Volume 20 Issue 3

The near-infrared (NIR) spectral reflectance characteristics of wood cross sections are commonly employed for wood species classification. Both specular and diffuse reflectance spectral curves of wood cross sections can be used. However, which one is more effective for classification and whether classification models trained on these two spectra can be used interchangeably have not yet been explored. In this study, the NIR spectral curves of wood cross sections from 64 common timber species were used to evaluate the specular and diffuse reflectance spectral profiles through five classifier models—namely, the support vector machine (SVM), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), decision tree (DT), and nearest class mean (NCM) classifiers. The classification accuracies of specular and diffuse reflectance curves using SVM classifier were 88.43% and 88.02%, respectively, whereas other classifiers exhibited lower classification accuracy, with specular reflectance spectral classification accuracy consistently outperforming diffuse spectral classification. Additionally, experimental results demonstrated that correct classification rate of the testing dataset after cross-use was less than 16%, indicating that classifier models trained on these two spectra could not be used interchangeably. In conclusion, this study suggested that specular reflectance NIR spectral curves are more suitable for wood species classification.

Winter pruning of grapevine branches is essential vineyard management, and knowledge of the biomechanical properties of branches is crucial for effective pruning. This study analyzed the dynamic behavior of grapevine shoots through axial–radial tensile, three-point bending, and shear tests. The axial elastic modulus, the radial elastic modulus, and the flexural modulus of grapevine shoots were 797 MPa, 79.8 MPa, and 5890 MPa, respectively. A finite element model of the grapevine shoot was established using the measured data, and a three-point bending simulation was conducted. The flexural modulus value obtained from the simulation was 5700 MPa, with a deviation of 3.37% from the experimental average, demonstrating the model’s accuracy. Moreover, a mathematical regression model was developed to describe the relationship of the branch diameter with its maximum shear force and shear torque. Shear test simulations revealed the stress distribution during the shear process, with the maximum shear force and torque deviating 9.60% and 12.11%, respectively, from the experimental averages. This study provides data support for grapevine pruning automation. In the future, these findings may contribute to the development of automated mechanical pruning equipment for grapevines.

Sago residue is being explored as an alternative material in construction materials because of its natural source, good performance, eco-friendly nature, and biodegradable properties. Sago residue is categorized into particles and fiber, so it has various fabrication methods and applications. This study examines various sago residue extraction methods, including traditional manual techniques, mechanical processes, and chemical or enzymatic methods, highlighting their impact on the properties of construction materials. Furthermore, factors such as constituent materials, processing methods, composition, fiber and particle size, environmental conditions, and manufacturing processes can all influence the physical and mechanical properties of sago residue-based construction materials. This review emphasizes the importance of material characterization in understanding their suitability for specific construction applications, ensuring product quality and safety, and identifying opportunities for sustainable development in the construction industry. It was also shown that this study provides important insights and explores the potential of sago waste as a construction material that can be degraded in the environment. Future research may explore the impact of fiber and fiber orientation treatments on the heat resistance, sound absorption ability, and tribology properties of construction materials made from sago waste.

Wood plays an essential role in civil construction due to its structural and sustainable properties. The longitudinal (E) and the transverse (G) modulus of elasticity are crucial for designing beams under bending, where combined deformations occur due to normal and shear stresses. However, the estimation of G for native Brazilian species still lacks standardized experimental procedures, with the simplified normative relation G = E/16 being commonly adopted. This study aims to estimate both E and G based on the Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories through three-point and four-point static bending tests. Four native Brazilian species and five ratios between the length and height of the cross-section (L/h) were analyzed. The results showed that, for L/h ratios below 18, the apparent modulus of elasticity was significantly affected by shear effects, exhibiting reductions of up to 18.47%. The E/G ratio ranged from 14.84 to 21.15, corresponding to a reduction of up to 7% and an increase of up to 32%, respectively, about the value proposed by ABNT NBR 7190-1 (2022). These results highlight the importance of considering specimen proportions and shear effects in the estimation of wood elasticity moduli obtained from bending tests.

Core user demands of wardrobe furniture design are becoming increasingly complex. Traditional design methods fail to systematically analyze the interrelationships among these multidimensional factors. This study integrated web text mining, the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, and the Analytic Network Process (ANP) to construct a causal network model for wardrobe design, and further optimized design proposals through the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). By applying Python technology, user evaluation data were extracted from mainstream e-commerce platforms, with high-frequency user demand keywords being identified and categorized into four key dimensions. DEMATEL was employed to quantify the causal intensity and centrality of the identified factors; ANP was subsequently utilized to construct a network hierarchy, revealing the feedback mechanisms between functional modules and user experience. Finally, TOPSIS was applied to rank three design proposals, among which Option 3—featuring flexible space partitioning, auto-sensing lighting, and anti-tip design—was selected as the optimal solution. The findings demonstrate that integrating text mining with the DEMATEL-ANP-TOPSIS framework can effectively identify the prioritization of user needs, thereby providing scientific decision support for furniture design.

