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Electronic paper displays rely on electrokinetic effects in nonpolar solvents to drive the displacement of colloidal particles within a fluidic cell. While Electrophoresis (EP) is a well-established and frequently employed phenomenon, electro-osmosis (EO), which drives fluid flow along charged solid surfaces, has not been studied as extensively. We hypothesize that by exploiting the interplay between these effects, an enhanced particle transport can be achieved. In this study, we experimentally investigate the combined effects of EP and EO for colloidal particles in non-polar solvents, driven by an electric field. We use astigmatism micro-particle tracking velocimetry (A- μ PTV) to measure the motion of charged particles within model fluidic cells. Using a simple approach that relies on basic fluid flow properties we extract the contributions due to EP and EO, finding that EO contributes significantly to particle transport. The validity of our approach is confirmed by measurements on particles with different magnitudes of charge, and by comparison to numerical simulations. We find that EO flows can play a dominant role in the transport of particles in electrokinetic display devices. This can be exploited to speed up particle transport, potentially yielding displays with significantly faster switching times. Interplay of electrokinetic effects : Driven by the applied electric field, both electro-osmosis (EO, top left), which drives a flow along the surfaces of the fluidic cell, and electrophoresis (EP, top right), which drives a migration of particles relative to the background liquid, occur in our system. A typical example of the resultant particle velocity field (bottom) illustrates the important role of EO on particle transport in the fluidic cell. • Studied electrokinetics of particles in nonpolar solvent using astigmatism micro-PTV. • Both electrophoresis (EP) and electro-osmosis (EO) play important roles. • Combination of EO and EP could be exploited in faster switching e-paper displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] SERS measurements for monitoring bactericides in dairy products are highly desired for food safety problems. However, the complicated preparation process of SERS substrates greatly impedes the promotion of SERS. Here, we propose acoustofluidic one-step synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on paper substrates for SERS detection. Our method is economical, fast, simple, and eco-friendly. We adopted laser cutting to cut out appropriate paper shapes, and aldehydes were simultaneously produced at the cutting edge in the pyrolysis of cellulose by laser which were leveraged as the reducing reagent. In the synthesis, only 5 μL of Ag precursor was added to complete the reaction, and no reducing agent was used. Our recently developed acoustofluidic device was employed to intensely mix Ag+ ions and aldehydes and spread the reduced Ag nanoparticles over the substrate. The SERS substrate was fabricated in 1 step and 3 min. The standard R6G solution measurement demonstrated the excellent signal and prominent uniformity of the fabricated SERS substrates. SERS detection of the safe concentration of three bactericides, including tetracycline hydrochloride, thiabendazole, and malachite green, from food samples can be achieved using fabricated substrates. We take the least cost, time, reagents, and steps to fabricate the SERS substrate with satisfying performance. Our work has an extraodinary meaning for the green preparation and large-scale application of SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The quest for efficient hydrogen production highlights the need for cost-effective and high-performance catalysts to enhance the electrochemical water-splitting process. A significant challenge in developing self-supporting catalysts lies in the high cost and complex modification of traditional substrates. In this study, we developed catalysts featuring superaerophobic microstructures engineered on microspherical nickel-coated Chinese rice paper (Ni-RP), chosen for its affordability and exceptional ductility. These catalysts, due to their microspherical morphology and textured surface, exhibited significant superaerophobic properties, substantially reducing bubble adhesion. The nickel oxy-hydroxide (NiO x H y) and phosphorus-doped nickel (PNi) catalysts on Ni-RP demonstrated effective roles in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), achieving overpotentials of 250 mV at 20 mA cm−2 and 87 mV at −10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, respectively. Moreover, a custom water-splitting cell using PNi/Ni-RP and NiO x H y /Ni-RP electrodes reached an impressive average voltage of 1.55 V at 10 mA cm−2, with stable performance over 100 h in 1 M KOH. Our findings present a cost-effective, sustainable, and easily modifiable substrate that utilizes superaerophobic structures to create efficient and durable catalysts for water splitting. This work serves as a compelling example of designing high-performance self-supporting catalysts for electrocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The highly dispersed small-size metal co-catalysts can effectively improve the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductor photocatalysts by separating photogenerated electrons and enriching active sites. However, this system tends to aggregate in the absence of carrier, resulting in the decrease of active sites. Here, MOF-derived carbon skeleton (MDCS) encapsulated Ni nanoparticles (Ni@MDCS) and BiOBr was loaded onto carbonized cellulose fibers (CCF) with the help of polydopamine (PDA) to construct high-performance and recyclable photocatalytic paper for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in water. The characterization results showed that MDCS promoted good dispersion of Ni nanoparticles and provided sufficient active sites. And Ni@MDCS as a co-catalyst accelerated the separation of photogenerated carriers in BiOBr. The PDA improved the loading state of Ni@MDCS on CCF and converted into N -doped C in the carbonization process for further increasing the transfer efficiency of photogenerated electrons. In the composite paper, the stable loading of Ni@MDCS/BiOBr hybrid on CCF improved the dispersion and reusability of photocatalyst. The degradation rate of rhodamine B on CCF/PDA-C/Ni@MDCS/BiOBr paper was as high as 94.6 % after 60 min visible light irradiation, which was about 2.5 times higher than that of CCF/BiOBr paper. During 10 cycles, CCF/PDA-C/Ni@MDCS/BiOBr paper maintained high photocatalytic efficiency and good structural stability. This study provides a new way for developing high-performance and recyclable photocatalytic paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Dual-functional paper-based materials are fabricated through a surface engineering strategy. • Rapid and sensitivity detection towards Cr 2 O 7 2− is achieved through multiple detection methods. • N and B co-doped MXene quantum dots possess longer maximum emission wavelengths and strong oxidation stability. • Outstanding enrichment capacity towards Cr 2 O 7 2− (162.4 mg g−1) is exhibited. Dichromate ion (Cr 2 O 7 2−) is a highly toxic chromium-containing compound that poses significant hazards to the digestive, respiratory systems, skin, and mucous membranes. Currently, the detection and adsorption of Cr 2 O 7 2− face significant challenges, including the time-consuming and low sensitivity nature of traditional analytical methods. The limited efficiency and capacity of existing adsorbents hinder their practical application in real-time water quality monitoring and environmental remediation. Herein, using polyethyleneimine-functionalized (PEI) pulp fiber paper as the substrate, we developed smart paper-based materials (designated as NB-MQDs@PP) incorporated with nitrogen and boron co-doped MXene quantum dots (NB-MQDs) for rapid adsorption and sensitive detection of Cr 2 O 7 2−. Compared to undoped MQDs, NB-MQDs exhibited longer excitation wavelength and enhanced oxidation stability. As anticipated, NB-MQDs achieved rapid (response time of 10 s) and sensitive (detection limit of 1.2 μM) recognition of Cr 2 O 7 2− within a wide pH range with a quenching efficiency of 99.9%. Simultaneously, two on-site detection methods, immersion and cyclic filtration, were constructed based on NB-MQDs@PP. The detection limit of the immersion method was 17.0 nM, while the cyclic filtration method had a detection limit as low as 3.8 nM, surpassing the majority of those reported literatures. Remarkably, NB-MQDs@PP exhibited outstanding enrichment capacity towards Cr 2 O 7 2−, with an adsorption capacity of up to 162.4 mg/g. This work provides a novel strategy for creating unique paper-based materials with excellent capture and monitoring dual-function, which can be customized according to the requirements of various application scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Paper-based relics is an important carrier for recording and preserving information, however, it faces irreversible UV-induced damage, including photocleavage, oxidation, acidification and discoloration, which seriously affects its value and lifespan. Carbon dots (CDs) possess excellent UV absorption and good chemical stability, making them suitable for UV protection. Herein, we propose a high-security and efficient method utilizing CDs films (CDFs) for preventive protection of paper against UV damage. The CDFs with high tunable UV absorbance and minimal absorbance in the visible light range, effectively shield paper from UV radiation while preserving its visual appeal. Moreover, the UV transmittance of the film can be fine-tuned to the content of CDs and can be easily removed from the paper