This study was conducted to determine the effects of CO₂ laser scanning speed, laser processing power, and fiber direction on color change and surface roughness in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Eastern beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) wood. To this end, laser processing was performed at four scanning speeds (200, 300, 400, and 500 mm/s) and five power levels (12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, and 16%) in both parallel and perpendicular directions to the grain. The surface roughness and total color changes observed in the samples were determined in accordance with TS EN ISO 21920-2 and ASTM D2244-25 standards. As a result, while Scots pine samples exhibited higher roughness values than Eastern beech, the total color change was higher in Eastern beech samples. A low scanning speed and high laser power increased both roughness and color change. Processing parallel to the grain increased roughness, while processing perpendicular to the grain resulted in a higher color change.
The seismic performance analysis of timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is important. Combined with Rayleigh damping model and stiffness proportional damping model, the damping matrix of the timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is constructed. Based on the fine calculation method, the numerical method of time-domain dynamic responses for timber frame structures with viscoelastic damper is proposed, which can be used to calculate the time-domain dynamic responses. Then the peak top displacement and peak bottom shear force are selected as the indicators, which are used to analyze the arrangement of viscoelastic dampers in wooden frame structures. Numerical results show that compared to viscoelastic dampers at the top and middle, viscoelastic damper at the bottom is the most advantageous for improving the seismic performance of the structure, which can be given priority consideration in design.
Eucalyptus globulus Labill essential oil was chemically characterized and evaluated for selected biological activities using integrated in vitro assays supported by exploratory in silico analysis. GC–MS profiling identified 8 constituents, with 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) representing 90.51% of the total composition, indicating a cineole-dominant chemical profile. Antibacterial screening was performed against three clinical isolates and three reference strains, representing Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The essential oil produced inhibition zones ranging from 24.3 to 38.8 mm, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 62.5 to 125 µg/mL, depending on the strain. Biofilm biomass testing demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition, with the strongest reduction observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (61.35% at 0.5 MIC). Antioxidant evaluation using DPPH and ABTS assays revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging activity. Cytotoxicity screening in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines showed concentration-dependent responses with IC₅₀ values of 24.4 ± 0.15 and 59.52 ± 0.35 µg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking suggested moderate interaction of eucalyptol with bacterial DNA gyrase through hydrophobic contacts and hydrogen bonding. This study provides integrated chemical and functional characterization of Eucalyptus globulus Labill oil and supports further investigation of eucalyptus-derived volatile compositions in antimicrobial and biofilm-control research, while indicating that additional pharmacological, selectivity, and in vivo studies are required before translational application.
Structural particleboard (SPB) is a promising structural wood-based panel that can be manufactured using existing particleboard production facilities. Although product performance requirements for SPB have been only partially established, developed SPB panels have demonstrated basic product-level properties such as bending performance, internal bond strength, moisture resistance, and formaldehyde emission. However, experimental verification of structural performance is required for practical structural applications. In this study, newly developed SPB was evaluated for product performance and structural performance, including compressive strength, structural bending performance, and in-plane shear strength, and the results were compared with those of conventional particleboard (PB) and oriented strand board (OSB). To assess reliability as a structural material, coefficients of variation and 5th percentile were examined in addition to mean values. SPB satisfied all product performance requirements and showed superior compressive performance compared with OSB and conventional PB in terms of both mean and 5th percentile. In bending, SPB exhibited structural performance comparable to that of OSB in the major axis and showed competitive performance based on the 5th percentile. In-plane shear performance was also stable in terms of mean value, variability, and 5th percentile. These findings demonstrate that SPB has strong potential for use as a structural wood-based panel.
Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using Lantana camara leaf extract and evaluate their in vitro anticancer activity against human KB cells. The AuNPs were characterized using various techniques. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of AuNPs against KB cells. Staining techniques were used to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and assess apoptotic cell death in AuNP-treated KB cells. Furthermore, the caspase activities were examined to verify the induction of apoptosis. The antibacterial activity of AuNPs was also evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. The results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited predominantly spherical morphology with an average particle size of 40 to 80 nm. The assay revealed a dose‑dependent cytotoxic effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 30 µg/mL against KB cells formulated AuNPs effectively inhibited KB cell proliferation, enhanced intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, as confirmed by fluorescence staining and elevated caspase activities. The AuNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial properties, producing inhibition zones of up to 23 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 15 mm against Escherichia coli. In summary, the L. camara-mediated AuNPs exhibited a substantial anticancer potential against oral cancer cells and demonstrated encouraging antibacterial properties.
