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This article traces the history of the relationship of papermaking and paper to libraries over time. Paper was first made in China and is traditionally considered one of that nation's four greatest inventions, along with gun powder, printing, and the compass. Papermaking was often associated with archives in its early development in China, as well as when it was introduced to Japan, where it came to be a part of some Shinto and Buddhist temples, and later governmental agencies. Under Islam, the availability of paper was linked to increased literacy and growth of libraries. In early modern Europe, before the widespread use of wood in the papermaking process, libraries and archives were part of an "economy of paper" with paper at times being in short supply. In the modern era, the world of papermaking did not intersect much with the world of the library, which made progress with the problem of brittle books, one of its greatest challenges, slow, though recent efforts of government, industry, scientists, and representatives of the library have produced positive results. The damage caused by wood-based paper in libraries was mirrored by the environmental damage caused by wood-based papermaking in communities. The history of papermaking and libraries demonstrates the importance of understanding the technologies which support the library, while also advocating effectively to the representatives of all its sources of support in ways which promote the values of the library and its associated community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accompanying China's accession to the World Trade Organization, the rapid development of the Chinese economy has led to increasingly serious environmental issues. However, the inherent mechanisms underlying the impact of Environmental Information Disclosure (EID) policy and trade on the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises remain unclear in the context of the era's requirement for a resource-conserving and environmentally-friendly society. The pollution problem in the papermaking industry has received attention worldwide, and how to balance the environmental and development issues of papermaking enterprises is an urgent issue that needs to be solved in the academic community. This study explores the impact mechanisms of EID policy and trade on the environmental effects of enterprises from the perspective of financial constraints. Utilizing the PSM-DID model, the study investigates the moderating effects of financial constraints on the EID policy and import-export trade. The findings reveal that both external and internal financial constraints have negative, detrimental effects on the environmental effects of the EID policy and trade. These constraints impede research and development investment and technological upgrades, hinder productivity improvement, and hamper the realization of "regulatory and trade innovation effects". This study enriches our understanding of the mechanisms by which trade affects the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises and further identifies the impacts of Chinese EID policy and trade on pollution emissions by enterprises, providing a theoretical basis and practical foundation for the government in formulating financial, environmental, and trade policies. • Analyzing the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises from the perspective of financing constraints. • This study validated the research hypothesis using three micro databases. • This study decomposes the impact mechanism into three aspects: scale effects, technical effects, and structural effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Guidelines on Building a Market-Oriented Green Technology Innovation System, which was released by China in 2019, has become a powerful signal to guide the development of green technology innovation (GTI). In the current digital strategy of China, the public media has become a key factor for promoting the transparency of enterprise environmental information. This paper measures the GTI efficiency of the listed paper enterprises in China as well as incorporating media attention into the research framework to explore the influencing factors of GTI of the listed paper enterprises in China during the digital economy era. The results showed that a positive media report had a positive impact on GTI and has become a new driving factor in promoting sustainable production in the digital era. Government support and openness also have a positive impact on GTI. However, negative media reports, environmental regulations, and technological innovation abilities have an inhibitory effect on the GTI efficiency of paper making enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The papermaking industry has developed rapidly in recent years in China. Papermaking is a high-energy-consuming process. Consequently, large-scale paper mills usually have cogeneration systems that supply both electricity and steam for the papermaking process. In China, almost all these cogeneration systems in paper mills are powered by coal combustion, which consumes a large amount of energy and emits large amounts of greenhouse gas. The Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology is regarded as a clean and efficient method of coal utilization. In this work, an IGCC process for application in paper mills was designed and modeled. An IGCC coupled with a cascade refrigeration process (CRP) was further proposed in order to reuse the waste heat from the dryer section and improve the energy efficiency of the papermaking process. A paper with a conventional cogeneration system, one with an IGCC cogeneration system, and one with an IGCC coupled with a CRP cogeneration system were analyzed and compared in terms of energy efficiency, capital investment, operational cost, and dynamic payback period. The results showed that the integration of IGCC technology allows paper mills to be more competitive than those featuring conventional cogeneration systems in terms of energy efficiency and operational cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovered paper is one of the major raw material for recycled papermaking industry. In China, the domestic recovered paper recycling system is incomplete and the amount of recyclable recovered paper cannot satisfy the papermaking demand. Therefore, the recycled papermaking industry is extremely dependent on imported recovered paper as their raw fiber source. In 2018, Chinese government announced