BioResources (E-Journal)
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Exploring the Relationship between Visual Evaluation and User Preference in Wooden Cork Flooring: An Application of the Semantic Differential Method
No full textTo enhance consumers’ preference for the appearance of cork flooring, this work employed the semantic differential method to explore the relationship between consumers’ visual perceptions and their preferences. First, a collection of cork flooring product images was assembled, and a lexicon of perceptual vocabulary describing the visual characteristics of cork flooring was developed. Subsequently, a survey based on the semantic differential method and preference questionnaires was completed. A regression model was established to analyze the relationship between the scores of perceptual vocabulary and consumer preferences. The results indicated that the perceptual terms “light” and “warm” had a significant positive impact on consumer preferences. Furthermore, the study explored the relationship between the granularity, grain arrangement, and color of cork flooring samples and the perceptual vocabulary, revealing distribution patterns of the samples in terms of “light” and “warm” characteristics. The findings suggest that increasing the saturation and brightness of cork flooring surface colors, reducing granularity, and enhancing the rhythmic arrangement of patterns can improve consumers’ preference for the appearance of cork flooring
Predicting Consumer Preferences for Furniture Products on E-commerce Platforms: An Analysis Using Machine Learning and Favorite Listing Data
No full textThe rapid growth of e-commerce platforms presents unique opportunities to analyze consumer behavior and predict product preferences in the furniture industry. This study explores the use of machine learning techniques to predict consumer choices for furniture products based on favorite listing data from e-commerce platforms. A dataset of 239 furniture products was collected, categorized into three groups: most preferred, moderately preferred, and least preferred. Key attributes, including furniture type, dimensions (width, depth, height), color, material, and price, were analyzed. Machine learning models, specifically Decision Trees and Random Forests, were applied to develop prediction models for these categories. The models were assessed using metrics such as accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-score. Results indicated that the Random Forest model outperformed the Decision Tree, achieving 83% accuracy in predicting preference categories. Feature importance analysis highlighted that price and physical dimensions were the most significant factors influencing consumer preferences. These findings suggest that practical and economic aspects are prioritized over aesthetic features when choosing furniture. The study demonstrates the potential of machine learning in predicting consumer behavior, offering valuable insights for manufacturers and retailers in optimizing product development, inventory management, and marketing strategies
Promoting Yield and Oyster Mushroom Cycle Production by Using Date Kernel and Wheat Straw Mixture as a Cultivation Substrate
No full textMushroom production can contribute to food security through producing food of high nutritional value and medicinal interest. This study examined the effectiveness of using date kernel (K) in a mixture with wheat straw (WS) as substrate on yield and different crop stages duration for Pleurotus ostreatus (P.O) cultivation. Five substrate formulas were investigated using K and WS, alone and in combination. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between formulas. Using wastes separately showed the lowest yield, whereas the substrate with 25% K gave the highest total yield (478 g) and biological efficiency (BE) of 95.61%, in 223 d and 78.52% as BE of three first flushes in 110.8 d. substrate with 75% K was more effective in term of time; it gave in 198.4 d 414 g of mushroom (BE: 82.95%) and 310.6 g (BE: 62.12%) for the three first flushes in 83.2 d. It is more effective to use K and WS in mixture than separately to cultivate P.O., The proportion depends on which we can give up; around 70 g of yield or 26 d as time difference; for more yield in longer time, using 25% K is more suitable, and 75% K is used for shorter time and less yield
Composites with Recovered Polystyrene Reinforced with Pine or Poplar Residues Following Lignin Extraction
No full textSustainable composites were produced by recycling polystyrene (PS) and pine and poplar fiber residues remaining after lignin extraction. Polystyrene was dissolved in acetone and reinforced with wood fiber residues at 10%, 20% and 30%. The mixture was dried at 100 °C for 2 hr, granulated, and pressed at 190 °C under 5 MPa for 20 minutes. Characterizations of samples were performed according to physical (ASTM D1037 for water resistance and ASTM 7032-21 for density measurement), mechanical (ASTM D638 for tensile, ASTM D790 for flexural), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The addition of fiber residue increased (up to 6.7%) the density but decreased the water absorption (WA) (up to 22%) and thickness swelling (TSW) (up to 12%). Fiber residue increased tensile strength (TS) by 46 to 167% and flexural strength (FS) by 45 to 82%. However, it decreased tensile modulus (TM) by 0 to 58% and flexural modulus (FM) by 3 to 12% (excluding pine). However, pine fiber residue increased FM by 2 to 19%. SEM analyses revealed homogeneous distribution of fiber residues
Influence of Bamboo Cellulose Coating on the Flux Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Hollow Fiber Membrane
No full textThis study showcases the characterization of a surface modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membrane via Cellulose/PVDF coating. Scanning electron microscopy shows evidence of Cellulose/PVDF coating where surface roughness and coating lines with cracking is visible. The rough surface correlates with an improved pure water flux. However, the presence of surface cracks and higher cellulose loading results in decreased flux. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows evidence of cellulose on the coated membrane. X-Ray diffraction revealed amorphous phase on the surface of the coated membrane, indicating that coated membrane has improved hydrophilic properties. The coated membrane samples have improved pure water flux performance up to 3 times the value from control (157.8864 L/m2/h/bar) for samples P01 (432.9142 L/m2/h/bar) and P02 (483.8453 L/m2/h/bar) which is the best performing membrane. The porosity and mean pore size correlate with the pure water flux as increase in porosity with increased mean pore size enables better permeability. However, the increased porosity with decreased mean pore size causes a clogging effect which may be attributed to the swelling of the membrane when in contact with the pure water. Overall, the cellulose/PVDF coating modifies the surface properties by developing a rough and porous hydrophilic layer. It enables better performance for the hydrophobic PVDF hollow fiber membrane
Structural Toughness Enhancement Method for Material Extrusion-Based 3D-Printed Model: A Rigid Shell-Flexible Infill Composite Structure
