Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Chia-Feng Lin, Olov Karlsson, Dennis Jones, Dick Sandberg
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of sorbitol and citric acid as a potential bio-based formaldehyde-free adhesive for the manufacture of wood composites. By spraying a solution of citric acid and sorbitol onto wood particles and pressing them at specific temperatures and times, boards with the desired thickness can be produced with high modulus of elasticity and internal bond strength.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Katarzyna Kurkowiak, Lukas Emmerich, Holger Militz
Summary: Novel approaches for non-toxic protection of timber, such as wood modification using citric acid and bio-based polyols, offer promising opportunities for improving wood properties from renewable resources. However, further optimization of the treatment process is needed for industrial scale implementation.
WOOD MATERIAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yuncong Li, Songdang Zhang, Zao Li, Heng Zhang, Hu Li, Song Yang
Summary: Biodiesel is an important renewable energy source with the potential to replace fossil fuels. However, the by-product water generated during its production hinders the reaction and affects the catalyst's structure and activity. This study presents a new hydrophobic polymeric bio-based solid acid catalyst FDCA/SA-UiO-66(Zr), which exhibits excellent catalytic performance and stability.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fahed Javed, William B. Zimmerman, Tahir Fazal, Ainy Hafeez, Maria Mustafa, Naim Rashid, Fahad Rehman
Summary: A new heterogeneous catalyst, Bio-MOF complexed with an ionic liquid ([HMIM][HSO4]/Bio-MOF), has been synthesized and integrated with microbubble-mediated mass transfer technology to achieve a high conversion rate of biodiesel production. The catalyst demonstrates superior reactivity and stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Chunxiao Yang, Hang Su, Guanben Du, Xiangyu Ren, Yingchen Wu, Huijun Zhang, Kelu Ni, Xin Ran, Jun Li, Wei Gao, Long Yang
Summary: Manufacturing green and sustainable bio-based adhesives is an effective strategy to address energy and environmental issues. A hyperbranched crosslinked starch-based adhesive was prepared through the aldehyde-amine covalent reaction, which overcomes the poor water resistance of conventional starch-based adhesives. The adhesive shows improved bonding strength and water resistance, making it a promising candidate for aldehyde-free bio-based wood adhesives.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Massimo Calovi, Stefano Rossi
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of different quantities of a bio-renewable black pigment derived from wood waste on the durability of a bio-based wood paint. The pigment's effect on the coating's aesthetics is analyzed through colorimetric measurements and optical microscopy observations. Durability is assessed through exposure to UV-B radiation and continuous thermal shocks, with infrared spectroscopy analysis, colorimetric inspections, adhesion tests, and scanning electron microscope observations helping to analyze the pigment's influence on the paint's protective properties. Chemical resistance tests demonstrate that the pigment does not negatively affect the paint's polymeric matrix barrier performance. Thermal testing also shows that the black pigment increases heat absorption by the paint, making it suitable for energy-saving applications. Ultimately, this study highlights the potential of using a bio-renewable water-based dispersion as a functional pigment in bio-based wood paint, enhancing appearance without compromising protective performance.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ewa Liwarska-Bizukojc, Przemys law Bernat, Anna Jasinska
Summary: The contribution of bio-based plastics in the global market is increasing and diversifying. This study assesses the impact of three innovative bio-based plastics on earthworms in terms of mortality, body mass, reproduction ability, and oxidative stress response. The findings suggest that reproduction ability and catalase activity can be used as indicators of the potential impacts of bio-based plastics on earthworms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carla I. A. La Fuente, Larissa do Val Siqueira, Pedro Esteves Duarte Augusto, Carmen C. Tadini
Summary: This study investigated the production of starch-based plastics through ozone modification of cassava starch followed by extrusion. The results showed that ozonation treatment significantly improved the mechanical and surface properties of the plastics, but the effectiveness depended on the dosage and processing conditions.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Chunxiao Yang, Hang Su, Guanben Du, Xiangyu Ren, Yingchen Wu, Huijun Zhang, Kelu Ni, Xin Ran, Jun Li, Wei Gao, Long Yang
Summary: In this study, a hyperbranched crosslinked starch-based adhesive was prepared by the reaction between dialdehyde starch and polyamine. The adhesive exhibited improved water resistance and high strength, making it suitable for aldehyde-free bio-based wood adhesives.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Carla I. A. La Fuente, Larissa do Val Siqueira, Pedro Esteves Duarte Augusto, Carmen C. Tadini
Summary: The research found that bio-based plastics produced from cassava starch modified by dry heating treatment showed increased mechanical properties and opacity, while reducing water permeability, moisture content, and light transmittance. The different molecular arrangements and material performance were observed in casting and extrusion processes.
