Research Articles

The mechanical behavior of hybrid composite materials was studied based on a matrix composed of 50 wt.% Abies alba exudate and 50 wt.% epoxy resin, reinforced with cotton and silk fabrics. Composite plates were manufactured using a hand lay-up technique with a 40/60 resin-to-reinforcement ratio. Mechanical characterization included tensile, flexural, vibration, and Shore D hardness tests, supported by statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc comparisons. The results showed that the introduction of textile reinforcement significantly improved all investigated properties compared to the unreinforced hybrid resin. Cotton-reinforced composites exhibited the highest tensile and flexural strength, as well as the highest hardness values, indicating increased stiffness and load-bearing capacity. In contrast, silk-reinforced composites demonstrated superior deformation capacity and higher damping behavior, reflecting enhanced ductility and energy dissipation. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant influence of material configuration on all properties (p < 0.05). An exception was observed in flexural deformation, where no significant difference was found between cotton- and silk-reinforced composites, suggesting a similar global deformation response. The results demonstrate that hybrid epoxy systems modified with Abies alba exudate can be successfully used for the development of bio-based composites.

Ming-style armchairs represent a distinctive form of Chinese classical furniture, yet systematic methods for linking their morphological features to users’ affective responses remain limited. Conventional Kansei Engineering (KE) models treat design components as equally weighted, neglecting differences in visual attention. This study proposes an attention-weighted KE framework that integrates eye-tracking data with partial least squares (PLS) regression modelling. Five representative Ming-style armchairs were evaluated by 200 Generation Y participants across five Kansei dimensions using semantic differential scales. A subsequent eye-tracking experiment with 30 participants derived visual attention weights for nine morphological components via the coefficient of variation of total fixation duration. These weights were embedded into binary morphological coding and analysed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. Results indicated that the stretcher, apron, and spindle showed stronger associations with affective differentiation than the dominant backrest, which served as a stable perceptual anchor. Plain aprons and slightly curved spindles enhanced perceptions of simplicity and naturalness, while step-by-step stretchers and carved aprons were associated with complexity. The regression coefficients were translated into preference-avoidance design rules, suggesting that redesign may benefit from a two-fold strategy of preserving simple, recognisable treatment of the dominant category-defining component while concentrating tasteful elaboration on one selected secondary feature.

Carbon dioxide biomethanation offers a promising route for energy storage via biological conversion of renewable surplus electricity and CO₂ into methane. To improve the gas production efficiency and instability, bioaugmentation strategies are commonly employed by using biochar and trace elements individually. However, their coupled effect remains underexplored. In this study, the CM400 (biochar produced from cattle manure under 400 °C) showed superior performance in cumulative methane yield (138 mL·gVS⁻¹). Response surface optimization identified an optimal trace element combination (Fe: 15.1 mg·L⁻¹, Co: 1.5 mg·L⁻¹, Ni: 0.6 mg·L⁻¹), increasing methane yield by 12.9%. Subsequently, a novel modified biochar (CM400 pre-soaked in the optimal Fe/Co/Ni solution and pyrolyzed) was synthesized and significantly enhanced the volumetric methane production (VMP) by 19.8%. Experimentally, it enhanced the removal of total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), and total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD) by 21.1%, 20.9%, and 3.4%, respectively, while strengthening pH buffering and preventing volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation. The modified biochar enriched electroactive bacteria (e.g., Synergistota, Chloroflexota) and key methanogens (Methanothrix). Collectively, these physiological and compositional changes are consistent with improved syntrophic metabolism and suggest the possible involvement of direct interspecies electron transfer.

The tongkungon is a plucked bamboo zither of the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah, Malaysia, reflecting both material ingenuity and cultural resilience. Historically used as a substitute for gong ensembles and as accompaniment to dances such as Magarang, its practice has declined due to modernization and the erosion of oral transmission. This study applies a postmortem framework, combining acoustic analysis, organological classification, and ethnomusicological interpretation. Acoustic measurements based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and time-frequency analysis (FTA) reveal a pentatonic tuning system (F, A, B, C, E), with tonal instability caused by bamboo fiber variations. The tongkungon is classified organologically as an idiochord tube zither, linking it to wider Southeast Asian bamboo traditions. Culturally, it has functioned both as a pedagogical tool and as a symbol of Kadazan-Dusun identity. Although its active role has diminished, documentation and revitalization through education, cultural festivals, and creative collaborations offer pathways for safeguarding it as intangible cultural heritage.

The enantiomeric monomer of aleuritic acid was used as a spacer arm to prepare chiral stationary phases (CSP1~3) for chiral selectors containing only aleuritic acid, S-phenylglycinol (S-PGL), and R,R-diphenylethylene-diamine (R,R-DPEDA). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermo-gravimetry (TG), elemental analysis, and solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) characterizations showed that the three stationary phases were coupled depending on the route design, and the grafting ratio was 12.4%, 78.2%, and 32.7%, respectively. The first specimen CSP1, containing only aleuritic acid, was able to separate 4 of the 9 target compounds. Separation of 6 compounds was achieved by the introduction of the single chiral factor S-PGL’s (CSP2). After introduction of the double chiral factor R,R-DPEDA (CSP3), separation of 8 compounds was achieved. Although the grafting ratio of R,R-DPEDA in CSP3 was only 32.7%, and the increase in carbon content was only 3.08% compared with that of CSP1, which was less than half of that of CSP2. Thus, CSP3 showed significantly higher separation selectivity. The difference in chiral factors led to the reverse resolution order of enantiomers under certain conditions for some compounds. The chiral spacer arm was shown to be important in separation and in the preparation methods of novel structural CSPs.