Under environmental stress, the migration and accumulation of heavy metals in soil profoundly affect ecosystem dynamics and environmental risks. This study applied CiteSpace bibliometric methods to visually analyze 1,768 publications from 2000 to 2024, based on the Web of Science Core Collection. The analysis included publication trends, keyword frequencies, international collaboration, core authors, and institutions. Results show a shift in focus from pollution identification and mechanisms to health risk assessment and material-based remediation. Notably, increasing attention has been given to lignocellulose-derived amendments such as humic acid and biochar for their potential in stabilizing soils under compound environmental stressors. Leading institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and U.S. research bodies have played prominent roles, while high-impact journals, including the Journal of Biogeography, reflect strong academic output. Keyword clustering and burst analysis highlight emerging cores like “speciation,” “health risk,” and “biochar,” showing a phase-based evolution of research themes. The field’s short citation half-life, frequent keyword bursts, and multidisciplinary integration confirm its status as a research frontier. This study provides a comprehensive knowledge map and valuable insight into the dynamic behavior of soil heavy metals under environmental stress.

To improve the efficiency of holly pruning, effectively solve the labor intensity of manual handheld pruning machines or scissors for pruning holly, and the frequent replacement of tools when pruning different shapes of hollies with small holly pruning machines, this study designed a holly pruning machine with adaptive tool adjustment. A combination of theoretical calculations, fluid dynamics simulation and analysis, and field testing was employed to design spray application mechanisms and verify their feasibility. Visual distance measurement and target recognition algorithms were used to design visual mechanisms, which were experimentally validated. Based on the principles of kinematics and dynamic simulation analysis, adaptive tool adjustment mechanisms were designed, and the key factors influencing the pruning smoothness rate and residual branch rate of the pruning equipment were identified. Based on the force analysis and parameters from the experimental results, the machine performed well, with a cutting mechanism motor speed of 20.941 kr/min, a tool tilt angle of 50.472°, and a walking speed of 0.914 m/s. The machine achieved a pruning smoothness rate of 79.266% and a residual branch rate of 8.101%, meeting the requirements for holly pruning in horticultural operations.

This study aimed to quantify the environmental impacts associated with furniture products’ life cycle, and to explore Life Cycle Assessment’s role in eco-design. The goal was to overcome any misconception of focusing solely on materials innovation in eco-design practice. Three furniture products made up of different materials (paper, plastic, and mixed materials) were assessed using product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology with Simapro 9.1.1.1 software and the Ecoinvent 3.5 database. The process followed a defined scope and objectives, with inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation of results. The study’s quantitative environmental data revealed that eco-design should extend beyond a focus on material renewability and recyclability, traditionally prioritized by designers. It highlighted the importance of prioritizing furniture product life extension, material reduction, and energy reduction, though with varying degrees of priorities. In addition, the data served as a basis for proposing targeted eco-design improvement strategies. The paper concluded that quantitative product environmental data obtained from the product LCA can provide a clear reference for eco-design, which is of great importance in reducing the adverse environmental impact of products.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers produced through microbial fermentation. However, the high costs associated with traditional feedstocks and fermentation techniques limit their economic feasibility. In this study, PHA-producing strains were screened from sludge samples collected at a wastewater treatment plant in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Nile red fluorescence staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to detect the polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase (phaC) gene fragment, leading to the selection of a high-yield PHA-producing Bacillus strain for further investigation. This strain can utilize various inexpensive substrates and exhibits rapid growth, enabling efficient polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production without the need for sterilization or costly pretreatment processes. When fruit waste was used as the substrate, the PHB content reached 17.94%, and the PHA production yield reached 2.12 g/L. These results demonstrate the feasibility of non-sterilized fermentation using low-cost waste materials, significantly reducing the overall production costs of PHAs and providing a promising strategy for economically efficient PHB production.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an underutilized tuber in Nigerian industries. Its starch has diverse culinary and non-food applications. In this study, locally sourced sweet potato starch was isolated and hydroxypropylated using propylene oxide. The percentage of hydroxypropyl groups added and the degree of substitution were determined. Functional groups and morphological characteristics of both native and modified starches were analyzed using FT-IR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Functional and pasting properties were also examined. The degree of substitution and hydroxypropyl content fell within acceptable food application limits. SEM showed that granule structure remained intact after surface modification. Hydroxypropylated starches exhibited higher swelling and solubility than native starch from 50 to 90 °C. Both properties increased with greater molar substitution. Hydroxypropylation reduced storage turbidity and syneresis. Peak viscosity increased, while pasting and peak temperatures decreased after modification. Hydroxypropylated starches also had lower setback values. These results indicate enhanced functional properties in modified starch. The modified starch showed industrial potential for use in confectioneries, salad cream, mayonnaise, as well as in roles such as texturizers, thickeners, stabilizers, fillers, flavor carriers, and ingredients in beverages and bakery products, all with energy-efficient processing advantages.