Research Articles
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- Researchpp 5396-5412Alfarhan, A., Rajagopal, R., and Ponnuswamy, V. (2024). “Valorization of unripe banana peel (Robusta) powder for the production of tannase using Bacillus xiamenensis in submerged fermentation,” BioResources 19(3), 5396-5412.AbstractArticlePDF
Tannases are industrial enzymes used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, and environmental management. In the present study, 11 tannase-producing Bacillus spp. were isolated from agricultural soil, banana root soil, vegetable garbage, and fruit garbage. These isolated bacteria were screened using tannic acid agar plates. The zone of hydrolysis varied from 9 mm to 21 mm, and the strain Bacillus xiamenensis BR1 exhibited the highest activity. The dried unripe banana peel (Robusta) was powdered, and particles between 1 and 1.5 mm were used as substrate. The banana peel consists of 7.84 ± 0.15% hydrolysable tannin, which induces the production of tannase. The production medium was prepared at 10% (w/v) unripe banana peel powder. The screening experiments revealed that fermentation period, pH, inoculums, and tannic acid improved tannase production. A two-level full factorial design revealed the influence of pH, inoculums, and incubation time on tannase production (F-value=8.99; p-value=<0.0001). The optimum concentration was analyzed using a central composite design, and the model was significant (F-value = 17.03; p-value = 0.0001). Under optimal bioprocess conditions, tannase yield was 2.4-fold higher than in an unoptimized medium. The unripe banana peel can be used as a substrate for the production of tannase by Bacillus sp.
- Researchpp 5413-5434Yan, Y., Xu, Z., Zhu, L., and Lv, J. (2024). “Innovative design model for the mortise and tenon structure,” BioResources 19(3), 5413-5434.AbstractArticlePDF
The mortise and tenon structure is a pivotal component of ancient Chinese architecture and furniture, encapsulating a rich history of evolution, cultural shifts, and productivity developments. Engaging modern individuals with this historical context through innovative product design provides a way to advance the cultural and creative industries and promote the sustainable development of mortise and tenon culture. This study conducted sentiment analysis on consumer reviews of three types of mortise and tenon cultural and creative products in the Chinese market, revealing consumer needs and expectations regarding functionality, quality, and design. Utilizing Norman’s Emotional Design Theory, the study analyzed the design elements of mortise and tenon cultural and creative products across the instinctive, behavioral, and reflective levels. A systematic design model was put together, providing both theoretical support and practical guidance for the future design of these products, thereby offering inspiration and aid for the modernization and transformation of traditional culture.
- Researchpp 5435-5449Yildirim, M., and Candan, Z. (2024). “Preparation and characterization of transparent advanced smart nanocomposites reinforced by nanofibrillated cellulose/poly(methyl methacrylate)/methyl methacrylate/benzoyl peroxide,” BioResources 19(3), 5435-5449.AbstractArticlePDF
Transparent smart nanocomposites, which are among the advanced materials, were developed with the synergistic effect of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFCs) as a natural bionanomaterial, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a biocompatible microcapsule, methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a monomer, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator and catalyst. Epoxy resin was reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO. Casting, which appears to be an industrially promising method that allows for cost-effective and high-quantity production, was used for producing transparent advanced nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites, including yield strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, impact energy, and self-healing capability, were determined. Increases in the yield strength (136.4%), modulus of elasticity (260%), hardness (28.3%), and impact energy (75%) were observed in the transparent smart nanocomposites reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO, compared to pure epoxy composites. Furthermore, the transparent advanced smart nanocomposites self-healed by about 7% after the notch/scratch defect. It has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as interior and structural components for the aerospace and automotive industries, packaging, flexible screens, and lightweight transparent materials.
