Volume 20 Issue 3

Effects of different concentrations of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) were studied relative to the rooting success, morphological development, and biomass characteristics of hardwood cuttings of Pterocarya fraxinifolia (Poiret) Spach collected from Düzce, Türkiye. Using a factorial design involving two cutting thickness classes and six IBA concentrations, the rooting percentage, number of roots per rooted cutting, shoot length, shoot diameter, number of shoots, fresh and dry shoot weight, and fresh and dry root weights were analyzed. The interaction between IBA concentration and cutting thickness played an important role in the vegetative propagation of Pterocarya fraxinifolia cuttings, especially in terms of rooting success, morphological characteristics, and biomass development.  In particular, 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm IBA treatments yielded the most balanced and effective results in terms of rooting, shoot and root development, and biomass production. Although the 8000-ppm dose increased shoot biomass, it suppressed root development, indicating a potential phytotoxic effect at high concentrations. Principal component analysis also supported these findings and showed that 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm IBA doses provided homogeneous and healthy development. The results obtained emphasize that the optimal IBA dose should be carefully selected for the sustainable vegetative propagation; especially applications in the range of 1000 to 2000 ppm can provide important contributions to the propagation and conservation of the species.

Gum arabic (GA), a natural plant-derived polysaccharide renowned for its adhesive properties, is widely utilized across various industries, particularly in papermaking. This study systematically investigated the retention and drainage performance of pulp when treated with cationic guar gum (CGG) and GA individually and further explored the development of a biomass-based dual-polymer retention and drainage aid system. The CGG-GA system outperformed single-component additives by initially forming larger flocs with CGG, which were subsequently stabilized by GA, leading to enhanced retention and drainage efficiency. Additionally, the dual-polymer system reduces the cationic demand of white water, highlighting a synergistic interaction between CGG and GA. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed a more uniform floc distribution in the dual-polymer system, while physical property tests confirm improved tensile strength in handsheets. This study presents a sustainable and effective alternative to conventional retention and drainage aids, offering both environmental benefits and enhanced paper quality.

The global trend promotes using natural and eco-friendly materials to improve fruit quality and storability. This study was carried out to examine the impact of pre-harvest spraying of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at 1.0 and 2.0 mmol/L, and post-harvest zeolite dipping (3% and 6% levels), on the quality of apricot fruits stored at 0±1 °C and 90-95% relative humidity. The results indicated that different levels of GABA and zeolite treatments significantly reduced the respiration rate, decay percentage, and fruit weight loss of stored apricots. Moreover, all experimental treatments notably slowed down the changes in fruit firmness, total soluble solid content, total sugars, total acidity, total phenols, and ascorbic acid, compared to the control. Applying GABA and zeolite evidently decreased the activities of pectin methylesterase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes. On the other hand, they increased the peroxidase activity compared to the control treatment for both seasons. Moreover, the application of zeolite and GABA at a concentration of 6% and 2 mmol/L, respectively, are recommended to enhance the storability and extend the shelf life of ‘Canino’ apricot fruits and preserve their quality. This study contributes to the Sustainable Development aims by reducing postharvest losses, food waste, and increasing marketability, as well as supporting food security by conserving resources and increasing marketing income.

Agro-residues, such as apple peel, banana peel, orange peel, tapioca peel, and sweet potato peel powders, were screened for the biosynthesis of bioactive extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in solid-state fermentation. Lactobacillus plantarum utilized sweet potato peel and improved EPS production compared with other wastes, so it was used for optimization studies. Compared with the unoptimized medium, the response surface methodology improved EPS production twofold during solid-state fermentation. In the central composite design, the experimental model was significant (p<0.01), and the selected variables (moisture, sucrose and yeast extract) significantly influenced EPS production. The maximum yield was 59.1 mg/g with 64.5% moisture content, 5.74% sucrose, and 1.39% yeast extract. In addition, the extracted EPS exhibited strong antioxidant activity, and it scavenged ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. The antibacterial activity of EPS was greatest against Staphylococcus aureus, and the corresponding zone of inhibition was18±1 mm, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa(14±1 mm).The results showed that sweet potato peels can be used as a cheap substrate for EPS production in solid-state fermentation.

The adsorption of malachite green (MG) was studied using chemically activated wood mill residues via a batch process. Maximum adsorption of 44.6 mg/g and 55.7 mg/g was obtained at optimum reaction time of 150 min and 180 min for the raw sample and the chemically treated sample, respectively. The kinetics analysis revealed that the adsorption process of MG by the raw sample is best described by a pseudo-first-order, whereas the pseudo-second-order model provided a better fit for the base-treated sample. The thermodynamic parameter of free energy confirmed the spontaneity and feasibility of the process, while positive enthalpy change (ΔH) values for both raw (17.2 kJ/mol) and treated samples (21.4 kJ/mol) affirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic. Desorption experiments demonstrated the potential for adsorbent regeneration and reusability, enhancing sustainability. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed that the base-modified wood residues effectively adsorbed MG dye, as evidenced by changes in key functional groups like O–H, N–H, C=C, and C-O. These findings contribute to the development of efficient adsorbents for environmental remediation, emphasizing the need for cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions.

