Search

The forest products industries play a vital role in the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the Lake States in the United States. While various economic contribution analyses of forest products industries have been conducted to highlight the importance of such industries to regional economies, little effort has yet been made to parse out the contribution of activities in the value chain. The value chain is a series of steps involved in producing goods or services. This study used a matrix decomposition approach to estimate the economic contribution along the value chain through multiple pathways of four forest resource-based industries using wood as inputs: biomass power generation, sawmills, paper mills, and the construction of new single-family residential structures in the Lake States. The direct and indirect economic output values in 2017 resulting from the construction of new single-family residential structures were $19.1 billion, sawmills were $2.5 billion, paper mills were $17.6 billion, and the biomass power generation industry was $759 million. Of the direct and indirect economic output contributed by each industry, the highest percentage of output attributable to the logging industry was observed from the sawmills industry (12%), followed by biomass power generation (9%), paper mills (1.4%), and the construction of new single-family residential structures (<1%), respectively. The percentage of total economic output attributable to the stumpage industry in the region followed a similar trend as commercial logging for all value-chain industries. The relative economic contribution of the value-chain industries to the total economic contribution of the final industry varied based on whether the industry was a primary or secondary forest products industry and the pathways used for sourcing wood inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cash register receipts made of thermal paper expose workers and shoppers to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and contaminate paper recycling streams. In 2022, 571 receipts were collected from retail stores in the United States and tested for developer chemicals using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. The results were compared to a 2017 study of 167 receipts to determine changes in color developer use over time. Receipts were tested as-is and a subset were additionally subjected to a simple extraction that improved detection of receipt chemicals. Bisphenol S was the most frequently detected developer (85% of tested receipts), followed by Pergafast 201 (12%), bisphenol A (1%); and Appvion Alpha Free, D-8, and NKK-1304 (each below 1%). NKK-1304 is reported here for the first time in a scientific journal. The frequency of bisphenol A usage in receipts decreased and the frequency of bisphenol S and Pergafast 201 increased between 2017 and 2022, particularly among large companies. National retailers were more likely than regional or local retailers to have adopted non-bisphenol alternatives. Potential health and environmental hazards of the detected developer chemicals and strategies for reduction are discussed., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This project takes up the intersection of medium and content as a place where they can radically reconfigure one another. The entire process is a sort of unlearning; the habitual use of paper is disrupted. Physicality and meaning merge and emerge. Readers' doings interact and transform both the meaning and background - the content (meaning) that traditionally would be simply re-presented via sheets of paper (background). Troubling just a small, habitual action leads to remarkably different modes of knowing and being. Action, object, meaning, reader and author (re)form tentative self-altering assemblages. These assemblages spiral out in new directions, moving beyond the confines of authorial intent. (Re)new(ed) configurations of self, meaning and object spring forth, opening themselves to different vectors. In order to explore these possibilities, I ask that you print out this article double-sided and cut/fold/etc. as instructed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) was investigated in 94 food-contact materials (FCMs). We detected 6:2 FTOH (<0.60--1110 ng/g), 8:2 FTOH (<0.40--8490 ng/g), and 10:2 FTOH (<0.02--9350 ng/g) in most FCM samples, and four longer-chain C14-20 FTOHs were, for the first time, identified in FCMs with relatively high concentrations (<0.02--8450 ng/g for 12:2 FTOH, <0.02--1640 ng/g for 14:2 FTOH, <0.02--372 ng/g for 16:2 FTOH, and <0.02--130 ng/g for 18:2 FTOH). There were three typical profiles of FTOHs that were dominated by 6:2 FTOH (95.6 ± 8.1% in 9 FCMs), 8:2 FTOH (50.9 ± 20.8% in 22 FCMs), and 10:2 FTOH (44.5 ± 20.9% in 30 FCMs), indicating the congener-specific usage of FTOHs for different commercial purposes. All nine detectable FCMs produced in the United States were dominated by 6:2 FTOH, which was significantly different from those produced in China. The median concentration of total FTOHs in eco-friendly paper tableware was 2990 ng/g, which was lower than in popcorn bags (18 200 ng/g) but much higher than other FCMs (<0.55--38.7 ng/g). FTOHs could migrate from paper bowls, with migration efficiencies of 0.004--0.24% into water, 0.004--0.24% into 10% ethanol, 0.009--2.79% into 30% ethanol, 0.06--13.0% into 50% ethanol (v/v) simulants, and 0.04--2.28% into oil. Migration efficiencies decreased with increasing carbon chain lengths of FTOHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The printing press helped to spread literacy, civic discourse, and even political dissent in colonial America. Without paper, however, the invention of the moveable type printing press would have been insignificant. This crucial communication medium was hobbled by a critical shortage of the raw material needed for printed matter. Paper was in short supply in the colonies and in the new nation as it could only be made from rags, and there was constant difficulty in obtaining enough rags to keep the presses rolling. Pleas for this essential ingredient were constantly seen in the newspapers in early America and there were severe shortages of both paper and the rags from which it was made during the American Revolution. This article examines how desperate were the early Americans for the paper which was necessary both for firing the muskets and for spreading the rhetoric of Revolution. