Search Results (127)

We examined the positions of policymakers and businesses on the forest-based bioeconomy (FBE) in Slovenia, focusing on the importance of forest ecosystem services within the FBE. We also explored how businesses perceive their market potential and the role of payments for ecosystem services (PES) schemes in strengthening the FBE. We conducted interviews with 35 policymakers from the fields of forestry, the wood industry, the environment, and tourism, as well as with 24 business representatives from primary wood production, the wood industry, and forest tourism. Respondents identified fragmented land ownership (mean score on a 1–5 scale = 4.19), the lack of a strategic framework (4.12), and inefficient use of woody biomass (4.08) as key challenges to implementing the FBE in Slovenia. They highlighted knowledge transfer (4.54), investment support (4.47), and raising environmental awareness (4.44) as the main forms of state support for the FBE, while unfamiliarity with PES appears to contribute to its neglect. No significant sectoral differences were observed among policymakers regarding PES involvement; however, they viewed their role mainly in the design phase of PES and least in the phases of coordination and establishment. Greater interest in participating in PES was expressed by forest tourism businesses, despite perceiving lower market potential than those in primary wood production and the wood industry. The evident heterogeneity of stakeholder positions on the FBE calls for strong coordination and a transparent policy process involving all stakeholder coalitions to establish a coherent national strategy for the FBE. The results highlighted policymakers’ limited governance capacity and reluctance to fully implement PES as a potential solution for strengthening the FBE. The differing motivations of businesses regarding PES underscore the need for a nuanced, sector-specific approach to foster broader engagement. Full article

This study investigates the impact of wood origin and the geometry of barrel alternatives on the extraction of volatile compounds and total ellagitannins during the aging of tsipouro, a traditional Greek spirit. French, American, and Greek oak, along with Greek chestnut, were used in the form of veneers, sticks, and particles to simulate aging conditions. Volatile compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, while ellagitannin levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection after acidic hydrolysis. A total of nine volatile compounds were identified, with significant differences (p < 0.05) observed based on wood type and fragment dimensions. French oak exhibited higher concentrations of vanillin, syringaldehyde, sinapaldehyde, and coniferaldehyde, while Greek chestnut showed notably lower levels of these compounds. However, chestnut wood yielded the highest ellagitannin concentrations (up to 17.84 mg/L), whereas Greek oak exhibited the lowest (0.20–0.60 mg/L). Veneers (wood sheets) were generally more efficient than sticks or particles in compound extraction. These findings indicate that both the botanical origin and physical dimensions of wood fragments play a crucial role in shaping the chemical profile of aged spirits. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential of Greek woods as sustainable, economically beneficial alternatives in modern aging practices. Full article

This preliminary study investigates a direct, non-delaminated route to valorize multilayer pharmaceutical sachet offcuts (comprising paper/plastic/aluminum) as partial substitutes for wood fiber in wood-based panels. Milled offcuts were incorporated at 10, 20, and 30 wt% (control: wood only). Laboratory mats were hot-pressed at 170 °C for 9 min under a staged pressure regime. Sampling and three-point bending were performed according to EN 326-1 and EN 310, respectively, with the density held essentially constant by controlling the mat mass and press stops. Bending stiffness (MOE) was maintained at 10–20 wt% (within experimental uncertainty of the reference), while 30 wt% showed a consistent downward trend (approximately 10%). Bending strength (MOR) peaked at 10 wt% (approximately 8% higher than the reference), then declined at 20% and 30%. Representative stress–strain curves corroborated these outcomes, indicating auxiliary bonding and crack-bridging effects at low waste loadings. Hygroscopic performance improved monotonically: 24 h water absorption and thickness swelling decreased progressively with increasing substitution, attributable to the hydrophobic polymer layers and aluminum fragments interrupting capillary pathways. Process observations identified opportunities to improve press-cycle efficiency at higher waste contents, and the dispersed foil imparted a subtle decorative sheen. Overall, the results establish the technical feasibility and a practical utilization window of approximately 10–20 wt% for furniture-grade applications. Limitations include the laboratory scale, a single resin/press schedule, and the absence of internal bond, density profile, emissions, and long-term durability tests—topics prioritized for future work (including TGA/DSC, EN 317 extensions, and scale-up). Full article

