Search

Recently, resistance random access memories (RRAMs) have been studied extensively, because the demand for information storage is increasing. However, it remains challenging to obtain a flexible device because the active materials involved need to be nontoxic, nonpolluting, distortion-tolerable, and biodegradable as well adhesive to diverse flexible substrates. In this paper, tannic acid (TA) and an iron ion (FeIII ) coordination complex were employed as the active layer in a sandwich-like (Al/active layer/substrate) device to achieve memory performance. A nontoxic, biocompatible TA-FeIII coordination complex was synthesized by a one-step self-assembly solution method. The retention time of the TA-FeIII memory performance was up to 15 000 s, the yield up to 53 %. Furthermore, the TA-FeIII coordination complex can form a high-quality film and shows stable ternary memory behavior on various flexible substrates, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), printer paper, and leaf. The device can be degraded by immersing it in vinegar solution. Our work will broaden the application of organic coordination complexes in flexible memory devices with diverse substrates.

Mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) in milk powders, particularly in infant formulas, have been and continue to be a major concern to the public worldwide. These contaminants are likely derived from environmental pollution, manufacturing process and packaging materials. In this study, 23 Chinese commercial milk powder products packaged in four types of materials, i.e. metal cans, paper containers, paperboard boxes with internal bags, and aluminium foil-plastic bags, were collected and stored for 1 year. The total and surface MOH in these samples were detected and compared before and after storage to understand the MOH migration during storage, despite no mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOAH) were detected. The contents of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and polyolefin oligomeric saturated hydrocarbons (POSH) in metal cans were the least among the four packages and changed little during storage, which suggested that little MOH migration occurred in metal material. Despite all the food contact materials in the other three packagings were the aluminium foil-plastic composite, the similar low migration occurred in the aluminium foil-plastic bags and internally contained composite bag(s) in paperboard boxes. However, both total and surface MOSH and POSH easily migrated from the paper-plastic-aluminium composite of paper containers during storage. These findings are helpful for the selection of packaging materials in manufacturing milk powder products or other foods.

Aluminum (Al) has been well known as an environmental factor that may affect several enzymes and other biomolecules related to Alzheimer's disease. The increasing use of Al in the preparation and storage of food currently represents the main form of Al exposure for the general public. The present study was aimed to develop a household procedure for the rapid test determination of Al in edible jellyfish. The method was developed based on the reaction of Chrome Azurol S with Al in acidic medium, forming a colored compound on the surface of filter paper. Experimental design methodologies were used to optimize the measurement conditions. The proposed method was applied successfully to the analysis of Al in edible jellyfish products in clinical laboratory and household settings.

The recovery of DNA and fingermark evidence from the same site can be problematic on account of potential contamination from fingermark visualisation techniques, and/or the destructive capability of the DNA recovery method. Forensic investigators are therefore often required to choose which evidence type to recover, or to recover both evidence types from different sites. Research typically documents the effects of fingermark visualisation techniques on the subsequent recovery of DNA, whereas this research has investigated the effects of DNA recovery on the quality of subsequently recovered latent fingermarks. Eccrine rich, sebaceous rich, and 'normal' latent fingermarks were deposited onto five substrates: glass; aluminium; textured plastic; varnished wood; photocopier paper and aged from 4h to 4 weeks. Approximately half of the control fingermarks were developed without DNA recovery on all substrates. The remaining samples were subjected to one of five DNA recovery methods prior to fingermark development. Pre and post DNA recovered fingermarks were graded for quality, and AFIS correlations scores were obtained and analysed for statistically significant differences using Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests and Friedman tests. All of the DNA recovery methods reduced the quality of latent fingermarks on glass surfaces. Flocked swabs and gel lifts were the least destructive DNA recovery methods on the remaining surfaces, except for aluminium sheet metal. The quality of latent fingermarks deposited onto glossed wood and textured plastic and paper were less affected by dry swabbing. Wet swabbing and tape lifting were very damaging methods of DNA recovery.

