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Ginkgo biloba leaf (GBL) extract was evaluated as a wood preservative, considering its sustainable availability in forests and cities worldwide. Previous research has demonstrated the antibacterial and antifungal properties of GBL extracts. Based on this information, it was hypothesized that GBL extract could effectively combat wood decay. The wood preservation properties of GBL extracts were evaluated using the “Laboratory test method of natural decay resistance of wood” KS F 2213 (2018). Its performance was compared to that of ACQ-2, a commercial wood preservative. The GBL extract was tested against two common wood decay fungi, namely Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. The results showed mass loss rates of 13.6% and 9.9% after culturing these fungi, respectively. Although the GBL extract did not surpass the performance of ACQ-2, it achieved a “resistant” grade according to KS F 2213 (2018). This indicates that GBL extract exhibits a significant wood preservation effect. Furthermore, the GBL extract retains the natural color of wood, which is an advantageous characteristic.

The use of perforated plywood as an interior architectural sound-absorbing material has been increasing in popularity in Korea. This study investigated the sound absorption performance of marketed birch (Betula platyphylla) plywood with circular and slotted perforations using the sound absorption measurement method (KS F 2805) in a reverberation chamber with a 300 mm backspace. The results showed that unperforated birch plywood absorbed little sound. However, birch plywood with perforation levels of 1.77%, 5.77%, and 7.76% showed significant sound absorption. The noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of perforated birch plywood was 0.4 to 0.6. The results were 0.3 S to 0.5 S sound absorption grade by KS F 3503. The optimal perforation level was 5.77%. These findings can aid in expanding the wood sound absorption market.

The primary purpose of this study was to delineate the most significant factors in the wood impregnation process. For this, the authors prepared larch (Larix kaempferi) and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) wood and used alkaline copper quaternary as an impregnation solution. The chamber temperature was adjusted to 25, 50, and 80 °C, and the pressure was adjusted to 100, 200, and 300 psi. The impregnation process was maintained for up to 90 min. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the effects of temperature, time, and pressure in terms of amount of solution impregnated during the process. Factors affecting the amount of solution impregnated were as follows: the effect of pressure was greater than that of time, which was greater than that of temperature. Therefore, pressure was the most critical factor in the wood impregnation process.

Various natural sound-absorbing materials such as rice by-products, coir fiber, date palm fiber, peanut husks, hardwood cross-sections, and forest by-products have been introduced to replace petroleum-based sound-absorbing materials in previous studies, and their sound-absorbing performance was significant. This study investigated the sound-absorbing performance of pure coffee grounds as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material. After inserting coffee grounds into cylindrical holders with lengths of 20, 30, and 40 mm, the density of the coffee grounds was adjusted from 0.2 to 0.5 g/cm3. Then, the sound absorption coefficients were measured by an impedance tube. As the thickness and density increased, the sound absorption coefficient at low frequencies improved. However, the sound absorption coefficient at high frequencies decreased. The optimal noise reduction coefficient (NRC) of coffee grounds investigated in this study was 0.61 at a density of 0.3 g/cm3 and thickness of 50 mm. This result shows a sound-absorbing performance that is comparable to other natural sound-absorbing materials. This study concludes that coffee grounds have high use-value as an eco-friendly sound-absorbing material.

Abstract In this study, the sound absorption capability of pine (Pinus densiflora) cone particles was investigated as an alternative and eco-friendly, sound-absorbing material. The sound absorption coefficient of pine cone particles was examined after filling impedance tubes with 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm of particles. The sound absorption capability of 4 cm and 6 cm thickness was categorized as 0.5 M class, and that of 8 cm and 10 cm thickness was classed as 0.8 M class according to the KS F 3503 sound-absorbing capability classification of sound-absorbing materials. In particular, 10 cm pine cone particles demonstrated exceptional sound absorption capability in the range of 250–6400 Hz, with an average sound absorption coefficient of 0.6 or greater. In conclusion, pine cone particles were found to have excellent sound absorption capability. Thus, this work suggests that pine cone particles may be useful as an eco-friendly, sound-absorbing material.

Effects of steam explosion were investigated relative to impregnation of wood. Three types of softwoods [North American spruce (Picea orientalis), Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis), and Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)] were prepared and subjected to steam explosion treatment. The cross-sectional surfaces of the samples were observed with SEM, and their open-pore and closed-pore porosities were determined using a gas pycnometer. The softwoods were vacuum impregnated using ACQ-2 (Alkaline Copper Quaternary), a commercial preservative. After steam explosion treatment, the impregnation amount increased by 42.9% in the spruce and 155% in the Korean pine. However, there was no significant difference in the Japanese larch. The results from this study indicated that the steam explosion treatment helped to improve open-pore porosity by generating micro-cracks in the cell walls of softwoods, which improved the impregnation process. However, the degree of improvement in impregnation process differed by the species type.

