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Review papers help researchers understand the direction and flow of research and help beginners quickly acquire relevant knowledge. Therefore, the review paper should describe only accurate contents and should be written with only core and important matters. Recently, Othmani et al. (2022) reviewed more than 200 papers related to the adsorptive removal of three harmful pollutants: toxic organics (phenols), anionic heavy metal (Cr(VI)) and cationic heavy metal (Cd(II)) by agricultural waste materials. However, Cr(VI)-related section of this review is missing something important that should be provided to the readers of this journal. In fact, the removal mechanism of Cr(VI) by nonliving biomass including agricultural waste materials under acidic conditions is not a simple anion adsorption but a complex mechanism involving redox reaction called "adsorption-coupled reduction". Therefore, when interpreting the factors affecting Cr(VI) removal, it should be interpreted in terms of the redox reaction concept, not anion adsorption. • Reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) by agricultural waste materials. • Complex mechanism called "adsorption-coupled reduction". • Interpretation of experimental data with reduction reaction concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The phenomenon of periodic self-imaging of optical beams graded-index (GRIN) fibers was studied during the 1970s and was exploited to commercialize the GRIN lens. It has been found in recent years that the periodic self-imaging also affects the nonlinear propagation of optical pulses inside multimode GRIN fibers. • We present the theory of self-imaging in linear GRIN fibers using a modal expansion approach. It is shown that the optical field at any point inside the fiber can be written without any reference to the fiber modes as a two-dimensional integration over the input field using a propagation kernel that is similar to that found in diffraction theory. However, this kernel has a specific property that reproduces the input field precisely in a periodic fashion along the length of a GRIN fiber (self-imaging). • We apply this kernel to study the propagation of a Gaussian beam and discuss how self-imaging is modified by self-focusing produced by the Kerr nonlinearity. We then consider propagation of the continuous and pulsed Gaussian beams inside a GRIN fiber and discuss how self-imaging affects the modulation instability, leads to the formation of GRIN solitons, and produces novel temporal and spectral features when short optical pulses are launched that are intense enough to form high-order solitons. The phenomenon of periodic self-imaging of optical beams, occurring inside any graded-index (GRIN) medium, was studied during the decade of the 1970s and was exploited to commercialize the GRIN lens. It has been found in recent years that the periodic self-imaging also affects the nonlinear propagation of optical pulses inside multimode GRIN fibers. In this paper, we first present the theory of self-imaging in linear GRIN fibers using a modal expansion approach. It is shown that the optical field at any point inside the fiber can be written without any reference to the fiber modes as a two-dimensional integration over the input field using a propagation kernel that is similar to that found in diffraction theory. However, this kernel has a specific property that reproduces the input field precisely in a periodic fashion along the length of a GRIN fiber (self-imaging). We apply this kernel to study the propagation of a Gaussian beam and discuss how self-imaging is modified by self-focusing produced by the Kerr nonlinearity. We then consider propagation of the continuous and pulsed Gaussian beams inside a GRIN fiber and discuss how self-imaging affects the modulation instability, leads to the formation of GRIN solitons, and produces novel temporal and spectral features when short optical pulses are launched that are intense enough to form high-order solitons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Errors are found in model coefficients for mathematical representations. • NRTL model coefficients fail to back-calculated observed solubility. • Coefficients of NRTL model were re-analyzed. Abstract Errors were discovered regarding the published equation coefficients of Yao and co-workers (2017) for mathematically describing the solubility of 3,5-dimethylpyrazole in nine organic solvents using the NRTL model. Larger differences were found between our back-calculated data and those reported in the authors' published paper. The equation parameters were re-regressed based on the reported solubility data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly catalytic two dimensional and metal-doped two-dimensional nanomaterials (MoS 2 and NiMoS) were deposited over free-standing graphene (FSG) paper using electrodeposition method and subsequently used as a counter electrode in quasi solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (q-DSSCs). The replacement of FTO by FSG facilitates high electrical conductivity and electrodeposited metal sulphides provide electrocatalytic activity. The morphology, structural phase formation and chemical composition of FSG-MoS 2 and FSG-NiMoS were investigated using FESEM, XRD, Raman and XPS analysis. The electrochemical behavior of metal sulphide decorated FSG cathodes is investigated using an electrochemical workstation and their effects on the photo-conversion efficiency of DSSCs were assessed. NiMoS with FSG substrate is an intriguing counter electrode material that can be utilized at low fabrication cost than the conventional platinum-based counter electrodes. FSG along with the metallic-two dimensional nanoparticles (NiMoS) functions as an effective catalytic material thereby allowing DSSCs to achieve enhanced efficiency of ∼7% to provide better alternative of FTO and Pt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food contact materials (FCM) are estimated to be the largest source of food contamination. Apart from plastics, the most commonly used FCM are made of printed paper and board. Unlike their plastic counterparts, these are not covered by a specific European regulation. Several contamination issues have raised concerns towards potential adverse health effects caused by exposure to substances migrating from printed paper and board FCM. In the current study, an inventory combining the substances which may be used in printed paper and board FCM, was created. More than 6000 unique compounds were identified, the majority (77%) considered non-evaluated in terms of potential toxicity. Based on a preliminary study of their physicochemical properties, it is estimated that most of the non-evaluated single substances have the potential to migrate into the food and become bioavailable after oral intake. Almost all are included in the FACET tool, indicating that their use in primary food packaging has been confirmed by industry. Importantly, 19 substances are also present in one of the lists with substances of concern compiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). To ensure consumer safety, the actual use of these substances in printed paper and board FCM should be investigated