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Stink bugs (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) are well known by the strong odor of the defensive compounds they release, which can mediate intra‐ and/or interspecific interactions. Pentatomidae is one of the largest families of Heteroptera and includes many phytophagous species that are considered pests of various crops, as well as predatory species that provide biological control. Against this background, numerous research papers in Chemical Ecology have focused on communication within this group. This paper reviews the chemical compounds reported for nearly ninety taxa, including sex and aggregation pheromones for fifty‐three species of Pentatomidae. Based on these pheromones and proposed biosynthesis pathways, we hypothesize that sex/aggregation pheromones could play a role in taxonomic groups. Characters were determined and evaluated according to their distributions in recent taxonomic classifications, allowing for the inference of the phylogenetic positioning of three species never evaluated in previous taxonomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins, a significant subclass of polyphenols, are prevalent across various plant species. Known for their vibrant colors, which make them desirable as natural pigments, anthocyanins have also garnered attention for their diverse biological activities, leading to their widespread use in food processing and supplement development. However, their structural instability poses a challenge, as it directly impacts their bioavailability and, consequently, their nutritional efficacy. This review paper delves into the chemical structure and food sources of anthocyanins and examines strategies to enhance their stability and bioavailability, particularly through improved understanding of their digestion and absorption in the human body. Additionally, it explores the broad spectrum of anthocyanins' biological activities, including their antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anticancer, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects, analyzing these properties from a mechanistic perspective. Factors such as pH, temperature, light exposure, solvent interactions, and metal ions are known to negatively affect anthocyanin stability. Thus, future research should prioritize processing techniques that can preserve their structure more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family Caryophyllaceae comprises more than 2600 species spread widely across all the continents. Their economic importance is mainly as ornamentals (carnation) and as weeds in agriculture. Some species have been used traditionally (and some are still) in herbal medicine or as emulsifiers in food processing. These applications are based on the high content of triterpenoid saponins. Typical for this family are also ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs), which are potentially highly toxic. Agrostemma githago L. (common corncockle) was historically considered a serious toxicological hazard owing to cereal grain contamination by its seeds. Notwithstanding, it was also recommended as a drug by various herbalists. In this review, the literature was searched in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases for papers focused on the chemical composition and bioactivity of the two accepted species of the Agrostemma genus. This systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Current research reports the cytotoxicity against neoplastic cells; the protection against oxidative stress; the suppression of Leishmania major culture growth; the inhibition of protein synthesis; and the antiviral, anti-angiogenic, and antihypercholesterolemic activities of common corncockle. The future prospects of using A. githago saponins as adjuvants in drug formulations and enhancing the cytotoxicity of RIPs are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we have investigated the effect of surface modification of fibres on the overall mechanical properties of high-density papers. Paper sheets were prepared by a combination of heat-pressing and polyelectrolyte Layer-by-Layer (LbL) modification of different softwood fibres. LbLs of Polyallylamine Hydrochloride (PAH) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) were adsorbed onto unbleached kraft fibres and bleached Chemo-ThermoMechanical Pulp (CTMP) to improve the strength of the fibre–fibre joints in papers made from these fibres. Additionally, different sheet-making procedures were used to prepare a range of network densities with different degrees of fibre–fibre interaction in the system. The results demonstrate that interfacial adhesion within fibre–fibre joints plays a pivotal role in the network's performance, even at higher paper densities. Hygroexpansion measurements and fracture zone imaging with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) further support the claim that stronger interactions between the fibres allow for a better utilisation of the inherent fibre properties. Surface treatments and network densification significantly improved the paper sheets' mechanical properties. Specifically, LbL-treatments alone increased specific stiffness up to 60% and specific strength by over 100%. This improvement is linked to the build-up of residual stresses during drying. Due to a high interaction between the fibres during water removal the fibres become constrained, leading to increased stretching of fibre segments. Strengthened fibre joints intensify this constraint, further increasing the stretch and, consequently, the paper's strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper assesses the chemical transformation of surface waters in the southeastern part of the Khibiny Mountainous Massif after launching the Oleniy Ruchey apatite–nepheline ore deposit in 2012. The influence of the Oleniy Ruchey Mine was reflected in an increase in water mineralization (by an order of magnitude) and in a