Abstract Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale), which is the lowest density wood, is a useful species in various industries. In general, balsa can be divided into three types (low density: LD, middle density: MD, high density: HD). In this study, we classified the porosities of the three balsa types into through-pore porosity, blind-pore porosity, and closed-pore porosity. As a result, the total porosity of balsa showed a high positive (+) correlation with closed-pore porosity, but total porosity of balsa showed negative (−) correlations with blind-pore porosity and through-pore porosity. Such information can be useful when using balsa as a natural porous material.

This study delves into the critical issue of water pollution caused by the presence of metal oxides, synthetic dyes, and dissolved organic matter, shedding light on their potential ramifications for both the environment and human health. Metal oxides, ubiquitous in industrial processes and consumer products, are known to leach into water bodies, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, synthetic dyes, extensively used in various industries, can persist in water systems and exhibit complex chemical behavior. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the toxicity associated with metal oxides, synthetic dyes, and dissolved organic matter in water systems. We delve into the sources and environmental fate of these contaminants, highlighting their prevalence in natural water bodies and wastewater effluents. The study highlights the multifaceted impacts of them on human health and aquatic ecosystems, encompassing effects on microbial communities, aquatic flora and fauna, and the overall ecological balance. The novelty of this review lies in its unique presentation, focusing on the toxicity of metal oxides, dyes, and dissolved organic matter. This approach aims to facilitate the accessibility of results for readers, providing a streamlined and clear understanding of the reported findings.

Loud noise has become a regular part of life due to growing urbanization and lifestyle changes, making noise pollution a severe health concern. However, eco-friendly materials for low-frequency sound absorption still need improvement. Wooden puzzle-assembled boards are being used to construct wooden buildings in South Korea, but they require better sound absorption performance. Therefore, we have developed a strategy to enhance the sound absorption capability of wooden puzzle-assembled boards by suggesting the installation of a single-frequency resonator on the board. The resonator contains nine pinholes with a 6 mm diameter perforation connected to a 30 mm diameter hole leading to the center hollowed cavity (CHC). We evaluated the sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of the control (i.e., cross-laminated timber (CLT)) and a resonator board. The SAC of the resonator with zero pinholes (i.e., CHC), one pinhole (PH-1), five pinholes (PH-5), and nine pinholes (PH-9) were estimated using a two-microphone transfer function method at low frequencies ranging from 100 to 1600 Hz. The average SAC of PH-9 showed significant improvement at the frequency of 450 Hz (0.637 ± 0.001; 818%) compared to the control samples. The noise reduction coefficient was improved by 239% (0.07 for the control and 0.23 for the PH-9). We compared the experimental results in this study with theoretical results and found that the orientation of the neck length significantly impacted the resonant frequency of the pinhole resonator. This finding provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of pinhole resonators for specific acoustic applications.

Abstract This study investigated changes in the sound absorption coefficients of three anatomical sections of cubed spruce (Picea sitchensis), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and larch (Larix kaempferi) after microwave treatment. Microwave treatment at 1000 W and 2.4 GHz for 20 min increased the sound absorption coefficients (at 2000–5000 Hz) of spruce by 6.9% in the transverse section, 20.0% in the radial section, and 31.7% in the tangential section. The sound absorption coefficients of Douglas fir increased by 28.9% in the transverse section, 19.1% in the radial section, and 50.0% in the tangential section. Larch coefficients increased by 16.7% in the transverse section, 37.2% in the radial section, and 38.8% in the tangential section. The sound absorption coefficients of the softwoods differed according to species and anatomical plane after microwave treatment. It was concluded that changes in the measured sound absorption coefficient indicate alteration in the pore structure of wood, which can affect in turn wood permeability and impregnation. These data will be helpful for predicting the permeability and impregnation of wood after microwave treatment.

Cancer is a genetic disorder and its treatment usually requires a long time and expensive diagnosis. While chemotherapy is the most conventional approach in treating most cancers, patients often suffer from undesired side effects due to various pharmacokinetic aspects. To address this issue, target-oriented drug-delivery systems (DDS) or pulsatile drug-delivery systems (PDDS) have recently been developed as an alternative tool that takes care of the entire pharmacodynamic activities of drug action. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) has emerged as an effective clinical tool for delivering anticancer agents into target cells. These systems have demonstrated significant potential as anticancer drug carrier conjugates through their innate pharmacokinetic properties with their safety profile. This review focuses primarily on the structural aspect during the use of HES or HES-based polymers as carriers for delivering well-known anticancer drugs. This review also indicates a perspective on the long-term research needed for the sake of improving modern drug-delivery systems based on HES polymers and in the form of nanocarriers.