This communication examines the revitalization of the pratuokng, a traditional Bidayuh bamboo tube zither from Annah Rais, Sarawak, through a qualitative ethnographic case study. A pratuokng is an idiochord tube zither, a musical instrument consisting of one drum and seven strings. Data were collected through interviews with cultural practitioner Arthur Borman, observation of teaching and performance contexts, and review of relevant ethnomusicological literature. The study analyzes how instrument knowledge, tuning practices, and performance techniques are transmitted and adapted in response to contemporary social change and strategies used in encouraging younger generations to performed with pratuokng. Particular attention is given to Borman’s innovations in instrument configuration and musical range, and to how these developments generate debate regarding authenticity, legitimacy, and cultural authority. Previously published acoustic data are referenced to contextualize sound behavior; however, the analytic focus of this paper remains interpretive rather than experimental. Theoretically, the study contributes to discussions on cultural sustainability by framing tradition as a negotiated, evolving process rather than a fixed object. Findings indicate that context-sensitive innovation, community-based pedagogy, and selective global exposure can support continuity of endangered musical heritage while maintaining cultural integrity.
As a major consumer of soybean, the growth in China’s annual soybean production is crucial to its national food security. Both maize and soybean are upland crops with overlapping growth periods, leading to trade-offs in production when either crop is cultivated as a sole crop. However, the soybean-maize strip intercropping system enables the production of an additional soybean harvest with only a slight reduction or no loss in maize yield, thereby making a highly significant contribution to the expansion of total grain output. This study explored the effects of maize varietal traits and maize density on the production indicators of the two crops under this intercropping model by designing different maize varieties and maize planting densities. The results showed that maize lodging extent had an extremely significant negative correlation with maize yield and gross income. Maize plant height had a significant negative correlation with maize 100-grain weight, soybean SPAD values, and soybean grains per plant. Within a certain range, as maize density increased, maize yield first increased and then decreased, while soybean yield showed a continuous downward trend. Based on this regularity, a quadratic function mathematical model was constructed, with maize planting density as the independent variable and production benefit per unit area as the dependent variable. This model can be used to determine the optimal maize planting density for soybean-maize relay strip intercropping. This study identifies suitable maize varieties and optimal planting density, thereby providing references for local production practices.
This study investigated the influence of nanosilica on the vibro-acoustic behavior, microstructure, and structural characteristics of composites based on poplar wood flour and recycled polystyrene. Composites containing 50 wt% wood flour and 0, 2, 4, and 6 phc nanosilica were prepared using twin-screw extrusion. Vibro-acoustic properties were evaluated using a non-destructive flexural vibration method, while the fractured-surface morphology and diffraction characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Nanosilica caused only minor changes in sound velocity, loss tangent, acoustic coefficient, acoustic conversion efficiency, and dynamic modulus of elasticity, with no statistically significant differences among the formulations (p > 0.05). SEM images showed apparent reductions in interfacial voids and improved contact between the wood flour and polymer matrix with nanosilica incorporation. XRD patterns indicated that the composites retained a predominantly amorphous character, while the changes in diffraction intensity suggested differences in X-ray scattering following nanosilica incorporation. Overall, nanosilica altered the apparent microstructural characteristics of the composites without significantly affecting their vibro-acoustic performance. The combination of stable vibro-acoustic properties and the use of recycled polystyrene suggests potential for these composites in lightweight panel and interior applications where stable acoustic behavior is desirable.
