BioResources (E-Journal)
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Categorization of Microscopic Wood Images with Transfer Learning Approach on Pretrained Vision Transformer Models
No full textFour Vision Transformer (ViT)-based models were optimized to classify microscopic wood images. The models were DeiT, Google ViT, BeiT, and Microsoft Swin Transformer. Training was performed on a set enriched with data augmentation techniques. The generalization ability of the model was strengthened by increasing the number of images for each class with data augmentation. The dataset used in the study consisted of 112 different species belonging to 30 families, 37 of which were coniferous and 75 were angiosperms. The samples had been softened, cut into thin sections, colored with the triple staining method, and imaged with fixed magnification. The Google ViT model was the most successful, with 99.40% accuracy. The DeiT model, which stood out with its data efficiency, ranked second with 98.51% accuracy, while the BEiT and Microsoft Swin Transformer models reached 96.43% and 98.21% accuracy, respectively. The Microsoft Swin Transformer model required the least training time. Data augmentation techniques improved the performance of all models by 3% to 5%, thus increasing the resistance of the models to overfitting and providing more robust predictions. It was found that ViT-based models gave superior performance in microscopic wood image classification tasks and that data augmentation significantly improved model performance
Exploring the Potential of Sago Residue for Eco-Friendly Construction Materials
No full textSago residue is being explored as an alternative material in construction materials because of its natural source, good performance, eco-friendly nature, and biodegradable properties. Sago residue is categorized into particles and fiber, so it has various fabrication methods and applications. This study examines various sago residue extraction methods, including traditional manual techniques, mechanical processes, and chemical or enzymatic methods, highlighting their impact on the properties of construction materials. Furthermore, factors such as constituent materials, processing methods, composition, fiber and particle size, environmental conditions, and manufacturing processes can all influence the physical and mechanical properties of sago residue-based construction materials. This review emphasizes the importance of material characterization in understanding their suitability for specific construction applications, ensuring product quality and safety, and identifying opportunities for sustainable development in the construction industry. It was also shown that this study provides important insights and explores the potential of sago waste as a construction material that can be degraded in the environment. Future research may explore the impact of fiber and fiber orientation treatments on the heat resistance, sound absorption ability, and tribology properties of construction materials made from sago waste
The Influence of Irrigation Regimes on the Yield and Fruit Quality of Date Palm Trees
No full textOne of the big problems in Saudia Arabia is the scarcity of irrigation water, and this extremely affects the yield of plant components. Consequently, determination of the best water irrigation requirements for the growth and productivity of date palm trees is needed. The current study was performed on three date palm cultivars: ‘Khalas’, ‘Nabbut’, and ‘Rothana’ to investigate the effect of 100% (19.2 m3), 80% (15.36 m3), 60% (11.52 m3), and 40% (7.68 m3) irrigation on the yield and fruit quality characteristics. The results showed that irrigation with 100% and 80% significantly increased the fruit yield, marketable fruit number, and fruit weight. Moreover, these regimes also greatly increased the fruit content from total and reduced sugars, and soluble solids compared with 40% and 60% regimes. The 100% and 80% irrigation regimes reduced the fruit acidity but the differences between 100%, 80%, 60%, and 40% water irrigation were not significant in ‘Khalas’ or ‘Nabbut’. The effect of 100% was significant compared with the influence of 40%. The water footprint was significantly higher with 100% and 80% rather than with 60% or 40%
Exploring the Proximate, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Potential of Hemp and Parthenium Residues
No full textImproper disposal of agricultural residues is becoming a looming environmental issue as a major contributor to pollution and depletion of natural resources. The current study aimed to evaluate the proximate compositions, phytochemical profile along with antioxidant properties of the residues of hemp (Cannabis sativa) and parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) as sustainable resources. The standard protocol of AOAC was followed for proximate analysis. Phytochemical profiling was done to identify key bioactive compounds through qualitative assays. Their antioxidant activity was assayed by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging. Hemp recorded 50.2% more fibers than parthenium at 27.5% making it a better candidate for bio-material development. Future in vivo studies are recommended to elucidate the metabolic effects of these plants and their potential health benefits. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, coumarins, and sterols, thus showing their bioactivity and possible health benefits. The antioxidant activity was significantly increased in hemp residues (0.1 ± 0.13 mg Trolox/g) compared to parthenium (0.057 ± 0.21 mg Trolox/g), whereas the activity from aerial parts was found lower. This demonstrates the wider application potentials of these residues in the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional materials
Synthetic Biology Innovations in Designing Cellulose-Based Smart Drug Delivery Systems
No full textThe integration of synthetic biology with cellulose-based materials has paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in smart drug release and delivery systems. Synthetic biology, through precise genetic engineering and the creation of programmable biological circuits, enables the development of drug carriers that can respond dynamically to specific physiological cues, such as pH changes. For example, the contrast in pH between the stomach (pH ~1.5 to 3.5) and the intestines (pH ~6 to 7.5) has been exploited in cellulose-based systems to achieve site-specific drug release. Cellulose offers an ideal platform for constructing these responsive drug delivery systems. This review explores recent innovations in genetically engineered cellulose, functionalization strategies via synthetic biology, and advanced biofabrication techniques such as 3D bioprinting and microfluidics. Applications of these systems span cancer therapeutics, antimicrobial treatments, chronic disease management, and emerging areas like personalized medicine and gene therapy. Challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, and regulatory approval persist. Future directions involving CRISPR-Cas9-mediated cellulose modification, machine learning for optimized drug release, and sustainable production strategies highlight the transformative potential of these systems in precision medicine. This review provides comprehensive insights into the current state and future prospects of cellulose-based smart drug delivery, offering a roadmap for advancing next-generation therapeutics
