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The need to increase the recovery rates of recyclables from households, reducing at the same time the collection costs, has favored the spreading of commingled collection systems. This study presents a thorough analysis of the quality of a secondary source of recovered paper of a Spanish newsprint mill, imported from the United Kingdom, where these systems are widely practiced. The results show that the quality of recovered paper from commingled systems is very far from the quality obtained with selective systems: the unusable material content vary from 1% to 29% (11.9% on average) compared to less than 1%. Larger materials recovery facilities (MRF), less oversaturated and with advanced sorting techniques, have demonstrated to be able to render better qualities, the unusable material content varying from 0.3% to 16.6% (8.1% on average). However, the quality is still far from contamination levels typically found with selective systems, especially in terms of non-paper components. This fact limits significantly the use of this recovered paper for graphic paper production where the major potential for an extended use of recovered paper in papermaking lies. Furthermore, there is a discussion on the cost efficiency of these systems and how the legislation and private or public initiatives are affecting the spreading of these systems, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom., Comunidad de Madrid, TRUE, pub

Nanogenerators and self-powered nanosensors have shown the potential to power low-consumption electronics and human-machine interfaces, but their practical implementation requires reliable, environmentally friendly and scalable processes for manufacturing and processing. Furthermore, the emerging flexible and wearable electronics technology demands direct fabrication onto innovative substrates such as paper and plastics typically incompatible with high process temperatures. This article presents a plasma synthesis approach for the fabrication of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and self-powered sensors on paper substrates. Polycrystalline ZnO nanocolumnar thin films are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition on common paper supports using a microwave electron cyclotron resonance reactor working at room temperature yielding high growth rates and low structural and interfacial stresses. Applying Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, we elucidate the basic shadowing mechanism behind the characteristic microstructure and porosity of the ZnO thin films, relating them to an enhanced piezoelectric response to periodic and random inputs. The piezoelectric devices are assembled by embedding the ZnO films in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and using Au thin layers as electrodes in two different configurations, namely laterally and vertically contacted devices. We present the response of the laterally connected devices as a force sensor for low-frequency events with different answers to the applied force depending on the impedance circuit, i.e. load values range, a behaviour that is theoretically analyzed. The characterization of the vertical devices in cantilever-like mode reaches instantaneous power densities of 80 nW/cm2 with a mean power output of 20 nW/cm2. Besides, we analyze their actual-scenario performance by activation with a fan and handwriting. Overall, this work demonstrates the advantages of implementing plasma deposition for piezoelectric films to d

Nanogenerators and self-powered nanosensors have shown the potential to power low-consumption electronics and human-machine interfaces, but their practical implementation requires reliable, environmentally friendly and scalable processes for manufacturing and processing. Furthermore, the emerging flexible and wearable electronics technology demands direct fabrication onto innovative substrates such as paper and plastics typically incompatible with high process temperatures. This article presents a plasma synthesis approach for the fabrication of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and self-powered sensors on paper substrates. Polycrystalline ZnO nanocolumnar thin films are deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition on common paper supports using a microwave electron cyclotron resonance reactor working at room temperature yielding high growth rates and low structural and interfacial stresses. Applying Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation, we elucidate the basic shadowing mechanism behind the characteristic microstructure and porosity of the ZnO thin films, relating them to an enhanced piezoelectric response to periodic and random inputs. The piezoelectric devices are assembled by embedding the ZnO films in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and using Au thin layers as electrodes in two different configurations, namely laterally and vertically contacted devices. We present the response of the laterally connected devices as a force sensor for low-frequency events with different answers to the applied force depending on the impedance circuit, i.e. load values range, a behaviour that is theoretically analyzed. The characterization of the vertical devices in cantilever-like mode reaches instantaneous power densities of 80 nW/cm2 with a mean power output of 20 nW/cm2. Besides, we analyze their actual-scenario performance by activation with a fan and handwriting. Overall, this work demonstrates the advantages of implementing plasma deposition for piezoelectric films to d

Biofouling causes important economic losses in the paper industry. To prevent or mitigate the effects of biofilms is necessary to implement microbiological control programmes based on monitoring programs which requires the evaluation of the biofilm growth kinetic taking into account the ability of microorganisms viability. The monitoring techniques must be rapid to minimise both costs and use of chemicals. This paper presents the study of the growth kinetics of two bacterial strains known for their high capacity to produce biofilms in paper mills. After the validation of flow cytometry as a technique for microbial growth monitoring, the development of segregated kinetic models based on cell physiological states data was carried out. The developed models can be used to design microbial control programs., TRUE, pub

According to current environmental legislation concerned with water scarcity, paper industry is being forced to adopt a zero liquid effluent policy. In consequence, reverse osmosis (RO) systems are being assessed as the final step of effluent treatment trains aiming to recover final wastewater and reuse it as process water. One of the most important drawbacks of these treatments is the production of a retentated stream, which is usually highly loaded with biorecalcitrant organic matter and inorganics; and this effluent must meet current legislation stringent constraints before being ultimately disposed. The treatment of biorefractory RO retentate from a paper mill by several promising advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) – conventional Fenton, photo-Fenton and photocatalysis – was optimized considering the effect and interaction of reaction parameters; particularly using response surface methodology (RSM) when appropriate (Fenton processes). The economical cost of these treatments was also comparatively assessed. Photo-Fenton process was able to totally remove the COD of the retentate, and resulted even operatively cheaper at high COD removal levels than conventional Fenton, which achieved an 80% reduction of the COD at best. In addition, although these optimal results were produced at pH = 2.8, it was also tested that Fenton processes are able to achieve good COD reduction efficiencies (>60%) without adjusting the initial pH value, provided the natural pH of this wastewater was close to neutral. Finally, although TiO2-photocatalysis showed the least efficient and most expensive figures, it improved the biodegradability of the retentate, so its combination with a final biological step almost achieved the total removal of the COD., Unión Europea. FP7, Comunidad de Madrid, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, TRUE, pub