No full textThis study addressed the problem of poor structural toughness of material extrusion-based (MEX) 3D printing polylactic acid (PLA) models and expanded the application of 3D printing technology. A new structural toughness enhancement method was proposed to improve the structural toughness of MEX 3D-printed models by constructing a rigid shell-flexible infill composite structure. Rectangular specimens were designed using SolidWorks software, and the structural toughness of the rigid specimens and rigid shell-flexible infill specimens were tested using three-point bending test and Charpy impact test. The deflection, bending strain energy, and impact strength of the rigid shell-flexible infill specimens were larger than those of the rigid specimens. The enhancement percentages were 103%, 306% and 293%, respectively, indicating that the rigid shell-flexible infill specimens had better structural toughness. In contrast to the conventional material modification methods, the structural toughness enhancement method proposed in this study can maintain the strength and stiffness of 3D-printed models while improving their impact resistance and ductility. The products have unique application value in the fields of smart packaging, sports protective gears, and consumer electronic products
Green Synthesis of CuO and Se Nanoparticles and CuO/Se Agglomerates of NPs by Anabasis setifera Biomass Extract: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antibiofilm, and Anticancer Activities
No full textAnabasis setifera shoot extract was utilized in this study as a stabilizing agent to synthesize Se and CuO nanoparticles (NPs), as well as CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs in a biologically safe manner, and these nanoparticles were then employed as antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and anticancer agents. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the irregular, spherical, and agglomerate shapes of Cu, Se, and CuO/Se, respectively. The EDS mapping of the CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs showed that all elements were uniformly distributed. Among all examined treatments, the CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs showed the strongest antimicrobial action, with inhibition zones ranging from 19 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae to 26.1 mm for Bacillus cereus, so further testing was done only with CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs. The findings demonstrated that the antioxidant activity of CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs was 150 μg/mL for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, compared to 8.9 μg/mL for ascorbic acid, and 135 μg/mL for the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) method, compared to 7.61 μg/mL for ascorbic acid. Se/Cu repressed the proliferation of Mcf7 and HepG2 cells, but CuO/Se showed more activity against HepG2 cells with an IC50 of 322.5 µg/mL. CuO/Se agglomerates of NPs based on Anabasis setifera extract serve as a stabilizing agent, exhibiting a biological activity profile that makes them appealing choices for various biomedical applications
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-based Characterization and Multitarget Bioactivities of Argan (Argania spinosa) Oil
No full textArgan oil exhibits promising pharmacological activities supported by its rich phytochemical composition, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Major constituents included trans-13-Octadecenoic acid (20.0%) and Isopropyl tetradecanoate (25.6%), along with antioxidant-rich terpenoids and phenolics. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated strong inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, with low minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum fungicidal concentration values (31.2 µg/mL), though limited activity was noted against Salmonella typhi. Argan oil showed dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC₅₀ values of 15.1 µg/mL and 26.2 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting antidiabetic potential. It also inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 15.9 µg/mL), indicating possible neuroprotective properties. Antioxidant activity assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay showed a concentration-dependent increase, with IC₅₀ = 4.97 µg/mL, approaching the effectiveness of ascorbic acid at high doses. Lipase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 25.10 µg/mL) highlighted potential anti-obesity effects. Cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells was significant (IC₅₀ = 36.17 µg/mL), with morphological damage correlating with dose, suggesting antiproliferative effects. These activities are likely due to bioactive compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, which influence inflammation, apoptosis, and enzyme regulation. Overall, the findings support the therapeutic potential of argan oil as a natural agent in managing microbial infections, oxidative stress, diabetes, obesity, and cancer
Estimation of Wood Density without Weighing Using Bending Vibration and Static Bending Tests – Effect of Span-to-Height Ratio on the Estimation Accuracy
No full textThe effects of the span-to-height ratio of wooden cantilevers on density estimation using bending vibration and static bending tests were examined. Bending vibration and static bending tests were performed for wooden cantilevers with various span-to-height ratios, and the densities of wooden cantilevers were estimated based on the measurements. The end condition of the cantilever was apart from the ideal condition for the smaller span-to-height ratios and approached to the ideal condition with the increase in the span-to-height ratio. The accuracy of the density without the correction decreased as the span-to-height ratio decreased. After correction based on the ideality of the end condition, the density could be accurately estimated without weighing the specimen
Influence of Kaolin, Calcium Oxide, and Boron Trioxide Sprays to Reduce Sunburn and Enhance Fruit Productivity and Quality in Murcott Mandarin
No full textClimate change has increasingly disrupted the growth and development of many fruit crops. Among the associated challenges, sunburn caused by excessive light and solar radiation is a major physiological disorder affecting citrus and other fruit species. This study evaluated the potential of kaolin (KL), calcium oxide (CaO), and boric acid (B2O3) to mitigate sunburn and improve fruit set, yield, and quality in Murcott mandarin. Foliar sprays were applied at concentrations of 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm KL, either alone or in combination with CaO and B2O3 at 0 CaO + 0 B2O3, 500 ppm CaO + 50 ppm B2O3, and 1000 ppm CaO + 100 ppm B2O3. Applications were performed four times during each season (mid-March, early July, early August, and early September) in 2023 and 2024. The results demonstrated that foliar application of KL, CaO, and B2O3 significantly increased fruit set, yield, and both physical and chemical quality attributes by reducing sunburn incidence across both study seasons. The most effective treatments were 4000 ppm KL + 500 ppm CaO + 50 ppm B2O3 and 4000 ppm KL + 1000 ppm CaO + 100 ppm B2O3