Volume 20 Issue 4

The concept of the “olfactory economy” has recently emerged as a novel consumer trend. Flooring has been observed to emit an undesirable olfactory sensation during its initial use. The implementation of scented flooring has been demonstrated to mitigate this concern. This study examines the problem of undesirable odors emitted by engineered wood flooring during its initial application. A Kano-AHP model in conjunction with TRIZ theory was used to investigate market demand for fragranced flooring and to offer novel insights into its advancement. A questionnaire survey was administered to ascertain market demand for aromatic flooring. The Kano model was employed to assess user requirements, with a focus on individuals seeking aromatic flooring. This finding emerged after the investigation of fragrance intensity, comfort, and suitability. The aromatic flooring surface was then subjected to artificial olfactory testing, and the findings were statistically analyzed using the Hierarchical Analysis Method to rank user olfactory preferences by weight and priority. TRIZ theory was ultimately employed to transform these requirements into enhancement strategies for aromatic flooring. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of this research approach in translating user requirements into research and development trajectories, thereby enhancing the relationship between users and goods and offering novel insights for the research and development of indoor furniture panels.

Distillers’ grain (DG) was used as an ingredient in paperboard made in the laboratory from recycled containerboard fibers. The chemical composition and physico-chemical properties of DG fractions that had been isolated using varied screens were investigated. The effect of DG incorporation on the properties of the recycled paperboard was compared relative what was obtained with either precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or talc powder as fillers. The DG was found to mainly contain cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, protein, and fat. At a filler addition level of 5%, the 100- to 140-mesh DG-filled handsheet exhibited the most satisfactory physical properties, with a tensile index of 25.4 N·m·g^-1 and a ring crush index of 7.95 N·m·g^-1. The strength values were generally higher than those of paper filled by PCC or talc powder at the same addition levels. The tensile index and ring crush index of hybrid-filled handsheets increased with increasing ratios of DG. The results suggest that DG can be used as a substitute for fiber content in some grades of paperboard, especially where a low-cost, bulky material could provide an advantage. Such usage of DG can resolve environmental challenges associated with storage and transportation of excess DG that is presently discarded.

Effects of thermal modification were investigated relative to the surface and adhesive bonding of coatings to tannin-rich oak (Quercus petraea) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) woods. Samples were heat-treated for 2 hours at different temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C) and then coated sequencially with linseed oil followed by poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) varnish. Increasing heat treatment temperature led to a significant darkening of the wood and a decrease in gloss and surface roughness. While thermal modification alone caused a reduction in adhesion strength, the subsequent application of linseed oil was effective in mitigating this adverse effect. The oil created a more favorable bonding interface by reducing the negative influence of tannins and hydrophobicity on the adhesive. The combined thermal modification and linseed oil treatment achieved favorable adhesive bonding performance of tannin-rich wood species with the varnish. This study suggests that low heat treatment temperatures combined with a linseed oil coating can be recommended for applications where good adhesion strength is desired.

This study explores Cyprus’s long-standing and rich heritage of carving wooden furniture, a craft that plays a significant role in the island’s artistic, cultural, and historical narrative. The Cypriot woodcarving heritage is a singular fusion of artistic, religious, and practical craftsmanship. It has roots in centuries-old techniques and influences from succeeding civilizations such as Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman. This study investigates the dissemination of carving methods, the development of artistic motifs, and the socio-cultural meanings ingrained in the carved items using an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical research, fieldwork, and interviews with modern artists. Religious iconography, the vine, and the rosette are examples of traditional motifs that are examined as both decorative accents and symbols of shared memory and identity. The research also analyses regional variances across the island, from the intricate furniture of the Troodos region to the simpler, yet symbolically rich, home objects found in rural towns. The materials utilized—especially local hardwoods like walnut and olive—as well as the specialized hand tools and techniques used by expert carvers are all carefully considered. The study shows how, despite the demands of mass production and modernization, these artisans have preserved a high level of technical and symbolic continuity.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified partially depolymerized nonfibrous form of cellulose, a crystalline powder composed of porous particles. In this study, the drying of MCC was investigated with two different solids content MCCs by using three different drying methods: a high-velocity cyclone dryer, a spray dryer, and a fluidized bed dryer. The effects of the different drying techniques on the geometrical dimensions and morphology of the dried MCC particles and aggregates were researched. Based on the results, the dried MCC particle morphology is highly dependent on the used raw material properties as well as the liquid removal mechanism during drying. The preserving of the morphology of the raw material MCC was mostly achieved by fluidized bed drying, which facilitated MCC to dry as discrete particles with high surface area and lesser aggregation when using the MCC with 45% dry consistency as raw material. Spray drying was observed to produce small, most circular particles with the most homogenous size distributions and high velocity cyclone largest, most heterogenous and irregular shape particles and aggregates. All results have been presented as such after drying without screening.