Silver–selenium nanoparticles (Ag–Se NPs) were successfully prepared using Punica granatum peel extract via a green, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed by a characteristic UV–Vis absorbance peak at 436 nm, while FTIR analysis indicated the involvement of functional groups in reduction and stabilization. TEM analysis showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 44.9 ± 19 nm. The synthesized Ag–Se NPs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis, with inhibition zones of 17.8, 20.3, and 16.2 mm, respectively. The MIC values ranged from 62.5 to 500 µg/mL, confirming concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles showed significant antibiofilm activity, reaching 62.3% inhibition against E. coli at higher concentrations. Cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated selective activity, with IC₅₀ values of 209 µg/mL for Vero normal cells and 115 µg/mL for MCF-7 cancer cells. Furthermore, antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays showed IC₅₀ values of 458 and 312 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that green-synthesized Ag–Se NPs possess multifunctional biological activities, making them promising candidates for antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant applications.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different substrates containing oak acorn kernel on the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus for yield, biological efficiency (BE), and nutritional content. Different lignocellulosic wastes were used: Oak Acorn Kernel (AK), Oak Acorn Shell (AS), Oak Acorn Cup (AC), Hazelnut Branch (HB), Wheat Straw (WS), Acacia Branch (AB), Corncob (CC), and Oak Sawdust (OW). Substrates were prepared at 100% ratio and as 50% mixtures with WS; additionally, AK was supplemented with OW at 10%, 30%, and 50% ratios. Protein, phenolic content, and mineral compositions of mushrooms were analyzed. Chemical composition of substrates were revealed through chemical analyses. The highest mushroom yield was obtained from 50WS+50CC with 205.7 g/kg, while the maximum biological efficiency (57.6%) and benefit–cost ratio (4.98) were determined in the 50OW+50AK. The greatest phenolic content was found in mushrooms of HB substrate (58.781 mg GAE/g), the highest protein contents were detected in mushrooms grown on OW (28.43 g/100g) and AK (29.21 g/100g). Cu, Mn, P, and Zn elements were found to be higher in mushrooms of OW and AK substrates. This study makes a significant contribution to the circular economy by converting low-value forest wastes into value-added food products such as edible mushrooms.
Bamboo stands out as a promising resource for sustainable industrial applications due to its rapid growth, superior mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. Its use in sectors such as civil construction, the pulp and paper industry, and energy generation reinforces its role as a strategic alternative to traditional and non-renewable materials. Thus, the effective advancement of its industrial applications can benefit from a systematic mapping of current scientific trends. This helps in identifying emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and priority opportunities for sustainable innovation. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature related to the industrial uses of bamboo, for the period 2010 to 2025, based on data extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using the Bibliometrix software. The investigation maps academic output, including the temporal evolution of publications, key authors, collaborative networks, top journals, and emerging thematic trends. The results contribute to systematizing existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and supporting the development of strategies aimed at consolidating bamboo as a sustainable industrial resource.
The increasing global demand for freshwater and the growing issue of water pollution, particularly from industrial sources, motivates efforts to develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies. This research focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with bamboo-derived cellulose nanocomposites for dye removal. The study aimed to overcome the hydrophobic limitations of PVDF membranes by incorporating cellulose, which is known for its hydrophilic and dye adsorption properties. The membranes were fabricated using different cellulose contents (2% to 6%) and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes’ performance was assessed through water contact angle (WCA), water permeation flux and dye rejection tests. Results indicated that increasing cellulose concentration improved membrane porosity, water permeability, and dye rejection capabilities. The 6% cellulose membrane demonstrated low water contact angle value with highest water flux with 317.95 L/m²h and dye rejection of 51% after 10 min, stabilizing at 41% after 70 min. This enhancement was attributed to cellulose’s hydrophilic nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds with dye molecules, thereby improving dye removal efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose-enhanced PVDF membranes for industrial wastewater treatment, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate water pollution and promote environmental sustainability.