a ban on unsorted recovered paper and tightened the import quota for recovered paper, which resulted in a dramatic drop in the importing amount of recovered paper. It is an urgent issue to explore alternative production routes that are more economical and environmentally friendly. Herein, life cycle cost assessment is used to compare and analyze the recycled papermaking industry based domestic recovered paper and three alternatives (including straw, imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp) as the raw materials. The results show that the life cycle cost of domestic recycled paper based recovered papermaking is significantly lower than the other three alternatives, whereas its external cost is higher than that of the production routes based on the imported deinked pulp and imported wood pulp. With the increasing price of the domestic recovered paper, imported deinked pulp is the trend of recycled papermaking industry in China. • Life cycle cost assessment is applied to the recycled paper industry in China. • LCC of four papermaking schemes based on different raw materials were assessed. • LCC for six types of paper products ranges from 924 to 1227 USD/t in 2017. • Imported recovered pulpboard is the best choice of wastepaper material supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the carrier of enterprise water resources management disclosure, water information disclosure is a means of expression of enterprises' environmental responsibility. First, a corporate water information disclosure quality evaluation index system and evaluation method are established, and with the help of the projection tracing method of accelerated genetic algorithm, 27 paper companies in China are selected as a sample and the disclosure quality level is analyzed empirically. Then, the analysis is carried out in terms of three changes in vertical trends, horizontal trends and changes in laws, regulations and policies, and the results show that Chinese paper and paper product enterprises have low quality of water information disclosure, weak disclosure content and low voluntary disclosure. Finally, feasible suggestions are made based on the evaluation of disclosure issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple, large-scale fabrication of cooling paper via pulping and papermaking technology. • The cooling paper is facilely deconstructed and regenerated to architect the secondary cooler. • The cooling paper features a high solar reflectance of 94% and emissivity of 0.95. • The cooling paper shows the sub-ambient temperature drop of 6 ∼ 8.8 °C under directly solar radiation at daytime. Passive radiative cooling materials provide coldness without energy consumption for all-day thermal comfort by reflecting solar irradiation and emitting heat into the 3 K universe. However, the conventional radiative cooling materials involve complex multilayer structures and unsustainable polymers, showing the non-recyclable disadvantage, which induces resource waste and environmental issues. Herein, we reported a low-cost, scalable, and eco-friendly radiative cooling material (namely cooling paper), consisting of the delignified, fibrillated cellulose fibers and nano-sized hydroxyapatite (HA) via the mature pulping and papermaking process. The resulting cooled paper can be recycled, and it can be easily deconstructed to harvest cellulose fibers and HA, individually. The recovered source materials can be reused to prepare secondary products that show comparable performance to the original cooling paper, including a high solar reflectance of ∼94% and an infrared emissivity of ∼0.95 in the atmospheric transparency window. Such cooling paper enables superior cooling performance with the temperature drop of 6 ∼ 8.8 °C under directly solar radiation. Based on the EnergyPlus simulation, our cooling paper shows a average cooling energy saving of ∼29 % in buildings across China. The recyclable cooling paper with high cooling capability and scalability, as well as environmental friendliness, shows promising potential for sustainable energy-efficient buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branchwood of fruit trees is being promoted to supplement the fiber material for paper manufacturing in China. This study was conducted to investigate the fiber morphology of walnut branchwood, and to highlight its potential utilizations in papermaking. The effects of the branch diameter, branching level, and tension wood on the fiber morphology were also investigated. The results showed that approximately 65% of the fibers were longer than 900 μm, 95% of the fibers had a slenderness ratio greater than 40, and 67% of the fibers had a Runkel ratio less than 1. It is evident from the results that the fiber morphology of walnut branchwood is reasonably good for paper manufacturing. However, the diameter of the branch does not provide reliable information to predict the fiber morphometrics. In addition, the branching level and tension wood are not very helpful in the screening of fiber raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deformations in dam structures can have a critical impact on dam safety and life. Accurate methods for dam deformation prediction and safety evaluation are thus highly needed. Dam deformations can be predicted based on many factors. The analysis of these influences on the deformation of the dam reveals a problem that deserves further attention: dam deformation lags behind environmental factors of the water level and temperature as well as the time lag of the temporal dam deformation data. In this paper, a hybrid deep learning model is proposed to enhance the accuracy of dam deformation forecasting based on lag indices of these factors. In particular, dam deformations are predicted using deep networks based on gated recurrent units (GRUs), which can effectively capture the temporal characteristics of dam deformation. In addition, an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm is used for optimizing the GRU hyperparameters. Furthermore, the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise algorithm (CEEMDAN) and the partial autocorrelation function (PACF) are exploited to select the lag factor indices. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed CEEMDAN–PACF–IPSO–GRU hybrid model were evaluated and compared with those of other existing models in terms of four different evaluation indices (MAE, MSE, R2 , and RMSE) and using 9-year historical data for the case of a pulp-masonry arch dam in China. The experimental results show that our model outperforms other models in terms of the deformation prediction accuracy (R2 increased by 0.16%–9.74%, while the other indices increased by 14.55% to reach 96.69%), and hence represents a promising framework for general analysis of dam deformations and other types of structural behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Forest resource Metabolism Network model isdeveloped for ecological and economic analysis. • Exploitation index is developed to reveal the weaker sectors in the ecological relations. • A case study of Guangdong province, China isconducted to illustrate the potential benefits. • Scientific Basis are provided to allocate forestresources and stabilize industrial structure. Abstract Integrating forest resources into the socio-economic system correctly and reasonably is of vital importance to tackle the increasingly scarce forest resources. In this paper, forest resource input-output model and forest resource metabolism network model are established to provide new insights into the relationships among the systems, industries and sectors related to forest resources. A promising indicator named exploitation index is developed to reveal the weaker sectors in the ecological relations, which will further help to provide better corrective actions and integrated strategic measures. Guangdong is taken as an example to verify the availability of the model and solve the problem. The results show that the primary manufacturing consumes more direct timber, while advanced manufacturing and the service sector utilize timber indirectly. In addition, Guangdong forest metabolism system shows a negative correlation and the whole network does not achieve the mutualism state, leading to competition relationships between pairwise sectors that should not appear, such as Forestry sector and Papermaking and Paper Products sector. These results provide the corresponding reference for helping the decision makers to allocate forest resources and coordinate ecological and economic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton, one of the main commercial crops in the world, mostly distributes in several major growing regions, including Xinjiang of western China. An important renewable biomass resource, the cotton stalk has received most attention to serving as the poultry feed, paper making, environmental protection materials, and biomass briquette fuel. Particularly, the highly efficient recycling of cotton stalk can be widely expected to bring enormous economic and ecological benefits. However, most previous treatments are focused on pulverizing cotton stalks and returning to the field. A great challenge is still posed on the current pulling machines for cotton stalks, with emphasis on operational requirements, leakage, and breaking rate. In this study, a novel horizontal-roller cotton stalk pulling machine was proposed to efficiently implement the pulling of the whole cotton stalk after harvesting. The machine was mainly composed of traction, gearbox, stalk conveying, transmission system, machine body, road wheel, spacing regulating mechanism, stalk pulling, dam-board, and support frame. Specifically, the power input shaft of the gearbox was connected to the power output shaft of a tractor. In working, the power was transferred to the chain drive by the power output shaft of a gearbox, and then to realize the stalk conveying and pulling operation under the rotation of the toothed belt and the opposite rotation of the stalk pulling roller. A systematic kinematic analysis was conducted to determine the influencing factors in the working process. A field test was also carried out in a farmland in Korla City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China in October 2019. The soil firmness was 467 kPa, and the moisture content of the soil was 15%-20%, due to the perennial drought and little rain in the study area. The average height of cotton stalk was 700 mm, while, the plant spacing was 50 mm in a wide and narrow close planting mode. The power was from a CFD604A wheeled tractor with a calibrated power of 44.2 kW. The test was performed on the national standard of a harvester combine test(GB/T 8097-2008). A three-level quadratic regression orthogonal test was designed, where the forward velocity of the machine, the rod velocity of the deflector, and the speed of the stalk pulling roller were selected as the influencing factors, whereas, the leakage rate and plucking rate were the response factors. A response surface method was utilized to establish the regression equations for the relationship between the factors and assessment indexes. An optimal combination of parameters was obtained, while an experiment was also conducted to verify the mathematical model. The test results demonstrated that there were great effects of factors on the performance of horizontal-roller cotton stalk pulling. The significant effects on the leakage rate were ranked in a decreasing order: the forward velocity of the machine, the rod velocity of the deflector, and the speed of the stalk pulling roller. Correspondingly, the significant effects on the plucking rate were ranked in a decreasing order: the speed of the stalk pulling roller, the rod velocity of the deflector, and the forward velocity of the machine. The verification test indicated that the leakage rate of the cotton stalk was 5.24%, and the plucking rate was 3.75%,when the forward velocity of the machine was 0.68 m/s, the rod velocity of the deflector was 1.75 m/s, and the speed of the stalk pulling roller was 221 r/min. The optimal combination was better consistent with the predicted one in model optimization, indicating a reasonable structural design. The findings can provide a sound reference for the structural design and optimization of operation parameters in the horizontal-roller cotton stalk pulling machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo is a highly renewable biomass resource with outstanding ecological, economic and social benefits. However, its lengthy vegetative growth stage and uncertain flowering period have hindered the application of traditional breeding methods. In recent years, significant progress has been made in bamboo breeding. While technical advances in bamboo breeding have been impressive, it is essential to also consider the broader implications we can learn from bamboo's extraordinary features for sustainable development. This review provides an overview of the current status of bamboo breeding technology, including a detailed history of bamboo breeding divided into four eras, a comprehensive map of bamboo germplasm gardens worldwide, with a focus on China, and a summary of available transgenic technologies for gene function verification and genetic improvement. As the demand for bamboo as a sustainable and renewable resource increases continuously, breeding objectives should be focused on enhancing yield, wood properties and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In particular, priority should be given to improving fiber length, internode length and wall thickness, as well as regulating lignin and cellulose content for papermaking, substitute for plastic and other applications. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for future research and development in bamboo breeding, including the application of omics technologies, artificial intelligence and the development of new breeding methods. Finally, by integrating the technical advances in bamboo breeding with a discussion of its broader implications for sustainable development, this review provides a comprehensive framework for the development of bamboo industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metso Paper has opened a new branch office in Shanghai, China and plans further offices in Guangzhou and Qingdao in order to strengthen the company’s service and presence in the Chinese pulp and paper market.This is a short news story only. Visit www.worldpumps.com for the latest pump industry news. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wheat is grown in most of the Indian and Chinese regions and after harvesting, the remaining straw offers considerable promise as a renewable source most suitable for papermaking and as a pulping resource. Delignification of wheat straw offers ample scope for energy conservation by way of the application of the process intensification principles. The present work reviews the pretreatment techniques available for improving the effectiveness of the conventional approach for polysaccharide component separation, softening and delignification. A detailed overview of the cavitation assisted delignification process has been presented based on the earlier literature illustrations and important operational guidelines have been presented for overall low-cost and amenable energy utilization in the processes. The effectiveness of the methods has been evaluated according to yield and properties of the isolated fibers in comparison to the conventional treatment. Also the experimental results of one such non-conventional treatment scheme based on the use of hydrodynamic cavitation have been presented for the pulping of wheat straw. The effect of hydrodynamically induced cavitation on cell wall matrix and its components have been characterized using FT-IR analysis with an objective of understanding the cavitation assisted digestion mechanism on straws. It has been observed that the use of hydrodynamic cavitation does not degrade the fibrillar structure of cellulose but causes relocalisation and partial removal of lignin. Overall it appears that considerable improvement can be obtained due to the use of pretreatment or alternate techniques for delignification, which is an energy intensive step in the paper making industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Current approaches to science-technology-society (STS) education focus primarily on the controversial socio-scientific issues that arise from the application of science in modern technology. This paper argues for an interdisciplinary approach to STS education that embraces science, technology, history, and social and cultural studies. By employing a case study of traditional papermaking technology, it investigates how the interactions between technology and science can be explored in an authentic societal and cultural context across a historical time span. The term technology-society-science (TSS) is used to represent an alternative approach to linking technology, society, and science that aims to redress the imbalance between science and technology, and to resolve the tension between two diverging goals of STS education. The educational implications of this alternative approach to STS education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No abstract available [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the implementation of increasingly stringent water conservation policies and regulations, the pulp and paper mill industry must make increased efforts to meet the limits for pollutant emissions. The primary pretreatment and secondary biochemical treatment methods used currently generally fail to meet the country-specific environmental regulations, and the wastewater must be processed further even after being subjected to secondary biochemical treatments. In this work, we synthesized Fe3O4/MnO2 nanocomposites (FMNs) with a flower-like structure for use in the heterogeneous photocatalytic treatment of biotreated papermaking wastewater. FMNs1.25, which were formed using a KMnO4/Fe3O4 molar ratio of 1.25, could be separated readily using an external magnetic field and exhibited higher photocatalytic activity than those of the other samples as well as MnO2 and Fe3O4. The effects of various experimental parameters on the photocatalytic activity of FMNs1.25, including the initial pH of the wastewater and the catalyst dosage, were determined. The common chemical oxygen demand (CODCr) reduction rate in the case of this sample reached 56.58% within 120 min at a pH of 3, the CODCr of effluent after treatment was 52.10 mg/L. Further, even under neutral conditions, the CODCr of the treated effluent was below the current limit for discharge in China. Moreover, the nanocomposites exhibited good recyclability, and their catalytic activity did not decrease significantly even after five usage cycles. This study should serve as a platform for the fabrication of effective photocatalysts for the advanced treatment of biotreated papermaking effluent and refractory organic wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veolia Environnement’s USFilter is to install a 1450 tons per hour black liquor concentration plant at a new pulp and paper facility in Southern China.This is a short news story only. Visit www.worldpumps.com for the latest pump industry news. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Asia Water Technology Ltd and its subsidiary Wuhan Kaidi Water Services Co Ltd have secured a RMB46.5 million desalination system project for a paper manufacturer in Guangdong Province, China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]