Search

In this study, office waste paper was utilized as the raw material for production of bioethanol. Experimental studies have been carried out cellulose to sugar by acid hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis of waste paper to sugar was carried out 121?C with 5%(v/v) sulfuric acid with the volume of 100ml, 200ml and 5,10,15 g of office waste paper to obtain the best yield of hydrolysate. After adjustment of pH with 5M of sodium hydroxide solution, fermentation was investigated using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae to convert sugar to bioethanol and produced 0.033 g/ml of maximum sugar with 150 rpm for overnight at room temperature. The viability of cell was not the only factor influencing fermentation. The operation time for hydrolysis, adjustment of pH, amount of yeast and rate of aeration during fermentation a was a key interactive factor resulting in ethanol accumulation.

In recent years, with the rapid development of the Internet industry, the publicity effect of paperbark walnuts has been substantially increased, and the consumption and demand of paperbark walnuts have been rising, and the output of paperbark walnuts in China has also increased year by year. This paper takes the panel data of the top three prefecture-level cities in each GDP ranking of five provinces in northwest China from 2012 to 2021 as the sample and combines the DEA model with Malmquist to evaluate and analyze the logistics efficiency of paper walnuts in northwest China. It is found that the overall logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Northwest China has been improved in recent years, but there are still areas that need to be improved, such as the factor distribution is not reasonable enough; the logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Northwest China from 2012 to 2021 is in a fluctuating state; the logistics efficiency of paperback walnuts in Shaanxi Province is better than the other provinces and is in the leading position; the improvement of technological progress has a key role in the total factor productivity improvement. As a result, this paper puts forward five specific suggestions based on the research results to help accelerate the improvement of paper walnut logistics efficiency in Northwest China.

The study presents the integration of architectural design approaches in the fashion design process suggesting a new educational method based on structural model fabrication. The paper addresses the output of an experimental collaborative practice-based workshop titled ‘Fashion Clash’ that mixes both architects and fashion designers. The workshop focused on testing self-structural garments following a manual workflow which is divided into three main phases, (1) modeling and form-finding, (2) assembly, and (3) fabrication. Paper-based materials are used for transforming full-scale garments into textiles. The results presented seven garments displayed at a fashion show that show the effect of the folding techniques in reaching stability and highlighting the interdisciplinary integration of architects and fashion designers. The study concludes that implementing a parametric design logic based on architectural perspective in fashion would generate innovative ways of testing self-supporting geometry. Digitally computing the forces and structure before fabrication are left for further research.

In 1923, the Philosophical Transactions published G. I. Taylor’s seminal paper on the stability of what we now call Taylor–Couette flow. In the century since the paper was published, Taylor’s ground-breaking linear stability analysis of fluid flow between two rotating cylinders has had an enormous impact on the field of fluid mechanics. The paper’s influence has extended to general rotating flows, geophysical flows and astrophysical flows, not to mention its significance in firmly establishing several foundational concepts in fluid mechanics that are now broadly accepted. This two-part issue includes review articles and research articles spanning a broad range of contemporary research areas, all rooted in Taylor’s landmark paper. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Taylor–Couette and related flows on the centennial of Taylor’s seminal Philosophical Transactions paper (part 1)’.

Alstonia boonei, an abundant lesser utilized species within the West African Subregion, was evaluated as an alternative raw material for pulp and paper production. The basic density (BD), fibre characteristics [fibre length (FL), fibre diameter (FD), lumen diameter (LD) and wall thickness (WT)], derived anatomical indices [Flexibility Ratio (FR), Slenderness Ratio (SR), Rigidity Coefficient (RC), Luce’s Shape Factor (LSF), Solids Factor (SF) and Runkel Ratio (RR)] and chemical composition (lignin, holocellulose, 1% NaOH solubility and ash contents) of A. boonei were studied to evaluate variation along the trunk (base, middle and top portions) and ascertain its suitability for pulp and paper production. Significant variations were observed in the density and fibre characteristics along the trunk of the tree. Although the FD was large, the observed adequate FL, thin-wall and large LD implied easy beating of fibres and manufacture of dense, smooth and strong papers. The favourable SF, RR, FR, RC, and LSF values obtained for the fibres would produce papers with suitable burst and tearing strengths and folding endurance. Chemically the lower lignin (< 30%), ash and 1% NaOH solubility and the high holocellulose contents of A. boonei, will generate a higher pulp yield. A. boonei although a low-density species, will be desirable for pulp and paper production.