Sweet potato peel, a lignocellulosic residue, was used as a sugar source for lactic acid production in solid-state fermentation. The dried sweet tuber peels were heated at 80, 90, and 100 °C for 15, 30, and 60 min. They were steamed three times, first at 68.9 KPa for 15 to 60 min, then at 86.2 KPa for 15 to 60 min, and lastly at 103.4 KPa for 15 to 60 min. Compared with the 15 min treatment, the steam treatment significantly improved the reducing sugar content after 60 min from 190.4 ± 2.2 to 245.4±3.5 mg/g biomass. Enzymatic hydrolysis afforded 29.5 g/L total sugars, including 22.7 g/L glucose, 3.5 g/L disaccharides, 0.1 g/L arabinose, and 3.2% xylose. The pretreated substrate was used as a solid medium to produce lactic acid in solid-state fermentation via Lactobacillus plantarum MTCC1325. Central composite rotatory design (CCRD) was used to optimize lactic acid production to improve the lactic acid yield. Fermentation of sweet potato peel hydrolysate by L. plantarum yielded 85.6 g lactic acid/kg substrate, which was an overall fourfold increase compared with that of the unoptimized medium. Compared with the untreated control, goat meat treated with 1.25% to 5% lactic acid presented a reduced aerobic bacteria count (p<0.001). These studies imply that the sweet potato peel substrate is a promising biomass for the production of lactic acid in the food industry.

Reducing the carbon footprint is a key objective in global sustainability policies to combat climate change. Wood-based composite panels, which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries, require environmental evaluation due to their production-related impacts. This study quantitatively assessed the carbon footprint of melamine-faced particleboard produced in Türkiye, following a cradle-to-gate system boundary based on the ISO 14067 (2018) standard and the IPCC 2006 Tier 1 methodology. The system boundary included raw material and process input transportation, energy consumption, melamine lamination, and waste management. Primary data were obtained directly from the production facility, while secondary data were sourced from the literature. The functional unit was defined as 1 m³ of melamine-faced particleboard, and emissions were categorized under Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. Results indicated that 67% of the total emissions originated from Scope 3 activities, with major contributors being raw material transport, electricity consumption, and adhesive production. The carbon footprint of melamine-faced boards was calculated as 462 kg CO₂e/m³, notably higher than that of non-coated particleboard (299 kg CO₂e/m³). This study provides valuable data for future carbon footprint assessments of coated wood-based panels and offers a scientific foundation for developing sustainable production strategies in the sector.

Argan oil exhibits promising pharmacological activities supported by its rich phytochemical composition, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Major constituents included trans-13-Octadecenoic acid (20.0%) and Isopropyl tetradecanoate (25.6%), along with antioxidant-rich terpenoids and phenolics. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated strong inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, with low minimum inhibitory, minimum bactericidal, and minimum fungicidal concentration values (31.2 µg/mL), though limited activity was noted against Salmonella typhi. Argan oil showed dose-dependent inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, with IC₅₀ values of 15.1 µg/mL and 26.2 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting antidiabetic potential. It also inhibited butyrylcholinesterase (IC₅₀ = 15.9 µg/mL), indicating possible neuroprotective properties. Antioxidant activity assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay showed a concentration-dependent increase, with IC₅₀ = 4.97 µg/mL, approaching the effectiveness of ascorbic acid at high doses. Lipase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 25.10 µg/mL) highlighted potential anti-obesity effects. Cytotoxicity on Caco-2 cells was significant (IC₅₀ = 36.17 µg/mL), with morphological damage correlating with dose, suggesting antiproliferative effects. These activities are likely due to bioactive compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols, which influence inflammation, apoptosis, and enzyme regulation. Overall, the findings support the  therapeutic potential of argan oil as a natural agent in managing microbial infections, oxidative stress, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

This study aimed to determine the amount of flame retardant for semi-combustible performance required to comply with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Notice 2023-24 for hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plywood, which is commonly used as a building material. A cone calorimeter was used to observe the changes in the total heat release (THR) depending on the solid content of the flame-retardant impregnation (SCFI). The relationship between the SCFI and THR was expressed as an exponential function. The solid content of the flame-retardant impregnation required to meet the prescribed standard of 8.0 MJ/m² was 108 kg/m³ (semi-combustible performance standards) for hinoki cypress plywood.

Climate change has increasingly disrupted the growth and development of many fruit crops. Among the associated challenges, sunburn caused by excessive light and solar radiation is a major physiological disorder affecting citrus and other fruit species. This study evaluated the potential of kaolin (KL), calcium oxide (CaO), and boric acid (B₂O₃) to mitigate sunburn and improve fruit set, yield, and quality in Murcott mandarin. Foliar sprays were applied at concentrations of 2000, 3000, and 4000 ppm KL, either alone or in combination with CaO and B₂O₃ at 0 CaO + 0 B₂O₃, 500 ppm CaO + 50 ppm B₂O₃, and 1000 ppm CaO + 100 ppm B₂O₃. Applications were performed four times during each season (mid-March, early July, early August, and early September) in 2023 and 2024. The results demonstrated that foliar application of KL, CaO, and B₂O₃ significantly increased fruit set, yield, and both physical and chemical quality attributes by reducing sunburn incidence across both study seasons. The most effective treatments were 4000 ppm KL + 500 ppm CaO + 50 ppm B₂O₃ and 4000 ppm KL + 1000 ppm CaO + 100 ppm B₂O₃.