BioResources publishes research articles, review articles, and editorials on topics related to the science of cellulosic substances and their uses in such fields as composites, paper, engineered wood, bioenergy, etc. To help speed up the process, authors use a template. The journal staff pre-edit the English in each article before the peer-review process starts. Why you should publish with BioResources: Research published open-access & authors retaining copy rights Low publication fee, with comprehensive editing service included Efficient peer-review process & open access platform Impact factor 1.747 (Clarivate), ~ 600 published articles per year Efficient peer-review process; articles published fast after acceptance Ranked #2 in Wood Sci. & Technol. (Google Scholar—https://bit.ly/33GVdOZ) Authors retain copy rights University-based journal; excess funds only support student scholarships Technical Editor: Martin A. Hubbe, Professor, North Carolina State University, hubbe@ncsu.edu Managing Editor: Lucian A. Lucia, Professor, North Carolina State University, lucia-bioresources@ncsu.edu The main publication website of BioResources is as follows: https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/ The "Open Journal Systems" website that you are viewing now is primarily intended for: (a) submission of articles after careful preparation, following the Author instructions and using a template; (b) management of the peer-reviewing process; and (c) distribution of journal content to participating database services.
NC State University, Dept. of Forest Biomaterials
Advances in Biomass-Derived Carbon Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion
Amid the global energy crisis and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, biomass-derived carbon materials (BDCs) have emerged as promising sustainable candidates for energy applications due to their abundant sources, tailorable hierarchical porosity/heteroatom doping, and remarkable properties. This review systematically summarizes recent advances (2020 to 2025) in BDCs for supercapacitors, secondary batteries (lithium/ sodium/potassium-ion), and electrocatalysis (ORR/OER/HER/CO₂RR). The review focuses on the synthesis-structure-performance correlation, highlighting how pore architecture, heteroatom incorporation, and morphology govern electrochemical performance. Key challenges including precursor inconsistency, imperfect structure control, and scalability in sustainable production are critically assessed. Future prospects are proposed, including machine-learning-guided material design, in situ/operando mechanistic studies, and practical device integration. This work offers insightful guidance for the rational design of BDCs toward practical energy storage and conversion systems.
Enzyme-Assisted Valorization of Plant Bioresources for Functional Bioproducts. A review
Plant bioresources are an abundant, sustainable, and underutilized source of essential bioactive substances for use in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors. The increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly processing technologies has fueled interest in enzyme-assisted valorization as a greener alternative to traditional extraction methods. This review emphasizes the relevance of plant bioresources and functioning bioproducts, particularly the use of enzymes in green extraction methods. The many kinds of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes that contribute to biomass valorization are described, as well as their modes of action. Uses of enzyme-assisted extraction in the production of functional bioproducts are discussed, followed by a review of commercial scale-up issues, economic feasibility, and regulatory implications. In terms of sustainability, selectivity, and environmental effect, enzyme-assisted approaches can outperform traditional, microwave, ultrasound, and pressurized liquid extraction procedures. Enzymes can selectively break down complex polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals. Challenges persist in enzyme cost, capacity, and regulatory barriers. Future studies should focus on optimizing enzyme combinations, increasing cost-efficiency through enzyme recycling, and combining enzymatic approaches with other green technologies to improve sustainability. Furthermore, broadening the spectrum of feedstocks and guaranteeing compliance with industry norms will be critical for widespread industrial use of enzyme-assisted procedures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hanan Moawad, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Wafa Abudayah, Medhat A. El-Naggar, Abdullah M. Almotayri
Transforming Date Palm Agro-Waste into Organic Compost: A Review of Sustainable Farming Systems
Sustainable management of agricultural residues is essential to address environmental degradation and promote soil health, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which is widely cultivated in these areas, generates substantial organic waste, including leaves, stems, seeds, and fibers. Traditional disposal practices such as open burning and landfilling contribute to pollution and the loss of valuable organic matter. Composting offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution by converting date palm biomass into nutrient-rich organic amendments that improve soil structure, enhance fertility, and increase crop yields. This review examines the potential of composting as a sustainable strategy for valorizing date palm agro-waste. It discusses the composting process, nutrient content, and effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The review also highlights challenges such as quality control, scalability, and policy support, while emphasizing the role of composting in reducing chemical fertilizer use, enhancing carbon sequestration, and promoting circular agriculture systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amal Bouzidi, Samir Tlahig, Yassine Yahia , Walid Elfalleh
Recent Applications of Peat Resources Utilization and Its Environmental Impacts Mitigation – A Review
In this paper, the pathway from peat resources to their various forms of utilization, to their environmental impacts, and to their mitigation is discussed. Overall, research gaps related to various fields of peat studies are identified and recommendations for future research are presented. Global peat reserves are large, but they remain mostly unused. Peat can also be valorized in various less GHG-intensive applications beyond combustion. Heterogenocity of peat may constraint many of these uses, warranting new innovations to support their feasibility. The theme of GHG emissions from peatlands is complex. The future of northern peatlands as carbon sinks remains uncertain. Paludiculture, an emerging research field, and its GHG mitigation potential is also discussed. When discussing peat production, one of its main adverse effects typically disclosed is its impact on the water quality of natural aquatic systems. Thus, different traditional and novel peat bog drainage water treatment methods are extensively compared with each other — a topic not previously presented in the literature. Peatland restoration and its novel applications, as well as economic aspects, are also addressed. Socioeconomic aspects of peat use, closely linked to climate, food, and rural livelihoods, are currently under vigorous research, and are also examined.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ville Kuokkanen , Matti Kuokkanen , Hanna Prokkola
Next Generation Bioplastics Based on Renewable Resources and Their Potential Applications
Challenges associated with the recyclability and end-of-life management of plastics are leading to a search for more environmentally friendly alternatives. The amount of conventional plastic that is recycled represents a tiny percentage of what is made. Most is sent to landfills or simply accumulates in the environment, which presents a challenge due to the generation of micro- and nanoplastics. Next-generation bioplastics have emerged as an option in recent years. Polyhydroxyalkanoates, polylactic acid, thermoplastic starch, lignocellulosic biocomposites, protein-based materials, seaweed, among others, can be regarded as promising alternatives to conventional plastics. These materials are innovative; some, such as polylactic acid and thermoplastic starch, are already established in the market, while others have recently gained ground in various sectors, including lignocellulosic biocomposites in the automotive industry and bioplastics based on marine algae for food packaging. However, this transition should not be limited to replacement. The study analyzes recent advances in next-generation bioplastics, including classification and potential applications. The study also explores key challenges and regulatory perspectives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nanci Ehman, Pamela Soledad Cuenca, María Evangelina Vallejos, María Cristina Area
Development Status and Outlook of Round Bamboo Building Structure
Round bamboo is a critical natural construction material in tropical and subtropical regions because of its high strength, light weight, excellent mechanical properties, and simplicity of access to resources. With the advancement of technology and changes in aesthetics, the design of round bamboo architecture has taken on different development directions, such as simplicity, practicality, and innovative design. The structural components and connection methods are approaching standardization, and the products’ applications are expanded beyond the confines of the home to include commercial spaces and other application scenarios. The current situation, problems, and development direction of round bamboo structures in terms of material production process, modification technology, and standardized processing are summarized in this study. Also discussed are advantages, structural characteristics, and development rules of round bamboo components as building materials, as well as the evolution and innovative development of connection methods. The purpose of this study is to provide references for the innovation and development of round bamboo.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jinyuan Wang, Daochun Qin, Junfeng Xiong, Changzhuan Shao, Yao Peng, Xuehua Wang, Wanda Nie, Lijun Su, Zixuan Yu, Fengbo Sun
Plant Cellulose – An Attempt at General Characterization of Properties and Application of the Material
This paper attempts to provide a general characterization of the properties and applications of plant cellulose (PC) based on literature data regarding its sources, discovery, fractional composition and cell dimensions, the microphysical structure of the fibrous component, its content in wood and non-woody plants, functional properties, traditional uses, and selected contemporary opportunities to expand the use of this material in the production of new types of industrial products. This topic can be useful from systematic, informational, and practical perspectives for engineers involved in teaching plant cellulose technology, for researchers and practitioners searching for substitute materials as alternatives to synthetic polymers and fossil-fuel-derived chemicals, and for paper mills seeking opportunities to mitigate the effects of declining demand for printing papers through the development of other PC-based products. The issues discussed in this article may serve as a starting point for the development of an expanded version of this study, supplemented with additional PC properties and applications not identified by the author, and ultimately for the preparation of a book that would include a comprehensive discussion of specific PC applications.
Biomass-derived Conductive Biocarbon for Flexible Strain Sensors: A Review
Growing demand for environmentally sustainable wearable electronics is driving the development of high-performance electromechanical sensing materials from carbonized renewable resources. Despite rapid progress, key challenges remain in understanding how biomass carbonization pathways influence conductive network formation and electromechanical sensing performance. This review first analyzes the conversion of biomass feedstocks into conductive biocarbon through pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, highlighting strategies for tuning hierarchical graphitic structure. Then, the review elucidates the electromechanical mechanisms governing strain sensing behavior in biocarbon composites, correlating microstructural evolution with key strain sensor metrics. By synthesizing recent advancements and identifying critical bottlenecks, this review aims to provide a roadmap for advancing next-generation, eco-friendly flexible biocarbon strain sensors from laboratory prototypes to practical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Qianqian Wang, Yang Zhou, Yu Long, Aojie Zhou, Lu Gao, Qianqian Zhu
Concepts and Evidence of Interdigitation in the Strength Development of Paper and Sheets Formed from Highly Fibrillated Cellulose: A Review
This review considers published evidence supporting ways in which self-assembly and interdigitated structures that emerge during sheet formation contribute to mechanical strength and structural development in nanopaper and conventional paper-like sheets. Interdigitation is defined here as a form of three-dimensional connectivity within fibrous networks, including elements of parallel interaction, minor weaving, physical entanglement, and inter-diffusion among fibers, fibrils, and nano-scale cellulosic features of multiple length scales. Particular attention is given to out-of-plane fiber orientations and the persistence of three-dimensional connectivity during sheet formation, features that are not fully captured by idealized two-dimensional network models. The review considers mechanical, rheological, microscopic, and processing-related studies to assess how hydrodynamic conditions, flocculation, consolidation history, and drying influence the formation and effectiveness of interdigitated structures. The collected evidence suggests that interdigitation is an inherent feature of papermaking over a broad range of fiber and fibril dimensions, and that it can be strongly influenced by processing conditions. In addition to highlighting the topic of interdigitation, this review also reveals a need for more detailed theoretical consideration, as well as focused experimental work.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chisom C. Umeileka, Lucian A. Lucia, Mellissa A. Pasquinelli, Martin A. Hubbe
Is there Still Room for Hypothetical Ideas and Simple Experiments in Modern Research?
Scientific progress has never been driven solely by perfect data or bullet-proof methods. Rather, it has been propelled by imagination—by researchers’ willingness to observe the world and ask, "What if?" Yet, according to my experience, the contemporary research landscape often suggests that speculation is suspicious, simple investigation methods are inadequate, and acceptance of submitted manuscript is reserved for those employ the most elaborate investigation methods, at least in high impact journals. This editorial argues that these trends risk narrowing the boundaries of inquisitiveness and creating even more unequal opportunities based on the financial wealth of individual researchers and institutions. The scientific method is not a ritual of complexity, but rather a disciplined form of curiosity. If we lose sight of this, we may end up optimizing precision at the expense of inspiration.
Integration of 1st and 2nd Generation Bioethanol Fuel Production: Opportunities and Limitations
Bioethanol currently is the most widely used transport biofuel in the world. At present, it is mainly produced from starch-rich grains and sugar cane (the first generation bioethanol fuel). Starch and sugars from existing food materials limit its feedstock supply, and its sustainable production is facing great challenges. Production of bioethanol fuel from the lignocellulosical materials (the second generation bioethanol fuel) has aroused great interest in recent decades because the lignocellulosical materials, such as agricultural and forestry wastes and organic industrial wastes, are abundant, widely available, and inexpensive. However, its large-scale industrial production is still not economically feasible because of high pretreatment and enzyme costs, as well as low ethanol final concentration and yield, based on current technology. Some recent studies indicate that the integration of the first and second generation of bioethanol fuel production can increase the final ethanol concentration and yield, reduce the enzyme and water usage, and effectively improve its process economy. This editorial will give a brief discussion on the integration of the first and second generation of bioethanol fuel production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhanye Xv, Xingyang Xv, Shengdong Zhu, Guiying Wu, Fang Jin
Transparent Wood or Bamboo Composites as a Suitable Topic for College-level Education, Research, and Outreach Activities in the Next Decade
Due to societal interest in reducing carbon emissions, transparent wood has attracted increasing attention since 2016. Research on transparent wood composites has become a hot spot in the forest product field. Many challenges and limitations still need to be addressed, involving large-dimensional manufacturing, weak interfacial bonding, difficult three-dimensional tunable, and insufficient optical transmittance. A series of student-led projects is proposed in this editorial to address these barriers. A further goal in transparent wood composite development is to replace single-use plastics (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate food containers). It is proposed to Integrate transparent wood composite research into the education and outreach activities of wood science and forestry university programs.
Priority Dissolution of Hemicellulose and its Subsequent Value-added Utilization along with High Activity Lignin
In lignocellulosic biorefineries, efficiently and cleanly deconstructing the stubborn structure of plant cell walls to achieve component separation remains a research hotspot. Among these, the high-value utilization of lignin is limited by its purity and condensed structure. Traditional pretreatment strategies have predominantly focused on “forceful cell wall disruption,” directly targeting lignin itself for removal or dissolution. However, recent research on two-step sequential biomass deconstruction is guiding us toward a more sophisticated paradigm: the preferential and deep dissolution of hemicellulose can serve as a “switch” that triggers subsequent efficient and selective dissolution of lignin.
Copyright (c) 2026 Penghui Li, Yuliang He, Shubin Wu, Tiantian Li
Reusing Timber for a Circular, Low-Carbon Future: Challenges and the Path Forward
Load-bearing timber is usually not reused in a second structural application after its first service life, not due to proven inadequacy, but largely because prevailing standards recognize only first-use material. When buildings are dismantled, the recovered timber is typically routed toward energy recovery, re- or down-cycling, or disposal, while functionally equivalent components for new construction are manufactured from newly harvested logs. The current regulatory framework favors virgin timber, even where reused elements could technically perform the same structural functions. Therefore, one of the primary barriers to structural timber reuse is the absence of codified pathways for qualification, certification, and market acceptance.
What do Consumers Understand and Perceive about Plastic Food Packaging? An Exploratory Study in Argentina
Single-use plastic food packaging is a practical, safe, and economical solution to food transportation and conservation. However, there is growing concern about its environmental impact. In Argentina, discussions around sustainability and consumption habits have gained prominence, leading consumers to reconsider and reduce their use of fossil-based plastics in food packaging. However, it remains challenging to determine whether consumer perception reflects conditional acceptance or signals a paradigm shift.
Copyright (c) 2026 Agustina Ponce de León, Nanci Ehman, María Cristina Area
Reevaluating Safety Margins in Corrugated Board Packaging
Safety margins have long been a cornerstone of corrugated board packaging design, serving as a practical buffer against uncertainty in material properties, loading conditions, and environmental exposure. Traditionally, these margins have been expressed as single conservative factors derived from standardized laboratory tests and simplified analytical models. While effective in ensuring robustness, such an approach increasingly reveals its limitations. Modern logistics systems are characterized by strong variability, time-dependent effects, and growing pressure to reduce material consumption. This work argues that classical safety margins should be reconsidered not as fixed scalar values, but as dynamic, context-dependent constructs. A conceptual shift is proposed, moving from static safety factors toward a multidimensional safety landscape that reflects the combined influence of climate, time, geometry, and logistics-specific loading scenarios. Emerging tools in numerical modeling, sensing technologies, and data-driven analysis provide the foundation for this transition. The paper outlines the implications of such reframing for sustainable packaging design and highlights how a more nuanced understanding of safety margins can simultaneously improve reliability and reduce material overdesign.
Historical Anatomy of Sacred Statuary in Brazil: Wood Anatomy and Physical Properties
Wood was a principal source material used in the making of sacred statuary in Brazil during the 16th and 19th centuries. Artisans used timber in the sacred carpentry based on the singular properties of the wood and the locally available forestry bioresources. The present study aimed to evaluate the wood species used in sacred statuary and to show how some wood properties relate to this carpentry. Based on original data and specialized literature, the results demonstrate the use of 17 preferred wood species, with Cedrela sp. (Meliaceae) as the most notable. This wood species presents low density, texture, and secondary metabolites that facilitate manual work and protect against xylophagous attack. Additionally, the sweet odor of this wood symbolizes sacred knowledge. Hence it can be concluded that cedar is a historically important wood for the making of sacred statuary in all Brazilian regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joao Carlos Ferreira de Melo Júnior
Can Postage Stamps Reveal Brazil’s Forest Bioresources?
Postage stamps can reveal the communication between different fields of knowledge, transforming elements of nature into emblems for the representation of biodiversity, economic resources, national identity, and the cultural identity of countries. Brazilian philatelic issues that represent timber species express the dialogue between forest resources and the bioeconomy. The historical relationship between man, his territory, and the use of forest resources is established through visual records of the management, use, and valorization of Brazilian timbers over time. This editorial seeks to demonstrate how postage stamps become instruments for publicizing the country’s timber potential and how they disseminate knowledge about the diversity of species of economic interest.
Copyright (c) 2026 Adalberto Schweger de Souza Júnior , Joao Carlos Ferreira Melo Júnior
Historical Woods and Public Policies for the Conservation of National Built Monuments in Brazil
Historical timbers constitute bio-resources that faithfully attest to ancestral knowledge concerning forests and the evolution of technological and cultural understanding associated with the use of wood. Timber is a ubiquitous component of many historical buildings. While significant policies guide interventions on this type of cultural property, gaps persist within the Brazilian context. The present study aims to problematize public preservation policies and propose strategies to address the disposal of historical timbers during interventions in the built heritage. The importance of botanical studies is underscored, as well as the necessity of establishing mandatory safeguarding mechanisms—specifically, the deposition of replaced timber (due to pathological issues in historical buildings) in a specialized scientific collection. This measure serves to register the knowledge and practices that connect the cultural past with the present.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joao Carlos Ferreira Melo Júnior, Eliandro Jaques-Gonçalves
Comparative Evaluation of Hot Air and Ultrasonic Sealing in Paper Cup Manufacturing
Consistent heat sealing is a critical aspect of paper cup manufacturing, ensuring both liquid tightness and a visually appealing finish. Given the high production volumes in the disposable cup industry, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining good seal quality is critical to minimize waste and resource use. A mechanical testing device for quantifying the side seal strength of finished cups was developed to replace the subjective hand-peel method. Unlike laboratory testing with pre-sealed samples, the proposed test method accounts for stresses imposed on the seal area during the converting process. The device allowed for the objective comparison of cup side seals produced from two different materials sealed using two different technologies: ultrasonic and hot air. The experiments yielded largely consistent results and offered insights into material-specific behaviors in the cup manufacturing process, which involves shorter heating, cooling, and forming cycles than those in other coated paperboard conversion processes. In addition, ultrasonic sealing was shown to have an advantage in sealing consistency over hot-air sealing. The developed test method showed potential as a repeatable evaluation tool for side seal strength in finished paper cups, facilitating quality control across high-speed production lines.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juho Bonifer, Antti Pesonen, Panu Tanninen, Ville Leminen
Preparation of Sunflower Straw Cellulose Nanofibers/ Poly(lactic acid)/ Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Composites by Co-precipitation and Hot-pressing
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a rigid biopolymer, while poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a flexible biodegradable polymer. To comprehensively enhance the mechanical properties of PLA/PBAT composites, sunflower straw cellulose nanofibers (SSCNFs) were isolated from sunflower straw (SS) via TEMPO oxidation treatments and used as reinforcement. Using a PLA/PBAT blend (60:40 by mass) as the matrix, SSCNFs-reinforced PLA/PBAT composites were prepared using a co-precipitation and hot-pressing method. The morphology and structure of the SSCNFs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanoparticle size and zeta potential analysis. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were tested. The tensile and flexural properties of the composites were improved with increasing SSCNFs content. When the SSCNF content was 16 wt%, the composites reached a tensile strength of 20.06 ± 0.61 MPa (an 11.69% enhancement), a tensile modulus of 732.57 ± 42.72 MPa (a 56.64% enhancement), a flexural strength of 31.76 ± 0.54 MPa (a 20.21% enhancement), and a flexural modulus of 2030.42 ± 36.37 MPa (a 77.50% enhancement). Although thermal stability and water absorption were slightly decreased, UV shielding capacity and hydrophobicity were enhanced. The prepared composites exhibited well-balanced overall performance and potential for replacing traditional commercial polymers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yueru Wang, Zhenyu Chen, Ziming Zhao, Guichang Jiang
Springback and Wrinkle Control in Deep Drawing of Paperboard with Segmented Blank Holder
Deep drawing of paperboard enables highly productive forming processes for packaging products made of a recyclable material. However, the inherent anisotropy and low elasticity of paperboard pose challenges for deep drawing processes, especially resulting in direction-dependent springback and wrinkling of the formed parts. This paper presents an approach that addresses these challenges by using a segmented blank holder. The goal is to improve component quality both locally and globally by applying different blank holder forces to each segment. To this end, a concept is presented for a pneumatically driven segmented blank holder, along with two different forming geometries. Deep-drawing tests with segment-specific blank holder force distributions were performed and compared with those using a conventional blank holder. Although segmentation of the blank holder did not improve performance when the force per segment was identical, an uneven force distribution was able to improve forming in terms of shape accuracy and wrinkle pattern. Depending on the selected force distribution, significant compensation for springback anisotropy and the creation of wrinkle-free straight areas was shown to be possible.
