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This work describes a novel technique for the measurement of inorganic arsenic in water by generating arsine gas and detecting the conductivity of moving protons, H+ (aqueous or aq), produced by the reaction: Ag+ (aq) + AsH3 (gas, g) → AgAsH2 (solid, s) + H+ (aq). The detection is based on an electrochemical gradient of protons in a confined porous substrate (filter paper) and measures the change in the conductance due to the higher mobility of H+ compared to other ions. The conductance was measured with a pair of silver electrodes attached to opposite sides of the substrate with a bipolar pulse conductance technique. The method is established in theory and in practice. The theoretical equation for conductance change shows that a constant increase in conductance is directly proportional to the As(total) concentration. The method is validated with a standard reference material and applied to the measurement of the groundwater sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many animals, early-life decisions influence long-term fitness. Mantidflies are spider egg predators; their tiny larvae climb aboard spiders to find eggs, but little is known about how they find spiders. We tested the hypothesis that mantidfly larvae (Dicromantispa sayi) detect and respond to substrate-borne spider cues (e.g., silk and/or excreta). We presented larvae with filter paper exposed to different types of spiders (adult female, adult male, or juvenile Habronattus trimaculatus jumping spiders) versus a no-cue control. Larvae spent more time on filter paper with spider cues. We then tested the hypothesis that mantidflies make finer distinctions between spiders when given direct choices between these cues. Larvae did not discriminate between sexes but spent more time (and exhibited more phoretic behavior) on filter paper with female or male cues compared with juvenile cues. While this suggests that mantidflies actively seek out adult spiders, we also found that adult spiders were more active than juveniles and may have simply deposited more silk and excreta, providing a stronger cue to detect. We discuss these findings in the context of the risks and benefits of different spider hosts, and how early-life spider-searching strategies may shape a mantidfly's long-term fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dried blood spot (DBS) compared with conventional serum Aquaporin‐4‐IgG (AQP4‐IgG) testing. Methods: Prospective multicenter diagnostic study was conducted between April 2018 and October 2023 across medical centers in the United States, Uganda, and the Republic of Guinea. Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients and controls collected blood on filter paper cards along with concurrent serum samples. These samples underwent analysis using flow cytometric live‐cell‐based assays (CBA) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine AQP4 serostatus. The accuracy of AQP4‐IgG detection between DBS and serum (gold standard) was compared. Results: Among 150 participants (47 cases, 103 controls), there was a strong correlation between DBS and serum samples (Spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.82). The AUC was 0.97 (95% CI: 0.92–0.99). AQP4‐IgG detection through DBS showed 87.0% sensitivity (95% CI: 0.74–0.95) and 100% specificity (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) using CBA, and 65.2% sensitivity (95% CI: 0.43–0.84) and 95.2% specificity (95% CI: 0.76–0.99) using ELISA. Serum ELISA demonstrated 69.6% sensitivity (95% CI: 0.47–0.87) and 98.4% specificity (95% CI: 0.91–0.99). The stability of DBS in detecting AQP4‐IgG persisted over 24 months for most cases. Interpretation: The DBS represents a viable alternative for detecting AQP4‐IgG in resource‐limited settings to diagnose NMOSD, offering high sensitivity and specificity comparable to serum testing. Moreover, DBS has low shipping costs, is easy to administer, and is suitable for point‐of‐care testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells (PSCs) play crucial roles in determining the overall efficiencies of all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs). Tailoring the grain growth process is a key route to improve the film quality and device performance. Herein, a facile passivator‐assisted close space annealing (PA‐CSA) strategy to simultaneously enlarge the crystal size and passivate the defects is demonstrated. Filter paper is used as the solvent permeable membrane to slow down the fast crystallization and enlarge the grain size. At the same time, a precisely selected volatile material (fluorizated‐phenethylammonium chloride) embedded in the filter paper is employed as the passivator to eliminate defects in wide‐Eg perovskite film during annealing. The PA‐CSA‐processed wide‐Eg PSCs obtain the champion efficiencies of 21.28% (1.68 eV) and 20.24% (1.73 eV), enabling high‐performance all‐perovskite TSCs with efficiencies reaching 27% in both four‐terminal and monolithic two‐terminal tandem configurations, respectively. This PA‐CSA strategy provides an in situ passivating process for high‐performance PSCs and TSCs upon further industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dried blood spots (DBSs) are formed by collecting a small sample of blood on specialized filter paper and allowing it to dry naturally. Various domains of life sciences and drug research extensively use DBSs as a sampling technique. The "Hematocrit (Ht) effect" affects assay bias, and several strategies have been put forth to deal with it, including the correction of quantified concentrations using an appropriate correction factor. The approach was previously applied, following the utilization of an image processing algorithm developed in Matlab® to derive a reliable equation correlating DBS areas to Ht% values. The present work looks more closely at the application of image analysis to the evaluation of Ht in DBS samples. Utilizing image analysis software, DBS samples with known Ht values were processed. Preparation of cards has followed a previously developed protocol for the appropriate formation of uniform area DBSs, irrespective of Ht. The resulting areas showed close resemblance to the respective theoretical areas calculated by applying the correlation equation. Following that, the equation was utilized to determine the Ht values for each sample, and a comprehensive comparison of measured versus calculated Ht was carried out using various statistical approaches for method comparison. The results demonstrated a strong correlation, suggesting the method's viability in estimating Ht for unknown DBS samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have created a modern infrared (IR) sensor that is both super-sensitive and highly flexible. This remarkable device possesses impressive properties of exceptional sensitivity (24,000%), high responsiveness (1.25 A/W), and fast response time (3 ms). This innovation stands out for its unique construction: an ultrathin layer of lead sulfide (PbS) deposited on a standard Whatman filter paper. This design achieves a photo-current 32 times greater than previous record-holding PbS thin films. The key advantage is its unmatched flexibility. This sensor can bend and flex without breaking, maintaining its IR detection capabilities even after enduring extreme bending cycles. This breakthrough paves the way for a new era of wearable IR photo sensors, flexible electronics, and medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the modification of fiber morphology and the strength property development of paper from Enset fiber as a function of soda pulping conditions and refining energy. Soda pulping was conducted at pulping temperatures between 160 and 180 °C. The NaOH charge was 16, 20, and 24% based on the initial raw material. The beating of pulp was conducted using a Jokro mill. The refining of pulp was conducted in a laboratory refiner at different refining intensities. The mild Jokro mill beating was not effective on Enset fiber pulp. On the other hand, the laboratory refiner effectively refined the pulp. The fiber morphology was altered in the way of improving the paper formation and strength. The beating degree of the pulp was increased to about 49 °SR. The tensile index was enhanced to around 80 Nm/g using a refining energy input of 250 kwh/t. From the results, it can be concluded that Enset fiber pulp is suitable for packaging papers due to its high strength level. On the other hand, Enset fiber can be a potential raw material for specialty papers like filter paper and tea bags because of its high porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, the fluorescent poly(N‐hydroxyethyl morpholine acrylate) (PHEMA) and poly(N‐hydroxypropyl morpholine acrylate) (PHPMA) are prepared and applied as fluorescent probes for the specific detection of Cu2+ ions. Far different from the non‐fluorescent monomer, PHEMA and PHPMA emit a strong fluorescence at 410 nm due to the intramolecular aggregation of morpholine structures along macromolecular chains in the polymerization, indicating polymerization‐induced emission (PIE). The fluorescent emission of PHPMA shows the dependence on external factors including solution concentration, excitation wavelength, solvent, and pH value. PHPMA specifically detects Cu2+ ions even in the presence of 16 common metal ions and 6 anions, with an LOD of 0.077 µM. In the fluorescent quenching, the O atom from ─C═O and N atom from morpholine moiety on the PHPMA chain participate in the complexation with Cu2+ ions with the ratio of the structural unit and Cu2+ ion of 2:1, leading to the dynamic quenching of PHPMA solution. As for the application, PIE‐active PHPMA is easily made into a portable semi‐quantitative filter paper with recyclability. In brief, the PIE‐active PHPMA synthesized in this study can be used as a promising material for the specific detection of Cu2+ ions in industry, agriculture, and medicine fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although CRISPR-based nucleic acid detection has great potential in point-of-care testing due to its simplicity, it has been rarely integrated into paper-based analytical devices (PADs), which are attractive platforms to simplify assays. This work introduces a CRISPR-assisted nucleic acid quantification approach integrated into a PAD with signal readout by a personal glucose meter (PGM). Retention of magnetic beads by filter paper and pre-deposition of all required reagents by freeze-drying stabilized with trehalose enabled the indirect quantification of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA through a PGM readout without complicated user intervention and complex reagent handling. The calculated limit of detection was 57 pM, which is comparable with other amplification-free CRISPR-based assays detecting nucleic acids. The fully integrated device exhibited good storage stability for up to 4 weeks, suggesting its applicability toward practical point-of-care nucleic acid quantification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is no molecular test for Alzheimer's disease (AD) using self-collected samples, nor is there a definitive molecular test for AD. We demonstrate an accurate and potentially definitive TempO-Seq® gene expression test for AD using fingerstick blood spotted and dried on filter paper, a sample that can be collected in any doctor's office or can be self-collected. Objective: Demonstrate the feasibility of developing an accurate test for the classification of persons with AD from a minimally invasive sample of fingerstick blood spotted on filter paper which can be obtained in any doctor's office or self-collected to address health disparities. Methods: Fingerstick blood samples from patients clinically diagnosed with AD, Parkinson's disease (PD), or asymptomatic controls were spotted onto filter paper in the doctor's office, dried, and shipped to BioSpyder for testing. Three independent patient cohorts were used for training/retraining and testing/retesting AD and PD classification algorithms. Results: After initially identifying a 770 gene classification signature, a minimum set of 68 genes was identified providing classification test areas under the ROC curve of 0.9 for classifying patients as having AD, and 0.94 for classifying patients as having PD. Conclusions: These data demonstrate the potential to develop a screening and/or definitive, minimally invasive, molecular diagnostic test for AD and PD using dried fingerstick blood spot samples that are collected in a doctor's office or clinic, or self-collected, and thus, can address health disparities. Whether the test can classify patients with AD earlier then possible with cognitive testing remains to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable plastics applied to soil stimulate the production of greenhouse gases and inhibit plant growth under aerobic conditions. This study aimed to examine the effects of biodegradable plastics on paddy rice growth and greenhouse gas emission under flooding conditions in pot experiments and also on greenhouse gas production under flooding conditions in an incubation experiment. Two series of pot experiments were conducted with rice (Oryza sativa). First series as immediate flooded and 2nd series as 2 weeks nonflooding before flooded, and both kept flooded until harvest. The following four kinds of materials were added to the sandy paddy soil, (1) nonwoven fabric sheets made of polylactic acid and polybutylene-succinate, (2) laminate sheets made of polybutylene adipate terephthalate and pulp, (3) cellulose filter paper, and (4) rice straw. Only soil was used as control. Methane (CH4) emission, measured by chamber method followed by gas chromatography, was significantly larger only in the cellulose treatment than the laminate treatment in the immediate flooded series, indicating that biodegradable plastics had no significant impact on CH4 emission from paddy rice soil. Rice growth and yield did not show significant difference among treatments in both series. Incubation experiment showed the largest CH4 production in cellulose-amended soil, followed by straw-amended and laminate amended soils, and least in fabric-amended soil, while CO2 did not show significant differences among treatments. We need further examination with different biodegradable plastics for a longer period that test used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and monitoring hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels is crucial across various industries due to its potential health hazards at elevated concentrations. Hence, there's an urgent need for cost-effective, rapid, and straightforward analytical methods for H2O2 detection and monitoring. This study introduces a simple synthesis method for Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) (BaTiO3/MS) nanocomposite via mechanochemical means. The nanocomposite exhibits remarkable peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the oxidation of TMB (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H2O2. This catalytic reaction results in the formation of a blue-colored solution with an absorbance peak at 652 nm. The increase in absorbance, facilitated by the catalytic properties of BaTiO3/MS enables precise detection of H2O2 with a detection limit of 8.0 µM. Furthermore, a modified filter paper incorporating the nanocomposite and agarose gel with TMB was developed. The change in color intensity of the filter paper upon exposure to H2O2 was observed and quantified in terms of RGB (Red Green Blue) values using an Android smartphone-based software Color Meter as well as Windows-based software ImageJ. Both the programs gave nearly similar RGB values. This paper-based sensor eliminates the reliance on a UV-visible spectrophotometer, making it portable and user-friendly. This study presents a novel approach for optical and colorimetric detection, with the potential to advance sensing devices for various analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant tissue culture is the best option in producing planting material for cultivation programmes of Gyrinops walla. Perfection of in vitro rooting protocol for this species is the most decisive step in micropropagation. In the present study the effect of physical state of substrate, different concentrations of sucrose, IBA and NAA in media containing activated charcoal on in vitro rooting was investigated. In experiment-1, 0.2% (w/v) activated charcoal was added in to the ½ MS medium fortified with 30 or 40 g/L sucrose and varying concentrations of IBA or NAA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L). In experiment-2, filter paper-bridged liquid medium was used with 40 g/L sugar and varying concentrations of IBA or NAA (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L). The treatments were arranged in completely randomized design with three replicates. Percentage of rooted microshoots and number of roots per shoot were recorded. The ½ MS semi-solid medium with 0.2% activated charcoal, 40 g/L sucrose and 0.1 mg/L NAA resulted in the significantly highest rooting percentage (50%)while the significantly highest number of roots (6.0) were noted in ½ MS charcoal added (0.2%) basal