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The objectives of this research are to study: (i) the history and development of knowledge of Yiwulv Mountain Manchu paper-cutting art, and (ii) the process of designing and developing digital media for learning about cultural heritage. This research used qualitative research methods. By studying documents and collecting field data by surveys, interviews, observations, group discussions, and workshops. The data was elicited from a group of 40 participants. The analysis was based on the objectives and the results were presented in a descriptive analytical manner. The results are as follows: (i) The art of paper-cutting is related to history and culture. There is a unique cultural identity of the Manchus on Yiwulv Mountain. The way of conveying knowledge is told orally. Currently, there is a problem due to the age of paper-cutting artists and lack of inheritance. Therefore, it is necessary to find ways to protect them as well as transfer them to youth and those who are interested. (ii) The art of paper-cutting is applied with 3D animation technology to inherit and learn the art of Yiwulv Mountain Manchu paper-cutting. The teaching materials created can be explained in detail from the perspective and content. The design combines virtual tour technology to make it interesting. Learners study through digital media and computer systems, which makes it convenient to access information.

Students believed physics was one of the most challenging sciences in education, and their interest in learning physics was lacking. Therefore, this study aims to enhance students' understanding and creativity in the STEAM learning system on electricity by creating a project (Paper Circuit) using the students' creativity at the junior high school level - quantitative research with a pre-experimental design used for this study. The population is 8th grade and 9th grade (50 students adapted to the curriculum used in the school) in one of the Junior Secondary Schools located in Bandung and Cimahi, Indonesia. The data is obtained from the pretest-posttest results, which show that the average pre-test score was 57.04 and the post-test score was 76.64. The nonparametric test was tested using the Wilcoxon test to measure student understanding. The results from e Wilcoxon are 0.000, which shows sig. <0.05, which means there is a significant difference between pre-test and post-test. Students' creativity is obtained from the Creativity Product Analysis Matrix (CPAM), and the result for Project 1 is 73.71%, categorized as enough, and Project 2 is 83.13%, categorized as good. Based on the result, Paper Circuit STEAM project-based learning can enhance student understanding and creativity. STEAM project-based learning can be used as an alternative teaching strategy in junior secondary school.

This study investigated the effect of a paper folding activity prepared to develop the sixth-grade students' concept definitions and images of parallelism and perpendicularity concepts. The study also examined how the concept definition and images changed after the paper folding activity. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used. A one-group pre-/posttest design revealed that the paper folding activity had a significant positive effect on students' concept definitions and images. In addition, the interviews after pre- and post-tests indicated that the students' personal concept definitions of parallelism and perpendicularity of two lines/line segments began to match the formal concept definitions of these concepts after the paper folding activity. Lastly, missing and mis-in concept image situations, encountered generally in the pre-test, were observed less after the paper folding activity.

This paper focuses on integrating multimodal communication into the English-as-a-foreign-language classroom to enhance the development of students' multimodal communicative competence, multiliteracies, and 21st-century skills. To do so, I compiled a corpus of authentic materials from Lady Whistledown's Society Papers in Julia Quinn's novel "The Viscount Who Loved Me" (2000), her appearances as narrator in the Netflix series "Bridgerton" (2022), and some tweets posted by @Bridgerton. This corpus was used to plan and design a game-based teaching proposal. Finally, the paper offers a critical analysis and suggests how this proposal can feasibly contribute to fostering students' multimodal communicative competence.

Sonography is a highly specialized diagnostic imaging profession facing significant workforce challenges due to increased service delivery demands and a shortage of clinical training opportunities. Developing sustainable solutions is crucial for workforce growth. Using examples from the Australian workforce and education context, this paper explores the current sonography training pathways available and the benefits and challenges of each, highlighting the importance of work-integrated learning (WIL) in facilitating the development of professional identity, clinical competence and the quality of sonographer education. Conclusions are drawn that WIL is integral to the future of the sonography profession to improve patient outcomes and address workforce shortages. However, effective implementation requires careful planning and consideration of many factors, including regulatory requirements, industry partnerships, student and supervisor/tutor support, and issues related to equitable access and participation in WIL. Key recommendations are provided to encourage ethical student learning, university-industry collaboration, effective resource allocation, and WIL-specific research.

