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Heterogeneity and rigidity of lignocellulose causing resistance to its deconstruction have provided technical and economic challenges in the current biomass conversion processes. Lignin has been considered as a crucial recalcitrance component in biomass utilization. An in-depth understanding of lignin properties and their influences on biomass conversion can provide clues to improve biomass utilization. Also, utilization of lignin can significantly increase the economic viability of biorefinery. Recent lignin-targeting pretreatments have aimed not only to overcome recalcitrance for biomass conversion but also to selectively fractionate lignin for lignin valorization. Numerous studies have been conducted in biomass characteristics and conversion technologies, and the role of lignin is critical for lignin valorization and biomass pretreatment development. This review provides a comprehensive review of lignin-related biomass characteristics, the impact of lignin on the biological conversion of biomass, and recent lignin-targeting pretreatment strategies. The desired lignin properties in biorefinery and future pretreatment directions are also 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 © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Thanks to multiple recirculation of process water, the German paper industry has succeeded in decreasing the specific fresh water demand from an average of 50 m3/t thirty years ago to 13 m3/t today. Although the increasing closure of white water loops creates many problems, it is bound to be part of the German paper industry's ongoing development. For a few years, in the production of packaging paper, two paper mills have been running with a totally closed water system including different process water treatment plants as 'kidneys'. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of the pros and cons of closed process water systems followed by significant examples of effluent-free production of corrugating medium and test liner. Additionally, operation experiences and economic aspects are discussed.

Faced with limited resources, nurse educators are challenged with transforming nursing education while preparing enough qualified nurses to meet future demand; therefore, innovative approaches to teaching are needed. In this article, we describe the development of an innovative teaching activity. Baby Boy Jones is a Web-delivered, case-based learning activity focused on neonatal infection. It was created using e-learning authoring software and delivered through a learning management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discuss an approach for turning the myth of success in customer relationship management (CRM) into dual-creation of value for a company and customer through the use of technology, data and customer knowledge. They note that firms spend billions of dollars annually on CRM systems aimed at improving customer-company relationships. Also tackled are the underlying myths that impede CRM success, including the myths of CRM as the domain of marketing. They explain areas that need to be addressed to dispel such myths.

Voice recognition technology-enabled devices possess extraordinary growth potential, yet some research indicates that organizations and consumers are resisting their adoption. This study investigates the implementation of a voice recognition device in the United States Navy. Grounded in the social psychology and information systems literature, the researchers adapted instruments and developed a tool to explain technology adoption in this' environment. Using factor analysis and structural equation modeling, analysis of data from the 270 participants explained almost 90% of the variance in the model. This research adapts the technology acceptance model by adding elements of the theory of planned behavior, providing researchers and practitioners with a valuable instrument to predict technology adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an interview with Dean Garlick, director of professional services, Silicon Graphics Inc. In response to a query about the critical success factors that drive the organization, Garlick replied that the quality of the staff is most important. Good people are more important than good technology. Clear direction and expectations of the team is critical. Hire stellar performers, provide them with the right tools, give them clear guidance and then get out of the way. In response to another query about how does he effectively manage his project teams, he answered that it is not difficult. Many people believe that to be successful in technology development and project delivery, one must work in the same office. In fact, most computer scientists and engineers would rather close the door and only talk through email or microsoft network messenger anyway. Often meetings are held too frequently and nearly all meetings can be conducted via teleconference. It is nice to put a name with a face, but that only needs to really occur once. With the advent of the ubiquitous high speed networks and the utilization of virtual private network for security, a virtual team can be assembled in multiple locations across the country.