medium with 40 g/L sucrose and 0.5 mg/L NAA. Shoots supported with filter paper bridge on ½ MS liquid medium, supplemented with 0.5 mg/L IBA, had the highest rooting percentage (66.7%) and the highest mean number of roots per shoot (3.0) (P<0.05). Results confirmed that in vitro rooting of G. walla could be perfected by optimizing the culture medium and its constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting and monitoring hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels is crucial across various industries due to its potential health hazards at elevated concentrations. Hence, there's an urgent need for cost-effective, rapid, and straightforward analytical methods for H2O2 detection and monitoring. This study introduces a simple synthesis method for Barium Titanate (BaTiO3) and Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) (BaTiO3/MS) nanocomposite via mechanochemical means. The nanocomposite exhibits remarkable peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the oxidation of TMB (3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) in the presence of H2O2. This catalytic reaction results in the formation of a blue-colored solution with an absorbance peak at 652 nm. The increase in absorbance, facilitated by the catalytic properties of BaTiO3/MS enables precise detection of H2O2 with a detection limit of 8.0 µM. Furthermore, a modified filter paper incorporating the nanocomposite and agarose gel with TMB was developed. The change in color intensity of the filter paper upon exposure to H2O2 was observed and quantified in terms of RGB (Red Green Blue) values using an Android smartphone-based software Color Meter as well as Windows-based software ImageJ. Both the programs gave nearly similar RGB values. This paper-based sensor eliminates the reliance on a UV-visible spectrophotometer, making it portable and user-friendly. This study presents a novel approach for optical and colorimetric detection, with the potential to advance sensing devices for various analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In work, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were modified by simple immersion in the cheap, tenacious, and highly hydrophilic filter papers as separators (FP-CQDs). Special structure of FP-CQDs promote the well-homogenized migration and deposition of zinc-ion. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was used to calculate the binding energy of FP-CQDs separator with H 2 O, the stronger interaction indicate they can suppress corrosion and mitigating HER on the Zn anode. [Display omitted] Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) hold promising applications owing to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and competitive capacity. However, issues such as zinc dendritic formation and side reactions severely impede their practical viability. Utilizing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) to modify cheap, tenacious, and highly hydrophilic filter paper (FP) as separator effectively improves the electrochemical performance of zinc ion energy storage systems. The structured arrangement of CQDs redistributes zinc ion transport and induces uniform zinc icon deposition, thereby improving zinc ion reaction kinetics. Moreover, the rich functional groups on the surface of CQDs readily form hydrogen bonds with active H 2 O, further inhibiting corrosion reactions. With the assistance of CQDs, the FP-CQDs separator maintains high ionic conductivity and a high zinc-ion transference number, ensuring dendrite-free and corrosion-resistant operation with high coulombic efficiency and a prolonged lifespan of 1200 h at 1 mA cm−2. Zn//AC hybrid capacitors incorporating FP-CQDs separator demonstrate superior capacity retention compared to those using FP separator alone, with a high capacity retention after 600 cycles at 1 A/g, while Zn//V 2 O 5 full batteries also exhibit excellent cycling stability. Given these findings, this study presents a new composite separator for advanced aqueous zinc-ion energy storage systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, allelopathy can be defined as a biological process by which an organism produces one or more metabolites that can change the germination, growth, survival, and reproduction of other organisms, and thus influencing the stability of agroecosystems. Cholesterol is a very abundant sterol isolated from the marine red alga Plocamium brasiliense that has been studied regarding its potential inhibitory effects on seed germination, radicle elongation, and hypocotyl development of the weeds Mimosa pudica (malicia) and Senna obtusifolia (mata-pasto). Cholesterol was isolated from a hexane extract by chromatographic methods. Over a 15-day period, germination bioassays were performed at 25 ºC with a 12-h photoperiod. Radicle elongation and hypocotyl development were assayed at 25 ºC with a 24-h photoperiod. Later, Petri dishes 9.0 cm in diameter were coated with filter paper, and 25 seeds were placed in a germination chamber. Six pregerminated seeds were placed in the Petri dish for 2-3 days. After 10 days, radicle and hypocotyl extensions were measured, and the inhibitory potential of cholesterol was assessed at 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm. In both herbs, M. pudica and S. obtusifolia, they were significantly affected by the action of cholesterol, achieving higher percentages of inhibition in seed germination (50% and 33%, respectively), radical germination (68% and 60%, respectively), and hypocotyl development (66% and 55%, respectively). The inhibition effects were dose-dependent in all experiments, having more pronounced allelopathic effects at 20ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research unveils a transformative methodology for fabricating flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs), focusing on the unique attributes of filter paper substrates. A meticulous parametric exploration scrutinizes critical aspects such as buckling resistance, charging current, plating time, and electrode configurations for copper electroplating. Key findings highlight the exceptional stability of copper electroplating on filter paper, exhibiting robust resistance against environmental variations and bending angles spanning +180° to −180°. Utilizing higher pencil grade material and maintaining a minimum 4 cm distance with a voltage range of 3 to 1.44 V ensures uniform, controlled plating without burning, optimizing the electrode area below 1 cm2 for enhanced practicality. The research underscores the longevity and durability of copper‐plated filter paper, with negligible resistance changes even after 1000 folds. Over a year, the shelf‐life assessment emphasizes the excellent stability of electroplated filter paper. Practical applications, including fully functional circuits and a bio‐degradable piano, underscore the versatility and real‐world feasibility of the proposed electroplating technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Since during seed storage some of the embryos may die due to pest damage, drying out or for other reasons, it is necessary to take measures aimed at protecting the seeds. Purpose; To establish the effect of disinfectants on germination energy and laboratory germination of seeds on cotton. Methodology. The experiments were carried out in laboratory conditions using synthesized compositions and product control using established methods Originally. For the first time, new seed dressing compositions have been developed based on: formalin, methenamine, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, calcium nitrate and ethanolamine phosphate, which also exhibit the properties of a growth and development stimulator of seedlings. Findings; It has been established that treating seeds with compositions of all tested disinfectants does not have a negative effect on the germination and germination of seeds, and even stimulates their growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chicory plant, scientifically known as Cichorium intybus, has been recognized for its medicinal and nutritional properties since ancient times. Due to its practical importance, this plant is extensively cultivated across various region of the world. Therefore, enhancing both the quality and quantity of chicory production is paramount importance. The role of Nanotechnology is crucial, particularly in the production of nano-sized particles that exhibit diverse properties. Following the disinfection, the seeds, they are soaked in a solution containing zinc and manganese oxide nanoparticles at concentrations of 