change in the basic ion ratios in water objects receiving runoff from mines, rock, and tailing dumps compared to the watercourses unaffected by the mining enterprise's activities. Natural hydrocarbonate–sodium water with a mineralization of 10 mg/L was transformed into the nitrate–sodium or sulfate–calcium water. The content of nitrogen group compounds in the Lake Komarinoe water, which receives wastewater from the tailing dumps over the ten-year history of the mining and processing plant, has increased by two orders of magnitude, and the nitrate became basic ion. The concentrations of other basic ions and mineralization in this lake increased by an order of magnitude, as the content of trace elements (Sr, F, Mo), which belong to the main rock-forming minerals of apatite–nepheline deposits. Compared to the background water bodies, the mine wastewaters have the elevated mineralization (up to 260 mg/L), pH value (up to 10), and a modified chemical composition. They are characterized by a hydrocarbonate–sodium composition with a large proportion of nitrates and sulfates. Mine wastewaters have elevated contents of nutrient compounds, organic matter, and some trace elements (Al, Fe, Sr, Cu, Mn, Zn, and Cr). It has been established that the geochemical modifications in the quality of surface water are locally developed, being typical of water bodies receiving wastewater from a mining enterprise, in contrast to metallurgical plants, the atmospheric emissions of which caused pollution over tens and hundreds km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Lai Xá Village, Vietnam, studio photography is the village handicraft. Counter to Walter Benjamin's characterization of the click of a button, privileging eye over hand, but typical of many craft traditions, photographers there describe painstaking apprenticeships through which they learned to master the tools and materials of their craft. They learned to compensate for the shifting properties of light, climate, humidity, and irregular supplies of electricity, chemicals and printing paper, and adapted to changing regimes of technique and labor organization. As in many other craft traditions, apprentices often acquired their most valuable knowledge by stealth. We argue that studio photography belongs within contemporary discussions of craft as a handed, adaptive, engaged, small-scale social practice, and that craft awareness enables a richer ethnographic understanding of the work of studio photographers, both material and social. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oil from Oreocallis grandiflora" discusses the chemical composition and medicinal properties of the essential oil obtained from Oreocallis grandiflora, a plant found in southern Ecuador to northern Peru. The essential oil is mainly composed of aromatic compounds, monoterpene hydrocarbons, and oxygenated monoterpenes. The article also mentions the traditional medicinal uses of O. grandiflora, including anti-inflammatory, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, hypoglycemic, and vulnerary properties. Additionally, the essential oil exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, suggesting potential applications in natural medicine and food preservation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Like many cockroaches, Argentinian wood roaches, Blaptica dubia, prefer darker shelters over lighter shelters. In three experiments, we asked whether chemical cues from other roaches might influence shelter choice, a process known as conspecific or heterospecific cueing, depending on whether the cues come from an individual of the same or a different species, respectively. Methods: Each experiment involved trials with focal B. dubia cockroaches in testing arenas containing plastic shelters of varying levels of darkness, with filter paper under each shelter acting as a carrier for chemical cues. In Experiment 1, we tested female and male B. dubia cockroaches with two shelters matched for darkness but differing in cues (conspecific vs. none). The shelter with no cue contained a blank filter paper as a control. In Experiment 2 (conspecific cueing) and Experiment 3 (heterospecific cueing), we tested B. dubia cockroach choices for lighter or darker shelters with filter papers containing chemical cues of other roaches or no chemical cues. For the conspecific cueing study of Experiment 2, we used chemical cues from other B. dubia cockroaches. In contrast, for the heterospecific cueing study of Experiment 3, we used chemical cues from a different species, the death's head cockroach, Blaberus craniifer. Results: In Experiment 1, B. dubia cockroaches overwhelmingly preferred shelters with conspecific chemical cues over darkness-matched shelters without cues. In Experiments 2 and 3, they strongly preferred darker shelters, especially when chemical cues were present. Additionally, they were more likely to be under the lighter shelter when chemical cues were present there. These results reveal that the public information B. dubia cockroaches gain from chemical cues--including those from other species--can drive shelter choices in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correction notice for the article "Influence of density and chemical additives on paper mechanical properties" in the journal Cellulose addresses an error in the reported values of specific stiffness due to a unit conversion mistake. The error affects Figures 4 and 7 in the article, as well as Table SI.2 in the supplementary information. The corrected version of the figures and supplementary information are provided in the correction notice. The observations and conclusions of the study remain unaffected by the error. [Extracted from the article]

