Research Articles

Bamboo plantations are in high demand in the global market due to bamboo’s versatility and fast-growing nature. Dendrocalamus asper is one of the important species and is utilized in various industries, making it an economically valuable crop. Increasing yields while maintaining effective cost management is essential for planters. However, water stress possesses a significant challenge which can potentially disrupt bamboo growth and its physiological responses and thus the plant productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and physiological responses of D. asper under different water treatments. A total of 45 seedlings were placed in a greenhouse and subjected to three different watering regimes at field capacity. The growth and physiological parameters including culm diameter, plant height, transpiration rate, photosynthesis rate, intercellular carbon dioxide concentration, and stomatal conductance were measured.  The study showed that 100% of water capacity produced the best results for all the growth and physiological parameters measured. The reduction of water significantly reduced the growth of the seedlings, and the increment of water application beyond that point did not contribute to the increment of the plant growth. This indicates that excessive watering of bamboo did not improve growth performance, emphasizing the importance in optimizing water usage and conserving resources for economic sustainability.

The static structural behavior was investigated for the ‘Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong bracket’ from the Main Hall of Nanchan Temple (Tang Dynasty of ancient China) using finite element analysis (FEA). A refined ANSYS model was developed with an orthotropic constitutive framework based on mechanical properties of Pinus sylvestris (tested per GB/T standards), incorporating the Hill yield criterion to define wood plasticity. Vertical monotonic static loading (Z-axis) and horizontal low-cycle reciprocating loading (Y- and X-axes) were simulated to evaluate strength, deformation, and energy dissipation. Results revealed a vertical ultimate bearing capacity of 338 kN (Z-axis) with stress concentrations at the column-head/base-block interface (21.8 MPa). Horizontal loading demonstrated symmetric hysteresis loops, yielding peak thrusts of 1,417 kN (Y-axis) and 747 kN (X-axis), accompanied by ductility coefficients of 2.53 and equivalent viscous damping coefficients of 0.096 (Y-axis) and 0.073 (X-axis). The vertical response followed a tri-linear stiffness degradation model, while horizontal behavior aligned with multi-linear restoring force models. These findings validate FEA as a cost-effective method for characterizing Dougong mechanics, providing critical insights for heritage timber structure conservation.

An integrated design framework was developed to optimize timber-based elderly care facilities across three critical dimensions: environmental performance, health outcomes, and economic feasibility. By systematically analyzing engineered timber’s thermal regulation, humidity control, and biophilic properties, a data-driven model was established that balances material science with spatial adaptability requirements. It was found that cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls reduce HVAC energy consumption by 17% through delayed heat transmission, while maintaining stable indoor humidity levels (40 to 60% RH), which is crucial for respiratory health. The framework achieved a 23% improvement in elderly satisfaction compared to conventional designs, which can be attributed to wood’s natural terpene emissions and optimized spatial configurations. Modular timber partitions enabled rapid layout reconfiguration (2-hour adjustments) while maintaining acoustic insulation and wheelchair accessibility standards. Lifecycle analysis revealed 14% higher cost-effectiveness through prefabrication advantages and material durability. A case study validation showed timber systems support 12% larger window areas without compromising thermal performance, confirming practical applicability. This research provides a replicable model for integrating sustainable materials with geriatric care architecture, addressing both climate challenges and aging population needs.

Variations in Cu, Co, Cr, Cd, and Pb concentrations were evaluated in soil and plant organs at a copper mining site. Soil and plant samples (leaf, bark, wood, and root) were taken from different soil depths in the spoil area, the rehabilitation area where Pinus nigra Arnold., Pinus sylvestris L., and Robinia pseudoacacia L. species were planted, and the forest area. It was found that Cr and Cd concentrations in soils and Cu concentration in spoil areas were largely below the detectable limits. However, the concentration of these elements in plants was quite high. The highest concentrations were generally obtained in Pinus nigra. Except for Cr, the highest mean values were obtained in Pinus nigra. The highest translocation factor (TF) values calculated in the same way were also obtained in Pinus nigra and it was determined that the TF value was up to 6.739. The study results also show that Pinus nigra is a suitable species that can be used to reduce the pollution of the heavy metals subject to the study.