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 g/l for a duration of two hours. Subsequently, the seeds are transferred to a petri dish lined with moist filter paper. Each Petri dish receives a daily application of a corresponding solution at a volume of 0.5 cc. Measurement of the root length and seed germination percentage are then conducted and evaluated. The results indicate a significant enhancement in growth with the increased application of nanoparticles at the two lower concentration. However, at the highest concentration, decreasing decline in effectiveness was noted. The optimal concentration for both types of nanoparticles was determined to be 0.05 g/l (p< 0.001). This decreasing trend at a concentration of 0.1 g/l was more pronounced for manganese oxide nanoparticles in comparison to zinc oxide nanoparticles. The findings indicated beneficial effects of both nanoparticles at the two lower concentration, while the highest concentration exhibited toxic effects. Zinc and manganese are vital elements for plant growth and development; thus, the concentration is critical as it can lead to detrimental effects on plants due to either deficiency or toxicity of these essential elements. Based on the outcomes of this study, it is recommended to utilize two nanoparticles of zinc oxide and manganese oxide at a concentration of 0.05 g/l are suggested to be used as fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improper treatment of crop straw not only leads to resource wastage but also adversely impacts the ecological environment. However, the application of microorganisms can accelerate the decomposition of crop straw and improve its utilization. In this study, cellulose-degrading microbial strains were isolated from naturally decayed corn straw and screened using Congo red staining, along with assessing variations in carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity, filter paper enzyme (FPase) activity and β-glucosidase (β-Gase) activity, as well as the degradation rate. The eight strains, namely Neurospora intermedia isolate 29 (A1), Streptomyces isolate FFJC33 (A2), Gibberella moniliformis isolate FKCB-009 (A3), Fusarium fujikuroi isolate EFS3(2) (A4), Fusarium Fujikuroi isolate FZ04 (A5), Lysine bacillus macroides strain LNHL43 (B1), Bacillus subtilis strain MPF30 (B2) and Paenibacilli lautus strain ALEB-P1 (C), were identified and selected for microbial strain consortium design based on their high activities of CMCase, FPase and β-Gase. The fungi, bacteria and actinomycete strains were combined without antagonistic effects on corn straw decomposition. The results showed the A2B2 combination had a significantly higher FPase at 55.44 U/mL and β-Gase at 25.73 U/mL than the other two strain combinations (p < 0.05). Additionally, the degradation rate of this combination was 40.33%, which was considerably higher than that of the other strains/consortia. The strain combination A4B2C also had superior enzyme activity, including CMCase with a value of 35.03 U/mL, FPase with a value of 63.59 U/mL and β-Gase with a value of 26.15 U/mL, which were significantly different to those of the other three strain combinations (p < 0.05). Furthermore, seven single microbial strains with high cellulase activities were selected to construct various microbial consortiums for in situ composting in order to evaluate their potential. Taken as a whole, the results of composting, including temperature, moisture content, pH, E4/E6 value and seed germination index, indicated that the microbial strain consortium consisting of Neurospora intermediate isolate 29, Fusarium fujikuroi isolate EFS3(2), Fusarium fujikuroi isolate FZ04, Lysinibacillus macrolides, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, Bacillus subtilis and Paenibacillus lautus was advantageous for corn straw decomposition and yielded high-quality compost. The screened flora was able to effectively degrade corn straw. This study provides a novel solution for the construction of a microbial consortium for the composting of corn straw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population and food demand are growing at the same rate. Properly applying fertilizers is important to this endeavor, as it is critical in increasing growth, yields, and quality. The filter paper seed germination bioassay will serve as a better alternative to study the direct impact of fertilizers on seed germination because, in soil or culture medium-based studies, various other factors also influence germination and growth. The present study investigated the effect of seven different fertilizers: mineral (Ure a, DAP, and combined NPK), organic (Vermicompost + Poultry, Pond slurry, Farmyard manure), and organomineral (Pond slurry + Poultry + Mineral) having four different concentrations (110, 220, 330, 440 mg/L) on seed germination and seedling growth of brinjal and cluster bean while the double distilled water served as blank. Various parameters were recorded, such as the seedling's relative germination ratio, shoot length, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight. Among different fertilizers, orga nic fertilizers give the best-suited results at 440 mg/L, while mineral fertilizers above 110 mg/L inhibited germination and seedling growth. The best-suited fertilizer combination was organomineral, with a concentration of 220 mg/L. Furthermore, regression analysis depicted a stronger correlation between growth parameters and the N, P, and K content of different fertilizers. This study suggests that higher doses of fertilizers sometimes leads to inhibition of growth and yield. Additionally, organominer al fertilizer served as better alternative because they blend both organic and inorganic nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropod pests cause significant problems in agricultural crops all around the world. As chemical pesticide use becomes less desired, there is a need for alternative methods of pest control. Inspired by the natural adhesiveness of arthropod trapping plants, we examined the effectiveness of adhesive droplets made from oxidised and cross-linked plant-derived oils for control of western flower thrips. Two filter paper droplet adhesiveness assays and three detached chrysanthemum leaf assays were carried out to test efficacy against thrips. Suspensions containing adhesive droplets and other constituents were applied to filter papers and leaves via spraying or dipping. On filter papers, droplets made from oxidised rice germ oil (RGO) of different sizes caught 40–93% of thrips. Droplets made of a mixture of sunflower, olive, and linseed oil (MIX) caught up to 94% of thrips. Likewise, adhesive droplet-treated filter papers showed higher thrips mortality than untreated or control solution-treated filter papers. On chrysanthemum leaves, thrips were caught by both RGO (up to 40%) and MIX droplets (up to 20%) and thrips damage and reproduction were reduced. On MIX-treated leaves, thrips mortality was also increased. Within treatments, droplets of different size classes occurred and larger droplets were more effective at catching thrips in general. Droplets were also robust to rinsing with water, which is of importance for their application in horticulture. In conclusion, adhesive droplets made from edible plant oils show potential for use in control of western flower thrips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we developed a simple, low-temperature method to synthesize carbonized polymer nanosheets (CPNSs) using sodium alginate, a biopolymer derived from algae, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate. These nanosheets are produced through a solid-state pyrolysis at 180 °C, involving dehydration, cross-linking through phosphate ester bonds, and subsequent carbonization, forming 2D structured CPNSs. These synthesized CPNSs exhibit excellent bacterial adsorption capabilities, particularly against V. parahaemolyticus and S. aureus. When applied to ordinary filter paper, the CPNS-modified paper efficiently filters bacteria from aquaculture water, removing over 98% of V. parahaemolyticus within two hours and maintaining effectiveness after 24 h. In contrast, control filter paper showed significantly reduced efficiency over the same period. Our filtration tests demonstrated enhanced survival rates for shrimp in aquaculture systems, highlighting the potential of CPNSs-modified filter paper as a suitable treatment to reduce the microbiological contamination levels in recirculating aquaculture systems in the event of a disease outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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.)