The condensation product (L) of 4,4'-methylenedianiline and p-anisaldehyde acts as colorimetric sensor for Cu

This paper describes the use of aluminum and zinc as anodic materials for a battery employing nickel (II) oxide (NiO) as cathode. Comparison of both materials resulted in the development of a compact, cost effective, and easy to use primary NiO/Al battery employing an alkaline electrolyte. The system features electrodes composed of powder forms of the active materials on modified paper substrates that are contained in a simple multilayer design utilizing thin laminated plastic materials to provide structure and flexibility to the battery as well as a paper separator. Various concentrations of potassium hydroxide (KOH) electrolyte were examined and maximum performance was observed at 6 M KOH. A maximum current density and power density of 1.94 mA/cm2 and 1 mW/cm2 , respectively was achieved. This user-friendly device was able to produce a maximum capacity of 2.33 mAh/g when 2 mA/g was applied. This work demonstrates the viability of a paper-based battery featuring powder electrodes as a possible power source for microelectronic devices.

A novel Schiff base fluorescent probe 7-Hydroxy-8-(((2-(hydroxymethyl)quinolin-8-yl)imino)methyl)-coumarin (XL) consist of formylcoumarin and aminoquinoline moieties was synthesized for dual detection of Zn

Herein, we report the fast and selective detection of bilirubin by a recyclable Al(III) based post-synthetically modified MIL-53 metal–organic framework (MOF) (1-NH2@THB). Post-synthetic modification was achieved by the aldimine condensation reaction between MIL-53-NH2 and 2,3,4-trihydroxy benzaldehyde. The post-synthetically modified compound was successfully characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) experiments. The material has huge potential to detect bilirubin in HEPES buffer medium (pH = 7.4) by a fluorescence “turn-off” mechanism. The drastic quenching in the fluorescence emission intensity of the MOF material in the presence of bilirubin is due to the inner filter effect as well as molecular interactions between the MOF material and bilirubin. The probe displayed ultra-fast response (30 s), low detection limit (1.26 pM) and high selectivity towards bilirubin with the co-existence of several metal ions and biomolecules. Moreover, the real field application of the probe was thoroughly investigated in human bio-fluids (blood serum and urine samples) by the standard addition method. Furthermore, the quenching ability of the MOF material by bilirubin was also explored on a portable paper strip device. All the above discussions indicate that the probe is a potential candidate for the clinical detection of jaundice.

Biological systems with intrinsic luminescent properties serve as powerful and noninvasive bioreporters for real-time and label-free monitoring of cell physiology. This study employs the bioluminescent marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri to investigate the effects of separated microwave electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields. Using a cylindrical TM010 mode aluminum resonant cavity, designed to spatially separate E and H fields of a pulsed microwave (2.45 GHz) input, we sampled at 100-ms intervals the 490-nm emission of bioluminescence from suspensions of the V. fischeri. E-field exposure (at 4.24 and 13.4 kV/m) results in rapid and sensitive responses to 100-ms pulses. H-field excitation elicits no measurable responses, even at 100-fold higher power input levels (equivalent to 183 A/m). The observed effects on bacterial light output partially correlate with measured E-field-induced temperature increases. In conclusion, the endogenous bioluminescence of V. fischeri provides a sensitive and noninvasive method to assess the biological effects of microwave fields.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:37:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-11-05 A simple, fast, low-cost, portable, and eco-friendly method using a spot test on a paper platform, together with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, was developed and validated for the quantification of aluminum hydrochloride, a potential neurotoxic agent, in antiperspirant samples. The determination of aluminum hydrochloride was performed at a wavelength of 615 nm, by measuring consumption of the purple colorimetric reagent Alizarin S, due to reaction with aluminum. The linear range was from 10.0 to 125.0 mg L−1 and could be described by the equation: AR = 0.4479 − 0.002543 CAl (R = 0.999). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 3.06 and 10.2 mg L−1, respectively. The method was specific, accurate, and repeatable, with relative standard deviation (RSD)