Test construction is vital in the process of assessing students’ learning. This motivated researchers to investigate the multi-faceted nature of test construction. Interestingly, reviewed studies indicate the need to conduct continuous investigations on test construction given the different educational reforms and paradigm shift in education. With this premise, this study was implemented to determine the common types of tests given in English, Math, Science, Filipino, and Technology courses of industrial-technical students. It also determined the teachers’ committed violations on the rules, principles, and guidelines of test construction. Through content analysis of the test papers, the study found that the common types of test given to industrial-technical students are multiple choice, identification, and enumeration; essay, alternate response, and completion tests. In addition, the violations surfaced on basic principles in test construction, constructing test instructions, and writing multiple choice, identification test, enumeration; essay, alternate response, and completion tests. Hence, teachers need to diversify the types of tests given to students and follow the rules, principles, and guidelines in test construction.

The pulp and paper industry’s multi-tonnage liquid waste is spent cooking liquor containing lignosulfonates, which disposal and processing remains one of the most complex environmental and technological problems, which should be solved. Lignosulfonates have unique colloidal-chemical properties, which determines their high resource potential. However, lignosulfonates’ composition instability often does not provide the properties and indicators set by the consumer. Changing market conditions require constant waste monitoring and modification, that prevents the widespread lignosulfonates use in industrial practice. In this paper, the causes for the formation of lignin-containing waste and its impact on the environment are considered. A strategy for lignosulfonates utilization has been developed, as well as promising methods for these wastes processing and disposal, which will expand the use of lignosulfonates and reduce the pulp and paper industry negative impact on the environment.

NiCoS has good conductivity, and the sulfur it contains is known to improve the activity for hydrogen evolution reaction. Thus NiCoS has recently attracted much attention as a catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst in neutral-pH water electrolysis. In this study, NiCoS was fabricated using pulse electrodeposition method and the effect of off time on the composition, morphology, and hydrogen evolution reaction activity was investigated. The physical and chemical characteristics of the catalyst were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, etc. It was observed that the surface area of NiCoS, the sulfur content, and hydrogen evolution reaction activity of NiCoS increased together as the off time increased at a constant on time. The NiCoS with the highest sulfur content, produced by pulse electrodeposition, showed overpotentials of 262 and 285 mV to deliver current densities of 10, 50 mA/cm2, respectively, in the neutral pH region.

A classical result of K. L. Chung and W. Feller deals with the partial sums S k S_k arising in a fair coin-tossing game. If N n N_n is the number of “positive” terms among S 1 S_1 , S 2 S_2 , …, S n S_n then the quantity P ( N 2 n = 2 r ) P(N_{2n} = 2r) takes an elegant form. We lift the restriction on an even number of tosses and give a simple expression for P ( N 2 n + 1 = r ) P(N_{2n+1} = r) , r = 0 r = 0 , 1 1 , 2 2 , …, 2 n + 1 2n+1 . We get to this ansatz by adaptating the Feynman–Kac methodology.

Today, computer graphics and graphic image processing techniques have been widely used in daily life and industrial production. Due to the development of computers, computer graphics has brought more convenience to our daily life. In order to give full play to the value of computers, this paper takes the Hakka paper-cut art with local characteristics as the starting point, first of all its development history, artistic characteristics, compositional forms, expression techniques, cultural connotations, Hakka paper-cut patterns, and the symbolic meaning of folk customs, and then we design a visualization system for the paper-cut works of Gannan Hakka based on computer graphics. In addition, the system provides a solution for the integration of Gannan Hakka paper-cut art and Jiangxi native product packaging design and provides a reference for the theory and practice of modern native product packaging design.

We study generalised rock-paper-scissors models with an arbitrary odd number N \geq 5 of species, among which n are weak, with 2 \leq n \leq (N-1)/2. Because of the species' weakness, the probability of individuals conquering territory in the cyclic spatial game is low. Running stochastic simulations, we study the role of unevenness in the rock-paper-scissors game in spatial patterns and population dynamics, considering diverse models where the weak species are in different positions in the cyclic game order. Studying systems with five and seven species, we discover that the individuals' spatial organisation arising from the pattern formation process determines the stability of the cyclic game with multiple weak species. Our outcomes show that the presence of species unbalances the spatial distribution of organisms of the same species bringing consequences on territorial dominance, with the predominant species being determined by the position in the cyclic game order. Our simulations elucidate that, in general, the further apart the regions inhabited by different weak species are, the less the coexistence between the species is jeopardised. We show that if multiple weak species occupy adjacent spatial domains, the unevenness in the cyclic game is reinforced, maximising the chances of biodiversity loss. Our discoveries may also be helpful to biologists in comprehending systems where weak species unbalance biodiversity stability., Comment: 10 pages, 10 figures

