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The purpose of this work was to determine the optimal duration of free swelling for refined unbleached kraft pine pulp. Free swelling is the effect of water sorption by cellulose fibres without their simultaneous mechanical treatment (e.g. refining). The second purpose was to determine the possibility of improving the mechanical properties of paper by testing various combinations of refining and free swelling processes. The pulp SR value and water retention value (WRV) of the fibres were tested. As regards paper properties, the tensile index and tear index were tested. Based on the results obtained, it was found that for the pulp tested, refined to 35 °SR, the optimal time of free swelling was 70 min. It was also proved that the free swelling had a significant impact on both the WRV of fibres and the mechanical parameters of paper tested. For the scheme in which refining was followed by free swelling, a 7% increase in the tear index was obtained. However, an 11% increase in the tear index was attained for the scheme with three refining stages, followed by free swelling after each refining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work presents a method for the determination of the limit of elasticity of paper considered as a variable dependent on stress and the time of its duration. For plane stress it was found that in the case of a low share of permanent strain in the total strain, we can assume that the highest value of its share appears on one of the principal axes of stress. Such an assumption allowed to use a one-dimensional rheological model to define the permanent range in a two dimensional state of stresses for paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first part of this investigation studied complex nature of chemical oxygen demand (COD ) parameter on local and overall effluents, which were obtained from two pulp and paper mills, located in the Northwest region of Russia. Contribution of individual compounds and fractions of matters having different chemical nature to COD for these effluents was established. The second part of this study shows that, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of priority pollutants and their contribution to COD for different pulp and paper mills are not the same, though these mills use similar technologies and produce similar products.

Within our research work we determined the Young's modulus distribution in the paper plane on the basis of results of tensile tests in selected directions. Using mathematical relationships valid for orthotropic materials, the moduli were calculated theoretically. The tensile stiffness orientation angle (TSA), and the TSO and TSI indices were also determined in order to define the deviations of the main axes of orthotrophy in the paper plane as determined by the machine and the cross directions. The calculation results were compared with measured values. They justified the conclusion that paper may be treated as an orthotropic material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fibres & Textiles in Eastern Europe is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this work, a series of unconfined compression tests at different water contents were performed to investigate the mechanical behaviour of clay–sand mixtures compacted in standard Proctor conditions. For studying the effect of water content and suction on unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and on strain secant modulus (E50 modulus) of these mixtures, drying–wetting paths were defined by measuring the soil–water characteristic curves (SWCCs) using osmotic and salt solution techniques and filter paper method. The results highlighted that an increase in sand content of the mixture leads to an increase in the maximum dry densities and a decrease in the optimum water content of the materials. However, at the given state, when clay is mixed with 25% of sand, the UCS and E50 modulus increase to 37% and 70%, respectively, compared to those of clayey samples. But when clay is mixed with 50% of sand, the UCS and E50 modulus decrease to 38% and 46%, respectively, compared to those of clayey samples. The results also indicate that the UCS and E50 increase with a decrease in the water content and an increase in suction, irrespective of the sand content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dyeability of bleached chemical pulps, bleached chemithermomechanical pulp and deinked pulp with anionic and cationic direct dyes was investigated. It was found that direct dyes may be used for mechanical and recycled pulps to reduce the cost of the paper manufacturing process by the application of cheaper semi-finished fibrous products. However, the colours attained differ from the colour of dyed chemical pulp. To obtain the required colour we needed larger amounts of dye, but in this way the savings obtained by using cheaper pulp grades may be wasted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulp and paper industries have provided great research opportunities to control systems. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between 80 process variables of CMP tower and stock preparation, and 17 newsprint quality properties in Mazandaran Wood and Paper Industries (MWPI). After the preparation of two suitable data series considering the time needed for pulp to paper, the relations between process dependent and newsprint independent variables were determined using partial least squares (PLS) regression. As a result, two PLS models were developed. The first model with 4 latent vectors categorized and related CMP tower variables and the second one, through 8 latent vectors connected stock preparation variables with paper properties. PLS regression coefficients determined how much the most influencing process variables impact each paper properties [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article builds on a comparative analysis based on a corpus of literature and linguistics BA papers submitted by students majoring in English and Romanian, at the University of Timișoara. The authors highlight the metatextual function of introductions, focusing on identifying, classifying, and commenting upon deictic and non-deictic linguistic elements through which this function is fulfilled, in an attempt to see how consistently they are used by the student writers and to raise awareness of their use and usefulness.