En el presente artículo se identifican iniciativas de logística inversa que se han implementado a nivel mundial, para la recuperación de los envases usados de Tetra Pak, como una alternativa de sostenibilidad ambiental basada en el aprovechamiento de los componentes individualizados o en su transformación. Entre otras, se presenta una síntesis de posibilidades de separación de los materiales que conforman el envase Tetra Pak, cuyos principales componentes son el polietileno y el aluminio, así como las posibilidades de procesamiento mediante moldeo por compresión en prensa, extrusión, inyección, roto moldeo, fabricación de compuestos reforzados con fibras naturales, mezclas con otros polímeros y pulverización. Este estudio se ha realizado con el fin de favorecer principalmente el reciclaje de envases Tetra Pak en grandes volúmenes, especialmente al mostrar las diferentes posibilidades de aplicación de los subproductos del procesamiento, identificando aspectos relevantes en la transformación, la cual resulta relativamente sencilla. En diferentes procesos de manufactura se resaltan las posibilidades en el desarrollo de nuevos materiales compuestos reforzados con fibras naturales, para sustituir productos de madera en diferentes industrias, incluyendo aplicaciones en la industria automotriz y de la construcción. Aunque hoy en día es limitado el volumen de reciclaje en Colombia, se espera que en las próximas décadas mejore la jerarquía de recolección de envases Tetra Pak sobre la gestión de los residuos de otros orígenes en el país, con base en las experiencias y buenas prácticas que pueden observarse en naciones con más adelanto en esta materia, algunas con economías más desarrolladas y otras en inferiores condiciones. In this article we identify reverse logistics initiatives that have been implemented worldwide, for the recovery of used Tetra Pak packaging, as an environmental sustainability alternative based on the use of individualized components or their transformation. Among others, a synthesis of separation possibilities of the materials that make up the Tetra Pak package is presented, whose main components are polyethylene and aluminum, as well as the possibilities of processing by compression molding in press, extrusion, injection, broken molding, manufacture of compounds reinforced with natural fibers, mixtures with other polymers and spraying. This study has been carried out to favor mainly the recycling of Tetra Pak containers in large volumes, especially by showing the different possibilities of application of processing by-products, identifying relevant aspects in the transformation, which is relatively simple. In different manufacturing processes the possibilities in the development of new composite materials reinforced with natural fibers are highlighted, to replace wood products in different industries, including applications in the automotive and construction industry. Although the volume of recycling in Colombia is currently limited, it is expected that in the coming decades the hierarchy of Tetra Pak packaging collection will improve the management of waste from other sources in the country, based on experiences and good practices that can be observed in nations with more advance in this matter, some with more developed economies and others in inferior conditions. Magíster en Administración - MBA http://unidadinvestigacion.usta.edu.co Maestría

The water demand for human activities is rapidly increasing in developing countries. Under these circumstances, preserving aquatic ecosystems should be a priority which requires the development of quality criteria. In this study we perform a preliminary prioritization of the risky substances based on reported ecotoxicological studies and guidelines for the Biobio watershed (Central Chile). Our specific aims are (1) reviewing the scientific information on the aquatic pollution of this watershed, (2) determining the presence and concentration of potential toxic substances in water, sediment and effluents, (3) searching for quality criteria developed by other countries for the selected substances and (4) prioritizing the most risky substances by means of deterministic ecotoxicological risk assessment. We found that paper and mill industries were the main sources of point pollution, while forestry and agriculture were mostly responsible for non-point pollution. The most risky organic substances in the water column were pentachlorophenol and heptachlor, while the most relevant inorganic ones were aluminum, copper, unionized ammonia and mercury. The most risky organic and inorganic substances in the sediment were phenanthrene and mercury, respectively. Our review highlights that an important effort has been done to monitor pollution in the Biobio watershed. However there are emerging pollutants and banned compounds—especially in sediments—that require to be monitored. We suggest that site-specific water quality criteria and sediment quality criteria should be developed for the Biobio watershed, considering the toxicity of mixtures of chemicals to endemic species, and the high natural background level of aluminum in the Biobio.