Traditional furniture design methods often fall short in revealing users’ deeper psychological and emotional needs. This study innovatively introduced the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) as an exploratory tool in the field of furniture design to bridge the cognitive gap between latent user needs and practical design. Through image collection, laddering interviews, and Kelly Repertory Grid Technique (RGT), cognitive modeling was conducted with six high-involvement users. A total of 119 concepts were identified, covering ten design attributes (e.g., “ergonomic fit,” “warm color tones”), seven emotional needs (e.g., “stress relief,” “immersive experience”), and five value hierarchies (e.g., “sense of belonging,” “self-actualization”). The resulting Hierarchical Value Map (HVM) illustrated a three-level structure of “attribute–consequence–value,” clearly mapping the psychological pathway from product features to core user values. The findings revealed that users expect more than basic functionality from wooden lounge chairs, seeking emotional resonance, lifestyle alignment, and identity expression. ZMET was shown to be effective in uncovering non-verbalized user needs and offers a theoretical and methodological framework for value-driven, user-centered furniture design.

Mushroom production can contribute to food security through producing food of high nutritional value and medicinal interest. This study examined the effectiveness of using date kernel (K) in a mixture with wheat straw (WS) as substrate on yield and different crop stages duration for Pleurotus ostreatus (P.O) cultivation. Five substrate formulas were investigated using K and WS, alone and in combination. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between formulas. Using wastes separately showed the lowest yield, whereas the substrate with 25% K gave the highest total yield (478 g) and biological efficiency (BE) of 95.61%, in 223 d and 78.52% as BE of three first flushes in 110.8 d. substrate with 75% K was more effective in term of time; it gave in 198.4 d 414 g of mushroom (BE: 82.95%) and 310.6 g (BE: 62.12%) for the three first flushes in 83.2 d. It is more effective to use K and WS in mixture than separately to cultivate P.O., The proportion depends on which we can give up; around 70 g of yield or 26 d as time difference; for more yield in longer time, using 25% K is more suitable, and 75% K is used for shorter time and less yield.

Protease enzyme at concentrations of 50, 75, and 100 U (μmol/min), in both solution and paste form, was evaluated for cleaning stains caused by Aspergillus flavus. This applied study was conducted on paper sheets that had been formed from either cotton or wood-derived cellulose fibers. After cleaning, the infected samples were examined and analyzed to identify any changes and assess the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Color change, digital microscopy, ATR-FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, and pH measurement were employed. The results confirmed that the most effective treatment was the enzyme paste form at 50 and 75 U, as this was able to remove existing fungus spots on the surface or permeate within the fibers. IR spectroscopy confirmed that the chemical composition of both cotton and wood paper remained unchanged. Conversely, there was a significant increase in the characteristic vibrations of water and the crystallization sites of cellulose at the wavenumber of 1300 cm^-1.

Hornification of cellulose-rich materials, particularly wood pulps, occurs when chemical bonds form between cellulose surfaces, along with intermolecular forces created during dewatering and drying, preventing the material from reswelling in water to its original structure. Hornification of pulps results in a reduced ability to form effective fiber networks and therefore weaker paper products. The objective of this work was to investigate the role of hornification in pelletized cellulosic biomass and materials in general to provide more information than can be obtained by measuring standard wet state properties, such as water retention. Pellets were produced from chemical pulps with different degrees of hornification, as indicated by the water retention value (WRV), and their mechanical performance was evaluated. The chemical pulps served as a model material for investigating hornification. Pulps with higher hornification produced pellets with inferior mechanical properties, which has not been shown before by such a test. This effect is attributed to increased fiber stiffness and reduced surface flexibility, which limits fiber-fiber bonding. In addition, high drying temperatures prior to pelletizing, and thus higher hornification, will increase compression energy and friction in the pelletizing process. A novel connection was observed between WRV and mechanical performance, highlighting the impact of hornification on the surface interactions of cellulose-based materials.

Surface treatments of paper and paper-based compounds are one of the most effective methods for improving different specifications of paper products, such as printability, paper strength values, absorption performance, and diminished surface roughness. In this study, cellulose derivatives of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and zinc oxide (ZnO), an inorganic antibacterial material, were prepared in varying concentrations (1/1, 1/0.5, and 1/0.25) and applied to standard filter paper by the dip-coating method to examine the combined effects of these chemicals on paper properties and the performance of the investigation papers as a food packaging material. Density, dry-wet strength, Cobb values, oil-dye absorption, and air permeability of papers were investigated in addition to degradation tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, antibacterial activity, and scanning electron microscopy images. The density values of papers were determined between 0.421 and 0.468 g/cm³. Although determined by different techniques, oil absorption and dye absorption performances showed similar patterns, and the addition of ZnO into the composition caused a decrease in the absorption performances. Dry strength and Cobb values increased with the ZnO addition, and strength values increased. Wet strength values. According to all of the findings, these papers would make excellent food packaging materials, particularly for dry, low-weight products.