Agro-wastes valorization focusses on production of high value-added products, such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and contributes to reduce the environmental impact of these residues. CNF have been used successfully as papermaking additives and some previsions maintain that this sector will become the most important, demanding CNF at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, the optimization of the production process of CNF from agricultural residues would contribute to the goals of a circular economy, the development of rural areas and the costs reduction by producing CNF of the minimum quality fit-for-use in recycled paper. In this study, CNF was produced from two agricultural residues; corn (C-CNF) and rape (R-CNF) stalk pulps, pretreated with bleaching, refining and TEMPO-mediated oxidation. Coagulant and cationic polyacrylamide (dual system) and chitosan were the retention systems. Results show the difficulty of predicting the effect of CNF based on their properties, as fibrillation degree or anionic charge, on the improvement of mechanical properties of recycled paper. That is proved by the low differences in tensile index (TI) improvement (similar to 15% by adding 0.5% C-CNF combined with dual system), obtained with CNF with very different properties. The expensive TEMPO pretreatment could be avoid by applying bleaching pretreatment to the corn pulp, increasing the TI up to 15% without affecting drainage and decoupling the simultaneous deterioration of drainage with TI improvement (drainage time decreased nearly 50% and 20% adding bleached R-CNF and C-CNF, respectively, combined with chitosan). Similar improvements on TI can be achieved by replacing the dual retention system by chitosan without addition of CNF, but the combination of CNF and chitosan allows achieving the highest TI values., Economy and Competitiveness Ministry of Spain (MINECO), Depto. de Ingeniería Química y de Materiales, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

The closure of water circuits within pulp and paper mills has resulted in a higher contamination load of the final mill effluent, which must consequently be further treated in many cases to meet the standards imposed by the legislation in force. Different treatment strategies based on advanced oxidation processes (ozonation and TiO2-photocatalysis), and their combination with biological treatment (MBR), are herein assessed for effluents of a recycled paper mill and a kraft pulp mill. Ozone treatment achieved the highest efficiency of all. The consumption of 2.4 g O3 L−1 resulted in about a 60% COD reduction treating the effluent from the kraft pulp mill at an initial pH = 7; although it only reached about a 35% COD removal for the effluent of the recycled paper mill. Otherwise, photocatalysis achieved about a 20–30% reduction of the COD for both type of effluents. In addition, the effluent from the recycled paper mill showed a higher biodegradability, so combinations of these AOPs with biological treatment were tested. As a result, photocatalysis did not report any significant COD reduction improvement whether being performed as pre- or post-treatment of the biological process; whereas the use of ozonation as post-biological treatment enhanced COD removal a further 10%, summing up a total 90% reduction of the COD for the combined treatment, as well as it also supposed an increase of the presence of volatile fatty acids, which might ultimately enable the resultant wastewater to be recirculated back to further biological treatment., Unión Europea. FP7, Comunidad de Madrid, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, TRUE, pub

In the present work, lignocellulosic micro/nanofibers (LCMNF) were produced from pine sawdust. For that, pine sawdust was submitted to alkali treatment and subsequent bleaching stages, tailoring its chemical composition with the purpose of obtaining effective LCMNF. The obtained LCMNF were characterized and incorporated to recycled cardboard boxes with the purpose of producing recycled paper. The obtained results showed that it was possible to obtain LCMNF with the same reinforcing potential than those cellulose nanofibers (CNF) prepared by oxidative or other chemical methods In fact, the obtained papers increased the breaking length of recycled cardboard from 3338 m to 5347 m, being a value significantly higher than the requirements to produce paper bags. Overall, the studied strategies could allow a significant reduction of paper basis weight, with the consequent material saving and, thus, contribution to the environment., Economy and Competitiveness Ministry of Spain (MINECO), Community of Madrid (Spain), Depto. de Ingeniería Química y de Materiales, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

Inherent hydrophilicity and poor water resistance prevent using lignocellulosic materials as green plastic al- ternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics. Here, we report a facile metal-ion-modification (MIM) route, swelling with aqueous metal ion solutions, and drying to convert conventional hydrophilic paper and wood pulp into biode- gradable hydrophobic paper and tableware without the addition of hydrophobic sizing chemicals/materials. Metal ions such as Fe3+ and Zr4+ can coordinate with pulp fibers' polar groups (i.e., OH, C-O, and COOH) that induce self-assembly of their surface fibrillated "hairy" cellulose nanofibrils to form a more compact structure with fewer available OH groups for water sorption. This decreases the surface energy of pulp fibers and increases their hydrophobicity and water resistance. Only similar to 3 mg of metal ions is needed to induce the wettability tran- sition in 1 g of kraft pulp, resulting in hydrophobic paper and tableware with water contact angles (WCAs) of 120-140 degrees. The coordinated Fe3+ and Zr4+ are stable, with negligible metal leaching during use, allowing the hydrophobic paper and tableware to be used for food packaging. This MIM technique can be integrated into the existing paper-making process for the scalable production of hydrophobic papers and tableware, providing an alternative route for developing sustainable and biodegradable plastic counterparts.