The disposal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water streams continues to be a challenge, where textile and pharmaceutical industries are major contributors to this global challenge. This review paper focuses on chemical and physical modification processes in place to successfully increase the performance of poly(ether)sulfone polymeric membranes with a much more improved hydrophilicity for the removal of POPs. This work is carried out for the effective and efficient removal of persistent organic pollutants in wastewater treatment plants. Poly(ether)sulfone remains the most preferred polymer in the synthesis and application of nano-filtration (NF) and ultra-filtration (UF) membranes. Using specific composition values, the phase inversion process is used for the distribution of additives or particles unto the membrane scaffold in order to fabricate the PES polymer. This tends to influence the polymer's ideal chemical, mechanical and thermal stability. However, an observed high hydrophobicity is its main shortcoming, which frequently leads to the increased membrane fouling and flux. The performance of PES can however be improved by fabrication with suitable additives, and this automatically increases the hydrophilicity of the synthesized membrane. An approach in the PES modification differs in processes, (1) graft polymerization, where nano and micro particles are chemically imparted on the membrane scaffold; (2) plasma treatment, which uses chemical radicals and electronically excited particles, or gas under atmospheric pressure; and (3) physical pre-adsorption of hydrophilic components onto the membrane scaffold. Also, the bulk modification process was discussed further in this work as it seeks to bring a new approach in the modification process of PES membrane. This applies modification of the membrane materials before membrane synthesis by incorporating hydrophilic additives in the membrane matrix solution during the synthesis. Sulfonation and carboxylation techniques are discussed at the core of their mechanisms. In conclusion, polymer blending results in separation efficiencies being increased significantly and also resulting in improved surface characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface plasmon resonance property of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) makes them a top-notch material for developing sensors, especially in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The multi-shape silver nanoparticles decorated on cellulose fiber of paper provide flexible paper-based SERS substrates with different sensitivity. The isotropic and anisotropic morphology of AgNPs on filter paper has been controlled by weak and strong reducing agents: sodium borohydride (NaBH4), ascorbic acid (L-AA), glucose, formaldehyde (HCHO). The capping agent's chitosan and the reaction conditions like the ratio of precursors and stirring speed also influence the shape, size, stability, and dispersity of AgNPs on filter paper. Multi-shape AgNPs on paper are obtained as spherical shapes (about 50–100 nm), rods (size 100–500 nm in length, 50-nm wide), or thin wings. Depending on the reduction condition, these AgNPs can be single-dispersed or stuck together to form corals on paper. The fabricated paper-based SERS substrates were investigated the optical characterization and used to detect melamine in an aqueous solution with detection limits as low as 10−8 M with the EF = 2.3 × 109. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the chemical composition of the fruits of three apple cultivars (Jonagold Decosta, Red Idared and Gala Schnitzer Schniga) fertilized with three treatment: T1 (control-without fertilization); T2 (300 kg/ha NPK (6:18:36) + 150 kg/ha N (calcium ammonium nitrate-CAN)) and T3 (foliar nutrition-mixture organic-mineral fertilizer commercially named 'FitoFert Kristal' (0.6%) (10:40:10) + 'FitoFert Kristal' (0.6%) (20:20:20) + 'FoliFetril Ca' (0.5%) (N:Ca) in Bosnia and Herzegovina during two years (2020-2021). Significant differences of contents of soluble solids, total sugars, inverted sugars, sucrose, total phenolic content, content of flavonoids and antioxidant activity were found among cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments and years. Differences in total acids content among treatments and years were not statistically significant, but significant differences among cultivars and cultivar/treatment combinations were found. The contents of soluble solids, total sugars and sucrose were the highest in fruits of cultivar Jonagold Decosta, while the highest contents of inverted sugars, total acids, total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were found in fruits of Red Idared cultivar. The fertilization treatment T2 significantly influenced the content of soluble solids, total sugars, inverted sugars, total acids, total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in the apple fruits. According to the results obtained, we can say that fertilization treatment T3 do not have much effect on bioactive ingredients, with the exception of the sucrose content. Among mineral elements, four were macroelements that were represented present in large amounts: potassium (K) (1266.15 mg kg-1 to 1652.89 mg kg-1), calcium (Ca) (122.76-474.90 mg kg-1), phosphor (P) (86.14-124.84 mg kg-1) and magnesium (Mg) (57.36-70.68 mg kg-1). On the other hand, four microelements were determined: boron (B) (1.06-14.25 mg kg-1); iron (Fe) (2.79-4.62 mg kg-1); manganese (Mn) (0.27-0.46 mg kg-1) and zinc (Zn) (0.15-0.48 mg kg-1). Results showed that contents of macroelements and microelements have been strongly affected by cultivar/treatment combinations, cultivars, treatments and years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant essential oils have been used for hundreds of years as natural medicines to combat a multitude of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The paper reports the chemical compositions of essential oil hydrodistilled from the leaves and rhizomes of Amomum unifolium Gagnep. from Vietnam. The main classes of compounds present in the essential oils were monoterpene hydrocarbons (10.1% and 23.9%, respectively), oxygenated monoterpenes (14.5% and 