It has been clearly demonstrated that it would be feasible to consider recycling paper in an academic institution. This can be achieved through combining specific waste paper baskets, a pulping machine and power supplied by a renewable energy source, with an already established local paper making company. The paper making company would be able to gain a subsidy from the government which pays them to actually recycle paper, to counteract the cost of the pulped paper which is 30% more expensive than raw wood pulp. The academic institution would save money on waste disposal and decrease its carbon footprint by 600% with savings of up to around 5e6 tons of CO2 per year, instead of the 1e2 tones carbon offset for just recycling the paper normally. This entire process could be adapted for recycling the vast quantities of waste paper produced by students, an initiative which often fails due to the high cost of disposal. This could be achieved through urged use of the same paper disposal methods already in use, with the paper being collected and pulped once a week directly from the student paper waste bins. This research aims to study and limit the quantities of paper consumed in academic institutions in Iraq, by identifying the steps of recycling, and the extent of its environmental and economic impact, on the one hand, and on the other hand, the extent to which the Iraqi university community accepts this idea, and then study these quantities and evaluate them economically and find out the possibility of establishing a paper recycling plant based on these quantities. As well as the current research deals with the accumulation of paper waste caused by the performance of exams. In the third semester of the research, the amount of paper waste at Thi Qar University was calculated as a model for conducting a detailed research study of all departments and colleges of the University. the amount of paper waste was (11,055 tons/year), as well as calculating the cost of paper processing for the University amounted to (126252271 Iraqi dinars) and at the end of the third semester, the amount of paper waste in Iraqi academic institutions for the academic year 2022e2023, approximately (367,60976 tons/year). The cost of preparing exam books in Iraqi academic institutions for the academic year 2022e2023 amounted to approximately (4202150971 Iraqi dinars). The devices used in the practical aspect and each device and its purpose in the paper waste recycling process were explained. In addition, in the fourth chapter of the research, waste recycling was carried out in a practical way, and the results were satisfactory. We proposed a project to establish a paper and cardboard waste recycling plant in Nasiriyah, detailing its technical processes and stages in a mature way, the costs of establishing such projects in detail, as well as the annual profit of the project. At the conclusion of the research, some important recommendations were attached that help the paper waste recycling process and its success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive copper (Cu2+) causes adverse effects on human health and the ecological environment. Traditional methods for detecting Cu2+ have drawbacks such as high detection costs, complex operating conditions, and being time consuming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop simple detection methods to better meet specific health and environment quality needs. In this work, a paper-based fluorescence sensor was prepared (herein referred to as the as-prepared method) by immersing filter paper in aqueous polyethyleneimine (PEI) solution, and its potential use in Cu2+ detection was investigated. The results showed that the as-prepared paper samples, with fluorescence properties obtained by aggregation-induced luminescence of PEI, have selective recognition of Cu2+ based on the internal filtration effect, and the lowest detection limit is 0.03 μM. In addition, the relative error of this method is in the range of 1.80~2.23%, which is relatively comparable to the national standard method (0.63~630 μM), demonstrating high accuracy. Therefore, paper-based sensors with a simple preparation method have potential applications in the detection of Cu2+ in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of pulp and paper from recycled paper generates significant quantities of deinking paper sludge (DPS). This sludge contains a significant amount of organic matter (36%) as well as heavy metals such as Pb, Zn, and Cr. In this work, the incorporation of DPS (0%, 8%, 10%, and 12%) in the manufacture of clay bricks leads to valorization of this waste by showing that two of its contents considered problematic (organic matter and heavy metals) have several positive effects. It was found that the organic parts were transformed into pores after brick firing (850°C), which improved thermal insulation while keeping mechanical resistance in conformity with usual standards. For the heavy metals, which make DPS a hazardous waste, a leaching test was employed. The results show that these metals were trapped in the ceramic matrix after the firing of bricks at a high temperature, resulting in a final product that was not dangerous. Other tests were carried out on bricks with DPS to evaluate density, water absorption, shrinkage, loss on ignition, porosity, and