This paper studies Fe/Al composite hydrogel electrode electrocoagulation (EC) and adsorption of alizarin red S (ARS). ARS removal efficiency and degradation mechanism when applying Fe/Al composite hydrogel electrode were investigated. The optimum experimental factors and degradation of ARS were discussed. ARS degradation was optimal operation at initial pH 3 with O2.The experimental results showed that the COD removal efficiency was better, reaching to about 90 % when applying the novel electrode system. The discoloration rate also reached the best effect of 99 % in the superior technical conditions. The optimum electrolysis time is about 30 min. Results revealed that the efficiency in the EC process with Fe/Al composite hydrogel electrodes were much better than that in conventional electrode system. In addition, Fe/Al composite hydrogel electrodes are environment-friendly material, which reuse waste and reduce cost. Hydrogel has certain iron exchange capacity to eliminate the residual metal irons. It is found that the application of ultrasonic helps to accelerate the electrocoagulation of ARS. This study not only realizes the ultrasonic, flotation, coagulation, and adsorption of the combination but also gains economy and environment. Consequently, the unique performance of Fe/Al composite hydrogel electrodes opens promising perspectives for fast, high, and economical treatment of wastewater containing dyes or/and organic contaminants.

International audience; The authors explored the risks and benefits of repeated irrigation of Populus alba saplings with aqueous paper sludge (APS). Saplings were cultivated in pots of forest soil (3 L) in a greenhouse for 7 weeks and watered twice a week with differing concentrations of APS (0, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75,and 100 % v/v with deionized water). Plant growth and ecophysiological variables along with zinc and aluminum transfer were monitored. A stimulation of plant growth was observed with sludge treatments of 30 or 50 %, significantly correlated to APS input (r = 0.81). This may be explained by the easily available nitrogen as is shown with the positive correlation of CO2 assimilation and leaf nitrogen (r = 0.70). However, a significant reduction in plant growth was observed when treatments of 75 and 100 % of APS were administered, despite a high nutritional level (nitrogen and phosphorus). The study suggests that APS concentrations from 30 to 50 % may positively affect the growth of poplar saplings; however, the higher concentrations indicated a risk for plant growth and the environment.

As an alternative to vacuum deposition, preparation of highly conductive papers with aluminum (Al) features is successfully achieved by the solution process consisting of Al precursor ink (AlH(3){O(C(4)H(9))(2)}) and low temperature stamping process performed at 110 °C without any serious hydroxylation and oxidation problems. Al features formed on several kinds of paper substrates (calendar, magazine, and inkjet printing paper substrates) are less than ~60 nm thick, and their electrical conductivities were found to be as good as thermally evaporated Al film or even better (≤2 Ω/□). Strong adhesion of Al features to paper substrates and their excellent flexibility are also experimentally confirmed by TEM observation and mechanical tests, such as tape and bending tests. The solution processed Al features on paper substrates show different electrical and mechanical performance depending on the paper type, and inkjet printing paper is found to be the best substrate with high and stable electrical and mechanical properties. The Al conductive papers produced by the solution process may be applicable in disposal paper electronics.

Material conversion from paper sludge ash (PSA) in NaOH solution was attempted to synthesize the adsorbent for removal of inorganic pollutants, such as Pb2+, NH4+ and PO4(3-) from aqueous solution. PSA of 0.5 g was added into 10 mL of 3 mol/L NaOH solution, and then heated at 80, 120, and 160 degrees C for 6-48 hr to obtain the product. PSA mainly composed of two crystalline phases, gehlenite (Ca2Al2SiO7) and anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), and amorphous phase. Hydroxysodalite (Na6Al6Si6O24 8H2O) was formed at 80 degrees C, and anorthite dissolved, whereas gehlenite remained unaffected. Katoite (Ca3Al2SiO4(OH)8) was formed over 120 degrees C, and hydroxycancrinite (Na8(OH)2Al6Si6O24 2H2O) was formed at 160 degrees C, due to the dissolution of both gehlenite and anorthite. Specific surface areas of the products were almost same and were higher than that of raw ash. Cation exchange capacities (CECs) of the products were also higher than that of raw ash, and CEC obtained at lower temperature was higher. Removal abilities of products for Pb2+, NH4+, and PO4(3-) were higher than that of raw ash. With increasing reaction temperature, the removal efficiencies of Pb2+ and NH4+ decreased due to the decrease of CEC of the product, while removal efficiency for PO4(3-) was almost same. The concentrations of Si and Al in the solution and the crystalline phases in the solid during the reaction explain the formation of the product phases at each temperature.