Copyright (c) 2026 Cédric Brunk, Peter Groche
Sustainable Production of Potato Pulp-derived Cellulose Nanocrystals with Enhanced Heavy Metal Adsorption and Biocompatibility: A Comparative Study with Conventional Feedstocks
Potato pulp was demonstrated to be a superior lignocellulosic feedstock for cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) production, addressing critical limitations of conventional potato peel-derived CNCs. CNCs with 90.6% cellulose content and 73.4% crystallinity through optimized chemical processing, surpassed peel-based CNCs (70% to 75%) while requiring 33% shorter hydrolysis time. The resulting CNCs demonstrated exceptional thermal stability (315 °C vs. 290 to 300 °C for peel) and adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺ (7.15 mg/g), While recent advanced chemical treatments of potato peel (e.g., intensive esterification, phosphorylation) have reported very high adsorption capacities (e.g., ~217 mg/g for Pb²⁺) for effective drug-carrier functionality, these achievements often come at the cost of process complexity, chemical intensity, and potential impacts on biocompatibility. In contrast, the pulp-derived CNCs achieved effective heavy metal removal, promising drug loading potential through a markedly simpler and less chemically intensive standard sulfation process. This efficiency is attributed to the feedstock's inherent advantages: a significantly lower lignin content (0.65% vs. 5.2 to 20% in peel) and a high sulfate group density (zeta potential: −39.9 mV), which enhances colloidal stability and available binding sites. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed superior biocompatibility at concentrations up to 2000 µg/mL, outperforming peel-derived CNCs (typically >500 µg/mL).
Copyright (c) 2026 Fahimeh Mohammadpanah, Rabi Behrooz, Mahsa Pooyan, Roohollah Roohzadeh
Effects of Improved Saline-Alkali Soil with Synergistic Addition of Coal Slime and Silica Calcium Slag on Wheat Growth
The feasibility was explored for synergistic addition of coal slime and silica calcium slag for saline-alkali soil improvement. A pot method was used to evaluate the effects on physicochemical properties of saline-alkali soil and wheat growth. The results demonstrated that the density and bulk density of saline-alkali soil were reduced with the synergistic additions, but the water content and the contents of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil were increased. The emergence and growth height of wheat seedlings was found to be effectively improved. In terms of the emergence, no matter what proportion of M-G (coal slime: silica calcium slag ratio) was used, the emergence of wheat was greater than 70% when the addition amount was at 20%. In terms of seedling length, when the aggregate addition reached 35%, the high coal slime content (M-G 3:1) did not play a greater role in fostering the development of wheat. Therefore, with M-G 1:1, 35% addition of the soil can meet the growth needs of wheat in the early stage. In summary, the synergistic addition of coal slime and silica calcium slag has a promising application in the field of saline-alkali soil improvement.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ruixin An, Xinyang Wang, Boda Zhang, Xiaolin Yan
Graphene-Starch based Electrodes for Flexible Sensing Applications
Flexible and sustainable electrode platforms are essential for the development of eco-friendly sensing devices. In this work, interdigitated electrodes (IDE) were fabricated via 3D-printed mold using graphene conductive ink on thermoplastic starch (TPS) films derived from sugar palm starch. The TPS films were prepared through solution casting with 30 wt% glycerol as a plasticizer, followed by the casting of graphene conductive ink onto the TPS substrate using 3D-printed molds with finger spacings of 1 to 3 mm. Morphological analysis revealed a well-distributed graphene layer with a thickness of 32.9 µm on the TPS film, which enhances mechanical stability and ensures high electrical conductivity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that the charge transfer resistance (Rct) increased from 8.46 × 10⁵ Ω to 3.36 × 10⁶ Ω as electrode finger spacing increased from 1 mm to 3 mm which highlights the influence of gap on electron transfer. These findings confirm that biodegradable TPS substrates combined with graphene inks yield low-cost, flexible, and conductive electrodes with strong potential for electrochemical sensing applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noor Fadhilah Rahmat, Siti Aisyah Mohd Radzuan, Atiqah Mohd Afdzaluddin, Gongtao Ding, Chin Hua Chia, Mohd Shaiful Sajab
Ecofriendly Production of CuO/ZnO Nanocomposites from Guava Leaf Biomass and their Antimicrobial and Selective Anticancer Activities
Psidium guajava leaf extract was utilized to produce CuO NPs and CuO/ZnO nanocomposites in this work. X-ray diffraction patterns showed the proper phase of the synthesized sample, and using Scherrer's equation, the mean crystallite sizes were calculated to be 13.05 nm and 13.07 nm for CuO nanoparticles (NPs) and CuO/ZnO nanocomposite, respectively. From transmission electron microscopy images and particle size distribution from ImageJ, the samples had larger sizes of 84.6 nm and 96.6 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy also indicated the successful fabrication of the CuO NPs and CuO/ZnO nanocomposite, as the IR spectrum showed peaks at 611 and 521 cm⁻¹ for Cu–O and Zn–O, respectively. The biological activities were found to be higher for the CuO/ZnO nanocomposite than the CuO NPs alone. The inhibition zones recorded were 28 mm and 25 mm for Bacillus. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, followed by 24 mm and 21 mm for Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. The nanocomposite exhibited selective cytotoxicity properties because the IC₅₀ values for Wi38 (normal human fibroblast cells) and SKOV3 (human ovarian carcinoma cells) were 295.48 and 81.87 µg/mL, respectively. Antioxidant analysis of (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH) radical scavenging activity was found to be 6.93 µg/mL for the nanocomposite.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sulaiman Alsalamah, Mohamed M. Alawlaqi, Mari Sumayli, Sultan Mohammed Areshi, Yehia Hazzazi, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Abdullah M. Almotayri
WD-SEG: A Deep Learning Framework for Delicate and Accurate Wood Defect Segmentation
Precise segmentation of subtle wood defects is crucial for optimizing wood utilization and product value. Despite the prevalence of deep learning in wood defect detection, its deployment in real-world forestry environments is impeded by three primary challenges: 1: The limited capacity of traditional models to represent low-contrast, faint defect features; 2: feature ambiguity caused by complex background interference; and 3: entrapment in local optima because of insufficient global feature integration. To surmount these obstacles, this study proposes WD-SEG (Wood Defect Segmentation), a high-performance model tailored for complex forestry scenarios. The architecture integrates three core modules: an Augmented Feature Network (AFN) to mitigate spatial information loss; a Threshold Filtering Network (TFN), which leverages cosine similarity to adaptively suppress background noise; and a novel Interstellar Collision Optimization (ICO) algorithm to accelerate convergence and bypass local optima. Experimental evaluations on the wood defect training dataset demonstrate that WD-SEG outperforms state-of-the-art models, achieving an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 87.97% and an accuracy of 90.02%. Furthermore, generalization tests on wood defect datasets confirm the model’s robustness, yielding an IoU of 86.50%. By introducing a novel “Enhance-Filter-Accelerate” framework, this study provides a precise, robust solution for automated wood quality inspection in resource-constrained environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Junlin Qu, Yan Pang, Zhongwei Wang
Microhabitat-driven Variation in Fruit Yield of Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas L.) in a Mediterranean Ecosystem
Effects of microhabitat were studied relative to the growth and fruit yield of Cornus mas L. (Cornelian cherry) populations in a Mediterranean ecosystem. Two contrasting natural habitats were compared: rocky slopes and streamside environments in southwestern Türkiye. A total of 60 mature trees (30 per habitat) were sampled during the 2025 growing season. Tree height, basal diameter, diameter at breast height (DBH), crown diameter, age, fruit number, and total fruit weight were measured to assess growth and yield responses.The results revealed pronounced habitat-related differences in reproductive performance. Trees growing in rocky habitats produced approximately 60% more fruits and 85% higher total fruit yield compared with those in streamside habitats. Analysis of variance indicated that habitat effects were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for most growth and yield traits, except for tree height and crown diameter. Correlation analyses demonstrated strong positive relationships between growth parameters and fruit yield, with basal diameter emerging as the most reliable predictor of reproductive output. Rocky habitats appeared to provide more favorable conditions for fruit production, likely due to improved drainage, enhanced light availability, and reduced interspecific competition. The study provides valuable insights for the sustainable management, conservation, and potential cultivation of C. mas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ebru Hatice Tığlı Kaytanlioğlu
Sodium Periodate Mediated Oxidative Extraction of Polysaccharide-derived Structures from Wood Biomass: Influence of Reaction Time and Oxidation Conditions in Birch and Spruce
Sodium periodate (NaIO4) oxidation was used as a direct method to recover soluble wood components, primarily hemicelluloses, from untreated birch and spruce biomass. Through monitoring the reaction over time and at different oxidant-to-biomass ratios, the study elucidated the relationship between periodate consumption, aldehyde formation, and polysaccharide solubilization. A rapid initial uptake of the oxidant led to aldehyde generation and the extraction of hemicellulosic fractions, mainly xylan-rich in birch and glucomannan-rich in spruce followed by a decreasing (detectable) oxidizing effect likely due to further conversions of introduced aldehydes. Fourier transform infrared and heteronuclear single quantum correlation nuclear magnetic resonance analyses confirmed structural modifications consistent with monosaccharide ring opening and further conversions of created aldehydes. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed the expected accompanying chain cleavage of the affected structures. Together, these findings demonstrate both the potential and complexity of using periodate oxidation for simultaneous extraction and functionalization of wood polysaccharides, emphasizing the need for proper optimization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucas Kurth de Azambuja, Merima Hasani
Nanoindentation of Phase-Specific Elastic Modulus in Virgin and Recycled HDPE Wood–Plastic Composites
The structural behavior of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites depends largely on the efficiency of stress transfer at the fiber–matrix interface. However, accurate determination of the interface thickness and its mechanical properties remains challenging in such materials. This study aimed to characterize the interface thickness and evaluate the elastic modulus of composites produced with virgin and recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrices. Nanoindentation was employed to determine the elastic modulus of each composite phase (wood fiber, interface, and matrix) individually, through sequential indentations performed across the wood fiber-interface-matrix regions. The mean elastic modulus values for the wood fiber, interface, and matrix in the 20/80 composite (20% wood fibers and 80% virgin HDPE) were 7.51, 6.17, and 2.26 GPa, respectively. For the recycled HDPE composite, the corresponding values were 8.16, 5.82, and 1.86 GPa. The mean interface thickness was 2.5 µm in the virgin-matrix composite and 0.63 µm in the recycled-matrix composite. These results demonstrate that the recycling of the polymer matrix influences both the interfacial structure and the local mechanical performance of natural fiber reinforced composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pablo Moreno, Aldo Ballerini, Paulina Valenzuela, William Gacitúa, Jorge Chávez
Bletilla striata Confers Antibacterial Activity and Pulmonary Protection in Senile Pneumonia Through Sortase A Inhibition
Pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a serious threat to the elderly due to weakened immunity and limited treatment efficacy. This study investigates the antibacterial activity and therapeutic potential of Bletilla striata ethanolic extract (BSE) in a rat model of pneumococcal pneumonia. BSE demonstrated selective antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae (MIC: 1.25 mg/mL) and significantly inhibited Sortase A (SrtA), a key bacterial virulence factor. In vivo, BSE improved body weight, reduced lung wet/dry ratios, and lowered serum ALP and LDH levels. It also diminished inflammatory cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Antioxidant markers SOD and GSH increased, while MDA levels declined. Histological analysis showed preserved lung architecture with reduced edema and cellular infiltration. Mechanistically, BSE suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These findings indicate that BSE offers a dual benefit—direct antimicrobial action and modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress—highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic for elderly patients with pneumonia.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhaojuan Ma, Qinyan An, Yuhong Qin, Haipeng Mu, Canye Zhong
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Düzce Watershed (Türkiye) and Sustainable Remedies through Aquatic Flora
Heavy metal pollution in the Düzce watershed of Türkiye was assessed and the phytoremediation potential of native aquatic plants was evaluated. The majority of heavy metals were found in water within legal limits, except for cadmium concentrations, which exceeded water quality standards; the main pollution load was accumulated in bottom sediments. Dominant wetland plants were analyzed to establish species-specific and tissue-specific metal accumulation patterns. Key species included Plantago major and Paspalum distichum with impressive copper accumulation capacity that may possibly classify them as good candidates for biomonitoring and phytoremediation applications. The results scientifically substantiate the use of local aquatic vegetation for ecological restoration efforts throughout Türkiye and similar regions as it pertains not merely to pollution mitigation but also a circular economy via the metal-accumulating plant biomass, which can serve these species afterward as sustainable resources for bioenergy production and biobased materials after phytoremediation activities. This brings forth new approaches to thinking about cleaning up an environment while recovering resources from polluted water ecosystems at the same time.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ahmet Ayteğin, Mehmet Özcan
Modification of Lignin-derived Activated Carbon with Surfactants for Removal of Phenol
Activated carbon (AC) was prepared from Kraft lignin and was modified with four surfactants of sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid (LABSA), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). The structure of modified ACs were characterized with BET, SEM and FTIR spectroscopy. Then, the effects of pH, initial concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time on adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions were evaluated. The results showed that the highest percentage of adsorption and resistance to saturation is achieved using batch and continuous systems for AC/CAPB at the optimum pH of 8.0. High recovery percentage was also observed for AC/CAPB when ethanol was used as a regeneration solvent. It was also found that adsorption/desorption of phenol is a pH-dependent process. It is concluded that lignin-derived AC modified with CAPB as an amphoteric surfactant performs well in removing phenol from aqueous solution in comparison with pure AC and ACs treated with cationic and anionic surfactants.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amir Mohammadpour Tesieh, Mohammad Azadfallah, Yahya Hamzeh, Ahmad Hallajisani
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood-Based Sandwich Panels Reinforced with Basalt, Glass Fiber Fabric, and Jute Fabric
Physical and mechanical properties were investigated for wood-based sandwich panels reinforced with basalt fiber fabric (BFF), glass fiber fabric (GFF), and jute fabric (JF). The panels consist of oriented strand board (OSB) cores and beech plywood facings, with reinforcements bonded by polyurethane adhesive. Properties analyzed included screw withdrawal strength (SWS), modulus of elasticity (MOE), density , and modulus of rupture (MOR). Results showed that reinforcement type significantly influenced panel performance. Jute fabric reinforcement yielded the highest stiffness (MOE of 1810 N/mm²) compared to unreinforced panels (1500 N/mm²). The BFF-reinforced panels exhibited the greatest bending strength (MOR of 62.17 N/mm²), while unreinforced panels had the lowest (53.4 N/mm²). All reinforced panels demonstrated improved SWS over unreinforced ones. Overall, reinforcing wood-based sandwich panels with jute fabric, GFF, or BFF exhibited enhanced density, bending strength, and connection strength. Reinforcement materials, including synthetic options such as glass and basalt fibers, offer lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and mechanically superior materials widely used in engineering. Natural fibers, such as jute, provide environmentally friendly reinforcement with benefits such as renewability and good insulation but face variability issues due to natural factors. The BFF composites present a promising alternative with higher tensile strength and elastic modulus than GFF, making them effective reinforcements for wood-based sandwich panels.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdurrahman Karaman, Hikmet Yazıcı
Comparative Hydrolytic Approaches Using Bacterial Cellulases for Valorization of Pomegranate Peels Waste
The sustainable management of fruit waste offers both economic and environmental benefits, particularly in addressing the global energy crisis. This study explores the conversion of pomegranate peel waste (PPW) into bioethanol through acidic, enzymatic, and combined (acidic + enzymatic) hydrolysis followed by fermentation. Cellulolytic bacterial isolates Bacillus sp. CG2 and Bacillus manliponensis CA2 were used to perform enzymatic and combined hydrolysis of the PPW with cellulolytic potential of 0.27±0.011 and 0.265±0.05 IU, respectively. Enzymatic hydrolysis was performed at 50 °C with PPW, enzyme dosage, and acetate buffer for different time intervals while optimum conditions for acidic saccharified PPW were 6% H2SO4, 50 °C, 60 min. The combined hydrolysis approach used a 1:1 ratio of acidic and enzymatic hydrolysates, yielding maximum reducing and total sugar concentrations of 85.77±1.21 g/L and 179.18±3.42 g/L, respectively, after 96 h. Saccharomyces cerevisiae K7 and Metschnikowia cibodasensis Y34, was employed to ferment treated PPW hydrolysates. M. cibodasensis Y34 in combined hydrolysate produced the highest ethanol concentration (16.05 ± 0.66 g/L), with a fermentation efficiency of 83.8% and ethanol yield of 0.41 g/g. These findings highlighted the potential of integrated hydrolysis techniques for efficient bioethanol production from fruit waste.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yusra Baig, Asma Chaudhary, Zawar Hussain, Rahat Abdul Rehman, Nageen Hussain, Ghulam Nabi, Maha AlHarbi, Ashwag Shami, Layla A. Alahmari, Fahad Al-Asmari
Fabrication of Anti-Counterfeiting Films by Dyeing Cellulose Nanofiber with Berberine
Incorporation of planchettes and use of films which are capable to take part in color-forming reactions are the common methods in fabricating security paper documents. In this paper, a novel cellulose nanofiber-based (CNF) films with high performance in optical properties were developed for use in anti-counterfeiting applications. In order to enhance dyeability of CNFs with eco-friendly cationic berberine, functional modification was carried out by in-situ polymerization along with grafting approach with acrylic acid (AA-g-CNF). Grafting achievement was demonstrated with determination of grafting percentage and further characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. Tensile strength impairment of AA-g-CNF films which was accompanied with alteration of crystallinity and partially changing the structure of cellulose I to cellulose II was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The variations of dyeing reaction time and temperature caused to alter color strength of CNFs due to different adsorption rate of berberine. It can be concluded that exhibition of appropriate appearance characteristics such as color, transparency and color strength make the berberine-dyed CNF films as a novel anti-counterfeiting element for application like security paper documents.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammadreza Biabani, Mohammad Azadfallah, Soheila Izadyar, Morteza Sasani Ghamsari, Sabrine Tavakoli Mohseni
Thermal–Mechanical and Spectroscopic Analysis of Fast-growing Tropical Hardwoods Paraserianthes falcataria and Neolamarckia cadamba
Thermo-mechanical and chemical behaviour of two tropical plantation timbers, Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria) and Laran (Neolamarckia cadamba), were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The DMA was conducted with a heating rate of 2 °C/min at frequencies of 1, 2, and 5 Hz. The results revealed frequency- and species-dependent differences in storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and damping factor (tan δ) across 25 to 250 °C. Batai exhibited lower stiffness but higher damping capacity, with sharper tan δ peaks corresponding to hemicellulose relaxations, whereas Laran demonstrated higher stiffness, broader transitions, and reduced damping due to its lignin-rich matrix. The glass transition temperature (Tg) determined from tan δ peaks was more distinct for Batai (95 to 102 °C) than Laran (83 to 126 °C), confirming contrasting relaxation behaviours. The FTIR spectra further distinguished the species: Batai showed sharper carbohydrate-associated peaks, indicating more crystalline cellulose domains, while Laran displayed stronger hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic absorbance linked to hemicellulose and lignin. Correlating DMA and FTIR findings highlighted that Batai’s greater damping arises from its accessible amorphous domains, while Laran’s enhanced stiffness stems from its crosslinked lignin–hemicellulose network.
Copyright (c) 2026 Norzarish Qistina Mohd Yusli, Yosafat Aji Pranata, Chee Beng Ong, Johari Zainudin, Nur Ilya Farhana Md Noh, Zakiah Ahmad
Simulation of Moisture-induced Shape Changes of Fused Layer Modeling (FLM) 3D Printed Wood/Polylactic Acid (PLA) Composites
In recent years, the variety of materials for fused layer modeling (FLM) 3D printing has expanded considerably, and new smart materials such as shape memory polymers (SMPs) have been added. Such SMPs enable so-called 4D printing, a programmable shape transformation of FLM 3D printed objects over time due to an external stimulus such as moisture or temperature. This paper addresses the processing of a specially fabricated climate-responsive wood/polylactic acid (PLA) composite using FLM 3D printing and the application of varying print directions for manufacturing programmable shape changing objects. In addition, this study is about developing a two-dimensional mathematical model based on the linear difference method to forecast accurately the moisture-induced deformation behaviour of 4D printed objects. Furthermore, the occurring deformations of the 4D printed objects were recorded using 3D scanning technology and compared with the simulated deformations from the mathematical model for validation purposes. With the help of the developed two-dimensional mathematical model, an exact reproduction of the deformation behaviour of 4D printed objects was made with a deviation percentage of always less than 6.5%.