- Researchpp 5450-5466Liang, Q., Zhang, X., Ge, Y., Jiang, T., and Zhao, Z. (2024). “Maize plant growth period identification based on MobileNet and design of growth control system,” BioResources 19(3), 5450-5466.AbstractArticlePDF
To address the current inefficiencies and subjective nature of manual observation in maize cultivation, with the aim of achieving high efficiency and productivity, this study focused on the DeMaya D3 maize variety. It proposes a maize growth stage recognition method based on the MobileNet model, which is a lightweight convolutional neural network architecture. The method was tested and achieved recognition accuracies of 0.98, 0.96, 0.92, 0.85, and 0.97 for different growth stages, respectively. Additionally, a maize growth prediction model was developed. Based on data collected from experimental plots regarding maize plant height and stem diameter, the Prophet model and an optimized version of the Prophet model were used to forecast maize growth trends. The Prophet model is an open-source tool for time series forecasting. Comparative analysis was conducted between the predictions of the original Prophet model and the optimized version. The relative errors of the Prophet model predictions were 0.85%, 2.11%, and 0.79%, while those of the optimized Prophet model were 0.76%, 0.47%, and 0.71%. Compared to the Prophet model, the optimized model reduced errors by 0.09%, 1.64%, and 0.08%, respectively. The maize plant growth control system was designed to obtain the information through the collection layer. The decision-making layer judged the soil nutrient absorption and growth status. Finally, the management layer controlled water and fertilizer.
- Researchpp 5467-5482Zuber, S. H., Abdul Hadi, M. F. R., Hashikin, N. A., Yusof, M. F. M., and Aziz, M. Z. A. (2024). “Rhizophora-based particleboard bonded with soy flour and lignin as potential phantom,” BioResources 19(3), 5467-5482.AbstractArticlePDF
Rhizophora-based particleboard was evaluated for its suitability as phantom material, especially in medical physics applications. The elemental composition, effective atomic number, micrographic structures, computed tomography (CT), and attenuation properties of Rhizophora-based particleboards were examined. These investigations considered three different particle sizes and three distinct adhesive mixtures. Rhizophora sample at particle sizes of 0 to 103 µm, with 4.5% soy flour and 1.5% lignin (C6) presented with a homogenous compound with better uniformity compared with other samples, and Rhizophora sample at particle sizes of 104 to 210 µm, with 9% soy flour and 3% lignin (B12) demonstrated an effective atomic number of 8.15, which is similar to water. C6 also presented with a density distribution profile with close proximity to water. The measured attenuation coefficients of samples were aligned closely with those of water, as determined by XCOM. The results suggest that the formulation of soy flour and lignin as adhesives for Rhizophora-based particleboard is suitable for the fabricating of phantom material for medical physics applications, especially mainly due to its natural origin.
- Researchpp 5483-5496Zamani, E. S., Ahadian, H., and Maloney, T. (2024). “Cyclic pressing as a viable approach for dewatering and controlling shrinkage of micro-nanofabricated cellulose films,” BioResources 19(3), 5483-5496.AbstractArticlePDF
Cellulose films, predominantly consisting of micro-nanocelluloses, are a new type of product with interesting properties for functional packaging applications. However, the potentially scalable production methodology has not yet been elucidated. Poor dewatering and high web shrinkage are issues that need solutions beyond what is available in conventional paper production. This research investigates a cyclic pressing method that shows potential in cellulose film consolidation. Cyclic pressing allows the MNFC films to be dewatered to about 90% solids while yielding a smooth, flat product. The results show no inherent physical limits for mechanical dewatering these high swelling webs, even at very high solids. Cyclic pressing allows controlled restraint during consolidation, which could be adjusted in an industrial setup to produce even films with desirable product characteristics.
- Researchpp 5497-5510Gu, W., Tu, Y., Yuan, S., Yu, D., Yang, G., Gong, F., Yin, S., Wu, Z., and Wang, H. (2024). “Preparation and properties of walnut cake-based wood adhesive with oxidation modification,” BioResources 19(3), 5497-5510.AbstractArticlePDF
Walnut cake has the potential for use in preparing wood adhesives because of its richness in protein and carbohydrate. In this work, walnut cakes were treated with sodium periodate or potassium permanganate and then were directly used as wood adhesives. Their bonding properties, curing performances, thermal properties, and chemical structures were compared. The results showed that: (1) The oxidation by KMnO4was non-selective. The reaction was very intense, accompanied by the great variability of oxidation degree and degradation degree, enormous viscosity of oxidation products, high coating difficulty, and low content of active aldehyde groups. (2) The oxidation by NaIO4 was selective; the reaction was mild and easy to control. More active aldehydes could be produced and the treatment was beneficial for constructing a spatial net structure of the adhesive. (3) Compared with oxidation of KMnO4, the walnut cake adhesive prepared by NaIO4 oxidation exhibited a more compact structure, a higher crosslinking degree, low curing temperature, and high thermal stability after curing; its bonding performances met the requirements for Class II plywood specified in GB/T 17657(2013).