urgently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of heat-induced antigen retrieval technologies with Tris-EDTA buffer has dramatically improved immunostaining of specific antigens for routine immunohistochemical detection (Krenacs et al., 2010) [1]. However, little evidence exists on whether heat-Induced antigen retrieval utilizing Tris-EDTA buffer can strip western blot (WB) membranes and allow sequential reprobing. Here, we serendipitously discover that ∼95 °C Tris-EDTA buffer with 0.01% Tween 20 could repeatedly strip the Nitrocellulose membranes (NC). After electroblotting, NC blots were soaked into Tris-EDTA stripping buffer (∼95 °C, 10–25min) and we could perform at least five rounds (the following antibodies used: Vinculin, Atg7, Caspase-3, UBA5, JNK and ERK1/2) stripping in sequential chemiluminescent detections. The NC membranes also show clear western signals and background without losing transferred proteins during the reprobing process of WB. Hence, this study report additional new roles of the heat-Induced antigen retrieval Tris-EDTA buffer with 0.01% Tween 20. The method is simpler, more affordable and harmless for the nitrocellulose paper, which will be helpful for effective reprobing in western blotting applications. [Display omitted] • We discover that heat-induced antigen retrieval technologies can strip the NC blots repeatedly up to 5 times. • Modified stripping protocol is composed of 0.1 M Tris, 0.01 M EDTA and 0.01% Tween-20 (pH 9.0–9.5). • The stripping buffer is easier and more efficient for probing different proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pulp and paper industry consumes a huge amount of water and releases more polluted and colored wastewater every year. Many conventional techniques are used in the treatment of paper industry wastewater. However, for color removal from paper mill effluent, there is no proven method so far, on an industrial scale. Due to high energy input and high cost, there is an urgent need to find out a new technique that must be sustainable, economical, and environment friendly. Various methods have been investigated on bench scale and pilot scale also but no proven method for color removal on an industrial scale. The paper provides an overview of the color removal techniques from different sources of pulp and paper mill wastewater discharged by various industries. The review described various components involved in various processes for color removal from paper mill waste water. The present works focus on processes like chemical, chemical/physical, biological, physicochemical, and electrochemical applied in color removal from paper mill wastewater. The present review gives key information on the effectiveness, use, betterment, and limitations of numerous methods of treatment targeted at color removal from paper mill wastewater using various techniques still under evolution. • A critical study made on color removal from paper mill effluent using various methods. • Examined color removal efficiencies using conventional and advanced techniques. • Study on Cost analysis in color removal from paper mill effluent. • Future research suggestions described for better implementation of the processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of doping of ZnO and Nb 2 O 5 solids with Fe 2 O 3 (1.4 wt%) and Ag 2 O (1.4 wt%) on its surface and catalytic properties were investigated, as well as its photocatalytic performance on the degradation of a pulp and paper wastewater (PPW). The catalysts were characterized by XRD, SEM, photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), NH 3 -TPD and textural analysis. The results obtained revealed that Fe 2 O 3 doping of Nb 2 O 5 conducted at 500 °C resulted in an increase of about 116% for S BET while Ag 2 O treatment exerted a decrease of 33% for S BET of the doped adsorbents. Doping ZnO with Fe 2 O 3 or Ag 2 O led to an increase of 80% for S BET . Iron and silver doping also led to a decrease in band gap energy of at least 6%. The addition of 1.4 wt% Ag 2 O on ZnO followed by calcination at 500 °C resulted in an increase of 11% in the value of the reaction rate constant ( k ap ) for COD reduction under UV radiation. The treatment of Nb 2 O 5 with 1.4 wt% Ag 2 O increased by a factor of 2.04 the value of k ap for the reaction taking place under VIS radiation. The catalysts partially reduced the organic load and the real colour of the wastewater, allowing the achievement of the specifications for release into rivers, so photocatalysis could be an alternative for pulp and paper wastewater final polishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 are serious and global concerns from the past to the present. To isolate the spread of infectious diseases even in the absence of a health system, a simple, inexpensive, reliable, sensitive, and selective molecular diagnosis platform for Point of Care Test (POCT) is required. Especially, the nucleic acid extraction step is difficult to perform out of laboratory. Here, we propose a paper-based lysis (PBL) strip for nucleic acid extraction, especially in low-resource settings (LRS). PBL strips are suitable for isolating RNA from viruses with biological interference and inhibitors. We optimized the buffer compositions and membranes of the strip. A simple preparation method using a PBL strip could obtain an eluent for downstream inspection within 20 min. Overall, 10 4 copies/swaps were detected for 20 min for amplification in combination with Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Amplification (RT-LAMP). [Display omitted] • A simple preparation method with a paper-based strip need only 3 steps. • The strip filters the proteins and concentrates the RNA. • Early SARS-CoV-2 patients were detectable through the RT-LAMP within 20 min. • The preparation with the strip is a low-cost process ($ 0.84/sample). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPADs) immunoassay for detection of the blood native biomarker D-dimer is reported. The μPAD is created by wax printing on a single piece of chromatographic paper and combined with an anti-D-dimer capture antibody and conjugates of anti-D-dimer antibody with 40 nm gold nanoparticles. The presence of D-dimer in buffer/simulated plasma samples is successfully reported for concentrations as low as 15 ng D-dimer/mL. Linearity between signal intensity and D-dimer concentration is observed up to 100 ng/mL. Using an appropriate dilution, the test could be used to yield positive results only for those samples with a D-dimer concentration above the clinically relevant threshold range of 250–500 ng/mL. Finally, the merits and pitfalls of using μPADs as compared to lateral flow devices in immunoassays are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pulp and paper mills are one of the major effluent generating industries in the world. In most cases, mill effluent (treated or raw) is discharged back into a river, creek, stream or other water body; resulting in negative environmental impacts, as well as social concerns, among the downstream users. Pulp and paper mill effluent management, which could result in zero discharge into downstream water bodies, would present the best management option to address socio-environmental concerns. This paper presents