Copyright (c) 2026 Stefan Kain, Josef V. Ecker, Bettina Dorfner, Andreas Haider, Timothy M. Young, Thomas Schnabel, Maurizio Musso, Alexander Petutschnigg
Comparative Analysis of Stem and Branch Biometrics in Wood Samples from Apricot, Plum, and Cherry for Papermaking Applications
This study evaluated and compared the biometric properties of wood from three fruit tree species: apricot, plum, and cherry. Three healthy trees from each species were randomly selected and sampled from gardens in Shahriyar, Tehran Province, Iran. Biometric analysis was conducted on fiber samples taken from radial positions at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% of the stem and branch radius. The Franklin method was used for fiber separation, and 30 fiber dimensions were measured per sample. The maximum fiber length was observed in apricot stem wood at 50% radius (1282 µm), and the minimum in apricot branch wood at 25% radius (835 µm). Across all three species, stem wood showed higher values for fiber length, slenderness coefficient, Runkel ratio, and rigidity ratio compared to branch wood. These properties generally increased from pith to bark, and the variations were statistically significant at the 99% confidence level.
Copyright (c) 2026 Milad Tajik, Hossein Kermanian, Esmaeil Rasooly Garmaroody, Omid Ramezani
Design and Evaluation of Wooden Furniture for Student Dormitories Based on User Needs
In recent years, the number of university students in China has increased, while dormitory furniture often fails to meet students' diverse needs. This study develops a hybrid FKANO-ANP-EW-TOPSIS model to design and evaluate dormitory beds, aiming to meet students' diverse needs while promoting the sustainable development of dormitory furniture. First, demand indicators were identified through interviews and a literature review. The Fuzzy KANO (FKANO) model was used to screen these indicators. Key indicators were then integrated into a network model based on the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to analyze their weights and interdependencies. The Entropy Weight (EW) method was combined to determine the final weights for each indicator. The results show that structural stability, storage capacity, and modular design have the highest weights. Modular design emerged as the core element, with sustainability as the foundational element in the core relationship chain. Based on this, three sustainable, multifunctional wooden dormitory bed designs were proposed. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to compare these designs with two popular products, identifying the optimal solution. This model offers a more comprehensive perspective for designing dormitory furniture, providing valuable insights for furniture manufacturers and designers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chaoran Deng, Hongzhao Yu, Ruiwen Qi, Min Qu
Compression-Drawing of Moisturized Paperboard: Experiments on Moisture and Temperature Dependencies
For the industrial production of paperboard packaging, knowledge about the process window of the forming operation is crucial information. This study presents how blank moisturization shifts the process window of a compression drawing process. A hydraulic press was utilized to draw circular cups, and their quality was evaluated by counts of defects and wrinkles. The experimental part further includes measurements of the materials’ friction and tensile properties. It was found that both blank moisturization and increased blankholder force increased the wrinkle count and therefore improved the forming quality. However, the combination of high blankholder force and blank moisturization did not lead to superior forming quality. Rather, there were structural defects in the samples. A multilinear regression model was developed to predict wrinkle quantity based on tool temperature, material moisture content, and blankholder force.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lena Berthold, Georg Steinert, Jens-Peter Majschak
Characterization of Guayule Resin as a Natural Wood Preservative: Carrier System and Leaching Rate Analysis
The environmental and health concerns of traditional preservatives have led to investigations into an effective solution for protecting wood products with preservatives from natural sources. Guayule resin, derived from the Parthenium argentatum plant, has been reported to be effective as a wood preservative due to its bioactive properties. However, its high viscosity, limited penetration, and unknown leaching behavior may affect its durability and efficiency. This study investigated guayule resin concentration and solvent carrier efficacy. Yellow poplar and southern pine specimens were treated with guayule resin at four concentrations in three different solvents including acetone, ethyl acetate, and toluene. The leaching test was performed according to the AWPA E11-16 standard. Significant interaction between solvent type and concentrations of guayule resin were found in both species in which a lower mass loss was observed when 5% concentration of guayule combined with toluene as compared to any other guayule concentrations in southern pine. On yellow poplar specimens, 0.5% concentration of guayule in combination with toluene exhibited lower mass loss as compared to any other guayule concentration. In conclusion, toluene was found to be the best performing polar carrier system for guayule resin, considering its functionality and dose-dependence in both species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abigael Laisa, Laya Khademibami, Carrlet Elizabeth Stokes, Seyed Abolghasem Fatemi, Rubin Shmulsky
Evaluation of 3D-Printed Pin Materials on the Deflection of Medium-density Fiberboard and Particleboard Shelves
The deflection behavior and safety performance were studied for medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) shelves reinforced with metal, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) pins. Experimental testing and finite element analysis (FEA) were used to assess the effects of shelf material, pin material, and filament color on the global mid-span deflection of the shelf, load capacity, and safety factors. Results indicated that MDF shelves exhibited lower deflection and higher load-bearing capacity than PB shelves, highlighting the importance of material density and homogeneity. Metal dowels provided the lowest deformation and highest safety factors for both shelf types, followed by PLA and PETG pins. Variations in filament color and pigment caused only minor differences in PLA pins, while finite element simulations closely matched the experimental results, confirming the reliability of computer-aided analysis for predicting deflection behavior and preventing material damage. Experiments conducted in accordance with BS EN 16122 (2012) and TS EN 9215 (2005) demonstrated that material and filament characteristics significantly affected deflection (R² = 96.1%, adjusted R² = 94.2%), and that MDF panels reinforced with high-strength, preferably metal, pins provide safe and durable shelf systems with a minimum safety factor of ≥ 2 to 3.
Mechanical Performance of L-Shaped Corner Joints Manufactured by 3D Printing with a Polylactic Acid–Wood Composite
Filaments were produced with eight different blends for use in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers by adding 10% and 15% linden and oak wood flours as support materials to a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. Wood polymer L-shaped connectors were printed from the produced filaments in the FDM printer. These L-shaped connectors were fixed to the particleboard corner joints to produce L-shaped corner joint specimens. These specimens were subjected to cross-compression and cross-tension tests using special molds in a universal testing machine to determine the effects of wood flour, wood species, and additive ratio on cross-compression and tensile moments. Thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetric analyses were performed to determine the thermal properties of the wood-polymer composites, while scanning electron microscope imaging was performed to determine their morphological structures. Additionally, the tensile strength of the composites was also determined. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the samples produced with different wood flour types and additive ratios were lower than those of pure PLA. However, in diagonal compression and diagonal tensile tests conducted using L-joint elements obtained from different wood species and printed on an FDM printer.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yasemin Öztürk, Erol Burdurlu
Effect of Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) Leaf Extract on Technological Properties of Pine (Pinus brutia)
The main objective of this research was to determine the retention properties of extracts obtained from the leaves of Liquidambar orientalis Mill., (belonging to the class of medicinal aromatic plants) to organic (ecological) wood structures, thereby creating an ecological wood preservative that could be preferred in a wide variety of applications. Wood samples were taken from red pine trees in the Köyceğiz Agla region. Then, 1%, 3%, and 5% solutions of the extract were prepared. Vacuum method was used as the impregnation method. After impregnation and conditioning, the experimental and control samples were tested for mechanical properties such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and dynamic bending strength, while physical properties such as air-dry and specific gravity tests were conducted. The highest retention value was found at a 5% concentration (1.13%), the highest air-dry specific gravity value at a 1% concentration (0.56 g/cm³), and the highest air-dry specific gravity at a 1% concentration (0.53 g/cm³). Among the mechanical properties, the highest bending strength value was determined at a 5% concentration (1.13%), the highest modulus of elasticity at 1% (9145 N/mm²), and the dynamic bending strength at a 3% concentration (0.27 kgm/cm²).
Copyright (c) 2026 Hatice Ulusoy, Hüseyin Peker, Sultan Şeyma Yılmaz
Simulation Study on the Static Characteristics of ‘Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong Bracket’ from Yanghe Tower in Yuan Dynasty
Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the static structural behavior of the ‘Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong bracket’ of the Yanghe Tower from the Yuan Dynasty. Based on GB/T standard testing results for the mechanical properties of Pinus sylvestris, an improved ANSYS orthotropic anisotropic model was established. The Hill yield criterion was applied to characterise the wood’s plasticity. The model was calibrated against experimental results in the literature. Through simulations of vertical monotonic loading (Z-axis) and horizontal low-cycle cyclic loading (Y-axis and X-axis), the structure's strength, deformation, and energy dissipation capacity were analysed. Results indicate that the maximum vertical bearing capacity at the interface between the Huagong-rear-end/Sandou interface reached 343 kN, with peak stress reaching 16.9 MPa. Horizontal loading produced symmetric hysteretic curves, with maximum horizontal thrusts of 737 kN (Y-axis) and 523 kN (X-axis). The ductility coefficients were 2.59 and 3.59 respectively, while equivalent viscous damping coefficients were 0.072 and 0.144. Vertical response conformed to a trilinear stiffness degradation model, whilst horizontal response followed a multilinear restoring force model. It was found that finite element analysis (FEA) provided an economical and reliable method for evaluating the mechanical performance of Dougong, offering significant reference value for the conservation of timber heritage structures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yuanhe Li, Jiaji He, Lihong Yao
Adhesion of Coating Films on Laser Engraved Wood Surface
The adhesion of two coating systems – hard wax oil (oil-based) and PAM lak (water-based) – were evaluated on laser-engraved wood surfaces of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.). Laser engraving was performed at two laser powers (8% = 11 W; 16% = 22 W) and three raster densities (10, 20, and 30 lines·mm⁻¹) for each power level. Adhesion was assessed using the pull-off test. The oil-based coating generally showed lower adhesion to the wood surface compared to the water-based coating. In contrast, several combinations of engraving parameters on spruce (8 × 20) and oak wood (8 × 10, 16 × 10) increased oil-based adhesion but tended to reduce water-based adhesion. On the other hand, the adhesion of the water-based coating was significantly reduced on beech wood (16 × 30) and oak wood (8 × 30, 16 × 20 and 16 × 30). In some cases, adhesion of the water-based coating exceeded the cohesive strength of the modified wood surface layers, leading to cohesive failure within the wood.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriela Slabejová, Ivan Kubovský, Jarmila Schmidtová, Zuzana Vidholdová
Policies and Initiatives to Support the Increased Utilization of Urban and Reclaimed Wood in the United States
This study investigated initiatives to increase the utilization of urban and reclaimed wood across the United States. As society moves towards a circular economy, finding higher value uses for wood from urban trees and decommissioned buildings will contribute to reducing the environmental impacts of landfilling. It will also create jobs and business opportunities. The key findings of this study show policy and program implementation as critical tools for urban and reclaimed wood utilization, including various features in terms of organization, motivation, and funding. Different stakeholders have developed and implemented a wide variety of efforts to make the urban and reclaimed wood industry a fast-growing sector. Results showed that initiatives produce many positive environmental, social, and economic impacts, but that they require community engagement, extensive collaboration and partnerships, as well as unique operational approaches.
Copyright (c) 2026 Omar Espinoza, Emerson Lindley, Sayofunmi Adegbembo
Geometry Control of Deep Drawn Paperboard Parts by Influencing the Stress-State of Semi-Finished Products
The transition towards sustainable packaging requires reliable forming processes for paperboard, but its anisotropic and hygroscopic nature strongly limits dimensional accuracy in processes such as deep drawing. This study addresses the aforementioned challenge by systematically investigating two complementary strategies: optimizing blank geometry and introducing pretension. A combination of numerical simulations with anisotropic, moisture-dependent plasticity, and experimental validation using a pneumatic press with additively manufactured tools was applied. The base-point method for blank optimization allowed for efficient reduction of flange length deviations and geometric errors by more than 55% in a first iteration and stable convergence within three optimization steps. Pretension strategies, applied either by mechanical pre-stretching or by exploiting hygroexpansion, also reduced anisotropic springback. Hygroexpansion-based pretension proved particularly effective by achieving more homogeneous stress distributions without additional equipment. The results demonstrated that these strategies can reduce springback and increase drawing depth while providing a reproducible approach. Optimized blank geometry ensures a more uniform distribution of blank-holder force, while pretension counteracts anisotropy-induced recovery. Together, these findings provide a pathway toward more accurate and scalable paperboard deep drawing, with relevance for industrial implementation of sustainable three-dimensional packaging.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nicola Jessen, Hana Kim, Sangeedan Sivanathan, Peter Groche
Enhanced Method for Digital Projection of Root Carving Paper Cultural Relics: Reconstruction and Rendering Optimization Based on 3D Gaussian Splatting
This study proposes a 3D reconstruction method based on 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) for cultural relics, such as root carvings and paper-based relics, which are characterized by fine fiber structures and complex surface details. A consumer-grade smartphone was used to capture multi-view images of the root carvings and paper-based relics. Subsequently, the FFmpeg tool was employed to extract image frames, which serve as input images. COLMAP software was utilized to perform feature matching, Structure from Motion (SfM) computation, and camera pose estimation. This process generated a sparse point cloud, which was used as the initialization data for the 3D Gaussian distribution. This workflow produced high-quality reconstruction of the micro-details of paper materials (such as fiber textures and carved indentations). Comparative evaluations were conducted against Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF) and Instant Neural Graphics Primitives (Instant-NGP). The proposed 3DGS framework achieved superior performance. Compared with NeRF, the average PSNR increased by 39.60%, SSIM by 65.84%, and LPIPS by 90.57%, while the reconstruction time was shortened by 68.89%. Compared with Instant-NGP, the framework achieved an increase of 31.56% in average PSNR, 42.58% in SSIM, a decrease of 89.21% in LPIPS, and a reduction of 48.15% in reconstruction time.
Copyright (c) 2026 Youming Wang, Nan Zhou, Zhixiong Zhang, Youwu Xu, Zeling Li, Wanhui Gao
Dual-User Crib Design Based on the SAPAD Model
To meet the needs of mothers and babies for using baby cribs, this study established a product design process integrating SAPAD theory and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) from the perspective of maternal-infant lifestyles. Information on mother-baby lifestyles obtained from user studies was analyzed through the SAPAD framework to examine the deep meanings of parenting behaviors and key crib-usage behaviors across different contexts. Cluster analysis and AHP were combined to first generate symmetric clustering matrices identifying meaning clusters, then conduct weight analysis with consistency testing to extract users’ core design needs. A core meaning model was constructed to identify corresponding key behaviors and correlates, ultimately yielding five major design modules that translate user requirements into crib design concepts. Design analysis and practice implemented these guidelines, with fuzzy AHP verification confirming the method’s effectiveness in guiding crib design. This approach provides an efficient user-centered model for functional modularization in baby cribs and other multi-user products, effectively resolving demand transformation and functional division challenges in multi-user product design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yanfeng Miao, Yi Zhao, Yan Zhao, Wei Xu
Soy-lignin Bonded Rhizophora spp. as a Bio-based Phantom: Impact of Adhesives on Attenuation
The feasibility of utilising soy-lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. wood was investigated as a sustainable, bio-based phantom material for radiation dosimetry applications. Various samples with differing thicknesses and adhesive compositions were prepared to evaluate the consistency and reliability of the material’s attenuation properties. The experimental assessment was conducted using two standard gamma-emitting radioisotopes, Cobalt-60 and Cesium-137, to encompass a range of photon energies relevant to medical radiation applications. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the GATE platform to compute the linear and mass attenuation coefficients. The study evaluates the impact of adhesives on attenuation behaviour. The lowest overall attenuation variation of 0.06 to 1.40% was observed in the soy–lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. at a particle size of 104 to 210 µm with the addition of 6 and 12% adhesives, suggesting that changes in adhesive content do not appreciably affect the attenuation behaviour, demonstrating its potential as a bio-based phantom material in radiation study.
Copyright (c) 2026 Usha R. Baskaran, Saadiatul Nur Aqilah Mohd Zakaria, Siti Hajar binti Zuber, Muhammad Fahmi Rizal Abdul Hadi, Nurul Ab. Aziz Hashikin, Muhammad Safwan Ahmad Fadzil
A Hybrid Evaluation Framework for Children’s Study Desks: Combining AHP–TOPSIS and Online Review Analysis
Designing study desks that align with children’s developmental characteristics and learning needs requires a comprehensive and objective evaluation framework. This study proposes a hybrid evaluation framework that integrates the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with online review analysis, aiming to bridge expert judgment and real-world user perception. The evaluation system was constructed through literature review, user interviews, and expert consultation, covering five primary criteria—Functionality, Structure, Material, Appearance, and Personalization—and seventeen subcriteria. Using AHP, indicator weights were derived, and representative study desk products were assessed through the AHP–TOPSIS model. To validate the model, online user reviews were collected and analyzed through sentiment analysis, enabling a comparison between calculated rankings and market acceptance. Results showed that Functionality and Structure were the dominant determinants, with adjustable height, operational safety, and environmental safety as the most influential factors. Consistency between AHP–TOPSIS rankings and online sentiment confirmed the framework’s reliability. Review analysis also highlighted latent dimensions, such as ease of installation and service experience, providing insights for refining product evaluation. This study offers a scientific and market-responsive approach to children’s furniture design assessment.
User-Driven Home Office Furniture Design for Young Designers: A Kano-TRIZ Integrated Methodology
In the post-COVID-19 era, home office has become a global norm. This study investigates the functional needs, work habits, and aesthetic preferences of young designers (21 to 35 years old) concerning home office furniture, with the goal of developing user-centered solutions. The study systematically integrated data from observations and interviews with 6 designers, 142 questionnaires, and 89 KANO surveys. Building on this foundation, the KANO-TRIZ method was applied to achieve requirement prioritization and innovative design. A functional requirement card was created, containing 42 needs (e.g., desks, chairs, storage, etc.). Then, 23 key requirements were retained after filtering out low-priority items. Using TRIZ’s 40 inventive principles, design contradictions were addressed to generate solutions. Findings reveal a preference for practical, non-overly functional products. A customizable smart workspace design, integrating modular accessories and intelligent controls, was developed, achieving an average satisfaction rating of 4.3/5. After secondary optimization (storage space: 3.7/5), the solution fully met user needs, demonstrating substantial practical value.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yanfeng Miao, Xidie Zhao, Da Zhang, Wei Xu
Process Design of Bamboo Carbon Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites via Twin-Screw Extrusion
Bamboo carbon (BC) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites play a significant role in optimizing the utilization of bamboo resources and advancing green, low-carbon, and circular development. To minimize production costs, a relatively high content of bamboo carbon (40 wt.%) was incorporated into the PLA matrix. However, for the high content of BC filler, the optimal process of balancing filler amount and interfacial properties is still unknown. In this study, a three-factor, four-level orthogonal experimental design was employed to investigate the effects of various processing parameters, initiated with twin-screw extrusion, on the crystalline structure, thermal properties, and mechanical performance of the composites. The optimal processing conditions for BC/PLA composites were determined to be a processing temperature of 195 °C, a screw speed of 120 rpm, and a feed rate of 15 g/min. Under these conditions, the tensile strength of the resulting composite reached 40.9 MPa. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing the performance of BC/PLA composites while promoting their large-scale application in sustainable materials engineering.
