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The ‘publish or perish’ culture has induced an unhealthy aspect of academic publishing in the biomedical sciences, namely of illegitimate authorship. Such a position can be obtained when an authorship slot is offered as a gift (e.g., to a sponsor, or researcher in a senior position), without their intellectual or scientific participation, or it can be hidden (ghost authorship), in which the paper (or parts thereof) is written by a third party (individual, or company). In a more industrialized setting, ghost authorship takes place via the sale of papers using “paper mills”, including of specific author slots (i.e., positions in a line of authors). While author-based persistent identifiers like ORCID, or authorship attribution schemes like CRediT, sound noble and offer some form of validation, those systems still operate on a culture of blind trust (in submitting authors). This paper debates a few of the authorship-related issues currently plaguing biomedical journals.

The valorization of paper mill sludge (PMS) is the main goal of this study. The emissions of PMS continue to increase at global scale, especially from packaging paper and board sectors. The raw sludge was used to prepare an adsorbent to remove toxic pollutants from wastewater, the methylene blue (MB), an organic dye. Firstly, the physico-chemical characterization of PMS was done determining the crystalline phases of PMS fibers, the content of main elements, and the pH zero point charge, which was determined at around pH 7. The adsorption of MB on PMS powder was studied at 18 °C with an agitation of 200 rpm, being the best operating conditions 30 min of contact time, 250 mg L−1 of initial MB concentration and 0.05 g in 25 mL of adsorbent dose. Experimental data of MB adsorption was fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. The Langmuir model was more accurate for the equilibrium data of MB adsorption at pH 5.1. The PFOM and PSOM were adjusted to experimental adsorption kinetics data, being PSOM, which describes better the MB adsorption by PMS powder. This was confirmed by calculating the maximum adsorption capacity with PSOM, which was 42.7 mg g−1, being nearly similar of the experimental value of 43.5 mg g−1. The analysis of adsorption thermodynamics showed that the MB was adsorbed exothermically with a ΔH0 = − 20.78 kJ mol−1, and spontaneously with ΔG0 from − 0.99 to − 6.38 kJ mol−1 in the range of temperature from 291 to 363 K, respectively. These results confirm that the sludge from paper industry can be used as biosorbent with remarkable adsorption capacity and low cost for the treatment of wastewater. PMS can be applied in the future for the depollution of the effluents from the textile industry, which are highly charged with dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) production has primarily relied on virgin cellulose sources. Yet, the shift to using paper mill sludge (PMS) as a source for CNF underscores the significance of reusing and recycling industrial byproducts. PMS contains significant amounts of cellulose that can be extracted as a raw material. The purpose of present study is to provide a sustainable approach to PMS utilization as a paper coating additive in the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFPMS) form via simply scalable wire-wound rod coating method. The effect of CNFPMS additive amounts at two coating layers on microstructure and surface properties of coatings such as porosity, air permeability surface roughness and optical properties such as brightness, gloss and CIE L*a*b* is studied, which they can also provide insight for the eventual print performance. Results indicated that the obtained CNFPMS in paper coating shows 52% decrease in porosity, presenting significant improvement in the coating microstructure. The marginal increase in permeability coefficient and surface roughness, 54% and 10%, respectively, suggests improving color reproduction and preventing color density losses. Optical analysis showed slight decrease in brightness and gloss, as was expected. Notably, the lightness was improved, which also indicates increasing color gamut volume in printing applications. As a result, the current work offers a sustainable approach to manage PMS for use in paper coatings as a high-value-added material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, I established an energy benchmark for the pulp and paper industry of Vietnam. I, therefore, focus on three major paper product families, including packaging paper, printing and writing paper, and tissue paper. In this research, I use specific energy consumption (SEC) as the energy performance indicator (EnPI) for computing energy benchmarks for the main sub-sectors in the pulp and paper industry of Vietnam. The factories in the pulp and paper industry of Vietnam are divided into three production scales, and the energy benchmarks are specified by production scales. Energy surveys and energy audits have been used to calculate energy benchmarks. Here, I establish the energy benchmark for the main sub-sectors in the pulp and paper industry of Vietnam according to the three production scales. I also estimate the energy saving potential for the pulp and paper industry of Vietnam based on surveying and auditing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper mills, companies that write scientific papers and gain acceptance for them, then sell authorships of these papers, present a key challenge in medicine and other healthcare fields. This challenge is becoming more acute with artificial intelligence (AI), where AI writes the manuscripts and then the paper mills sell the authorships of these papers. The aim of the current research is to provide a method for detecting fake papers. The method reported in this article uses a machine learning approach to create decision trees to identify fake papers. The data were collected from Web of Science and multiple journals in various fields. The article presents a method to identify fake papers based on the results of decision trees. Use of this method in a case study indicated its effectiveness in identifying a fake paper. This method to identify fake papers is applicable