This study investigates particle size distribution and fine dust generation from sanding six tropical wood species (Red Meranti, Iroko, Zebrano, Bubinga, Ipe, and Wenge) using sieve analysis and laser diffraction. The wood species produced different dust particles, primarily influenced by wood density. Bubinga, Zebrano, and Wenge generated the highest proportion of particles in the 125–250 μm range, while Ipe and Iroko produced more dust in the 63–125 μm fraction. Low-density Red Meranti formed the greatest share of coarse particles (10.54% over 549.5 μm), whereas high-density Ipe generated the largest proportion of respirable dust, including PM₁₀ (8.80%), PM_2.5 (2.93%), and PM₁ (0.88%). Statistical analysis confirmed a significant effect of density on both coarse and fine dust fractions, with finer particles increasing consistently as density increased. Laser diffraction showed ultrafine particles down to approximately 0.7 μm in all species except Red Meranti. Microscopy confirmed elongated fibrous fragments, particularly in Wenge and Red Meranti. Overall, denser tropical hardwoods exhibited greater potential to produce hazardous fine dust during sanding, posing health risks and explosion hazards. These findings emphasize the need for effective dust extraction and high-efficiency respiratory protection and contribute to improved understanding of dust formation mechanisms in tropical wood processing. Full article

To improve the quality of natural rubber tapping operations and resolve ambiguities in force application during the tapping process, a mechanical testing platform integrating linear and rotary modules was developed. This platform precisely quantifies critical force parameters involved in blade extension, cutting, and retraction. It allows for the controlled adjustment of key process parameters, such as cutting angle, tapping speed, and blade orientation. The study began with single-factor experiments to examine how three individual factors—cutting angle, blade orientation angle, and blade bending angle—affect tapping force and the quality of the cut surface. When the cutting angle ranges from 25° to 30°, the cutting force along the X-axis first increases and then decreases. As the blade’s X-axis orientation increases from 0° to 15°, the cutting force gradually decreases. A decrease in the blade angle increases force fluctuations during wood chip cutting, leading to rougher surfaces and increased chip bending and fragmentation. Researchers employed a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design to further investigate the interactions among multiple parameters. A mathematical model was established to correlate the investigated parameters with the cutting force and its total variance. The model identified the optimal combination of parameters: a cutting angle of 30°, a blade bending angle of 80°, and a blade attitude angle of 10°. Experimental results indicate that this optimal conFigureuration yields a cutting force of 9.44 N and a total variance of 3.87 N². This conFigureuration contributes to a reduced cutting force, smoother cut surfaces, and continuous wood chip formation. This study offers foundational data for optimising the design of rubber tapping machines and improving overall tapping quality. Full article

In recent decades, accelerated urban growth in Arequipa has led to the loss of more than 40% of riparian vegetation and increased ecological fragmentation in the Chili River valley. This transformation has degraded water quality and limited equitable access to green and public spaces. Therefore, this research aims to design a Green Corridor along the Chili River as an ecosystem-based strategy to enhance social connectivity and ecological resilience in Arequipa, Peru. The methodology combined an extensive literature review, a comparative analysis of international case studies, and a territorial diagnosis supported by geospatial and climatic data. The process is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2025, AutoCAD 2024, SketchUp Pro 2023, and solar simulations with Ladybug-Grasshopper, complemented by data from SENAMHI, SINIA, and the Solar Atlas of Peru. The results propose a resilient green corridor integrating passive and active sustainability strategies, including 40 photovoltaic panels, 44 solar luminaires, biodigesters producing between 90 and 150 kWh per month, and phytotechnologies capable of absorbing 75,225 kg of CO₂ annually, based on WHO conversion factors adapted to high-altitude conditions. The proposal employs eco-efficient materials such as reforested eucalyptus wood and volcanic sillar, creating recreational and productive spaces that promote social cohesion and circular economy. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of ecosystem-based design to regenerate arid urban riverbanks, harmonizing environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural identity. Thus, the Chili River corridor is consolidated as a replicable model of green-blue infrastructure for Andean cities, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, and 15. Full article