- Researchpp 5511-5522Li, X., Hu, W., Qiao, S., Chang, Y., Gu, L., Wang, Y., Sun, H.-L., and Guo, Y.-R. (2024). “Fabrication of ZnO-carbon dots composite via microcrystalline cellulose for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production under simulated sunlight irradiation,” BioResources 19(3), 5511-5522.AbstractArticlePDF
The composite ZnO@CDs was prepared via the hydrothermal method. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was used as the source of carbon dots (CDs). X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses were used to characterize the structure and morphology of ZnO@CDs. The prepared ZnO showed a flake morphology with the exposed plane of (001). The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) characterization showed that CDs can be produced by decomposition of MCC and then attached on the surface of ZnO. The photocatalytic properties of ZnO@CDs were investigated under simulated sunlight irradiation. The hydrogen production reached 1240 µmol·g-1 in 30 min, which was much higher than the bare ZnO. The mechanism for the enhanced catalytic property of ZnO@CDs was studied. A high hydrogen production rate (2480 µmol·g-1·h-1) in the short term would enable ZnO@CDs to work as an emergency power supply by hydrogen production and use for restoring electricity and wireless communication in complicated situations.
- Researchpp 5523-5534Wong, T. H., Soong, M. F., Saifizul, A., and Ramli, R. (2024). “Advancement in graphical user interface tailored quality classification of sape soundboard,” BioResources 19(3), 5523-5534.AbstractArticlePDF
This research introduces an innovative methodology for evaluating and predicting soundboard quality in the intricate craftsmanship of sape instruments. Despite the sape’s profound cultural significance, the process of selecting soundboard wood has been inadequately explored, resulting in uncertainties within the crafting community. Addressing this research gap, this study integrates advanced machine learning techniques and devises a specialized Graphical User Interface (GUI) tailored for sape makers. The methodology encompasses a thorough acoustic analysis of three distinct hardwoods—adau, merbau, and tapang—employing machine learning classification through Support Vector Machine with a Gaussian kernel. The study culminates in the development of a user-friendly GUI for soundboard quality assessment. Results underscore the model’s proficiency for achieving an optimized accuracy of 87.8% in classifying sape audio samples. The MATLAB App Designer-based GUI streamlines the evaluation process, offering a practical and accessible tool for craftsmen. This integrated approach, harmonizing traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, holds the potential to revolutionize sape instrument manufacturing, ensuring the preservation and progressive evolution of this rich cultural heritage.
- Researchpp 5535-5548Liu, M., Cheng, H. B., Chen, L. P., Liao, A., and Kong, Q. (2024). “Research on harmonious design of chairs based on the Kano model and analytic hierarchy process,” BioResources 19(3), 5535-5548.AbstractArticlePDF
To meet the functional and emotional needs of users for outdoor leisure chairs, the three-level theory of harmonious design was applied. A product design process was put together based on the Kano model and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The Kano model obtained demand attributes and influence coefficients, while the AHP obtained total weights. The target products were designed and evaluated based on the three-level theory of harmonious design to improve the user experience and satisfaction of outdoor leisure chairs. The attribute categories of harmonious demand were obtained based on the Kano model, and the harmonious demands were ranked by importance. The design analysis and design practice were conducted with the goal of harmonious design. The AHP was used to analyze the comprehensive weights of the index factors, evaluate the user satisfaction of the three design schemes, and conduct consistency test and feasibility verification of the design schemes. The optimal design scheme was selected based on the total weight mean of three design schemes. The design and analysis method based on the Kano-AHP model can focus on user demand. It can objectively and efficiently analyze design pain spots, and effectively guide the harmonious design practice, which improves user satisfaction and market transformation efficiency of creative products.