This study evaluates the impact of compaction on the soil–water characteristic curve of unsaturated remodeled weakly expansive soils by assessing changes in soil pore structure resulting from variations in compaction. The remodeled weakly expansive soil in the Xinjiang Hami area is taken as the research subject to investigate how compaction affects microscopic pore structure using mercury intrusion testing. Subsequently, mercury intrusion porosimetry is employed to examine pore structure and distribution patterns at different dry densities. Based on the capillary principle and experimental methods (filter paper method and pressure plate method test), modified soil–water characteristic curves are obtained by fitting them with a three-parameter model law. The results indicate that higher dry density leads to an increased air intake value and significantly reduces the total volume of large pores within samples. Both the Fredlund and Xing model and the three-parameter model effectively capture the influence of initial dry density on the development pattern of the soil–water characteristic curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Current study aimed at valorizing carrot pomace (CP), an abundant waste from the juice industry. A water-soluble fraction of CP was separated from solid fraction of CP (SFCP) and employed as feedstock for producing fungal biomass (FB) in bench-scale bioreactors. FB combined with SFCP were used to develop mycelium-based papers (MBP) using the wet-laid method. The potential and capacity of FB, SFCP and MBP to remove dye (methylene blue) from wastewater was then investigated. The maximum achieved dye removal was 92% when using a mixture of SFCP and FB in their suspended forms. The MBP with the lowest density (549 kg/m3) reached 83% dye elimination. The findings of this study support the valorization of carrot pomace, through environmentally benign processes, to mycelium-based papers with potential application in wastewater treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions are among the most common hazardous metals that pose a serious risk to human health, causing human carcinogenesis and chronic kidney damage. In this study, a point-of-care testing (POCT) kit is proposed for Cr(VI) ions detection at room temperature. The kit contains a hydrophobic parafilm, a nylon membrane to resist outflow, and a hydrophilic Whatman filter paper suitable for coating the fluorescent graphitic carbon nitride sheet (g-C3N4). Crystalline, nano-porous, blue-emitting g-C3N4 was produced by pyrolysis utilizing carbohydrazide. The electrostatic interactions between the g-C3N4 and Cr(VI) ions inhibit the fluorescence behavior. The POCT kit can be used for on-site Cr(VI) ion detection dependent upon the blue emission value. The detection limit was attained at 4.64 nM of Cr(VI) ions. This analytical methodology was utilized on real samples from tap, pond, river, and industrial wastewater. This POCT kit can be a useful alternative for on-site detection of Cr(VI) ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of hydrothermal and alkaline pretreatment methods in enhancing the concentration of fermentable sugars derived from rice husk waste. After the pretreatments, enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes were executed to evaluate the ethanol production from each pretreatment. Rice husk powder measuring ≤250 µm was used. For the alkaline pretreatment, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used at concentrations ranging from 0.5, 1 to 1.5% w/v. The efficacy of the hydrothermal pretreatment method was evaluated after 15, 30 and 45 min at 120 °C. The enzymatic hydrolysis process was performed over 144 h at 50 °C, pH 4.8 with an enzyme loading of 30 FPU (filter paper units). Fermentation was carried out at 37 °C using a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen 1883 (NCYC 366). Results indicated that the optimal conditions for alkaline pretreatment were observed at a 1.5% NaOH, while the best hydrothermal procedure was achieved at 120 °C and 45 min. The impact of these pretreatments was assessed based on the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis. The alkaline pretreatment resulted in 81.70% conversion of cellulose to glucose and 96.30% conversion of hemicellulose to xylose. In contrast, the hydrothermal pretreatment achieved 93% cellulose-to-glucose conversion and 83.35% hemicellulose-to-xylose conversion. The ethanol production registered ranged from 13 to 13.23 g·L−1, corresponding to a conversion factor of 0.43 for ethanol from fermentable sugars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office 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.)

Copyright of China Brewing is the property of China Brewing Editorial Office 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.)

Efficient reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) was performed over the modified cellulose filter paper via a simple filtration set-up. A plain cellulose filter paper was covalently functionalized by silane groups followed by Pd/C NPs. The adsorption-reduction took place completely for 30 min under neutral pH, at 25 °C, for 500 mg/L of Cr(VI) in the presence of formic acid. The best conditions for the reduction were achieved by an experimental design on Design-Expert 13.0.5.0 × 64 software. According to the kinetics studies, the reduction follows a pseudo-second-order kinetics. The positive value of ΔH indicates that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) by the adsorbent was endothermic. Also, negative ΔG indicates that the reaction is spontaneous. The obtained positive ΔS value also indicates an increase in disorder in the reduction and an increase in adsorption in the expected phase of solid and liquid during the adsorption process. Also, a deep study was conducted over the mechanism of the reduction, wherein a consecutive adsorption-reduction was suggested and the Pd sites and formic acid play a crucial role in the electron transfer and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) ions. The recyclability studies revealed that the filter paper could be reactivated and recycled several times without loss of catalytic activity, as well as physical quality of the filter paper in terms of swellability and shrinkage. Applicability of the filter was also studied on a real industrial wastewater, wherein Cr(VI) reduction/adsorption was carried out without the interference of other anions and cations. The results suggest that the catalytic filter paper can be effectively used in purification systems to reliably remove Cr(VI). A new approach has been developed for the efficient reduction of Cr(VI) based on an adsorption-reduction on a modified cellulose filter paper via fast filtration [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acaricide resistance in cattle ticks is a significant concern in (sub)tropical regions, particularly Brazil. The Larval Packet Test (LPT) is the standard laboratory bioassay for resistance diagnosis, which requires triplicates of seven acaricidal dilutions plus controls to cover larval mortalities ranging between 0 and 100%. The value of the LPT lies in providing resistance ratios based on the ratio between the LC50 calculated with potentially resistant and susceptible ticks. However, LC50 ratios are difficult to translate into practical advice for farmers. Moreover, LPT requires laboratory facilities to maintain susceptible tick colonies, and it takes 6 weeks to obtain the larvae to be tested by LPT derived from engorged female ticks collected from cattle in the field. Our novel approach was twofold: first, we upgraded the LPT to the Resistance Intensity Test (RIT) by adopting the latest WHO guidelines for resistance detection in mosquitoes, which combines a 1 × recommended dose with 5 × and 10 × concentrated doses to reveal low, moderate and high resistance intensity, respectively. This reduced the number of test papers and tick larvae and, more importantly, provided relevant information on the resistance level. Our second innovative step was to abolish testing larvae entirely and expose partly engorged adult ticks to the same acaricidal doses immediately after removing them from cattle in the field. This resulted in the Rapid Tick exposure Test (RaTexT®), wherein partly engorged adult ticks were exposed to an acaricide-impregnated, specially designed matrix providing test results within 24 h. This approach directly compared resistance detection in tick larvae in the RIT with resistance in adult ticks in RaTexT®. Methods: Laboratory validation was conducted in Brazil with resistant and susceptible colonies of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks. For field validation, adult R. microplus ticks collected from different cattle farms in Brazil were evaluated for resistance