BioResources (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
1916 research outputs found
Sort by
Fermentation Biogas Production and its Combination with Hydrogen Production Using a Mixture of Livestock Manure and Straw: A Review
No full textThis review article considers publications dealing with biogas production from mixtures of livestock manure and corn straw. Emphasis is placed on factors affecting hydrogen production rate from the residual liquid after methane production. Simulations were carried out as a means to better understand published findings related to the production of hydrogen from biomass, cow manure, and corn stalks. This review focuses on the impact of different manure-to-stalk ratios on the yield and gas production efficiency during the process of biogas fermentation. Photosynthetic-anaerobic processing of biomass with combined hydrogen production technology and its process flow were considered, aiming to achieve the reuse of waste liquid. At the same time, research progress of the fermentation degradation mechanism of modified straw is reviewed, summarizing the key factors affecting the difference in biogas yield from livestock manure and straw mixed materials. In addition, this study also considers the synergistic mechanism of operating parameters such as fermentation temperature, inoculation concentration, inoculation amount, composting time, and the optimal ratio of raw materials. This study aims to open up new avenues for the efficient utilization of biomass energy and will delve deeper into this in subsequent research
Mangrove Restoration Using Rubberwood Fly Ash to Produce Biodegradable Seedling Pots for Coastal Erosion Control
No full textThe increasing amount of fly ash from daily energy combustion, coupled with land use changes from mangrove forests, has led to an increase in severe coastal erosion. This study aims to utilize fly ash by adding value to biodegradable nursery pots, which can manage fly ash and reduce the use of seedling bags. The pots also have indirect benefits in preventing coastal erosion. The seedling pots are made from rubberwood fly ash (RWFA), clay, and sand. The composition of RWFA is analyzed using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. The total concentration of a specific contaminant in a waste or soil sample is measured using the total threshold limit concentration (TTLC). Hydrodynamic simulations are conducted to optimize the layout of the pots to reduce the wave velocity. This study determined that RWFA, which is composed of 38.9% CaO, 11.3% SiO2, 8.9% organic matter, 8.8% total K2O, 1.0% total P2O5, and 0.006% total N, can be used as an ingredient in pots and plant nutrients. Moreover, the seedling pot design can reduce the speed of the water velocity by placing it in a suitable position. Furthermore, the TTLC value of the pot does not exceed the standard value
Review of Long-Term Performance of Timber-Concrete Composite Beams
No full textTimber-concrete composite (TCC) beams are formed by integrating timber beams and concrete slabs into a cohesive structural unit using shear connectors. This integration capitalizes on the tensile strength of timber and the compressive strength of concrete, resulting in excellent load-bearing capacity, bending stiffness, vibration comfort, sound insulation, and fire resistance. The long-term behavior of TCC beams must be emphasized, considering the significant time-dependent behaviors of timber, concrete, and the connection system. This work analyzed the long-term mechanical behavior of TCC beams and systematically reviewed the current research on the long-term performance. The primary focus was on the experimental studies of the shear performance of the shear connectors and the mechanical performance of TCC beams under long-term loads. Furthermore, theoretical methods and numerical simulation analyses for evaluating the long-term performance of TCC beams were analyzed. Strengths and weaknesses of existing theoretical methods are identified, and further research and development in the calculation method of TCC beams under long-term loads is proposed
Transition from Formaldehyde-Based Wood Adhesives to Bio-Based Alternatives
No full textBio-based wood adhesives are increasingly receiving greater attention than those of synthetic formaldehyde-based adhesives from petroleum sources in response to climate change. In this respect, this editorial provides an overview on the transition of formaldehyde-based adhesives to bio-based adhesives for the bonding of wood. This transition is underway in academia and industry for practical applications. Bio-based adhesives offer low toxicity, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increased sustainability with circular economy by promoting renewable and degradable sources, which generates a driving force for the transition.