The conservation of heritage buildings requires non-invasive tools that can predict material performance while maintaining historical integrity and structural safety. This study introduces a multivariate statistical framework that integrates regression analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to classify seven traditional materials adobe, lime mortar, limestone, sandstone, marble, volcanic stone, and wood based on their mechanical, thermal, and moisture-related properties. This study aims to develop a validated multivariate framework for classifying traditional heritage materials based on their mechanical, thermal, and moisture-related properties to support sustainable restoration and retrofit design for classifying traditional materials based on their mechanical, thermal, and moisture-related properties to support sustainable restoration and retrofit design. Unlike prior research limited to single-material assessments, this study standardizes and analyzes data from fourteen peer-reviewed sources using regression models, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), complemented by pilot non-destructive validation tests on lime mortar, sandstone, limestone, and marble. The framework compiles and standardizes datasets from fourteen peer-reviewed sources into a unified predictive model. The framework was validated through pilot testing using non-invasive methods (density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, rebound hardness), which confirmed the statistical predictions of robustness versus moisture vulnerability. Advanced cluster solutions identified conservation-relevant subgroups, enabling engineers to distinguish between moisture-sensitive low-density materials and durable lithic stones, with direct implications for sustainable restoration and retrofit practices. The originality of this study lies in transforming fragmented datasets into a validated, decision-support tool that can be embedded into Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) platforms for predictive diagnostics, compatibility assessment, and energy-efficient retrofit planning in heritage structures. This study provides the first validated cross-material statistical framework linking traditional conservation materials with predictive digital-modeling tools. This framework further demonstrates that the application of regression, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) enables quantitative prediction of material performance through non-destructive parameters. The integration of these techniques provides interpretive value beyond descriptive classification, facilitating preventive diagnostics, compatibility assessments, and energy-oriented retrofit planning within HBIM systems. Full article

In the case of forest inventory, heterogeneous areas are particularly challenging due to variability in vegetation structure. This is especially true in Galicia (northwest Spain), where land is highly fragmented, complicating the planning and management of single-species plantations such as Pinus radiata. This study proposes a cost-effective strategy using open-access tools and data to characterize and estimate wood volume in these plantations. Two stratification approaches—classical and cluster-based—were compared to a modeling method based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Data came from open-access national LiDAR point clouds, acquired using manned aerial vehicles under the Spanish National Aerial Orthophoto Plan (PNOA). Moreover, two volume estimation methods were applied: one from the Xunta de Galicia (XdG) and another from Spain’s central administration (4IFN). A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was also fitted using PCA-derived variables with logarithmic transformation. The results show that although overall volume estimates are similar across methods, cluster-based stratification yielded significantly lower absolute errors per hectare (XdG: 28.04 m³/ha vs. 44.07 m³/ha; 4IFN: 25.64 m³/ha vs. 38.22 m³/ha), improving accuracy by 7% over classical stratification. Moreover, it does not require precise field parcel locations, unlike PCA modeling. Both official volume estimation methods tended to overestimate stock by about 10% compared to PCA. These results confirm that clustering offers a practical, low-cost alternative that improves estimation accuracy by up to 18 m³/ha in fragmented forest landscapes. Full article

Archeological structures connected with iron metallurgy were identified in the outskirts of the town Lučenec, Slovakia. Based on the shapes and decoration of the ceramic fragments, it was possible to date them to the 9th or 10th century. The first group of discovered metallurgical materials included slags with low wüstite content, which looks like slag from younger higher-shaft furnaces. The second group included slags which could be attributed to the technology common at the time of the site’s existence: iron smelting in lower free-standing shaft furnaces with average efficiency. The third group were slags from the forging of iron blooms to remove pores and slag particles. The fourth group consisted of ceramics fragments (tuyeres and refractory material). Bog ore was probably smelted using principally oak wood charcoal. Full article

