Harnessing Microbes for Forest Commodities: Topics and Trends on Microbial Applications in Wood and Non-Wood Industries

Chapter 20 - Use of nanomaterials in the forest industry

Macedonian vernacular architecture prominently featured wood as one of the primary and widely utilized building material, owing to its abundance, versatility, ease of construction, and captivating aesthetic allure. Therefore, the wood industry in Macedonia has a long tradition of producing a wide range of wood and wood-based products. Despite a rich and prosperous history, the wood products sector has experienced a consistent decline in profitability, diminished capacity to enhance value through downstream manufacturing, and a decline in overall competitiveness over the past two decades. Engineered wood products (EWPs) are building materials that have been used since the early 1980s as replacements for, or in conjunction with, concrete and steel. They provide increased design flexibility for ambitious construction and advanced manufacturing technologies. This study will present modern and contemporary architectural designs using EWPs. Furthermore, it will introduce conceptual project proposals from students, showcasing innovative design ideas that leverage the advantages offered by EWPs as exceptional building materials.

The problem of illegal logging forced EU, which is one of the major consumers of wood in the world, to develop legislation aimed at termination of supplies of illegally harvested wood and wood-based products into EU. EU Timber Regulation №995 is applicable for any company placing wood or wood-based products on the EU market. Russia ranks first in illegally harvested timber export into EU markets, therefore EU Timber Regulation should influence substantially on Russian companies. Possible influence of the EU Timber Regulation on Russian companies was analyzed based on a questionnaire sent to Russian companies exporting wood and wood-based products. Analyses were supplemented by a literature review and expert’s opinion. Results from the questionnaire show that Russian companies are not going to stop export of wood and wood-based products into EU because of the EU Timber Regulation. They plan to revise their suppliers and internal company documentation and documentation from suppliers. Exporting companies plan to stop business with some of the suppliers and replacing by new suppliers is not obligatory. This means that export of wood and wood-based products may decrease.

Wood is an indispensable building material for modern structures. As a kind of biological material, it is more likely than other materials to be affected by the environment. It has been shown that the effect of long-term exposure to humidity will accelerate the decrease in mechanical properties and long-term strength of wood and wood-based products. The most commonly used methods for studying the deterioration of the mechanical properties of wood and wood-based products under the action of long-term humidity exposure are artificially accelerated aging and outdoor exposure. Many scholars have studied various artificially accelerated aging tests, which can accelerate the aging of wood and wood-based products and save substantial time. However, the results of outdoor exposure tests can be better correlated with the aging of the materials in the actual environment. Scholars have established a relationship between artificially accelerated aging tests and the results of outdoor exposure tests and have studied the results of outdoor exposure tests under different climatic conditions. This paper not only reviews the artificially accelerated aging tests used for wood and wood-based products in the past twenty years, but also summarizes their characteristics and application scope. In addition, the relationship between the outdoor exposure tests and the artificially accelerated aging tests is reviewed. At the end of the paper, the challenges and prospects for the future works are put forward.

Substituting the use of non-renewable materials with wood-based products in the furniture industry is expected to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This substitution effect can be quantified by estimating the displacement factor (DF) of wood products. However, the lack of a standardized DF calculation method limits a reliable estimation of DFs for wood substitution in the furniture industry. Herein, DF values were determined for wood substitution in office furniture in Korea using three DF calculation methods, single DF, replacement rate-based DF, and more/less wood-intensive DF. The results indicated that substituting non-wood furniture with wood-based furniture can help reduce GHG emissions, with the most positive DF values observed. The negative DF values generated using the replacement rate-based DF method highlighted the importance of weight calculation when considering wood products. However, the difference in DF calculation methods between studies and the lack of life cycle assessment (LCA) data in Korea must be addressed. In conclusion, these results emphasize the need for a standardized DF calculation method and LCA data to improve the accuracy and applicability of the DF of wood-based furniture products. The present results provide insights into the environmental benefits of replacing non-wood products with wood products in the furniture industry.

Bibliometric analysis highlights the key topics and research trends which have shaped the understanding and management of a concerned disease. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the most-cited articles on oral lichen planus (OLP), and highlight the analysis of key topics and research trends. A comprehensive search was performed and identified in the Scopus database from 1907 to 5 March 2019 for the top-100 most-cited articles on OLP. The number of citations of the 100 selected articles varied from 101 to 570, with a mean of 178.7 citations per article. Malignant potential, immunopathogenesis, and topical drug therapy were the top-3 study topics, and the majority of high-quality articles were the research of the 3 topics. Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine (n = 19) and Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology (n = 14) were 2 journals with the most articles published. Both van der Waal I. and Scully C. were the most frequently contributing authors (n = 9). United States (n = 27) and Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (n = 7) was the most contributing country and institution, respectively. Systematic reviews (n = 2), randomized controlled trial (n = 1), cohort studies (n = 17) were study designs with higher evidence level, but the large majority (n = 80) were considered lower level. The results of this first citation analysis of the 100 most cited articles on OLP provide a historical perspective on scientific evolution, and suggest further research trends and clinical practice in the field of OLP.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the SVLK Timber Legality and Verification System, FSC Chain of Custody, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management for wood and wood-based products on the competitiveness of the wood industry in Central Java. This research was conducted in several companies that process wood or use wood as the main material in Central Java with a total of 300 respondents. The respondents of this study are wood industry employees as top management, managers and staff who have been implementing SVLK, FSC, PEFC for at least 2 years. The background of this study is due to the lack of PEFC, FSC and SVLK research on the wood industry in Indonesia's Central Java province. Data collection was carried out by distributing electronic questionnaires online during January 2020 and analyzing data processing using Structural Equation Model (SEM) and Linear Structural Model (LISREL) software version 8.70. The analysis shows that the application of SVLK, FSC Chain of Custody, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management significantly and positively affects the company's competitiveness such as increased customer satisfaction, increased sales and decreased customer complaints.