without residue. Artificial accelerated UV aging experiments demonstrate the deceleration of acidification, oxidation, and photocleavage in the protected bamboo paper and Xuan paper. This research paces a new direction for the protection of paper and paper-based relics and artworks with emerging carbon materials, offering customizable protection effects tailored to specific preservation and exhibition requirements. This research pioneers a novel approach to preventive protection of paper and paper-based relics using emerging carbon dots materials, offering tailored protection for diverse preservation needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The scarcity of freshwater resources and increasing demand for drinking water have driven the development of durable and sustainable desalination technologies. Although MXene composites have shown promise due to their excellent photothermal conversion and high thermal conductivity, their high hydrophilicity often leads to salt precipitation and low durability. In this study, we present a novel Cellulose (CF)/MXene paper with a Janus hydrophobic/hydrophilic configuration for long-term and efficient solar-driven desalination. The paper features a dual-layer structure, with the upper hydrophobic layer composed of CF/MXene paper exhibiting convexness to serve as a photothermal layer with exceptional salt rejection properties. Simultaneously, the bottom porous layer made of CF acts as an efficient thermal insulation. This unique design effectively minimizes heat loss and facilitates efficient water transportation. The Janus CF/MXene paper demonstrates a high evaporation rate of 1.11 kg m−2h−1 and solar thermal conversion efficiency of 82.52 % under 1 sun irradiation. Importantly, even after 2500 h of operation in a simulated seawater environment, the paper maintains a stable evaporation rate without significant salt deposition and biodegradation due to an antibacterial rate exceeding 90 %. These findings highlight the potential of the Janus CF/MXene paper for scalable manufacturing and practical applications in solar-driven desalination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Energy consumption from air cooling systems in summer, water scarcity in hot regions, and the functional reusability of waste paper are emerging environmental problems. Finding solutions to these problems simultaneously remains a significant challenge. Herein, a superhydrophobic passive cooling Cellulose-CaCO 3 film with hierarchical nano-sheets was fabricated to realize daytime radiative cooling with a temperature drop of 15–20 °C in summer and water harvesting with harvesting efficiency of 387 mg cm−2h−1 bd utilization of recycled waste paper. The superhydrophobic Cellulose-CaCO 3 film demonstrates its self-cleaning properties against inorganic and organic pollutants. Furthermore, the superhydrophobicity of the film was maintained after base/acid corrosions, dynamic water flushing, and thermal treatment at 100 °C for 7 h, exhibiting good durability of the superhydrophobicity. Moreover, the superhydrophobic Cellulose-CaCO 3 film is nonflammable after exposure to fire combustion for 1 min. In addition to waste paper, waste maize straws, and pasteboards were also collected to produce superhydrophobic passive cooling films. Results indicate that the above three cellulose-based raw materials can be well used to prepare durable superhydrophobic passive cooling materials. Environmental toxicology assessments confirm the safety of the material. This study not only provides a protocol for preparing superhydrophobic materials; but also demonstrates their potential for passive cooling and water harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many animals devote substantial time, energy and resources to assessing nonmating social partners. However, relatively little is known about how individual characteristics influence the process and outcome of social partner choice. Social partner choice is an important aspect of Polistes fuscatus wasp lives, as nest-founding queens form and dissolve many short-term social relationships before settling down in stable cooperative groups. Here, we asked how personality and body size influence social partner assessment, the specific partners chosen, behaviour within social groups and group offspring production. We evaluated social and nonsocial personality traits (exploration, affiliation, aggression, investigation) and body mass in 75 individually marked queens, then released them in a large naturalistic enclosure where we recorded social partner assessment, nest founding behaviour and behaviour on nests. At the end of the season, we collected nests as a measure of group reproductive output. Exploratory personality had a stronger effect on social behaviour than other personality measures. More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners, joined nests later and spent fewer days as members of stable nests. Less exploratory wasps were more likely to become dominant on nests and were more aggressive after partnerships were established. Larger wasps sampled more potential nest sites, suggesting that sampling induces energetic costs that larger individuals are better able to bear. Among dominant and solitary-nesting wasps, more affiliative wasps built larger nests and more aggressive wasps built smaller nests. We did not find that wasps selected partners based on any measured trait. Overall, our work demonstrates that personality traits play an important role in how social partners are assessed, how social groups are formed, behaviour within established social groups and the success of social groups. Our study also suggests that personality mediates a trade-off between time spent sampling partners and social bond stability. • We evaluated effects of personality and body size on social partner choice in wasps. • More exploratory wasps sampled more social partners and joined nests later. • They spent fewer days in stable groups and were less likely to be dominant on nests. • Body size and social personality had little effect on partner assessment. • Personality may mediate a social assessment–stable social bond trade-off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The complex spreading dynamics of blood on paper matrix is likely to be quantitatively altered with variations in the fractional occupancy of red blood cells in the whole blood (haematocrit). Here, we presented an apparently surprising observation that a finite volume blood drop undergoes a universal time-dependent spreading on a filter paper strip that is virtually invariant with its hematocrit level within physiologically healthy regime, though distinctively distinguishable from the spreading laws of blood plasma and water. Our hypothesis was ascertained by performing controlled wicking experiments on filter papers of different grades. Spreading of human blood samples of different haematocrit levels ranging between 15% and 51% and the plasma separated from therein were traced by combined high-speed imaging and microscopy. These experiments were complemented with a semi-analytical theory to decipher the key physics of interest. Our results unveiled the exclusive influence of the obstructing cellular aggregates in the randomly distributed hierarchically structured porous pathways and deciphered the role of the networked structures of the various plasma proteins that induced hindered diffusion. The resulting universal signatures of spontaneous dynamic spreading, delving centrally on the fractional reduction in the interlaced porous passages, provide novel design basis for paper-microfluidic kits in medical diagnostics and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bilayer photothermal paper-based 3D cone flowing evaporator with high solar light absorption, low water evaporation enthalpy and excellent salt-rejecting performance is fabricated using multilayered MXene, ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, and hydrophilic polymers. The 3D cone flowing evaporator cooperates with a siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit to guide concentrated saline flows out from the evaporating surface, leading to high water evaporation rate and salt-rejecting stable seawater desalination performance. [Display omitted] • A bilayer photothermal paper-based cone flowing water evaporator is reported. • The evaporator exhibits excellent properties for solar seawater desalination. • The evaporator exhibits much higher water evaporation rate than most reported values. • The evaporator can effectively prevent salt accumulation on the evaporating surface. Solar energy-driven water evaporation technology is a promising, low-cost and sustainable approach to alleviate the global clean water shortage, but usually suffers from low water evaporation rate and severe salt deposition on the water evaporation surface. In this work, a hydrophilic bilayer photothermal paper-based three-dimensional (3D) cone flowing evaporator was designed and prepared for stable high-performance seawater desalination with excellent salt-rejecting ability. The as-prepared bilayer photothermal paper consisted of MXene (Ti 3 C 2 T x) and HAA (ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, poly(acrylic acid), and poly(acrylic acid-2-hydroxyethyl ester)). The accordion-like multilayered MXene acted as the efficient solar light absorber, and ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires served as the thermally insulating and supporting skeleton with a porous networked structure. A siphon effect-driven unidirectional fluid transportation unit in the 3D cone flowing evaporator could guide the concentrated saline flowing away from the evaporating surface to prevent salt deposition on the evaporation surface, avoiding severe deterioration