4.9%, respectively), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (40.9% and 21.9%, respectively), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (20.1% and 26.8%, respectively). Diterpenes (16.1%) were identified in sizeable proportion in the rhizome essential oil. The constituents occurring in higher amounts in the leaf essential oil were aromadendrene (6.9%), occidenol (6.8%), β-phellandrene (6.2%), β-elemene (5.7%), and δ-elemene (5.0%). However, the main compounds of the rhizome essential oil were β-phellandrene (18.5%), torulosol (16.1%), germacrene D (5.7%), α-cadinol (5.5%) and (6S, 7R)-bisabolene (5.1%). The leaf essential oil of A. unifolium displayed higher antibacterial activity than the rhizome oil. The leaf oil showed activity towards S. aureus ATCC 6538, and B. pumilus ATCC 14884, with MIC values of 75.0 μg/mL and 37.5 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the rhizome essential oil displayed activity against the organisms at MIC value of 150.0 μg/mL. Both essential oils exhibited antibacterial activity to E. coli ATCC 8739, with MIC value of 150.0 μg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of A. unifolium essential oils are being reported for the first time as a confirmation of the ethnomedical uses of A. unifolium in the treatment of diseases especially antimicrobial infections. Furthermore, the paper discusses the chemotaxonomy of Amomum oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achyranthes bidentata Blume is a water-soluble fructan extracted from Achyranthes bidentata Blume root. It is mainly composed of three monosaccharides, glucose, mannose and fructose. Achyranthes bidentata Blume polysaccharide has many biological functions, such as improving immunity, enhancing antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal flora balance, etc., and has high application and research value in livestock and poultry production. The paper introduces the chemical structure and extraction technology of Achyranthes bidentata Blume polysaccharide, summarizes the biological function of Achyranthes bidentata Blume polysaccharide, analyzes the research progress of its application in animal production, to provide reference for further popularization of Achyranthes bidentata Blume polysaccharide in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper studies the chemical and phase composition of the product from heat-resistant nickel-based superalloy formed by wire-feed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM). Microsegregation on macro-(dendrites/interdendritic space) and microscale (γ/γˈ) was evaluated. It is shown that in additively formed material, there is a significant (by an order of magnitude) refinement of structural and phase elements. The degree of microsegregation remains unchanged after the additive process, despite the increase in the volume fraction of dendrites, and the complex thermal history does not lead to the formation of undesirable phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polimery is the property of Industrial Chemistry Research Institute 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.)

Water immersion is a common practice for treating paper media. However, this treatment could irreversibly damage paper and the information written on it -- such procedures are advised if the documents do not contain water-resistant components such as inks or paints and the form is mechanically stable. Thus, polymeric materials are an attractive alternative to water immersion cleaning. Various polymers are used to produce hydrogels, but there is not much information on cleaning effects before and after aging. Due to their highly rigid properties, Kelcogel, TopVision Agarose and Phytagel™ hydrogels could be applied to clean fragile paper media instead of water immersion. The hydrogel could safely clean without any residue or change of paper properties. Selected polymers were analysed for composition, water discharge and acidity according to the corresponding requirements for restoration processes: to establish changes in chemical and physical paper properties after hydrogel cleaning, filter paper samples were analysed with SEM, TGA, FTIR and pH-meter and compared to the benchmarks of filter paper cleaned with distilled water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodiola rosea polysaccharide is one of the main components of traditional Chinese medicine Rhodiola rosea, which has the functions of anti-cold, anti-hypoxia, anti-adverse stimulation, anti-injury, hypoglycemia, regulation of glucolipid metabolism, anti-virus effect, immune function regulation, protection and promotion of growth of germ cells. The paper introduces the chemical composition, extraction and purification of Rhodiola rosea polysaccharide, reviews its research progress in animal production, to provide a reference for the further application of Rhodiola rosea polysaccharide in animal production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circaea lutetiana is a medicinal plant in the Onagraceae family. The plant has been used for the treatment of wounds. As its chemical composition possesses valuable components, the infusion has been drunk or washed for treatment of injuries. The paper identified the chemical components of the leaves and stems of the plant Circaea lutetiana. The compositions of Circaea lutetiana leaves and stems were extracted with hexane and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method of peak area normalization was used to identify 22 compounds. Among them, The primary compounds (leaves and stems) are esters (30,799%), alkanes (12,69%), fatty acids (carboxylic acids), oxo-fatty acids (7,038%), phytosterols (3,43%), triterpenoids (3,01%). Analysis of each part of the plant (stems, leaves, and fruits) and more detailed information on the specific plants were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and the production of bioactive compounds of Pereskia aculeata Mill. at different