Recently, a technology was developed in Japan to accelerate the carbonation of alkaline construction sludge and reduce its alkalinity. Alkaline construction sludge is treated in advance using a paper sludge ash-based stabilizer (PSAS) so that it becomes granular and well aerated. Subsequently, CO2 gas is injected from the bottom to the top of the treated sludge layer in the underground pit. This technology can reduce the pH of alkaline sludge within short periods; however, the completion period of pH neutralization has often been predicted empirically. This may be due to the combined effects of density, water content, particle size, PSAS amount in the sludge, and CO2 concentration in the accelerated carbonation on the pH neutralization process. However, there have been few studies on how these factors affect the pH neutralization and CO2 capture of PSAS-treated alkaline sludges subjected to accelerated carbonation. Therefore, in this study, the effects of several accelerated carbonation factors on neutralization and CO2 capture from alkaline sludge were experimentally investigated. PSAS-treated alkaline sludges with different densities, water contents, particle sizes, and amounts of PSAS were cured in incubators with controlled CO2 concentrations. Based on the pH measurements, the pH neutralization completion period (tN) was evaluated for each alkaline sludge sample. The test results revealed that tN increased with increasing dry density and particle size and decreasing CO2 concentration. The results also suggest that tN increases with increasing amounts of PSAS. However, the water content had a more significant effect on tN than the PSAS amount. There may be an optimum water content for pH neutralization if conditions other than the water content are the same. From the results of the carbonate content evaluation, the amounts of CO2 captured in each specimen (mCO2) and mCO2 at tN were determined for each alkaline sludge sample. The results revealed that the density

The present work shows the suitability of using recovered cardboard boxes for the development of high-performance papers through the use of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na). CNF were prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis using bleached kraft hardwood pulp, while a commercial grade of CMC-Na was used. Both were added in bulk together with polyethylenimine (PEI) as wet-end additive to improve pulp drainability. The combination of 3 wt% CNF and 7.5 wt% CMC-Na double the breaking length of paper. In addition, the use of 0.4 wt% of PEI significantly decreased the Schopper-Riegler degree, while mechanical properties remained almost at the same level. It was found that it is possible to recover and even increase the properties of recycled papers, with the added advantage that no structural damages were caused on the fibres, increasing the life span and recyclability of paper products., Economy and Competitiveness Ministry of Spain (MINECO), Depto. de Ingeniería Química y de Materiales, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, TRUE, pub

This special issue contains the revised and extended versions of three papers presented in the 4th Workshop on Advances in Model-Based Testing (A-MOST 2008). In addition to an executive summary of these three papers, this preface briefly reviews the papers published in the four editions of the A-MOST workshop. We hope that the reader will find this special issue interesting and informative., Sección Deptal. de Sistemas Informáticos y Computación, Fac. de Ciencias Matemáticas, TRUE, pub

Paper crumb (PC) is a type of paper sludge residue from the wastepaper recycling industry. It is a by-product from the various fiber purification stages that is particularly composed of short cellulose fibers, lignin, organic compounds and inorganic filler residues. Despite representing a reject material for the paper recycling sector, this feedstock can be turned into a bioresource to enable cross-sector industrial symbiosis in the form of a more sustainable concrete, hence an opportunity for novel Net Zero supply chains. This study sought to valorise the PC by the sequential anaerobic digestion to produce methane (CH4) from the organic compounds, followed by utilization of the digestate as a water replacement in concrete. The 21-day digestion of PC yielded 163 ml CH4 per gram volatile solids and the resulting digestate improved concrete compressive strength up to 50% water replacement grade, meeting the requirements structural grade (C32/40) applications with substitution grades up to 50% and 25% with and without the addition of plasticiser respectively. In a minor capacity, the digestate reduced workability of the concrete mix, however we demonstrate his issue can be resolved by the addition of plasticiser or increased concrete to water ratios. The admixture addition is important to facilitate pumpability on site and ensure satisfactory compaction. This study highlights the potential of anaerobic digestion digestate as a concrete supplement (additive), which would improve the sustainability of both the construction and the paper sector.

Traceability between published scientific breakthroughs and their implementation is essential, especially in the case of open-source scientific software which implements bleeding-edge science in its code. However, aligning the link between GitHub repositories and academic papers can prove difficult, and the current practice of establishing and maintaining such links remains unknown. This paper investigates the role of academic paper references contained in these repositories. We conduct a large-scale study of 20 thousand GitHub repositories that make references to academic papers. We use a mixed-methods approach to identify public access, traceability and evolutionary aspects of the links. Although referencing a paper is not typical, we find that a vast majority of referenced academic papers are public access. These repositories tend to be affiliated with academic communities. More than half of the papers do not link back to any repository. We find that academic papers from top-tier SE venues are not likely to reference a repository, but when they do, they usually link to a GitHub software repository. In a network of arXiv papers and referenced repositories, we find that the most referenced papers are (i) highly-cited in academia and (ii) are referenced by repositories written in different programming languages.

It is unusual, and can be difficult, for scientists to reflect in their publications on any limitations their research had. This is a consequence of the extreme pressure that scientists are under to ‘publish or perish’. The inevitable consequence is that much published research is not as good as it could, and should, be, leading to the current ‘reproducibility crisis’. Approaches to address this crisis are required. Our suggestion is to include a ‘Limitations’ section in all scientific papers. Evidence is provided showing that such a section must be mandatory. Adding a ‘Limitations’ section to scientific papers would greatly increase honesty, openness and transparency, to the considerable benefit of both the scientific community and society in general. This suggestion is applicable to all scientific disciplines. Finally, we apologise if our suggestion has already been made by others.

