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Background: Chronic n-Hexane poisoning is prevalent among workers in small and micro printing industries in China. Despite this, there is limited research on occupational health risk assessment in these sectors. Conducting comprehensive risk assessments at key positions and proposing effective countermeasures are essential., Methods: Data were collected from 84 key positions across 32 small and micro-sized printing enterprises. Air samples were tested for n-Hexane exposure levels in accordance with Chinese standards. Five risk assessment models were employed: COSHH, EPA, MOM, ICMM, and Technical Guide GBZ/T 289-2017 of China. The consistency of results across these models was analyzed., Results: Workers in 84 job positions were categorized into four exposure groups, with exposure to n-Hexane for 8-10 h daily, 5-6 days weekly. Most positions operated with low automation levels (96.9% in printing, 5.9% in oil blending, and 42.9% in pasting), while others were manual. Localized ventilation rates were notably low in oil blending (23.5%), cleaning (14.3%), and pasting (9.5%) groups. n-Hexane concentrations exceeded Chinese occupational limits in 15.6% of printing, 17.7% of oil blending, and 21.4% of cleaning groups. Risk assessment models identified over 60% of work groups as high risk. Significant differences ( p  < 0.05) were found among the seven risk assessment methods. Consistency analysis revealed moderate agreement between the Chinese synthesis index and exposure index methods ( k  = 0.571, p  < 0.01)., Conclusion: The Chinese synthesis and exposure index methods from Technical Guide GBZ/T 289-2017 are practical and reliable for assessing n-Hexane exposure risks in small and micro printing enterprises. Cleaning and printing roles were found to be at the highest risk for n-Hexane exposure. These findings provide valuable insights for targeted risk management strategies to protect workers' health in the industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hu, Chen, Zhong, Chen, Cai and Cai.)