of the performance in solar water evaporation. Furthermore, combining high solar light absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiencies, low water evaporation enthalpy (1838 ± 11 J g−1), and additional energy taken from the ambient environment, the as-prepared cone flowing evaporator exhibited a high water evaporation rate of 3.22 ± 0.20 kg m−2 h−1 for real seawater under one sun illumination (1 kW m−2), which was significantly higher than many values reported in the literature. This study provides an effective approach for designing high-performance solar energy-driven water evaporators for sustainable seawater desalination and wastewater purification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2023, we published a research article in the Journal of Colloidal and Interface Science, based on our experimental findings and substantiating scaling arguments leading to a simple theoretical insight on the effect of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation on the wicking behaviour of a finite volume of blood as it navigates through the porous passages of a paper matrix (Laha et al., 2023). Of late, we received comments from Li (2024), which offered certain suggestions regarding the possible improvement of the capillary bundle model as considered in our article for analyzing the transport of blood through the paper pores. Herein, we provide a detailed discussion on each of the points raised by Li (2024) and rationalize our views in further details in addition to the contents already provided in our concerned article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bilayered V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel constructed 2D nanopapers were synthesized. • The V 2 O 5 nH 2 O Xerogel combines oxygen defect engineering. • Oxygen defect improves Zn2+/Mg2+ insertion/extraction kinetics. Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) and aqueous magnesium ion batteries (AMIBs) offer powerful alternatives for large-scale energy storage because of their high safety and low cost. Consequently, the design of high-performance cathode materials is essential. In this paper, we present a simple strategy that combines oxygen defect (O d) engineering with a 2D-on-2D homogeneous nanopape-like bilayer V 2 O 5 nH 2 O xerogel (BL-HVO d NPS). This strategy employs O d to improve Zn2+/Mg2+insertion/extraction kinetics and reduce irreversible processes for high-performance AZIBs/AMIBs. And interlayer water molecules serve as an effective spacer to stabilize the expanded interlayer gap in BL-HVO d NPS, thereby providing extended diffusion channels for Zn2+/Mg2+ during insertion/extraction. The interlayer water molecules help shield the electrostatic interaction between Zn2+/Mg2+ and BL-HVO d NPS lattice, which improves diffusion kinetics during repeated. In addition, electrochemical characterization results indicate that the BL-HVO d NPS can effectively the surface adsorption and internal diffusion of Zn2+/Mg2+. More importantly, the successfully prepared unique 2D-on-2D homogenous nanopaper structure enhances electrolyte/electrode contact and reduces the migration/diffusion path of electrons/Zn2+ and Mg2+, thus greatly improving rate performance. As a result, the BL-HVO d NPS as AZIBs/AMIBs electrodes offer better reversible capacity of 361.8 and 162.8 mA h g−1 (at 0.2 A g−1), while displaying impressively long cycle lifes. This method provides a way to prepare advanced xerogel cathode materials for AZIBs and AMIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MXene-modified papers with high-uniform loading of polypyrrole and excellent conductivity have been fabricated via a multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy, which achieves boosting areal capacitance. [Display omitted] • Multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization strategy is proposed tofabricate paper-based supercapacitors. • Alternate adsorption of MXene and polypyrrole on paper yields an ultra-high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2. • The paper-based supercapacitor shows a boosting areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2. Despite the intriguing features of freestanding flexible electronic devices, such as their binder-free nature and cost-effectiveness, the limited loading capacity of active material poses a challenge to achieving practical high-performance flexible electrodes. We propose a novel approach that integrates multiple self-assembly and in-situ polymerization techniques to fabricate a high-loading paper-based flexible electrode (MXene/Polypyrrole/Paper) with exceptional areal capacitance. The approach enables polypyrrole to form a porous conductive network structure on the surface of paper fiber through MXene grafting via hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction, resulting in an exceptionally high polypyrrole loading of 10.0 mg/cm2 and a conductivity of 2.03 S/cm. Moreover, MXene-modified polypyrrole paper exhibits a more homogeneous pore size distribution ranging from 5 to 50 μm and an increased specific surface area of 3.11 m2/g. Additionally, we have optimized in-situ polymerization cycles for paper-based supercapacitors, resulting in a remarkable areal capacitance of 2316 mF/cm2 (at 2 mA/cm2). The capacitance retention rate and conductivity rate maintain over 90 % after undergoing 100 bends.The maximum energy density and cycling stability are characterized to be 83.6 μWh/cm2 and up to 96 % retention after 10,000 cycles. These results significantly outperform those previously reported for paper-based counterparts. Overall, our work presents a facile and versatile strategy for assembling high-loading, paper-based flexible supercapacitors network architecture that can be employed in developing large-scale energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible rechargeable Ag 2 O-Zn battery was in situ constructed on the filter paper. • The tree-root-like interfacial design was achieved between Ag 2 O and filter paper. • The interlocking interface favored high mechanical stability for the Ag 2 O-Zn battery. Flexible zinc–silver oxide (Zn–Ag 2 O) batteries have attracted extensive attention for comfortable wearable electronics owing to their stable output voltage, inherent safety, and environmental benignity. However, they suffer from inferior specific capacity and poor mechanical stability due to the low utilization of Ag 2 O cathodic material and weak interfacial adhesion of active material/substrate. Inspired by the nature of the tree root system, we develop an interface-engineered cathode, in which Ag 2 O nanoparticles are rooted on an Au, Ni co-modified filter paper substrate (CFP) through an electroless plating followed by an in situ electrochemical oxidation. The staggered-stacked Ag 2 O nanoparticles provide abundant electrochemically active sites and convenient ion diffusion paths, and the unique biological tree-root-like structure of the electrode material creates robust interlocking interfaces. A quasi-solid-state Zn–Ag 2 O battery assembled with a tree-root-like Ag 2 O/CFP cathode delivers a high areal specific capacity of 1.08 mAh cm−2 and long-term cycling durability with a capacity retention of 77.3% even after 100 cycles. Moreover, the device presents good mechanical stability under various flexural deformations, including bending, folding, and twisting, and exhibits minimal capacity changes after 1000 bending cycles. These findings suggest that the bio-inspired interface-engineered electrode structure is an efficient approach for developing flexible batteries with excellent electrochemical performance and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium metal is deemed a promising anode material for the next-generation batteries with high specific energy. Unfortunately, the growth of Li dendrites and infinite volume change during cycling, caused by the "hostless" feature of metallic Li, have posed a great challenge to the commercialization of Li metal anode. The introduction of appropriate host materials for Li metal is highly desirable. In this work, a N, P dual-doped 3D carbon derived from low-cost quantitative filter paper (NPCQP) is designed and fabricated for direct using as a host for Li metal anode. The resulting NPCQP host achieves a high deposition/stripping Coulombic efficiency of above 97.5 % with a low nucleation overpotential. Moreover, the NPCQP@Li symmetric cells enable an excellent long-term cycling performance (1000 h) with an ultralow voltage hysteresis (12 mV) and stable interface behavior. When paired with the commercial LiFePO 4 cathode, the full cell with NPCQP@Li anode displays impressive long-term cyclic stability and rate capability, outperforming the counter cell with bare Li anode. This contribution sheds light on the rational design of viable host for practical lithium metal anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Solar interfacial evaporation is one of the most efficient and environmentally-friendly clean freshwater production technologies. Plasma metal nanoparticles are excellent optical absorption materials, but their high cost and inherent resonance narrow bandwidth absorption limit their application. In this work, commercial cellulose papers are used as substrates to synthesize Ag-Ni/cellulose paper by the seed-mediated method. The Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits high light absorption at the full wavelength (200–2500 nm) resulting from the synergistic effect of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of Ag NPs and the interband transitions (IBTs) of Ni. Under one-sun irradiation (1 kW m−2), the energy utilization efficiency of Ag-Ni/cellulose paper is as high as 93.8%, and the water evaporation rate is 1.87 kg m−2 h−1. Diffusion inhibition