INNOVATIVE FOOD SCIENCE & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lifei Lian, Huaiying Zhang, Sai An, Wei Chen, Yu-Fei Song
Summary: POMs, as a class of discrete anionic metal-oxygen clusters with tunable structure, exhibit super strong Bransted acidity, high proton mobility, and thermal stability, making them potential green alternatives to conventional homogeneous acid catalysts. Through design strategies such as functionalized cations, covalent interactions, non-precious metal support, and porous polymer framework, POMs-based heterogeneous catalysts have shown excellent catalytic performance in specific acid-catalyzed reactions.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Taofeeq D. Moshood, Gusman Nawanir, Fatimah Mahmud, Fazeeda Mohamad, Mohd Hanafiah Ahmad, Airin Abdul Ghani
Summary: Bio-plastics industry is rapidly growing with interest from political leaders. Industries worldwide are exploring new production technologies. The research shows significant market potential for bio-plastics, but also vulnerability to political and economic impacts.
Article
Polymer Science
Carla I. A. La Fuente, Gabriel A. Atanazio-Silva, Carlos A. R. Anjos, Carmen C. Tadini
Summary: Dry heating treatment (DHT) is a promising technique to enhance the performance of starch and improve the properties of plastic materials. This study produced bio-based plastic with cassava starch modified by DHT and evaluated its disintegration and biodegradation in compost media, showing high rates of biodegradation and disintegration.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Celine Montanari, Hui Chen, Matilda Lidfeldt, Josefin Gunnarsson, Peter Olsen, Lars A. Berglund
Summary: The sustainable development of functional energy-saving building materials is important for reducing thermal energy consumption and promoting natural indoor lighting. A novel fully bio-based transparent wood biocomposite for thermal energy storage, with excellent heat storage properties, tunable optical transmittance, and mechanical performance, is introduced. The bio-based TW holds great potential as scalable and sustainable transparent heat storage solution.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Celine Montanari, Yu Ogawa, Peter Olsen, Lars A. Berglund
Summary: A novel bio-based transparent wood biocomposite was developed by synthesizing a new limonene acrylate monomer from renewable resources. The biocomposite exhibits excellent optical transparency, low haze, and high mechanical performance, making it a promising material for sustainable wood nanotechnologies for structural applications.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yunhao Zhang, Yi Qian, Ming Zhang, Weichuan Qiao
Summary: The combined exposure of F-53B and Cr(VI) negatively affects the biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, damaging cell membranes and biofilm structure, inhibiting quinolone-based signal production, and reducing the secretion of extracellular polymeric substances. Rutin, as an antioxidant, can repair the toxicity caused by Cr(VI) and F-53B, alleviating oxidative stress and promoting the antioxidant stress system.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zepeng Zhang, Yunyun Li, Longzhang Dong, Zhonglong Yin, Ziqi Tian, Weiben Yang, Zhen Yang
Summary: The hydroxyl radicals ('OH) generated on the anode play a crucial role in the electrochemical oxidation (EO) of organic pollutants for water treatment. Inspired by the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a strategy of anode selection was proposed to stabilize deeply oxidized states ( *O and *OOH) which contribute to the generation of 'OH. Through the use of MIL-101(Cr)-coated-Ti/TiO2 anodes, fast and complete removal of aniline and phenol, as well as improved energy utilization, were achieved compared to undecorated anodes. Mechanistic investigations and density functional theory (DFT) computations further supported the hypothesis and provided insights for the development of anode materials in the EO process.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Economics
Kun Wang, Jianqiang Chen
Summary: This paper examines the impact of fraud deterrence on firms' innovation outputs. The study finds that fraud deterrence is positively related to firms' innovation outputs, especially when there is high information asymmetry or employee turnover.