To enhance the quality and efficiency of computer-enabled generation of papers for Test for English Majors Band 8 (TEM-8), a paper generation model supported by sparrow search algorithm-genetic algorithm was studied. First, a simplified test paper generation mathematical model was set up after analyzing and studying types and characteristics of TEM-8 tasks. In the model, quantity, type, difficulty, discrimination degree, scores, exposure, and answering time of test questions were taken into consideration. To enhance the optimizing effect of the genetic algorithm for searching test questions, the traditional genetic algorithm was improved by introducing the sparrow search algorithm into the model to achieve a better crossover rate, variance rate, optimization precision, and speed of the genetic algorithm. A new sparrow search-genetic algorithm (SSA-GA) was designed, and the optimizing effect of SSA-GA was verified to be ideal through optimizing six standard test functions. Then, SSA-GA was applied to conduct experimentation with test paper generation, and comparison with traditional genetic algorithms was also made. The values of best and average fitness of SSA-GA were better than those of the traditional genetic algorithm (GA) in the paper generation. Exposure rate and success rate in TEM-8 paper generation of SSA-GA were higher than those of traditional GA in TEM-8 paper generation. Results showed that the studied SSA-GA could implement test paper generation with higher speed and better quality.

This study aims at understanding the role of the tools chosen throughout the processes of solving a non-routine mathematical problem and communicating its solution. In assuming that problem-solving is a synchronous activity of mathematization and expression of mathematical thinking we take our proposed Mathematical Problem Solving with Technology (MPST) model to analyze the processes of solving-and-expressing-problems. Resorting to qualitative methods for data collection and analysis, we report on the case of an 8th grader working on a covariation problem to examine the role that paper-and-pencil and digital tools play in the development of a conceptual model of the situation. We found that the resources used throughout the solving-and-expressing activity influenced the depth of the conceptual model developed, within a process of progressive mathematization. Whereas paper-and-pencil led to the emergence of a conceptual model based on exploring particular cases, the digital transformation of the solution was triggered by the process of communicating its mathematical justification and expanded the previous model. Moreover, the complexity of this activity is evidenced by its multiple sequences of processes. Finally, the integration process seems crucial as the concomitant use of technological and mathematical resources precedes major advancements in the expansion of the conceptual model.

In a recent paper ?Filomat, 35:5 (2021), 1555-1564? the authors proved some best proximity point theorems for classes of contractive pair of mappings as well as cyclic ?-contractions under some sufficient conditions. In this article, we present some counterexamples of the existence results of contractive pair of mappings and present the corrected version of these results. We also show that the best proximity point theorem for cyclic ?-contractions is a straightforward consequence of Boyd-Wong fixed point theorem by dropping an additional assumption.

This paper serves as a conceptualisation of how the principles of Whole Brain® thinking can be used to inform lecturer identity. The objective of this position paper is to engage discourse on the educational professional development of early-career academics in health sciences. It is about laying a scholarly foundation for self-study. As a scholarly community of practice in family medicine we wanted to determine to what extent the literature – theoretical framework – is silent on innovative means to ensure that academics take responsibility for their development, using self-regulated learning and self-empowerment. In our search for literature on theories of professional learning we came across the theory about Whole Brain® thinking. Our action research initiatives revolve around the notion of individuals’ preferences for different modes of thinking. Our preferred modes of thinking inform our teaching practice and lecturer identity. Este documento sirve como una conceptualización de como los principios del pensamiento Whole Brain® pueden usarse para informar la identidad del profesor. El objetivo de este documento de posición es participar en el discurso sobre el desarrollo profesional educativo de los académicos en las primeras carreras de ciencias de la salud. Se trata de sentar una base académica para el autoestudio. Como comunidad académica de práctica en medicina familiar, queríamos determinar en que medida la literatura – el marco teórico – guarda silencio sobre los medios innovadores para garantizar que los académicos asuman la responsabilidad de su desarrollo, utilizando el aprendizaje autorregulado y el autoempoderamiento. En nuestra búsqueda de literatura sobre teorías del aprendizaje profesional nos encontramos con la teoría del pensamiento Whole Brain®. Nuestras iniciativas de investigación-acción giran en torno a la noción de las preferencias de los individuos por diferentes modos de pensamiento. Nuestros modos preferidos de pensamiento informan nuestra práctica docente y nuestra identidad como profesor. O presente artigo busca uma conceitualização sobre como os princípios do pensamento holístico (ou baseado no modelo Whole Brain®) podem ser usados para informar a identidade do professor. O objetivo deste artigo de posição é envolver o discurso sobre o desenvolvimento profissional educacional de acadêmicos em início de carreira nas ciências da saúde; trata-se de estabelecer uma base acadêmica para o autoestudo. Como comunidade de prática em medicina familiar, queríamos determinar até que ponto a literatura – quadro teórico – está silenciosa sobre meios inovadores para garantir que os acadêmicos assumam a responsabilidade por seu desenvolvimento, usando a aprendizagem autorregulada e o autoempoderamento. Na nossa busca por literatura sobre teorias de aprendizagem profissional, encontramos a teoria sobre o pensamento Whole Brain®. Todas as iniciativas estão em torno da noção das preferências individuais por diferentes modos de pensamento; os modos de pensar que preferimos informam a nossa prática de ensino e a identidade docente.