experiment results show that the Ag-Ni/cellulose paper exhibits excellent antibacterial performance, and the antibacterial performance is highly related with Ag NPs content. These provide new opportunities for commercial production of competitive cost, green, and portable solar evaporators for different application sceneries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laha et al. studied the diffusive behavior of a whole-blood drop on filter paper using the generalized capillary bundle model. However, some model parameters should be further refined to accurately reflect the physics involved in this diffusion process. Moreover, citations are missing for some key equations. Addressing these aspects will improve the model applicability to this application and benefit readers in accessing more accurate and detailed information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] An abundance of early warning graphene-based nano-materials and sensors have been developed to avoid and prevent the critical fire risk of combustible materials. However, there are still some limitations that should be addressed, such as the black color, high-cost and single fire warning response of graphene-based fire warning materials. Herein, we report an unexpected montmorillonite (MMT)-based intelligent fire warning materials that have excellent fire cyclic warning performance and reliable flame retardancy. Combining phenyltriethoxysilane (PTES) molecules, poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole) nanofiber (PBONF), and layers of MMT to form a silane crosslinked 3D nanonetwork system, the homologous PTES decorated MMT-PBONF nanocomposites are designed and fabricated via a sol–gel process and low temperature self-assembly method. The optimized nanocomposite paper shows good mechanical flexibility (good recovery after kneading or bending process), high tensile strength of ∼81 MPa and good water resistance. Furthermore, the nanocomposite paper exhibits high-temperature flame resistance (almost unchanged structure and size after 120 s combustion), sensitive flame alarm response (∼0.3 s response once exposure onto a flame), cyclic fire warning performance (>40 cycles), and adaptability to complex fire situations (several fire attack and evacuation scenarios), showing promising applications for monitoring the critical fire risk of combustible materials. Therefore, this work paves a rational way for design and fabrication of MMT-based smart fire warning materials that combine excellent flame shielding and sensitive fire alarm functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial processes and municipal wastes largely contribute to the fluctuations in iron (Fe) content in soils. Fe, when present in unfavorable amount, causes harmful effects on human, flora, and fauna. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the composition of Fe in surface soils from paper mill and municipal landfill sites and assess their potential ecological and human health risks. Geochemical fractionation was conducted to explore the chemical bonding of Fe across different fractions, i.e., water-soluble (F1) to residual (F6). Different contamination factors and pollution indices were evaluated to comprehend Fe contamination extent across the study area. Results indicated the preference for less mobile forms in the paper mill and landfill, with 26.66% and 43.46% of Fe associated with the Fe–Mn oxide bound fraction (F4), and 57.22% and 24.78% in the residual fraction (F6). Maximum mobility factor (MF) of 30.65% was observed in the paper mill, and 80.37% in the landfill. The enrichment factor (EF) varied within the range of 20 < EF < 40, signifying a high level of enrichment in the soil. The individual contamination factor (ICF) ranged from 0 to >6, highlighting low to high contamination. Adults were found to be more vulnerable towards Fe associated health risks compared to children. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) index showed the highest risk potential pathways as dermal contact > ingestion > inhalation. The study offers insights into potential Fe contamination risks in comparable environments, underscoring the crucial role of thorough soil assessments in shaping land use and waste management policies. [Display omitted] • Geochemical fractionation unveils less bioavailable Fe in contaminated soil. • EF, ICF, and I geo indicate high Fe contamination. • Adults are more susceptible to potential health risks from surplus Fe exposure. • HQ analysis pinpoints dermal contact as the primary pathway for Fe exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass is achieved by the synergistic action of a group of enzymes called cellulases. Cellulose is a long chain of chemically linked glucoses by β-1,4 bonds. The enzyme β-1,4-endoglucanase is the first cellulase involved in the degradation, breaking the bond of the amorphous regions. A β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme with high activity was obtained from a Bacillus subtilis strain isolated from wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. Sequencing and bioinformatic analysis showed that the gene amplified by PCR consisting of 1407 nucleotides and coding for a β-1,4-endoglucanase enzyme of approximately 55 kDa. The open reading frame (ORF) encoding the mature endoglucanase (eglS) was successfully inserted in a modified cloning plasmid (pITD03) and into the pYD1 plasmid used for its expression in yeast. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) plate assay, SDS-PAGE, and zymogram confirmed the production and secretion by the transformed E. coli BL21-SI strain of a 39 kDa β-1,4-endoglucanase consistent with the catalytic domain without the cellulose-binding module (CBM). The results showed that the truncated β-1,4-endoglucanase had higher activity and stability. • A strain of Bacillus subtilis with endoglucanase activity was isolated from the wastewater of a pulp and paper mill. • The endoglucanase gene was inserted into a modified plasmid (E. coli) and into pYD1 (S. cerevisiae). • The endoglucanase in pYD1 is expressed with good activity in E. coli , being the first report of this finding. • A truncated recombinant endoglucanase is obtained and is very stable at pH (2-10) and temperature (30–55 °C). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively. [Display omitted] • Microalgae and bacteria symbiotically initiated bioreactor start-up. • Initial inoculation concentrations were critical for photogranule development. • High total nitrogen removal efficiency in all bioreactor configurations. • Optimal setup boosts biomass and pigment. • Microalgae-bacteria consortium facilitated the production of valuable bioproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A finite length graded R -module M has the Weak Lefschetz Property if there is a linear form ℓ in R such that the multiplication map × ℓ : M i → M i + 1 has maximal rank. The set of linear forms with this property form a Zariski-open set and its complement is called the non-Lefschetz locus. The main result is to give a complete proof for the theorem stated in [1] that for any general complete intersection I in R [ x 1 , x 2 , x 3 , x 4 ] the non-Lefschetz locus has expected codimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Paper mill sludge-based calcium-containing biochar was cleanly prepared. • The maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity of an as-prepared biochar could be up to 68.49 mg·g−1. • Phosphorus was immobilized onto the as-prepared biochar in the forms of CaHPO 4 and Ca 5 (PO 4) 3 (OH). With the increased awareness of reusing solid wastes for higher sustainability and the concern of water pollution associated with phosphorus over-emission, there are strong interests in developing solid waste based adsorbents for purifying phosphorus-containing wastewater. As a rich calcium resource, paper mill sludge (i.e., a major solid waste from pulping industry) can be used as phosphorus removal adsorbent after calcination. Thus, in this work, a simple and clean thermally treating route has been proposed for preparing calcium-containing biochar from paper mill sludge. The effect of the physicochemical properties of paper mill sludge and its carbonization condition on phosphorus adsorption has been analyzed. Moreover, the influence of some key adsorption parameters, e.g., biochar dosage, initial pH of solution, co-existing anions, initial phosphorus concentration and contact time has also been investigated. The results showed that the phosphorus adsorption data could be fitted well with pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isothermal models. The calculated maximum adsorption capacity of the as-prepared optimal calcium-containing biochar could reach to 68.49 mg·g−1 at 25 °C. Combined with the characterization results, it can be reasonably inferred that the adsorption process was chemisorption-dominated. Lastly, the application of this spent adsorbent in agriculture field has also been discussed. In brief, this work provided a feasible strategy for converting paper mill solid waste to an environmental functional material (i.e., calcium-rich biochar) for remediation of eutrophic water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1) is a highly toxic mycotoxin that readily contaminates major food crops. This study presents a novel ratiometric electrochemical paper-based aptasensor for AFB 1 detection that utilizes a structure-switching aptamer. The sensor detects AFB 1 by folding the DNA aptamer, reducing the electron transfer efficiency between the methylene blue (MB) molecules attached to the DNA and the electrode surface. An inner reference element modified with ferrocene (Fc) is co-assembled on the electrode surface of the paper-based biosensor to enhance the accuracy