The abstract is to indicate the subject of the paper, how the author proposes to develop the subject and its overall objective, aim or outcome. Abstract is to be in English in 10pt Times New Roman font. It should be concise and short approximately 150 words. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the publication "Typifications, new combinations and new synonyms in Indian Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)" by Singh, R. K. et al. (2021), the authors used pseudoscientific theoretical background, utilized material collected by other persons without citing the source of data in support of their claims, and made serious errors in the determination and delimitation of Impatiens taxa occuring in Himalayas and adjacent areas. They proposed new combinations and statuses without sufficient field and literature studies and failed to show convincing evidences in their treatments. Their documentation lacks important details, like authorship of the published pictures, locations and dates of pictures, or measurements of plant parts; the whole documentation has geographically biased gaps – in case of Western Himalayan or Sikkimese taxa, there is almost no original illustrative material. Finally, they falsely claimed extensive field studies in Western Himalaya. This paper reinstates 19 species and 1 variety synonymised by Singh et al. (2021) with scientific evidences based on illustrations from types and colour photographs from fresh collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluents from a pulp and paper mill in India were analyzed for various physicochemical parameters and heavy metals. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to interpret the data obtained and predict the toxicity of each component to Cyprinus carpio L. fingerlings. The results showed that most of these parameters exceeded recommended levels set by various agencies, and the effluent was not suitable for discharge into agricultural fields or water bodies without further treatment. The results of static renewal toxicity tests revealed median lethal concentrations at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h to be 42, 25, 18.6 and 14.5%, respectively, and the fingerlings exhibited severe behavioral anomalies. The sublethal dose of 2.9% (v/v) caused alterations in the gill and liver at durations of 7, 14, 21, and 28 d. Anomalies such as mucous secretion, leucocyte infiltration, curling of the secondary lamellae tip, clubbing, and the fusion of the secondary lamellae, aneurism, etc. were prominent. The liver showed inflammatory infiltration, cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, vacuolar degeneration, fatty degeneration, pyknosis, karyolysis, distorted pancreatic area, and piecemeal necrosis, among other pathological symptoms. The study concluded that the effluent, even in greatly diluted form, was highly toxic and the severity of responses depended on the length of exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work would like to bring into the attention of readers various aspects associated with the process of doctoral research. For many of the students this can represent quite a challenging experience with an increased level of complexity. The author will show his experience while enrolled in this form of education. Main ideas are based on the factors identified while planning and writing the papers associated with the research journey. Most of the works belong to the themes of the doctoral school, like economics, financial system or international affairs. The sample of analysed papers contains several works covering the field of interdisciplinary research. This concept will be approached inside the literature review to familiarise the readers with its meaning. Content of this area includes elements from economics, financial system, international affairs and environment. Novelty of the paper is represented by the personal experience of the writer. He will show the challenges encountered while performing regular and interdisciplinary research, connecting particular notions from business process management and business process improvement. Lean Six Sigma methodology will be used to sustain specific elements of the analytical representation. Moreover, the author will provide an overview on the lessons learnt, hoping this will contribute to the decrease of the research process complexity level and support publication status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over 300 million tones of industrial wastes are being produced per annum by chemical and agricultural process in India. These materials pose problems of disposal and health hazards. The wastes like phosphogypsum, fluorogypsum and red mud contain obnoxious impurities which adversely affect the strength and other properties of building materials based on them. Out of several wastes being produced at present, the use of phosphogypsum, fluorogypsum, lime sludge, hypo sludge, red mud, and mine tailing is of paramount significance to protect the environment. Paper making generally produces a large amount of solid waste. Paper fibers can be recycled only a limited number of times before they become too short or weak to make high quality paper. It means that the broken, low-quality paper fibers are separated out to become waste sludge. All the inks, dyes, coatings, pigments, staples and ”stickies” (tape, plastic films, etc.) are also washed off the recycled fibers to join the waste solids. The shiny finish on glossy magazine-type paper is produced using a fine kaolin clay coating, which also becomes solid waste during recycling. This paper mill sludge consumes a large percentage of local landfill space for each and every year. Worse yet, some of the wastes are land spread on cropland as a disposal technique, raising concerns about trace contaminants building up in soil or running off into area lakes and streams. Some companies burn their sludge in incinerators, contributing to our serious air pollution problems. To reduce disposal and pollution problems emanating from these industrial wastes, it is most essential to develop profitable building materials from them. Keeping this in view, investigations were undertaken to produce low cast concrete by blending various ratios of cement with hypo sludge. This project is concerned with experimental investigation on strength of concrete and optimum percentage of the partial replacement by replacing cement via 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of Hypo Sludge.