for authors, editors, and publishers across fields to investigate a single paper or to conduct an analysis of a group of manuscripts. Clinicians and others can use this method to evaluate articles they find in a search to ensure they are not fake articles and instead report actual research that was peer reviewed prior to publication in a journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postures at work are paramount in ergonomics. They can be determined using observation and inclinometry in a variety of measurement scenarios that may differ both in costs associated with collecting and processing data, and in efficiency, i.e. the precision of the eventual outcome. The trade-off between cost and efficiency has rarely been addressed in research despite the obvious interest of obtaining precise data at low costs. Median trunk and upper arm inclination were determined for full shifts in 28 paper mill workers using both observation and inclinometry. Costs were estimated using comprehensive cost equations; and efficiency, i.e. the inverted standard deviation of the group mean, was assessed on basis of exposure variance components. Cost and efficiency were estimated in simulations of six sampling scenarios: two for inclinometry (sampling from one or three shifts) and four for observation (one or three observers rating one or three shifts). Each of the six scenarios was evaluated for 1 through 50 workers. Cost-efficiency relationships between the scenarios were intricate. As an example, inclinometry was always more cost-efficient than observation for trunk inclination, except for observation strategies involving only few workers; while for arm inclination, observation by three observers of one shift per worker outperformed inclinometry on three shifts up to a budget of €20000, after which inclinometry prevailed. At a budget of €10000, the best sampling scenario for arm inclination was 2.5 times more efficient than the worst. Arm inclination could be determined with better cost-efficiency than trunk inclination. Our study illustrates that the cost-efficiency of different posture measurement strategies can be assessed and compared using easily accessible diagrams. While the numeric examples in our study are specific to the investigated occupation, exposure variables, and sampling logistics, we believe that inclinometry will, in general, outperform observation. In any specific case, we recommend a thorough analysis, using the comparison procedure proposed in the present study, of feasible strategies for obtaining data, in order to arrive at an informed decision support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to detect papers originating from the Russia‐based paper mill 'International Publisher' LLC. A total of 1,063 offers to purchase co‐authorship on a fraudulent papers published from 2019 to mid‐2022 on the 123mi.ru website were analysed. This study identifies at least 451 papers that are potentially linked to the paper mill, including one preprint, a duplication paper and 16 republications of papers erroneously published in hijacked journals. Evidence of suspicious provenance from the paper mill is provided: matches in title, number of co‐authorship slots, year of publication, country of the journal, country of a co‐authors and similarities of abstracts. These problematic papers are co‐authored by scholars from at least 39 countries and are submitted to both predatory and reputable journals. This study also demonstrates collaboration anomalies in questionable papers and examines indicators of the Russia‐based paper mill. The value of co‐authorship slots offered by 'International Publisher' LLC from 2019 to 2021 is estimated at $6.5 million. Since this study only analysed a single paper mill, it is likely that the number of papers with forged authorship is much higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fly ash–lime–gypsum bricks are an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternative to burnt clay bricks. Nowadays, the scarcity of fly ash and lime adversely affects the production of fly ash bricks. To mitigate this, the current study examines incinerated paper mill sludge ash as a supplement to fly ash and lime. In the current study, in blend 1, coal fly ash is replaced by incinerated paper mill sludge ash (2.5–30 wt%), and in blend 2, lime is completely replaced by incinerated paper mill sludge ash (2.5–15 wt%). Based on Indian standards, bricks were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, weight density, percentage voids, efflorescence, drying shrinkage, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and impact energy. Before developing bricks, the materials have to be examined by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry differential thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscope techniques. Results from X-ray diffraction showed that higher replacement of incinerated paper mill sludge ash does not produce any phase transformation and merely improves porosity, which reduces weight. Higher replacement of incinerated paper mill sludge ash leads to a reduction in strength and a higher water requirement. The study found that incorporating incinerated paper mill sludge ash at replacement 2.5–15 wt% in blend 1 and 2.5–5 wt% in blend 2 satisfied the building brick requirements. By incorporating incinerated paper mill sludge ash into bricks, the brick industry can produce sustainable bricks that utilize resources effectively. Graphical abstract illustrating the reuse of incinerated paper mill sludge ash in the manufacturing of building bricks to minimize the demand for fly ash and lime. The visual shows the drawbacks of paper mill sludge in land dumping, the suggested methodology for reusing incinerated paper mill sludge ash to minimize environmental degradation, improved sustainability through waste utilization, its benefits, and the characterization of bricks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To elucidate whether occupational noise exposure increases the mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, and if exposure to paper dust modified the risks. Methods: We studied 6686 workers from soft paper mills, with occupational noise exposure, < 