The global supply chain of wood products plays a key role in sustainable development and climate resilience, but remains fragmented in the academic and technical literature. This systematic review aims to synthesize research published between 2000 and 2025 on wood products’ production, transformation, trade, governance, and sustainability. A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple databases and repositories, including Scopus, FAOSTAT, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, SciELO, CAPES, EMBRAPA, and AGNIC. A total of 784 records were identified and, after applying eligibility and deduplication criteria, 119 documents were included in the final synthesis. The results reveal key thematic trends, including the dynamics of international timber trade, certification and traceability systems, logistical challenges, digitalization, and integration of forest policies. Key gaps include limited inclusion of smallholders, low technology adoption in the Global South, and fragmented governance mechanisms. The results suggest that improving sustainability in global timber supply chains requires coordinated policy frameworks, technological investment, and inclusive market systems. This review contributes a consolidated overview and offers insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the forestry sector. Full article

Cork oak (Quercus suber) woodlands hold significant ecological, cultural, and economic value in the Mediterranean basin, particularly due to cork production, one of the most valued non-wood forest products worldwide. However, cork oak ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, land-use intensification, and rural abandonment, leading to widespread signs of decline. To address these challenges, data-driven and scalable methods are more essential than ever. Satellite-based remote sensing (RS) offers a promising approach for large-scale, cost-effective, and timely monitoring of cork oak forests dynamics and health, but an exhaustive review about this topic is missing. This study reviews 35 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025, assessing how satellite RS has been applied to monitor cork oak landscapes. The results show that key research topics include forest disturbances, land cover classification, and forest and environmental variables monitoring. Landsat is the most frequently used satellite mission, and NDVI is the most applied vegetation index. Although machine learning techniques and accuracy metrics are heterogeneous, with results that are difficult to compare, relevant performances have been achieved. For instance, the highest classification accuracy (98%) was reached in mapping cork oak mortality. However, the field remains fragmented, with limited attention to key ecological indicators such as biodiversity, resilience, and ecosystem services. RS for cork oak monitoring is still a relatively young discipline with high potential for development, requiring greater methodological consistency and stronger integration with conservation strategies to support adaptive management in the face of future environmental pressures. Full article

This study explores how integrating design processes into the native timber industry of southern Chile, specifically in the Araucanía and Los Ríos regions, can improve the value chain and promote sustainability. Chile’s native wood sector is constrained by fragmented value chains, underutilised small-diameter logs and limited market confidence. These challenges jeopardise forest sustainability and rural livelihoods, underscoring the imperative to find innovative solutions to reinvigorate the sector. A market gap analysis revealed critical limitations in the current industry, including low supply, limited demand, and weak technological development, especially in producing value-added wood products. The research identified over 417,000 hectares of second-growth roble (Nothofagus obliqua)-raulí (Nothofagus alpina)-coigüe (Nothofagus dombeyi) forests suitable for sustainable management. Interviews with woodworking SMEs showed that 66% already use native timber, yet 46% of the projected volume remains underutilised due to the prevalence of short and thin logs. In response to these challenges, the study developed innovative prototypes such as interior claddings and lattices made from smaller, underutilised logs. These designs were evaluated and validated for use in residential and public buildings, demonstrating their potential to meet new market demands while promoting resource efficiency. The results show that, whilst there is a clear need for better infrastructure, workforce training, and commercial planning to support product adoption, design-driven innovation offers a promising path forward enhancing the industry’s competitiveness. Demonstrating how design-led integration can transform under-used native timber into high-value products, simultaneously driving sustainable forest stewardship and local economic growth. Full article

