BioResources (E-Journal)
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Effect of Elicitors Application on Phenolics Content, Antioxidant Properties and Curcumin Content of in vitro Propagated Leaves and Rhizomes of Curcuma caesia
No full textCurcuma caesia Roxb., commonly known as black turmeric, has high medicinal and economic value, primarily due to its wide range of bioactive compounds. Due to overharvesting and habitat destruction, C. caesia populations have been reduced drastically. Conventional propagation through rhizomes is inefficient due to susceptibility to microbial infections, long maturation periods, and unstable bioactive compounds content. This study aimed to enhance phenolics content, antioxidant properties, and curcumin content in in vitro propagated C. caesia through application of elicitors. C. caesia plantlets were treated with different concentrations of methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, silver nitrate, chitosan, and yeast extract. The total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, antioxidants, and curcumin content in leaves and rhizomes were assessed. At 200 μM, methyl jasmonate significantly enhanced total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content and antioxidant properties in leaves and rhizomes. Silver nitrate (200 μM) and methyl jasmonate (100 to 200 μM) yielded the highest total curcumin content. Overall, methyl jasmonate was the most effective elicitor for improving phenolics content, antioxidant activities and curcumin accumulation. These findings highlight the potential of elicitor-based strategies, particularly methyl jasmonate, as an effective and sustainable approach to enhance the yield and quality of pharmaceutically important bioactive compounds in C. caesia, offering promising prospects for its conservation, commercial cultivation and medicinal applications
Synergistic Biomass-based Dual-polymer System of Cationic Guar Gum and Gum Arabic for Enhanced Retention and Drainage in Papermaking
No full textGum arabic (GA), a natural plant-derived polysaccharide renowned for its adhesive properties, is widely utilized across various industries, particularly in papermaking. This study systematically investigated the retention and drainage performance of pulp when treated with cationic guar gum (CGG) and GA individually and further explored the development of a biomass-based dual-polymer retention and drainage aid system. The CGG-GA system outperformed single-component additives by initially forming larger flocs with CGG, which were subsequently stabilized by GA, leading to enhanced retention and drainage efficiency. Additionally, the dual-polymer system reduces the cationic demand of white water, highlighting a synergistic interaction between CGG and GA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a more uniform floc distribution in the dual-polymer system, while physical property tests confirm improved tensile strength in handsheets. This study presents a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional retention and drainage aids, offering both environmental benefits and enhanced paper quality
Field Growth Performances of Different Eucalyptus pellita Genotypes
No full textEucalyptus is a key species in global tropical hardwood industries and has gained importance in Malaysia since the establishment of Eucalyptus pellita plantations in 2008. Its versatile, durable wood supports various sectors, such as furniture, construction, and pulp production. High-quality wood enhances product longevity, reduces processing costs, and increases plantation value. To improve productivity and wood quality, selecting superior planting materials through genotype screening is vital. This study evaluated the growth performance of eight E. pellita genotypes as part of a breeding program for industrial applications. A progeny trial was conducted at Agricultural Park UPM, Puchong, Selangor, with field measurements including tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), root collar diameter, volume, crown health, multiple leaders, and leaf browning recorded over a year after 31 months of planting. Genotype EP03 achieved the greatest height (17.7 to 18.0 m), while EP03 and EP11 had the largest DBH (14.1 to 14.0 cm). U × G recorded the highest volume (0.17 m³), followed by EP03 (0.15 m³) and EP11 (0.14 m³). EP03 and EP11 also exhibited superior crown health and lower leaf disease severity. Strong correlations were observed between DBH and both height and volume. Overall, EP03 and EP11 showed consistently superior growth and qualitative traits, making them promising candidates for forestry applications
Structural Behavior of Beam-to-Column Glued Laminated Timber Connection Using Double Steel Plates
No full textThe structural performance of timber buildings is significantly affected by the behavior of connections. This study investigated the structural behavior of bolted glulam beam-to-column connections with external steel plates. Data were obtained for the structural behavior of two types of connections. The glulam was manufactured from Red Meranti (Shorea spp.). The load-carrying capacity, moment capacity, rotational stiffness, initial stiffness, post-elastic stiffness, and ductility ratio of the connections were evaluated and discussed. The results indicate that the type 1 connection was in the partial ductility capacity category (μ = 2.60), while the type 2 connection was in the limited ductility (μ = 1,27). The average moment capacities of type 1 and type 2 connections were 4.56 kN.m and 21.2 kN.m, respectively. The moment and rotation relationships models of the glulam beam-column were approximately bilinear with initial stiffness 9 times and 2.4 times for type 1 and type 2 connections, respectively, compared to corresponding post-elastic stiffness. Steel plates helped improve ductility ratio, as shown by splitting failures near the column bolt rows. This stiffness model can then be used as input data for spring properties of similar connections in the analysis of multi-story building structures
Analysis of An Ancient Single-Arch Covered Bridge to Peach Blossom Spring, China
No full textAncient Chinese covered bridges are attracting increased attention due to their architectural appearance and manufacturing technique. In this study, an ancient single-arch covered bridge, Yinjia bridge, in Peach Blossom Spring in China has been investigated, mainly in the field of its cultural background, art aesthetics, and mechanical behavior. The methods of field measurement and finite element analysis were combined. First, the structural dimensions and construction of Yinjia bridge are introduced. Then, the historical origin and cultural connotation, the bridge corridor and decoration are considered, and the Chinese culture reflected behind the bridge design are investigated. A finite element model was built to study the mechanical behavior of the bridge. The numerical results indicate that the maximum vertical deflection of 4.32 mm is under but close to the limit of L/600, while no horizontal deflection exists at the foot of the arch crown. The maximum and minimum normal stress of 0.04 MPa and -0.12 MPa in components of bridge corridor are much less than the ultimate values of wood. The maximum compressive stress of 0.05 MPa of the bridge arch is within the limit value of the ultimate compressive strength of stone. This means that the structural safety performance of this ancient bridge is acceptable, and indicates that no significant structural damage has been found yet in the Yuxian bridge