APPLIED ECONOMICS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Zhao, Jiazhao Huang, Jianqiang Chen, Youwen Liu, Tianyou Zhai
Summary: Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have shown excellent catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution and are considered suitable substitutes for commercial Pt-based catalysts. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an important technique for synthesizing controllable and high-purity TMDs for electrocatalysis and electronic devices. Recent research progress in CVD-grown TMDs nanosheets for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution, including synthesis factors and engineering strategies, has been presented in this review.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunyun Li, Yadong Wang, Jin Jin, Ziqi Tian, Weiben Yang, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhen Yang
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a new type of water flocculant in removing four different pesticides from Yangtze River water and mitigating membrane fouling. The results showed that the water flocculant had efficient pesticide removal capabilities and reduced membrane fouling, outperforming traditional inorganic coagulants.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Xuedong He, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
Summary: Most end-to-end discriminative trackers aim to improve performance by mining more representative target features, but it is challenging to obtain comprehensive features due to diverse challenges. To address this issue, we propose a novel feature enhancement module for richer and comprehensive feature representation, which is trainable end-to-end. Additionally, we use a metric learning method to devise a verifier for adaptive update of the sample memory and learning rate.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziduo Yang, Weihe Zhong, Qiujie Lv, Tiejun Dong, Calvin Yu -Chian Chen
Summary: This paper proposes a geometric interaction graph neural network (GIGN) that incorporates 3D structures and physical interactions for predicting protein-ligand binding affinities. GIGN achieves state-of-the-art performance on three external test sets, and the learned representations of protein-ligand complexes are biologically meaningful.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhu, Ruoding Wang, Qiong Tang, Zepeng Zhang, Zhonglong Yin, Zhen Yang, Weiben Yang
Summary: Metal organic framework (MOF)-based adsorbents have shown great potential in removing low-concentration phosphates with interfering ions in wastewater purification. In this study, ZIF-67/D-201 nanocomposites were developed, which exhibited high removal rate and adsorption capacity for low-concentration phosphates even in the presence of interfering ions. The structure of ZIF-67/D-201 was well preserved after multiple regenerations, making it suitable for fixed-bed adsorption runs.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhangzheng Wang, Ruhui Chen, Yunyun Li, Weiben Yang, Ziqi Tian, Nigel J. D. Graham, Zhen Yang
Summary: This study proposes an innovative approach of using elevated membrane cleaning temperature to reduce membrane fouling in the water treatment process. By increasing the temperature, residual hydrophobic-modified chitosan flocculant (TRC) can be induced to reduce membrane fouling in ultrafiltration.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hongqing Bo, Ziyan Zhang, Zhonglin Chen, Wenrui Qiao, Siyi Jing, Tongtong Dou, Tian Tian, Ming Zhang, Weichuan Qiao
Summary: In this study, a biomimetic core-shell PDA@Lac bioreactor was constructed, which provided a nano-confined environment for laccase and accelerated the mass and electron transfer. The bioreactor achieved excellent decolorization performance and enhanced the enzyme's tolerance to pH, temperature, and harsh environments. The PDA shell also increased the laccase loading, maintained relative activity after multiple uses, and improved the resistance to UV irradiation.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Xuedong He, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
Summary: This paper proposes a lightweight feature separation and fusion module to improve the performance of discriminative trackers. Additionally, a target uncertain detection technique is designed to address the problem of tracking model corruption. Through comprehensive experimental evaluations, the results demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed methods on seven public benchmarks.