85 dBA, 85–90 dBA and > 90 dBA, and high (> 5 mg/m3) exposure to paper dust. Person-years 1960–2019 were stratified according to gender, age, and calendar-year. Expected numbers of deaths were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference and standardized mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed. Results: SMR for IHD was 1.12 (95% CI 0.88–1.41) for noise < 85 dBA, 1.18 (95% CI 0.90–1.55) for 85–90 dBA, and 1.27 (95% CI 1.10–1.47) among workers exposed > 90 dBA. Joint exposure to high noise exposure and high exposure to paper dust resulted in slightly higher IHD mortality (SMR 1.39, 95% CI 1.15–1.67). SMR for ischemic stroke was 0.90 (95% CI 0.37–2.15) for noise < 85 dBA, 1.08 (95% CI 0.45–2.59) for 85–90 dBA, and 1.48 (95% CI 0.99–2.00) among workers exposed > 90 dBA. High noise exposure and high exposure to paper dust resulted in higher ischemic stroke mortality (SMR 1.83, 95% CI 1.12–2.98). Conclusion: Noise levels > 90 dBA was associated with increased IHD mortality. Combined exposures of noise and paper dust may further increase the risks. Our results do not provide support for a causal relationship for ischemic stroke. Residual confounding from smoking has to be considered. Workers need to be protected from occupational noise levels exceeding 90 dBA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pith is the internal part of the sugarcane plant with short and variable fiber length. The presence of pith creates process-related issues in papermaking, so it must be removed from the bagasse. Pith has low calorific value, and burning of pith in boilers also creates boiler operational issues as well as environmental pollution and health hazards. The imposition of stringent emission norms by the environmental regulatory bodies is compelling these industries to search for cleaner alternatives to fuels. Pith is generated in huge quantities so its disposal or management will become a major challenge if industries shift to cleaner fuel. Considering these pressing issues and some recent relevant research reported on pith valorization, this study was planned to explore the potential of pith valorization. Therefore, in the present review, research studies available on alternate routes for the valorization of pith into value-added products have been extensively covered. Since pith is also lignocellulosic biomass, therefore, its valorization after pretreatment and as such direct utilization (without pretreatment) has also been categorically discussed. Furthermore, the promising pathways and prospective research in pith valorization are discussed that will make the sugar and associated pulp and paper mill more economically and environmentally sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces the conventional treatment methods of agriculture wastewater, including chemical methods and biological methods. These methods have problems of low efficiency, secondary pollution and high cost. Based on the significant advantages of microalgae purification of wastewater that can achieve pollutant removal and wastewater resource utilization, the current research status of microalgae purification of agriculture wastewater is described, and the problems of microalgae purification of agriculture wastewater are presented with respect to the current research. In view of these problems, suggestions are given to solve the problems of microalgae purification of agriculture wastewater, which provide a reference for the future use of microalgae to purify agriculture wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives: To elucidate whether occupational exposure to soft paper dust increases the incidence of cancer. Methods: We studied 7988 workers in Swedish soft paper mills from 1960 to 2008, of whom 3233 (2 187 men and 1046 women) had more than 10 years of employment. They were divided into high exposure (>5 mg/m3 for >1 year) or lower exposure to soft paper dust based on a validated job‐exposure matrix. They were followed from 1960 to 2019, and person‐years at risk were stratified according to gender, age, and calendar‐year. The expected numbers of incident tumors were calculated using the Swedish population as the reference, and standardized incidence ratios (SIR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were assessed. Results: Among high‐exposure workers with more than 10 years of employment, there was an increased incidence of colon cancer (SIR 1.66, 95% CI 1.20−2.31), small intestine cancer (SIR 3.27, 95% CI 1.36−7.86), and thyroid gland cancer (SIR 2.68, 95% CI 1.11−6.43), as well as lung cancer (SIR 1.56, 95% CI 1.12−2.19). Among the lower‐exposed workers there was an increased incidence of connective tissue tumors (sarcomas) (SIR 2.26, 95% CI 1.13−4.51) and pleural mesothelioma (SIR 3.29, 95% CI 1.37−7.91). Conclusion: Workers in soft paper mills with high exposure to soft paper dust have an increased incidence of large and small intestine tumors. Whether the increased risk is caused by paper dust exposure or some unknown associated factors is unclear. The increased incidence of pleural mesothelioma is probably linked to asbestos exposure. The reason for increased incidence of sarcomas is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay explores the materiality of Dutch blue paper (1650-1750), describing the methodology developed at the Moulin du Verger papermill (France). Starting from the visual examination of blue paper objects housed in the Rijksmuseum and the study of written sources, the group of researchers based their experiments at this 16th-century mill, equipped with traditional papermaking stampers, a Hollander cylinder and an immense drying loft. The experiments involved the dyeing and preparation of linen fibres with woad and indigo. The study of written sources revealed how scholars, traders and artists described "Dutch blue paper" and how it compared with its Venetian predecessor. The access to new raw materials (cotton, indigo, logwood) broadened the range of possibilities, while the introduction of the Hollander beater (ca. 1673) improved considerably the efficiency of Dutch papermakers who were able to produce faster and in greater quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]