of AFB 1 detection. In the presence of target AFB 1 , a folded target–aptamer complex is formed, distancing the MB molecules from the electrode and generating a low current signal in a differential pulse voltammetry mode. The ratio of oxidation currents for MB and Fc serves as the metric for monitoring AFB 1 levels. The detection range spans from 20.0 to 1000.0 ng mL−1, with a limit of detection of 7.6 ng mL−1. The paper-based aptasensor exhibits excellent specificity and stability. Additionally, its high reliability and applicability are validated by the strong correlation observed between the sensor results and the results obtained using UPLC−MS/MS analysis of real samples. This study offers a low-cost, readily available approach for portable detection of foodborne hazards. • A paper-based ratiometric electrochemical sensor for portable detection of AFB 1. • The sensor assembly procedure is very simple, only contains two key steps. • This sensor exhibits a desirable response range and lower limit of detection. • The aptasensor is suitable for the detection AFB 1 contamination in real samples. • This study offers a low-cost, readily available approach for portable detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Filter paper was selected as the template for synthesis of 1D NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite. • Ultra simple synthetic procedures of only metal salts adsorption and calcination was referred. • The effective bandwidth is up to 6.08 GHz at thin thickness of 1.88 mm. Filter paper, as a widely used and low-cost lab consumable, can serve as template for the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) materials since it is composed of 1D cellulosic fiber. In this work, 1D NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite was simply fabricated by adsorption of Ni and Co acetate on the filter paper and subsequent calcination process. The precursors were obtained without further treatment to filter paper or chemical reaction between metal salts. Calcination process leads to the removal of template and formation of binary NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite. Electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance of NiO/NiCo 2 O 4 composite could be tuned by adjusting the calcination temperatures and dosage of metal salts. For the optimized absorber (calcination temperature of 600 °C and dosage of Ni and Co acetate with 2 mmol and 4 mmol), a wide absorption bandwidth of 6.08 GHz could be achieved with thickness of 1.88 mm and minimum reflection loss value was up to −57.4 dB by changing the thickness. The facile synthetic route may also inspire the preparation of other high-performance one-dimensional EM wave absorbing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasal ions environment plays a crucial role in maintaining nasal physiology and supports olfactory transmission. Addressing the limited research on nasal ion levels and their association with olfactory function, paper-based sensors were developed for determination of sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride in the nasal mucus of healthy volunteers and patients with olfactory dysfunction. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and carbon quantum dots from beetroot were incorporated into paper substrate where sensors were designed with ion association complexes for sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride enhancing the recognition sensing capabilities. The sensors composition was optimized, including ion-exchange materials and plasticizers, to enhance sensitivity and selectivity. The performance of the sensors is evaluated based on Nernstian slope, dynamic range, detection limit and response time. Selectivity of the sensors was tested and the results demonstrated high selectivity for the target ions. The sensors were successfully determined sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride levels in nasal mucus of healthy volunteers and patients with olfactory dysfunction. The results revealed elevated calcium levels in patients with olfactory dysfunction, highlighting associated diagnostic implications. This suggests that the proposed sensors could serve as a diagnostic tool for olfactory evaluation, particularly in resource-constrained settings where access to advanced diagnostic tools is limited. [Display omitted] • Develop paper sensors for precise ion detection in nasal mucus. • Optimize sensors with nanoparticles to enhance sensitivity and selectivity. • Investigate the diagnostic potential for efficiently assessing olfactory dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kind of nanocomposite filter paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite nanowires, cellulose fibers and double metal oxide nanosheets has been developed for high-performance dye separation. Simultaneous enhancement in water flux and removal efficiency during the filtration process remains a big challenge for separation membranes. The porous structure of the filter paper can provide many channels for water transportation, but the separation performance is generally poor. The purpose of this study is to develop a new kind of filter paper consisting of ultralong hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanowires, cellulose fibers (CFs) and double metal oxide (LDO) nanosheets, and to achieve the simultaneous enhancement of both water flux and removal efficiency for high-performance dye separation. In this work, a novel kind of LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper consisting of ultralong HAP nanowires and CFs and LDO nanosheets has been developed for rapid water filtration and highly efficient dye adsorption. Positively charged LDO nanosheets can adsorb on the surface of negatively charged ultralong HAP nanowires and embed in the porous networked structure of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper, which can provide a porous structure for rapid water transportation and can adjust the pore size of the nanocomposite filter paper. As a result, the pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can be adjusted. The optimized pure water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper can reach 783.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, which is 1.51 times that of the HAP/CF filter paper without LDO nanosheets (518.6 L m−2 h−1 bar−1). More importantly, the adsorption capacity of LDO nanosheets is high for dye molecules, the rejection percentage of Congo red (CR) by the as-prepared HAP/CF filter paper is only 59.8%, and its water flux is 534.7 L m−2 h−1 bar−1. The optimized rejection percentage and water flux of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper for CR are significantly enhanced (98.3% and 736.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, respectively) compared to those of the HAP/CF filter paper. The size of LDO nanosheets has a significant effect on the water flux and dye rejection percentage of the LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper. The as-prepared LDO/HAP/CF nanocomposite filter paper is promising for the applications in highly efficient purification of wastewater containing dye molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of smart, real-time sensing devices is crucial in food monitoring, though it continues to be a major challenge. Here, we report an eco-friendly fluorescent detection method for Cu2+ ions using 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NH 2 -H 2 BDC). Fluorescence (FL) quenching occurs at 425 nm under excitation at 330 nm, with detection limits (LOD) as low as 16.25 nM for Cu2+ ions. Additionally, a smartphone can visually and quantitatively detect Cu2+ ions by analyzing the RGB values on test paper. The results show high sensitivity, with a LOD of 11.07 μM. This work not only reveals fluorescent detection methods but also develops a convenient, low-cost, and portable smartphone-integrated paper strip for Cu2+ ion sensing. Two metrics, AGREEprep and BAGI, were employed to assess the method's environmental friendliness. The evaluation confirmed its exceptional eco-friendliness. This method marks a significant advancement for Cu2+ ion monitoring in diverse fields, especially food monitoring. [Display omitted] • 2-aminoterephthalic acid serve as potential chemosensors for Cu2+ ions. • The probe exhibited a robust blue emission with a high QY of 81 %. • The proposed method is straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. • The probe could be made into test paper strips with a smartphone detector for Cu2+. • The probe could be applied to detect Cu2+ in milk samples with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel multifunctional hard core/soft shell colloidal nanoparticles have been developed by introducing the elastic compounds into the shell and the rigid compounds into the core via Semi-continuous seed emulsion polymer method. these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. With these outstanding features, it can be concluded that this kind of novel multifunctional PCs papers can be served as a promising candidate for next-generation rewriteable and environment-friendly papers, anti-counterfeiting tags and smart tunable bio-sensors, etc. [Display omitted] Photonic crystals film that possesses periodic dielectric structure have shown great prospect in developing environmentally friendly paper alternatives due to the unique properties of dye free and non-photobleaching, but their practical application is limited by the weak interaction between colloidal particles. Although some progress has been obtained, it is still a challenge to develop photonic paper with the desired mechanical and optical properties. Herein, multifunctional hard core/soft shell nanoparticles with