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the early twentieth century, American newspapers enjoyed high circulations while presenting readers with diverse and plentiful content. After 1920, radio broadcasting made even more information available for public consumption, giving audience members an abundant range of media choices. During a time of plenty for readers and listeners, companies in the business of media struggled with the opposite problem: scarcity. As the amount of media content proliferated, the practical ability to disseminate it was determined by the access to scarce resources, and this was true for both radio broadcasting and newspaper publishing. In many respects, the history of the American mass media in the early twentieth century might best be told as a tale of two scarcities, one—the electromagnetic spectrum—defined by absolute limits and the other—the newsprint—defined by access to markets for a particular material, the supply of which often fluctuated in availability and price. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: In school, at least in the US, we were taught to multiply by hand according to a standard algorithm. Most people find that algorithm difficult to use, and many children fail to learn it. We propose a new way to make sense of this difficulty: to treat explicit computation as perceptually supported physical and mental action. Based on recent work in neuroscience, we trace the flow of arithmetic information to emphasize demands on visual working memory and attention. We predict that algorithms that make moderate demands on memory and attention will work better than others that make stronger demands. We suggest that the judicious use of spatial schemas can reduce such cognitive demands. Experimental evidence from children in an inner-city school supports this claim. Our work suggests new ways to think about instruction. The goal should be to minimize demands that present obstacles and maximize instead what human eyes, bodies, and brains do well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper estimates the effects of humidity and temperature on mortality rates in the United States (c. 1973–2002) in order to provide an insight into the potential health impacts of climate change. I find that humidity, like temperature, is an important determinant of mortality. Coupled with Hadley CM3 climate-change predictions, I project that mortality rates are likely to change little on the aggregate for the United States. However, distributional impacts matter: mortality rates are likely to decline in cold and dry areas, but increase in hot and humid areas. Further, accounting for humidity has important implications for evaluating these distributional effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Rediscovered Map Collection of the John Hay Library offers vivid examples of mapmaking and map use in the United States from 1800 to 1920. This collection testifies to the changing technology and diversifying demands that made maps more available throughout this epoch. Libraries often have hidden treasures of this material, uncataloged and unknown to the community. With some organization and commitment, Americana paper maps can be arranged into a vibrant collection. We break down this epoch into 30-year periods to analyze the tremendous changes that occurred and how they impact libraries today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The connections between forest products operations and water resources in the United States is considered and, where possible, quantified. Manufacture of wood, pulp, and paper products and the influences of forest management and forest products manufacture on water quality are discussed. Most fresh water in the US originates in forested areas. Responsible harvesting strategies, best management practices, and forest re-growth combine to minimize or eliminate changes in water availability and degradation of water quality due to harvesting. Relative to alternative land uses and large-scale disturbance events, forested areas produce the highest quality of fresh water. Water inputs for the manufacture of forest products total about 5.8 billion m3 per year, an amount equal about 0.4% of the surface and groundwater yield from timberland. Approximately 88% of water used in manufacturing is treated and returned directly to surface waters, about 11% is converted to water vapor and released during the manufacturing process, and 1% is imparted to products or solid residuals. Extensive study and continued monitoring of treated effluents suggest few or no concerns regarding the compatibility of current effluents with healthy aquatic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a nonwoody fiber source with many uses. To evaluate the dry matter yield potential of kenaf at two locations in the southern High Plains of the USA and the effects of late planting/late emergence as a possible replacement for hail damaged cotton, four varieties were grown in 2004 and 2005 at New Mexico State University''s Agricultural Science Centers at Clovis, under limited irrigation, and Tucumcari, under rainfed conditions. Each study was a randomized complete block design having four replicates. A year×location interaction existed (P <0.0469) for kenaf yield largely due to precipitation amount and distribution. Either late planting or late emergence due to low soil moisture at planting significantly reduced yields (3.62 vs. 0.63Mgha−1 for mid-May planting and emergence and early July emergence or planting, respectively, P <0.0001). Consequently, kenaf would not be suitable for recovering input costs when planted after failure of cotton. The very late maturing variety Gregg had consistently lower numeric yields than Dowling, Everglades 41, and Tainung 2 in all comparisons, with the strongest trend within the emergence date comparison (P <0.0912). Kenaf varieties should be selected for any location that finish blooming approximately three to four weeks prior to the average first autumn freeze to allow for maximum growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article offers news briefs related to the plastic film industry in the U.S. Cleveland, Ohio-based Freedonia Group Inc. has issued a report which shows plastics exceeding paper in packaging demand in the U.S. by 2012. The September 2008 issue of "Plastics Engineering" featured an article on advances in blown film technology. Freedonia Group predicted that demand for specialty films in the country will approach 7.6 billion dollars in 2012.

