Volume 21 Issue 2

To address widespread product homogeneity and the scarcity of cultural value in the current lighting market, this study proposes a systematic design framework integrating user needs, cultural elements, and optical performance. The objective is to fabricate wooden lamps that combine cultural significance with optimal user experience and scientific lighting capabilities. User needs were gathered through interviews and questionnaires and then categorized using the Fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithm. Concurrently, the Coefficient of Variation method was employed to objectively determine the weight of each requirement, establishing a quantitative evaluation system. Yi ethnic totem elements were derived through literature review and field research. These cultural symbols were translated into openwork patterns adapted for wooden lamp structures. Guided by the weighted requirements, two distinct design schemes were developed. Finally, TracePro software was utilized to simulate and verify optical performance, specifically analyzing illuminance distribution and luminous intensity uniformity across the prototypes. The results indicate that the configuration combining plant patterns with a frosted lampshade achieved the superior performance among four comparative groups, demonstrating the optimal balance between lighting uniformity and effective coverage area. This study validates the effectiveness of the proposed framework, highlighting the integration of quantitative needs analysis and scientific verification.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the frequency spectrum and the time frequency analysis of guzheng, a Chinese plucked zither. The progressing note for string 21 to string 1 are from D2=73.41 Hz to D6=1174.7 Hz. The G major pentatonic scale consists of the first, second third, fifth, and sixth degrees: D, E, F♯, A, and B. For strings 21 to 2, the notes are arranged as follows: (D2, E2, F♯2, A2, B2), (D3, E3, F♯3, A3, B3), (D4, E4, F♯4, A4, B4), (D5, E5, F♯5, A5, B5). The partials harmonic increased gradually with the harmonic number except for strings 2, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16 where some partials are not harmonic. The time frequency analysis (TFA) for high pitch string shows distinct partial frequency, whereas the low pitch string shows diffused partial frequency.

The synergistic application of coal gangue (CG) and microorganisms has the potential to promote plant growth, yet the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. This study examined the effects of co-applying Bacillus velezensis and CG on wheat growth through pot experiments. The growth parameters of wheat, the physicochemical properties of the soil, enzyme activity, and the microbial community composition were assessed. The combined treatment led to a significant enhancement in wheat growth, with plant height and root length increasing by 32.1% and 35.4%, respectively. Soil nutrient status was markedly improved, with increases in total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, organic matter, and humic acid. Key soil enzyme activities were also elevated. Microbial community analysis revealed an increase in soil microbial richness and significant enhancements in the generation of phytohormone IAA and ACC deaminase, which were 1.59 and 1.89 times higher than in the control respectively. In conclusion, the combined application of B. velezensis and CG promoted wheat growth by synergistically improving soil fertility, enhancing enzyme activities, and enriching beneficial microbial communities. This study provides a theoretical foundation and a practical strategy for the agricultural utilization of coal gangue and the remediation of infertile soils.

Fast-growing sengon wood falls into the low durability and strength class. Enhancing the physical, mechanical, and fire-resistance properties of sengon can be an important step toward increasing its market value. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of CaCO₃ formation in enhancing physical, mechanical, and fire-resistance properties of sengon wood. The wood was impregnated in two steps with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and assisted potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) at three concentrations (0.5, 1, and 2 mol/L). The results showed that the consequent CaCO₃ mineralization process at moderate concentrations improved wood properties. The concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mol/L showed optimal overall performance in improving the properties of sengon wood, with 0.5 mol/L offering potential advantages in terms of treatment efficiency. In particular, mechanical properties were increased by about 20% compared to the control. The use of CaCO₃ at 2 mol/L was less effective at improving mechanical properties. However, the physical and fire resistance properties were comparable to those of moderate concentrations of 0.5 mol/L and 1 mol/L. Based on this work, mineralization can be regarded as an alternative to improve wood properties, especially fire resistance, for environmentally friendly structural applications.

The impact of an oxidation process was examined relative to the physicochemical, functional, and structural characteristics of maize starch. Raw maize starch (RMS) was extracted via wet milling, while oxidized maize starch (OMS) was produced through controlled oxidation. Gelation behavior, pasting characteristics using Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA), water and oil absorption capacities, structural change analyses, and swelling power were examined. The oxidation process significantly increased the water and oil absorption capacities of (1.5±0.01 g/g and 1.2±0.02 g/g) in OMS compared with RMS (0.9±0.01 g/g and 0.6±0.01 g/g) respectively, signifying increased hydrophilicity and exposure of non-polar sites. RVA results exhibited reductions in trough, peak, final, and setback viscosities, suggesting decreased retrogradation tendency and enhanced paste stability under heat and wear. OMS showed improved swelling power across all temperatures (55 to 95 °C), indicating increased hydroxyl accessibility and disruption of crystalline regions. Fourier transform infra-red spectra exhibited shifts in carbonyl and hydroxyl functional groups, while scanning electron microscopy showed granule alteration and surface roughening. Overall, the oxidation process enhanced thermal, hydration, and structural properties of maize starch, signifying its potential for industrial applications requiring better solubility, reduced retrogradation, and improved paste stability.