We investigated the influence of mental imagery expertise in 15 pen and paper role-players as an expert group compared to the gender-matched control group of computer role-players in the difficult Vandenberg and Kuse mental rotation task. In this task, the participants have to decide which two of four rotated figures match the target figure. The dependent measures were performance speed and accuracy. In our exploratory investigation, we further examined midline frontal theta band activation, parietal alpha band activation, and parietal alpha band asymmetry in EEG as indicator for the chosen rotation strategy. Additionally, we explored the gender influence on performance and EEG activation, although a very small female sample section was given. The expected gender difference concerning performance accuracy was negated by expertise in pen and paper role-playing women, while the gender-specific difference in performance speed was preserved. Moreover, gender differences concerning electro-cortical measures revealed differences in rotation strategy, with women using top-down strategies compared to men, who were using top-down strategies and active inhibition of associative cortical areas. These strategy uses were further moderated by expertise, with higher expertise leading to more pronounced activation patters, especially during successful performance. However, due to the very limited sample size, the findings of this explorative study have to be interpreted cautiously.

Investigating the research trends within a scientific domain by analyzing semantic information extracted from scientific journals has been a topic of interest in the natural language processing (NLP) field. A research trend evaluation is generally based on the time evolution of the term occurrence or the term topic, but it neglects an important aspect—research publication latency. The average time lag between the research and its publication may vary from one month to more than one year, and it is a characteristic that may have significant impact when assessing research trends, mainly for rapidly evolving scientific areas. To cope with this problem, the present paper is the first work that explicitly considers research publication latency as a parameter in the trend evaluation process. Consequently, we provide a new trend detection methodology that mixes auto-ARIMA prediction with Mann–Kendall trend evaluations. The experimental results in an electronic design automation case study prove the viability of our approach.

Comparative studies on paper and pencil– and computer-based tests principally focus on statistical analysis of students’ performances. In educational assessment, comparing students’ performance (in terms of right or wrong results) does not imply a comparison of problem-solving processes followed by students. In this paper, we present a theoretical tool for task analysis that allows us to highlight how students’ problem-solving processes could change in switching from paper to computer format and how these changes could be affected by the use of one environment rather than another. In particular, the aim of our study lies in identifying a set of indexes to highlight possible consequences that specific changes in task formulation have, in terms of task comparability. Therefore, we propose an example of the use of the tool for comparing paper-based and computer-based tasks.

In this paper, we first generalize to any hyper-Kahler manifold X with $$b_3(X)\not =0$$ results proved by O’Grady for hyper-Kahler manifolds of generalized Kummer type. In the second part, we restrict to hyper-Kahler manifolds of generalized Kummer type and prove, using results of Markman, that their Kuga–Satake correspondence is algebraic.

“Real Normed Algebras Revisited,” the last paper of the late Gadi Moran, attempts to reconstruct the discovery of the complex numbers, the quaternions, and the octonions, as well as proofs of their...

Heavy metal contaminants in the soil will have a direct effect on human life. The spatial distribution of naturally occurring heavy metals is highly heterogeneous and significantly increased concentrations may be present in the soil at certain locations. Heavy metals in areas of high concentration can be distributed to other areas by surface runoff, groundwater flow, weathering and atmospheric cycles (eg wind, sea salt spray, volcanic eruptions, deposition by rivers). More and more people are now using a combination of geographic information science (GIS) with geostatistical statistical analysis techniques to examine the spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils on a regional scale. The most widely used geostatistical methods are the Inverse Distance Weighted, Kriging, and Spatial Autocorrelation methods as well as other methods. This review paper will explain clearly the source of the presence of heavy metals in soil, geostatistical methods that are often used, as well as case studies on the use of geostatistics for the distribution of heavy metals. The use of geostatistical models allows us to accurately assess the relationship between the spatial distribution of heavy metals and other parameters in a map.