harvest times. Here, we performed a qualitative evaluation of the chemical profile by paper spray mass spectrometry (PSMS), the phenolic acid and flavonoid profile by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), antioxidant activity, total carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, color characteristics, total soluble solids (TSS), total solids (TS), pH, and total titratable acidity (TTA). The chemical profile was not affected, with the exception of 4,5-dimethyl-2,6-octadiene and azelaic acid, which was only identified in the leaves harvested during the winter. The content of four phenolic acids and three flavonoids were analyzed; out of these, no significant amounts of ellagic acid and quercetin were detected. There was no difference in production of bioactive compounds between seasons, reflecting the antioxidant activity, which also did not differ. Brightness, chroma, and leaf pH were the only physicochemical characteristics that did not vary between seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a natural product with multiple health benefits. The paper presents the chemical characterization and the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of ten types of honey (knotweed, linden, wild cherry, acacia, honeydew, oilseed rape, sunflower, phacelia, plain polyflora and hill polyflora) from the Banat region, Romania. We studied the water content, dry matter, impurities, acidity and pH of honey. We also determined the content of reducing sugar, minerals and flavonoids and the total phenolic content. All honey samples analysed showed good nutritional characteristics according to the standard codex for honey. From the analysis of the mineral content of the honey samples, we observed a variability in the macro and microminerals, influenced by the botanical origin, ranging between 0.25% (wild cherry honey) and 0.54% (honeydew). The toxic metals' (Cd and Pb) levels met the standard for almost all samples analysed except for knotweed. The flavonoid content of the samples ranged from 9.29 mg QE/100 g for wild cherry honey to 263.86 mg QE/100 g for linden honey, and for polyphenols between 177.6 mgGAE/100 g for acacia honey and 1159.3 mgGAE/100 g for honeydew. The best antioxidant capacity was registered in the case of linden honey (79.89%) and honeydew (79.20%) and the weakest in acacia (41.88%) and wild cherries (50.4%). All studied honey samples showed antimicrobial activity, depending on the type of honey, concentration and strain analysed. The novelty of this study is given by the complex approach of the study of honey quality, both from the perspective of chemical attributes and the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential on specific strains in correlation with the botanical and geographical origin of the analyzed area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The absolute dating of documents is still one of the most important challenges for forensic document examiners (FDE). The potential difference between the date on a questioned document and the actual year of production of the used paper can be only 1 to 5 years. Until now, there was no analytical method with this accuracy available. This study demonstrates a method for an absolute dating of paper by using the 14C bomb peak and dating the starch in the paper. Accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) radiocarbon measurements were performed on starch extracts and cellulose fibers from 50 paper samples with known production year from 1950 to 2018. For most of the paper samples, the measured 14C concentration values in the starch extracts were highly correlated with the data of the 14C bomb peak calibration curve. The differences between the calibrated ages and the actual harvest years of the starch‐containing plants were only up to 3 years. The 14C concentration in the paper fibers showed a lower but significant correlation with the production year of the papers and can be used to support the dating results of the starch extracts. In order to secure the accuracy of the dating, aside from the radiocarbon measurements of the extracted starch other analytical methods or data are used, like a detailed chemical analysis of the paper composition including fiber composition and the spectroscopic analysis of the purity of the starch extracts. In practice, only starch extracts without contaminations are used for the paper dating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel route to carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality. • CQDs with amine functionality obtained from modified paper precursors. • Amine functionalized CQDs demonstrated as efficient probes for DNA binding studies. We report a novel synthesis route for preparing carbon quantum dots (CQDs) of customized surface functionality from readily available precursors. The synthetic strategy is based on the chemical modification of paper precursors prior to preparing CQDs from them. The pre-synthesis modification of paper precursors with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxy silane (APTES) enabled us to synthesize CQDs with amine functional groups on the surface. The silane coupling via condensation between the ethoxy group of APTES and the cellulose hydroxyl group on the paper resulted in the tethering of amine groups on the paper substrates, which are retained as surface-bound species during the synthesis of CQDs from the modified paper. Amine functionalization on the surface of CQDs helped us use them in applications such as DNA binding. We analyzed the interaction of CQDs with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA), and the results imply their propensity as an efficient biological probe. The synthetic strategy presented here can also be extended to other functional groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency is the property of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency 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.)