Standardization work in the field of wood durability and preservation is managed, at the European level, by the technical committee TC 38 ‘Durability of wood and wood-based products’ of the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Producing sustainable wood-based materials is challenging. A crucial aspect of their provision is reliable standards that take consideration of both the expectations of end-users and the broad set of parameters that may influence the service life of wooden components such as exposure to moisture, climatic variations and design. In order to reach these objectives, most CEN/TC 38 standards are currently being revised based on the recent scientific, technological and legal developments in the field of wood protection. There is an increasing need for performance classification of wood products in construction and to radically consider how wood durability test methods and standards can inform on service life and how they might be translated into a performance classification system. This paper describes the changes during the past 5–10 years in Europe and how the trajectory of standards development is now on a different pathway. Classification and service life demands are described as well as current approaches to consider key issues such as material resistance, moisture risk and adaptation of existing standards.

Problems and opportunities for forestry within the European community - implications for research and development

The field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of materials is constantly evolving. This is especially true in the area of wood and fiber-based materials. A significant effort has been devoted toward the discovery and development of NDE technologies for use with wood-based products. Today, research and technology transfer efforts are underway throughout the world to further the development and use of nondestructive methods to address the many challenges that arise with using forest resources. Efforts are underway that span a broad spectrum of utilization and technology issues from those that focus on the use of previously developed techniques for solving utilization issues with plantation wood to the use of NDE techniques in the assessment of historic artifacts and structures. The objective of this chapter is to provide scientific and technical information on several techniques that are used to nondestructively evaluate wood and wood-based products. This includes near infrared, optical, acoustic, transverse vibration, static bending, proof loading, as well as piezoelectric-based techniques. The techniques presented in this chapter have a solid technical base, with published research findings on their discovery and use dating to the middle of the twentieth century. The underlying science for each technique is presented, followed by a summary of published research findings on its use for nondestructively evaluating wood products.

This chapter introduces the reader to the world of wood and wood-based products. After summarizing the main definitions and used terminology, main types of wood are discussed, including differences between hardwood and softwood. Structure, chemical composition, and main properties of wood are further addressed. The behavior of wood to fire is also introduced. Then, processing of wood is explained, including peeling process to manufacture veneers. Wood-based products (plywood, wood-based panels, and glued laminated timber) are further described. Biodeterioration of wood by fungi and insects is taken into account in view of paramount importance in wood products. Consequently, wood preservation (wood preservatives and preserving methods) is explained. The last headings of the chapter are devoted to cork: origin, main properties, processing methods, and construction applications.

PurposeThe Internet of Things (IoT) provides exciting opportunities for the construction industry to solve its time and resource constraints and frequent defaults. This study seeks to identify and rank the perceived importance level of principal research areas associated with the IoT and the construction industry by utilising a scientific mapping tool (i.e. VOSviewer). Such knowledge would enable key drivers for successful adoption of the IoT and digitisation technologies to be outlined. An analysis of key drivers and research trends that facilitates the development of a roadmap for applying the IoT and digital technologies in the construction sector is therefore much needed.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist philosophical lens was adopted to analyse published work as secondary data, where each publication represented a unit of analysis. A total of 417 peer-reviewed journal review articles covering the IoT within the construction domain were systematically reviewed using a mixed-methods approach, utilising qualitative-scientometric analyses techniques.FindingsThe results revealed a field of study in a fledgling stage, with a limited number of experts operating somewhat in isolation and offering single-point solutions instead of taking an integrated “holistic” approach. Key publication outlets were identified and the main focus of research undertaken being in the technical areas of smart buildings, smart construction objects and environmental sustainability. The major effects of adopting the IoT within the construction industry were identified as high-speed reporting, complete process control, data explosion leading to deep data analytics, strict ethical and legal expectations. Key drivers of the IoT adoption were outlined: interoperability; data privacy and security; flexible governance structures; proper business planning and models.Practical implicationsThe study benefits researchers and industry practitioners alike. For researchers, the identified gaps reveal areas of high priority in future research. For construction companies, particularly small to medium-sized businesses, the study raises awareness of the latest developments and potential applicability of the IoT in the industry. For government agencies and policymakers, this study offers a point of reference in directing the adoption of the IoT smoothly in the construction sector and provides guidelines and standards for maximising the potential benefits.Originality/valueThe study is the first scientometric review of the existing body of knowledge in the context of application of the IoT in the construction industry. Findings expose knowledge gaps in contemporary research, specifically, a broader consideration of organisational adjustments needed to accommodate the IoT usage, economic analyses and impediments to wider acceptance.