such an effort aimed at closing the water cycle by using treated effluent from the mill to irrigate forage and fodder crops for producing animals feed. The treated effluent is delivered from the mill through gravity into a winter storage dam of 490ML capacity. For irrigation applications on 110ha of farmland, which is 42% of the total farmland, the water is pumped from the winter storage dam to five individual paddocks with Centre Pivot (CP) irrigators and one rectangular paddock with a Soft Hose Travelling (SHT) irrigator. From October 2001 to June 2006, a total of 2651mm of wastewater was applied at the farm. The impact assessment results, obtained from field monitoring, investigations and analysis, indicated that the closed water cycle effluent management strategy described had resulted in a lessening of the impact on water resources usually associated with paper mills. However, social attitudes to the use of crops that have been irrigated with recycled waters and the resulting impact on market value of the produce may still be a major consideration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Land-use change in the boreal forest region leads to agriculture to be carried out on acid, shallow and low fertility soils. To correct soil fertility and promote crop productivity, manure and inorganic fertilizers are added, increasing the risk for greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). To reduce the reliance on synthetic soil amendments while taking advantage of locally relevant industrial by-products, wood ash (WA) and paper sludge (SL) have been proposed as soil amendments for a range of soil types. We posited that amending soils with WA , SL and biochar will improve soil health parameters and fertility of boreal soils. Microbial activity resulting to nitrogen losses and availability were assessed. WA had a stronger ameliorative effect on acid boreal soils compared to SL. Both WA and SL increased soil microbial biomass and basal respiration resulting in higher net mineralization and thus significant increases in CO 2 emissions. Co-application of urea with WA or SL further increased net mineralization compared to when used independently. Conversely, the biochar's effect was short-lived and not significant. Nevertheless, addition of biochar was shown to reduce CO 2 emissions in all cases except in WA amended soils. No significant differences were observed in CH 4 emissions across all treatments. WA and SL may improve soil fertility and quality but could also contribute significantly to GHG emissions in acid boreal soils. Further research is recommended to assess the mitigating effect of various biochar feedstocks on GHG emissions when co-applied with WA and SL. • The effect of wood ash and paper sludge on acid soils was tested in incubation tests. • Both increased the soil microbial biomass, respiration, and net mineralization. • Greenhouse gas emissions were larger for paper sludge amended soils. • Supplementing biochar to wood ash increased soil CO 2 fluxes. • Supplementing biochar to paper sludge or limestone ash reduced soil CO 2 fluxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chymotrypsin (CHT) is an important proteolytic enzyme that can quickly decompose denatured proteins. Herein, we reported a new, simple, rapid method for the detection of CHT and its inhibitors by a paper-based flow sensor for the first time. The principle of the sensor is the interconversion of solidification and dissolution of gelatin. Generally, the 3D structure of gelatin can be enzymatically hydrolyzed by CHT releasing internal water, leading to a gradual increase in the water mark coverage area. Conversely, water cannot be released and the water mark coverage area is 0 in the absence of CHT, which is attributed to the water being trapped in the gelatin hydrogel. The limit of detection of CHT is determined to be 0.8 U/mL. In addition, the detection of CHT in milk, screening of CHT inhibitors and determination of Bowman-Birk inhibitors in soymilk were successfully achieved. Interestingly, the sensor only requires gelatin hydrogel, pH indicator strips, and PVC plates. In summary, a rapid, high-throughput, low-cost strategy for the detection of CHT and screening of CHT inhibitors was developed. Moreover, this method also allows the detection of CHT in non-transparent samples such as milk and soymilk. Paper-based flow sensors are highly promising for applications in food quality control, new medicine discovery and disease diagnosis, which also have a high potential for commercialization. [Display omitted] • Gelatin hydrogel can be enzymatically hydrolyzed by chymotrypsin. • Paper-based flow sensor can detect the concentration of chymotrypsin in milk. • The sensor can determine the content of Bowman-Birk inhibitor in soymilk. • The screening of functional compounds from foods can be finished by the sensor. • The sensor only requires gelatin hydrogel, pH indicator strips and PVC substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this study, levels of inflammatory protein biomarkers in venous plasma, plasma derived from capillary blood from the earlobe, and capillary plasma stored as dried plasma spots (DPS) were compared. Samples from 12 male individuals were assessed with a panel of 92 inflammation-related proteins using multiplex proximity extension assay. Correlations between sample types varied greatly between analytes. A high correlation of ρ > 0.8 was observed between capillary plasma and DPS for 32 analytes. At this level of correlation, 13 analytes correlated between venous and capillary plasma and 5 analytes in the comparison of venous blood with DPS. Highlights • Measurement of an inflammation protein panel in three sample sources. • Earlobe plasma as a less invasive alternative sample source than venous plasma. • Protein measurement in capillary plasma stored as dried plasma spots (DPS). • Correlation value of ρ > 0.8 between capillary earlobe plasma and DPS for 32 analytes. • Correlation value of ρ > 0.8 between venous and capillary earlobe plasma for 13 analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Advanced practice providers (APPs) possess multiple skill sets utilized for gynecologic oncology care. • With the aging population and future physician shortage, APPs are critical to providing gynecologic oncology care. • APPs provide revenue and add value to a gynecologic oncology practice. Understanding the nuances is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence shows that cholesterol management either reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or slows down its progression. Hence, it is important that all health professionals make appropriate use of all the available intervention strategies to control risk factors: from dietary improvement and positive lifestyle changes to the use of functional foods, food supplements, and drugs. This review examines the effect of the most frequently occurring cholesterol-lowering substances in functional foods or in supplements across Europe, namely plant sterols and stanols, monacolin K found in red yeast rice, berberine and beta-glucans. We conclude that currently available supplements and functional foods can effectively reduce plasma LDL cholesterol levels by about 5 to 25%, either alone or in combination. Suitable candidates for these products are mainly individuals at low absolute cardiovascular risk at a young age or according to classic algorithms. Of note, despite being freely available for purchase, these products should be used following shared agreement between the physician and the patient (“concordance”). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ecolabeled paper towels are manufactured using post-consumer recycled material and sold in markets using a recycle logo. Environmentally conscious consumers purchase these paper towels and thereby contribute to improving environmental quality. In this paper, we estimate the implicit value placed by consumers on ecolabeled paper towels using a hedonic price function and conduct an expenditure analysis using Heckman''s selection model. Using the data set from the Internet-based grocery stores called as Peapod we find that some consumers recognize ecolabels on paper towels and place a substantial, positive price premium on them. The expenditure analysis indicates that for the preferred functional form, the demand for ecolabeled paper towels is inelastic for environmentally conscious consumers. The simulated results from the selection model indicate that a small subsidy for ecolabeled paper towels will not substantially change consumers'' purchase decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Escherichia coli O157: H7 ( E. coli O157: H7) has become one of the most dangerous foodborne pathogenic bacteria around the world. Currently, because of the tedious, high-cost and stringent laboratory conditions required, the conventional E. coli O157: H7 detection methods, such as culture-based methods and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have much limitation. Thus, we developed a novel paper-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (p-ELISA) with shorter operation duration, lower cost, relatively higher sensitivity and wider application. This method required less than 3 h and 5 μL of sample to complete the detection. The limit of detection (LOD) for E. coli O157: H7 reached 1 × 10 4 CFU/mL with high specificity. To be more suitable for on-site testing, the readout could be rapidly obtained without any expensive instruments. In this study, we chose E. coli O157:H7 as the representative, and our method could provide a platform for determination of other pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis Due to their highly retentive properties, innovative recently developed, semi-interpenetrated hydrogels made up of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) chains embedded in a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (p(HEMA)) network should be efficiently used as cleaning material for fragile and degraded paper artworks. In restoration practice, indeed the wet cleaning of these artworks is usually performed by immersion of paper in water, a procedure which may lead to several drawbacks, including paper fibers swelling and dissolution of water-soluble original components. Experiments This class of gels were yet presented in literature, but their interactions with paper materials and ability to be spiked with active enzymes (as cleaning agents), have not been analyzed. To establish the suitability of these hydrogels as paper cleaning materials, first, a rheological and microstructural characterization of the gels was performed. Moreover, diffusion of macromolecules inside gels was studied using fluorescence microscopy, to check if these innovative hydrogels can be used as carriers for hydrolytic enzymes. Indeed, pastes and glues are usually found in old paper artworks, and their removal is a very delicate operation that requires a selective action, which is granted by specific hydrolytic enzymes. At the same time, spectroscopic analyses on paper samples under investigation before and after cleaning treatment has been performed, thus assessing the capabilty of these gels as cleaning materials. Findings With the aim of demonstrating the versatility of these hydrogels, several case studies, i.e., the removal of grime and water-soluble cellulose degradation byproducts, the removal of animal glue and the removal of starch paste from real samples, are presented. Results obtained with these gels have been compared to those obtained by using another gel used for paper artworks cleaning, i.e., Gellan gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A macroscopic urea-functionalized CdS (CdS-U) is synthesized for the first time. The CdS-U material is formed through the interaction between NH 2 / NH groups on urea and COO − groups on sodium oleate-capped CdS nanoparticles (CdS-So NPs). The CdS-U material exhibites excellent visible light photocatalytic activity and plasticity and has the potential to be produced as rewritable papers. It is convenience to produce a large-scale film by CdS-U. Letters can be written on the CdS-U film and disappear through a dissolution-irradiation process, and then the CdS-U film can be recycled by drying. This novel CdS-U material might be of interest and provide a new chance to advance the application of visible light photocatalyst on rewritable papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We show that paper-folding words contain arbitrarily large abelian powers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a receding horizon optimal control (RHOC) method with an economic objective function for balancing the cost of resources (resource use × cost) with income through yield (yield × product price). This paper considers the two elements that determine the income through yield. The first element is yield and associated fruit development. A new, computationally viable, approach to model the income through yield is proposed and its prediction accuracy with respect to the original model is evaluated. The new approach employs a model that predicts at each time step, the future income through yield based on the assimilates partitioned to the fruits at the current time step. Simulations suggest that the assumptions made to arrive at the model for the new approach, do not significantly affect the accuracy of the predictions. The second element considered in this paper is the product price and the uncertainty inherent in its forecasts. Historical product price data are used to generate artificial product price forecasts. An uncertainty analysis, in combination with the artificial product price forecasts, showed that the product price forecast error does not considerably affect the optimised control strategy. Season-wide simulations with RHOC suggest that the product price forecast error does not considerably affect the value of the economic objective function. • A computationally viable approach to model the income through yield is proposed. • The new approach to model income through yield allows for RHOC with a short horizon. • Historical product price data are used to create artificial product price forecasts. • Product price forecast errors do not considerably affect the control strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obligate social parasite insects are specialized in exploiting the parental service of the workers of another social species by invading their colonies. As social insects