The extraction of biologically active compounds from the aerial biomass of nettle was studied. An analysis of the results revealed the efficiency of using nettle leaves to produce various groups of biologically active compounds. The potential of using nettle stems as a source of cellulose-containing feedstock was demonstrated. The cellulose content in nettle stems was 43.8%. The technology developed for delignification enabled the production of cellulose fiber meeting requirements applicable to cellulose for its further use as feedstock in the paper and chemical industries and as an additive to produce various composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the main water treatment material, polymeric membranes inevitably suffer from membrane fouling. In this work, novel lignin‐based polyester composite nanofiltration membranes (NFM) with ethanol and chlorine resistance were fabricated via interfacial polymerization. Lignin alkali (LA), a green lignin derivative, typically treated as chemical waste in the paper industry, was employed as the aqueous monomer, trimesoyl chloride (TMC) is served as the organic monomer. The structure and separation properties of the lignin‐based NFM were studied, revealing that the dense polyester separation layer may show good performance for dye removal. The rejections of the optimized LA/TMC‐3 membrane with an excellent permeation flux of 13.9 kg m−2∙h−1 for rose Bengal sodium salt, brilliant blue, congo red, rhodamine B, MgSO4, and NaCl are 97.6%, 97.3%, 97.8%, 71.34%, 51.4%, and 31.8%, respectively. Moreover, the LA/TMC‐3 membrane also shows long‐term tolerance in ethanol and sodium hypochlorite solution; the rejection of LA/TMC‐3 to dye only decreases 8% after 8 days when immersed in alcohol, while the normalized rejection maintains 94% after 4000 ppm‐hours of continuous exposure to chlorine. This lignin‐based polyester membrane may broaden the sustainable utilization sphere of lignin derivatives, at that provide a referable direction for the development of membrane materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of alkaline cellulo-xylanolytic enzymes from non-pathogenic Bacillus subtilis strain was tested for deinking of photocopier waste paper. Cellulase and xylanase play a crucial role in deinking of different types of waste paper. Partial purification of cellulo-xylanolytic enzymes was carried out using ultrafiltration followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation. The ultrafiltered enzyme was used for deinking the photocopier waste paper along with chemical deinking. An enzyme dose of 0.6 IU/g and reaction time of 60 min for ultrafiltered cellulo-xylanolytic enzyme significantly increased deinking efficiency, tear index (9.52%) and folding endurance (5±2%) as compared to chemical deinking. There was improvement in strength properties such as tear index and double-fold along with freeness of pulp (18%). There was slight decrease in tensile index (0.6%) and burst index (16%) while ISO brightness remained unaffected. Enzymatic deinking (74.3%) by ultrafiltered cellulo-xylanolytic from Bacillus subtilis was found significant over conventional chemical deinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of infrared flowing medium lasers needs to be envisaged in a manner that practical aspects such as system compactness, short readiness time, low system size, weight and power are met to make them field deployable. In this context, the critical aspect of in-situ production of lasing species (Iodine) in Chemical Oxygen Iodine Lasers (COIL), one of the most potent flowing medium lasers, has been investigated. The paper dwells on chemical generation of iodine and its precise flow and parameter control by implementing a customised Data Acquisition System (DAS). Iodine is generated in a chemical reaction of Cuprous Iodide (CuI) with chlorine. This is achieved by precisely controlled flow of chlorine diluted with a carrier gas (N2) in a ratio of 1:2. DAS includes regulated gas feed, accurate thermal stabilisation, relevant diagnostics and implementation of necessary safety interlocks in a real time operation scenario for establishing the system efficacy and scalability. The studies have demonstrated chemically generated iodine flow rate of ~ 1.2 mmol.s-1 for Cl2 flow rate of ~3 mmol.s-1 all measured in real time using the developed DAS with a conversion efficiency of 80%. Developed I2 supply system has potential to deliver iodine on demand with required flow rates, measurement uncertainty of ~ 4.5 percent and advantages of smaller specific weight and size with reduced system readiness time and electrical power supply using DAS system with adequate safety interlocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency is the property of Petroleum Geology & Recovery Efficiency 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.)