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Tibetan Furniture Design Driven by the Needs of Users: Integration and Evaluation via TFAHP-QFD-VIKOR
No full textTibetan furniture faces the dual challenge of maintaining the authenticity of cultural heritage while meeting the functional needs of modern living. The Tibetan-style seating bed is used in religious rituals and for daily purposes. A hybrid model integrating the Triangular Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (TFAHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was constructed, aiming to resolve the conflict between cultural heritage revival and modern functional requirements in Tibetan furniture design. Through the grounded theory, 16 design elements were identified. TFAHP was employed for quantitative analysis, and the results showed that the cultural dimension of Tibetan furniture has a higher weight than the functional, apparent, and technological dimensions. Cultural recognition and Buddhist culture are the core driving forces behind this design. After mapping user needs via QFD, technical features such as modular design and integrated seating/storage designs were identified. Finally, VIKOR was used to conduct multi-objective optimization on three design schemes, and the optimal one is selected. The hybrid model proposed in this study provides a scientific framework for balancing cultural authenticity and user experience and offers a replicable design paradigm for the modern transformation of ethnic cultural heritage
Research on Function-Interface Design of Old and Antique Hongmu Furniture E-commerce Platform in the Second-hand Economy Environment
No full textTo optimize the user experience of an e-commerce platform for old and antique hongmu furniture, this study explored the functional design and interface elements of such platforms within the context of the second-hand economy. First, through qualitative research, the general needs of users were identified. Then, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the priorities of different types of needs were ranked. After expanding the functional indicators for each type, the Kano model was used to identify the specific attributes of these indicators. Then the results were combined with the AHP study to determine the core functions that the e-commerce platform should possess. Eye-tracking (ET) technology helped to understand users’ visual preferences and identify their focus on interface layout, color, and other aspects. These findings suggest that the functional framework should include 24 features, such as expert authentication and institutional certification; in terms of interface design, multiple layout options should be provided for users to choose from, while balancing color schemes and text-to-image ratios. This study provides theoretical guidance for designing an e-commerce platform for old and antique hongmu furniture, enabling to identify user needs and enhance user satisfaction
Surface Chemistry and Adhesive Bonding of Tannin-rich Woods to a Poly(vinyl acetate) / Linseed Oil Coating: The Role of Thermal Modification
No full textEffects of thermal modification were investigated relative to the surface and adhesive bonding of coatings to tannin-rich oak (Quercus petraea) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) woods. Samples were heat-treated for 2 hours at different temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C) and then coated sequencially with linseed oil followed by poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) varnish. Increasing heat treatment temperature led to a significant darkening of the wood and a decrease in gloss and surface roughness. While thermal modification alone caused a reduction in adhesion strength, the subsequent application of linseed oil was effective in mitigating this adverse effect. The oil created a more favorable bonding interface by reducing the negative influence of tannins and hydrophobicity on the adhesive. The combined thermal modification and linseed oil treatment achieved favorable adhesive bonding performance of tannin-rich wood species with the varnish. This study suggests that low heat treatment temperatures combined with a linseed oil coating can be recommended for applications where good adhesion strength is desired
Xylanase Production on Pretreated Date Seed Powder in Solid State Fermentation by Penicillium citrinum
No full textXylanase has been used for bioconversion processes and has been applied in several industrial processes. The increased production cost of enzymes remains the bottleneck for commercial production of lignocellulosic enzymes. The application of agricultural waste as a culture medium is a major strategy to improve xylanase production and reduce production costs. In this study, date seed powder was pretreated with sulfuric acid, and the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents were 24.4±0.12%, 43.1±1.3%, and 23.5±0.3%, respectively. The moisture content of the date seed powder was 7.49±0.12%. The pretreated date seed powder was used as the substrate for xylanase production by Penicillium citrinum solid-state fermentation. The moisture content, pH, and inoculum were optimized for xylan production, and the optimum conditions were 45% moisture content, pH 5.5, and 3% inoculum concentration. The maximum xylanase production was found to be 605.3 U/g
Ultrasonic Welding of Fiber-based Paperboard: Experimental Investigation and Optimization
No full textA comprehensive understanding of the influences of joining parameters and material-related factors on the ultrasonic joining process for fiber-based materials is essential to optimize the process parameters in a targeted manner. Previous studies have been limited to commercially available materials with unknown compositions, leaving fundamental influencing factors largely unexplored. In this study, paper made from cellulose-rich natural fibers was used to systematically analyze the effects of amplitude, joining force, moistening, and joining energy. Effects of fiber type and fiber length were systematically analyzed. The joining force had the greatest influence on the joint strength across all materials analyzed, followed by humidification and joining energy. In contrast, amplitude only had a minor influence on the joint strength. The fiber type and fiber length also had a significant influence on the strength of the joint, with joints made from softwood fibers tending to have higher strength values. In addition, the bleaching process improves the joint strength because of the lignin reduction, as it promotes fiber cross-linking. Mechanically digested fibers (CTMP), on the other hand, proved to be less suitable for the ultrasonic joining process, as their increased stiffness made it more difficult to form a stable joint, compared to fibers obtained by purely chemical delignification