microstructure in order to characterize this new product. It was concluded that DPS can be used in clay bricks as an asset for the formation of pores to enhance thermal insulation. The addition of DPS can be optimized at 10% to comply with the standard and not exceed the required values for shrinkage, water absorption, and loss on ignition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper and paper products sector is a crucial component of the Turkish economy, characterized by significant interactions with various other sectors. Türkiye imports substantial amounts of paper, playing a vital role in the growth and sustainability of this sector. Accurate import forecasting is essential for strategic planning and resource management. This study aims to forecast the imports of the Turkish paper sector for the period from April 2023 to March 2024 using two artificial neural network (ANN) models: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Radial Basis Function (RBF). The dataset, obtained from the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), covers 219 months of data from 2005 to 2023. The dependent variable is Türkiye’s monthly import value of paper and paper products, while the independent variables include the monthly average US Dollar exchange rate, monthly imports of Türkiye, the Manufacturing Industry Production Index, the Paper Production Index, and the monthly exports of paper and paper products from Türkiye. The MLP model forecasts that the monthly imports of paper and paper products will range between 270 to 300 million USD, while the RBF model predicts values between 268 and 321 million USD. These findings underscore the efficacy of ANNs in providing accurate and reliable forecasts. This study addresses a gap in the literature by applying ANN methods to forecast imports in the paper and paper products sector, presenting a novel approach that can assist companies in making better-informed decisions regarding inventory management, production planning, and marketing strategies. By leveraging the advanced computational power and pattern recognition capabilities of ANNs, the study aims to enhance the strategic planning processes in the paper and paper products industry. The traditional methods often used in trade data analysis and forecasting are limited in capturing the complex and non-linear relationships present in economic data. This study's application of ANNs offers a significant advancement by utilizing models that can better handle such complexities. The accuracy of the MLP and RBF models highlights their potential as valuable tools for economic forecasting, providing insights that are crucial for optimizing supply chain operations and improving market responsiveness. The results indicate that companies can achieve better operational performance and increased customer satisfaction by effectively forecasting future import requirements. The originality of this study lies in its methodological approach, utilizing ANN models to forecast import values in a sector where traditional methods have been predominant. This innovative approach not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge but also offers practical applications for businesses within the sector. The detailed analysis of the data, combined with the robust modeling techniques employed, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the dynamics of paper imports and making strategic decisions based on accurate predictions. In conclusion, the study demonstrates the significant success of artificial neural networks in predicting import values for the Turkish paper and paper products sector. The findings provide valuable information that can aid companies in strategic planning, enhancing their ability to manage inventory, plan production, and develop effective market strategies. The research contributes to the literature by filling a gap with its innovative approach, offering new perspectives and practical applications for improving decision-making processes in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a hygiene paper such as tissue and towel, strength, softness, and absorbency are known as attributes that a user is looking for. It is proposed here that purchasing decisions are likely to be influenced by in-use experiences, which may be quite different from the physical properties measured with current standardized tests. There have been continuous efforts on developing physical test methods to replace subjective in-use tests because the benefits of the former are too significant to be overlooked. This paper considered some in-use test methods for paper towel products that can be carried out by panel members quickly in the course of sensory panel testing. In addition, laboratory tests were developed in an attempt to quantify such input. The sensory panel testing showed that (wet) strength and absorbency were the key contributions to the performance of paper towels. Softness did not show any significant contribution to it. Wet strength showed a high correlation with absorbency. The (wet) ball burst strength had the highest correlation with the in-use strength. Although both the tensile strength and the ball burst strength had a high correlation with preference, the ball burst tester is preferred because more reproducible and simpler to operate.