Copyright (c) 2026 Haoxiang Fang, Kangjian Zhang, Yuxuan Chen, Linpeng Yu, Ping Zhu, Bin Xu, Genlin Tian
Sustainable Wooden Toy Design for Children Based on the Kano-AHP-VIKOR Integrated Approach
With the intensification of global environmental challenges and the rising environmental awareness among parents, traditional children’s toys face growing criticisms regarding excessive resource consumption, poor recyclability, and inadequate sustainability. Wooden toys, in particular, encounter new obstacles in material innovation, structural optimization, and functional upgrading. To address the conflicting requirements of functionality, safety, and sustainability in wooden toy design, this study proposes a quantitative decision-making framework integrating the Kano model, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and VIKOR method. Unlike traditional design approaches that rely on intuition, this study first quantified user attributes through the Kano model, identifying “material traceability” as a high-priority “Attractive” attribute alongside “Must-be” safety requirements. AHP is then utilized to construct a hierarchical weighting system, revealing a “Safety-First, Ecology-Second” preference structure among stakeholders (Weights: Safety 0.482 > Ecology 0.273). Finally, the VIKOR method was used to rank five alternative schemes, identifying a modular furniture-toy combination as the compromise optimal solution due to its superior performance in high-weight indicators. This research provides a verifiable pathway for translating vague sustainable concepts into actionable design indicators.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaoqin Cao, Tiantian Sun, Yuanhao Ding, Fangting Xu
Influence of Milling Parameters on Sound Pressure Level during the Milling of Wood-plastic Composites
The high-intensity noise generated during high-speed milling of wood-plastic composites, due to the material properties of anisotropy and non-uniformity, seriously affects the working environment and operator comfort. The influence of axial depth of cut, radial depth of cut, cutting speed, and feed per revolution on the sound pressure level of milling noise in wood-plastic composites was analyzed through single-factor milling experiments. Furthermore, a principal component variance analysis was conducted using multi-level factorial milling experiments to investigate the interaction effects of milling parameters on milling noise variation. The results showed that, for a fixed milling length, the significance of milling parameters on milling noise sound pressure level decreased in the order of cutting speed, axial depth of cut, radial depth of cut, and feed per revolution. A smaller axial depth of cut was suggested to control noise emission while ensuring machining efficiency. With a constant axial depth of cut, lower feed per revolution and radial depth of cut helped achieve reduced noise levels. This study provides a theoretical basis for addressing the challenge of high-intensity noise generated during high-speed milling of wood-plastic composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhenwen Chen, You Peng, Jiayi Gan, Fang Luo, Weihua Wei
Impact of Thinning Levels on Cone Production in Natural Stands of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)
Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) grows from sea level up to 2700 m as small groups or individually in Türkiye. Cone and seed production is the main tool in sustainability of forest tree species. However, many biotic and abiotic factors such as stand structure and forestry practices could impact production. The impact of thinning levels (unthinned or known control, moderately thinned, and heavily thinned in 2021) together with growth characteristics on mature cone production was examined based on two-year cone data (2024 and 2025) in natural stands. Stands and individuals within stands were evaluated for both cone production and growth. Heavily thinned stands had higher cone production for both years (16.8 and 96.6) than moderately thinned (9.7 and 40.7) and unthinned (9.5 and 32.6). The year 2025 produced more abundant cones (55.4) than 2024 (11.9). Significant (p < 0.05) differences were found with respect to thinning level for growth characteristics and cone productions except for tree and crown heights. Years showed significant (p < 0.05) differences among grades and within grade for cone productions. Additionally, growth characteristics had generally significant (p < 0.05) impact on cone production in both grade and years.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Phyllanthus amarus Leaf Extract for Environmental and Biological Applications
This study reports silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis through a green, facile, and eco-friendly route using aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus as both reducing and stabilizing agent. GCMS screening of the plant extract affirmed the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and other biomolecules responsible for the reduction and stabilization of synthesized nanoparticles. The biosynthesis was confirmed with a visible color change from pale yellow to brown with UV–Visible spectroscopy indicated AgNPs formation within 400 to 450 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed three distinct peaks corresponding to (111), (200), and (220) crystal planes, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated circular-shaped particles with particle size in the range of 10.02 to 28.5 nm. The optical activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by its ability to sense the presence of selected metals such as manganese, iron, lead, arsenic, and cadmium ions, demonstrating potential environmental applications. In addition, the as-prepared AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The green synthesis method using P. amarus offers a low-cost and sustainable route to stable AgNPs with bi-functional properties suitable for biological and environmental applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ghaferah H. Al-Hazmi, Oyebola Elizabeth Ogunbamowo, Lamia A. Albedair, Abidemi Mercy Babatimehin, Edwin Andrew Ofudje, Moamen S. Refat, Kholoud K. Alzahrani, Ali El-Rayyes
Digital Marketing Indicators of Lignocellulosic Packaging: A Google Trends–Based Analysis of Global Consumer Awareness
Drawing on Google Trends data from 2015 to 2024, this study examined patterns of digital attention toward lignocellulosic packaging materials, including paper, wood, and bamboo. Search activity was interpreted as an indicator of evolving sustainability-related public interest rather than simple query frequency. The analysis revealed sustained growth across all packaging-related terms, with “biodegradable packaging” exhibiting the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR = 16.86%), substantially exceeding that of “paper packaging” (6.84%). This pattern suggests that public attention is expanding more rapidly toward broad sustainability concepts rather than toward individual material categories. Interpreted within the framework of Signaling Theory, rising search intensity reflects increasing cognitive engagement with environmentally responsible packaging. However, because Google Trends provides relative rather than absolute measures of search volume, the results should be understood as indicators of digital attention rather than direct evidence of purchasing behavior.
Compressive Strength and Dynamic Bending Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Structural Timbers: Experimental Study
The compressive strength and dynamic bending resistance were tested for solid wood reinforced with glass and carbon fiber fabrics perpendicular to the fibers. The obtained data were used to predict the structural suitability of fiber-reinforced systems, especially for strengthening vertical load-bearing elements of historical buildings. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Turkish beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries in Türkiye, were coated with 200, 300, and 400 g/m² glass fiber fabric, carbon fiber fabric, and glass chip using epoxy resin. Compression tests conducted in the direction perpendicular to the fibers were applied according to the TS ISO 13061-5 (2021) standard. The highest compressive strength was obtained in the KK group (84.6 N/mm²), while the lowest value was obtained in group ÇCW1 (48.6 N/mm²). Dynamic (shock) bending strength tests were conducted in accordance with the TS ISO 13061-10 (2021) standard, and the highest dynamic bending strength was measured in the KCW2 group (70.2 kJ/mm²), while the lowest value was measured in the Scotch pine control group (35.6 kJ/mm²). Fiber-reinforced systems, with their mechanically weak properties, offer a viable solution for improving the compressive and dynamic bending strength of wood materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rabia Kocaer, Tahsin Çetin, Abdi Atilgan, Erkan Avci
Biological Evaluation of Nanoemulsion and Selenium-containing Nanoparticles Utilizing Ginger Oil as Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity
A sustainable green synthesis technique was employed to synthesize selenium-based nanoparticles (SeNPs) and a nanoemulsion (NE) from ginger oil (Gr). The nanoparticles were analyzed by DLS, UV-visible, and TEM techniques. The “emulsion inversion point” (EIP) method, a cornerstone of low-energy nanoemulsion (NE) production at constant temperature, was utilized. The liquid phases and surfactant choice determined whether a different mixing sequence was preferable. Using an oil-in-water (O/W) system, ginger oil was transformed into ginger nanoemulsion (Gr-NE). Gr-NE consists of dispersed immiscible phases containing kinetically stable droplets of a liquid phase, with sizes ranging from 36.6 to 51.1 nm. This technique resulted in a high surface area, excellent optical clarity, outstanding stability, and tunable rheology. An environmentally friendly method of synthesizing selenium-based nanoparticles (SeNPs@Gr) with particle sizes ranging from 64.2 to 90.6 nm was developed by utilizing ginger oil. Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of all the components, as well as SeNPs@Gr, were evaluated. By synthesizing Gr-NE and SeNPs@Gr with minimal environmental impact and using renewable resources, this work achieved alignment with principles of the circular bioeconomy. In particular, the work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Improving People's Health) and 12 (Encouraging Responsible Production and Consumption).
Copyright (c) 2026 Maryam Masoud AlAhwiti, Hanan Ali Alatawi, Jayda G. Eldiasty
Influence of Macro- and Microscopic Paper Structures on the Seam Strength in Ultrasonic Bonding of Fiber-based Materials
The joint strength that develops in ultrasonic bonding of fiber-based materials is governed by multiple macro- and microscopic structural parameters whose interactions complicate the isolation of individual effects. In this study, paper made from cellulose-containing natural fibers was examined with respect to three structural factors: fiber orientation, paper side, and refining degree (°SR). Fiber orientation proved to be the dominant parameter. Samples with fibers aligned along the vibration direction exhibited significantly higher joint strengths than those with fibers oriented perpendicularly. The effect of paper side varied depending on fiber type and basis weight, indicating additional influences from factors such as porosity, surface roughness, and fiber distribution. Consequently, no universal relationship between paper side and joint strength was established. The refining degree showed no distinct influence within the typical range (°SR 24 to 36); however, at an exceptionally high value (°SR 80), a clear effect was observed. The impact of refining degree was found to depend strongly on basis weight: at 170 g/m², increased fibrillation enhanced bonding due to larger specific surface area, while at 80 g/m², shortened fibers and fewer contact points reduced joint strength. These findings highlight the need for a differentiated evaluation of structural parameters in optimizing ultrasonic bonding of fiber-based materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nema Aldarwich, Johannes Rauschnabel, Andre Hofmann, Jens-Peter Majschak
Structural and Morphological Characteristics of Perovskite CaTiO₃ Derived from Tebalan Seashells for the Development of VOC Gas Sensing Materials
Perovskite CaTiO₃ mineral was synthesized from natural materials of Tebalan seashells and their structural and morphological characteristics were explored. The solids were calcined at temperatures of 900 °C and 1100 °C. The analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated that the dominant phase of CaTiO3 exhibited an orthorhombic structure, characterized by lattice parameters a = 5.388 Å, b = 5.446 Å, and c = 7.651 Å, at a temperature of 1100°C. This observation signifies an enhancement in crystallinity and an augmentation in phase purity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the morphology was homogeneous, with uniform grains and increased density at high temperatures. This morphology is indicative of the material’s potential for use in VOC gas sensor applications, based on the observed regularity and density of the surface structure. It is hypothesized that the intrinsic porosity of shell-derived CaTiO₃, when coupled with the hierarchical porous architecture of lignocellulosic biomass, can synergistically enhance VOC adsorption and mass transfer, thereby significantly improving sensor sensitivity and detection performance. This outcome validates its promise as an eco-friendly and cost-effective VOC gas sensor material.
Copyright (c) 2026 Roihatur Rohmah, Midya Yulia Amreta, Nur Mahmudah, Pelangi Eka Yuwita
Carboxymethylated Cellulose Nanofibrils with Controlled Substitution: Physicochemical Properties and In Vitro Biosafety Assessment
Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are increasingly explored for biomedical applications; however, the relationship between surface functionalization and biological responses remains incompletely understood. In this study, CNF were carboxymethylated to controlled degrees of substitution (DS) using kraft pulp as a starting material, and their physicochemical properties and in vitro biosafety were evaluated. Increasing DS altered crystallinity and surface charge, resulting in measurable changes in zeta potential and structural characteristics. Cell viability was assessed in HepG2, HEK293, and RAW 264.7 cells across a concentration range of 100 to 1000 µg/mL using complementary assays. All tested materials exhibited concentration-dependent trends in cell viability. However, under the tested conditions, the observed effects remained within the non-cytotoxic range. Among the tested samples, CM CNF with DS 0.2 showed stable cell viability and limited apoptosis-related responses comparable to those of hyaluronic acid (HA), while samples with lower or higher substitution levels showed modest reductions in viability at higher concentrations. Apoptosis-related gene and protein expression analyses further indicated limited transcriptional and translational changes relative to the vehicle-treated control. Overall, the findings suggest that the degree of carboxymethylation influences cell–material interactions in a concentration-dependent manner, while maintaining biosafety within the tested DS range.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wanhee Im, Yoon-Hyuck Choi, Seungmin Han, Araz Rajabi-Abhari, Soo-Jeong Shin, Hyun-A. Seong
Eco-Friendly Hybrid Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Snake Grass Fiber and Dual Agro-Waste Fillers for Enhanced Mechanical and Acoustic Performance
This study examined the mechanical, acoustic, and microstructural performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Snake Grass Fiber (SGF) and hybrid agro-waste fillers—Tamarind Seed Powder (TSP) and Wood Apple Shell Powder (WASP). Composites were fabricated by compression molding with a constant SGF content of 30 wt% and varying hybrid filler contents (5 to 15 wt%). Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, compressive, impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated alongside sound absorption behavior. The incorporation of hybrid fillers significantly improved mechanical strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability while reducing moisture uptake compared to SGF-only composites. The optimized hybrid composition exhibited superior properties, achieving tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths of 58 MPa, 87 MPa, 70 MPa, and 8.98 J, respectively, with a hardness of 84 Shore D and reduced water absorption of 23%. Acoustic analysis revealed enhanced sound absorption, with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.24 at an optimal filler-to-fiber ratio, attributed to synergy between fibrous reinforcement and porous fillers. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion, improved interfacial bonding, and reduced voids, supporting the observed mechanical and acoustic enhancements. SGF-based hybrid agro-waste composites offer improved structural and sound-absorbing performance, making them suitable for sustainable automotive, construction, and acoustic insulation applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lakshmi Sankar Subramanian , Sivasubramanian Palanisamy, Manickaraj Karuppusamy, Alavudeen Azeez, Syed Kashif Ali, Shaeen Kalathil, Mohamed Abbas, Saleh A. Alfarraj, Sulaiman Ali Alharbi
Effects of Phosphorus Fertilization on Physico-mechanical Properties of Citron Watermelon Rind and Biochemical Properties of Fruit Pulp
The combined effects of phosphorus fertilization (applied as triple superphosphate, TSP; Ca(H₂PO₄)₂·H₂O, 43 to 44% P₂O₅) and storage duration were studied relative to the physico-mechanical and biochemical properties of citron watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides). Five phosphorus application rates and three storage durations under ambient conditions were evaluated. Storage duration significantly impacted both quality and mechanical traits. Moisture content decreased progressively during storage, accompanied by increases in rind lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), and chroma (C*). After two months of storage, cutting force and deformation increased significantly, reflecting storage-induced modifications in tissue structure and viscoelastic behavior. Prolonged storage was also associated with a general decline in antioxidant-related biochemical parameters, suggesting degradation of bioactive compounds over time. Phosphorus fertilization did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) fruit weight, dimensional characteristics, color attributes, puncture resistance, or cutting-related mechanical parameters. In contrast, increasing phosphorus doses significantly enhanced total phenolic and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant activity, and chlorophyll contents, indicating the effect of phosphorus on secondary metabolism and antioxidant capacity. Overall, storage duration was the dominant factor influencing the structural and mechanical behavior of citron watermelon rind, whereas phosphorus fertilization primarily governed biochemical composition and antioxidant potential.
Green Synthesis of Iron Oxide, and Iron Oxide/ Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Ficus nitida Extract: Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities
To minimize environmental impact, the green synthesis strategy prioritized using non-toxic substances, energy-efficient processes, and renewable resources. Ficus nitida fruit extract was used to produce Iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 NPs) and Iron oxide/cerium oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4/CeO2 NPs) for antimicrobial, and antioxidant applications. The effective synthesis of these NPs was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, UV-visible, and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses. The typical crystal diameters, as estimated by the Debye–Scherrer equation, were 3.65 nm (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 NPs) and 10.14 nm (Fe2O3 and Fe3O4/CeO₂ NPs). TEM images verified that the prepared NPs were spherical, semispherical, and irregular in shape. The FTIR spectrum's prominent peaks revealed the elements of Fe–Ce nanoparticles. Of all the materials examined, Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 /CeO₂ NPs synthesized using Ficus nitida fruit extract demonstrated promising in vitro antibacterial activity against MRSA (21.0 ± 0.58 mm inhibition zone) and E. coli (22.2 ± 0.15 mm), alongside antioxidant potential (81.76% free radical scavenging at 1000 µg/mL). These preliminary findings merit further investigation to assess toxicity, biocompatibility, and in vivo efficacy as potential antibacterial and antioxidant agents in advanced applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mostafa I. Abdelglil, Naifa Alenazi, Abdullah A. Saber, Amani Alhejely, Mohamed H. El-Sayed, Salama A. Salama, Mohamed Abdel-Aal Amin, Mohamed H. Sharaf
The Effect of Gum Arabic Addition on Lignosulfonate/ Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films
The effectiveness of Gum Arabic (GA) as a compatibilizer was evaluated in sodium lignosulfonate (LS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) composite film systems. This study aimed to improve the morphological integrity and mechanical stability of films, while achieving sustainability objectives. The goal was to obtain mechanically reinforced and morphologically homogeneous biodegradable films through GA-assisted phase stabilization. The structural, morphological, and mechanical properties, as well as the water interaction performance, of films were investigated. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the band intensity attributed to hydrogen bonding increased with the addition of GA, indicating enhanced molecular interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that GA increased morphological defects such as microphase separation and aggregation, especially at low concentrations. While 25% GA helped fill the pores, it did not completely eliminate structural defects. Mechanical tests showed a decrease in tensile strength of up to 63% associated with such defects. Water sorption and dissolution tests showed that mass loss in aqueous media reached 75% due to the solubility of LS and GA. However, higher GA content moderately reduced this loss by minimizing defect sites. GA failed to act as a compatibilizer under tested formulation and processing parameters but contributed to the film’s surface homogeneity as a physical filler.
Stress-Strain Behavior and Microstructural Evolution of Hot-Pressed Paper Webs Revealed by X-Ray Tomography
The mechanical performance of fiber-based materials depends not only on strength but also on elongation, which is particularly critical in converting and end-use applications. Wood-fiber-based materials, such as thermomechanical pulp (TMP) paper webs, are typically brittle and exhibit low breaking strain. However, both dry and wet strengths can be significantly improved through hot-pressing, especially in the presence of lignin. This study examines the influence of hot-pressing time on the complete stress–strain behavior of calendered TMP webs. Dry samples showed only minor, systematic changes in mechanical properties with increasing pressing time at 200 °C. In contrast, wet samples exhibited a pronounced increase in breaking strain for pressing times exceeding 1 s, accompanied by increased wet specific strength and tensile energy absorption. Wet stiffness also increased beyond what could be explained by densification alone, indicating enhanced inter-fiber bonding. To elucidate these effects, X-ray microtomography combined with image analysis was used to characterize microstructural features, including porosity, pore size, surface roughness, sheet thickness, and fiber wall density as functions of pressing time. The results demonstrate that extended hot-pressing promotes microstructural consolidation and bonding mechanisms that improve mechanical performance under both dry and wet conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda Mattsson, Arttu Miettinen, Tove Joelsson, Gunilla Pettersson, Per Engstrand, Jukka A. Ketoja
Mixture Design for Enhancing Softness Components of Hygiene Paper
Softness of hygiene paper encompasses bulk softness and surface softness components. Bulk softness is determined by bulk flexibility, which is the inverse of tensile stiffness, while surface softness is determined by surface roughness and friction. Although refining is essential for modifying fiber properties to achieve the desired tissue web characteristics, it increases tissue web density after drying, resulting in diminished bulk softness. This study explored methods to minimize strength loss while enhancing bulk softness by using pulps refined separately. The objective was to develop optimal pulp mixtures that maintain bulk softness and high tensile strength with improved surface softness. The results highlight the potential to optimize pulp mixtures for enhanced bulk softness and tensile strength and suggest that customizing the pulp conditions can effectively manage properties such as surface roughness and friction. The heterogeneity of pulps originating from separate refining systems is crucial for achieving targeted bulk and surface softness components.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ji Eun Cha, Yong Ju Lee, Geon Woo Kim, Hyoung Jin Kim
Effect of Climatic Variations and Mechanical Stress on the Strength of Epoxy-Wood Joints
The influence of changing climatic conditions was studied relative to strength parameters—tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and internal cohesion—of joints between hardened epoxy casting resin and solid wood. Samples were exposed to various climatic conditions, including ageing simulation under normal conditions (25 °C, 30% humidity), and extreme conditions (50 °C, 90% humidity). The study also examined the impact of incorporating oak wood dust (0.05% by weight) as a bio-based additive into the epoxy matrix. Chemical resistance of the cured resin—with and without the additive—was evaluated using a modified Buchholz indentation test following exposure to a toluene–naphtha–ethanol solvent mixture. Moisture content was assessed. Alternating climatic conditions significantly impacted the strength parameters, with extreme temperatures and humidity levels reducing joint integrity. Mechanical stress further exacerbated this deterioration, underscoring the importance of environmental considerations in applying resin-wood composites. Furthermore, the addition of oak wood dust improved the chemical resistance of the epoxy resin, suggesting enhanced durability and interfacial bonding. Visual inspection of post-failure specimens revealed a higher prevalence of cohesive wood failures in oak, indicating superior bonding compared to meranti. These findings offer insights for appropriate use of epoxy–wood joints in furniture applications conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Petr Pacas, Daniela Tesařová, Pawan Kumar Mishra
Damage Evaluation of Jute and Jute/Glass Epoxy Composites under Low-Velocity Impact Using Computer Tomography and Shearography
Compressed hybrid composite laminates with a thickness of 3 mm were fabricated using a skin–core configuration, employing jute and glass fabrics as reinforcements and epoxy as the matrix material. The impact performance and damage mechanisms of the jute/glass hybrid composites were compared against jute/epoxy composites with the same and variable thicknesses under varying low-velocity impact energies. The incorporation of glass fabric significantly improved the impact resistance of the thinner hybrid laminates. At a higher impact energy of 15 J, the hybrid composites exhibited a rebounding response, indicating superior energy absorption and damage tolerance. Laser shearography was utilized to examine the internal damage evolution, while computed tomography (CT) scanning was employed to quantitatively assess damage. An increase of up to 86% in the maximum impact load was observed from the hybrid composites with thickness of 3 mm when compared with the jute/epoxy laminates. CT scan analysis revealed completely perforated failure in the jute/epoxy composites with progressive crack propagation at different depths. The hybrid composites primarily exhibited localized sliding damage accompanied by surface denting, as observed through shearography. The findings confirmed that jute/glass hybrid composites offered an enhanced low-velocity impact resistance when compared with the pristine jute composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manoj Prabhakar Mani, Rajini Nagarajan, Mayandi Kalimuthu, Sikiru O. Ismail, Faruq Mohammad, Kumar Krishnan, Indira Devi M.P
Effect of Using Oak (Quercus pontica) Leaves on Particleboard Quality
Physical (thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond) properties of the particleboard samples produced by mixing spruce (Picea orientalis) particles and oak (Quercus pontica) leaves at various ratios were investigated. Chemical composition of oak leaves and spruce wood (holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, ash content, alcohol-benzene solubility, 1% NaOH solubility, hot and cold-water solubility) were determined. Single-layer test panels were produced using urea-formaldehyde adhesive. Increasing the oak leaf content in the furnish negatively affected the mechanical strength properties, while improving the thickness swelling resistance. However, the particleboard samples produced with 10% oak leaves addition met the minimum mechanical requirements for general uses. Overall, it was found that oak leaves could be used as an alternative supplementary raw material source in the particleboard industry when blended with wood particles.