Paper analysis is often undertaken as part of a holistic forensic document examination. It can provide information that can assist in detecting document fraud, in linking documents to a potential source or between cases, and in addressing other questions relevant to an investigation. This subject is discussed with particular attention to its relevance to the routine forensic science laboratory.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

A pre-treatment of graphene with bleach is considered one of the possible purification methods after liquid-phase exfoliation. However, the effect of this treatment on the mechanical reinforcement strategy for polymer film is yet to be investigated to date. In this full work, the influence of the C/O ratio, ID/IG, and volume of graphene after combination with cellulose tissue on the resulting stiffness of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film has been extensively studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of 30 ml graphene that had been pre-treated for 3 h into PVA had produced the best increment in elastic modulus (1.6 GPa against 0.4 GPa) while a shorter pre-treatment duration of graphene (1 h) would require more graphene volume (40 ml) to match the previous stiffness improvement level. By using the collected experimental data (90 samples), we further modeled the effect of tissue and PVA mass, C/O ratio, ID/IG, and graphene volume on modulus using machine learning (ML) algorithms.

Integrating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement-based construction materials is a key strategy for reducing environmental burdens and the greenhouse gas emissions related to cement production. Supplies of commonly applied SCMs such as fly ash and blast furnace slag are becoming limited, and therefore the search for alternative SCMs is of high significance. The present research investigates the viability of four paper mill ashes collected at different stages from the same incineration process as SCMs at different cement substitution rates (5–30 wt%). The ashes were first classified depending on their mineralogical and chemical composition, and their contribution to strength development of the prepared mortars is examined. Furthermore, the effects of the ashes on the hydration kinetics and the fresh and hardened properties of the prepared mortars were studied. The obtained results showed that a high level of SCM replacement accelerates the early hydration reactions and decreases the setting time. In addition, the incorporation of paper mill ashes increased the bound water depending on the ash type and resulted in strength development of the mortars at low replacement per- centages (5–10 wt%). This study shows that the ashes belonging to type C medium acid based on bio ash classification could be incorporated as SCMs at a maximum level of 10 wt%, while those corresponding to type C low acid could be used up to 20–30 wt%.

The implementation of a wide diagnostic campaign to diagnose cancer early could save millions of lives and billions of dollars every year. Unfortunately, cancer diagnosis is extremely complicated and current approaches rely on the use of expensive equipment and specialized personnel, which hamper their deployment in low- and middle-income settings. Here, we analyze the technical challenges that must be overcome to achieve precise cancer diagnostics and we describe how such hurdles have limited the development of point-of-care (PoC) sensors. Then, we explain why we believe recent achievements in the field of paper-based sensors could allow their use as widely available sensing platforms for cancer detection. Finally, we present our vision of what should be done in order to make paper-based sensors widely used diagnostics platforms for cancer.

Fine paper mills produce a variety of paper grades to satisfy demand for a large number of sheeted products. Huge reels of different paper grades are produced on a cyclical basis on paper machines. These reels are then cut into rolls of smaller size which are then either sold as such, or sheeted into finished products in converting plants. A huge number of roll sizes would be required to cut all finished products without trim loss and they cannot all be inventoried. An assortment of rolls is inventoried with the implication that the sheeting operations may yield trim loss. The selection of the assortment of roll sizes to stock and the assignment of these roll sizes to finished products have a significant impact on performances. This paper presents a model to decide the parent roll assortment and assignments to finished products based on these products demand processes, desired service levels, trim loss and inventory holding costs. Risk pooling economies made by assigning several finished products to a given roll size is a fundamental aspect of the problem. The overall model is a binary non-linear program. Two solution methods are developed: a branch and price algorithm based on column generation and a fast pricing heuristic, and a marginal cost heuristic. The two methods are tested on real data and also on randomly generated problem instances. The approach proposed was implemented by a large pulp and paper company.

In this paper, we address the problem of defining the production campaigns on a paper machine. Each campaign is of a fixed duration (cycle time) and produces batches (lot sizes) of all or a set of the products. This paper presents a real case study discussing a specific lot sizing problem where a predetermined production sequence must be maintained. We propose a new approach where we compute first the cycle time by assuming constant demand, and then lot sizes are determined for each product within each cycle in order to satisfy demand. Finally, studying the context of a Canadian paper maker, we evaluate the impact of planning production under a cycling manner.

[EN] Low cost and user-friendly paper microfluidic devices, combined with DNA-based biosensors with binding capacities for specific molecules, have been proposed for the developing of novel platforms that ease and speed-up the process of cell secretion monitoring. In this work, we present the first cellulose microfluidic paper-based analytical device for the single-step detection of cell secreted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor through a self-reporting Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer. A three-part Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer was designed with an aptameric sequence specific for VEGF, which provides a quantifiable fluorescent signal through the displacement of a quencher upon VEGF recognition. The VEGF biosensor was integrated in cellulose paper, enabling the homogenous distribution of the sensor in the paper substrate and the detection of as low as 0.34ng of VEGF in 30min through fluorescence intensity analysis. As a proof-of-concept, the biosensor was incorporated in a microfluidic paper-based analytical device format containing a VEGF detection zone and a control zone, which was applied for the detection of cell secreted VEGF in the supernatant of mesenchymal stem cells culture plates, demonstrating its potential use in cell biology research.

