they contain. Also some analytical methods were used here: X-ray diffraction (XRD) method for identifying the carbon ink, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for determining the ink binder and the paper crystallinity. The results revealed that the black ink was carbon and ink binder was Gum Arabic. Different types of conservation processes were used: Cleaning process; fixing the inks; flattening and crease removal; repairing tears and supporting the weaker parts in completion process; and inappropriate previous repairs removal. This study aims to shed light on the Egyptian National Archives Dar-Elmahfouzat and highlight its important role. Also clarifying its importance in protecting and preserving the archaeological and historical documents, explain the thymol efficiency towards fungi in different concentrations and the most important treatment procedures for the selected handwritten paper archive of the marriage contracts of the court of Damietta.

Abstract Focussing on the insulating material of power transformer—cellulose insulation paper, this paper first introduces the basic characteristics and engineering application background of insulation paper. Then, the research progress of improving the mechanical properties, thermal stability and electrical properties of insulation paper by nano modification in recent years is compared, and the promotion mechanism is analysed. In addition, in practical engineering application, the oil–paper composite insulation system composed of insulation paper and insulating oil is used for the internal insulation of oil immersed transformer. Therefore, the influence of modified insulation paper on the performance of oil–paper composite insulation system is analysed. Finally, the newly reported new insulation paper is introduced, and the future development trend of modification of traditional insulation paper is analysed.

Abstract Background The prevalence and death rate arising from malaria infection, and emergence of other diseases showing similar symptoms to malaria require the development of malaria-specific and sensitive devices for its diagnosis. To address this, the design and fabrication of low-cost, rapid, paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) using surface-immobilized aptamers to detect the presence of a recombinant malarial biomarker—Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (rPfLDH)—is reported in this study. Methods Test zones on paper surfaces were created by covalently immobilizing streptavidin to the paper, subsequently attaching biotinylated aptamers to streptavidin. Aptamers selectively bound rPfLDH. The measurement of captured rPfLDH enzyme activity served as the means of detecting this biomarker. Enzyme activity across three replicate sensors was digitally quantified using the colorimetric Malstat assay. Results Screening of several different aptamers reported in the literature showed that aptamers rLDH7 and 2008s immobilized in this manner specifically recognised and captured PfLDH. Using rLDH7, the sensitivity of the µPAD sensor was evaluated and the µPAD sensor was applied for preferential detection of rPfLDH, both in buffered solutions of the protein and in spiked serum and red blood cell lysate samples. In buffered solutions, the test zone of the µPAD sensor exhibited a K D of 24 ± 11 nM and an empirical limit of detection of 17 nM, respectively, a limit similar to commercial antibody-based sensors exposed to rPfLDH. The specific recognition of 133 nM rPfLDH in undiluted serum and blood samples was demonstrated by the µPAD. Conclusion The reported µPAD demonstrates the potential of integrating aptamers into paper-based malarial rapid diagnostic tests. Graphical Abstract The assembly of µPAD sensors using APTEC assay principles for the detection the malarial biomarker, lactate dehydrogenase enzymes from Plasmodium falciparum (PfLDH). The aptamers immobilized at the test zones capture the PfLDH in samples. After washing the unbound sample components from the zones, Malstat assay reagents are added for colour development, proportional to the amount of captured PfLDH.

The pulp and paper manufacturing industry is currently facing sweeping changes due to the fact that supply and demand are dominated by different global players. These changes have significant effects not only on the paper and pulp production of countries but also on world economies thanks to the high level of trade between countries around the world. Based on the historical development of paper, our study examines today’s production around the world economies, shows the latest commercial trends in the paper and pulp trade, and makes a prediction on the effects of the data belonging to this sector on the trade of countries through using panel regression models. According to our results, we determined a significant relationship between the total world paper and cardboard production in Turkey and the European Union and the amount of pulp. On the other hand, a partial relationship was found between the European Union and Turkey’s paper production. In addition, we concluded that the amount of pulp used in paper and cardboard production was the factor causing the total paper production in the European Union and Turkey. In other words, we have established as a result of the analysis that as the amount of pulp used in paper and cardboard production increases, paper and cardboard production also increases at the same rate.

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Copyright of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) is the property of Gazi University Journal of Gazi Educational Faculty (GUJGEF) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)