The development of pesticides has significantly advanced global agricultural production, but the ensuing problem of pesticide residues poses a severe threat to human health. So, there is an urgent need to establish a rapid, accurate, sensitive, cost-effective and on-site method for large-scale detection of pesticide residues. Electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs) represents a highly sensitive and portable microanalysis system, which uses paper as a substrate and relies on a capillary force to drive the fluid for the separation and detection of samples. The diversity of pesticides and agricultural products and the complexity of matrices impose high requirements on the sample preparation procedure. This article summarizes the preparation process of ePADs from the aspects of paper selection, the establishment of hydrophilic and hydrophobic channels, the integration of separation zones, and electrode printing. Subsequently, this paper establishes the relationship between pesticide detection and chip preparation based on the mechanism of electrochemical detection of pesticides. Finally, it discusses the advantages, challenges and future prospects of ePADs with a view to providing theoretical reference for enhanced application of ePADs in the field of pesticide residue detection.

Abstract This study aims to characterise the so-called Sialkoti paper used to produce Pahari drawings preserved today in the Wereldmuseum in Leiden (Netherlands) (WML). These works originate from the Punjab Hills in India (today Himachal Pradesh) and are commonly known as ‘Pahari miniature paintings’. The paper upon which these drawings are executed is said to have been produced in Sialkot during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries when papermaking was an integral part of an overall regional economy correlated with other sectors such as agriculture and the textile industry. Although the term Sialkoti refers to identified papermills in Sialkot (now Pakistan), the paper from this region is yet to be subjected to a systematic study. This article therefore explores the paper(s) in question through macro- and microscopic observations of structure, pulp and fibres. The study of historical sources, complemented by the analysis of paper samples and fibre identification, has revealed that the pulp would have been prepared from a variety of manufactured products using different technologies, such as rags, cloth, mats, rope and other plant-based materials made from local bast fibres which, once tattered, were recycled to prepare the pulp. Microscopic study reveals that a variety of fibre combinations under different conditions and processing steps were used, in particular sunn hemp fibre (Crotalaria juncea L.), a plant species that has until now rarely been identified in historical paper. In addition, the presence of kenaf and jute fibres, as well as a significant quantity of cotton fibres, have also been demonstrated. To overcome the lack of comparative materials, our work was supported by a comparative study of several materials made from sunn hemp now held in the Ethnobotany Collection at Kew Gardens. Samples were taken from these materials and provided useful reference micrographs for the identification of the WML samples. The quality of the paper used by Pahari artists, as well as the raw materials available and their processing, are discussed in detail. Putting all the data, including technical and historical information into perspective, we conclude that the Pahari artists used a paper of inferior quality compared to other types of paper used for other purposes such as the creation of illuminated manuscripts in the Punjab plains. This study therefore provides useful analytical and material evidence that complements previous historical, technical and anthropological studies.

This research investigated the influence of the layered structure of paper on its selected strength properties. Two types of cellulose pulp were used: unbleached kraft pine pulp (UBSK) and unrefined bleached birch kraft pulp (BHK). Multi-ply papers were obtained from layers of appropriate grammage formed separately and bonded in a wet state. Paper layers were formed from primary pulps (UBSK and BHK) or their mixtures (three-ply UBSK-BHK paper and three-ply UBSK-BHK-UBSK paper), from which various variants of laboratory paper samples were made. This work focused on three-layer papers. The obtained laboratory sheets were analysed for changes in tear resistance, tensile strength, bursting strength, short span compression strength (SCT), and corrugating medium test (CMT). In most cases, three-layer structures were characterised by higher strength parameters than single-layer papers. The tear strength and SCT of papers consisting of three layers formed from both mixed pulps were slightly lower than those of solid papers. The results demonstrate the feasibility of producing three-ply paper with significantly reduced variability in parameters such as elongation and bursting strength, which are inherently subject to high variability.