are usually aggressive towards intruders, social parasites have to circumvent the host’s nestmate recognition system to enter the host colony successfully. Many studies on paper wasps have shown that, after host nest invasion, Polistes social parasites change their chemical profile to match the host’s odour, thus allowing their acceptance into its colony. However, a social parasite’s usurpation strategy may benefit from signals that reduce or eliminate the aggression of the host. We used lure presentation experiments to investigate whether Polistes sulcifer, a social parasite of the paper wasp P. dominulus, is able to reduce the aggressive reaction of its host. We found that the parasite lure elicited lower host aggressiveness than the conspecific lure, suggesting that parasite species have evolved cues able to inhibit host aggressiveness. We investigated separately the effects of chemical and visual patterns on host aggressiveness. The lower host reaction to the parasite lure was not due to chemical cues, but was elicited by the visual facial pattern of the parasite. Experimental manipulation of this visual pattern demonstrated that the black lower part of the clypeus of the parasite is the trait able to reduce host aggression. This pattern can be considered an honest signal since it visually amplifies the mandibular width, giving information about the parasite’s dangerousness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper tests whether adopting the international norm ISO 14001 significantly impacts environmental performance in Quebec''s pulp and paper industry. Using monthly data collected from 37 plants between 1997 and 2003, we show that: (i) ISO certification does not lead to a reduction in total suspended solid emissions or in quantity of rejected process water; (ii) discharge of biological oxygen demand decreases by about 9% following certification; (iii) contrary to the group of plants that did not adopt the ISO norm, the adopting plants did not experience a significant negative trend in emissions over our sample period. Moreover, our results show that the impact of ISO is very variable across adopting plants. If some plants considerably reduce emissions following certification, we find that most adopters either maintain or even increase emissions after being ISO accredited. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a common condition affecting around 10–25% of the general adult population, 15% of children, and even > 50% of individuals who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is a major cause of liver-related morbidity, and cardiovascular (CV) mortality is a common cause of death. In addition to being the initial step of irreversible alterations of the liver parenchyma causing cirrhosis, about 1/6 of those who develop NASH are at risk also developing CV disease (CVD). More recently the acronym MAFLD (Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease) has been preferred by many European and US specialists, providing a clearer message on the metabolic etiology of the disease. The suggestions for the management of NAFLD are like those recommended by guidelines for CVD prevention. In this context, the general approach is to prescribe physical activity and dietary changes the effect weight loss. Lifestyle change in the NAFLD patient has been supplemented in some by the use of nutraceuticals, but the evidence based for these remains uncertain. The aim of this Position Paper was to summarize the clinical evidence relating to the effect of nutraceuticals on NAFLD-related parameters. Our reading of the data is that whilst many nutraceuticals have been studied in relation to NAFLD, none have sufficient evidence to recommend their routine use; robust trials are required to appropriately address efficacy and safety. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using data from the North Carolina School Asthma Survey about the respiratory health of 64,432 adolescents attending public schools in North Carolina and data provided by school employees about the environmental health conditions of the school buildings, we assessed the prevalence of daytime wheezing during the past year among students estimated to be exposed to air pollutants arising from pulp and paper mills located near the schools. Of the schools the students attended, 14% (37/266) were located within 30 miles of one or more pulp and paper mills and odor from the mills was identified by survey respondents for 9 of the 266 schools. The prevalences of daytime wheezing in smokers and nonsmokers with household cigarette smoke exposure were elevated among students attending schools located within 30 miles of a pulp and paper mill, compared to the prevalence among students attending schools located beyond 30 miles (⩽10 miles, prevalence ratio (PR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.99, 1.43; 10–⩽30 miles, PR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.16) and among students attending schools with noticeable odor from a pulp and paper mill (PR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.31). These results indicate a possible association between paper mill location and wheezing symptoms among adolescents and suggest that community-based exposure to pulp and paper mill emissions may have a greater impact on smokers and individuals exposed to cigarette smoke in the home than on nonsmokers without such household exposure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mechanisms of inkjet ink spreading and absorption on a coated paper have been studied using a polyelectrolyte multilayering technique. By applying alternating sequences of cationic and anionic polyelectrolyte layers on a mineral coated paper, the role of the interfacial chemistry was evaluated. The polyelectrolyte multilayer was created to imitate a thin resin-like liquid-absorptive layer and to clarify the role of the charge of the protruding polyelectrolyte layer on ink spreading and colorant fixation. The formation of a thin polyelectrolyte layer and coating coverage was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A submolecular mechanical imaging of the polyelectrolyte complexes with an atomic force microscope (AFM) revealed differences in modulus and different nanosize agglomerates were identified which were ascribed to polyion complexes. The polyelectrolyte coatings significantly affect the solid–liquid interaction and particularly the ink spreading revealed as intercolor bleeding and wicking. The interfacial interaction between the ink and the applied polyelectrolyte layers showed differences between dye- and pigment-based colorants, which could be emphasized by the polyelectrolyte chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory on animal contests often assumes that individuals can rapidly and accurately assess their own resource-holding potential (RHP). In empirical work, individuals behave as if they ‘know’ their own RHP, but little is known about how such assessment occurs. Here, we test how juvenile hormone (JH) influences precontest behaviour in P. dominulus paper wasps. Previous work has shown that P. dominulus have variable black facial patterns that are a signal of agonistic ability and that JH influences fighting ability. In this experiment, we