[EN] Nowadays, miniaturization and portability are crucial characteristics that need to be considered for the development of water monitoring systems. In particular, the use of handheld technology, including microfluidics, is exponentially expanding due to its versatility, reduction of reagents and minimization of waste, fast analysis times and portability. Here, a hybrid handheld miniaturized polymer platform with a paper-based microfluidic device was developed for the simultaneous detection of nitrite and nitrate in real samples from both, fresh and seawaters. The platform contains an ionogel-based colorimetric sensor for nitrite detection and a paper-based microfluidic device for the in situ conversion of nitrate to nitrite. The platform was fully characterized in terms of its viability as a portable, cheap and quick pollutant detector at the point of need. The calibration was carried out by multivariate analysis of the color of the sensing areas obtained from a taken picture of the device. The limits of detection and quantification, for nitrite were 0.47 and 0.68mgL-1, while for nitrate were 2.3 and 3.4mgL-1, found to be within the limits allowed by the environmental authorities, for these two pollutants. Finally, the platform was validated with real water samples, demonstrating its potential to monitor nitrite and nitrate concentrations on-site as a first surveillance step before performing extensive analysis.

[EN] Low cost and user-friendly paper microfluidic devices, combined with DNA-based biosensors with binding capacities for specific molecules, have been proposed for the developing of novel platforms that ease and speed-up the process of cell secretion monitoring. In this work, we present the first cellulose microfluidic paper-based analytical device for the single-step detection of cell secreted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor through a self-reporting Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer. A three-part Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer was designed with an aptameric sequence specific for VEGF, which provides a quantifiable fluorescent signal through the displacement of a quencher upon VEGF recognition. The VEGF biosensor was integrated in cellulose paper, enabling the homogenous distribution of the sensor in the paper substrate and the detection of as low as 0.34ng of VEGF in 30min through fluorescence intensity analysis. As a proof-of-concept, the biosensor was incorporated in a microfluidic paper-based analytical device format containing a VEGF detection zone and a control zone, which was applied for the detection of cell secreted VEGF in the supernatant of mesenchymal stem cells culture plates, demonstrating its potential use in cell biology research.

[EN] Nowadays, miniaturization and portability are crucial characteristics that need to be considered for the development of water monitoring systems. In particular, the use of handheld technology, including microfluidics, is exponentially expanding due to its versatility, reduction of reagents and minimization of waste, fast analysis times and portability. Here, a hybrid handheld miniaturized polymer platform with a paper-based microfluidic device was developed for the simultaneous detection of nitrite and nitrate in real samples from both, fresh and seawaters. The platform contains an ionogel-based colorimetric sensor for nitrite detection and a paper-based microfluidic device for the in situ conversion of nitrate to nitrite. The platform was fully characterized in terms of its viability as a portable, cheap and quick pollutant detector at the point of need. The calibration was carried out by multivariate analysis of the color of the sensing areas obtained from a taken picture of the device. The limits of detection and quantification, for nitrite were 0.47 and 0.68mgL-1, while for nitrate were 2.3 and 3.4mgL-1, found to be within the limits allowed by the environmental authorities, for these two pollutants. Finally, the platform was validated with real water samples, demonstrating its potential to monitor nitrite and nitrate concentrations on-site as a first surveillance step before performing extensive analysis.

[EN] Nowadays, miniaturization and portability are crucial characteristics that need to be considered for the development of water monitoring systems. In particular, the use of handheld technology, including microfluidics, is exponentially expanding due to its versatility, reduction of reagents and minimization of waste, fast analysis times and portability. Here, a hybrid handheld miniaturized polymer platform with a paper-based microfluidic device was developed for the simultaneous detection of nitrite and nitrate in real samples from both, fresh and seawaters. The platform contains an ionogel-based colorimetric sensor for nitrite detection and a paper-based microfluidic device for the in situ conversion of nitrate to nitrite. The platform was fully characterized in terms of its viability as a portable, cheap and quick pollutant detector at the point of need. The calibration was carried out by multivariate analysis of the color of the sensing areas obtained from a taken picture of the device. The limits of detection and quantification, for nitrite were 0.47 and 0.68mgL-1, while for nitrate were 2.3 and 3.4mgL-1, found to be within the limits allowed by the environmental authorities, for these two pollutants. Finally, the platform was validated with real water samples, demonstrating its potential to monitor nitrite and nitrate concentrations on-site as a first surveillance step before performing extensive analysis.

[EN] Low cost and user-friendly paper microfluidic devices, combined with DNA-based biosensors with binding capacities for specific molecules, have been proposed for the developing of novel platforms that ease and speed-up the process of cell secretion monitoring. In this work, we present the first cellulose microfluidic paper-based analytical device for the single-step detection of cell secreted Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor through a self-reporting Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer. A three-part Structure Switching Signaling Aptamer was designed with an aptameric sequence specific for VEGF, which provides a quantifiable fluorescent signal through the displacement of a quencher upon VEGF recognition. The VEGF biosensor was integrated in cellulose paper, enabling the homogenous distribution of the sensor in the paper substrate and the detection of as low as 0.34ng of VEGF in 30min through fluorescence intensity analysis. As a proof-of-concept, the biosensor was incorporated in a microfluidic paper-based analytical device format containing a VEGF detection zone and a control zone, which was applied for the detection of cell secreted VEGF in the supernatant of mesenchymal stem cells culture plates, demonstrating its potential use in cell biology research.