KNOWLEDGE-BASED SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Qiujie Lv, Jun Zhou, Ziduo Yang, Haohuai He, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
Summary: Understanding drug-drug interactions (DDI) is crucial for minimizing adverse drug reactions. The modeling of new drugs in a cold start scenario is challenging due to limited structural and physicochemical information. A 3D graph neural network with few-shot learning, Meta3D-DDI, is proposed to predict DDI events. It incorporates 3D structure and distance information and develops a strategy to transfer meta-knowledge for DDI prediction tasks.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Yiyang Yin, Shuangling Luo, Jun Zhou, Liang Kang, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
Summary: Medical image segmentation is crucial for modern healthcare systems, especially in reducing surgical risks and planning treatments. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has become an important method for treating colon and rectum cancers. Real-time instance segmentation during TaTME surgeries can assist surgeons in minimizing risks. However, the dynamic variations in TaTME images pose challenges for accurate instance segmentation.
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jiehui Huang, Zhenchao Tang, Xuedong He, Jun Zhou, Defeng Zhou, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen
Summary: This study proposes a progressive learning multi-scale feature blending model for image deraining tasks. The model utilizes detail dilation and texture extraction to improve the restoration of rainy images. Experimental results show that the model achieves near state-of-the-art performance in rain removal tasks and exhibits better rain removal realism.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Jingwen Huang, Guanxing Chen, Haiqing Liu, Wei Jiang, Siyao Mai, Lingli Zhang, Hong Zeng, Shaoxu Wu, Calvin Yu-Chian Chen, Zhuo Wu
Summary: This study developed a non-invasive automated machine learning (AutoML) model to differentiate urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation (UC w/SD) from pure urothelial carcinoma (UC) in patients with muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC). The model showed robust differentiation capabilities in both training and test sets, making it a potentially useful tool for pre-operative diagnosis.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingmo Zhou, Shubin Wu, Ying Liu
Summary: Expenditure isolation of lignin and the understanding of its structural variations during different isolation processes are crucial for the high-value utilization of lignin. This study proposed a green deep eutectic solvent (DES) consisting of choline chloride, ethylene glycol, and 4-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid for rapid lignin separation from poplar. The structural variations of DES lignin and its relationship with alkali pre-extraction of hemicellulose were investigated. The results showed that alkali pretreatment enhanced the DES separation of lignin and promoted the cleavage of specific linkages, resulting in reduced molecular weight and thermal stability of isolated DES lignin. Moreover, DES lignin obtained from integrated utilization displayed higher purity and S/G ratio compared to lignin obtained from direct DES treatment.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuping Li, Ziyan Xie, Yun Huang, Jiangyi Zeng, Chao Yang, Ling Yuan, Ying Wang, Yongqing Li
Summary: In this study, the characteristic flavonoids (CFs) of three licorice species were identified through integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analysis. The key regulators of CF biosynthesis were also identified. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthesis of CFs and future breeding of Glycyrrhiza varieties.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xianjie Pan, Zhaoyi Luo, Fanqi Liu, Quanqian Yi, Yanning Zeng
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy for fabricating fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers using peach gum and itaconic acid, which exhibit superior mechanical properties and thermostability. The materials were characterized and the self-healing and recycling capabilities were evaluated. The results demonstrate the potential of using these materials for sustainable industrial applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohsen Sabzi-Nojadeh, Mohammad Pouresmaeil, Mina Amani, Mehdi Younessi-Hamzekhanlu, Filippo Maggi
Summary: This study shows that inoculating Summer savory plants with endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum can improve plant growth and increase salt tolerance. The fungus enhances growth, restores chlorophyll and antioxidant levels, reduces harmful substances, and increases proline and soluble sugar levels, thereby increasing crop productivity in saline conditions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yu Liu, Lei Li, Aichen Zhao, Xiuming Song, Lulu Wei, Mengdi Fang, Chuchu Zheng, Xiaodong Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the impact of peppermint essential oil microcapsules on the unpleasant odor emissions from wax oil coated wood products. The results show that microcapsules can improve the time and stability of odor release.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mesut Budak, Mirac Kilic, Hikmet Guenal, Ismail Velik, Mesut Sirri