The illegal disposal of industrial sewage sludge has caused serious environmental pollution. To develop identification technology of industrial sewage sludge based on the characteristic fingerprints is a promising method that is helpful to clarify the responsibility of illegal enterprises. In this study, heavy metal profiles of sewage sludge from industries (including printing and dyeing industry and other industries) and municipal sewage treatment plant located in eastern China were determined, and their performance of classification was evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discrimination analysis (LDA). Results showed that heavy metal composition can be an effective tool for distinguishing sewage sludge between printing and dyeing industry and other industries, with an accuracy rate of 82.9%. Meanwhile, heavy metal speciation may be a promising method for identification of printing and dyeing sludge from municipal sewage sludge, the accuracy rate of which reached 100%. Moreover, antimony (Sb) and zinc (Zn) are two indicators, which can be used to identify sewage sludge between printing and dyeing sub-industries, and the accuracy rate was 90%. We concluded that heavy metal profiles may be a precise and promising tool for identification of printing and dyeing sludge. This study developed a potential method for tracing the source of industrial sewage sludge and establishing the identification database of industrial sewage sludge and provided technical support for the government to supervise the illegal dumping and disposal of industrial sewage sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The packaging and printing industry has become an important source of industrial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions in China, due to the abundant consumption of organic materials. Effective control measures must be developed which rely on a comprehensive understanding of both current emission characteristics and future emission projections. However, representative VOCs source profiles and updated EFs of packaging and printing industry in China are still lacking. In order to fully explore the VOCs emissions characteristics of packaging and printing industry, field measurements including 17 processes in five packaging and printing factories were conducted in this study. The emission factors (EFs), VOCs source profiles, ozone formation potential (OFP) and secondary organic aerosols potential (SOAP) of 110 VOCs species were acquired. Speciated VOCs emission inventory of packaging and printing industry was compiled based on the activity data in 2020. The future reduction perspectives of packaging and printing industry in China were projected. The VOCs EFs of different materials were estimated, including solvent-based ink (287 g/kg), water-based ink (117 g/kg), soybean oil ink (44 g/kg), UV curing ink (22 g/kg), solvent-based adhesive (420 g/kg), and water-based adhesive (139 g/kg). The VOCs EFs of products were 35.58 kg/t for plastic wrapper, 7.28 g/m2 for soft package plastic, 0.083 g/piece for carton, 0.54 g/piece for tin case, and 0.14 g/piece for aluminum can. The total VOCs emissions in Chinese packaging and printing industry was estimated to 634.32 Gg in 2020. Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Fujian, Shandong, and Sichuan contributed 73% to total VOCs emissions. Printing workshop was the main contributor to both primary emission and secondary pollutant generation. OVOCs was the most abundant specie in three sub-industries. The key VOCs species in PF were ethylacetate, ethanol, 2-pentanone, methyl ethyl ketone, and i-propanol. I-propanol, ethanol, m-tolualdehyde, and dichloromethane were dominated in PP. Ethanol, m/p-xylene, i-propanol, o-xylene, and acetaldehyde were the key species in MC. The key VOCs species to OFP and SOAP were ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, 2-pentanone, ethyl methacrylate, acetaldehyde, toluene, and xylene, which should be prioritized. The VOCs emissions would be reduced by 46.5% in 2025 and 66.4% in 2030 with stringent control measures. Increasing the usage proportion of low-VOCs-contained raw material and improving treatment efficiency are the key technologies to reduce the VOCs emissions in the packaging and printing industry. • 110 VOCs species from 17 pollution-discharged links of five factories were measured. • VOCs sources profiles based on multiple pollution-discharged links were first established. • Raw material-based and product-based VOCs EFs were explored. • Speciated VOCs emission inventory was compiled. • The VOCs emissions would be reduced by 46.5% in 2025 and 66.4% in 2030 under stringently controlled scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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While China's invention of printing took place several centuries ahead of Europe's, it was in Europe where the more advanced printing technology of movable type took hold and where book production reached far higher levels. This article explores the extent to which China's complex logographic writing system explains these different outcomes. Using an economic analysis, I show how China's preference for block printing technology over movable type can be justified as the rational choice of commercial producers. In addition to this, model simulations also predict that movable type would be used in China under some specific circumstances which closely match the historical record. On the other hand, the use of block printing would not have led to larger printing costs in China, and as such should not be regarded as the reason behind China's modest level of book production when compared to Europe's. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the POD services for the publishing industry from 2000 to 2016 in China, by looking at some key numbers and introducing several companies and publishers who have invested in the POD business, looking at their business models, advantages and disadvantages. Also this article will share some first-hand information and ideas from people in both the publishing and printing industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based upon a recent review of the relevant literature in both English and Chinese, this paper assess the current state of and future prospects for digital publishing in China. It addresses developments both in the context of ongoing technological and organizational change and with regard to the wider social and cultural dimensions. Embodying a simulated SWOT exercise it considers the current and likely future state of digital publishing in China through the eyes of western publishers seeking to do business in that country. Digital publishing in China is still in its infancy, while perhaps remaining more opaque to western observers than was expected. Issues around ownership, industry structure, operating platforms, stakeholders, piracy and intellectual property remain critical. Perhaps more than anything, and certainly much more than in the West, the issue of culture, not only in terms of national values and perspectives but also in terms of how things are done, remains a potent influence on business relationships with foreigners. In the West this continues to feed perceptions of legal and commercial uncertainties, risks to intellectual capital and obstacles to the production and distribution of knowledge and ideas. Whatever the perceived downside to such phenomena however, China is still regarded as a major growth market for western publishers. It concludes that whereas there are many opportunities for both parties, and that both can learn from each other, the learning curve is likely to be much steeper on the western side, owing to the significance of the social and cultural dimension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzed the current situation of dyeing and finishing industry in China with a scientific and development angle based on extensive data and cases. It pointed out that the ecological and environmental safety issue of the modern textile industry is a worldwide problem. Nowadays, China's dyeing and finishing industry has made great achievements in energy efficiency and emission reduction and eco-security performance improvement of products, and additionally, is in the leading level on some respects all over the world. However, the contradictory and pressure still exist between the increasing demands of market and development and the restriction of resources and environment. To get out of this predicament, the industry has to make transition and upgrade itself, strengthen the source-control and tightly manage the supply chains, and ultimately realize zero-using and zero-emission of hazardous substances in this industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the emerge of several printing plates vendors, leaded by China which affect other vendors in the printing industry. It mentions that there are also other Asian firms, other than China, who offer computer to plate (CTP) plates and moved aggressively into the world market in 2008. It notes that Asian vendors are already affecting the plate markets and they act as a balancing force to regulate prices in various market segments.

The study shows that the Chinese printer industry needs a large transition to move from imitation towards leadership by innovation. International companies have developed a strong footprint while Chinese companies have not yet adopted or developed adequate practices for innovation. The practices at one Chinese company highlight the challenges: implementation of innovation strategies, generation of innovative concepts, project management of product development and management of quality. Additionally, Chinese companies could profit from life-cycle perspectives for their own development. Finally, the policy to encourage endogenous innovation should be adapted to create a more dynamic national innovation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the highlights and features of the "16th Chinese National Book Fair." The event which gave due attention to the status of minority publishing in China was held on June 16-22, 2006 in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Participants came from different cities including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macao. It is the first time that publishers from these cities attended a national book fair in the mainland. The book fair aims to improve the minority publishing industry and Chinese publishing industry in general by implementing comprehensive reforms in management restructuring and technology.