This article has two main parts. In the first part we show that some of the basic theory of generalized polynomials on commutative semi-groups can be extended to all semigroups. In the second part we show that if a sub-semigroup S of a group G generates G in the sense that G = S · S−1, then a generalized polynomial on S with values in an Abelian group H can be extended to a generalized polynomial on G into H. Finally there is a short discussion of the extendability of exponential functions and generalized exponential polynomials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper web produced under industrial conditions always exhibits an anisotropy in its mechanical properties measured in the machine and cross directions. Proper and fast information about current paper anisotropy would significantly increase the efficiency of web quality control systems and allow to produce paper with greater precision. The main objective of the work presented was to determine the possibility of measurement of paper anisotropy. The method proposed is based on the image analysis of the orientation and location of special markers -- luminescent fibres -- which were introduced to the structure of the paper. Studies have shown that the method of image analysis provides a detection of fibres with a satisfactory level of efficiency, thus allowing accurate examination of the anisotropy of the paper samples analysed. On the basis of experiments, it was also found that the method of image analysis proposed allows to detect fibres with an accuracy appropriate for the problem under consideration. The invention presented has already been registered in a Patent Office as submission no. P.411294. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor Biology, owned by the International Society of Oncology and BioMarkers and currently published by IOS Press, lost its Clarivate impact factor of 3.650 in 2017. It has been plagued by over 100 retractions due to paper mills (including a batch of 15 papers published between 2014 and 2016 that were retracted at the end of 2021), faked peer reviews, and forged research. According to PubMed, the number of papers published by Tumor Biology has been reduced to a mere trickle, dropping from 707 in 2017 to 66 in 2018. It is unclear how Tumor Biology will be able to recover from such disastrous reputational damage and whether there is even merit in continuing its publication. Other journals for cancer and oncology research would do well to observe this case closely and learn from its mistakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the papers presented at the Copenhagen, Denmark conference and recommended for publication by the division heads related to digital communication.

In response to the trend toward sustainable management of by-products from the pulp and paper industry as well as plant waste, practical and economical methods are being developed to use them in a way that does not pose a threat to the environment. The main aim of the research was to study the possibility of using lignin and plant biomass as biosorbents for the removal of zinc ions from aqueous solutions. The secondary aim was to build an optimal multilayer system made of biosorbents selected during the research in order to obtain the highest sorption efficiency and to determine the best conditions of the sorption process. The effectiveness of zinc ion sorption was assessed using an appropriate combination of sorbents such as lignin, oat bran, rice husk, chitosan, pectin, sodium alginate, pine bark, coconut fiber and activated carbon, selected on the basis of literature data and the preliminary results of tests carried out using FTIR and AAS. The main component of the sorption system was lignin separated from black liquor. Results indicate that the best Zn sorption system was based on coconut fiber, lignin, and pine bark, for which the maximum sorption efficiency was 95%. The research also showed that the increase in the process temperature, the mass of biosorbents used and the alkaline pH are the factors that increase the efficiency of the sorption. It can be concluded that lignin and plant biomass can be used as ecological sorbents of zinc ions from water solutions. They are safe for the environment, produced from renewable sources, and are by-products or waste materials, which is part of the sustainable development and circular economy currently promoted in the EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on electronic record of sales, a tool enabling continuous monitoring and control of declared sales of business entities. Such systems have been recently gaining popularity in European countries. The objective of the paper is to analyse the possible use of electronic record of sales for a fairer redistribution of shared taxes according to the place where the taxable income was earned. We do not consider the current situation to be entirely fair, as sales may be realized in the whole territory of the country. However municipalities that help businesses achieve their income are not fairly rewarded for doing so. This usually gives larger municipalities an advantage at the expense of smaller ones. Currently, the tax administration has sufficient technical equipment to be able to identify the place where the revenue was received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper is a material that is easily biodegradable. The most active group of microorganisms responsible for biodegradation processes affecting paper are moulds. In order to prevent this unfavorable impact, various methods are used, including biocides, which added to paper during the production process to protect the final product. In this study, the following ionic liquids were applied: benzalkonium nitrate(V), benzalkonium DL-lactate, and didecylodimethylammonium DL-lactate. They were added (in a concentration of 3% and 5%) to paper samples made of the following pulp grades: pine bleached kraft pulp (pine BKP), birch bleached kraft pulp (birch BKP), recovered fibres and CTMP. The antifungal activity of paper was assessed using a qualitative and a quantitative method with strains A. niger, A. versicolor, P. chrysogenum and P. aurantiogriseum. The most resistant strain to the ionic liquid activity was Aspergillus niger. The best antimicrobial effect was shown by paper samples made of pine BKP with biocides. The weakest effect was obtained for the CTMP-based paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contributions