controlled size are fabricated by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization method. Compared with convention colloidal particles, these core/shell nanoparticles can facile self-assemble into large-scale dense ordered structure film via dried at room temperature due to the relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) of the shell layers. The facile fabrication route enables the continuous high-through put production of the photonic papers. The as-formed papers not only possess the capacity to solvent (water/ethanol) rewritable and multicolor painting, but also can rapidly reversible mechanochromic. Moreover, due to the good compatibility of core/shell interface, these photonic films possess excellent mechanical properties, demonstrating that this multifunctional film makes the fabrication of novel robust rewritable papers possible and enables visual monitoring of deformation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 heterojunction photocatalyst with Z scheme photogenerated electron transfer mechanism was loaded on cellulose fibers to construct a visible light-responsive photocatalytic composite paper for efficient and recyclable degradation of organic dyes in water. The introduction of O vacancies in Bi 2 WO 6 by alkali etching increased the utilization rate of Bi 2 WO 6 for visible light and achieved effective regulation of the energy band structure and Fermi level, which transformed Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 type-II heterojunction into Z scheme heterojunction. The light-excited electrons in the conduction band of O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 directly migrated to the valence band of SrTiO 3 , which improved the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers and maximized the redox capability of semiconductors. Compared with other control papers, O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper exhibited the best photocatalytic performance, and its degradation rate for rhodamine B could reach 71.1% under 100 min of Xe lamp irradiation. The O-vacancy Bi 2 WO 6 /SrTiO 3 paper also showed good photocatalytic cycle stability. Loading heterojunction on the cellulose fibers solved the problem of poor reusability and difficult in recovery for powder semiconductor photocatalyst in practical applications. This study provides a novel strategy for constructing Z scheme heterogeneity on cellulose fibers to prepare composite paper with high photocatalytic activity and good reusability. [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]

• This White Paper offers a neurocognitive assessment platform for clinical trials in PKU. • It describes 5 neuropsychological domains relevant to outcomes in PKU. • Criteria for measures to be included in the Assessment Platform are defined. • Both Performance and Patient Reported Outcome measures are recommended. • Once implemented, this Platform may accelerate approval of new PKU treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual colorimetric/electrochemical sensor integrated with a microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) is created for rapid and sensitive detection of cabaryl in fruit. For colorimetric sensor, quercetin modified silver nanoparticle (QCT-AgNPs) is synthesized via self-reduction, resulting in the color change from green to dark green in the presence of cabaryl, which can be readily observed via naked eyes. This colorimetric sensor provides a linear response of 5 – 50 μM quantified by Image J software. For electrochemistry, AgNPs/MXene nanocomposite electrode offers high electrocatalytic activity towards the detection of carbarly with a linear range of 0 – 60 µM and a detection limit of 0.01 µM. The limit of detection values obtained from this dual sensor are lower than a cut-off of carbaryl residue in food, which is 7 mg.kg−1 (35 µM) verifying the desired sensitivity of this platform. Ultimately, this dual sensor is successfully applied for on-site detection of carbaryl in the orange samples read out on the smartphone with satisfactory results. [Display omitted] • Dual colorimetric/electrochemicl sensor is developed on μPAD for cabaryl sensor • QCT-AgNPs is synthesized by self-reduction and applied for colorimetric detection. • AgNPs/MXene modified electrode provided high electrochemical sensitivity. • This platform is applied for on-site carbaryl detection in fruits on smartphone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, a freshness indicator was developed by immobilizing extracted betacyanins from prickly pear fruit (PFB) onto cellulose filter paper to visually determine fish spoilage. Various properties of the prepared indicator, including color stability, moisture uptake, sensivity to hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) gas and pH changes, and chemical analysis were studied. The PFB-based indicator exhibited good color stability at various temperatures and times, with no significan color changes observed during storage at 25, 4, and −18 °C for 8 days. The moisture absorption of the indicator based on PFB was lower than that of cellulose paper, which is crucial for colorimetric indicators. Basic nitrogen and sulfur compounds are the main volatile compounds produced during fish spoilage. The results of the present study showed that both total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and H 2 S gas produced during fish spoilage contributed to the color changes of betacyanin-based colorimetric indicators. The prepared freshness indicators were pH-sensitive, with significant color changes due to TVB-N and H 2 S production during fish storage. A significant correlation was observed between fish quality (pH, TVB-N and total viable count) and the visible color changes of the indicators. The color of the designed indicator shifted from dark pink to pale pink/white during fish storage. These prepared freshness indicators were inexpensive, easy to use, and non-toxic, making them suitable for assessing the quality and shelf life of fish fillets. • A freshness indicator was prepared based on prickly pear fruit betacyanins using cellulose paper. • The prepared indicator was sensitive to not only TVB-N but also H 2 S compounds. • A significant correlation was observed between fish quality and visible color changes. • The prepared indicator is low-cost and efficient for spoilage detection of protein-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spreading of hydromulch as a crop management technique might show important advantages over plastic films for weed control, because it can be applied anywhere in a field, even in orchard and vineyard rows. In the present work, 24 blends were prepared by mixing paper pulp, from recovered paper and cardboard coming from paper mills, with different additives: (a) wheat straw, rice hulls, and substrate used for mushroom cultivation on the one hand as fillers, and (b) rice bran, white glue, sodium silicate, and powered gypsum on the other hand as agglomerating agents. The blends were tested with a texture analyser to evaluate their mechanical properties, testing the puncture resistance (24 blends) and the tensile strength (15 blends). Scanning electron photomicrographs of some blends were obtained in order to explore the relationship between their components and the mechanical properties. The results indicate that a blend prepared with paper pulp, wheat straw sieved at 2.5 mm and gypsum attained the highest stress resistance and tensile strength. An environmentally controlled experiment was performed on this and another hydromulch in which rice husk substituted wheat straw to evaluate their efficiency for reducing weed seedling emergence, using propagules of four common summer weeds. Compared with the control treatment performed, the hydromulches reduced seedling emergence from 64.6% to 95.9%. In general, the percentage of dead seedlings underneath was greater than that which passed through the barrier, making the hydromulches promising tools for preventing seedling emergence and for managing the weed seed bank in field conditions. • Mechanical properties of hydromulch blends based on paper pulp were tested. • The most resistant blend was dosed with paper pulp, wheat straw and gypsum. • The frame was quite compact and showed a suitable punching and traction resistance. • The barrier effect of the hydromulches reduced seedling emergence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass can be used as an energy source to thermochemical conversion processes to biocrude production. However, the supply and dependence on only one biomass for biocrude production can be an obstacle due to its seasonality, availability, and logistics costs. In this way, biomass waste and agroindustrial residues can be mixture and used as feedstock to the hydrothermal co-liquefaction (co-HTL) process as an alternative to obtaining biocrude. In this sense, the present paper analyzed the biocrude yield influence of the co-HTL from a quaternary unprecedented blend of different biomasses, such as sugarcane bagasse, brewer's spent grain (BSG), sludge from a paper recycling mill (PRM), and microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris). In this way, a simplex lattice design was employed and co-HTL experiments were carried out in a 2000 mL high-pressure stirred autoclave reactor under 275 °C for 60 min, considering 15% of feedstock/water ratio. Significant effects in each feedstock and their blends were analyzed aiming to increase biocrude and biochar yield. It was found that the addition of microalgae is only significant when considered more than 50% into the blend with BSG and PRM sludge to increase biocrude yield. • Unprecedented blend (microalgae, sugarcane bagasse, BSG, and PRM sludge) in co-HTL. • Highest biocrude yield of 