Pretreated carboxymethylated nanofibrillated cellulose (CM-NFC) was tested as a strength enhancer for specialty paper, such as banknotes made from cotton linter mixed pulp (CLMP). The pretreatment agent was cationic poly(acrylamide) (C-PAM). The CM-CMF prototype was supplied by a Korean manufacturer. Laboratory tests and pilot trials were performed to evaluate the strength enhancement of banknotes incorporated with surface-modified CM-NFC and determine the process problems encountered in a pilot paper machine. The CM-NFC was surface modified with 0.1% C-PAM without any agglomerates. The prepared laboratory handsheets had high paper strength, which was attributed to the higher nanofibril content of surface-modified CM-NFC compared with that of unmodified CM-NFC. Pilot trials showed that the incorporation of 3% surface-modified CM-NFC was highly effective in promoting the strength of banknote without low retention and drainability on the wet-end part of the pilot paper machine. Therefore, surface-modified CM-NFC at a controlled dosage could be used as a strength enhancer for specialty paper without incurring serious problems in a paper mill.

Background: As the demand for digital dentistry constantly increases, digital devices are gradually replacing conventional methods of recording occlusal contacts. The study aimed to assess the inter-rater reliability of occlusal contact point detection using 40 μm articulating paper, Medit i700, and OccluSense and to compare the distribution of occlusal contacts using the articulating paper and intraoral scanner. Material and Methods: The study included 25 participants aged 20 to 30 (13 women and 12 men). Photographs of contact points were taken and marked in maximum intercuspal position (MIP), in protrusive and laterotrusive movements, on working and non-working sides using 40 μm articulating paper and digital devices. The Cohen's Kappa coefficient assessed the inter-rater reliability. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare dependent groups, articulating paper, and Medit i700. Results: The Cohen's Kappa index showed that almost perfect agreement was achieved with 40 μm articulating paper. Compared to Medit i700, the 40 μm articulating paper showed an increased mean number of contacts per tooth, except for the third molars. Conclusions: The 40 μm articulating paper has detected more overall contacts than the digital devices, particularly in the posterior areas. An ideal method for registering occlusal contacts has not been established yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mineralization of inorganic components in paper sludge offers potential for their re-use in various fields. This study synthesized carbonates based on the minerals present in paper sludge and aimed to investigate the control of particle size distribution and particle shape of the synthesized carbonates. First, the physicochemical and thermal properties of paper mill sludge and ash were evaluated using a spectrophotometer, XRF, and TGA. Paper sludge ash was obtained by incinerating the paper sludge, followed by a carbonation reaction using CO2 gas injection and pH neutralization to produce recycled fillers. The average particle size, crystal lattice structure, and morphology of the recycled fillers were analyzed using a particle size analyzer, XRD, and FE-SEM. The results indicate that the recycled filler produced from coating paper sludge exhibited similar brightness and morphology to conventional paper-based fillers, suggesting its potential to replace commercial PCC (Precipitated Calcium Carbonate). In contrast, the recycled filler manufactured using old corrugated container mill sludge was deemed unsuitable due to its low hydration activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyethylene-, polyvinylidene chloride-, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-coated paper generate microplastics or fluorochemicals in the environment. Here, we report an approach for the development of oil-resistant papers using an environmentally friendly, fluorine-free, water-dispersible poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coating on kraft paper. Carboxylic-functionalized PDMS (PDMS-COOH) was synthesized and subsequently neutralized with ammonium bicarbonate to obtain a waterborne emulsion, which was then coated onto kraft paper. The water resistance of the coated paper was determined via Cobb60 measurements. The Cobb60 value was reduced to 2.70 ± 0.14 g/m2 as compared to 87.6 ± 5.1 g/m2 for uncoated paper, suggesting a remarkable improvement in water resistance. Similarly, oil resistance was found to be 12/12 on the kit test scale versus 0/12 for uncoated paper. In addition, the coated paper retained 70–90% of its inherent mechanical properties, and more importantly, the coated paper was recycled via pulp recovery using a standard protocol with a 91.1% yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The pulp and paper industry generates vast quantities of paper sludge, posing significant environmental challenges due to its disposal in landfills or incineration. This study explores the potential of valorizing paper sludge by incorporating it into particleboard production. It aims to optimize sludge content and particle size to enhance board properties—a novel approach to waste management in the wood composites industry. Through systematic variation of sludge content (0–25%) and particle size ( 2 mm), we assessed the mechanical and physical properties such as internal bond strength (IB), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS). The findings indicate that incorporating paper sludge at moderate levels (5–15%) with optimized particle sizes (