Summary: This study assessed land suitability for rapeseed production using topography, climate, and soil data by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (MFIS). The study area covered land in the Diyarbakir province of southeastern Turkiye. The results indicated the proportions of different land suitability classes and showed the compatibility of AHP and MFIS methods in assessing suitability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Tian, Yue Liu, Chao Wang, Weikun Jiang, Srinivas Janaswamy, Guihua Yang, Xingxiang Ji, Gaojin Lyu
Summary: In this study, hollow and solid lignin nanoparticles were synthesized through self-assembly and their application in PVA nanocomposite films was investigated. The results showed that the presence of hollow lignin nanoparticles in the films resulted in a room-like network structure, while the solid lignin nanoparticles induced different structural changes. The inclusion of LNPs improved the mechanical properties of the films, and both types of LNPs exhibited good hydrophobicity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade, Simone Ribeiro Lucho, Renato Delmondez de Castro, Paulo Roberto Ribeiro
Summary: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as stevia, is a widely cultivated shrub with highly sweetening metabolites. It has gained significant interest in the food and beverage industries due to its extremely sweet taste and various health benefits. Researchers are currently focused on studying biotechnological strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of stevia plant metabolites for improved cultivation and production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eleonora Cintura, Paulina Faria, Luisa Molari, Luca Barbaresi, Dario D'Orazio, Lina Nunes
Summary: This study investigated the properties of Arundo donax as a building material and found that it has strong adaptability, high hygroscopicity, and unique sound absorption behavior. The mechanical tests also demonstrated the applicability of the Arundo donax-based composite. This opens up new possibilities for the further application of Arundo donax-based materials.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Stiina Kotiranta, Juha-Matti Pihlava, Titta Kotilainen, Pauliina Palonen
Summary: The effect of light spectra, particularly far-red and short wavelength radiation, on the growth and secondary metabolites of cannabis is significant. Altering the R:FR ratio can increase the concentration and yield of secondary metabolites, while short wavelength radiation does not significantly affect plant morphology and secondary metabolite concentrations.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xuze Liu, Fangmin Liang, Jinyuan Cheng, Xuelian Zhou, Jia Wang, Guigan Fang, Kuizhong Shen, Xianzhi Meng, Chen Huang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: A novel Na2S-facilitated DES pretreatment method was proposed to fractionate moso bamboo, which achieved high lignin removal and preserved most cellulose and hemicellulose with excellent enzymatic digestibility.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zechun Ren, Xinyuan Zhou, Kejiao Ding, Tong Ji, Hao Sun, Xiang Chi, Yunzhao Wei, Min Xu
Summary: This study prepared a thermal/magnetic/light-triggered multi-stimuli responsive shape memory polymer composite with excellent properties by adding magnetic nanoparticles into a polyurethane composite. The composite showed high shape recovery rate, fast response behavior, and suitability for 3D printing. Controllable external stimuli allowed for dynamic, remote, and precise control of 4D transformations. This work is significant for the design of smart materials and devices.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yurany Camacho Ardila, Jaiver Efren Jaimes Figueroa, Maria Regina Wolf Maciel
Summary: The higher heating value (HHV) and elemental composition are important properties of biomass, and their prediction using proximate and ultimate analysis is accurate.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaohan Chen, Xianke Wang, Lili Shang, Xinxin Ma, Changhua Fang, Benhua Fei, Huanrong Liu, Shuqin Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on the comprehensive characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of bamboo parenchyma and the evaluation of its tensile and compressive properties, as well as the analysis of its failure mechanisms. The study found that the measured tensile strength and elastic modulus of the parenchyma tissue are 48.81 MPa and 706.48 MPa, respectively. Compression failure modes in parenchyma tissue encompass compression bending and cell fracture, shear failure of the middle lamella, and detachment and debonding of the cell wall.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tianfeng Liu, Yuxin Liu, Yunlin Fu, Mengji Qiao, Penglian Wei, Zhigao Liu, Yingjian Li
Summary: This study explored the formation mechanism of agarwood induced by fungus and its potential application in high-quality and high-yielding agarwood production. The results showed that the transition layer played a critical role in the continuous accumulation of agarwood, and the parenchyma cells of the xylem rays and interxylary phloem were the main action site of fungus. The accumulation and distribution of chemical composition in different layers were also investigated. The study identified the drivers of specific compounds and provided a theoretical foundation for future agarwood production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)