Abstract We investigated the effect of ultrasonic treatment on Malas (Homalium foetidum) gas permeability and sound absorption coefficient using the transfer function method. Results showed a longitudinal average Darcy permeability constant of 2.02 (standard deviation SD 0.72) for untreated wood and 6.15 (SD 3.07) for ultrasound-treated wood, a permeability increase of 3.04 times. We also determined the average sound absorption coefficients in the range of 50 to 6.4 kHz and NRC (noise reduction coefficient: average value of sound absorption coefficient value at 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz) of untreated Malas. Those values were 0.23 (SD 0.02) and 0.13 (SD 0.01), respectively, while those of ultrasonic-treated Malas were 0.28 (SD 0.02) and 0.14 (SD 0.02), a 19.74% increase in average sound absorption coefficient.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to analyze the pore structure for the heartwood, intermediate wood, and sapwood sections in three species of softwood (hinoki, Douglas fir, and hemlock) and to investigate the correlation of gas permeability depending on pore structure. For this study, gas permeability and pore size were measured by capillary flow porometry, and classification of a novel method was performed to determine the type of pores (through pores, blind pores, and closed pores) based on International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Gas permeability, through pore porosity, and pore size increased from heartwood to sapwood. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that through pore porosity, mean pore size, and bulk density were significant factors affecting gas permeability.

Abstract The larch boxed-heart timbers with a cross section of 100 × 100 mm were dried after steamed at 100 °C dry-bulb temperature and 0 °C wet-bulb depression for 5 h, and then dried at 120 °C dry-bulb temperature and 30 °C wet-bulb depression for 8, 12 and 16 h, respectively, in order to determine optimal treatment time for the timber. This study indicated that the pretreatment of 12 and 16 h prevented both the surface and internal check of the timber. However, the pretreatment delayed drying time by at least 19%.

Face masks have become an essential commodity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their use rises daily. Excessive face mask use will likely continue to combat the virus and bacterial impacts in the long term. Afterward, used face masks are hazardous to the environment since most are made of nonbiodegradable porous polymeric fibrous materials. Thus, finding new ways to recycle waste face masks is urgently needed. Similarly, managing agricultural water for irrigation is a crucial challenge in saving water. This study demonstrates an approach for recycling face masks as bag- or small-sized pillows filled with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) for the slow release of water near plant roots. Previous studies have reported that SAPs or hydrogel could boost soil’s water retention capacity, mixed with hydrogel/SAP. However, mixing SAPs into soil is improper because biodegradation generates low toxic organic molecules and contaminates soil and surface water. The objective of this research was to develop a face mask reuse approach, reduce irrigation water using polymers, and reduce toxic contamination in the soil. Here, swollen SAPs were taken inside the pillow and buried near plants, and the growth of the plants was studied. The moisture of the inner soil was constant for a long time, boosting plant growth. Afterward, the face mask pillows could be removed from the soil and maintained for further use. This new approach could be helpful in pot farming. This approach could contribute to the circular economy and the development of environmental sustainability.

Nowadays, arsenic (III) contamination of drinking water is a global issue. Laboratory and instrument-based techniques are typically used to detect arsenic in water, with an accuracy of 1 ppb. However, such detection methods require a laboratory-based environment, skilled labor, and additional costs for setup. As a result, several metal-based nanoparticles have been studied to prepare a cost-effective and straightforward detector for arsenic (III) ions. Among the developed strategies, colorimetric detection is one of the simplest methods to detect arsenic (III) in water. Several portable digital detection technologies make nanoparticle-based colorimetric detectors useful for on-site arsenic detection. The present review showcases several metal-based nanoparticles that can detect arsenic (III) colorimetrically at a concentration of ~0.12 ppb or lower in water. A literature survey suggests that biomolecule-based metal nanoparticles could serve as low-cost, facile, susceptible, and eco-friendly alternatives for detecting arsenic (III). This review also describes future directions, perspectives and challenges in developing this alternative technology, which will help us reach a new milestone in designing an effective arsenic detector for commercial use.

Changes in the physical and mechanical properties and anatomical structures of spruce (Picea) and larch (Larix) specimens before and after fire-retardant impregnation were studied. Results indicated that the static modulus of elasticity (MOE), dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE), and the Brinell hardness of the specimens decreased for both wood species upon post-treatment. This could be accounted for by the degradation of hemicelluloses by the phosphorus-based compound, the minute cracks in the latewood cell wall, and the enlarged width of the cell lumen of the specimen resulting from the vacuum-pressure treatment. However, the decreased ratio of the MOR and DMOE to density contributed to lower sound transmission, which is expected to be important in a housing environment.