Historical woods are one of the most important natural resources in the world. Known wood species used in the past can be an elementary key for understanding traditional communities or old societies, registering cultural expressions, and making strategies for forest conservation. In addition, this knowledge can contribute to cultural agencies’ efforts in heritage preservation. On the other hand, the megabiodiversity found in tropical regions, such as Brazil, can pose an important challenge to successfully identifying wood species. In the rainforests of many regions, more than 450 wood species can be found, including trees and shrub components. Of this total, more than 100 species are used for cultural heritage. This number is incredibly higher than the usual number for cultural use in temperate regions. It is likely that many cultural species are still unknown. This paper introduces the concept of a collection specialized in cultural woods as a new frontier for the historical anatomy of tropical areas.
The concept of color is not always suitable for some trees according to customers’ preferences. The color of the wooden material changes with processes such as heat treatment, impregnation, bleaching, etc. When the color of the wooden material changes, the surface also undergoes changes in its inherent properties. African ebony (Diospyros crassiflora Hiern.), black ebony (Diospyros ebenum), and Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) wood species were treated using a single-component bleaching chemical [oxalic acid (C2H2O4)] and double component bleaching chemical [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) + sodium hydroxide (NaOH)] using a brushing technique. Subsequently, the characteristics of the changes that occurred were determined, including color parameters and whiteness index (WI*) values. The wood species exhibited different behaviors (increases and decreases specific to each test) in response to both bleaching agents. There was an observed increase in the a*, b* and C* values, while the ho values decreased for all wood species. Furthermore, WI* values in directions perpendicular and parallel to the fibers were reduced in all wood species by oxalic acid treatment.
Surface roughness plays a critical role in determining the performance and quality of paper products; however, its accurate determination depends strongly on the geometry of the stylus used in contact profilometry. Herein, the effect of stylus-tip size on surface roughness characterization was evaluated along with the suitability of fractal dimension (FD) analysis as a supplementary metric. Styluses with tip radii ranging from 0.25 to 1.75 mm were examined, and a 0.5-mm stylus tip (0.5R) yielded the most stable and reliable surface roughness measurements under a constant contact force of 5 gf. Coating considerably reduced surface roughness fluctuations, with the roughness mean absolute deviation (RMAD) decreasing by 78%. A comparison between a 0.5R conical stylus and a pyramidal stylus showed strong agreement in the Ra and RMAD values, confirming that the conical design maintained minimal contact area. High-resolution profilometry (0.1-μm spacing distance and 200,000 data points per scan) enabled the computation of FD via power spectral density analysis. FD values approached 2 for coated paper, reflecting a transition from line-dominated to more areal surface structures. These findings indicate that stylus selection critically affects surface roughness characterizations and that FD serves as a useful complementary descriptor for surface roughness changes.
While the rheological properties of low-consistency cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions and the mechanical properties of dry CNF films have been reported, research on high-consistency suspensions and wet CNF mats remains limited. Understanding suspension behavior during dewatering over a wide range of solids contents is essential. In this study, CNF consistency was controlled up to 20% using pressurized dewatering, and rheological behavior was characterized up to 10.2% solids content. Tensile testing was applied at higher concentrations where mat-like behavior emerged. The network strength followed a consistent power-law relationship across the entire solids content range, with a scaling exponent of 2.74, indicating that CNF flocculation is fundamentally similar to that of pulp fiber behavior despite its higher aspect ratio and smaller dimensions. CNF initiated network formation at a consistency more than twice as low as that of pulp fiber and exhibited a 5- to 20-fold higher network strength. At high solids contents, tensile strength increased exponentially, while elongation reached a maximum at approximately 50% solids content, suggesting a transition from capillary-driven consolidation to a hydrogen-bonded network. Nanofibrillation enhanced both tensile breaking stress and strain-at-break across all investigated solids contents. These results provide a framework for controlling CNF structural properties during dewatering and consolidation.
The biogenic amalgamation of P-gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) was achieved utilizing the unrefined extract of the endophytic organism Fusarium solani ATLOY-04 swarmed in Plumbago rosea. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized via UV‒Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Dynamic light scattering, revealing that 8 to 15 nm nanoparticles were synthesized and were stable. The effects of anticancer cells (MCF-7) on colon cancer (HT-29) and human breast cancer were tested. After the P-AuNPs-treated cells hatched, the MTT test revealed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with the greatest toxicity observed in the cells treated with the μ g/mL and 60 μ g/mL doses of P-AuNPs. The observation of additional apoptotic cells utilizing AO/EtBr, DAPI, and Rhodamine 123 revealed that P-AuNPs initiated apoptosis within the treated cells via atomic fracture, layer breakage, and disturbance of the MMP. Stream cytometry results revealed that cancer cells gathered within the G1 stage after treatment with P-AuNPs, which shows that P-AuNPs affected cancer cell cycle progression. Gold nanoparticles increased the expression of caspase 3 genes and downregulatedp53 protein in MCF-7 cell lines.