The European Union is leading the Blue Growth initiative as a strategic approach to increasing economic prosperity in Europe's seas despite today's challenges. Drawing on the EU's Green Growth initiative, Blue Growth extends sustainability principles to marine areas, solidifying commitments to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems and the promotion of technological innovations. This initiative focuses on sectors such as energy, aquaculture, tourism, and biotechnology in coastal and offshore environments. Blue Growth has increased in importance following major events such as Rio+20 and has had a significant impact on ocean and marine resource management practices. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to trace the trajectory of global research on blue growth across science, policy, and the blue economy over the 17 years since the term's inception in 2007. We analyze blue growth using bibliometric techniques. Examining the blue growth literature, identifying key contributors, collaborations, research trends, and gaps. Our analysis covers publication outputs, institutional affiliations, author collaborations, research themes, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Blue growth research is aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), highlighting marine conservation and land-sea ecosystem connectivity. Keyword analysis underlines the interdisciplinary nature of blue growth research, highlighting key themes such as the blue economy, aquaculture, and sustainable development. Institutional analysis identifies the University of Exeter and CNR as key contributors, while country-level analysis highlights global collaboration networks. Citation analysis reveals the intellectual structure of blue growth research, with marine biology, oceanography, sustainability science, and climate change among the prominent themes. During the 17-year period from 2007 to 2024, there was a significant increase in publication output, especially from 2013 onwards. Key countries contributing to this research include the UK, US, Germany, Italy and Spain, reflecting extensive global collaboration. The research emphasizes a strong commitment to sustainability, with a heavy emphasis on Environmental Science and Ecology. Alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizes a focus on marine conservation (SDG 14) and land-sea ecosystem connectivity (SDG 15). Keyword analysis reveals critical themes such as “blue economy,” “aquaculture,” and “sustainable development,” with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. Institutionally, the University of Exeter and CNR stand out among the contributors.

Reducing carbon emissions is a top priority for combating climate change, and the use of wood products is one important strategy toward this direction. However, the impact pathways of wood products remain subjective to uncertainties, and there is a lack of consensus over the methodology for assessing impacts. This review focuses on the accounting of benefits, when wood-based products substitute non-wood products. The carbon impact of substitution is measured through the substitution factor (SF), which is derived from a comparative estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of wood and non-wood products, using life cycle assessment (LCA). The calculation of SF is influenced by several factors such as system boundaries, functional unit, life cycle stages, product types, substitution assumptions, and end-of-life considerations. This review addresses the previously mentioned challenges and provides a summary of SFs for longer-lived wood products, categorized by product type, system boundary, and country. The findings show that SFs for wood products are higher in construction applications than in interior or furniture uses, with regional variations reflecting differences in the substitution effect. Among product categories, the sawnwood category exhibits the highest SF, followed by engineering wood products and wood-based panels. GHG emissions estimates are sensitive to whether biogenic carbon is accounted for, which in turn influences the respective SFs. Different biogenic carbon accounting methods yield varying outcomes, making this a divisive issue in LCA. Additionally, this review identifies sources of variability and uncertainty in SFs estimation and highlights a range of challenges linked to LCA aspects. Therefore, this review emphasize precautions within the LCA domain to ensure a more realistic estimation of carbon impacts while managing variability and uncertainties.

Illegal Logging is one of the major global causes for deforestation and the degradation of forests. The further manufacturing of illegally logged wood and products made thereof as well as the associated trade has also negative social and economic effects on both sides of the wood markets, the producer and consumer countries. One of the key measures of the European Union (EU) to combat illegal logging is the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR). The EUTR came into effect on March 1, 2013 and it prohibits the placing of wood and wood products made of illegally logged wood on the EU internal market. This placement can either be done by selling removals from European forests or by importing wood and wood-based products into the EU. But for what kind of products does the regulation apply exactly? The EUTR refers to its An-nex where a list is provided with respective commodities. The products are structured ac-cording to the trade classification of the Combined Nomenclature (CN). The main focus is laid on wood and articles of wood (chapter 44 of the CN), on pulp of wood (chapter 47) and on paper and paperboard and articles made thereof (chapter 48). Additionally commodity codes for furniture and one code for prefabricated buildings are listed. However, as certain wood-based products are not included in the EUTR, the question arises, how many wood-based products are not covered by the EUTR. What is the coverage ratio of the EUTR if we are looking at all wood-based products? [...]