Research Articles

To address widespread product homogeneity and the scarcity of cultural value in the current lighting market, this study proposes a systematic design framework integrating user needs, cultural elements, and optical performance. The objective is to fabricate wooden lamps that combine cultural significance with optimal user experience and scientific lighting capabilities. User needs were gathered through interviews and questionnaires and then categorized using the Fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm. Concurrently, the Coefficient of Variation method was employed to objectively determine the weight of each requirement, establishing a quantitative evaluation system. Yi ethnic totem elements were derived through literature review and field research. These cultural symbols were translated into openwork patterns adapted for wooden lamp structures. Guided by the weighted requirements, two distinct design schemes were developed. Finally, TracePro software was utilized to simulate and verify optical performance, specifically analyzing illuminance distribution and luminous intensity uniformity across the prototypes. The results indicate that the configuration combining plant patterns with a frosted lampshade achieved the superior performance among four comparative groups, demonstrating the optimal balance between lighting uniformity and effective coverage area. This study validates the effectiveness of the proposed framework, highlighting the integration of quantitative needs analysis and scientific verification.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the frequency spectrum and the time frequency analysis of guzheng, a Chinese plucked zither. The progressing note for string 21 to string 1 are from D2=73.41 Hz to D6=1174.7 Hz. The G major pentatonic scale consists of the first, second third, fifth, and sixth degrees: D, E, F♯, A, and B. For strings 21 to 2, the notes are arranged as follows: (D2, E2, F♯2, A2, B2), (D3, E3, F♯3, A3, B3), (D4, E4, F♯4, A4, B4), (D5, E5, F♯5, A5, B5). The partials harmonic increased gradually with the harmonic number except for strings 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16 where some partials are not harmonic. The time frequency analysis (TFA) for high pitch string shows distinct partial frequency, whereas the low pitch string shows diffused partial frequency.

The synergistic application of coal gangue (CG) and microorganisms has the potential to promote plant growth, yet the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. This study examined the effects of co-applying Bacillus velezensis and CG on wheat growth through pot experiments. The growth parameters of wheat, the physicochemical properties of the soil, enzyme activity, and the microbial community composition were assessed. The combined treatment led to a significant enhancement in wheat growth, with plant height and root length increasing by 32.1% and 35.4%, respectively. Soil nutrient status was markedly improved, with increases in total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, organic matter, and humic acid. Key soil enzyme activities were also elevated. Microbial community analysis revealed an increase in soil microbial richness and significant enhancements in the generation of phytohormone IAA and ACC deaminase, which were 1.59 and 1.89 times higher than in the control respectively. In conclusion, the combined application of B. velezensis and CG promoted wheat growth by synergistically improving soil fertility, enhancing enzyme activities, and enriching beneficial microbial communities. This study provides a theoretical foundation and a practical strategy for the agricultural utilization of coal gangue and the remediation of infertile soils.

Fast-growing sengon wood falls into the low durability and strength class. Enhancing the physical, mechanical, and fire-resistance properties of sengon can be an important step toward increasing its market value. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CaCO₃ formation in enhancing physical, mechanical, and fire-resistance properties of sengon wood. The wood was impregnated in two steps with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and assisted potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) at three concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mol/L). The results showed that the consequent CaCO₃ mineralization process at moderate concentrations improved wood properties. The concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mol/L showed optimal overall performance in improving the properties of sengon wood, with 0.5 mol/L offering potential advantages in terms of treatment efficiency. In particular, mechanical properties were increased by about 20% compared to the control. The use of CaCO₃ at 2 mol/L was less effective at improving mechanical properties. However, the physical and fire resistance properties were comparable to those of moderate concentrations of 0.5 mol/L and 1 mol/L. Based on this work, mineralization can be regarded as an alternative to improve wood properties, especially fire resistance, for environmentally friendly structural applications.

The impact of an oxidation process was examined relative to the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of maize starch. Raw maize starch (RMS) was extracted via wet milling, while oxidized maize starch (OMS) was produced through controlled oxidation. Gelation behavior, pasting characteristics using Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), water and oil absorption capacities, structural change analyses, and swelling power were examined. The oxidation process significantly increased the water and oil absorption capacities of (1.5±0.01 g/g and 1.2±0.02 g/g) in OMS compared with RMS (0.9±0.01 g/g and 0.6±0.01 g/g) respectively, signifying increased hydrophilicity and exposure of non-polar sites. RVA results exhibited reductions in trough, peak, final, and setback viscosities, suggesting decreased retrogradation tendency and enhanced paste stability under heat and wear. OMS showed improved swelling power across all temperatures (55 to 95 °C), indicating increased hydroxyl accessibility and disruption of crystalline regions. Fourier transform infra-red spectra exhibited shifts in carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups, while scanning electron microscopy showed granule alteration and surface roughening. Overall, the oxidation process enhanced thermal, hydration, and structural properties of maize starch, signifying its potential for industrial applications requiring better solubility, reduced retrogradation, and improved paste stability.