Relationship between Timber Grade and Local, Global, and Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity in Red Oak and Red Maple Structural Lumber
No full textThe modulus of elasticity (MOE) of structurally graded one-inch-thick red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum) lumber was measured in this work. The center-point, third-point static loading tests, and the stress wave timer methods were used. The objective was to determine if there are statistical differences between three structural lumber grades based on their MOE values. The study considered both the within separated grades and the across combined grades. For red oak and red maple, significant differences in MOE values from center-point static loading tests were observed solely between Select Structural and Below-grade lumber. With the dynamic method, no significant differences were found between any visual grades, including Below-grade lumber. Regardless of the MOE determination method used, the MOE value was not useful for distinguishing the structural, No. 2, and No. 3 visual grades. The strongest correlation existed between the global MOE and the dynamic MOE, which was even higher when the analyses were conducted on separated visual grades. In the case of red maple, stronger correlations between the dynamic MOE, local MOE, and global MOE were observed when separated by visual classes, compared to the analysis conducted on the combined grades. The global MOE was found to be a better predictor of the local MOE than the dynamic MOE
Children’s Preferences for the Styling of Consultation Room Furniture Based on Scenic Beauty Estimation and Kansei Engineering
No full textChildren’s preferences for the design of consultation room furniture were evaluated with a focus on the emotional and aesthetic factors influencing these preferences. An evaluation model for children’s furniture in consultation rooms was developed using the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method and Kansei Engineering. Data were collected by gathering children’s aesthetic ratings and emotional assessments of furniture sample images, followed by statistical analysis to identify design preferences on both visual and emotional levels. The SBE results revealed a negative correlation between straight-line desks, backrest-free designs, and square seat surfaces with scenic beauty, suggesting that children prefer furniture with soft, rounded shapes. The Kansei Engineering results identified two principal factors influencing children’s preferences, further highlighting that soft, rounded forms, lightweight and comfortable experiences, and minimalist designs significantly enhance emotional engagement and attraction. The consistency between the two evaluation methods was high. In conclusion, furniture design for children’s consultation rooms should prioritize safety, comfort, and playfulness, incorporating soft, simple, and child-friendly designs to enhance children’s acceptance and comfort within the examination environment
Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica Leaf Extracts for Heavy Metal Sensing
No full textSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was synthesized via cheap bio-reduction and green method from leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica. The technique was optimized by studying variables such as pH, temperature and concentration of the plant extracts. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) results indicated the presence of phytonutrients such as Piperidine, 2-Azacyclooctanone, 4-Dibenzofuranamine, Lauric anhydride, Cyclododecanol and Sorbic acid as the phytonutrients responsible for the reduction and resilience process. FT-IR results gave absorption bands indicating the presence of -OH, -NH and -C=O functional groups, while particle size analysis revealed an average particle size which is less than 100 nm, thus confirming the formation of a nanoparticle. UV-Vis investigation of the nanoparticles synthesized with concentration of 12.5 mg/mL produced a strong plasmon resonance band with an absorbance of 0.223 at 400 nm after 24 hrs incubation time and at a minimal concentration of 6.25 mg/mL, the absorbance further decreased with a hypsochromic shift to 600 nm. The synthesized silver nanoparticles showed excellent optical property towards the selected heavy metals with virtual color change and a shift in absorbance towards higher value. Selective detection of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ was also confirmed by UV-visible spectra which is well pronounced with Pb2+ having the highest absorbance
Gloss and Oscillatory Hardness Test Effects of Varnishes with Different Ratios of Marble Powder Additives on Wood Materials
No full textIncreasing global problems and stricter regulation of industrial waste management necessitate a more detailed examination of waste materials. In addition, because of problems such as surface cracking and discoloration of surface-treated materials during use, increasing varnish durability is a popular topic today. In this study, to increase the surface treatment performance, different proportions (2.5%, 5%) of waste marble powder were added into varnishes (water-based and polyurethane varnish) and their effect on surface treatment was evaluated in terms of gloss and oscillatory hardness test. The highest gloss and oscillatory hardness was found in specimens where the marble powder was at a 2.5% level. As the proportion of marble powder in the mixture increased, it had a matting effect. Oscillatory hardness was found to be higher in polyurethane varnish in the radial section. Among the wood species, beech wood exhibited the highest hardness value with polyurethane varnish
Global Discussion on Life Cycle Assessment Allocation Methods for Recycled Fibers
No full textOn September 3rd, 2024, North Carolina State University, the University of British Columbia, Aalto University, the University of Chile, and the University of the Basque Country organized a global webinar on allocation methods for recycled fibers. The event focused on the challenges and complexities associated with allocation methods for open-loop recycling systems, focusing on bio-based fibers for packaging. The webinar featured three expert presentations by Dr. Tomas Ekvall, Dr. Caroline Gaudreault, and MSc. Ivana Azuaje, each offering valuable insights into the topic
Quantitative Evaluation of Rotational Wood Welding Joint Strength Based on Regression of Data Sets
No full textThis study aimed to enhance rotational wood welding technology by developing a simplified prediction model for pull-out strength. The key findings can offer a robust evaluation framework to advance rotational wood welding and expand its applications in woodworking. For instance, (1) A comprehensive database of 689 previously published trials was curated to identify key factors: substrate diameter, effective welded length, and substrate density. (2) Comparative analysis of test outcomes and predictive models revealed consistent trends, suggesting that modeling techniques for self-tapping wood screws could be applied to rotational wood welding joints. (3) Univariate linear regression validated the primary factors, leading to a multivariate model for predicting withdrawal capacity. Theoretical predictions closely matched empirical data, highlighting the model’s industrial applicability