Evaluation of Biofuel Energy Potential of Barks from Some Conifer Species in Türkiye
Fuel characteristics were evaluated for bark from four coniferous tree species native to Türkiye (Calabrian pine, Black pine, Scotch pine, and Taurus cedar). Bark samples from varying elevations and age groups were analyzed through calorific value (kcal/kg), ash content (%), volatile organic compounds (VOC, %), sulfur emissions (SO2, %), elemental ash composition, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and principal component analysis (PCA). All calorific values were determined on oven-dried samples. Calabrian pine had the highest higher heating value on a dry basis at 5044 kcal/kg, along with the lowest value for ash (1.55%), while Scotch pine exhibited the lowest energy value (4518 kcal/kg). Black pine, which had the highest ash content (3.84%), appeared less suitable as a fuel source. Sulphur emissions across all species were marginal (0.005% to 0.04%). Ash content increased with altitude in Calabrian pine, while the opposite trend was observed in larch. PCA results showed interspecific variations in mineral composition and combustion traits. In conclusion, Calabrian pine and Taurus cedar bark show strong potential as renewable and cost-effective biomass energy sources due to their favorable calorific and ash properties. However, environmental factors such as altitude remain determining factors in biomass fuel performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fatma Merve Nacakcı, Uğur Özkan, Halil Turgut Sahin
From Papyrus to Paper: Evolution of Writing Supports in Egypt
As the cradle of civilization, Egypt has historically been at the center of the development of writing supports, which were first developed from the local papyrus, but later gradually replaced by true paper. This paper delves into Egypt’s historic change in writing materials. Used for over 4,000 years since around 3000 BCE, papyrus was a central element in the administrative and religious activities of the ancient Egyptian civilization, and the method of its production was an industry secret. The advent of true paper in the 8th century CE, which involved breaking down plant tissue to release fibers, marked the beginning of a cultural change that led to the phasing out of papyrus under Islamic rule. By the time the 12th century CE came around, the making of papyrus had essentially stopped, as paper had taken over, being both more durable and versatile. This study investigates the following: the reign of papyrus; the history and material science of papyrus; the technological shift from lamination to maceration, and comparative analysis of writing supports.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wasim M. K. Helal, Dina M. Elshenawi
Biochar of Orange Peel as an Adsorbent for the Uptake of Lead (II) Ions
Prepared orange peel biochar (OPB) was evaluated as a low-cost adsorbent for removing Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The OPB was examined using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis to identify surface morphology, functional groups, thermal stability, and surface porosity responsible for adsorption, respectively. The biochar showed typical lignocellulosic decomposition behavior and exhibited a microporous surface whose hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxylate, and phenolic groups allowed effective Pb²⁺ uptake. Batch studies revealed maximum Pb2+ at a pH 5, adsorbent dosage of 0.7 g, contact time of 80 min, adsorbate concentration of 150 mg/L, and temperature of 50 °C. The Langmuir isotherm revealed adsorption maximum capacity of the adsorbent to be 73.5 mg/g, while thermodynamics analysis showed that Pb(II) uptake was endothermic. These results demonstrate that orange-peel biochar can be an effective, environmentally friendly, and renewable adsorbent for lead ions in wastewater treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ghaferah H. Al-Hazmi, Lamia A. Albedair, Edwin Andrew Ofudje, Moamen S. Refat, Kholoud K. Alzahrani, Emmanuel Kola Oladejo
DWBA-YOLO: A Dual-Layer Weighted Background-aware Network for Multi-Scale Particleboard Surface Defect Detection
Automated defect detection is crucial for particleboard manufacturing, enabling precise quality control and improved production efficiency. However, existing approaches face three key challenges: small-scale defects, low visual contrast between defects and surrounding regions, and severe texture interference from complex backgrounds, which collectively undermine feature extraction and multi-scale representation. To address these issues, this study developed DWBA-YOLO, a multi-scale surface defect detection network tailored for complex texture scenarios. First, an Adaptive Dual-layer Weighting Mechanism (ADWM) was introduced, where Intra-Feature Weighting suppresses texture-dominated channel responses while Cross-Feature Weighting adaptively calibrates contributions from different pyramid levels. Second, an Adaptive Spatial Feature Fusion head was designed to learn spatially varying fusion weights and to mitigate cross-scale inconsistencies while maintaining lightweight overhead. Third, Normalized Wasserstein Distance was incorporated to enhance small-scale defect localization. Extensive experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of the method. On a proprietary particleboard defect dataset, DWBA-YOLO improved recall by 4.7%, precision by 4.2%, mAP@50 by 3%, and mAP@50:95 by 2.5% compared with YOLOv8n, while reducing computational complexity by 43%. These results indicate that DWBA-YOLO is effective and practical for real-time particleboard defect detection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anning Ding, Chao He, Kangyong Kang, Huaqiong Duo
Biotechnological Potential of Sargassum ilicifolium Seaweed: A Proximate Composition of Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Hypoglycemic Bioactive Compounds
Seaweed has gained significant attention due to its extensive use in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, this study was conducted to perform proximate analysis, screen and quantify phytochemicals, and analyze the pharmacological potential of Sargassum ilicifolium (S. ilicifolium) extract via antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant activities. The results of the proximate composition revealed 38.2±1.1% ash, 9.3±0.9% moisture, 23.4±1.1% protein, and 3.1±0.2% fat. The methanol extract increased the levels of alkaloids (26.3±0.9 g PE/g), phenols (145±3.1 mg GAE/g), and flavonoids (97.5±3.1 mg QE/g). The methanol extract exhibited strong activity, with a zone of inhibition of 27±2 mm against E. faecalis and a 22±0 mm zone of inhibition against S. aureus. The phytochemicals in the methanolic extract had a greater total antioxidant capacity (58.2±0.8%) than did the ethyl acetate extract (49.4±0.4%) and the water extract (44.6±0.3%) at 2.5 mg/mL The S. ilicifolium extract also exhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. The seaweed inhibited tyrosinase activity in the ethyl acetate extract but not in the methanol or water extracts. The seaweed S. ilicifolium exhibited bioactivity and biotechnological potential, as evidenced by its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic properties.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdulaziz S. Fakhouri
Influence of Sapwood and Heartwood on Cryptomeria japonica Toughness Mechanism in Mode-I Radial-longitudinal and Tangential-longitudinal Systems
The influence of sapwood and heartwood on many mechanical properties has been studied; however, their influence on fracture mechanics remains unclear. This study investigated the influence of sapwood and heartwood on the toughness mechanism of Cryptomeria japonica in mode-I radial-longitudinal (RL) and tangential-longitudinal (TL) systems. A single-end-notched bending test was performed to obtain the fracture toughness of four specimen types: RSW, RHW, TSW, and THW (where R = RL system, T = TL system, SW = sapwood, and HW = heartwood). Thereafter, X-ray computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed to evaluate the fracture at the microscale level. For all properties evaluated, the RL system showed the highest values, and within the same system, sapwood had the highest values. However, the statistical analysis concluded that fracture toughness was the only property with a significant difference for all specimen types. Microscale analyses using SEM revealed that the higher toughness mechanism values found in the sapwood specimens were related to higher proportions of cell fracture than those in other specimen types. This implies that the toughness mechanism may depend on the fracture of microstructural tissues.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tatiana Mitie Enta, Arata Yoshinaga, Norihiko Yamada, Koji Murata
Viscometric Characteristics and Physicochemical Properties of Acid-Modified Cocoyam Starch
Cocoyam (Colocasia spp.) tuber, which has high starch yield, was subjected to acid modification. Effects were evaluated relative to the pasting, structural, physicochemical, and morphological properties. Native cocoyam starch (NCS) was treated with hydrochloric acid to produce acid-modified cocoyam starch (AMCS). Pasting properties were examined using a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), while water and oil absorption capacities, swelling power, and gelatinization features were evaluated using standard methods. Morphological and structural alterations were analyzed. Acid treatment significantly higher peak, final, trough, and setback viscosities, signifying greater paste stability at high temperature, higher swelling capacity, and greater retrogradation tendency. AMCS also displayed higher gel-forming ability at lower concentrations, higher swelling power, and increased water and oil absorption capacities relative to NCS. Scanning electron microscopic images showed surface erosion and granule disruption after acid modification, while FT-IR spectra affirmed that modification occurred primarily via depolymerization without the introduction of new functional groups. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed retention of crystalline polymorphism with improved relative crystallinity after acid hydrolysis. In all, the acid treatment effectively altered the granular and molecular structure of cocoyam starch, enhancing its functional properties and demonstrating its suitability for food and industrial applications requiring strong gels, stable pastes, and enhanced hydration characteristics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ghaferah H. Al-Hazmi, Abimbola Aina Ogundiran , Oyesolape Basirat Akinsipo, Lamia A. Albedair, Ali El-Rayyes, Moamen S. Refat, Akeem Adesina Bamigbade
Parameter Optimization for Vibratory Harvesting of Wolfberry Branches Based on Dual Low-Frequency Vibration Excitation and Singular Value Spectrum
To overcome empirical and discrete parameter selection and severe energy attenuation in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) harvesting using single-source vibration, in this study, a dual-source low-frequency excitation method is proposed. Using ‘Ningqi No.7’ branches and a two-point synchronous excitation device, the effects of the amplitude (28 to 80 mm) and phase (-180° to 180°) of the upper and lower vibration sources (UVS and LVS) on the detachment percentages of the middle section, lower section, and the total detachment (TD) were investigated via response surface methodology. Singular value spectrum analysis of the acceleration signals extracted the maximum singular value (MSV) to quantify the overall branch vibration energy. Two main low-frequency modes near 4 Hz and 8 Hz with high damping were identified. The MSV was strongly correlated with TD (r = 0.751), confirming its reliability for effectiveness evaluation. The optimal parameters found were a UVS of 80 mm, LVS of 68 mm, and phase of 135°, yielding a TD of 85.9% in validation. This demonstrates that the synergistic control of amplitude and phase at a low frequency enhances the harvest efficiency, offering a new approach for intelligent parameter optimization based on vibration monitoring.
Copyright (c) 2026 Guangrui Hu, Shilong Feng, Qianwen Kou, Shuling Zhang, Yun Chen, Lizhu Jin, Teng Zhang, Li Zhao, Lingxin Bu
Modified Wheat Straw Biochar Optimization via Response Surface Methodology for Cr(VI) Removal from Aqueous Solution
The preparation of wheat straw biochar (MWSB) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to maximize Cr(VI) removal. Parameters assessed were wheat straw particle size, KOH modifier concentration, and pyrolysis temperature. Optimal conditions (0.1 mm particle size, 3 mol/L KOH, 494 °C pyrolysis) yielded 86.5% Cr(VI) removal efficiency. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and isotherm data fitted the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption limited by site density. The Langmuir model gave a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 105.28 mg/g at 25 °C. MWSB was characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. The optimized MWSB preparation significantly enhanced the efficacy and feasibility of wheat straw in environmental applications, particularly for Cr(VI) removal.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hansheng Li, Ahmad Razali Ishak, Mohd Shukri Mohd Aris, Siti Norashikin Mohamad Shaifuddin, Tiantian Deng, Su Ding
Digital Translation of the Dunhuang Nine-Colored Deer Motif for Wood-Fiber-Based Cultural Product Design
To address challenges including high subjectivity, non-reproducible reasoning, and poor compatibility with wood-based material processing in translating Dunhuang mural imagery into modern cultural product designs on wood-fiber substrates, this study proposes a digital workflow combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Shape Grammar (SG). An evaluation system was established, focusing on cultural authenticity, artistic aesthetics, geometric transformability, material compatibility, and market resonance. AHP was used to select imagery with the highest translation potential, prioritizing aesthetics and material-process compatibility. Using the Nine-Colored Deer from Mogao Cave 257 as a prototype, generative rules were developed for pattern creation under parametric constraints. An HSB compensation mechanism was introduced to improve color consistency in digital printing and processing. Three practical designs—wooden lamps, apparel, and bags—were evaluated by 20 reviewers, with mean scores ranging from 4.54 to 4.60, demonstrating the robustness and applicability of this workflow in wood-fiber material engineering and cultural heritage translation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chuanming Ma, Yufan Wen, Yuxiao Wang
Aerobic Composting of Palm Oil Mill Biogas Sludge and Empty Fruit Bunches Using Earthworms and a Compost Accelerator
This research investigates aerobic composting using palm oil mill biogas sludge, and mixed with shredded empty fruit bunches (EFB). The decomposers used in the process include microorganisms from the composting materials, earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae in a 1:1 ratio), and Super LDD1 compost accelerator. The experiment was conducted using seven reactors. Reactors 1, 2, and 3 used 100% biogas sludge, while reactors 4, 5, 6, and 7 used a mixture of 50% biogas sludge and 50% shredded EFB. Reactor 1 relied on natural aeration, whereas reactors 2 to 7 were supplied with air using a blower at a rate of 0.7 L/min·kg. Earthworms were added to reactors 3 and 5, Super LDD1 was added to reactor 6, and both earthworms and Super LDD1 were added to reactor 7. The composting process was carried out over a period of 77 days. Parameters analyzed included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, C/N ratio, total nitrogen (Total N), total phosphorus (Total P₂O₅), total potassium (Total K₂O), particle size, and germination index. The results showed that most parameters in all reactors met the 2014 organic fertilizer standards of the Department of Agriculture, with the exception of moisture content and organic matter. Reactor 7 produced compost with the highest nutrient content (Total N : Total P₂O₅ : Total K₂O = 1.70% : 2.00% : 1.35%) and a germination index of 201.46 ± 6.28%. The compost from reactor 7 was crumbly, black in color, and had an earthy odor.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sirinthrar Wandee , Narissara Mahathaninwong, Kantima Ladondu , Sirinapha S Suwannarat
Crafting Isan Long Drums through the Wood-Segment Merging Technique
This study presents the development of a sustainable alternative method for crafting traditional Isan long drums through a wood-segment merging technique. Using a combination of documentary analysis, field research, and applied experimentation in collaboration with master drum-makers in Mahasarakham and Buriram provinces, the process was carried out in three phases: (1) analysis and design, (2) prototype production, and (3) refinement and final assembly. The revised design divided the drum into three segments—upper, middle, and lower—to improve material efficiency, ease of fabrication, and structural stability. Each segment was constructed from precisely cut, processed wood wedges, glued, shaped on a lathe, and seamlessly joined. The drumhead was prepared following traditional Isan methods, and the finished instrument was tested for tonal quality, showing results comparable to single-log drums. A panel of seven experts evaluated the drum on sound quality, aesthetics, durability, and suitability, with findings indicating equal or superior performance in most aspects compared to traditional methods. The results suggest that the wood-segment merging technique not only preserves the cultural authenticity and acoustic characteristics of the Isan long drum but also offers an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient production method.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sayam Chuangprakhon, Weerayut Seekhunlio, Warakorn Seeyo , Piyapun Santaveesuk, Qin Chen
Effect of Polyelectrolyte Molecular Weight and Structure on the Rheological Properties of Cellulose Nanofibril Suspensions
The effect of polyelectrolyte addition on the rheological behavior of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions was examined at a CNF consistency of 1.5%. Cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes with different molecular weights and structures were employed, and rheological behavior was evaluated using steady shear and strain-controlled measurements, with particular emphasis on viscosity hysteresis and yield stress as indicators of network deformation and recovery. At this consistency, steady-state viscosity exhibited little response to polyelectrolyte addition. In contrast, viscosity hysteresis and yield stress showed strong dependence on polyelectrolyte molecular weight and structure, reflecting differences in CNF network deformation and reformation behavior. High molecular weight polyelectrolytes restricted nanofibril mobility and altered network recovery after shear, whereas low molecular weight polyelectrolytes acted through electrostatic interactions. Branched cationic polyelectrolytes enhanced network strength, as evidenced by increased yield stress, while linear and anionic polyelectrolytes reduced network strength by limiting effective inter-fibrillar contacts. These results indicate that, at a CNF consistency of 1.5%, rheological responses are governed predominantly by network-scale interactions associated with polyelectrolyte molecular weight and architecture rather than by surface charge alone. These findings clarify the deformation and recovery behavior of CNF suspensions under conditions relevant to practical handling and processing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jaeho Ryu, Hye Jung Youn
Evaluating the Material-Technique Adaptability of Bamboo Weaving for Fashion Accessories: A Delphi-AHP Approach
Bamboo weaving is a renewable, low-energy craft technique with growing potential for value-added applications in fashion accessories. Bamboo-related studies primarily have focused on material properties or cultural documentation. This study proposes a material-technique adaptability evaluation framework for bamboo-woven fashion accessories, using an integrated Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. Building upon established dimensions of consumer perceived value initially derived from a perception model constructed using e-commerce platform data, the study identified 17 design-evaluable indicators through two rounds of expert consultation. The results indicated that emotional and functional value dominated the evaluation structure with form aesthetics, crafts precision, pattern expression, material integration and innovation, and material sustainability receiving the highest weights. To verify the operational applicability of the proposed framework, a design practice was conducted based on the high-priority indicators, and a bamboo-woven shawl cape was developed as a prototype for small-scale user testing. The validation results further confirmed the framework’s suitability for evaluating the adaptability of bamboo weaving in fashion accessory design. The proposed framework provides a systematic and operational tool for assessing the adaptability of bamboo weaving as a bio-based material-technique system, supporting the sustainable utilization and contemporary transformation of bamboo resources in fashion accessory design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaozheng Wei, Hwee Ling Siek
Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivity Evaluation of Butanol Spartium junceum Flower Extract: GC-MS Characterization, Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antibiofilm, and Anti-Obesity Potential with Public Health Implications
The phytochemical composition and biological activities of Spartium junceum flower extracts were studied after fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity. Among the tested fractions, the butanol extract exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and tannins, suggesting enrichment in polar bioactive metabolites. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that the major constituents were mainly fatty acids and unsaturated lipid derivatives, including n-hexadecanoic acid, linoelaidic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid methyl ester. The butanol fraction demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 96 and 89.8 µg/mL, respectively, while showing lower toxicity toward normal WI-38 cells. Moderate antioxidant activity was confirmed using (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), (2,2 (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and total antioxidant capacity assays, with the strongest scavenging effect observed in the ABTS method. Additionally, the extract showed pancreatic lipase inhibitory potential (IC₅₀ = 79.6 µg/mL) and concentration-dependent antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings support S. junceum flowers as a promising source of multifunctional natural therapeutics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nada H. Aljarba, Munirah F. Aldaye, Adil Abalkhail, Abdulkarim S. Binshaya, Mohamed K. Y. Soliman
Evaluation of Morphological Traits, Phytochemical Composition, Biological Activities, and Molecular Docking Analysis of Phenolic Compounds from Cydonia oblonga Mill. Genotypes
A statistical evaluation was done for the morphological traits of Cydonia oblonga Mill. genotypes, highlighting significant variations among them. Fruit weight exhibited a highly significant difference, ranging from 438 ± 107 g in genotype Q4 to 90.3 ± 10.5 g in Q3. Similarly, fruit width, fruit length, peel thickness, seed number, and Brix values showed statistically significant differences. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two principal components (PC1, PC2) explained 98.04% of the total variation, with fruit weight being the most influential trait. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (97.2%) and total phenolic content (908.7 ± 25.0 mg GAE/mL) were observed in genotype Q4. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from antimicrobial tests were for Q4. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed significant variations in vitamin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents, with genotype Q4 having the highest levels of gallic acid (9.97 µg/mL) and epicatechin (76.6 µg/mL). Molecular docking results further supported the potential biological activity of the identified compounds, with catechin demonstrating the strongest binding affinity against bacterial target proteins. These findings demonstrate significant morphological, biochemical, and antimicrobial differences among C. oblonga genotypes, especially the Q4 genotype, indicating their potential for food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayşen Melda Çolak, Fatma Alan, Betül Aydın, Abidin Gümrükçüoğlu, Emine I. Torunoğlu, Alper Durmaz, Hayrullah Yılmazcan, Fatmanur Şenlik, Erdi C. Aytar
Statistical Strategies for Decision-making Regarding the Quality of Particleboards with Glass Wool
This study evaluated multivariate statistical strategies to select critical properties for the performance of particleboards bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive modified with glass wool residues. Panels were produced with six different proportions of glass wool incorporated into the UF adhesive (0%, 3.34%, 4.93%, 6.52%, 9.49%, 12.35%). These panels were characterized by physical, mechanical, fire-retardant, and acoustic properties. Three statistical tools were applied: hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation. PCA explained 80.3% of the total variance, revealing distinct patterns among treatments, especially at the lowest and highest filler contents. The correlation matrix showed the interdependence between the rheological properties of the adhesive and the final composite performance. Glass wool as a filling material, in the proportion of 3.34% of the adhesive, provided the best performance among the panels, as it promoted balance between mechanical, physical and acoustic properties. Up to the limit of 6.52% glass wool contributed to improving fire resistance without significant changes in mechanical strength but reduced dimensional stability due to changes in adhesive rheology. The combination of multivariate analyses provided a robust approach to identify key attributes and guide the formulation of panels with enhanced technical and functional performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Michelângelo V. Fassarella , Izabella Luzia S. Chaves, Juarez B. Paes , Roberto Carlos C. Lelis, Geovanna S. Polvarini , Udson O. Barros Junior , Fabricio Gomes Gonçalves
Phenol-Glyoxal Precondensate Crosslinked Soy Protein Adhesive and Its Plywood Manufacturing Process
To develop high-performance soy protein-based adhesives, this study employed a phenol-glyoxal precondensate as a crosslinking agent and optimized the hot-pressing process parameters for plywood through orthogonal experiments, exploring its feasibility for application in wood-based panel manufacturing. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) analyses revealed the self-polymerization behavior of glyoxal and its condensation reaction pathway with phenol under acidic conditions, confirming that cyclic ether intermediates were predominant. Using boiling water-resistant bond strength as the evaluation index, orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize hot-pressing temperature, pressure, time, and glue spread amount. The results demonstrated that hot-pressing temperature exerted the greatest influence on performance, with the optimal conditions being 170 °C, 1.4 MPa, 1.0 min/mm, and 330 g/m2. The crosslinking agent enhanced the compactness and water resistance of the adhesive layer through multi-site covalent bonding, hydrogen bond entanglement, and π-π stacking, providing a reference for the industrial application of bio-based adhesives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jiankun Liang, Yuqi Yang, Qiuli Li, Ningyuan Zuo, Chuchu Chen, Tong Meng, Huali Li, Zhixian Song, Caihong Long, Yulan Jian, Zhigang Wu
Valorization of Colombian Gulupa (Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims) Peel as a Bioactive Agro-Industrial By-product: Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxic Assessment