Fifteen percent of couples of reproductive age suffer frominfertility globally and the burden of infertility disproportionately impacts residents of developing countries. Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), including in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), have been successful in overcoming various reasons for infertility including borderline and severe male factor infertility which consists of 20%-30% of all infertile cases. Approximately half of male infertility cases stem from suboptimal sperm parameters. Therefore, healthy/normal sperm enrichment and sorting remains crucial in advancing reproductive medicine. Microfluidic technologies have emerged as promising tools to develop in- home rapid fertility tests and point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools. Here, we review advancements in fabrication methods for paper-based-microfluidic devices and their emerging fertility testing applications assessing sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm DNA analysis, and other sperm functionalities, and provide a glimpse into future directions for paper-based fertility microfluidic systems., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK); 2232 International Fellowship for Outstanding Researchers Award; European Union (EU); Horizon 2020; Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship; Royal Academy Newton-Katip Çelebi Transforming Systems Through Partnership Award; Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers; Science Academy Young Scientist Awards Program (BAGEP); Outstanding Young Scientists Awards (GEBİP); Bilim Kahramanlari Dernegi Young Scientist Award

It is unusual, and can be difficult, for scientists to reflect in their publications on any limitations their research had. This is a consequence of the extreme pressure that scientists are under to 'publish or perish'. The inevitable consequence is that much published research is not as good as it could, and should, be, leading to the current 'reproducibility crisis'. Approaches to address this crisis are required. Our suggestion is to include a 'Limitations' section in all scientific papers. Evidence is provided showing that such a section must be mandatory. Adding a 'Limitations' section to scientific papers would greatly increase honesty, openness and transparency, to the considerable benefit of both the scientific community and society in general. This suggestion is applicable to all scientific disciplines. Finally, we apologise if our suggestion has already been made by others.

Canadian pulp and paper companies have been experiencing hard times during the last decade. The rising Canadian dollar, low-cost competition and the decline in number of conventional markets have led to several restructuring projects and shutdowns among pulp and paper mills. Setting up a transformation strategy is considered vital for those companies to overcome the crisis and achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. Several transformation pathways could be undertaken, ranging from process modernisation to product portfolio and market diversification. The increasingly volatile business environment makes strategic decisions a tough task. Our objective is then to help decision makers, within the pulp and paper industry, identify profitable transformation strategies that would resist the major driving forces affecting the companies’ competitiveness. A scenario-based modelling approach is presented to evaluate a set of transformation strategies under different trend-based future scenarios and to identify the most robust strategic options, allowing a given pulp and paper company to meet the future challenges. A mathematical model is developed to evaluate the profitability of each transformation strategy under different plausible future scenarios. Investing in high-value bioproducts such as Bioethanol is suggested as a viable transformation pathway. Opting for innovative pulp and paper products such moulded fibre packaging would be a promising strategy to consider within a multi-product diversification pathway. Mixed strategies are also evaluated and it is found that investing in bioethanol while modernising the P&P assets would be the most profitable and the less risky strategy, but with the highest investment cost among all strategies.

Background: Empathy development is an integral aspect of nurse education in several countries. Empathy supports person-centred care provision by aiding effective communication and promoting feelings of wellbeing by helping people feel understood. Aim: The development of empathy in nursing students is best facilitated through experiential learning and reflective practice, although to date, there are no reflective models specifically designed for this purpose. It is the aim of this paper to present a model designed to promote reflection on the development of empathy. Design: The authors have developed an approach to empathic reflection based on the philosophy of Edith Stein. Methods: In this paper we outline the Empathic Reflection model which emphasises the need for educator support and an appreciative approach. We then present a narrative example of the model in action in an acute care setting. Results: We have developed a three-stage model to support experiential learning about the development of empathy for nursing students. Conclusions: This discussion paper explores an interesting area for future nursing research about empathy development through experiential learning and reflective practice. Educators can contribute to the promotion of empathy by working in partnership with students to explore previously held beliefs which might act as barriers to empathic care provision.

Background: Empathy development is an integral aspect of nurse education in several countries. Empathy supports person-centred care provision by aiding effective communication and promoting feelings of wellbeing by helping people feel understood. Aim: The development of empathy in nursing students is best facilitated through experiential learning and reflective practice, although to date, there are no reflective models specifically designed for this purpose. It is the aim of this paper to present a model designed to promote reflection on the development of empathy. Design: The authors have developed an approach to empathic reflection based on the philosophy of Edith Stein. Methods: In this paper we outline the Empathic Reflection model which emphasises the need for educator support and an appreciative approach. We then present a narrative example of the model in action in an acute care setting. Results: We have developed a three-stage model to support experiential learning about the development of empathy for nursing students. Conclusions: This discussion paper explores an interesting area for future nursing research about empathy development through experiential learning and reflective practice. Educators can contribute to the promotion of empathy by working in partnership with students to explore previously held beliefs which might act as barriers to empathic care provision.

The paper industry is an important sector annually consuming kilotons of nanoforms and non-nanoforms of fillers and pigments. Fillers accelerate the rate of drying (less energy needed) and product cost (increasing the load of low-cost fillers). The plastic industry is another use sector, where coloristic pigments can be in nanoform, and many food containers are made of plastic. Use of paper to wrap both wet and dry food is consumer practice, but not always intended by producers. Here we compare the release behavior of different nano-enabled products (NEPs) by changing a) nanoform (NF) characteristics, b) NF load, c) the nano-enabled product (NEP) matrix, and d) food simulants. The ranking of these factors enables an assessment of food contact by concepts of analogy, specifically via the similarities of the rate and form of release in food during contact. Three types of matrices were used: Paper, plastic ((Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polyamide (PA6), and Polyurethane (PU)), and a paint formulation. Two nanoforms each of SiO2, Fe2O3, Cu-Phthalocyanine were incorporated, additionally to the conventional form of CaCO3 that is always contained in paper to reduce cellulose consumption. Tests were guided by the European Regulation EC 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011. No evidence of particle release was observed: the qualitative similarity (the form of release) was high regarding the food contact of all NEPs with embedded NFs. Quantitative similarity of releases depended primarily on the NEP matrix, as this controls the penetration of the simulant fluid into the NEP. The solubility of the NF and impurities in the simulant fluid was the second decisive factor, as dissolution of the NF inside the NEP is the main mechanism of release. This led to complete removal of CaCO3 in acidic medium, whereas Fe and Si signals remained in the paper, consistent with the low release rates in an ionic form. In our set of 16 NEPs, only one NEP showed a dependence on the REACH NF descriptors (substance, si