In recent years, computer-based testing (CBT) has grown in popularity, is increasingly being implemented across the United States, and will likely become the primary mode for delivering tests in the future. Although CBT offers many advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil testing, assessment experts, researchers, practitioners, and users have expressed concern about the comparability of scores between the two test administration modes. To help provide an answer to this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the administration mode effects of CBTs and paper-and-pencil tests on K-12 student reading assessments. Findings indicate that the administration mode had no statistically significant effect on K-12 student reading achievement scores. Four moderator variables—study design, sample size, computer delivery algorithm, and computer practice—made statistically significant contributions to predicting effect size. Three moderator variables—grade level, type of test, and computer delivery method—did not affect the differences in reading scores between test modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the continued decline in forest products from the U.S. It was noted that the trade deficit in lumber has grown from 4.1 billion board feet (bbf) in 1962 to 23.4 bbf in 2005, and it is projected to rise to 26.7. bbf by 2050. From 1995 to 2001, the U.S. share of domestic markets fell by 29% for several reasons. With regard to paper and paperboard, the surge in the value of the U.S. dollar from 1996 to 2002 undercut American production, while production expanded in Asia and Latin America, where wage rates are lower and wood fiber plantations are faster growing.

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants estimated that there were over 33 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the world at the beginning of 2005. IDP/Refugee communities behave in complex ways making it difficult to make policy decisions regarding the provision of humanitarian aid and health and safety. This paper reports the construction of an agent-based model that has been used to study humanitarian assistance policies executed by governments and NGOs that provide for the health and safety of refugee communities. Agent-based modeling (ABM) was chosen because the more widely used alternatives impose unrealistic restrictions and assumptions on the system being modeled and primarily apply to aggregate data. We created intelligent agents representing institutions, organizations, individuals, infrastructure, and governments and analyzed the resulting interactions and emergent behavior using a Central Composite Design of Experiments with five factors. The resulting model allows policy makers and analysts to create scenarios, to make rapid changes in parameters, and provides a test bed for concepts and strategies. Policies can be examined to see how refugee communities might respond to alternative courses of action and how these actions are likely to affect the health and well-being of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, senior judges in Britain have signalled a departure from the long-established but for test used for direct discrimination cases. They appear to favour instead that the defendant held a discriminatory motive, or even hostility, for liability. In the United States, courts have settled upon a requirement for discriminatory motive, but afforded it such a broad interpretation that is scarcely distinguish- able from the but for model, and is a convenient, if inaccurate label. This paper aims to demonstrate, using seven kinds of direct discrimination case, that neither a discriminatory motive doctrine, nor the but for test, are suitable models to analyse direct discrimination claims, and that the proper approach is a simple purposive interpretation of the statutory formula provided in both the UK and the US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on several classroom activities that prompt students to investigate and discover mathematical formulas in determining the areas of shapes through the use of dot papers. It is said that students in the U.S. are rarely provided with chance to find out the formulas for themselves. Several mathematical problems on finding areas on dot paper are presented.