We used toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) method to confirm the combinational effects of identified toxic metals in a paper recycling mill effluent in inducing the decreased lifespan in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Exposure to Ca + Al caused more severely decreased lifespan than that exposed to Ca, or Al; and exposure to Ca + Fe induced more severely decreased lifespan than that exposed to Ca, or Fe. Exposure to Ca+Al+Fe caused more severely decreased lifespan than that exposed to Ca, or Ca+Fe. Moreover, the baseline toxicity on lifespan was doubled by doubling the concentration of combined metals (Ca+Al+Fe) in spiking test in original effluent (oe), and lifespan defects in oe+Ca+Al+Fe exposed nematodes were more severe than that in Ca+Al+Fe exposed nematode. Therefore, Ca+Al+Fe exposure may largely explain the formation of decreased lifespan induced by the examined industrial effluent. Furthermore, the observed reduction of lifespan induced by the combination of high level of Ca with other metals may be at least partially independent of the insulin-like pathway.

The Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (Taiwan EPA) launched a national Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system after integrating eight private recycling organizations in 1998. After that, the environmental performance of the EPR system brought a lot of attention to policy makers. Many studies show positive environmental effects of the EPR system in Taiwan. However, there are controversial questions remained, such as whether the performance indicators used are the right choice to estimate the environmental effects of the recycling policy? Can those estimated results really reflect the performance of the system? This paper would therefore like to more accurately evaluate the performance indicators of the EPR system based on data observed over the past decade in Taiwan. In the process of evaluating the performance indicators, we have found that the collection rates for durable goods are often ignored in countries that pursue a zero waste policy. This may affect the actual recycling outcome and resource direction targeted by producers. However, in order for the collection rate to be adopted as a policy indicator, how to estimate the amounts of retired or waste products during a period is critical. In this paper, we estimate the collection rate for electrical and electronic waste by using the survival analysis and ownership data analysis approaches. We also provide a comparison of both approaches and put forward suggestions for directions in the future in solid waste management.

Continual reports of illicit trafficking incidents involving radioactive materials have prompted authorities to consider the likelihood of forensic evidence being exposed to radiation. In this study, we investigated the ability to recover latent fingermark evidence from a variety of substrates that were exposed to ionizing radiation. Fingermarks deposited on common surfaces, including aluminum, glass, office paper, and plastic, were exposed to doses ranging from 1 to 1000 kGy, in an effort to simulate realistic situations where evidence is exposed to significant doses of radiation from sources used in a criminal act. The fingermarks were processed using routine fingermark detection techniques. With the exception of glass and aluminum substrates, radiolysis had a considerable effect on the quality of the developed fingermarks. The damage to ridge characteristics can, in part, be attributed to chemical interactions between the substrate and the components of the fingermark secretions that react with the detection reagents.

This study compares two methods for estimating static friction coefficients for skin. In the first method, referred to as the 'tilt method', a hand supporting a flat object is tilted until the object slides. The friction coefficient is estimated as the tangent of the angle of the object at the slip. The second method estimates the friction coefficient as the pull force required to begin moving a flat object over the surface of the hand, divided by object weight. Both methods were used to estimate friction coefficients for 12 subjects and three materials (cardboard, aluminium, rubber) against a flat hand and against fingertips. No differences in static friction coefficients were found between the two methods, except for that of rubber, where friction coefficient was 11% greater for the tilt method. As with previous studies, the friction coefficients varied with contact force and contact area. Static friction coefficient data are needed for analysis and design of objects that are grasped or manipulated with the hand. The tilt method described in this study can easily be used by ergonomic practitioners to estimate static friction coefficients in the field in a timely manner.