BACKGROUND: Empathy development is an integral aspect of nurse education in several countries. Empathy supports person-centred care provision by aiding effective communication and promoting feelings of wellbeing by helping people feel understood. AIM: The development of empathy in nursing students is best facilitated through experiential learning and reflective practice, although to date, there are no reflective models specifically designed for this purpose. It is the aim of this paper to present a model designed to promote reflection on the development of empathy. DESIGN: The authors have developed an approach to empathic reflection based on the philosophy of Edith Stein. METHODS: In this paper we outline the Empathic Reflection model which emphasises the need for educator support and an appreciative approach. We then present a narrative example of the model in action in an acute care setting. RESULTS: We have developed a three-stage model to support experiential learning about the development of empathy for nursing students. CONCLUSIONS: This discussion paper explores an interesting area for future nursing research about empathy development through experiential learning and reflective practice. Educators can contribute to the promotion of empathy by working in partnership with students to explore previously held beliefs which might act as barriers to empathic care provision.

BACKGROUND: Empathy development is an integral aspect of nurse education in several countries. Empathy supports person-centred care provision by aiding effective communication and promoting feelings of wellbeing by helping people feel understood. AIM: The development of empathy in nursing students is best facilitated through experiential learning and reflective practice, although to date, there are no reflective models specifically designed for this purpose. It is the aim of this paper to present a model designed to promote reflection on the development of empathy. DESIGN: The authors have developed an approach to empathic reflection based on the philosophy of Edith Stein. METHODS: In this paper we outline the Empathic Reflection model which emphasises the need for educator support and an appreciative approach. We then present a narrative example of the model in action in an acute care setting. RESULTS: We have developed a three-stage model to support experiential learning about the development of empathy for nursing students. CONCLUSIONS: This discussion paper explores an interesting area for future nursing research about empathy development through experiential learning and reflective practice. Educators can contribute to the promotion of empathy by working in partnership with students to explore previously held beliefs which might act as barriers to empathic care provision.

Despite the low cost of paper substrates, the lack of appropriate device fabrication techniques has hampered the overall efficacy of paper-based sensors. Addressing this issue, in this work, we develop a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) coated paper substrate-based biosensor using a novel method of wax deposition followed by vacuum filtration to design dedicated hydrophobic and hydrophilic channels for label-free, highly selective, and sensitive detection of cholesterol. Detailed morphological characterization studies reveal the uniform deposition of MWCNTs on the paper substrate (∼15–20 nm average diameter). Upon exposure to cholesterol, an excellent dynamic range of response over three orders of magnitude from 10 nM −75 µM and 100 µM–8 mM concentration range with a limit of detection of 3.2 nM (3 S/m) was obtained. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) was found to be 0.0093 µM. In addition, the fabricated biosensor exhibited excellent reproducibility, stability and high specificity to cholesterol with negligible response from interfering analytes. The excellent response of the fabricated biosensor can be attributed to the modulation of electrical properties due to electrostatic gating effect and direct electron transfer between MWCNTs and cholesterol due to the bioconjugation of Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx). The strategy employed here addresses some major challenges faced by the current methods of using rigid substrates and liquid electrolyte based analytical methods for detection of cholesterol. Furthermore, the sensor could successfully measure concentrations of cholesterol in saliva. This work provides a promising platform for developing low cost, interference free, disposable paper-based biosensors for point of care diagnostics. © 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

Despite the low cost of paper substrates, the lack of appropriate device fabrication techniques has hampered the overall efficacy of paper-based sensors. Addressing this issue, in this work, we develop a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) coated paper substrate-based biosensor using a novel method of wax deposition followed by vacuum filtration to design dedicated hydrophobic and hydrophilic channels for label-free, highly selective, and sensitive detection of cholesterol. Detailed morphological characterization studies reveal the uniform deposition of MWCNTs on the paper substrate (∼15–20 nm average diameter). Upon exposure to cholesterol, an excellent dynamic range of response over three orders of magnitude from 10 nM −75 µM and 100 µM–8 mM concentration range with a limit of detection of 3.2 nM (3 S/m) was obtained. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) was found to be 0.0093 µM. In addition, the fabricated biosensor exhibited excellent reproducibility, stability and high specificity to cholesterol with negligible response from interfering analytes. The excellent response of the fabricated biosensor can be attributed to the modulation of electrical properties due to electrostatic gating effect and direct electron transfer between MWCNTs and cholesterol due to the bioconjugation of Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx). The strategy employed here addresses some major challenges faced by the current methods of using rigid substrates and liquid electrolyte based analytical methods for detection of cholesterol. Furthermore, the sensor could successfully measure concentrations of cholesterol in saliva. This work provides a promising platform for developing low cost, interference free, disposable paper-based biosensors for point of care diagnostics. © 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