Passiflora edulis f. edulis Sims (gulupa) has gained international relevance as one of Colombia’s main export fruits. However, its peel, an abundant but underutilized agro-industrial by-product, remains poorly characterized despite its potential as a source of bio-based compounds. This study evaluated the bioactive composition, antioxidant activity, and cytotoxic profile of gulupa peel extract obtained from a single commercial batch, following an initial solvent screening using water, acidified water, ethanol, and acidified ethanol, with analyses performed on independent biological replicates, aimed at supporting its valorization within bioeconomy and circular economy frameworks. The extract exhibited high contents of total polyphenols (2970 mg gallic acid eq/100 g dry weight (d.w.) and flavonoids (595 mg catechin eq/100 g d.w.). Antioxidant activity assessed by ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC assays revealed outstanding radical-scavenging capacity, with ORAC presenting the highest value (43,200 µmol Trolox eq/100 g d.w.). Strong positive correlations were observed between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, particularly with DPPH (r = 0.952). Cytotoxicity assays conducted on CHO-K1 cells (10-200 µg/mL) showed cell viabilities above 72% (neutral red uptake) and 84% (MTT reduction), confirming a low cytotoxic profile. Overall, these findings position gulupa peel as a promising bio-based resource rich in antioxidant compounds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pedro Zamorano-Aguilar, Astrid Seperiza, Benjamín A. Rojano
Styrene-Butadiene Latex Blending as a Strategy to Mitigate Property Trade-offs in Paper Coatings
Latex binders are the predominant binders in pigmented coatings for paper, and various latexes with different properties are selected depending on the target product. However, modifying latex binder properties to improve a particular coated paper property often introduces trade-offs in other properties. This study investigated the potential of latex blending to mitigate coated-paper property trade-offs compared with single-latex formulations, focusing on surface and optical properties, as well as ink absorption, and print-mottle-related behavior. Six styrene–butadiene (SB) latexes with different glass transition temperatures (Tg) and particle sizes were used, and coated paper property pairs exhibiting trade-off behavior were identified using single-latex formulations. Subsequently, coated papers were prepared with seven binary latex blends, and their trade-off performance relative to the single-latex formulations was evaluated using a trendline-based trade-off analysis. The results showed that low–high Tg blends provided improved trade-off performance compared with the single-latex formulations. The coexisting binder morphology in these blends enabled higher gloss with a smaller penalty in the trade-off properties, maintaining higher light-scattering efficiency and improving print-mottle-related behavior. The findings of this study indicate that latex blending has the potential to mitigate coated paper property trade-offs and provides a practical approach for optimizing coated paper performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jee-Hong Lee, Hye Jung Youn
Current Status and Evolution of Pulp and Paper Undergraduate Education in China
A paradigm shift of China’s pulp and paper industry towards integrated biorefining and sustainability necessitates a fundamental reform of its higher education system. However, a comprehensive overview of the systematic reforms and structural evolution in Chinese undergraduate education has not been established. To fill this gap, this study systematically investigated the current status and evolution of undergraduate programs in Pulp and Paper Engineering in China through a mixed-methods approach, including field research, analysis of training programs from representative universities, and a comprehensive literature review. The major findings reveal three novel reform trajectories: (1) diversified program affiliation across comprehensive, technology, forestry, and vocational institutions; (2) a modularized curriculum structure integrating green papermaking, biorefinery, biomaterials, and intelligent manufacturing; and (3) establishment of frontier-oriented specializations and new majors in biomass utilization. These findings not only signify a strategic pivot in educational philosophy from training traditional papermill engineers to cultivating innovators for the broader bioeconomy but also reveal key implementation challenges, including interdisciplinary curricular integration, faculty readiness, and the depth of industry-academia collaboration. This study provides a novel framework for understanding educational reforms in the pulp and paper industry and offers valuable insights for global stakeholders in forest products education.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yulong Wang, Yishan Kuang, Benping Lin, Qijie Chen, Zhong Cao, Julan Zeng, Yue-fei Zhang, Liubin Song
Interaction of Cellulose, Hemicellulose, and Lignin During Co-Pyrolysis and their Effects on Pyrolysis Products
Biomass plays a vital role in alleviating the energy crisis and environmental pressure through its efficient conversion and utilization. Pyrolysis technology has become one of the core pathways for biomass resource utilization. However, the complex interactions among the three core components of biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) during the pyrolysis process complicate the in-depth analysis of biomass pyrolysis mechanisms and the optimization of pyrolysis processes. In this study, TG-GC/MS tandem technology was employed to systematically investigate the individual and co-pyrolysis characteristics of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The interactions between components were quantitatively analyzed by comparing experimental values with calculated superimposed values, and the distribution pattern of pyrolysis products was clarified through qualitative detection via GC/MS. The key findings were as follows: (1) due to the inherent characteristics of their chemical structures, the three components exhibit obvious differences in pyrolysis properties and characteristic products; (2) specific interactions exist between components during the co-pyrolysis process. By revealing the co-pyrolysis interactions between components and the product regulation mechanism, this research not only deepens the understanding of the intrinsic nature of biomass pyrolysis but also provides key data support and theoretical references for the high-value application of biomass pyrolysis technology.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kun Wang, Xinhua Song, Hongxiao Yu, Tongxu Cui, Jian Liu, Zelin He, Mengying Chen, Binbin Yao
Preparation and Performance of PVA/CNF/PB Hydrogels Based on Dynamic Borate Ester Bonds
A high-strength, tough, and self-healing hydrogel was fabricated using polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) as the matrix, cellulose nanofibers (NFC) as the reinforcing agent, and sodium tetraborate (PB) as the crosslinking agent. The resulting PVOH/NFC/PB hydrogel has a dual-network structure formed by hydrogen bonds and dynamic borate ester bonds. The effects of NFC content on the hydrogel’s mechanical, self-healing, water retention, and electrical properties were systematically investigated. Results showed that NFC addition markedly increased tensile strength, with a maximum value of 47.2 kPa achieved at 1.2 wt% NFC. The elongation at break reached its peak (1038.5%) at 0.8 wt% NFC. Owing to the presence of dynamic borate ester bonds, the hydrogel exhibited outstanding self-healing capability, achieving a healing efficiency of 94.6% within 60 s at 1.2 wt% NFC. Moreover, NFC content influences the hydrogel’s water retention behavior and electrical conductivity, the latter reaching 0.345 S/m at 1.2 wt% NFC. The excellent plasticity and multifunctional properties of the PVOH/NFC/PB hydrogel highlight its promising potential for diverse applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kehong Zhang, Xiaohu Zhu, Shufan Li, Minyi Wang, Yue Zhang
Ozone Driven Modulation of Camphor Oil – Chemical Composition, Anti-Yeast Potential, and Anti-Ovarian Cancer Mechanistic Exploration
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to examine the chemical constituents of crude camphor oil and its ozonized derivatives and to assess their in vitro anticancer and anti-yeast properties. In crude camphor oil, GC-MS profiling revealed 21 compounds from 15 different chemical classes, whereas ozonized oil included 22 compounds from fifteen various classes. Increase in the contents of dotriacontane and 2,2-dideutero octadecanal in the ozonized oil indicated chemical changes brought about by ozonation. Antifungal tests revealed that ozonation significantly reduced (P ≤ 0.05) the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) values while increasing the inhibition zones against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata (23 ± 0.6 mm, 26 ± 0.4 mm, and 25 ± 0.2 mm, respectively) when compared to crude oil. Both oils showed cytotoxic effects on SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. However, ozonized camphor oil was more potent than crude oil with IC50= 183.18 ± 2.29 µg/mL and IC50 = 152.04 ± 0.4 µg/mL, respectively. Following treatment with the IC50 of ozonized oil, cell-cycle analysis showed a notable decrease in S-phase cells and a notable increase in G2/M accumulation, suggesting inhibition of DNA production and triggering of G2/M arrest.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Abdullah M. Almotayri, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Rehab A. Dawoud, Ali Fageehi, Alaa A. Kashmiry, Souzan Mohammed Kafy, Samy Selim
Experimental Study on Restoration and Color-Material-Finish Semantic Redesign of Ming-style Yazi Wooden Components Empowered by Generative AI
This study focuses on the wooden spandrel components of Ming-style furniture to explore the application potential of generative artificial intelligence in the digital preservation and redesign of traditional woodworking cultural heritage. Based on the Dreamina AI platform, a multidimensional Prompt model integrating furniture category, form-feature, and CMF (Colour-Material-Finish) semantics was constructed. From the perspectives of material cognition and ecological reuse, a three-stage experimental path was designed: “Traditional wooden component restoration experiment—Trend CMF semantic experiment—Innovative CMF integrated redesign.” The CMF semantic experiment showed that different material and process semantic combinations had a significant impact on aesthetic and innovative perception (p<0.01), with the combination of “bamboo + green silk + phoenix embroidery” showing the best performance in terms of ecological aesthetics and cultural expression. The study concluded that generative AI under semantic control can achieve scientific and high-fidelity restoration of traditional components and extend innovative redesign through CMF semantic cultural extension. The openness and semantic construction capabilities of general generative artificial intelligence have introduced new digital expression methods to cultural heritage items made of natural materials, such as bamboo and wood. These methods are forming an interdisciplinary research paradigm that combines sustainable material restoration, cultural semantic control, and AI-driven design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yali Wang, Xinxiong Liu, Yan Gan, Lin Li
Advancing Log Volume Estimation: Comparison of Modern and Traditional Approaches
Traditional and modern approaches were compared for determining oak sawlog volume under operational conditions. Manual measurement combined with cubic formulas (Huber, Smalian, Newton, and Hossfeld), standardized volume tables (STN 48 0009:2017), computed tomography (CT) scanning, mobile applications (iFOVEA Pro, Timbeter, LogStack LiDAR, and 3D Scanner App), and a handheld mobile laser scanner were evaluated. CT scanning provided a highly detailed geometric benchmark for comparative assessment, but it should not be interpreted as a measure of true solid volume. The Hossfeld model and Newton’s formula showed the closest agreement with CT‑derived volumes. Among bulk‑pile methods, iFOVEA Pro and LogStackLiDAR demonstrated the most balanced combination of internal consistency, speed, and operational usability. Timbeter and the 3D Scanner App showed lower detected volumes; however, these deviations cannot be interpreted as systematic without further analysis. Manual measurement remained accurate but was time‑consuming and sensitive to operator variability, whereas handheld laser scanning provided high‑fidelity results at the cost of increased time and expertise. Limitations of the study include a small sample size, the limited number of repeated measurements, and the absence of testing under variable environmental conditions. Future developments will likely focus on AI‑based log segmentation, GIS integration, and cloud platforms enabling real‑time data sharing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Miloš Gejdoš, Tomáš Gergeľ, Jozef Výbošťok
Next-generation Recycling of High-density Fibreboard: Controlled Fibre Recovery Using Thermo-hydro-microwave Synergy
This study investigated a next-generation recycling strategy for high-density fibreboard (HDF) based on controlled fibre recovery using thermo–hydro–microwave (THM) synergy. Industrial HDF boards with a target density of 900 kg/m³ were treated in saturated steam at 110 °C and 0.2 MPa for 30 min, followed by two microwave treatment cycles of 30 s each at 800 W. The treated material was subsequently disintegrated in hot water (80 °C), and the recovered wood fibres were separated, dewatered, and dried. The recycled fibres were used to manufacture single-layer and three-layer laboratory-scale HDF panels with different recycled fibre contents. The panels were evaluated for selected mechanical and physical properties, including bending performance, internal bond strength, dimensional stability, surface water absorption, and density profile. The results confirmed that the applied THM-assisted recycling process enabled effective fibre recovery while limiting excessive fibre shortening. Three-layer HDF panels containing 40 to 50% recycled fibres exhibited properties comparable to or exceeding those of reference panels. The findings demonstrate the potential of thermo–hydro–microwave-assisted recycling as a viable approach for closed-loop HDF production and improved material circularity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anita Wronka, Adam Słupecki, Grzegorz Kowaluk
The Mapping between Color-Material-Finish (CMF) and Style Imagery: A Case Study of Neo-Chinese Armchairs
The mapping relationship was investigated between Color-Material-Finish (CMF) and style imagery, using Neo-Chinese armchairs as the research object. Within a Kansei Engineering (KE) framework, key style imagery features of Neo-Chinese armchairs were extracted by combining the Semantic Differential (SD) method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), based on evaluations from a panel of design experts. Existing CMF configurations were systematically categorized and coded, with standardized digital samples generated using Rhino 3D and Keyshot software. Quantitative Theory Type I (QTTI) was then employed to establish the CMF-style imagery mapping framework. Results demonstrated that CMF significantly shapes style imagery: Different CMF combinations can shift stylistic perceptions toward “modern” or “traditional,” and modulate the intensity of “Zen-inspired” qualities—though they cannot eliminate such attributes entirely. Notably, individual CMF categories may exert contrasting effects on different imagery dimensions. This research addresses two core questions: (1) Which specific CMF components influence the style imagery of Neo-Chinese armchairs, and (2) How do these components operate mechanistically? Furthermore, qualitative CMF design strategies are proposed for Neo-Chinese furniture. The findings provide a theoretical basis for furniture designers to align CMF decisions with user cognitive expectations and a methodological reference for style mapping studies across broader design disciplines.
A Comparative Analysis on the Static Properties of ‘Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong Bracket’ from the Main Hall of Chuzu Convent in Song Dynasty
This research explored the static structural behavior of the Song Dynasty ‘Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong Bracket’ in the Main Hall of Chuzu Convent. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed. Relying on an orthotropic constitutive model and Pinus sylvestris’ mechanical properties, a refined ANSYS model was built (assessed in line with GB/T criteria), with the Hill yield criterion to evaluate wood plasticity. For assessing strength, deformation and energy dissipation, simulations were carried out involving Z-axis vertical monotonic static loading and X/Y-axis horizontal low-count reciprocating loading. The findings showed a vertical ultimate bearing capacity of 342 kN along the Z-axis. Stress concentrations peak at 18.8 MPa specifically at the capital block-Ludou junction, a significant concern. Horizontal loading resulted in symmetrical hysteresis loops, exhibiting peak thrusts: 750 kN (Y-axis) and 597 kN (X-axis). Ductility coefficients (4.98/Y, 3.67/X) and equivalent viscous damping coefficients (0.121/Y, 0.149/X) were identified. The vertical behavior followed a tri-linear stiffness degradation model, with the horizontal response adhering to multi-linear restoring force models. The findings confirm FEA as an efficient, reliable method to assess Dougong mechanical behavior, providing crucial knowledge for ancient wooden building upkeep.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yuanhe Li, Hongfa Kang, Lihong Yao
From User Needs to Sustainable Innovation: An Integrated NLP–Grounded Theory–Kano–AHP–QFD Approach to the Modern Design of Yi Ethnic Lacquerware Chairs
A close relationship exists among cultural expression, craftsmanship transmission, and user experience in intangible cultural heritage (ICH) furniture. However, the modernization of ethnic cultural products requires systematic understanding of users’ latent cultural and emotional needs. Using the Yi ethnic lacquerware chair as a focus, this study proposes a user-centered design framework integrating cultural genes, emotional resonance, and design innovation. User requirements were identified from 49,671 valid online comment records using natural language processing and Grounded Theory, complemented by semi-structured interviews with 12 experts. User requirements were classified using the Kano model and weighted via the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Quality Function Deployment was used to translate prioritized user needs into technical characteristics, while the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was applied to evaluate alternative design schemes. It was found that cultural symbolism, emotional value, and narrative expression exerted stronger influences on user preference than functional attributes. Technical priorities include culturally themed form expression, sustainable application of Yi lacquerware craftsmanship, and digital integration of ethnic patterns. The proposed NLP–Kano–AHP–QFD–TOPSIS system reduces subjectivity in design decision-making and offers a transparent and transferable approach for ethnic furniture design, ICH product development, and sustainable cultural innovation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yuanshuai Yang, Songming Zou, Guang Cao, Xiaohui Liu, Xiaozhou Liu
Image Recognition of Dyed Fibers and Component Analysis of Cigarette Paper Based on Hue, Saturation, and Value (HSV) Threshold Segmentation
Traditional fiber component analysis combining Herzberg and Graff “C” staining methods achieves high accuracy but relies on manual fiber length measurement using an ImageJ software, making it cumbersome and subjective. This study developed a MATLAB-based image preprocessing approach utilizing HSV color space transformation and color threshold segmentation to achieve precise extraction of different fibers from stained microscopic images. Experiments employed four two-component and two three-component mixed slurry samples to compare accuracy and efficiency against the ImageJ method. Optimal color rendering was attained with saturation and lightness gain factors of 1.5 and 1.1 after Herzberg staining and 2.0 and 1.1 after Graff “C” staining. The new method matched ImageJ's accuracy while significantly improving processing efficiency. Applied to commercial cigarette paper, it accurately identified fiber components, consistent with raw material data. Integrating staining techniques with image recognition maintains analytical precision while substantially boosting detection speed. This approach provides an efficient high-throughput solution for cigarette paper fiber analysis with clear industrial application potential.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jinsheng Rui, Min You, Haiying Wei, Yueyue Wang, Xinke Yan, Lidong Zhou, Chengwen Zhu, Hao Ren
Quantitative Analysis of UV-Visible Spectroscopy and Machine Learning Coupled for Alkali-Soluble Lignin in Steam-Exploded Biomass
Lignin is one of the most abundant biopolymers in lignocellulosic biomass, yet its efficient quantification remains a significant challenge for biorefineries due to the time-consuming nature and limitations of traditional wet-chemical analysis methods. This study aimed to develop a rapid and accurate approach for quantifying lignin concentration in alkali extracts of steam-exploded woody biomass by integrating UV-visible spectroscopy with machine learning algorithms as a practical complement to the conventional Klason lignin assay (modified ASTM D1106-56). UV-visible spectral data were collected and subjected to outlier removal using the Isolation Forest algorithm, followed by various preprocessing techniques and feature selection via the SelectKBest algorithm to optimize inputs for four regression models: Extra Trees, Random Forest, XGBoost, and Support Vector Regression. The combination of Baseline Correction and Standard Normal Variate (SNV) was the optimal preprocessing method, while the selection of the top 150 characteristic wavelengths effectively maximized information retention. Among the models evaluated, the Extra Trees (ET) regressor exhibited superior generalization capability and stability, achieving a test coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.803 and a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 4.0%, significantly outperforming SVR and XGBoost, which suffered from overfitting and underfitting, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hyeon Cheol Kim, Si Young Ha, Jae-Kyung Yang
Bioinspired Self-Healing Vitrimer from Epoxidised Palm Oil Reinforced with Nanofibrillated Cellulose and Activated Carbon
A vitrimer composite based on epoxidised palm oil (EPO) was reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and palm kernel shell (PKS)-derived activated carbon as complementary bio-based fillers. The loadings of NFC and activated carbon were varied to examine their influence on the thermal, mechanical, chemical, and healing-reprocessing behaviour of the EPO vitrimer network. The synergistic interaction between these fillers preserves dynamic bond exchange within the vitrimer network, enabling effective thermal welding in which the welded interface becomes seamless after treatment. This dynamic network behaviour was further reflected in dynamic mechanical and creep-recovery analyses, which revealed the influence of filler content on network mobility. A higher filler content (5 wt% of each filler) enhanced stiffness but restricted network rearrangement, leading to incomplete strain recovery. In contrast, the composite containing 4 wt% of each filler achieved complete strain recovery (100%) while exhibiting strong viscoelastic damping behaviour (tan d ~ 1.36), indicating efficient molecular relaxation during the glass-transition process. FESEM showed improved interfacial continuity within the synergistic system, where NFC extends between activated carbon particles and the vitrimer matrix to maintain local network integrity and facilitate stress transfer. The rigid carbon phase also limits solvent diffusion within the matrix, contributing to improved solvent resistance of the vitrimer composite.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chuan Li Lee, Balkis Fatomer A. Bakar, Kit Ling Chin, Luqman Chuah Abdullah , Xian Foong Lee, Qi Yong Wong
Anti-Leukemic Activity of Smilax china L. Root Extracts against Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Inhibition of Xenograft Tumor Growth In-vivo
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clinically challenging malignancy with limited effective therapies and significant toxicity. This study evaluated the anti-leukemic potential of ethanolic extract of Smilax china L. root in HL-60 cells and a xenograft mouse model. The extract markedly reduced HL-60 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner (IC₅₀ = 65.2 µg/mL at 24 h). Mechanistic analyses showed strong induction of apoptosis, increased Bax expression, decreased Bcl-2 levels, and an elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M phase further confirmed its antiproliferative activity. The extract also significantly inhibited HL-60 cell migration and invasion. In vivo treatment of HL-60 xenograft-bearing mice (5 and 10 mg/kg) resulted in substantial suppression of tumor growth with minimal systemic toxicity. Tumor tissues exhibited reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels, indicating an additional anti-inflammatory effect. These findings demonstrate that Smilax china L. root extract exerts multi-target anti-leukemic actions by inducing apoptosis, blocking cell-cycle progression, suppressing metastasis-related behavior, and down-regulating inflammatory cytokines. Smilax china shows therapeutic promise as a complementary strategy for AML and warrants further investigation of its active constituents.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hongyang Kang, Changqing Tong
Deep Learning Enhanced ANFIS-PID Control for Intelligent and Energy-efficient Wood Drying Systems
Traditional wood drying systems suffer from significant control inaccuracies, excessive temperature fluctuations, and suboptimal energy efficiency, leading to wood defects and economic losses. This study introduces a Machine Learning–Enhanced Adaptive Network-Based Fuzzy Inference System with Proportional-Integral-Derivative control (ML-ANFIS-PID). The proposed system incorporates Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for temporal pattern recognition, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for temporal feature extraction, and adaptive fuzzy inference for real-time control parameter optimization. The results of experimental validation on ayous wood show that the performance was significantly improved: 98.4% temperature prediction accuracy, 42-second rise time (8.7% faster than traditional ANFIS-PID), 0.02% overshoot (50% less than traditional PID), 58-second settling time (5% better than conventional PID), and remarkably low 0.04°C steady-state error (96% lower than traditional PID). Also, the ML-ANFIS-PID system attained 23.7% less energy use, 18.4% less drying duration, and 31.2% less defect rate with high-quality wood produced under the tested ayous wood conditions. These results demonstrated significant performance improvement compared with classical and adaptive PID-based controllers under controlled experimental conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jingkuo Zhang, Yaping Lu, Yonggang Wang, Dongcheng Mo , Chen Da
Adsorption Performance of Torrefied Wood Chips for Volatile Organic Compounds and Ethylene Gas
Machine learning models were developed to predict volatile organic compound and ethylene gas adsorption performance of freshness-preserving agents based on torrefied oak wood chips. Oak chips were torrefied at 350 °C for 20 min and processed into three particle sizes. A dataset of 39 experimental points was collected, comprising 8 input variables (particle size, torrefied wood content, commercial content, bulk density, compressed density, porosity, total content, and final bulk density) and 2 output variables (VOC and ethylene adsorption levels). Data augmentation techniques were applied to overcome dataset limitations. Three machine learning algorithms were implemented: Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Support Vector Regression (SVR). For ethylene adsorption, SVR achieved superior performance with R² = 0.934, RMSE = 5.06, and MAE = 1.997.). For VOC adsorption, RF demonstrated highest accuracy with R² = 0.962, RMSE = 1.11, and MAE = 0.845. Torrefied wood content was positively correlated with ethylene adsorption (r = 0.43). Porosity was negatively correlated (r = -0.76). Higher porosity gave reduced ethylene capture efficiency, consistent with a negative relationship between pore structure and adsorption. The effectiveness of machine learning was demonstrated in predicting gas adsorption performance. The work provides practical guidelines for designing torrefied wood-based freshness-preserving systems.
Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity of Acalypha indica Aerial Methanolic Extract: Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anticancer Properties
Acalypha indica, a plant used in traditional medicine, was evaluated for its phenolic composition and bioactivity. The methanolic extract of its aerial parts (stem and leaves) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), identifying 17 phenolic compounds, including rutin (53.8 µg mL⁻¹), chlorogenic acid (53.3 µg mL⁻¹), gallic acid (36.3 µg mL⁻¹), and ferulic acid (33.3 µg mL⁻¹) as the primary constituents. These compounds correlated with the extract’s antioxidant activity, confirmed by the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, yielding an IC₅₀ of 6.8 µg mL⁻¹. The extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones exceeding that of Gentamycin. It also demonstrated moderate activity against Gram-negative bacteria, such as Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays showed bactericidal effects at 7.8 µg mL⁻¹. Additionally, the extract inhibited biofilm formation and hemolysin production, suggesting anti-virulence potential. The Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition assays indicated anti-inflammatory effects (IC₅₀ = 11 µg mL⁻¹). Cytotoxicity tests on PC-3 prostate and SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells revealed reductions in cell viability, with IC₅₀ values of 11.52 and 10.31 µg mL⁻¹, highlighting the therapeutic potential of Acalypha indica.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdullah Mashraqi, Mohamed A. Al Abboud, Ahmed S. Mabrouk, Remesh Moochikkal, Abdel-Rahman M. Shater, Khatib Sayeed Ismail , Emad Abada
Tree-Ring Growth Response of Juniperus excelsa to Climate and Extreme Pointer Years in the Northwest of Iran
Northwestern Iran represents a significant data gap in the dendroclimatic network of West Asia, hindering a comprehensive understanding of regional hydroclimatic variability. This study aims to bridge this gap by constructing a robust tree-ring width chronology for Juniperus excelsa and evaluating its response to climatic extremes in the Hashtjin mountains of northwestern Iran. The authors analyzed 19 increment cores from 15 old-growth trees to develop a 110-year chronology (1898–2007). Statistical quality indicators confirmed a robust climatic signal. Analysis revealed that radial growth was primarily constrained by moisture availability, showing significant positive correlations with April and June precipitation and a significant negative correlation with April temperature, highlighting spring drought stress. Temporal instability in these climate-growth relationships was detected using moving window correlation. Four independent methods (IT, RGC, NW, zChron) identified major pointer years, with extreme droughts in 1907–1908 and 2001 consistently flagged. These extreme years show strong spatiotemporal coherence with historical drought records across West Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, validating the chronology’s climatic sensitivity and underscoring regional synchronicity in major hydroclimatic events. The findings underscore the vulnerability of juniper ecosystems to warming-induced drought and provide a crucial proxy for filling paleoclimatic gaps in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vilma Bayramzadeh, Samira Beiranvand, Pedram Attarod
Design and Fused Deposition Modeling of Furniture Risers Using Polyamide Filament
Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology was used to customize furniture risers to match furniture dimensions and children’s body sizes. The goal was to achieve a rapid, safe, and sustainable height adjustment solution for children’s furniture. Polyamide (PA) filament was chosen as the printing material. Compression tests were performed to investigate the properties of the 3D-printed PA models under varying process parameters, including layer thickness, infill density, and heated bed temperature. Experiments showed that as the layer thickness decreased, the infill density and the heated bed temperature increased. The compressive strength and compressive modulus of the PA model gradually increased, and the compressive properties improved. The optimized process parameters for compressive properties were: layer thickness (0.1 mm), infill density (90%), and heated bed temperature (90 °C). Using these parameters, this study completed the fabrication of furniture risers via FDM 3D printing. The 3D-printed furniture risers exhibited excellent compressive strength and surface finish, and they allowed for quick height adjustment to accommodate children’s varying body sizes. Moreover, the 3D printing approach itself was cost-effective and highly efficient. These benefits collectively highlight the application value of 3D printing for customized furniture components in promoting children’s healthy growth and saving resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chen Wang, Hanyi Huang, Shanxiang Xu, Jiahao Yu
Bio-inspired Scaly Cu/Ag Coating on Regenerated Cellulose Fiber via Self-Assembly for Facile Motion Sensing
A facile, scalable, and bioinspired approach was used to create a high-performance, biodegradable motion sensing through the construction of a scaly conductive coating on regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) derived from bacterial cellulose. A single-step dip-coating process enabled the in situ self-assembly of copper nanoplates and silver nanoparticles into a multilayered, overlapping architecture during controlled fiber withdrawal, mimicking the flexible yet robust structure of fish scales. The obtained Cu/Ag-RCFs sensor exhibited an exceptional balance of mechanical durability, electrical conductivity, and tunable electromechanical response. Their sensitivity and dynamic range could be precisely tailored by adjusting the number of coating cycles, with the optimized device (4 cycles) delivering stable, reversible, and highly reproducible resistance changes under both bending and tensile deformations. Practical applicability was demonstrated through preliminary demonstrations, including successful integration into a glove for real-time finger gesture recognition and deployment as a vibration monitor for intelligent logistics. Critically, the cellulose-based substrate ensured environmental sustainability, maintaining operational stability in aqueous environments while enabling rapid, complete degradation in acidic or enzymatic conditions. This work establishes a novel paradigm for sustainable electronics that harmonizes bioinspired design, high sensing performance, and end-of-life biodegradability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Qing Wang, Hong Zhao, Heng Zhao, Yongmei Zeng, Jinguang Hu, Fei Shen
Oil and Silane Surface Treatment of Bamboo Fibers for Improved Hydrophobicity and Strength Retention in Angled Composites
Effects of different surface treatments were studied relative to the moisture absorption, tensile strength, and interfacial strength were compared for bamboo fibers with epoxy resin. The results showed that the bamboo fibers treated with palm oil had relatively good hydrophobicity and bonding strength with epoxy, and less influence on the tensile strength. Palm oil treatment at 150 °C decreased the strength of bamboo fibers, but it enhances the strength of angled bamboo fibers compared to that without oil treatment. Subsequently, tensile strength retention of angle-shaped bamboo fibers was investigated. The results showed that bamboo fibers treated with palm oil before preforming was able to improve the tensile strength after forming (from 222 to 252 MPa). The study also highlighted the process sequence of the surface treatments for improved strength retention after forming.
Copyright (c) 2026 Pei-Chun Chen, Wen-Bin Young
Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risks Assessment in Soil-Rice System Irrigated with Wastewater
The transfer of heavy metals (HMs) was investigated from wastewater used for irrigation to soil and subsequently to rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) in Northern Pakistan, a region where rice is widely consumed. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were measured in irrigation water, soil, and different parts of the rice plant (grain, shoot, and root) collected from various paddy fields. To assess potential health risks, daily metal intake (DIM) and the health risk index (HRI) were calculated. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly across sampling locations. In the soil, Cd ranged from 0.1 to 0.49 mg/kg, Pb from 0.8 to 2.2 mg/kg, Cu from 4.2 to 18.2 mg/kg, and Zn from 7.0 to 25.1 mg/kg. The calculated DIM followed the order Zn < Cd < Cu < Pb, while the overall HRI for adults (0.612) and children (0.533) were below the threshold of 1. However, cadmium concentrations in the studied samples exceeded suggested permissible limits. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) revealed higher HM concentrations in the soil and rice crops from paddy fields irrigated with contaminated wastewater compared to a control site. The findings of this study indicate that the use of wastewater for irrigation leads to increased accumulation of HMs, particularly cadmium, in rice grains, potentially posing health risks to consumers in the region.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shoaib Ahman, Waqar Ali, Salman Khan, Muhammad Zain ul Arifeen, Tariq Aziz, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Amal Mohamed AlGarawi, Wejdan T. Alsaggaf, Nouf Ali Asiri
A Mode Shape Identification Method of Timber Pieces Based on Relative Rigid Displacement Decomposition
As a commonly used method in the field of structural dynamic characteristics, mode shape identification currently relies largely on animation demonstrations of finite element modal analysis. This method is highly susceptible to the observer’s perspective and subjective factors, making it difficult to accurately identify the mode shapes of timber pieces. To address this issue, the plane deformation decomposition theory of 2D-4 node quadrilateral elements was adopted to perform relative rigid body displacement decomposition on mode shapes, thereby achieving quantitative and visual identification of the overall mode shapes of timber pieces. The correctness of the proposed method was verified by comparison with the modal mass participation ratio method. In addition, this method can also determine the dominant rigid body displacement type of each element in the mode shapes of timber pieces, which highlights its superiority.
Copyright (c) 2026 Panxu Sun, Chen Ding, Chongyang He, Kaixuan Liang, Shuxia Wang
Extraction of Polyphenols from Unripe Banana Peels via Response Surface Methodology and Analysis of In Vitro Bioactive Properties
Banana peels are rich in phytochemicals, including tannins, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids. This study focused on the use of unripe banana peels of Musa × paradisiaca var. Monthan for the extraction of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Three independent variables (solid‒solvent ratio, ethanol concentration, and extraction time) were selected for optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction of the TPC and TFC via response surface methodology. The banana peel extract presented a maximum TPC and TFC of 68.2 mg GAE/g and 15.4 QE/g, respectively, when extracted under the following extraction conditions: a 6% solid‒solvent ratio, 50% ethanol, and 40 min extraction time. Banana peels showed 75.4±2.1% inhibition in the DPPH assay and 59.9±1.1% inhibition in the ABTS assay at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Banana peels presented significant enzyme inhibitor activity. The IC50 values of the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of the peel extract were 7.4±0.2 mg/mL and 9.5±0.09 mg/mL, respectively. Banana peel extract suppressed the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-1α, TNF-α, and IL-6 and upregulated the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-13 and IL-10). Banana peel can be utilized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities.
In-Vitro Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, Antihemolytic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ozonated Ziziphus spina-christi Oil Supported by GC–MS Analysis
Ozonation has emerged as an effective approach to enhance the biological efficacy of plant-derived oils through chemical modification. In this study, crude and ozonated Ziziphus spina-christi oils were chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis and evaluated in vitro for their biological activities. GC–MS profiling revealed that the crude oil consisted predominantly of oxygenated monoterpenes and aromatic esters, particularly eucalyptol and methyl salicylate, along with lower proportions of fatty acids and their derivatives. Following ozonation, a marked increase in oxygenated compounds was observed, including epoxidized fatty alcohol esters and alkyl ether alcohols. Ozonated oil showed pointedly enhanced antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), with inhibition zones of 37.0 ± 0.6, 31.0 ± 0.1, 25.0 ± 0.8, and 29.0 ± 0.8 mm against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, respectively. Ozonated oil inhibited biofilm formation by more than 80% at sub-MBC levels and reduced bacteria-induced hemolysis by up to 98.1% at 75% MIC. Time-kill kinetics confirmed rapid bactericidal effects within 180 min. Moreover, ozonated oil exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ of 2.40 ± 0.09 µg/mL. These findings highlight ozonated Z. spina-christi oil as a promising multifunctional bioactive agent.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marwa Yousry A. Mohamed
A Preliminary Study on the Antioxidant Activity of Lycium ruthenicum Polysaccharides in vitro/in vivo and its Protective Mechanism on Oxidized Damaged Cells
Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharides (LRP) are known to possess antioxidant effects. However, a systematic evaluation across chemical, cellular, and in vivo models have been lacking. The underlying metabolomic mechanisms also remain unexplored. This study systematically evaluated the antioxidant effects of LRP through in vitro assays, H₂O₂-induced AML12 hepatocytes, and liver tissue from mice, supplemented by untargeted metabolomic analysis of cell extracts to explore LRP’s antioxidant mechanisms. Results showed that LRP possessed significant oxygen radical absorbance capacity and potent scavenging activity against ABTS•+, DPPH•, and •OH radicals in vitro. In AML12 cells, LRP increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione reductase (GSH-Px), while effectively reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P<0.05). In mouse liver tissues, LRP may have slightly improved SOD and CAT levels while decreasing MDA levels (P>0.05). Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics revealed that LRP attenuated oxidative damage by modulating metabolic pathways, particularly glutathione metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and amino acid metabolism. These findings confirm the significant antioxidant potential of LRP, supporting its promise as a functional food ingredient.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jianhui Li, Ruoyu Wu, Li-e Liu, Yujiao Li, Lihua Ding, Hongping Li, Fei Yu
Effect of Drought and Salinity Stress on the Expression Level of Cry1Ac Endotoxins in Transgenic Bt Cotton
Cotton is a vital fiber crop and major agricultural product worldwide. It was genetically engineered with Cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), producing insecticidal proteins called Cry (Bt) toxins. Bt cotton efficacy depends on the expression level of these toxins, which abiotic stress negatively affects. This study examined how salinity and drought stress influence Cry1Ac endotoxin levels in transgenic Bt cotton. Initially, Cry1Ac transgene presence was confirmed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunostrip assays. Genotypes were then subjected to varying levels of salinity and drought stress under controlled conditions. Bt toxin levels were quantified using a commercial ELISA kit. Results showed that increasing drought and salt stress led to a decline in Bt protein expression. Toxin concentrations in genotypes MNH-886 and Bt-121 varied across different exposure durations (days three and six) during salinity treatment. FH-113 and 3701 genotypes exhibited variable Bt protein expression in response to drought. Specifically, genotype FH-113 exhibited higher toxin levels under drought conditions (20% PEG) compared to genotype 3701. These findings indicate that genetic background influenced Bt toxin expression under drought stress. In conclusion, increasing salinity and drought result in decreasing Cry1Ac toxin levels, which may negatively impact insect resistance efficacy of Bt cotton.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asmat Ali, Basit Ali, Zahid Hussain, Muhammad Amir Zia, Waqar Ali, Ziaur Rahman, Ayaz Ali Khan, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Aziza Mahdy Nahari, Ibtisam A. M. Alghabban , Reem Nabil Hassan , Haneen W. Abuauf
Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Essential Oil and Vitamin E from Discarded Tobacco Leaves Using Response Surface Methodology
Discarded tobacco leaves, a substantial agricultural by-product, represent an underutilized reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals. This study investigated the application of Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) using CO2 as a green technology for the recovery of tobacco oleoresin and α-tocopherol (Vitamin E). A Box-Behnken Design (BBD) integrated with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize critical process variables: extraction pressure, temperature, and time. Statistical analysis identified the model-predicted optimum conditions as 21.3 MPa, 45.8 °C, and 63.4 min, yielding a maximum oleoresin recovery of 1.36%. This empirical result exhibited high concordance with the model prediction, validating the robustness of the optimization. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis demonstrated the tunable selectivity of the SFE process. The relative content of the high-value antioxidant Vitamin E was preferentially enriched to 19.1% under density-controlled conditions (25 MPa and 40 °C), minimizing the co-extraction of impurities. These findings established SFE as a superior, eco-friendly strategy for the valorization of tobacco residues, offering a sustainable pathway for the production of functional ingredients for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaowei Tantai, Chuntao Zhang, Ruoxin Wu, Dou Ma , Xiaoming Xiao
Comparative Effects of Alkali Treatment on the Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Natural Fiber for Preliminary Insulation Material Screening
The effects of alkali treatment were studied relative to the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and banana fibers to evaluate their potential as insulation materials. Both fibers were subjected to several concentrations of sodium hydroxide (3, 6, and 9 wt%). The impact of altered fibers was assessed using image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile testing, and thermal characterisation. The diameters of both fibers were decreased post-treatment, along with reductions in lignin and hemicellulose contents inside the fibers. Tensile strength was enhanced by 29% to 177% with 3% alkaline treatments for both fibers, while 6% alkali treatment yielded superior results for both fibers. The NaOH-treated OPEFB and BF exhibited increased residual content after thermogravimetric analysis and enhanced thermal stability. SEM analysis revealed that 3% alkali treatment eliminated silica bodies from OPEFB fiber, but 6% alkali treatment consistently filled the porosity of BF. The results implied that alkali treatment of OPEFB fiber significantly enhanced compatibility and mechanical properties, whereas treated BF had improved thermal stability for the manufacture of composite materials. Thus, alkali treatment effectively enhanced OPEFB and banana fibers, making them promising candidates for insulation material applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur Sabrina Mohd Anuar, Edi Syams Zainudin, Mohd Zuhri Mohamed Yusoff, Zatil Hazrati Kamaruddin, Mohd Saiful Asmal Rani
Composition Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in Different Tree Species and Their Chemical Ecological Functions
Ancient trees represent a significant ecological niche, constituting a vital habitat for a variety of species. Moreover, they serve as a cultural heritage and are worthy of preservation. The systematic analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the wood of 11 species of ancient trees in Sichuan Province was performed using headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results revealed significant compositional variations were demonstrated across different species of ancient trees. This finding indicates species-specific chemical defense mechanisms that have evolved in response to environmental adaptation. For instance, Magnolia sargentiana exhibited a preference for terpene-based preservation, whereas Acer grosseri demonstrated a preference for lipid-derived aldehydes. Terpenoids, which are the dominant constituents (e.g., α-cedrene and β-cedrene in Magnolia sargentiana and hexanal in Acer grosseri), demonstrate antimicrobial, insect-repellent and ecological signaling functions. These findings contribute to the advancement of knowledge regarding the role of VOCs in woods in ecological interactions and lay the foundation for the development of natural antimicrobial, flavorant, and medicinal products.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ye Hu, Yuzi Pang, Shiji Jiaba; Chunxia Peng; Xiang Nong, Xuan Liu, Jian Li, Hao Yang, Wei Liu, Xinyu Wei, Jie Xiao
Mechanical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite
The fabrication and mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)–reinforced epoxy composites were evaluated with fiber loadings of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt%. Tensile and flexural properties were experimentally evaluated and validated using a finite element based Representative Volume Element (RVE) modelling approach. The results demonstrate that PALF incorporation significantly enhanced the mechanical performance of the epoxy matrix, with the 30 wt% PALF composite exhibiting maximum improvements in tensile strength (167%), Young’s modulus (24%), and flexural strength (143%) relative to neat epoxy. The RVE model successfully predicted the elastic modulus, showing close agreement with experimental results and classical micromechanical models, including the Rule of Mixtures and Mori–Tanaka formulations. In addition, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) predictions of tensile and flexural strengths deviated by less than 10% from experimental values, confirming the robustness of the numerical framework. The integrated experimental–numerical methodology presented in this work provides a reliable basis for the design and assessment of sustainable PALF–epoxy composites for lightweight structural applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sundarasetty Harishbabu, Abdullah A. Elfar, P. S. Rama Sreekanth, Santosh Kumar Sahu, It Ee Lee, Eng Eng Ngu, Borhen Louhichi