The article reflects on the issue on plant science in Korea. It reveals that the theory on country's scientific focus was not transparent to the people involved in the research. It presents an analysis with the participation of top ten countries including Northern America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It succumbs that the countries in Asia are smaller than those mentioned above with respect to research publication other than Japan. It explains that Korea and China have increased the number of papers being published annually which out put is equaled with Brazil.

In this column, John E. Dvorak provides insight into some of the best industrial hemp websites on the Internet. Areas covered in detail include news portals, hemp associations, new products and research sites. Reviews relating to specific topics such as hemp food, textiles, paper and other industrial uses will also be periodically touched upon. The ever-changing nature of the world wide web will be reflected in the many different types of websites reviewed. While the focus of this column is on North America, a concerted effort is being made to incorporate as many sites from as many countries as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Discusses various studies that investigated the influence of colored paper on the response-rate to mail surveys in the U.S. Response-rates to surveys and questionnaires using differently colored paper; Scores from the meta-analyses of the colors separately and their statistical significance; Variables possible in the design and presentation of printed surveys and questionnaires.

The growing adoption of evidence-based medicine in the United States is acting to cause fundamental changes in the delivery of healthcare management services. With the increasing incorporation of electronic patient records (EPRs) into the day-to-day practice of medicine, it necessitates greater dependence on adequate functioning of such resources, as they become more frequently used as a clinical complement in the practice of medicine. Assessing the patterns of adoption of EPRs is likewise of increasing importance, with the recent imposition of uniform government data collection and management requirements. The medium of data storage and maintenance within many organizations is a critical factor in the ultimate delivery of service, with a like need for an integrated, designated medium for the management of data becoming paramount. This study examines, on a nationwide basis, variation in reported adoption of EPRs within U.S. healthcare organizations, and the related maintenance of dual electronic/paper record systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to encourage public librarians to reconsider the future value of their paper book collections. Design/methodology/approach – The author interacts with developing trends to make an argument for supporting paper book collections in the digital age. Findings – The liquidation of Borders Group Inc. provides the public library with an opportunity to market its paper collections to publishers and paper book buyers. Originality/value – The article offers a contrarian perspective on the enduring value physical book collections will play in the digital age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although systematic studies tracking junk mail sent to residential homes are lacking, available reports indicate it is a growing problem in many urban centers worldwide. Junk mail increases the number of trees harvested each year, consumes a substantial amount of energy, causes pollution to air, water and soil and wastes a substantial amount of time sorting, mailing and recycling. Junk mail collected at one residence in the United States for a period of one full year is analyzed to find out the main contributors to this urban problem, what residents should do to reduce or eliminate it. Results indicate that three major businesses are responsible for over 70% of total junk mail sent (n =1255) including credit card, mortgage and insurance corporations. To encourage environmental sustainability, several strategies that can help businesses reduce junk mail are suggested including new advertising techniques, use of other outlets like billboards, outreach events in social functions and adopting eco-friendly techniques in any junk mail production. Considering the revenue and jobs created from junk mail business, and the absence of government regulation and lack of consensus amongst individuals, environmental groups and businesses on what needs to be done; individuals are urged to explore ways to mitigate the problem and a number of recommendations are given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the specific research, development and technology transfers needed to meet future recycled fiber demands in the U.S. Importance of increased fiber recovery and improved fiber quality for the long-term economic viability of recycle mills; Factors to consider to meet present and future needs for energy efficiency, operating cost reductions and fiber quality improvements; Required investment to effectively implement these research initiatives.

Focuses on the supply and demand of copier papers. Brand marketing used to gain market shares; Impact of Brazilian and Indonesian paper exports to the U.S.; U.S. demand for copier papers; Competition in the paper industry. INSET: STOP THE PRESSES—DEMAND IS INCREASING..