This study systematically investigates the mechanical properties of the Qing Dynasty “Five-tier Outer Eave Column-head Dougong” from the Qufu Confucius Temple using finite element numerical simulation. An ANSYS finite element model was established based on orthotropic material properties representative of Pinus sylvestris timber, obtained from standardized mechanical tests, incorporating the Hill yield criterion to characterize the plastic development behavior of timber. Through application of vertical monotonic loads and horizontal low-cycle reciprocating loads, the results demonstrate: The vertical ultimate bearing capacity of the dougong reaches 350 kN with a maximum stress value of 21.5 MPa; under horizontal loading. The structure exhibits symmetric hysteretic curve characteristics, with ultimate lateral load-bearing capacities along the X- and Y-principal axes reaching 813 kN and 866 kN, respectively. Numerical analysis yields Y-direction ductility coefficients of 2.58, X-direction ductility coefficients of 3.44, and equivalent viscous damping ratios of 0.103 and 0.111, respectively. Under vertical loading, the mechanical behavior of the structure displays a trilinear stiffness degradation pattern, while under horizontal loading, its mechanical response conforms to a multilinear constitutive model. These findings validate the applicability of finite element numerical simulation in studying the mechanical properties of traditional dougong brackets, providing valuable references, and cost-effective technical means for the conservation and restoration of historical timber structures.

The chemical composition and bioactivity of lupine seed oil were explored using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The analysis identified diverse constituents dominated by fatty acid derivatives, esters, and terpenoids. The major compounds were 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (23.6%), E-8-methyl-9-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (19.1%), and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl palmitate (8.83%), with moderate levels of tert-hexadecanethiol (6.97%) and 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid diacetate ester (6.58%). Minor components included caryophyllene (3.71%) and unsaturated fatty acids (< 5%). Antimicrobial evaluation revealed a larger inhibition zone for lupine seed oil (29.0 ± 0.5 mm) than the standard drug (28.0 ± 1.0 mm), a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15.6 µg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC index of 2. Lupine seed oil exhibited potent antibiofilm activity, inhibiting 77.5%, 91.1%, and 97.1% of biofilm formation at 25%, 50%, and 75% MBC, respectively. Hemolysis inhibition ranged from 79.2 ± 2.1% to 98.1 ± 0.9% across 25 to 75% MIC. Urease inhibition reached 95.3% at 1000 µg/mL (IC₅₀ = 9.56 µg/mL), and protein denaturation was inhibited. Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was dose-dependent, with IC₅₀ = 148.7 ± 2.3 µg/mL. These findings highlight lupine seed oil as a rich source of bioactive compounds with strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities.

Amid the global energy crisis and the pursuit of carbon neutrality, biomass-derived carbon materials (BDCs) have emerged as promising sustainable candidates for energy applications due to their abundant sources, tailorable hierarchical porosity/heteroatom doping, and remarkable properties. This review systematically summarizes recent advances (2020 to 2025) in BDCs for supercapacitors, secondary batteries (lithium/ sodium/potassium-ion), and electrocatalysis (ORR/OER/HER/CO₂RR). The review focuses on the synthesis-structure-performance correlation, highlighting how pore architecture, heteroatom incorporation, and morphology govern electrochemical performance. Key challenges including precursor inconsistency, imperfect structure control, and scalability in sustainable production are critically assessed. Future prospects are proposed, including machine-learning-guided material design, in situ/operando mechanistic studies, and practical device integration. This work offers insightful guidance for the rational design of BDCs toward practical energy storage and conversion systems.

Plant bioresources are an abundant, sustainable, and underutilized source of essential bioactive substances for use in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical sectors. The increased demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly processing technologies has fueled interest in enzyme-assisted valorization as a greener alternative to traditional extraction methods. This review emphasizes the relevance of plant bioresources and functioning bioproducts, particularly the use of enzymes in green extraction methods. The many kinds of hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes that contribute to biomass valorization are described, as well as their modes of action. Uses of enzyme-assisted extraction in the production of functional bioproducts are discussed, followed by a review of commercial scale-up issues, economic feasibility, and regulatory implications. In terms of sustainability, selectivity, and environmental effect, enzyme-assisted approaches can outperform traditional, microwave, ultrasound, and pressurized liquid extraction procedures. Enzymes can selectively break down complex polysaccharides and phenolic chemicals. Challenges persist in enzyme cost, capacity, and regulatory barriers. Future studies should focus on optimizing enzyme combinations, increasing cost-efficiency through enzyme recycling, and combining enzymatic approaches with other green technologies to improve sustainability. Furthermore, broadening the spectrum of feedstocks and guaranteeing compliance with industry norms will be critical for widespread industrial use of enzyme-assisted procedures.

Sustainable management of agricultural residues is essential to address environmental degradation and promote soil health, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), which is widely cultivated in these areas, generates substantial organic waste, including leaves, stems, seeds, and fibers. Traditional disposal practices such as open burning and landfilling contribute to pollution and the loss of valuable organic matter. Composting offers a promising, environmentally friendly solution by converting date palm biomass into nutrient-rich organic amendments that improve soil structure, enhance fertility, and increase crop yields. This review examines the potential of composting as a sustainable strategy for valorizing date palm agro-waste. It discusses the composting process, nutrient content, and effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and plant growth. The review also highlights challenges such as quality control, scalability, and policy support, while emphasizing the role of composting in reducing chemical fertilizer use, enhancing carbon sequestration, and promoting circular agriculture systems.