Despite the low cost of paper substrates, the lack of appropriate device fabrication techniques has hampered the overall efficacy of paper-based sensors. Addressing this issue, in this work, we develop a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) coated paper substrate-based biosensor using a novel method of wax deposition followed by vacuum filtration to design dedicated hydrophobic and hydrophilic channels for label-free, highly selective, and sensitive detection of cholesterol. Detailed morphological characterization studies reveal the uniform deposition of MWCNTs on the paper substrate (∼15–20 nm average diameter). Upon exposure to cholesterol, an excellent dynamic range of response over three orders of magnitude from 10 nM −75 µM and 100 µM–8 mM concentration range with a limit of detection of 3.2 nM (3 S/m) was obtained. The Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) was found to be 0.0093 µM. In addition, the fabricated biosensor exhibited excellent reproducibility, stability and high specificity to cholesterol with negligible response from interfering analytes. The excellent response of the fabricated biosensor can be attributed to the modulation of electrical properties due to electrostatic gating effect and direct electron transfer between MWCNTs and cholesterol due to the bioconjugation of Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx). The strategy employed here addresses some major challenges faced by the current methods of using rigid substrates and liquid electrolyte based analytical methods for detection of cholesterol. Furthermore, the sensor could successfully measure concentrations of cholesterol in saliva. This work provides a promising platform for developing low cost, interference free, disposable paper-based biosensors for point of care diagnostics. © 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a serious threat to human health. Current methods such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) are complex, expensive, and time-consuming. Rapid, and simple screening methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 are critically required to fight the current pandemic. In this work we present a proof of concept for, a simple optical sensing method for the screening of SARS-CoV-2 through its spike protein subunit S1. The method utilizes a target-specific extractor chip to bind the protein from the biological specimens. The disulfide bonds of the protein are then reduced into a biothiol with sulfhydryl (SH) groups that react with a blue-colored benzothiazole azo dye-Hg complex (BAN-Hg) and causes the spontaneous change of its blue color to pink which is observable by the naked eye. A linear relationship between the intensity of the pink color and the logarithm of reduced S1 protein concentration was found within the working range 130 ng.mL−1-1.3 pg mL−1. The lowest limit of detection (LOD) of the assay was 130 fg mL−1. A paper based optical sensor was fabricated by loading the BAN-Hg sensor onto filter paper and used to screen the S1 protein in spiked saliva and patients’ nasopharyngeal swabs. The results obtained by the paper sensor corroborated with those obtained by qRT-PCR. The new paper-based sensing method can be extended to the screening of many viruses (e.g. the human immunodeficiency virus, the human polyomavirus, the human papilloma virus, the adeno associated viruses, the enteroviruses) through the cysteine residues of their capsid proteins. The new method has strong potential for screening viruses at pathology labs and in remote areas that lacks advanced scientific infrastructure. Further clinical studies are warranted to validate the new sensing method.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that students who are engaged in learning tasks and make errors before receiving instruction on how to complete them, achieve better learning outcomes than students who first receive instruction and then complete the learning activities with the aim of avoiding errors. Although simulation literature often refers to errors as learning opportunities, to date, there is limited understanding of how pedagogical approaches that promote learning from errors can guide the design of simulation-based learning in healthcare education. AIMS: To (a) present the Learning from Errors conceptual model; and (b) provide an example of how educators can use this model. DESIGN: The Learning from Errors model is drawn from critical elements of two pedagogical approaches, productive failure and error management training and pedagogical features of high-quality healthcare simulations. METHODS: We describe the Learning from Errors model, which emphasises the need for adopting pedagogical methods that explicitly use errors as learning opportunities and ultimately inform simulation design. We then illustrate the application of this model to a simulation example. RESULTS: The model includes the following elements: i) normalisation of errors, ii) challenging simulation scenarios, iii) self-directed learning, iv) collaborative teamwork and v) comparison with best practice. CONCLUSION: This discussion paper presents the Learning from Errors conceptual model, an evidence-based approach that can assist educators in the design of simulations that embrace errors as a catalyst for learning.

Industrial energy management is critical to ensuring efficient energy usage, market viability, and greenhouse gas emission reductions. In this study, the aim is to investigate energy management practices in paper and pulp industries (PPI) of Bangladesh. The study identifies several barriers to adopt energy management practices; “Lack of governmental attention”, “Inadequate staff awareness” and “limited access to capital” are identified as the major constraints. In addition, HVAC systems and compressed air systems present higher barriers compared to electrical motor and pump systems while looking at the barriers by technology areas. On the other hand, “Owner's demand”, “Commitment from the top management” and “Pressure from the customers and different non-Governmental organization” are found to be the dominant drivers of energy management in the studied PPI. Energy management practices can enhance the energy efficiency approximately by 4–5 % according to the study. Furthermore, this study reveals that the majority of PPIs are unaware of the energy service companies (ESCO) with the lack of a standardized system for energy audit, as well as a lack of trust and information, appearing to be the obstacles behind this.

The management of patients with stroke is often multidisciplinary, involving various specialties and healthcare professionals. Given the common shared risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease, input may also be required from the cardiovascular teams, as well as patient caregivers and next-of-kin. Ultimately, the patient is central to all this, requiring a coordinated and uniform approach to the priorities of post-stroke management, which can be consistently implemented by different multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, as part of the patient ‘journey’ or ‘patient pathway,’ supported by appropriate education and tele-medicine approaches. All these aspects would ultimately aid delivery of care and improve patient (and caregiver) engagement and empowerment. Given the need to address the multidisciplinary approach to holistic or integrated care of patients with heart disease and stroke, the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke convened a Task Force, with the remit to propose a consensus on Integrated care management for optimizing the management of stroke and associated heart disease. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence and proposes consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and simple practical approaches to assist in everyday clinical practice. A post-stroke ABC pathway is proposed, as a more holistic approach to integrated stroke care, would include three pillars of management: • A: Appropriate Antithrombotic therapy. • B: Better functional and psychological status. • C: Cardiovascular risk factors and Comorbidity optimization (including lifestyle changes).