This study systematically investigates the mechanical properties of the Qing Dynasty “Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong” from the Qufu Confucius Temple using finite element numerical simulation. An ANSYS finite element model was established based on orthotropic material properties representative of Pinus sylvestris timber, obtained from standardized mechanical tests, incorporating the Hill yield criterion to characterize the plastic development behavior of timber. Through application of vertical monotonic loads and horizontal low-cycle reciprocating loads, the results demonstrate: The vertical ultimate bearing capacity of the dougong reaches 350 kN with a maximum stress value of 21.5 MPa; under horizontal loading. The structure exhibits symmetric hysteretic curve characteristics, with ultimate lateral load-bearing capacities along the X- and Y-principal axes reaching 813 kN and 866 kN, respectively. Numerical analysis yields Y-direction ductility coefficients of 2.58, X-direction ductility coefficients of 3.44, and equivalent viscous damping ratios of 0.103 and 0.111, respectively. Under vertical loading, the mechanical behavior of the structure displays a trilinear stiffness degradation pattern, while under horizontal loading, its mechanical response conforms to a multilinear constitutive model. These findings validate the applicability of finite element numerical simulation in studying the mechanical properties of traditional dougong brackets, providing valuable references, and cost-effective technical means for the conservation and restoration of historical timber structures.

The chemical composition and bioactivity of lupine seed oil were explored using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The analysis identified diverse constituents dominated by fatty acid derivatives, esters, and terpenoids. The major compounds were 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (23.6%), E-8-methyl-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (19.1%), and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl palmitate (8.83%), with moderate levels of tert-hexadecanethiol (6.97%) and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid diacetate ester (6.58%). Minor components included caryophyllene (3.71%) and unsaturated fatty acids (< 5%). Antimicrobial evaluation revealed a larger inhibition zone for lupine seed oil (29.0 ± 0.5 mm) than the standard drug (28.0 ± 1.0 mm), a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.6 µg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC index of 2. Lupine seed oil exhibited potent antibiofilm activity, inhibiting 77.5%, 91.1%, and 97.1% of biofilm formation at 25%, 50%, and 75% MBC, respectively. Hemolysis inhibition ranged from 79.2 ± 2.1% to 98.1 ± 0.9% across 25 to 75% MIC. Urease inhibition reached 95.3% at 1000 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 9.56 µg/mL), and protein denaturation was inhibited. Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was dose-dependent, with IC₅₀ = 148.7 ± 2.3 µg/mL. These findings highlight lupine seed oil as a rich source of bioactive compounds with strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities.

Biomass energy refers to various forms of energy derived from plants and microorganisms, including agricultural residues, forestry wastes, energy crops, and organic components of municipal and industrial wastes. It is a promising renewable energy source and an important part of the global sustainable energy system. As a renewable, carbon-neutral energy resource, it plays a critical role in replacing fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a sustainable low-carbon energy system. It also plays an important role in ensuring national energy security, social sustainable development, and rural revitalization. It is an effective way of biomass valorization and an important component of the low-carbon economy. Great progress in biomass energy development has been made in recent years. However, large-scale biomass energy development is still facing great challenges. This editorial will give a brief discussion on biomass energy in relation to national energy security, sustainability, and rural revitalization. In addition, the challenges of large-scale biomass energy development will also be addressed.

The resurgence of traditional culture has driven market demand for high-quality writing brushes. Natural bamboo frequently suffers from hygroscopic cracking, whereas polymer substitutes face the dual challenges of aesthetic deficiency and formaldehyde emission. While flat-molded binderless technology offers environmental advantages, it remains inadequate for addressing the high density and durability requirements of cylindrical artifacts. This study uses high-consistency mechano-enzymatic (HCME) pretreatment and cylindrical molding. It transforms bamboo processing residues into high-density binderless brush handles. Under HCME treatment, fibers fibrillate and parenchyma cells fragment. These changes induce microstructural reorganization. This reorganization constitutes a critical micro-filler effect. Porosity decreased to 3.27%, enabling a high density of 1.27 g/cm³. A thickness swelling (TS) below 5.1% effectively mitigated hygroscopic defects, while the material exhibited robust ink resistance. Attributable to micro-brittleness, chips broke cleanly during lathe turning; this eliminated fiber tearing and yielded a mirror-like surface finish. This formaldehyde-free approach achieved mechanical performance comparable to the tactile sensation of precious hardwoods but provided a potential pathway for extending binderless technology to the manufacturing of high-value cultural artifacts.

The fire and thermal behavior of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula L.) woods were comparatively evaluated after being modified by thermal treatment (200 °C), acetylation, and one-sided surface charring. A small-flame ignition test (EN ISO 11925-2), gross heat of combustion via bomb calorimetry (EN ISO 1716), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) were used for assessment. Thermal modification resulted in moderate mass loss (~3% to 4%), while acetylation achieved high weight percentage gain (>20%) and the strongest reduction in equilibrium moisture content; surface charring had only a negligible effect on bulk moisture properties. While none of the applied modifications altered the Euroclass-related reaction-to-fire classification, statistically significant differences in early-stage flame spread were observed. Acetylated wood exhibited increased flame spread, whereas surface-charred specimens showed a pronounced reduction, particularly for beech. All modified materials displayed higher gross heat of combustion compared with reference wood, reflecting increased carbon-rich constituents; however, this increase did not directly correspond to improved fire performance. TGA revealed similar degradation behavior for reference and thermally modified wood, whereas acetylated and surface-charred materials exhibited fundamentally different thermal responses because of chemical substitution and polysaccharide degradation with carbon-rich char formation, respectively. The study highlighted surface charring as an effective modification for reducing flame spread and demonstrates the necessity of combining complementary fire-testing methods to capture modification-specific fire behavior.