Yang Xi,1,&ast; Yu-Qin Deng,1,2,&ast; Han-Da Li,1 Wo-Er Jiao,1 Jin Chen,2 Jian-Jun Chen,3 Ze-Zhang Tao1,2 1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ze-Zhang Tao, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jie-Fang Road, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13907141892, Fax +86 27 88043958, Email taozezhang696@163.com Jian-Jun Chen, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13659851719, +86 27 85726300, Email ylly80331@163.comPurpose: Up to now, there is no generally accepted biomarker to indicate the clinical response of immunotherapy. This study mainly analyzed the correlation between eosinophil cationic protein-myeloperoxidase (ECP-MPO) test papers and other immunotherapy indices in subcutaneous immunotherapy of dust mites and to explore whether the test paper can be used as an auxiliary index to quickly evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapy.Patients and methods: This study included 53 participants who received subcutaneous immunotherapy at the allergy clinic of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and 28 control participants. Six visits were conducted during a prospective study over one year. The results of the ECP-MPO test paper, nasal secretion eosinophil smear and count, nasal secretion ECP concentration, and clinical symptom scores were collected during five follow-up visits after the start of subcutaneous immunotherapy. Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines, chemokines, IgE, IgG4 against dust mite components, and ECP concentrations were detected in the serum of participants at baseline, six months, and one year after subcutaneous immunotherapy.Results: The ECP test paper is not only easy to operate, but also can effectively and quickly detect the concentrations of ECP in the nasal secretion and diagnose allergic rhinitis. Symptom score is an important index for evaluating clinical immune efficacy, during subcutaneous immunotherapy, the ECP test paper showed a positive correlation with the symptom score. Simultaneously, during immunotherapy, the changes in the chromogenic grading of the test paper were synchronized with the changes in inflammatory cytokines and eosinophilic chemokines in Th2 cells of serum dust mite IgE. The sIgG4 against dust mites weakly negatively correlated with the concentration of ECP in nasal secretions and the color classification of the ECP test paper.Conclusion: The ECP-MPO test paper has a certain correlation with subcutaneous immunotherapy markers of allergic rhinitis, indicating that the ECP test paper may become an auxiliary biomarker to replace other complex laboratory tests.Keywords: dust mites, ECP-MPO test paper, subcutaneous immunotherapy, allergic rhinitis

Abstract The study was designed to explore the efficiency of magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs)/bacterial cell assembly to biodegrade lignin and lignocellulose, decontaminate pulp and paper-contaminated wastewater and optimize lignin adsorption by Fe3O4 NPs. Water samples were collected from three paper and carton manufacturing companies, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Pseudomonas otitidis MCC10330, the most active and promising strain among 10 previously screened indigenous and exogenous isolates, was selected and decorated with magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles, that were prepared by the co-precipitation method, characterized and used to decontaminate paper and pulp effluent in a batch mode bioassay for 4 h. Fe3O4 NPs/bacterial cell assembly achieved the highest removals (64.1, 52.0, 54.3 and 66.6%) of TSS, COD, BOD, and Total Tannin and Lignin after 1, 4 and 4 h, reaching residual concentrations (RCs) of 322, 216, 112 and 7 mg/L, which are still slightly higher (5.35, 2.7 and 1.86-fold) than their maximum permissible limits (MPLs), respectively. RCs of pH, DO and TDS in the treated effluent are accepted for safe discharging. Maximum lignin adsorption and removal (82.14%) using Fe3O4 NPs was achieved at the optimized conditions (pH 6, Fe3O4 NPs dosage of 100 mg and 10 min contact time). Results confirmed that the proposed magnetite-coated Pseudomonas otitidis treatment system is highly efficient and recommended to treat the highly contaminated pulp and paper wastewater. Also, as far as we know, this integrated assemblage is the first time to be used as a novel, very promising, eco-friendly, renewable and economical biotechnological approach to minimize/eliminate the involved pollutants with the least running time.