to RaTexT®, and the results regarding their larval progenies were compared with those for the RIT. Partly engorged adult ticks derived from cattle infested with laboratory and field strains of R. microplus were exposed to deltamethrin in RaTexT® containers, which contained six rows of four interconnected compartments, accommodating five to eight semi-engorged female ticks with a preferred size ranging between 5 and 8 mm. The corresponding larvae of each strain were exposed in the RIT to the same deltamethrin concentrations in filter papers. Results: In RaTexT®, mortality in adult ticks from a resistant strain of R. microplus from Seropédica in Brazil was 38.4%, 54.2% and 75.0% at the 1 ×, 5 × and 10 × doses of deltamethrin, respectively. In RIT, mortality of larvae from the same resistant strain was 2.0%, 4.9% and 19.5% at 1 ×, 5 × and 10 × doses, respectively. The results of RaTexT® and RIT agreed since both tests identified a high level of resistance based on a cut-off of 90% mortality. In RaTexT®, mortality of adult ticks from a susceptible strain originating from Porto Alegre was 73.8%, 92.9% and 97.6% at the 1 ×, 5 × and 10 × doses, respectively. In RIT, mortality of larvae from the susceptible strain was 95.2%, 95.2% and 96.8% at the 1 ×, 5 × and 10 × doses, respectively. Interestingly, both tests identified a low number of unexpected resistant individuals in the susceptible strain since the mortality of neither larvae nor adults reached 100%. This effect remained unnoticed in the LPT, wherein a resistance ratio of 159.5 was found based on the LC50 of the resistant strain divided by the LC50 of the susceptible strain. Next, RaTexT® was compared with RIT using adult and larval ticks derived from three field strains of R. microplus in Brazil. RaTexT® detected high levels of resistance to deltamethrin in adult ticks in all strains, which was confirmed in larvae tested by the RIT. Both tests agreed on the same resistance level with significantly lower mortality rates in larvae than in adult ticks. Conclusions: RaTexT® is a novel rapid pen-site test for detecting acaricide resistance in adult livestock ticks. It potentially replaces laborious tests using larval ticks and provides results within 24 h relevant to acaricide resistance management of livestock ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Vildagliptin on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The research compared patients who received 12 weeks of Vildagliptin treatment to those who did not. Various molecular markers associated with wound healing were measured. Wound fluid samples were collected from DFUs using a filter paper absorption technique, and total RNA was extracted for quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The results showed that the autophagy marker NUP62 was significantly downregulated in the Vildagliptin group at week 12 compared to baseline (median expression 0.57 vs. 1.28; P = 0.0234). No significant change was observed in the placebo group (median expression 1.61 vs. 1.48; P = 0.9102). Both groups showed substantial downregulation of RIPK3, a necroptosis marker, at week 12 compared to their respective baselines. In addition to its effects on blood sugar levels, Vildagliptin may promote DFU healing by reducing autophagy in patients with diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oil spills are widespread and can cause devastating environmental consequences. Rapid oil identification is critical to find the origin of the spill, monitor the environment, and lead to informed mitigation measures. The current standard methods in oil spill identification are precise and reliable, but require extensive sample preparation, long instrument runs, and time-consuming data processing. Direct analysis in real time time-of-flight mass spectrometry (DART-ToF MS) has been employed to screen for spilled petroleum oils, with results obtained in mere hours. The present study introduced an innovative, simple, and fast oil sampling method using hydrophobic filter paper and demonstrated its compatibility with DART-ToF MS analysis. Motor oils, jet fuels, marine diesels, crude oils, intermediate fuel oils, heavy fuel oils, and diluted bitumen were collected using the filter paper sampling method. Classification models were constructed from the spectral data by heat map inspection followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC). Oil slicks and weathered oil slicks were prepared from five oil types, and samples from each slick were collected using filter paper. Results: The filter paper technique allowed for effective oil sampling and data acquisition by DART-ToF MS for diluted source oils, oil slicks and weathered oil slicks. Classification via the constructed DAPC models indicated that the DART-ToF MS instrument in tandem with filter paper sampling and multivariate statistics can accurately identify common oil types, with significant improvement of sample collection and turnaround time. Conclusions: The promising classification results, simple sample collection, and rapid data analysis illustrate the potential use of hydrophobic filter paper and DART-ToF MS as tools in managing large scale oil spill emergency situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution at the nanoscale continues to pose adverse effects on environmental sustainability and human health. However, the detection of nanoplastics (NPLs) remains challenging due to limitations in methodology and instrumentation. Herein, a "green approach" for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was exploited to detect polystyrene nanospheres (PSNSs) in water, employing untreated filter paper and a simple syringe-filtration set-up. This SERS protocol not only enabled the filtration of nano-sized PSNSs, which are smaller than the pore size of the ordinary filter paper, but also offered SERS enhancement by utilizing quasi-spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as the SERS-active substrate. The filtering of NPLs was accomplished by adding an aggregating agent to the nanoparticle mixture, which caused the aggregation of NPLs and AgNPs, resulting in a larger cluster and more hot spots for SERS detection. The optimal aggregating agent and its concentration, as well as the volume ratio between the AgNPs and NPLs, were also optimized. This SERS method successfully detected and quantified PSNSs of various sizes (i.e., 100, 300, 460, 600, and 800 nm) down to a limit of detection (LOD) of about 0.31 μg mL−1. The method was also validated against the presence of several interferents (i.e., salts, sugars, amino acids, and surfactants) and was proven practical, as evidenced by the detection of 800nm PSNSs in drinking and tap water (LODs of 1.47 and 1.55 μg mL−1, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive copper (Cu2+) causes adverse effects on human health and the ecological environment. Traditional methods for detecting Cu2+ have drawbacks such as high detection costs, complex operating conditions, and being time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple detection methods to better meet specific health and environment quality needs. In this work, a paper-based fluorescence sensor was prepared (herein referred to as the as-prepared method) by immersing filter paper in aqueous polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution, and its potential use in Cu2+ detection was investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared paper samples, with fluorescence properties obtained by aggregation-induced luminescence of PEI, have selective recognition of Cu2+ based on the internal filtration effect, and the lowest detection limit is 0.03 μM. In addition, the relative error of this method is in the range of 1.80~2.23%, which is relatively comparable to the national standard method (0.63~630 μM), demonstrating high accuracy. Therefore, paper-based sensors with a simple preparation method have potential applications in the detection of Cu2+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the total effective dose (external and internal) in the radioactive liquid Waste Hall (WH) in the Radiochemistry Laboratories building (RCL) in Al- Tuwaitha site in order to estimate the radiation risk for workers in this place. The external effective dose was calculated by an indirect method using ThermoLuminescent Dosimeters (LiF: Mg, Ti (TLD-100)) by placing them in the waste hall for one month. The internal effective dose was estimated by collecting eight air samples (environmental samples) from different locations in WH using an air sampler pump (Sniffer) to collect air samples loaded with particles or dust which are deposited on cellulose filter papers (φ 125mm). This was done for two flow rates the lowest and the highest values of the air sampler pump of 5CFM and 20CFM, respectively.The filter papers were