51.7% using microalgae as the only feedstock. • Second-highest biocrude yield (29%) for BSG and PRM sludge (synergetic interaction). • BSG and PRM sludge can complement co-HTL feedstock in low microalgae availability. • E RoI higher than one for 50% of microalgae, 25.8% of BSG, and 24.2% of PRM sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiplex detection can enhance diagnostic precision and improve diagnostic efficiency, providing important assistance for epidemiological investigation and epidemic prevention. There is a great need for multi-detection sensing platforms to accurately diagnose diseases. Herein, we reported a μPAD-based chemiluminescence (CL) assay for ultrasensitive multiplex detection of AIV biomarkers, based on three DNAzyme/Lum/PEI/CaCO 3. Three time-resolved CL signals were sequentially generated with detection limits of 0.32, 0.34, and 0.29 pM for H1N1, H7N9, and H5N1, respectively, and with excellent selectivity against interfering DNA. The recovery test in human serum displayed satisfactory analysis capabilities for complex biological samples. The μPAD-based CL assay achieved multiplex detection within 70 s, with a high time resolution of 20 s. The proposed strategy has the advantages of low cost, high sensitivity, good selectivity, and wide time resolution, the μPAD-based CL assay has shown great potential in the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases. We reported a μPAD-based CL assay for ultrasensitive multiplex detection of AIV biomarkers, based on three DNAzyme/Lum/PEI/CaCO 3. The platform achieved multiplex detection within 70 s, with a wide time resolution of 20 s, demonstrating great potential in the early and accurate diagnosis of diseases. [Display omitted] • A low-cost, portable μPAD with time-resolved CL signals was fabricated. • The CL assay successfully detected H1N1, H7N9, and H5N1 within 70 s, with a wide time resolution of 20 s. • Dual amplification of the sensor was achieved based on the CHA reaction and DNAzyme catalysis. • The CL assay had a wide linear range (1.0 pM−10 nM) and high detection sensitivity at pM level. • The CL assay was able to visualize trace H1N1, H7N9, and H5N1 down to 10 pM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The pulp and paper sectors are thriving yet pose significant environmental threats to water bodies, mainly due to the substantial release of pollutants. Lignin-derived compounds are among the most problematic of these contaminants. To address this issue, we present our initial results on utilizing organic semiconductor photocatalysis under visible light for treating lignin-derived compounds. Our investigation has been centered around creating a green and cost-effective organic semiconductor photocatalyst. This catalyst is designed using a structure of bagasse cellulose spheres to support PM6 (poly[(2,6-(4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)-4-fluorothiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2- b :4,5- b' ]dithiophene))– co -(1,3-di(5-thiophene-2-yl)-5,7-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-benzo[1,2- c :4,5- c' ]dithiophene-4,8-dione))]: MeIC (3,9-bis(2-methylene-(3-(1,1-dicyanomethylene)-cyclopentane-1,3-dione[ c ]-1-methyl-thiophe))-5,5,11,11-tetrakis(4-hexylphenyl)-dithieno[2,3- d:2′ , 3′-d' ]-s-indaceno[1,2- b :5,6- b' ]-dithiophene)). This photocatalyst demonstrates remarkable efficiency, achieving over 91 % degradation of lignin-derived compounds. The superior photocatalytic performance is attributed to three main factors: (1) The ability of PM6 to broaden MeIC's absorption range from 300 to 800 nm, allowing for effective utilization of visible light; (2) the synergistic interaction between PM6 and MeIC, which ensures compatible energy levels and a vast, evenly spread surface area, promoting charge mobility and extensive donor/acceptor interfaces. This synergy significantly enhances the generation and transport of carriers, resulting in a high production of free radicals that accelerate the decomposition of organic materials; (3) The deployment of PM6:MeIC on biomass-based carriers increases the interaction surface with the organic substances. Notably, PM6: MeIC showcases outstanding durability, with its degradation efficiency remaining between 84 % and 91 % across 100 cycles. This study presents a promising approach for designing advanced photocatalysts aimed at degrading common pollutants in papermaking wastewater. [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]

[Display omitted] The commercialization of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is encountering significant challenges due to the electrolyte incompatibility and poor mechanical properties of polyolefin separators, as well as the hazardous growth of lithium dendrites at the anode. Simultaneously, the development of safe and environmentally-friendly separators has become a central focus in rechargeable battery technology. In this study, we introduce a novel Janus separator (CP@SiO 2), featuring a composite structure with cellulose paper (CP) as the base layer and electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers as the top layer. The nanofibers are uniformly coated with mesoporous SiO 2 nanoparticles through hydrogen bonding. The CP@SiO 2 separator leverages its three-dimensional lithium-ion channels and rigid ceramic particles to enhance electrolyte retention and stabilize lithium metal anodes (LMA). Shielded by this separator, LMA exhibits an impressive cycling performance, enduring a current density of 2 mA cm−2 for 350 h without short-circuiting, effectively doubling the cycle life compared to conventional PP separators. Furthermore, the Li/LiFePO 4 cell utilizing the CP@SiO 2 separator demonstrates a high capacity of 101 mAh·g−1 at 5C, with 90 % capacity retention after 1000 cycles. This outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the compatible anode/separator interface and the effective inhibition of lithium dendrite growth. The research presented in this work capitalizes on a synergistic configuration design, offering a promising pathway towards the development of high-safety and advanced lithium-ion separators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Investigation of sluggish redox kinetics and polysulfide shuttling is crucial to design advanced lithium sulfur battery. Cerium oxide (CeO 2) has remarkable polysulfide adsorption capability and has been recently investigated in lithium sulfur battery application. With the goal of bridging towards commercialization of lithium sulfur battery, cellulose paper derived carbon fiber decorated with CeO 2 nanorods using hydrothermal method has been fabricated and used as interlayer material for lithium sulfur battery. In this novel design, the carbon fiber provides physical confinement with its 3-D interconnected conductive structure and CeO 2 adsorbs lithium polysulfides chemically to reduce shuttle effect to achieve long lifetime and high capacity for lithium sulfur battery. With a sulfur content of 2 mg, a high capacity of 1177 mAhg−1 was achieved at 0.2C with an excellent stability of only 0.11% capacity decay per cycle over 300 cycles. The improved performance is attributed to the binding of lithium polysulfides by CeO 2 and the blocking of polysulfides physically by the compact conducting carbon fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How do people adapt to others in adversarial settings? Prior work has shown that people often violate rational models of adversarial decision-making in repeated interactions. In particular, in mixed strategy equilibrium (MSE) games, where optimal action selection entails choosing moves randomly, people often do not play randomly, but instead try to outwit their opponents. However, little is known about the adaptive reasoning that underlies these deviations from random behavior. Here, we examine strategic decision-making across repeated rounds of rock, paper, scissors, a well-known MSE game. In experiment 1, participants were paired with bot opponents that exhibited distinct stable move patterns, allowing us to identify the bounds of the complexity of opponent behavior that people can detect and adapt to. In experiment 2, bot opponents instead exploited stable patterns in the human participants' moves, providing a symmetrical bound on the complexity of patterns people can revise in their own behavior. Across both experiments, people exhibited a robust and flexible attention to transition patterns from one move to the next, exploiting these patterns in opponents and modifying them strategically in their own moves. However, their adaptive reasoning showed strong limitations with respect to more sophisticated patterns. Together, results provide a precise and consistent account of the surprisingly limited scope of people's adaptive decision-making in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper [39] uses the Craig-Wayne-Bourgain method to construct solutions of an elliptic problem involving parameters. The results of [39] include regularity assumptions on the perturbation and involve excluding parameters. The paper [39] also constructs response solutions to a quasi-periodically perturbed (ill-posed evolution) problem. In this paper, we use several classical methods (freezing of coefficients, alternative methods for nonlinear elliptic equations) to extend the results of [39]. We weaken the regularity assumptions on the perturbation and we describe the phenomena that happens for all parameters. In the ill-posed problem, we use a recently developed time-dependent center manifold theorem which allows to reduce the problem to a finite-dimensional ODE with quasi-periodic dependence on time. The bounded and sufficiently small solutions of these ODE give solutions of the ill-posed PDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Soybean-oil-based polymer is a promising bio-based water barrier coating on paper packaging but the application is challenged due to its poor water dispersibility. In this present study, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was used to implement a stable dispersion of acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) in water and thus synergistically improved the water vapor barrier properties after coating on paper. APTES-NCC was successfully prepared, and displayed a better interface compatibility with AESO through the Michael addition reaction. Compared with NCC, APTES-NCC displayed an improved hydrophobicity and wettability with AESO, with an increase of contact angle from 38.0° to 76.4°, and a decrease of interfacial tension from 91.5 ± 3.5 mN/m to 82.9 ± 1.8 mN/m. As an emulsifier, APTES-NCC can be more effectively adsorbed on the oil–water interface to form a more stable emulsion than NCC, with a decrease of AESO droplets size from 4.8 µm to 3.1 µm, and a remarkable improvement in static and centrifugal stability. In rheological measurement, the APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion showed a wider linear viscoelastic region (3.4%), better viscoelasticity and thermal curing properties than that of NCC/AESO emulsion, which further explained that the stability of APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion were improved. Therefore, APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion as a coating on paper cured into a continuous barrier film can effectively improve the water vapor barrier properties of paper, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of paper can be reduced from 1392.8 g/m2•24 h (NCC/AESO emulsion-coated) to 1286.3 g/m2 24 h (APTES-NCC/AESO emulsion-coated), both are significantly lower than that of base paper (1926.7 g/m2•24 h). CLSM testing showed that APTES-NCC could interact effectively with AESO to forming a tight barrier on paper surface and at the same time, sealing the pores inside the paper to resist water vapor penetration. The high-stable AESO emulsion prepared by APTES-NCC is expected to facilitate the utilization of NCC and AESO as a value-added material in making sustainable barrier packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As promising energy storage equipment, Zn-air battery exhibits the advantage of high energy density, lightweight and compact structure over other rechargeable batteries, which is an ideal choice for electric vehicles. For Zn-air battery, the activity of air cathode plays an important role in its performance. Here, we report the fabrication of Co 3 O 4 based bulky electrode with three-dimensional mesoporous carbon as matrix, which originates from cheap filter paper precursor. This electrode exhibits excellent activity and durability in oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process, which possesses small half-wave potential (ORR 1/2 = 0.811 V) and low overpotential (OER 10 = 1.518 V) for ORR and OER, respectively. With this electrode as air cathode directly, a rechargeable Zn-air battery is assembled successfully. During discharge process, the maximum power density of this Zn-air battery achieves 71 mW cm−2. Furthermore, it also exhibits high specific capacity (828 mAh g−1 at 20 mA cm−2, 544 mAh g−1 at 50 mA cm−2) and small voltage gap (0.91 V at 10 mA cm−2) in charge and discharge process. As a rechargeable battery, it also shows promising stability after long time charge-discharge experiments. Thus, we find out a simple and convenient method to fabricate cheap and effective bi-functional air cathode for rechargeable Zn-air battery. Graphical abstract A Co 3 O 4 electrode was fabricated with Co(NO 3) 2 ·6H 2 O and filter paper as precursors, which exhibits excellent ORR and OER activities. It was employed as air cathode in Zn-air battery. fx1 Highlights • Filter paper was employed as precursor to fabricate Co 3 O 4 electrode. • 3D mesoporous electrode with N-doped carbon as matrix is obtained. • The electrode exhibits excellent ORR and OER activities. • The electrode is employed as air cathode in Zn-air battery directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over time, the risk assessment of dermal exposure to pollutants in print paper products has received considerable attention. Most studies have focused on organic pollutants, especially bisphenol A (BPA). However, little is known about the levels of trace elements in print paper products, despite the knowledge that these elements are components of printing inks and toners. This study was aimed at determining the concentrations of trace elements in 5 types of paper products, namely bulletins, magazines, special events program booklets, handbills, and newspapers. The average daily intake (ADI) of each element was subsequently estimated through dermal exposure to the papers. The detection frequency of the elements of interest was high (nearly 100%) in most paper products, with the exception of chromium, whose detection was low. In contrast, Ag was not detected in any sample. The levels of the elements in the paper products were low and comparable to those found in other personal and consumer products with the potential for skin contact. The range values of estimated ADIs were 1.70–3.90E-08, 2.30–18.2E-10, 2.60–16.4E-09, 3.65–5.75E-08, 1.29–4.38E-08, 6.23–15.6E-10, 1.51–2.80E-10, 1.43–9.16E-09, 0.00–9.47E-09, and 4.68–220E-08 mg/kg bw/day for Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Cr and Fe respectively. These values were well below the dermal standard reference doses (R f D) for each element. The present results indicate that dermal exposure to trace elements from print paper products was low and does not pose significant risks for toxic (non-carcinogenic) effects on humans. • Previous efforts have focused on the risk assessment of organic contaminants in print paper products. • Limited attention accorded to risk assessment of trace elements in print paper products • Human dermal exposure to trace elements via print paper products was low • Exposure to trace elements via print paper products has low risks of non-carcinogenic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specific catalysts, namely ZIF-67 (zeolitic imidazolate framework-67), Co@NCF (Co@Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), and 3D NCF (Three-Dimensional Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Framework), were prepared and studied for pulp and paper mill effluent degradation using heterogeneous activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Numerous characterizations, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and N 2 adsorption, were used to characterize the properties of three different catalysts. 3D NCF is remarkably effective at heterogeneous activation of PMS to generate sulfate radicals to degrade pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) compared to the other as-prepared catalysts. The catalytic activity reveals a sequence of 3D NCF > Co@NCF > ZIF-67.3D NCF could degrade organic pollutants in 30 min at an initial COD concentration of 1146 mg/L of PPME, 0.2 g/L catalysts, 2 g/L PMS, and 50 °C. Consequently, it was observed that the degradation of PPME using 3D NCF followed first-order kinetics, with an activation energy of 40.54 kJ mol−1. Overall, 3D NCF/PMS system reveals promising performance for PPME removal. • 3D NCF synthesized via calcining and etching a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67). • 3D NCF presented the highest activity in the pulp and paper mill effluent degradation. • 3D NCF proved to be a promising catalyst and has superior stability. • Pulp and paper mill effluent degradation on 3D NCF followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the interfacial dispersion and suspension stability is crucial for magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2) nanomaterials in the long-term deacidification of paper-based cultural relics. However, because of the low specific surface area and the poor solvent compatibility of as-prepared large-sized Mg(OH) 2 , it often tends to agglomerate and settle down during the usage and storage, that is harmful for paper protection due to its unevenly deacidification and nonuniformly distribution on paper cellulose. Herein, we propose a feasible preparation of colloidal Mg(OH) 2 ultrathin nanoflakes with high dispersion stability via a simple one-step surfactant-assisted strategy. The surfactant acts as both a structure-direct agent to confine the growth of Mg(OH) 2 with rich active sites and a surface modifier to enhance its solvent adaptability and dispersion stability, avoiding the common fussy procedure with additional steric stabilizer. Owing to the evenly interaction with free acid species therein and the uniformly distribution on the paper fiber as alkaline reserve, the as-obtained Mg(OH) 2 presents the superior paper protection performance characterized by its safer pH of 7.29 for the original aged paper (pH = 5.03) and the excellent long-term anti-acidification effect with competitive pH of 5.47 after accelerated-aging at 105 °C for 5 months. Furthermore, Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with surfactant-modified structure also endue them as an improved flame retardant for multifunctional paper protection. The protection with Mg(OH) 2 has little effect on the paper surface properties and cellulose crystallinity, in line with the principle of least intervention. This work will put forward a feasible way toward colloidal Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with excellent paper protection performance, shedding light on the development of emerging protection materials for paper-based cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]