Metal salts, ferrous sulphate and aluminium chloride, were added to laboratory-scale activated sludge plant treating paper mill effluents to investigate the effect on settlement characteristics. Before treatment the sludge was filamentous, had stirred sludge volume index (SSVI) values in excess of 300 and was moderately hydrophobic. The use of FeSO 4 · 7H 2 O took three weeks to reduce the SSVI to 90. Microscopic examination showed that Fe had converted the filamentous flocs into a compact structure. When the iron dosing was stopped, the sludge returned to its bulking state within four weeks. In a subsequent trial, the addition of AlCl 3 initially resulted in an improvement of the settlement index but then caused deterioration of the sludge properties. It is possible that aluminium was overdosed and caused charge reversal, increasing the SSVI.

Al-containing CaO-SiO(2)-H(2)O phases were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of mixtures of paper sludge ash (PSA) with various silica and calcia sources and their properties were determined with particular reference to the simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions, which are implicated in the eutrophication of lakes and ponds. After examination of various silica and calcia sources, Ca(OH)(2) and SiO(2) sol were selected as the most appropriate starting materials. Dry milling was found to be superior to wet milling in avoiding contamination from the milling media during mixing. Nine samples with three different Ca/Si ratios and Al(2)O(3) contents were prepared with various mass ratios of Ca(OH)(2), PSA and SiO(2). The chemical compositions of the hydrothermal products of these mixtures moved towards the tieline of CaSiO(3)-PSA, with respect to the starting compositions. The major phase formed in all samples was poorly crystalline C-S-H(I), with hydroxysodalite also formed in the Al-containing mixtures. All the products showed a capacity for the simultaneous uptake of ammonium and phosphate ions. The saturated sorption capacities calculated from the Langmuir equation ranged from 0.9 to 2.4mmol/g for the ammonium ion and from 3.3 to 5.2mmol/g for the phosphate ion. Since the sorption capacities for both ions increased with increasing Ca contents of the product, substitution of Ca(2+) for NH(4)(+) and the formation of calcium phosphate phases such as apatite and brushite by precipitation are thought to be the main sorption mechanisms.

A new rhodamine functionalized fluorogenic Schiff base CS was synthesized and its colorimetric and fluorescence responses toward various metal ions were explored. The sensor exhibited highly selective and sensitive colorimetric and "off-on" fluorescence response towards Al(3+) in the presence of other competing metal ions. These spectral changes are large enough in the visible region of the spectrum and thus enable naked-eye detection. Studies proved that the formation of CS-Al(3+) complex is fully reversible and can sense to AcO(-)/F(-) via dissociation. The results revealed that the sensor provides fluorescence "off-on-off" strategy for the sequential detection of Al(3+) and AcO(-)/F(-).

When the paper is incinerated under the multi oxygen environment: state of the oxidation, cellulose fiber with paper does the combustion as carbon dioxide also under the low degree temperature. On the other hand, when the paper is resolved under the small oxygen environment: state of reduction, cellulose is carbonized. The pyrolysis residue, as for tar, the china clay and Talc, etc. are changed the crystal grain and came to be also different compose chemically with the raw material. Then, authors have been studying the optimum carbonization method of cellulose and the use of the products. In this report, we deal with the result of using the pyrolysis residue to purify the waste fluid.

An offender who has recently handled bulk explosives would be expected to deposit latent fingermarks that are contaminated with explosive residues. However, fingermark detection techniques need to be applied in order for these fingermarks to be detected and recorded. Little information is available in terms of how routine fingermark detection methods impact on the subsequent recovery and analysis of any explosive residues that may be present. If an identifiable fingermark is obtained and that fingermark is found to be contaminated with a particular explosive then that may be crucial evidence in a criminal investigation (including acts of terrorism involving improvised explosive devices). The principal aims of this project were to investigate: (i) the typical quantities of explosive material deposited in fingermarks by someone who has recently handled bulk explosives; and (ii) the effects of routine fingermark detection methods on the subsequent recovery and analysis of explosive residues in such fingermarks. Four common substrates were studied: paper, glass, plastic (polyethylene plastic bags), and metal (aluminium foil). The target explosive compounds were 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), as well as chlorate and nitrate ions. Recommendations are provided in terms of the application of fingermark detection methods on surfaces that may contain explosive residues.