Reducing the carbon footprint of higher education institutions has become a global trend in recent years, as they are the axis of society's scientific and technological transformation that must be carried out with a sustainable approach. Among the many approaches that can contribute to this problem are the digital transformation of academic and administrative processes and its impact on reducing paper use. This study details the statistical analysis of the digital transformation process based on the modules and computer services implemented by the ICT department in a higher education institution and its incidence in reducing the use of paper by its teaching and administrative staff. For this purpose, an initial instrument was proposed, consisting of 18 ordinal, three categorical and two numerical variables. After applying statistical data processing and validation techniques, it was reduced to 13 ordinal variables, three categorical and two influential numerical variables. In addition, this study has proposed an appropriate statistical protocol for the design and extraction of information applicable in the context of higher education institutions, consisting of the techniques: Mahalanobis distances, confirmatory factor analysis, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney's U and Wilcoxon tests. The results showed the power of confirmatory factor analysis as a technique for obtaining models to measure indirectly observed latent variables, such as perceptions of digital transformation and paper reduction. In addition, it was found that the modules, systems, and computer tools implemented in the institution significantly reduced the execution times for performing administrative and teaching tasks in the institution, and significant differences were identified in the perception of digital transformation and reduction of paper use among staff.

Paper-based materials made from cellulose have been sought after as a sustainable and inexpensive packaging option. However, the porous structure and high hydrophilicity of paper-based materials result in inadequate water and oil repellency, as well as a limited water vapor barrier. In this work, lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared using a high-speed homogenizer, and subsequently coated on base paper along with cationic starch to enhance its multi-barrier performance to facilitate the packaging application. The LNPs obtained through such a facile process formed stable colloidal dispersion in water, which exhibited excellent interfacial compatibility with cationic starch. During the coating process, a highly adhesive emulsion consisting of cationic starch and LNPs were coated on the surface of base paper, imparting good hydrophobic properties to the paper. The resulting paper material exhibited good water resistance (Cobb value of 37.5 g m−2), high oil resistance (Kit rating 9) and tensile strength (48.93 MPa). The reduction in water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) exceeds sixfold. This study provides a new avenue for the application of lignin in high-barrier, fluorine-free, water-and oil-resistant packaging materials.

The increasing rates of illicit behaviors, particularly financial crimes, e.g., bank fraud and tax evasion, adversely affect national economies. In such cases, using nondestructive methods, scientists must evaluate relevant documents carefully to preserve their value as evidence. When forensic laboratories analyze paper as evidence, they typically investigate its origin and date of manufacture. If a document’s date is earlier than the earliest availability of the paper used in its creation, then this anachronism indicates that the document has been backdated. This study investigated weave marks and drainage marks for forensic purposes. Machine learning models for forensic document examination were developed and evaluated. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN) classification models achieved F1-scores of 0.903, 0.952, and 0.931, respectively. In addition, to enhance model effectiveness and construct a robust model, variables were selected using the VIP scores generated by the PLS-DA model. As a result, the SoftMax classifier in the ANN model maintained its performance with an F1-score of 0.951 even with a 50% reduction in the number of input variables.