chemically treated using the digestion method. The radionuclides in these samples were measured using a gamma spectrometry system equipped with a high-purity germanium detector (HPGe), and the radioactivity concentration was measured using a gross alpha beta gamma system. The results showed 137Cs of low concentration was deposited on the filter paper. The total annual effective dose rate (external and internal) results showed that the highest in WH was (6358.97μSv/year) for the low probability scenario and (1589.74 μSv/year) for the realistic scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black gram (Vigna mungo L.) and green gram (Vigna radiata L.) were mostly used as chemical residue indicators for testing the persistence of pesticides, fungicides and herbicides, etc. in the soil. Presently, the coir pith was used as a medium of nursery for many seeds and seedling production. This study evaluated the inhibition effects and screening of allelopathic chemicals from aqueous extracts of coir pith and composting coir pith on the black gram and green gram by response index method and GCMS/ MS analysis. Methods: The coir pith and composted coir pith soaked the ratio of 1:10 for 24 hrs, filtered through Whatman No.1 filter paper. The inhibition effect tested for germination and seedling growth of black gram and green gram was sown in poly pots. The carbon: nitrogen ratio and the total organic carbon were analyzed by dry combustion method, Kjeldahl method and GCMS/MS analysis. Result: The phytotoxic substances are present in coir pith, which can be exterminated by composting the coir pith for better growth and development of seedlings. The negative response index (RI), high C: N ratio and chemical compounds like tocopherol, fucoxanthin, tetramethyl heptadeca, dichloroacetamide, tetrazole, hydroxyethyl palmitate, neocurdione and uridine derivations present in raw coir may have the phytotoxic effect and produced yellowing symptoms in young plants compared to composted coir pith. This is exterminated by composting the coir pith for better growth and development of seedlings as well as used for various agricultural and horticultural nurseries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is a very poisonous and non-essential heavy metal which is easily absorbed by plants. The metal makes living organisms susceptible to its acute and chronic toxicity through plant food. Similarly, Cd hinders the growth of plants by causing the loss of chlorophyll, which in turn negatively impacts the activities of photosynthesis. Therefore, this current study aims to evaluate the effects of Cd on the germination behaviour, morphology, growth and development of Pak Choi plants. The sterilized Pak Choi seeds were germinated on a soaked filter paper of a petri dish. The petri dish included seven different treatments of Cd chloride with concentrations of 0, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mM. Each treatment was replicated five times. The germination and growth of the seeds were observed for 15 days. Pak Choi seedlings were also planted under hydroponic conditions to investigate their morphological characteristics, growth and development. After two weeks of growth, the application of CdCl2 was made with four treatments consisting of nutrient solution without CdCl2 (control) and 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM CdCl2 -nutrient solution. Two weeks of plant growth were allowed before the experiment was terminated. At the end of the experiment, the chlorophyll content (SPAD), root and shoot length (cm), and fresh and dry weight (g) of plants were quantified accordingly. The increase in CdCl2 concentration led to a significant decrease in the length of root and shoot of germinated seedlings significantly. The seedling's growth of Pak Choi was inhibited three days after germination, and the seedling's height (root and shoot) in higher concentrations of CdCl2 was lower than lower doses of Cd. Chlorosis symptoms in the leaf were visible in hydroponic Pak Choi containing Cd. The growth of Cd-treated hydroponic Pak Choi was adversely affected by Cd treatment. The Cd treatment also reduced SPAD, biomass content (fresh and dry), and length of root and leaves number significantly. It can be concluded that exogenous Cd inhibits the Pak Choi germination and growth under hydroponic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 circulation is mainly based on real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, which requires laboratory facilities and cold chain for sample transportation. This is difficult to achieve in remote rural areas of resource-limited settings. The use of dried blood spots shipped at room temperature has shown good efficiency for the detection of arboviral RNA. Using a similar approach, we conducted a study at 3 provincial hospitals in Laos to compare the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from neat and dried spot samples. Methods Between January 2022 and March 2023, patients with respiratory symptoms were recruited. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs in virus transport medium (VTM), dry swabs, saliva, and dried saliva spotted on filter paper were collected. All samples were tested by SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Results In total, 479 participants were included. The VTM samples tested positive for 288 (60.1%). High positive percent agreements were observed for dry swab (84.8%; 95% CI, 80.2%–88.8%) and saliva (89.2%; 95% CI, 85.1%–92.6%) as compared with VTM. There was a loss of sensitivity when saliva was dried on filter paper (73.6%; 95% CI, 68.1%–78.6%) as compared with saliva. SARS-CoV-2 variant (Delta or Omicron) had no significant impact on the performance of the different sample types. Conclusions Our findings suggest that dry swabs could be a good alternative for sample collection and permit easy shipping at ambient temperature for subsequent viral SARS-CoV-2 RNA purification and molecular investigation. This is a useful tool to consider for a rapid implementation of large-scale surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in remote areas, which could be extrapolated to other respiratory targets during routine surveillance or in the case of a novel emerging pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Remote dried blood spot (DBS) self-collection in older adults is highly feasible. • Remote DBS yields high-quality spots, sufficient for assaying multiple biomarkers, with high participant adherence. • Inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) from self-collected DBS are reliable and valid. Dried blood spots (DBS) provide a minimally invasive method to assess inflammatory markers and can be collected remotely at-home or in-person in the lab. However, there is a lack of methodological information comparing these different collection methods and in older adults. We investigated the feasibility (including adherence, yield, quality, and participant preferences) and measurement properties (reliability, validity) of remotely collected DBS inflammatory markers in older adults. Participants (N = 167, mean age = 72, range: 60–96 years) collected their own DBS (finger prick on filter paper) during three remote interviews over ∼ 6 months. Within 4–5 days on average of their last remote interview, a subset of 41 participants also attended an in-person lab visit that included a researcher-collected DBS sample, venous blood draw, and survey to assess participant preferences of DBS collection. DBS and venous blood were assayed for CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α. Adherence: 98% of expected DBS samples (493 out of 501) were completed and mailed back to the lab. Yield: 97% of DBS samples were sufficient for all assays. Quality: On average, 0.80 fewer optimal spots (60uL of blood that filled the entire circle) were obtained remotely vs. in-person (p = 0.013), but the number of useable or better spots (at least 30-40uL of blood) did not differ (p = 0.89). Preference: A slight majority of participants (54%) preferred in-person DBS collection. Reliability: DBS test–retest reliabilities were good: CRP (ICC = 0.74), IL-6 (ICC = 0.76), and TNF-α (ICC = 0.70). Validity: Inflammatory levels from DBS correlated strongly with levels from venous blood (r = 0.60-0.99) and correlated as expected with sociodemographic and physical health and function variables. Older adults can remotely collect their own DBS to acquire reliable and valid inflammatory data. Remote DBS collection is highly feasible and may allow for inflammatory markers to be assessed in larger, more representative samples than are possible with lab- or clinic-based research designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study emphasizes the significance of appropriate air-drying times in toxicity bioassays to accurately