Reliable embedment properties are essential for the design of bolted glulam connections, yet most available equations were developed for sawn timber. This study investigated the embedment behavior of Douglas-fir glued-laminated timber by full-hole tests on 13 specimen series with a constant 1 mm hole clearance. The matrix was designed to isolate the effects of bolt diameter (8 to 16 mm), load-to-grain angle (0 to 90°), and member thickness (30 to 40 mm). Increasing bolt diameter markedly increased embedment stiffness, from 4.20 to 8.46 kN/mm in the 35 mm parallel-to-grain series, while strength changed only slightly. For the 12 mm reference series, both yield strength and stiffness decreased from 0° to 60° and then partially recovered at 90°, confirming pronounced anisotropic behavior. Increasing thickness improved the overall response, although the strength trend over 30–35–40 mm was not strictly monotonic. Existing Eurocode 5 and NDS equations showed noticeable deviations, especially for off-axis loading. A modified Hankinson-type model gave the closest agreement with the measured yield embedment strengths and offers a more reliable basis for the design and assessment of low-to-medium diameter bolted glulam connections.
Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera: Coreidae), an invasive pest native to North America, causes significant damage to coniferous seed production worldwide. This study evaluated the effectiveness of contact spray and Arborjet trunk injection methods for controlling L. occidentalis in black pine (Pinus nigra) seed orchards in Bursa-Karacabey, Türkiye. Abamectin (18 g/L), as insecticide, was applied to plots of 50 trees each in 2025, and 300 cones were harvested in November 2025 for seed fill and empty cone analysis. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction. Seed fill percentages were 9.7% (control), 33.9% (spray), and 52.8% (Arborjet trunk injection). The Arborjet method yielded approximately 5.6 times higher seed fill than the control with the lowest coefficient of variation (17.2%). Empty cone ratios differed significantly among groups (Fisher’s exact test, P < 0.001), with 0% in the Arborjet group versus 12% in the spray group. Treatment type explained 63.3% of total variance (η² = 0.633), with very large pairwise effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 1.33 to 3.42). These results demonstrate that systemic trunk injection should be prioritized over contact spray in seed orchards and gene conservation areas.
Plant-derived metabolites have attracted considerable attention with increasing interest in sustainable, bio-based resources for biological applications. HPLC analysis of unripe Ricinus communis fruits revealed a rich profile of phenolic compounds, with hesperetin (42400 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (14300 µg/g). The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity. It produced inhibition zones of 23 to 31 mm for examined bacteria and 32 mm against Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 15.6 µg/mL. Biofilm formation was inhibited by up to 97.8%. Cytotoxic evaluation showed anticancer activity against a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line (A431), with an IC₅₀ of 76.8 µg/mL compared to 359 µg/mL for normal HFB4 cells. Antibacterial and anticancer potential of hesperetin (main constituent of unripe R. communis fruits) through molecular docking against PBP2a from S. aureus (PDB ID: 4CJN) and EGFR kinase domain (PDB ID: 2GS6) were reported. Hesperetin exhibited favorable binding toward both targets, with docking scores ranging from -5.12 to -5.47 kcal/mol for PBP2a and -5.98 to -6.53 kcal/mol for EGFR. Key hydrogen bonding interactions were observed with GLN521 in PBP2a and ASP831 in EGFR, indicating stable ligand-protein complexes. Notably, hesperetin demonstrated stronger binding affinity toward EGFR, suggesting enhanced anticancer potential. Docking-supported hesperetin-rich extract exhibited antimicrobial resistance inhibition and selective anticancer activity.