Purpose - This paper compares the characteristics of reverse logistics in the publishing industry among China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Design/methodology/approach - A multiple-case approach in combination with EIQ (entry of order, items, and quantity) analysis is selected to allow analytical generalization of the findings. Findings - The research findings show that the reverse logistics of Chinese publications is still in early stage and is not mature enough to be interconnected in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The reverse logistics cost in these areas is unlikely to be significantly reduced in the near future. Practical implications - Instead of making effort to process returned goods, logistics firms or publishers may consider discarding the returned goods directly. The loss on material cost is far less than the manpower spent on processing. Also, publishers can sort returned goods in off-peak season to save cost on reverse logistics. Originality/value - This research provides the first empirical study by applying EIQ analysis to understand the challenges of reverse logistics in the publishing industry in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, which has been rarely discussed in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health effects of low-dose occupational exposure to organic solvents remains unclear. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 762 male printing workers to assess the impacts of exposure to mixtures of n-hexane, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, and benzene on neurological and other symptoms. After controlling for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, past exposure history, working hours and shift work current exposure to solvent mixtures was significantly associated with the total number of neurological symptoms and with the prevalence of specific symptoms of the nervous system and mucous membrane irritation. The adjusted odds ratio of neurovegetative lability (1.7-5.9), abnormal or reduced smell (1.6-4.1), memory loss (1.8), and mucous membrane irritation symptoms (1.5-4.6) significantly increased in the exposed group, especially when the summation index of exposure exceeded one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information about publishing industry in China. Availability of printing and print-related companies; Investments for printing equipment; Advancements in printing and publishing technology.

The article focuses on an observational trip to China. Very much of the reform and revolutionary activity in China centers in Canton, China, and the greater part of that originates with the overseas Chinese, as they are called. There are perhaps eight and a half million of these, and they are universally prosperous. The revolution of 1911, which established the republic in China, originated from such sources. A few months prior to the real revolution there was a premature revolution in Canton which resulted in the death of seventy-two Cantonese, many from among the most prominent families. Of the few who escaped, the present president of Kwantung University was one. In some ways Canton seems more Chinese than any considerable Chinese city, but the Chinese here are more westernized in certain ways than the Chinese of any other place. There is a good deal of wealth, but it tends in these times to move into Hongkong. The author also visited the Commercial Press (the biggest printing establishment in China, run by Christian men).

The history, status quo and development trend of digital inkjet printing machines were introduced in detail in this paper pointing out that the technology was immature in the beginning and printed patterns were far from delicate. China's domestic research on digital inkjet printing machines started in the 1990s. Hangzhou Honghua Digital Technology Stock Co., Ltd. successfully developed the first set of digital printing machine in 2000. Digital inkjet printing industry will promote the transformation of China textile industry to a low-carbon development model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that publishers in the U.S. are considering the option of offshore printing in China. It discusses the dynamics of offshore print production and the characteristics of offshore outsourcing. According to a report by Joe Webb, the 2007 printing trade exports have grown by 8% while imports are up 9% with China becoming the leading exporter of print to the U.S. Meanwhile, the Canadian print exports to the U.S. grew to 40% of its printing industry revenues following the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1992.

With the continuous innovation of inkjet printing technology, the methods of using inkjet printers for falsification have also constantly evolved, leading to increasing difficulties in identifying printing alterations made by the same inkjet printer. This paper mainly studies the operating regularity of the stepper motor of inkjet printers to determine the operating mechanism of inkjet printers and thus to identify whether documents had been tampered with. To detect the operating track of the stepper motor, 154 documents printed by 22 different brands and models of thermal inkjet printers were studied according to the periodic morphological characteristics of ink marks and the track of the stepper motor during different printing processes. As a result: ① the maximum gauge of 22 printheads was found to be different and ② the different distribution of ink marks were mainly affected by the direction and speed of the stepper motor. The track of the stepper motor was able to be determined by the periodic morphological characteristics of the ink marks combined with the maximum gauges, and could be used to judge how many times a document was printed. The observed regularities were evaluated by the CNAS 2017ZO146 test, a national proficiency test in China. In conclusion, using the summarized operating regularities of the stepper motor, it is possible to identify printing alterations made by the same thermal inkjet printer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that the Eighth World Print and Communication Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, in late January was the biggest gathering of producers and users of printed media and products ever to take place on the African continent. WPC8 was the first event held by the merged Comprint International and the World Print Congress. WPC delegates represent major national and multinational printing organizations and suppliers that are interested in the long-term health and success of the industry globally. The conference attracts producers and users of printed media, as well as publishers, advertising agencies, printers, converters and suppliers. Organized by the Printing Industries Federation of South Africa and sponsored by coated fine paper producer Sappi, WPC8 drew almost 700 participants from all over the world, many of them from China, Japan and Africa. In 2001, the People's Republic of China created the foundation for investments of foreign businesses in the print and publishing sector. With the exception of packaging print, only joint ventures under Chinese management are allowed. With a volume share of roughly 48 percent, the packaging sector dominates the Chinese printing industry.