Surface Characteristics of Selected Wood Species after Treatment with Tannin and Ammonia Vapor
No full textEffects of ammonia vapor and tannin treatments were studied relative to the properties of wood. The color change, surface roughness, and surface hydrophobicity of Persian oak (Quercus persica), Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.), Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), and Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica) were evaluated after treatments for 8 and 24 h. The color difference (ΔE*) values increased with prolonged exposure, with the highest changes observed in tannin-treated samples exposed to ammonia vapor for 24 h. Pronounced color changes were observed in Siberian pine samples, while beech and oak showed moderate color shifts. Walnut exhibited a more complex response, with an initial increase in yellowness followed by stabilization. Surface roughness measurements demonstrated a significant increase, particularly in maximum height (Rz), indicating substantial modifications to the wood surface. The most significant increase in roughness was observed in the samples treated with ammonia vapor and tannin after 24 hours of exposure, regardless of species type, although oak and walnut showed more controlled alterations. The surface hydrophobicity of the samples was increased after treatment, with the highest contact angle values after treatment for 24 h. This study highlights the potential of tannin and ammonia vapor treatments for improving the aesthetical and surface properties of wood
Mechanical and Physical Properties of Particleboard Produced from Hemp Plant
No full textEffects of annual hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) material on the mechanical and physical properties of particleboard was investigated. For this purpose, various levels of hemp shives 10%, 20%, and 30% were added to the middle layer of the chip blank. Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin was used at a 7% level in the middle layer and 12% in the top layer, in proportion to the dry chip weight, as an adhesive. Chip blanks were pressed in a hydraulic press at 195±5 °C temperature, 30 kg/cm² pressure, and 300 s. Test samples of P1 type with dimensions of 550 × 550 × 19 mm and a density of 580 kg/m³ were produced. It was understood from the test results that hemp sawdust had a positive effect on the mechanical properties of particleboard. Accordingly, a 16.7% increase in tensile strength, 18.4% in bending strength, 23.6% in elasticity modulus, 17.2% in surface strength, and 7.5% in screw holding force were detected. Physical properties showed a 3.8% increase in thickness and a 15.5% increase in water absorption values. Free formaldehyde values decreased by 24.6%. As a result of the research, it was determined that hemp sawdust could be an alternative to wood raw material in P1 type particle board production
The Impact of Cost and Price Fluctuations on U.S. Hardwood Sawmill Profit
No full textWhile public reports exist about hardwood log and lumber prices, sawmills’ operating costs are proprietary, and few records are publicly available. Operating costs make up a considerable share of a sawmill’s cost structure and are, therefore, crucial for understanding the fiscal health of a given operation. Using the assumption that today’s depressed lumber and residue markets result in sawmills, on average, making no profit and incurring no loss, this study estimated operation costs of a hypothetical 4, 8, and 12 MMBF production hardwood sawmill in the eastern United States producing red oak lumber. Using this knowledge and the Log Recovery Analysis Tool (LORCAT), this study found that a sawmill’s financial well-being is highly dependent on hardwood log and operating costs as well as lumber prices. A 0.1% change in any of these factors will lead to a statistically significant change in profit for a sawmill. For example, with a 12 MMBF/year production sawmill, a 0.1% increase in operating cost would reduce profit by 4,536 with an operating cost decrease of 0.1%. Similar observations can be made for log cost while lumber prices contribute even more to the volatility of the financial well-being of a sawmill
The Market Value of Chinese Root Carving Art: A Study of Cross-Border E-Commerce in ASEAN
No full textChinese root carving art, a traditional craftsmanship form, carries profound cultural significance and high artistic value. In the era of globalization and technological advancement, the market for Chinese root carving art has expanded significantly, particularly with the rise of cross-border e-commerce. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) presents an intriguing market for such art due to its diverse cultural landscape and growing interest in traditional crafts. This editorial examines the market value of Chinese root carving art in ASEAN countries, focusing on how cross-border e-commerce can facilitate its international dissemination and commercialization. By analyzing the unique appeal of root carving, the cultural context of ASEAN, and the advantages and challenges of cross-border e-commerce, this editorial aims to provide insights and strategies for promoting the internationalization of Chinese root carving art
Innovative Office Furniture for Enhancing Employee Active Health
No full textWith growing interest in employee health, the integration of Active Health into office furniture design has become a significant research focus. Office furniture, as a vital part of the workspace, increasingly incorporates intelligent technologies to address health, comfort, and efficiency. This paper reviews innovations in smart office furniture, highlighting how technologies like big data, IoT, and sensors enhance health functions and user experiences. Advancements in smart furniture not only support physical health but also alleviate mental fatigue and improve efficiency. Applications in health interventions include personalized management, automated fatigue relief, and intelligent interactions. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as inconsistent design standards and limited technology applications in China. Other regions have more standardized and established practices, and there is a need for further coordination of international standards. With continued technological advancements and integration of intelligent systems, smart office furniture is expected to play a crucial role in improving workplace efficiency and promoting employee well-being through real-time health monitoring, personalized interventions, and adaptive features. This study provides theoretical guidance for designing such furniture and offers insights for advancing healthy office environments