to Tobacco Research is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, the conditions and results of silk fibre modification with the use of proteolytic enzymes are presented. Using the technique of scanning electron microscope (SEM), it was shown that the enzymatic treatment resulted in clear fibrillation of the silk fibre surface. The structural change in the surface of these fibres made it possible to process them by the paper-making method to obtain homogeneous pulp (65% silk and 35% linters) and thin sheets of silk paper with a basis weight of 25 g/m². It was concluded that the silk paper obtained corresponds to the needs of conservators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to examine the changes in global value chains (GVCs) in the years 2020–2022 (times of the COVID-19 pandemic) compared to 2019 (last year before the pandemic). GVCs are illustrated by diagrams based on the statistics on international trade measured by value-added exports and imports. In this paper, the final demand approach is applied to measure international trade by value-added exports and imports and they were computed based on inter-country input-output tables delivered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The catchphrase "Made in the World" makes an impression, but in reality, value chains are rarely global. They are rather regional with three centers. "Factory Europe", "Factory Asia", and "Factory America" can easily be identified in the years 2019–2022 as there were three large regional supply hubs in GVCs: Germany, China, and the United States. When the years 2020–2022 were compared to 2019, "Factory Asia" with center in China elevated their position in GVCs at the expense of "Factory Europe" with center in Germany and "Factory America with center in the USA." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2014 the government published a White Paper on Universal Health Insurance, which details the steps towards the implementation of the most radical reform proposals in the history of the Irish health system. The Irish health system currently contains a complex interaction between public and private financing and delivery, leading to a number of inequities, highlighting the need for reform. The government's proposals include changes to the funding, allocation and delivery of health-care resources, and will culminate with the introduction of universal mandatory private health insurance. However, there are a number of potential issues with the reforms, particularly relating to cost and cost containment, the ability of people to pay for mandatory health insurance, the need to strengthen regulatory governance and the need to invest in the provision of services. Wider health-reform issues also need to be considered, irrespective of the funding mechanism proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Internal Medicine / Medicină Internă is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper shows how the agri-sector is influenced by the emergence and development of the digitisation process. This is presented using a bibliometric analysis. The importance of studying and understanding the current challenges facing the agricultural sector including the emergence and development of the digitisation process of the sector is the main aim of this paper. All these challenges are felt by both the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole. This paper contributes to the literature. This is due to the bibliometric analysis through which the most important aspects of the challenges facing the entire agricultural sector today are observed. Among the current challenges facing the agricultural sector, climate change is among the most important. The results of the bibliometric analysis show that the keywords searched and their clustering confirm that the emergence and rapid development of digitisation brings both positive and negative effects to the whole agricultural sector. Following the search of Web of Science and Scopus databases, 203 papers were identified in Web of Science and Scopus using the phrase "the impact of digitization on agriculture". The bilbiometric analysis comprises several steps, including the analysis of the years of emergence of studies on the emergence of the digitisation process in agriculture. Thus, within this stage, the analysis of the years, it is signalled the transition from some aspects that concern the technological side to other economic and even human aspects. On the whole, there is a shift in research topics towards studying how the emergence and development of the digitisation process brings both positive and negative influences between the agricultural sector and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), this study revolutionizes examination management and education in universities by developing an intelligent system encompassing comprehensive management, pre-examination activities, scheduling, and preparation. The system also features a quality management component for educational outcomes. An enhanced genetic algorithm introduces an adaptation function to optimize intelligent grouping, facilitating effective exam paper distribution. Applied at Y University, our innovative approach significantly refines exam paper difficulty (ranging between 0.5016 and 0.5581) and differentiation (0.3845 to 0.4596), showcasing the intelligent algorithm’s effectiveness in exam management and contributing valuable insights to educational research.

The present paper deals with the effect of accelerated ageing on the ability of fibres to undergo saturation with water and the corresponding swelling kinetics. Changes in the surface charge of aged paper fibres were also investigated. Accelerated ageing was performed with newsprint paper at 98 °C and 50% RH during 0, 3, 5,7, 10, 15, 20 and 30 days. The rate and maximum swelling of accelerated aged paper in water were obtained with a modified monitoring unit measuring wood swelling ability. Since paper swells extremely fast in water, even at 30 °C, this apparatus made it possible for the first time to obtain accurate kinetic data on aged paper swelling in water. The polyelectrolyte titration technique was used to investigate changes in the surface charge on fibres from accelerated aged paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prosperitatis is the property of Sciendo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)