establish sublethal concentrations and discriminating concentrations for resistance detection in mosquitoes to a highly volatile pyrethroid, namely, transfluthrin. The high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay study demonstrated consistent dose-dependent responses in susceptible mosquito populations. Our findings emphasize the importance of accurate susceptibility testing to facilitate early resistance detection. The air-drying duration significantly affected the efficacy of transfluthrin: after drying for 24 h, the concentration needed to achieve the same level of efficacy was 2.8 times higher compared to the concentration needed after 1 h of drying. This is the first study to evaluate spatial repellents using a high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay, yielding precise sublethal concentrations and discriminating concentrations for varying air-drying times of transfluthrin-treated filter papers. The study underscores the importance of early detection of resistant mosquito populations and emphasizes the need to optimize air-drying durations in toxicity bioassays. Selecting the right concentrations and assessing behavioral responses are crucial for developing effective mosquito control strategies with spatial repellents. This research enhances our understanding of resistance dynamics and provides guidance for practical implementation in vector control programs. Increasing temperature can enhance the geographical spread and behavior of disease vector mosquitoes, exposing vulnerable populations to Aedes-borne viruses and infections. To address this risk, cost-effective and sustained intervention vector control tools are required, such as volatile pyrethroid spatial repellents. This study used a high-throughput screening system toxicity bioassay to determine the discriminating concentrations of transfluthrin-treated filter papers with variable air-drying times exposed to pyrethroid-susceptible Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. At the highest transfluthrin concentration (0.01706%), a significant reduction in mosquito mortality was observed in filter papers air-dried for 24 h compared to those air-dried for 1 h (odds ratio = 0.390, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval: 0.23–0.66). Conversely, no significant difference in mortality was found between filter papers air-dried for 1 h and those air-dried for 12 h (odds ratio = 0.646, p = 0.107, 95% confidence interval: 0.38–1.10). The discriminating concentration was 2.8-fold higher for transfluthrin-treated filter papers air-dried for 24 h than it was for papers air-dried for 1 h, and it increased 5-fold from 1 h to 336 h of air-drying. These results show that the optimal air-drying period of transfluthrin-treated filter paper is critical, as higher discriminating concentration values may lead to underestimations of insecticide resistance. The instability of transfluthrin-treated papers necessitates the use of the World Health Organization (WHO) bottle bioassay, which is the preferred method for determining mosquito susceptibility to volatile insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoxicillin, an antibacterial drug commonly used in food production, requires rapid and accurate detection due to its illegal usage and potential health risks. This study focuses on the development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensors using filter paper substrates coated with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for the detection of amoxicillin. The Ag NPs were prepared by employing a chemical method, and their characteristics were analyzed through various techniques. The SERS substrates exhibited an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 10–12 M for amoxicillin, with a mean relative standard deviation (RSD) of 6.63% for repeated measurements. The experimental and simulated enhancement factors were determined as 4.044 × 104 and 2.996 × 104, respectively. These disposable, reproducible, and chemically stable substrates demonstrate great potential for SERS-based research and the development of highly sensitive biosensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the filtering techniques to enhance the accuracy of indoor localization for Autonomous Guided Vehicles (AGVs) using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. A comprehensive comparative analysis of various filtering approaches, including the Kalman Filter (KF), Moving Average Filter (MA), Savitzky-Golay Filter (SG), Weighted Average Filter (WAF), and their combinations, are conducted. The primary focus of this paper is the integration of a Moving Average-Kalman Filter (MAKF) with an extended window size of 201. Experimental findings reveal significant performance differences among these filtering techniques. The most effective approach is the MAKF technique, achieving an accuracy of 85.13% and the lowest path deviation of 0.17 meters. Conversely, the MA exhibits the lowest accuracy at 68.83%. Notably, the WAF attains an accuracy of 72.46% but exhibits a significantly higher path deviation of 2.65 meters compared to 1.45 meters of the MA filtering technique. The proposed MAKF acknowledged for its ability to effectively reduce noise with real-time responsiveness, represents a significant advancement in AGV indoor localization techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia y Educación (2707-3378) is the property of Duanys Miguel Pena Lopez 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.)

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher 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.)

We developed a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-active plasmonic core-satellite nanostructure and incorporated it into a membrane filter-integrated microfluidic device for continuous monitoring of molecules in solution. The core-satellite nanostructures were fabricated by immobilizing a high number density of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on silica beads.to create many nanogaps among the AuNPs. The sizes of the nanogaps were fine-tuned by adding a silver (Ag) shell to optimize the SERS activity. In addition, citrate molecule, the capping agent of the nanoparticles, was displaced by alkali halides. The displacement not only reduced the SERS signals of citrate but also enhanced the adsorption of target molecules. The alkali halide-treated core-satellite nanostructures were accumulated onto a membrane filter integrated into a microfluidic device, serving as a uniform and sensitive SERS substrate. By increasing the volume of the sample solution flowing through the membrane filter, we increased the number of molecules adsorbed to the nanostructures, amplifying the intensities of their characteristic Raman peaks. Our microfluidic SERS device demonstrated continuous SERS detection of malachite green at a concentration as low as 500 fM. In summary, while various core-satellite nanostructures and microfluidic SERS devices have been reported, the integration of the membrane filter-containing microfluidic device with the core-satellite nanostructures facilitated sensitive and continuous molecule detection in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies physical properties of an interesterified palm‐based fat (EIEPO) that predict oil binding capacity (OBC). A 100% EIEPO sample, 50% EIEPO sample diluted with 50% soybean oil (SBO), and a 20% EIEPO sample diluted with 80% SBO were used to test how saturation level impacts OBC. All samples were crystallized using either a fast (6.4°C/min) or slow (0.1°C/min) cooling rate as well as with or without the application of high‐intensity ultrasound (HIU; 20 kHz) to generate a wide range of physical properties. Immediately after crystallization, the sample's physical properties, including crystal microstructure, solid fat content (SFC), viscoelasticity (G′, G″, and δ), melting behavior, hardness, and OBC (centrifuge method) were quantified. The samples were then stored for 48 h at 22 and 5°C and the aforementioned physical properties were measured again, with one additional measurement for the samples stored at 5°C—OBC using a filter paper method (OBCp). The results indicate that OBC can be optimized in a palm‐based fat by modifying the physical properties which was achieved via the processing conditions. Both measurements of OBC were significantly correlated with SFC, hardness, δ, and enthalpy. A model was developed to predict a sample's OBCc using the following dominant variables—SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and the number of crystals. These results suggest that OBC can be predicted using a sample's SFC, hardness, peak temperature, enthalpy, and number of crystals and that SFC, hardness, and enthalpy are main drivers of OBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]