Food contact materials (FCMs) can contain hazardous chemicals that may have the potential to migrate into food and pose a health hazard for humans. Previous studies have mainly focused on plastic materials, while data on packaging materials made from paper and cardboard are limited. We used a panel of cell-based bioassays to investigate the presence and impact of bioactive chemicals on human relevant endpoints like oxidative stress, genotoxicity, inflammation, xenobiotic metabolism and endocrine system effects in extracts made from paper and cardboard. In total, 23 methanol extracts of commonly used paper and cardboard available on the Swedish market were extracted as a whole product using methanol to retrieve polar substances, and tested at concentrations 0.3–10 mg/mL and 0.2–6 mg/mL. At the highest concentration bioactivities were observed in a high proportion of the samples: oxidative stress (52%), genotoxicity (100%), xenobiotic metabolism (74%), antiandrogenic- (52%) and antioestrogenic receptor (39%). Packages of potential concern included cake/pastry boxes/mats, boxes for infant formula/skimmed milk, pizza boxes, pizza slice trays and bag of cookies. It should be noted that the extraction for packages like cake/pastry boxes can be considered exaggerated, as the exposure usually is shorter. It can be hypothesised that the observed responses may be explained by inks, coatings, contaminants and/or naturally occurring compounds within the material. To summarise, an effect-based approach enables hazard identification of chemicals within FCMs, which is a valuable tool for ensuring safe use of FCMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a resinous product collected by bees from different plant species that contains numerous compounds with biological activity like antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, among others. These properties make propolis the ideal candidate to be used as a functional ingredient in foods, beyond its known use as an additive. This article provides a review of the latest papers about the chemical composition (especially polyphenols, flavonoids and terpenes), antimicrobial activity and antioxidant properties of propolis as a functional food ingredient. Besides, this article also reviews the newest technologies developed to incorporate propolis in food systems keeping its antioxidant properties and masking its off-flavour. Key findings and conclusions : Despite the differences in the chemical composition of propolis from all over the world, all of them show antioxidant and pharmacological activity making propolis an attractive natural product to be included in foods as a functional ingredient. Many researchers have proposed the use of encapsulation techniques like spray drying, which allows transforming the ethanolic propolis extract into an easily-handled alcohol-free powder appropriate to be incorporated in food systems. The inclusion of propolis in nanoparticles, biopolymers films and sucrose matrix is also promising. Based on the papers reviewed, further studies are needed relating the incorporation of propolis in foodstuffs, the dose at which its antioxidant or biological properties are effective and the sensory properties of the final product. [Display omitted] • Propolis from all over the world show antioxidant and pharmacological activity. • The massive use of propolis extracts would require standardization. • Application of propolis as a food ingredient is limited due to its unpleasant taste. • New strategies have been developed to overcome the use of ethanolic extracts in foods. • Spray drying and co-crystallization with sucrose convert propolis extract to a powder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A large proportion of waste cooking oil (WCO) is currently being generated worldwide, which has led to crucial problems in its waste management due to absence of a proper disposal procedure. Most scholars mainly spotlight on the biodiesel production from WCO as alternative, despite the fact that there are other applications that require attention. Although WCO do not exist as polymers in nature, they are precursors for monomer chains which contain beneficial functional group to act as reactant. Triglycerides, which result from the esterification of glycerol with three fatty acids, are the major components of WCO. These triglycerides have a number of reactive sites, including ester groups and double bonds, providing a variety of opportunities for chemical modification, then polymerize to produce high molecular weight hydrocarbons. This review paper highlights the chemical processes required to produce polyurethane (PU), epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAS), acrylic, and alkyd resins polymers from WCO. The reaction initiator, catalyst, crosslinker, and others reagent used for the reaction process to convert into different functional monomer were summarized. As a result, WCO can be considered as a potential waste that can be used as a renewable polymer precursor to replace those are currently derived from petroleum hydrocarbons. [Display omitted] • The majority of polymeric materials used today are based on non-renewable feedstocks. • Usage of the waste has been proposed as a cost-effective alternative that also solves disposal issues. • Waste cooking oil (WCO) can transform into diverse monomers, generating high molecular weight hydrocarbons (long polymeric chain) with various applications. • The review highlights WCO as key raw material, chemically processed for renewable polymers like polyurethane, epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoates, acrylic, and alkyd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese (Mn) contained in cellulose is partially responsible for an increased consumption of paper bleaching chemicals (like O2, H2O2), consequently diminishing the efficiency in pulp processing, darkening the pulp and deteriorating pulp quality. Usually, Mn in the paper industry is removed employing the environmentally critical EDTA. A greener alternative constitutes, however, the use of siderophores, high-affinity metal-chelating organic compounds that are produced by microorganisms to acquire metals (Fe and Mn among others), like desferrioxamine B (DFOB) or desferrioxamine E (DFOE). The use of native Mn-transporter proteins, like PratA, constitutes another possibility for Mn removal. The evaluation of utilizing siderophores or PratA for Mn removal from cellulose in a circular economy scheme is