Volume 21 Issue 1

The shamisen is a three-stringed, plucked instrument that is used in a variety of genres, including folk music and kabuki theater. A PicoScope was used to obtain the signals from the shamisen. Open strings 1 and 2 exhibited discontinuities in the sequence of ascending notes. On string 1, B5 at fret 11 unexpectedly drops to C5 (instead of C6) at fret 12. On string 2, C6 at fret 17 drops to C♯5 (instead of C♯6) at fret 18. String 3 presented a continuous progression, ranging from C4 up to A5. The abrupt shifts from B5 to C5 and C6 to C♯5 on string 1 and 2 respectively results from the traditional Japanese approach to tuning (musicians emphasize relative intonation instead of conforming to equal-tempered pitch systems). Certain pitches may not hold functional significance within the melodic or harmonic framework, and their omission or alteration is consistent with historical performance practice. The variations in pitch captured in PicoScope data represent authentic outcomes of the shamisen’s culturally rooted tuning system and performance aesthetics. The PicoScope displayed the fundamental frequency one octave higher than the perceived pitch, while the gradient of the plotted partials frequency curves confirmed alignment with the actual sounding pitch.

Bamboo packing has been found to be a superior alternative to plastic packing for cooling towers, but traditional bamboo grid packing comprises numerous components, resulting in high production costs and low production efficiency. Therefore, a novel structured bamboo woven packing was designed in this study. The bamboo woven packing consisted solely of bamboo strips, which simplified the production process. The thermal performance of bamboo packing was systematically investigated. The results indicated that increasing the inlet air velocity and gas-liquid ratio enhanced the cooling water range and cooling efficiency, whereas a higher water drenching density had the opposite effect. The pressure drop increased upon increasing the inlet air velocity and water drenching density, while the influence of the gas-liquid ratio on pressure drop did not exhibit a discernible trend. A comparative analysis of the thermal performance of cooling towers utilizing bamboo woven packing and bamboo grid packing was also conducted under identical experimental conditions. The results showed that the cooling tower with bamboo woven packing exhibited a higher air velocity, a lower outlet water temperature, and superior cooling efficiency. Consequently, the newly designed bamboo woven packing outperformed traditional bamboo grid packing in terms of structural design, manufacturing process, and thermal performance.

Biomass-based materials have the potential to protect fruits and meet environmental requirements when applied to fruit packaging. However, their mechanical properties and barrier properties are insufficient compared with plastic packaging, which limits their application. In this study, a high-barrier bilayer film derived from corn starch (CS) and polylactic acid (PLA) was applied for banana pulp preservation. Results indicated that the bilayer film exhibited good barrier performance. The water vapor permeability and oxygen permeability of bilayer films were lower than that of pure CS or PLA film. In the 3 days preservation experiment, the weight loss of banana pulp packaged by CS/PLA bilayer film at ratio of 15:45 was the lowest (1.36%), while the pH and firmness of banana pulp packaged by this ratio bilayer film were the largest, reflecting that the bilayer film could effectively delay the oxidation and deterioration of banana pulp. Moreover, the CS/PLA bilayer film was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, which also evidenced that PLA could provide better mechanical strength and barrier properties, and CS had hydrophilic and biodegradable potential. In conclusion, it is feasible to combine CS and PLA to prepare the bilayer films. The study is beneficial to promote the development and application of eco-friendly bio-based packaging film.

Identifying embryogenic callus in plant tissue culture, particularly in woody species, such as Polyalthia bullata, is often hindered by its morphological similarity to non-embryogenic callus. This study introduced a rapid, cost-effective colorimetric method using the triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay to evaluate embryogenic callus induction in P. bullata via cell suspension culture. Suspension cultures were established using 30 µM dicamba in combination with varying concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ: 2 to 10 µM). Among the treatments, 30 µM dicamba with 8 µM TDZ induced the highest biomass and a distinct yellowish green callus morphology, typically associated with embryogenic potential. The TTC assay confirmed high cell viability, with red staining indicating elevated metabolic activity in embryogenic cultures. These findings validate the TTC assay as an efficient proxy for embryogenic callus detection, providing a valuable alternative to labor-intensive histological or molecular methods. This approach enhances tissue culture protocols for this woody medicinal plant, supporting its large-scale propagation, biomass productivity, and conservation.

Zoned mattresses for wood-based furniture have been influenced by the sleeping posture of the human body. Due to the different weights of various parts of the human body, lying on the mattress for wood-based furniture with uniform elasticity for a long time can cause illness. Therefore, dividing the mattress into different zones provides an effective solution for improving sleep quality. Herein, this work examined the impact of division size on a five-zone mattress on subject posture in various sleeping positions. Compared with conventional wood-based furniture structures, which often lack flexibility in localized support, the zoned mattress demonstrated superior adaptability in accommodating body contours. The results of the subsidence test suggested that the elastic distribution of the selected mattress was appropriate. The spinal positioning point indicated minimal impact of the size of the zone on the spinal curve of a supine position. Furthermore, the results of the body pressure distribution test revealed a significant influence of the zoning dimensions of the zone on the overall maximum pressure exerted on the human body, reaching up to 12.2 KPa. These findings offer valuable theoretical insights into designing zoned mattresses for wood-based furniture that accommodate human sleep posture.