Diversity and Spatial Distribution of Urban Heritage Tree Resources under Rapid Urbanization: Evidence from Anqing, China
Heritage trees link natural ecosystems and cultural heritage, offering essential ecosystem services and embodying historical and community identity. This study investigated 318 heritage trees in Anqing City, southwest Anhui Province, China—a historically significant area undergoing rapid urbanization—through field surveys (June 2023 to October 2025), historical records, and spatial analysis. The trees comprise 50 species from 27 families, dominated by Liquidambar formosana, followed by Camphora officinarum and Pterocarya stenoptera. Species richness was highest in Yixiu District, while Daguan District showed the greatest diversity and evenness despite lowest abundance. Trees exhibited clustered distribution around temples, traditional villages, historical gardens, and institutional sites, reflecting cultural preferences and historical land use. Population structure skewed toward younger (74.5% aged 100 to 175 years) and moderate-sized trees, attributable to historical disturbances, recent protection policies, and urbanization impacts. Key threats include urban expansion, infrastructure damage, fragmented governance, inadequate maintenance, and climate change. The findings reveal the combined influence of ecological adaptability, cultural traditions, and anthropogenic factors on tree composition and distribution. Strengthened legal frameworks, scientific management, urban planning integration, community engagement, sustainable funding, and climate adaptation are needed. This work provides evidence-based recommendations for heritage tree protection in Anqing and insights for similar urbanizing regions in China.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yang Pan, Xingyu Luo, Zhiqiang Fan, Huali Zeng, Yuewei Tong, Xiaoyan Xiang, Chunping Xie
Detection of Defects in Glue Bonding of Cross-laminated Timber Using Experimental and Numerical Modal Analysis
The preferred structural elements for taller timber buildings include cross-laminated timber (CLT), the performance of which significantly depends on the adhesive bond (AB) quality that may be influenced by manufacturing or factors within the service life. Both may contribute to a delamination, which represents a serious structural damage of the CLT. The study utilised both experimental and numerical modal analyses to assess the influence of damaged AB on CLT vibrational behavior. Both approaches confirmed that the CLT stiffness and eigenfrequencies decreased with AB damage, and both found agreement on certain modal shapes. FEA showed ideal patterns also in terms of localization of the damaged AB using modal shape damage index. Meanwhile, experiments showed its limits due to natural variability of wood, CLT, and measurement setup. The obtained results show a potential for in situ grading and inspection. However, the effect of variability of material properties of CLT should be studied further.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vaclav Sebera , Patrik Nop, Jan Zlámal, David Děcký, Marek Nociar
Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Properties of Vinegars Obtained from Naturally Grown Berry Fruits in the Black Sea Region
Fruit vinegar samples obtained from six different fruits (hawthorn, strawberry, mulberry, kiwi, grape, and rosehip) were evaluated in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), and selected phenolic and organic acid profiles. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were observed in kiwi vinegar, measuring 676 mg GAE L⁻¹ and 694 mg QE L⁻¹, respectively. Regarding DPPH antioxidant activity, the highest values were recorded for kiwi, strawberry, and mulberry fruit vinegars (93%, 92%, and 92%, respectively). Among phenolic acids, mulberry fruit vinegar was rich in protocatechuic acid, rosehip fruit vinegar contained high levels of gentisic acid, and ellagic acid was abundant in both grape and kiwi fruit vinegars. Concerning organic acids, rosehip fruit vinegar exhibited remarkable levels of acetic and tartaric acids. These results demonstrate significant biochemical differences among the studied fruit vinegars and highlight kiwi, strawberry, and rosehip fruit vinegars as particularly valuable sources of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayşen Melda Çolak, Fatma Alan
Thermal Decomposition Properties of Pinus radiata Derived Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carbon Quantum Dot Composites
Although carbon quantum dot (CQDs) films exhibit excellent optical, mechanical, and water resistance properties, they have received less attention in terms of thermal stability. Attention to the thermal decomposition behavior is of significant importance to the heat treatment process. Different models were used to calculate the pyrolysis kinetic parameters of the films, including the Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method, the modified Coats-Redfern method, the Kissinger method, the Friedman method, and the Gaussian fitting method. The results showed that half of the mass loss of the film occurred at 300 °C, and 80% of the mass loss occurred in the next 200 °C. The apparent activation energy of the films ranged between 110 and 150 kJ/mol. The addition of CQDs and nanocellulose did not improve the apparent activation energy of the films, but it slowed down the rate of mass loss of the films. The thermal decomposition behavior is useful to understand the properties of the films during the blending, heat treatment and to guide the processes such as heat treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shiqi Xu, Keke Liang , Zhuangzhuang Teng , Yutong Wang
Herbaceous Biomass Dynamics and the Interacting Roles of Nitrogen and Plant Diversity across Elevational and Habitat Degradation Gradients
Mountain ecosystems are under increasing pressure from forest degradation, which can alter key ecological indicators, including herbaceous biomass production. This study considered how herbaceous above-ground biomass (AGB) is influenced by degradation intensity, nitrogen availability, elevation, and species richness in temperate and subtropical forests of the Hindu Kush Himalayas. Data from 200 systematically placed plots were analyzed using bivariate and correlation methods, followed by structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess both direct and indirect pathways affecting herbaceous biomass. The results showed that available nitrogen was the strongest predictor of biomass (β = 0.77, p < 0.001), followed by species richness (β = 0.18, p < 0.05). Degradation reduced biomass indirectly by decreasing nitrogen (β = -0.72, p < 0.001) and species richness (β = -0.59, p < 0.001). Moderate degradation also negatively influenced subtropical habitat (β = -0.82, p < 0.001) and nitrogen (β = -0.43, p < 0.01). Higher nitrogen levels were significantly associated with less degradation (β = -0.47, p < 0.001), suggesting a protective effect of nitrogen-rich soils. Elevation had no direct effect on biomass but reduced subtropical forests (β = -0.82, p < 0.001) and increased moist temperate forests (β = 0.35, p < 0.01). The model identified nitrogen as the main driver of productivity, while degradation disrupted soil fertility and biodiversity, especially in vulnerable low-elevation forests.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rashid Ahmed, Abd Ullah, Alam Zeb, Khalid Khan, Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar, Ghulam Nabi, Muhammad Nauman Ahmad, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Rewaa S. Jalal
Mechanical Performance and Energy Absorption Characteristics of Sustainable Bio-based Luffa/Woven Carbon Fabric Hybrid Epoxy Composites
Mechanical behavior was tested for hybrid composites with natural luffa fiber and artificial woven carbon fabrics within an epoxy matrix with orientation angles of [90°], [45°], and [0/90°]. Specimens were produced with artificial and natural fibers in a four-layer configuration. Three-point bending, tensile, and low-speed impact tests were applied. In tensile tests, specimen [0/90º Carbon - Luffa - Luffa - 0/90º Carbon] exhibited the highest strength, reaching approximately 42 MPa. In three-point bending tests, specimen [0/90º Carbon - Luffa - Luffa - 0/90º Carbon] showed the highest force of approximately 120 N. In low-speed impact tests, at an impact energy of 5 J, the impactor rebounded without penetrating any of the specimens. At an impact energy of 15 J, punctures and fiber damage occurred in samples [90º Carbon - Luffa - Luffa - 90º Carbon] and [45º Carbon - Luffa - Luffa - 45º Carbon]. In contrast, sample [0/90º Carbon - Luffa - Luffa - 0/90º Carbon] reached maximum force values of approximately 6000 N at 15 J impact energy and approximately 3500 N at 5 J impact energy, exhibiting higher impact resistance without puncture. Based on these results, the woven carbon fabric orientation angle had a decisive effect on the bending, tensile, and impact behavior of hybrid composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ercan Şimşir, Ibrahim Yavuz, Emre Serbest
Effect of Heat Treatment and Cryogenic Treatment on Chemical Components of Rowan (Sorbus torminalis L.) Wood
This study investigated the changes in the chemical composition of Rowan (Sorbus torminalis L.) when subjected to heat treatment (HT) and cryogenic treatment (Cr). Rowan wood was treated with HT at two different temperatures (190 and 212 °C) and times (1 and 2 hours). Subsequently, Cr was applied to some of the HT samples and a control sample (Control), creating a total of 8 experimental variations. The content of lignin, holocellulose, alpha-cellulose, ash, and the solubilities of hot water, 1% NaOH, and acetone, were determined. The control and the samples treated with HT and Cr showed differences in most of the investigated properties. For example, the amount of lignin in the samples increased as the HT temperature and time increased (maximum increase of 94.5%). However, Cr was found to limit this increase. Hemicelluloses were the most degraded components during HT, while the degradation of alpha-cellulose was much more limited. In contrast, Cr slightly increased the amounts of hemicelluloses and alpha-cellulose in the heat-treated samples. While HT (212 °C, 2 h) increased the amount of extractives by 2.3 times, Cr caused a decrease in the Control, but greatly reduced this increase in other samples.
EU Wood Products and Waste Markets: Trends, Trade Dynamics, and Sustainability Perspective
The transition to circular bioeconomy in the European Union prioritizes efficient wood resource utilization and waste reduction. This study investigated interrelationships among production of sawnwood and particleboard, as well as intra- and extra-EU wood waste trade from 2004 to 2023 to evaluate alignment with sustainability and climate policy objectives. Eurostat data were analyzed using correlation, cross-correlation, and regression analyses. Sawnwood production peaked at 113.1 million cubic meters in 2007 and declined to 88.3 million cubic meters in 2023. Particleboard production decreased from 80.3 to 52.2 million cubic meters over the same period. Wood waste generation reached 63.1 million tonnes in 2008 and fell to 46.8 million tonnes in 2022, during which time the wood processing sector reduced waste by nearly 68%. No consistent relationship was identified between sawnwood production and internal wood waste trade, nor between internal waste trade and particleboard production. Imports of wood waste demonstrated delayed positive effects on production, and a moderate positive relationship was observed between internal waste trade and waste imports. Using wood residues for energy recovery limits its availability for higher value applications. These findings emphasize the necessity for policies that balance renewable energy targets with long-term material circularity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jelena Crnojević, Andreja Pirc Barčić, Azra Tafro, Karla Vukman, Kristina Klarić, Manja Kitek Kuzman , Ivana Perić
Techno-Economic and Sustainability Assessment of a Circular Two-Stage Olive Mill Wastewater Treatment System Using Olive Pomace-Derived Activated Carbon
This study presents a sustainable and cost-effective approach for treating olive mill wastewater (OMWW) using activated carbon derived from olive pomace, a major by-product of olive oil production. The proposed system integrates the production of this adsorbent with wastewater treatment in a two-stage, circular process that combines acid precipitation and adsorption. The prepared activated carbon exhibited a well-developed porous structure and high iodine value (948 mg/g), enabling efficient removal of phenolic compounds from OMWW. The results showed removal efficiencies exceeding 99% for phenolic compounds, along with significant reductions in key pollutants, including chemical oxygen demand and total organic carbon. It was hypothesized that integrating waste valorization with wastewater treatment can enhance both environmental and economic performance. The findings confirmed this hypothesis, demonstrating high treatment efficiency and substantial cost reduction through process optimization, including reduced adsorbent dosage and reuse. Process optimization, including reduced adsorbent dosage and reuse, led to a substantial decrease in treatment costs. Overall, this study demonstrated that integrating waste valorization with wastewater treatment offers an effective and practical solution for environmental management. The findings highlight the potential of olive pomace-derived activated carbon as a low-cost and sustainable adsorbent for large-scale applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Raid Alrowais, Mahmoud M. Abdel daiem , Rania Saber Yousef , Osama konsowa Ahmed , Amany A. Metwally , Noha Said
Green-Synthesized SeO/ZnO Nanocomposites from Musa acuminata Peel: Implications for Anticancer and Antimicrobial Strategies in Public Health
An eco-friendly one-pot approach was employed to biosynthesize selenium oxide/zinc oxide (SeO/ZnO) nanocomposites using banana peel (Musa acuminata L.) extract. The phytogenic nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, and EDX analyses. A distinct absorbance peak at 336 nm confirmed nanocomposite formation, while FTIR results indicated the involvement of plant phytochemicals in stabilization and surface functionalization processes. TEM images revealed quasi-spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 64 nm. Elemental analysis (EDX) confirmed the presence of selenium and zinc, suggesting that selenium is predominantly present in oxide form (SeO) within the ZnO matrix. Biological evaluations showed significant multifunctional activity. The SeO/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited selective antiproliferative activity against A549 lung cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 100.9 µg/mL) compared to normal Vero cells (IC₅₀ = 263.5 µg/mL), indicating favorable selectivity. Pronounced antibacterial activity was observed, particularly against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 62.5 µg/mL; inhibition zone = 27.8 ± 0.75 mm). Concentration-dependent antioxidant activity was confirmed using DPPH and ABTS assays, with IC₅₀ values of 256.8 and 339.40 µg/mL, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nada H. Aljarba, Hamida Hamdi, Luluah M. Al Masoudib, Noha T. Al Thagafib, Ashwaq T. Althobaiti, Dalal M. Alkuraythi, Dina A. Altwileyd , Adil Abalkhail, Mohamed K. Y. Soliman
Impact of the Foliar Application of Yeast, Vermicompost Tea, and their Combinations as Biostimulants on Orange Productivity and Fruit Quality
Increasing the use of chemical fertilizers to keep pace with the continuous increase in population leads to deterioration of soil fertility, air and groundwater pollution, and the disruption of beneficial microbes. Therefore, there is a necessity to use biostimulants. Biostimulants are valuable for sustainable fruit crop production, boosting growth and plant health. Used with fertilizers, they improve nutrient efficiency and resilience, supporting productivity and environmental goals. Biostimulants promote the blooming, development, and yield of fruit plants. The current study was conducted on navel orange trees cv. Washington grafted on Volkmeriana rootstock during the 2024 and 2025 seasons to investigate the influence of the spraying of yeast extract (YE) at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3%, vermicompost tea (VCT) at 2, 4, and 6%, and their combinations: 0.1% YE + 2% VCT; 0.2% YE + 4% VCT; 0.3% YE + 6% VCT, compared to trees that were not sprayed. The trees were sprayed three times: before flowering in March, during full bloom, and one month after the second spraying. The results showed that spraying YE, VCT, and their combinations significantly improved vegetative growth parameters, yield, fruit physical and chemical characteristics, and leaf macro- and micronutrient mineral content compared with non-sprayed trees in both seasons.
Copyright (c) 2026 Walid F. A. Mosa, Khalid F. Almutairi , Iqra Mubeen , Eligio Malusà
Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Property, Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Efficacies of Brown Seaweed Extracts
The proximate compositions of seaweeds, namely Sargassum boveanum, Padina gymnospora, and Dictyota dichotoma, were analyzed. The dried powder was further extracted via ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and chloroform, and the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined. The ethanolic extracts presented greater yields than the other solvents did, and the values ranged from 5.1±0.9 to 25.2±1.3, 2.2±0.4 to 35.3±1.1, and 3.3±0.5 to 20.6±1.2, for S. boveanum, P. gymnospora, and D. dichotoma, respectively. The highest total flavonoid and phenolic contents were found in the ethyl acetate extract of P. gymnospora, with values of 91.5±1.2 mg QE/g and 178.3±1.1 mg GAE/g, respectively. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-scavenging assay, ferric reduction activity powder (FRAP) assay, and ABTS method were used. The ethyl acetate extract of P. gymnospora presented the maximum DPPH activity (65.3±1.1 TE/g), whereas the ethanol extract presented 27.6±0.5 AAE/g in the FRAP assay, and the ethyl acetate extract presented 37.3±0.8 TE/g activity. The ethyl acetate extract of P. gymnospora presented higher α-amylase inhibitory activity (0.28±0.04 mg/mL), whereas the ethanol extract of S. boveanum presented higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (0.31±0.02 mg/mL). The maximum human red blood cell protection activity (43.7±1.2%) and cyclooxygenase enzyme -2 inhibition(37.1±0.2%) activity were observed in the ethyl acetate fraction of S. boveanum.
Sensitivity of Aromatic Carbon in Sugarcane Mill Mud to Photolysis within the Visible Range
Direct and indirect photolysis are the primary fate pathways of natural organic matter (NOM) impacting the global carbon cycle in surface soils. For NOM, opposite trends in structural changes are often observed between photolytic and dark aerobic transformations. Industrial organic byproducts are generated under more controlled conditions than NOM, and their photochemical fate is largely unknown. This study employed optical methods (fluorescence, UV/visible) to trace the changes in conjugated structures of sugar processing byproduct (mill mud) for 2 wk. After an initial (≈1 wk) lag period, photolysis became dominant over dark reactions. Photolysis increased the aromaticity (higher emission wavelength peaks) and estimated amount (higher fluorescence intensity) of chromophores, and the effects were greater for pristine than aged mill mud. However, field aging of mill mud transformed reactive chromophores into stable aromatic structures with characteristic ≈400 nm emission that were resistant to photolysis or dark reaction. Factory mill mud showed similar fate pathways as NOM. Anaerobic incubation in dark formed absorbance peaks at 280 and 320 nm typically observed in NOM. Slope ratios for those peaks were decreased by photolysis, indicating the formation of aromatic structures. In summary, visible range irradiation is sensitive to conjugated double bonds, and could be used to add values to industrial byproducts, and to evaluate their fate as a soil amendment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mionori Uchimiya, Kaitlyn Taylor
Effects of Torrefied Sawdust–Vermiculite Mixtures as Ethylene Scavengers on Shelf-Life Extension of Fruit Quality
Torrefied sawdust has gained attention as a carbon-rich material with enhanced porosity and adsorption properties, making it a promising candidate for ethylene scavenging to extend fruit shelf life. In this study, torrefied oak sawdust was mixed with vermiculite to prepare ethylene scavenger mixtures, and their adsorption performance and effects on fruit quality were systematically evaluated. Laboratory-scale measurements showed that increasing the proportion of torrefied sawdust significantly enhanced ethylene adsorption. Response surface methodology (Box–Behnken design) identified optimal preparation conditions (66% torrefied sawdust, 2 mm particle size, and 342 h exposure) yielding an adsorption efficiency of approximately 84%. Compared with pure vermiculite, the optimized mixture provided substantially higher ethylene removal capacity and contributed to more than a two-fold extension of apple shelf life during storage. These findings highlight the potential of torrefied sawdust–based mixtures as effective, low-cost ethylene scavengers for postharvest fruit preservation and provide valuable design parameters for future material optimization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Si Young Ha, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Woo Soak Lim, Jae-Kyung Yang
Inhibiting Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi Using Active Fractions of Forsskaolea tenacissima and Juniperus communis: An In Vitro and In Silico Assessment
The antifungal activity and phytochemical constituents of aerial parts of Juniperus communis L., and Forsskaolea tenacissima L. were investigated relative to the growth and the excretion of fungal toxins for Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, and F. verticilliodes. The phytochemical screening of aquamethanolic extracts was determined via GC-MS. The extract of J. communis had thirty- eight molecules, whereas the fractionation of F. tenacissima showed twenty-nine molecules. The extract of F. tenacissima had the highest antifungal impact towards tested fungi and played a primary role in the control of mycotoxins synthesis by the tested fungi. There were dramatic differences between the inhibiting roles of both extracts. F. tenacissima was favored, having the highest effect in reducing aflatoxins, o-methyl sterigmatocystin, fugilin, macrofusine, and 1-hydroxycyclobut-1-ene-3,4-dione by 22.6, 41.5, 37.2, 32.2, 26.6, and 25.3%, compared to 20.5, 35.3, 30.8, 23.5, 23.8, and 17.1% for treatment by J. communis extract. The maximum affinity of -10.6 was found for the 5ICC_A piperlonguminine at site 1 (X, Y, Z: -15.282, 21.785, 5.672). Compounds such as mycotoxins were found to have binding features to protein residues of Omt-A, as shown by computational interaction at the molecular level.
Copyright (c) 2026 Eman M. Adelkareema, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Medhat A. El-Naggar, Mohamed I. Ammara, Sultan Mohammed Areshi, Rania S. Shehata, Suzan M. Hussien