therefore essential. Firstly, Mn removal from cellulose was performed by immobilizing siderophores or PratA on magnetic beads (M-PVA C22). Secondly, the beads were incubated overnight with a 2% cellulose suspension, allowing Mn-ligand complex formation. Finally, cellulose suspensions were submitted for Mn quantification, employing either the TCPP [Tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin] method, the PAN [1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol] method or the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). When non-immobilized ligands were employed, a 31% Mn removal was achieved; when using immobilized ligands, around 10% Mn removal was obtained. Treated and untreated cellulose was analyzed by SEM and the Mn distribution between the solid and liquid phase was parameterized using adsorption isotherm models. This novel greener method proved to be feasible and easy, leading to potential improvements in the paper industry. Next research steps are to optimize Mn removal and quantify Mn recovery after ligand decoupling before scaling-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of cellulase enzymes (Trichoderma reesei) in flotation deinking of mixed office wastes (MOW) on the deinking efficiency, physical and optical properties of the papers were investigated. In order to determine the effects of cellulase, conventional chemical deinking was also performed and compared with enzymatic deinking. After deinking processes, the handsheets were produced to determine deinking efficiency and physical and optical properties. Dirt particle analyses, Effective Residual Ink Concentrations (ERIC) and deinking efficiency (IEERIC) were determined to clearly understand effects of cellulase on deinking of MOW. IEERIC values of papers obtained from enzymatic and chemical deinked pulps were 11.9 and 62.0%, respectively. Use of cellulase enzyme by itself was not as effective as conventional deinking. Furthermore, optical properties of enzymatic deinked papers were lower than those of chemical deinked papers. These negations were eliminated by combining enzymatic and chemical deinking processes. Chemical charge used in conventional deinking were reduced by half with using cellulase. Properties of papers obtained from this deinking process were better than both enzymatic and chemical ones. This suggests that using cellulase enzyme in deinking process of MOW have a great potential as an alternative to chemical conventional deinking per se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper spray chemical ionization (PSCI) combined with mass spectrometry has been proposed as a sensitive method for the analysis of nonpolar aromatic compounds; however, the mechanism behind PSCI is not well understood. In the present study, the evidence for the occurrence of corona discharge is provided and its mechanism is proposed. Photographs taken with a highly sensitive camera evidently demonstrate the occurrence of corona discharge at the end of the triangular shape tip when a nonpolar solvent such as hexane was used at an applied potential of 6–7 kV. Nevertheless, corona discharge was not observed in the presence of a polar solvent. The occurrence of the corona discharge was attributed to charge accumulation in the dielectric layer generated by the nonpolar solvent on the fibers of the paper tip. Specifically, corona discharge was generated at the tip end when the charge approached a critical threshold. In the presence of a polar solvent, however, the dielectric layer was not generated and, hence, corona discharge was not observed. Based on this information, three nonpolar solvents were selected and their sensitivity for analyzing the phenanthrene and maltene fractions of crude oil was evaluated. Chlorobenzene provided the highest signal abundance; therefore, it was suggested as the optimum solvent for PSCI. Notably, the fundamental understanding of corona discharge in PSCI acquired in this study provides a basis for further improvement of this technique by way of surface modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman microscopic measurements were used to analyse the detailed chemical composition and structure of three old papers dating from the 15th and 19th centuries. Raman mapping measurements were performed on the surface and along the cross‐section of the papers with a lateral resolution of 1 μm. The resulting Raman images visualise the detailed chemical structure of the papers including all components such as the different types of cellulose fibre, filler pigments, sizing agents, colour pigments and also inadvertently added trace particles, such as minerals or products of biological activity. The results of the paper analysis are discussed in connection with their use for the detailed characterisation and dating of paper. This study demonstrates the great potential and the possibilities offered by Raman microscopy or Raman imaging for chemical paper analysis. Raman microscopy allows new insights into the chemical composition and structure of old papers and could considerably enhance the understanding of former papermaking practices and also combat forgery and the fraud of documents and artworks on paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous paper the effect of chemical pre-treatment on quality attributes of 'Annurca' apple slabs dried at different temperatures was investigated. Herein, we evaluated the effect of the same pre-treatment on the quality attributes of the same dried 'Annurca' apple samples rehydrated at two temperatures. Specifically, slabs were initially pretreated in a dipping solution containing trehalose, sodium chloride, sucrose. Then, they were dried by using a convective dryer at 50°, 55°, 60°, and 65°C, and rehydrated at 30° and 70°C by immersion in water. The combination of pre-treatment, drying at 65°C and rehydration temperature of 30°C enabled to obtain the best preservation of rehydration indices (i.e, water absorption capacity), structure and colour properties. On the contrary, the highest antioxidant activity (EC50) in treated samples was found at the lowest drying temperatures (50° and 55°C) among those investigated and rehydration temperature of 30°C. The PCA provided different behaviours among untreated and treated dried apples when rehydrated at 30° and 70°C, demonstrating that this pre-treatment combined with drying/rehydration temperatures influenced the quality attributes of rehydrated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]