This study explored a sustainable solution for creating water-repellent jute fabrics as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic-based shopping bags. After treating jute fibers to a mixture of the agents NUVA N2114 (fluorinated acrylate copolymer), Acetic Acid, and Arkophob DAN (polycarbodiimide-based crosslinking agent), a fabric that repellent water and preserving the natural texture was developed. The fabrics after the treatment passed the spraying test with good results, thus offering a great prospect in the realistic application of the concept of the environmentally friendly textile products. Besides enhancing the application of jute, this study also fosters local farming and green options in the global material sector. It is a small step toward greener choices, using the strength of natural fibers to meet modern needs.

Environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic pesticides have intensified the search for effective botanical alternatives. This study investigated the insecticidal properties of essential oils derived from Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) leaves collected from two distinct habitats in Iran (Rudbar and Hasanabad Chalous) against the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella Hübner) and the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.). Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC-MS, revealing 22 and 24 compounds in the Rudbar and Hasanabad oils, respectively, with α-pinene as the dominant component in both. The respiratory toxicity was assessed through probit analysis, calculating both LC50 and LT50 values. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between oil concentration and mortality. Notably, the efficacy was both habitat-dependent and species-specific. The Rudbar essential oil was significantly more potent and faster-acting against P. interpunctella (LC50 = 96.65 µL/L; LT50 = 12.1 h), whereas the Hasanabad oil was more effective against T. molitor (LC50 = 130.90 µL/L; LT50 = 11.8 h). This differential toxicity is linked to their distinct chemical profiles. This study confirms that the habitat of C. sempervirens critically influences the chemical composition and resultant insecticidal activity of its essential oil, highlighting its potential for developing targeted, selective pest control strategies for specific stored-product pests.

Effects of high-density agricultural by-product fillers, coconut shell flour (CSF), and palm kernel shell flour (PKSF) were investigated relative to the physical and mechanical properties after water immersion of wood-plastic composites (WPCs), compared to conventional rubberwood flour (RWF). The WPCs were fabricated with filler contents of 30, 40, and 50 wt% and subjected to long-term water immersion for 8 weeks. Morphological analyses revealed that CSF and PKSF particles exhibited denser and more angular structures than RWF, thereby enhancing filler-matrix interfacial compatibility. Mechanical testing showed that modulus of rupture decreased with increasing filler content while modulus of elasticity increased, and RWF composites yielded the highest initial strength. Under prolonged water exposure, CSF-filled composites exhibited the lowest degradation in flexural strength, screw withdrawal resistance, hardness, and surface quality, which can be attributed to CSF’s high lignin content and structural compactness. Further, RWF-filled composites showed the most considerable deterioration. Water absorption and thickness swelling were lowest in CSF composites, confirming superior dimensional stability. These findings underscore the potential of CSF and PKSF as sustainable reinforcements to improve WPC durability in moist environments, supporting circular material utilization from agricultural residues.

Biopolymers, especially poly(lactic acid) (PLA), have been among major 3D-printing materials, particularly for fused deposition modelling (FDM) techniques. Blending of PLA with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) can enhance toughness. The blend can be reinforced by the addition cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), which has been rarely studied. A 1% solution of CNF was added to PLA/PBS with ratio of 70:30 directly during melt-blending into 3D-printing filament, which was fed into a FDM 3D printer. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed successful integration of CNF fillers with more hydroxyl group availability in the composite. The degree of crystallinity of PLA, however, was decreased by addition of CNF fillers. This was also evident by the X-ray diffraction analysis, probably due to reduced chain mobility by entanglement effect. Mechanical performance of the printed samples was studied at 23 °C and at slightly elevated temperature of 40 °C, which revealed improved modulus and elongation stability at 40 °C in PLA/PBS-CNF1% composite. Water absorption study also revealed 50% enhancement with addition of CNF fillers, indicating improved water penetration, which could be beneficial for biodegradability. With good mechanical stability at around 40 °C and good water penetration, PLA/PBS-CNF1% composite could be beneficial in 3D-printing for biomedical application and water treatment.

Biochar-based aerobic denitrifying functional bacteria (BADB) have the advantages of excellent biochar adsorption performance and high nitrogen removal efficiency. In this study, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system was employed to explore the impacts of various stress conditions on the pollutant removal efficiency and metabolic pathways of BADB. Additionally, the adaptation mechanisms and response patterns of functional bacteria under different stress conditions were revealed. The structure of the microbial community was analyzed through high-throughput sequencing. The research results indicated that aerobic denitrification bacteria had good growth and nitrate removal performance under various conditions. Aeration rate exhibited positive relationship with denitrification efficiency, and the effect was enhanced when the ion concentration increased. Carbon source type significantly influenced the denitrification efficiency of functional bacteria, among which sodium acetate showed the best effect. Within the appropriate C/N ratio range, greater amounts of carbon led to higher denitrification efficacies of functional bacteria. Sequencing results revealed the key role of Brachymonas in organic degradation and denitrification process, with a percentage of 13.9% in the system. This study can provide a reference for the optimization and utilization of biochar-based aerobic denitrification technology, which is of great significance for improving the quality of water environment.