tested how JH influences rival challenge behaviour in the absence of direct social competition. Wasps were given the opportunity to challenge or avoid a model wasp guarding a patch of food. Individuals treated with the JH analogue methoprene were more likely to challenge rivals than were control individuals, and they also had a shorter latency to challenge than controls. However, hormone treatment was only one of multiple factors that influenced behaviour, suggesting that assessment prior to contests is based on the interplay between individual physiology and social context. Contest decisions were also dependent on a wasp's own facial pattern and mass, as well as the facial pattern of its rival. Interestingly, these complex assessment decisions occurred in the absence of direct social cues that could be acquired during a contest. These results are consistent with JH playing a role in self-assessment of RHP. Hormones such as JH are influenced by the physical and social environment, so they provide diverse information about relative RHP and may be commonly involved in assessment behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The surface chemical and physical character of offset paper was studied before and after application of model fountain solutions based on isopropyl alcohol and an alcohol-free surfactant solution. The paper surface features were characterised with atomic force microscopy and the surface energies were determined by contact angle measurements. Changes in the surface chemical properties induced by the fountain solutions were investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. Coated papers wetted with the surfactant solution revealed a slight increase in the root mean square roughness, but the isopropyl alcohol solution led to no observable changes. The change in sub-micro roughness is ascribed not only to substrate swelling or migration of coating constituents but also to the presence of surfactant on the surface. A change in the surface energy and particularly the polar contribution was observed after application of the surfactant solution. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed an increase in the oxygen-to-carbon ratio, which confirms the presence of surfactant on the surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy showed that the isopropyl alcohol solution did not change the elemental composition of the surface whereas the surfactant solution clearly did so. The distribution of surfactant on the surface was confirmed by mapping the characteristic fragments of the molecule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regular HIV-1 viral load monitoring is the standard of care to assess antiretroviral therapy effectiveness in resource-rich settings. Persistently elevated viral loads indicate virologic failure (VF), which warrants HIV drug resistance testing (HIVDRT) to allow individualized regimen switches. However, in settings lacking access to HIVDRT, clinical decisions are often made based on symptoms, leading to unnecessary therapy switches and increased costs of care. This work presents a proof-of-concept assay to detect M184V, the most common drug resistance mutation after first-line antiretroviral therapy failure, in a paper format. The first step isothermally amplifies a section of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase containing M184V using a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay. Then, an oligonucleotide ligation assay (OLA) is used to selectively label the mutant and wild type amplified sequences. Finally, a lateral flow enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) differentiates between OLA-labeled products with or without M184V. Our method shows 100% specificity and 100% sensitivity when tested with samples that contained 200 copies of mutant DNA and 800 copies of wild type DNA prior to amplification. When integrated with sample preparation, this method may detect HIV-1 drug resistance at a low cost and at a rural hospital laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible sweat biosensors are of considerable current interest for the development of wearable smart miniature devices. In this work, we report a novel type of flexible and electrochemical sweat platform fabricated by depositing Cu submicron buds on freestanding graphene paper (GP) carrying MoS 2 nanocrystals monolayer for bio-functional detection of glucose and lactate. Quantitative analysis of glucose and lactate was carried out by using amperometric i–t method. Linear ranges were obtained between 5 and 1775 μM for glucose and 0.01–18.4 mM for lactate, and their corresponding limits of detection were 500 nM and 0.1 μM, respectively. The platform demonstrates fast response, good selectivity, superb reproducibility and outstanding flexibility, which enable its use for monitoring glucose and lactate in human perspiration. The strategy of structurally integrating 3D transition metal, 0D transition metal sulfide and 2D graphene will provide new insight into the design of flexible electrodes for sweat glucose and lactate monitoring and a wider range of applications in biosensing, bioelectronics, and lab-on-a-chip devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper the authors consider four questions of primary interest for the representation theory of reductive algebraic groups: (i) Donkin's Tilting Module Conjecture, (ii) the Humphreys-Verma Question, (iii) whether St r ⊗ L (λ) is a tilting module for L (λ) an irreducible representation of p r -restricted highest weight, and (iv) whether Ext G 1 1 (L (λ) , L (μ)) (− 1) is a tilting module where L (λ) and L (μ) have p -restricted highest weight. The authors establish affirmative answers to each of these questions with a new uniform bound, namely p ≥ 2 h − 4 where h is the Coxeter number. Notably, this verifies these statements for infinitely many more cases. Later in the paper, questions (i)-(iv) are considered for rank two groups where there are counterexamples (for small primes) to these questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen-rich vacancies and crystalline/amorphous Ru doping CoCu+Ru 10 -LDH/NF were successfully synthesized using MOF as precursor and template. The combination of heteroatom doping, interface engineering, and defect engineering can significantly improve the conductivity, intrinsic activity, and active site utilization of the catalyst to achieve efficient OER performance. This design concept presented in this paper provides a new way to develop high performance OER electrocatalysts. [Display omitted] Reinforcing the development of efficient and robust electrocatalysts is pivotal in addressing the challenges associated with oxygen evolution reactions (OER) in water splitting technology. Here, an amorphous/crystalline low-ruthenium-doped bimetallic layered double hydroxide (LDH) electrocatalyst (a/c-CoCu + Ru x -LDH/NF) with massive oxygen vacancy on nickel foam was fabricated via ion-exchange and chemical etching, facilitating efficient OER. Among the various catalyst materials tested, the a/c-CoCu + Ru 10 -LDH/NF exhibits remarkable performance in the OER when employed in an alkaline electrolyte containing 1 M KOH. Achieving a minimal overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 of 214 mV, exhibiting a low Tafel slope value of 64.3 mV dec−1 and exceptional durability lasting for over 100 h. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the electron structure and d-band center of CoCu-LDH can be effectively regulated through the utilization of a strategy possessing abundant oxygen vacancies and a Ru-doped crystalline/amorphous heterostructure. It will lead to optimized adsorption free energy of reactants and reduced energy barriers for OER. The construction strategy proposed in this paper for catalysts with amorphous/crystalline heterointerfaces offer a novel opportunity to achieve highly efficient OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper consists of four parts. It begins by using the authors' generalized Schauder formula, [41] , and the algebraic multiplicity, χ , of Esquinas and López-Gómez [15,14,31] to package and sharpening all existing results in local and global bifurcation theory for Fredholm operators through the recent author's axiomatization of the Fitzpatrick–Pejsachowicz–Rabier degree, [42]. This facilitates reformulating and refining all existing results in a compact and unifying way. Then, the local structure of the solution set of analytic nonlinearities F (λ , u) = 0 at a simple degenerate eigenvalue is ascertained by means of some concepts and devices of Algebraic Geometry and Galois Theory, which establishes a bisociation between Bifurcation Theory and Algebraic Geometry. Finally, the unilateral theorems of [31,33] , as well as the refinement of Shi and Wang [53] , are substantially generalized. This paper also analyzes two important examples to illustrate and discuss the relevance of the abstract theory. The second one studies the regular positive solutions of a multidimensional quasilinear boundary value problem of mixed type related to the mean curvature operator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we ascertain the singular point-wise behavior of the positive solutions of a semilinear elliptic boundary value problem (1) at the critical value of the parameter, λ , where it begins its metasolution regime. As the weight function m (x) changes sign in Ω, our result is a substantial extension of a previous, very recent, result of Li et al. [8] , where it was imposed the (very strong) condition that m ≥ 0 on a neighborhood of b − 1 ({ 0 }). In this paper, we are simply assuming that m (x 0) > 0 for some x 0 ∈ b − 1 ({ 0 }). • Theorem 1.1 proves that the behavior of the solutions proved by Li et al. [8] also occurs with much weaker hypotheses. • Theorem 3.1 is a substantial extension of Theorem 2.1 of López-Gómez and Sabina de Lis [12]. • Lemma 2.1 provides a useful estimate of eigenfunctions associated to an eigenvalue problem with sign changing weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with a reaction-diffusion SIS (susceptible-infected-susceptible) epidemic model governed by a saturated incidence function and linear birth-death growth in advective environments. The related model without birth and death case has been studied in our previous work [8]. In this paper, our main purpose is to investigate the combined effects of varying total population, saturation infection mechanism and spatial heterogeneity on the transmission dynamics and spatial distribution of disease. The extinction and persistence of the infectious disease in terms of the basic reproduction number are established. We discuss the global attractivity of the equilibria in two special cases and explore the asymptotic profiles of the endemic equilibrium with respect to the dispersal and advection rates. Compared with the results for the model without birth and death in [8] , our findings indicate that the linear birth-death growth can enhance the persistence of an infectious disease and may provide some prospective applications in disease prevention and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The famous Dirac's Theorem gives an exact bound on the minimum degree of an n -vertex graph guaranteeing the existence of a hamiltonian cycle. In the same paper, Dirac also observed that a graph with minimum degree at least k ≥ 2 contains a cycle of length at least k + 1. The purpose of this paper is twofold: we prove exact bounds of similar type for hamiltonian Berge cycles as well as for Berge cycles of length at least k in r -uniform, n -vertex hypergraphs for all combinations of k , r and n with 3 ≤ r , k ≤ n. The bounds differ for different ranges of r compared to n and k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this paper is to generalize the classical Riemann zeta function to the setting of Krull monoids with torsion class groups. We provide a first study of the same generalization by extending Euler's classical product formula to the more general scenario of Krull monoids with torsion class groups. In doing so, the Decay Theorem is fundamental as it allows us to use strong atoms instead of primes to obtain a weaker version of the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic in the more general setting of Krull monoids with torsion class groups. Several related examples are exhibited throughout the paper, in particular, algebraic number fields for which the generalized Riemann zeta function specializes to the Dedekind zeta function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we focus on two aspects. First we study the initial-value problem of the Timoshenko-Fourier system with memory-type dissipation. By using the method of energy estimate combined with the technique of Fourier analysis, we obtain the decay estimates of solutions to the problem. Then we deal with the open problem proposed by N. Mori and S. Kawashima in the paper [18] entitled "Decay property of the Timoshenko-Cattaneo system" from the point view of energy estimate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A ring element a ∈ R is said to be of right stable range one if, for any t ∈ R , a R + t R = R implies that a + t b is a unit in R for some b ∈ R. Similarly, a ∈ R is said to be of left stable range one if R a + R t = R implies that a + b ′ t is a unit in R for some b ′ ∈ R. In the last two decades, it has often been speculated that these two notions are actually the same for any a ∈ R. In §3 of this paper, we will prove that this is indeed the case. The key to the proof of this new symmetry result is a certain "Super Jacobson's Lemma", which generalizes Jacobson's classical lemma stating that, for any a , b ∈ R , 1 − a b is a unit in R iff so is 1 − b a. Our proof for the symmetry result above has led to a new generalization of a classical determinantal identity of Sylvester, which will be published separately in [45]. In §§4-5, a detailed study is offered for stable range one ring elements that are unit-regular or nilpotent, while §6 examines the behavior of stable range one elements via their classical Peirce decompositions. The paper ends with a more concrete §7 on integral matrices of stable range one, followed by a final §8 with a few open questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent paper, the author defined an operation of tensor product for a large class of 2-representations of U + , the positive half of the 2-category associated to sl 2. In this paper, we prove that the operation