Various pretreatment methods, often employed in wood biorefineries, aim to disrupt the wood architecture, thereby enhancing the efficiency of hemicellulose extraction for increasing the production of bio-ethanol, bio-gas, and bio-oil, as well as improving the pulping process. Pretreatment for the pulping process has advantages such as enhanced yield in biorefined products and reducing chemicals and energy consumption. This study examined the effect of an alkaline hydrolysis of birch sawdust on the chemical composition, aggregation ability, and surface activity of soda lignin obtained by soda pulping. The alkaline hydrolysis of birch sawdust led to a remarkable removal of hemicellulose and reduced its mechanical strength. The resorption of lignin fragments on the lignocellulosic matrix during the hydrolysis was observed. The soda pulping of the original and the treated sawdust was carried out under laboratory conditions at 165 °C for 90 min, using 4.5% sodium hydroxide. A higher yield of soda lignin and pulp was obtained from the treated sawdust. The reduced content of acidic and methoxyl groups in the chemical composition of the soda lignin from the hydrolyzed sawdust was explained by the predominance of polycondensation reactions in forming its primary structure. The changes in size and zeta potential values of the formed lignin particles, as well as in the modality of the size distribution with decreasing pH, were studied. The early-proposed suggestion about the existence of structural complementarity in the formation of the ordered lignin supermolecular structures has been testified. The higher surface activity at the air–water interface for the soda lignin extracted from the hydrolyzed sawdust, compared to the lignin from the original residue, was mainly attributed to a lower content of the acidic groups in its chemical composition, shifting the hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance of its structure toward hydrophobicity. Full article

Lignin is a natural aromatic macromolecule present in wood and an abundant resource on Earth, yet it is hardly used. In this study, an aqueous solution plasma treatment was investigated for the catalyst-free production of valuable chemicals from lignin. To elucidate the decomposition mechanism, the aqueous solution plasma treatment was applied to the fundamental lignin aromatic model compounds—phenol, guaiacol, and syringol. The results showed that the decomposition rate followed the order syringol > guaiacol > phenol, indicating that electron-donating methoxy groups enhance reactivity. These aromatic model compounds underwent hydroxylation at the ortho and para positions, oxidative ring cleavage, and fragmentation, leading to the formation of various dicarboxylic acids, primarily oxalic acid. All these reactions were promoted by hydroxyl radicals generated from water. Ultimately, decarbonylation and decarboxylation of carboxyl groups resulted in gasification, mainly producing H₂, CO, and CO₂. These results provide fundamental insights into lignin decomposition and demonstrate that aqueous solution plasma is a promising method for producing dicarboxylic acids from lignin under mild conditions without catalysts. Full article

Carya dabieshanensis is a species of significant economic value due to its unique flavor and nutritional properties as a snack food, as well as its durable wood, which is highly suitable for furniture production. Known for its remarkable adaptability to environmental stress, this species serves as a valuable genetic resource for enhancing hickory cultivars. However, its restricted distribution and limited availability of high-quality germplasm have impeded large-scale cultivation and hindered industry development. While the genetic diversity and genomic basis of its environmental adaptation hold great promise for future breeding programs, no studies to date have utilized SNP markers to explore its genetic diversity or the genomic mechanisms underlying environmental adaptability. In this study, we analyzed 60 samples from 12 natural populations of C. dabieshanensis, representing its global distribution. Using the Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh. and K. Koch) genome as a reference, we employed Specific Locus Amplified Fragment Sequencing (SLAF-seq) to generate high-quality SNP data. By integrating population and landscape genomics approaches, we investigated the genetic structure and diversity of wild populations and identified key environmental factors driving genetic differentiation. Our population genomics analysis revealed 9,120,926 SNP markers, indicating substantial genetic diversity (π = 1.335 × 10⁻³ to 1.750 × 10⁻³) and significant genetic differentiation among populations (F_ST = 0.117–0.354). Landscape genomics analysis identified BIO3 (Isothermality), BIO6 (Min Temperature of Coldest Month), and BIO14 (Precipitation of Driest Month) as critical environmental factors shaping genetic diversity. This study provides essential insights into the genetic resources of C. dabieshanensis, facilitating the development of climate-resilient cultivars and offering a scientific foundation for the conservation and sustainable management of its wild populations. Full article