A simple method for quantification of contrast in a fingerprint is proposed. Contrast is defined as the average difference in intensity of pixels between valleys and ridges in a fingerprint. It is quantified from a scanner-acquired image of the fingerprint using a histogram function of Adobe Photoshop. The method was validated with black inked prints and marks developed with aluminum powder. Moreover, we tested resistance of the method to rater-dependent errors and dependence of the measurements on the resolution of an image and the model of the scanner. For both groups of fingerprints, the method gave coherent and easily interpretable quantitative values for contrast. There were no significant differences between measurements performed by different raters and by the same rater in a test-retest procedure. However, the method was found to be instrument dependent, as measurements were significantly affected by image resolution and the model of the scanner.

This paper describes low-cost, thin, and pliable touch pads constructed from a commercially available, metallized paper commonly used as packaging material for beverages and book covers. The associated electronics with the individual keys in the touch pads detect changes in capacitance or contact with fi ngers by using the effective capacitance of the human body and the electrical impedance across the tip of a fi nger. To create the individual keys, a laser cutter ablates lines through the fi lm of evaporated aluminum on the metallized paper to pattern distinct, conductive regions. This work includes the experimental characterization of two types of capacitive buttons and illustrates their use with applications in a keypad with 10 individually addressable keys , a keypad that conforms to a cube, and a keypad on an alarmed cardboard box. With their easily arrayed keys, environmentally benign material, and low cost, the touch pads have the potential to contribute to future developments in disposable, fl exible electronics, active, “smart” packaging, user interfaces for biomedical instrumentation, biomedical devices for the developing world, applications for monitoring animal and plant health, food and water quality, and disposable games (e.g., providers of content for consumer products). There is no simple method of integrating buttons with structures on single-use or throw-away devices. Current commercial buttons are not thin enough, inexpensive enough, or easy enough to array seamlessly with paper-based products for disposable applications. The touch pads in this work are thin ( ∼ 60 μ m in some cases), simple to array, fabricated by etching patterns into metallized paper, low-cost ( < $0.25 m − 2 for the thin grade of metallized paper we use in this work), and lightweight

The adsorption qualities of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+), a polycation with ε-Keggin structure, and its stability in contact with anionic cellulosic materials, was investigated under different concentration and ionic strength conditions. The cellulosic materials employed were two different fully bleached fibre materials, carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), and a spin-coated cellulose model surface. As analytical techniques, pH-measurements, potentiometric titrations, ICP-OES, QCM-D, equilibrium calculations and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) were used. The adsorption is substantial and the addition of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) to a fibre suspension results in a rapid decrease in pH, followed by a small and slow increase in pH. This behaviour can be explained as due to a rapid and strong (log β2) equilibrium adsorption of intact GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) ions, followed by a slow, and minor, 3-8%, decomposition into different monomers. Alternative layer by layer adsorption of this ion, and CMC, on a spin-coated cellulose model surface constitutes further evidence for the strong interactions between the anionic cellulose materials and GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+). It is shown that the adsorption observed could not be described as due to an unspecific Donnan adsorption behaviour, neither of GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7+) nor Ga and Al monomers, and specific surface complex formation is therefore discussed and applied. The (≡COO)(7)GaO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12) species found to explain the pH- and metal adsorption data should be considered strictly as a stoichiometric entity.

The increased use of secondary (i.e., recycled) and renewable resources will likely be key toward achieving sustainable materials use. Unfortunately, these strategies share a common barrier to economical implementation - increased quality variation compared to their primary and synthetic counterparts. Current deterministic process-planning models overestimate the economic impact of this increased variation. This paper shows that for a range of industries from biomaterials to inorganics, managing variation through a chance-constrained (CC) model enables increased use of such variable raw materials, or heterogeneous feedstocks (hF), over conventional, deterministic models. An abstract, analytical model and a quantitative model applied to an industrial case of aluminum recycling were used to explore the limits and benefits of the CC formulation. The results indicate that the CC solution can reduce cost and increase potential hF use across a broad range of production conditions through raw materials diversification. These benefits increase where the hFs exhibit mean quality performance close to that of the more homogeneous feedstocks (often the primary and synthetic materials) or have large quality variability. In terms of operational context, the relative performance grows as intolerance for batch error increases and as the opportunity to diversify the raw material portfolio increases.