extends to give an operation of tensor product for 2-representations of the full 2-category U : when the inputs are 2-representations of the full U , the 2-product is also a 2-representation of the full U. As in the previous paper, the 2-product is given for a simple 2-representation L (1) and an abelian 2-representation V taken from the 2-category of algebras. This is the first construction of an operation of tensor product for higher representations of a full Lie algebra in the abelian setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1903, Epstein published his proof of meromorphic continuation and a functional equation for Dirichlet series associated with quadratic forms, now called Epstein zeta-functions. However, already in 1889 (or even earlier) Hurwitz was aware of these results as his mathematical diaries and some unpublished notes (in an almost final form) found in his estate at the ETH Zurich show. In this article we present and analyze Hurwitz's notes and compare his reasoning with Epstein's paper in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uptake properties of Ni2+ were examined for unmilled and milled paper sludge calcined at various temperatures to develop a new usage of waste paper sludge. Since paper sludge mainly consists of cellulose ([C6H10O5] n ) fibers, calcite (CaCO3), kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) and talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2), amorphous and crystalline CaO(MgO)-Al2O3-SiO2 compounds are formed by calcining paper sludge. Wet and dry milling treatments were performed to accelerate solid-state reaction to form the above mentioned target compounds. The crystalline phases originally present decompose at increasing calcining temperature (up to 800°C) in the order cellulose

Pre-compiled guidelines with a static question list can stimulate critical thinking while reading a scientific paper. However, they could be less engaging than taking live question prompts from others. In this paper, we develop CReBot that interactively asks section-level critical thinking questions and customize it for routine paper readers with prior research experience and novices new to research. Our first within-subjects study with 24 routine readers demonstrates CReBot's engagement and usefulness over static guidelines. Then, with more teacher-like question-specific hints prepared for CReBot, we conduct another within-subjects study with 20 novices. The results, however, indicate that CReBot might not be better than static guidelines for beginners. Nevertheless, both user groups favor CReBot's contextualized questions and interaction flexibility. We conclude with design implications for interactive tools to facilitate critical reading. • This paper develops a CReBot that interactively prompts critical reading questions. • This paper creates a critical thinking question bank with hints for paper reading. • We show that CReBot is more useful for routine paper readers than a question list. • We show that CReBot is equally useful for research novices with a question list. • This paper provides detailed implications for interactive reading support tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight contaminants were used to perform a surrogate contamination test to evaluate safety of the process for producing recycled pulp for adult paper diapers. We performed a safety evaluation of the recycling process for producing recycled pulp following the European Food Safety Authority safety assessment for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles using recycled PET. We also compared the first tier safety limit established on the basis of TTC (C limit) in the pulp that contained recycled pulp with residual contaminant concentrations (C res). If C limit > C res, there is no concern regarding safety of the recycling process. C limit was determined to be 0.46 mg/kg-pulp based on the human exposure threshold of 0.15 μg/person/day using the scenario in which a bedridden senior citizen uses four adult paper diapers manufactured with pulp containing 10% recycled pulp per day. C res was derived from the initial concentration in used pulp (0.17 mg/kg-pulp), and decontamination rate was obtained from the surrogate contamination test. The C res of the eight contaminants were between 0.0017 and 0.10 mg/kg-pulp, which were all below the C limit of 0.46 mg/kg-pulp. These results indicated there was no safety problem regarding this process for producing recycled pulp for adult paper diapers. • A safety evaluation of the process was performed for producing recycled pulp. • The contamination by unexpected chemicals must be considered when recycling. • A surrogate contamination test was performed using eight contaminants. • The evaluation followed the EFSA safety assessment for recycled PET. • Our results indicated there was no safety problem regarding this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This comment concerns the doubtful new auxiliary equation method (Khater method) included in the above paper. We prove by simple calculation that this method is wrong. The exact solutions of the proposed nonlinear equation obtained in the above paper are all wrong. Highlights • The new auxiliary equation method is called Khater method. • We prove by simple calculation that Khater method is wrong. • We show that the exact solutions obtained in the above paper are all wrong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5G network slicing allows operators to deploy virtual connectivity services tailored for specific purposes on top of the same underlying physical infrastructure. For some 5G services, the telecommunication operator needs to provide the customer with real-time information of the end-to-end Quality of Service for a particular slice. This paper focuses on the challenges behind this target, how per-layer per-segment monitoring can be performed based on common open interfaces to standard OAM protocols, and provides practical rules to plan end-to-end latency for slices. Then it reviews a few latency engineering approaches for fronthaul traffic from work carried out in this research area. • End-to-end 5G network slicing has key implications on optical transport networks. • Providing slice users with real-time feedback of end-to-end QoS is a new 5G feature. • Integrated per-layer per-segment latency management is challenging though viable. • Open NETCONF/YANG interfaces to OAM enables multi-layer performance monitoring. • Practical rules to plan end-to-end latency for slices and fronthaul traffic are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effluent from a Chinese paper mill (pH 7.1) was concentrated, and the solid residue was dried and ground. Crude lignosulfonate was obtained as a brown powder, and a novel sand-fixation agent was synthesized by means of graft copolymerization of the lignosulfonate with acrylic acid and formaldehyde. The newly synthesized product had good water solubility, potentially good biodegradation, and produced no additional pollution. The crusts formed on shifting sands using this agent had higher crushing strength and better resistance to wind erosion than those produced with two other recently patented fixatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]