Soy protein isolate (SPI) was utilized as a biocompatible matrix for the development of Fe₃O₄ and ZnO nanoparticle composites with enhanced biological activities. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using various analytical methods that confirmed the successful nanoparticle formation and conjugation with SPI. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and B. cereus using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth kinetics, crystal violet uptake, and cell lysis assays. Both nanocomposites exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy compared with SPI alone, with ZnO-based composites demonstrating the strongest broad-spectrum activity. Nanoformulation reduced MIC values by up to eightfold and significantly enhanced membrane permeability and bacteriolytic effects. The anticancer potential of tested materials was assessed against A549 and HCT116 cell lines. ZnO-NPs-SPI showed the highest cytotoxicity, producing IC₅₀ values of 27.8 and 31.25 µg/mL against A549 and HCT116 cells, respectively. Furthermore, treatment induced significant activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9, indicating apoptosis-mediated cell death. These findings demonstrate that SPI-based nanocomposites, particularly those containing ZnO-NPs, represent promising multifunctional platforms for antimicrobial and anticancer applications.

The increasing global demand for freshwater and the growing issue of water pollution, particularly from industrial sources, motivates efforts to develop more effective wastewater treatment technologies. This research focuses on developing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes enhanced with bamboo-derived cellulose nanocomposites for dye removal. The study aimed to overcome the hydrophobic limitations of PVDF membranes by incorporating cellulose, which is known for its hydrophilic and dye adsorption properties. The membranes were fabricated using different cellulose contents (2% to 6%) and characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The membranes’ performance was assessed through water contact angle (WCA), water permeation flux and dye rejection tests. Results indicated that increasing cellulose concentration improved membrane porosity, water permeability, and dye rejection capabilities. The 6% cellulose membrane demonstrated low water contact angle value with highest water flux with 317.95 L/m²h and dye rejection of 51% after 10 min, stabilizing at 41% after 70 min. This enhancement was attributed to cellulose’s hydrophilic nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds with dye molecules, thereby improving dye removal efficiency. This study demonstrates the potential of cellulose-enhanced PVDF membranes for industrial wastewater treatment, offering a scalable, sustainable solution to mitigate water pollution and promote environmental sustainability.

Bamboo stands out as a promising resource for sustainable industrial applications due to its rapid growth, superior mechanical properties, and environmental benefits. Its use in sectors such as civil construction, the pulp and paper industry, and energy generation reinforces its role as a strategic alternative to traditional and non-renewable materials.  Thus, the effective advancement of its industrial applications can benefit from a systematic mapping of current scientific trends. This helps in identifying emerging trends, knowledge gaps, and priority opportunities for sustainable innovation. In this context, this study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature related to the industrial uses of bamboo, for the period 2010 to 2025, based on data extracted from the Scopus database and analyzed using the Bibliometrix software. The investigation maps academic output, including the temporal evolution of publications, key authors, collaborative networks, top journals, and emerging thematic trends. The results contribute to systematizing existing knowledge, identifying research gaps, and supporting the development of strategies aimed at consolidating bamboo as a sustainable industrial resource.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different substrates containing oak acorn kernel on the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus for yield, biological efficiency (BE), and nutritional content. Different lignocellulosic wastes were used: Oak Acorn Kernel (AK), Oak Acorn Shell (AS), Oak Acorn Cup (AC), Hazelnut Branch (HB), Wheat Straw (WS), Acacia Branch (AB), Corncob (CC), and Oak Sawdust (OW). Substrates were prepared at 100% ratio and as 50% mixtures with WS; additionally, AK was supplemented with OW at 10%, 30%, and 50% ratios. Protein, phenolic content, and mineral compositions of mushrooms were analyzed. Chemical composition of substrates were revealed through chemical analyses. The highest mushroom yield was obtained from 50WS+50CC with 205.7 g/kg, while the maximum biological efficiency (57.6%) and benefit–cost ratio (4.98) were determined in the 50OW+50AK. The greatest phenolic content was found in mushrooms of HB substrate (58.781 mg GAE/g), the highest protein contents were detected in mushrooms grown on OW (28.43 g/100g) and AK (29.21 g/100g). Cu, Mn, P, and Zn elements were found to be higher in mushrooms of OW and AK substrates. This study makes a significant contribution to the circular economy by converting low-value forest wastes into value-added food products such as edible mushrooms.

Oral cancer is the sixth most prevalent malignancy worldwide. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared using Lantana camara leaf extract and evaluate their in vitro anticancer activity against human KB cells. The AuNPs were characterized using various techniques. The MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of AuNPs against KB cells. Staining techniques were used to quantify reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and assess apoptotic cell death in AuNP-treated KB cells. Furthermore, the caspase activities were examined to verify the induction of apoptosis. The antibacterial activity of AuNPs was also evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. The results indicated that the synthesized AuNPs exhibited predominantly spherical morphology with an average particle size of 40 to 80 nm. The assay revealed a dose‑dependent cytotoxic effect, with an IC₅₀ value of 30 µg/mL against KB cells formulated AuNPs effectively inhibited KB cell proliferation, enhanced intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, as confirmed by fluorescence staining and elevated caspase activities. The AuNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial properties, producing inhibition zones of up to 23 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 15 mm against Escherichia coli. In summary, the L. camara-mediated AuNPs exhibited a substantial anticancer potential against oral cancer cells and demonstrated encouraging antibacterial properties.