The Directional Breeding and Feasibility of Functional Bamboos

The functional bamboos are defined as the ones artificially selected, cultivated and produced in the special functions. Based on the principles to broaden market and maximize benefits, the directional cultivation of the functional bamboos has effectively been used bio-techniques and directionally to breed and cultivate bamboo cultivars to meet human＇s needs. The functional bamboos should feature stability, excellent quality and convenient production as well as easy duplication. The functional bamboo cultivars should also enhance the scientization, standardization industrialization and mass production. Given no negative environmental impact, ou purpose is to select, cultivate and develop one or more functional bamboos cultivars to meet the consumers＇ material and spiritual needs and bring more economic ben efits for the producers. The authors believe that directionally breeding functiona bamboo cultivars is not only feasible in techniques, resources and policies, but also in economy and market development. This implicates great significance for the green economic development given the features of China＇s natural resources.

100 Most Beautiful Chinese Paintings: Bamboos

Editor's note:In cooperation with the Art Project by Google Cultural Institute,CCAD launched the online exhibition of "100 Most Beautiful Chinese Paintings".With CCAD as the leading academic team,the task force has selected 100 Chinese paintings from the millennia-long history of Chinese civilization;these works are not only the masterpieces best representing different stages of the Chinese painting,but also true pictures of the society and history of different historical periods, ranging from the Stone Age to modern times.

Species and distribution of mountain bamboos in Shennongjia, Central China

Inventory recorded 4 genera and 11 species of mountain bamboos in Shennongjia, Central China. Of these, 4 species (Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis, Ph. heteroclada, Ph. nidularia and Ph. bambusoides) belong to the monopodial bamboo, 4 species (Indocalamus latifolius, I. longiauritus, I. wilsoni and I. tessellatus) to the amphipodial bamboo, and 3 spe-cies (Fargesia spathacea, F. murielae and Yushania confusa) to the sympodial bamboo. Monopodial bamboos grow on the gentle slopes below 1800 m asl, occurring from the subtropical belt to the temperate belt in the vertical climatic spectrum of the mountain; Sympodial bamboos occur in higher elevations, ranging from the warm temperate (1200 m), across the medi-ate temperate and cold temperate, to the mountaintops of the frigid temperate belt (3100 m). Amphipodial bamboos occur in all climate types except the frigid temperate belt. Three dominant species, F. spathacea, F. murielae and Y. confusa, currently cover 12 %, 9 % and 3 % of the mountain ranges in Shennongjia, respectively.

Application of Ornamental Bamboos in Chengdu Wangjiang Park

To master the application of ornamental bamboos in landscape architecture, the authors investigated the application of ornamental bamboos in Wangjiang Park, Chengdu City, and analyzed problems in its plant application and management. Corresponding improvement suggestions were proposed to provide references for the reasonable application of ornamental bamboos in garden landscapes.

Landscaping Application of Bamboos in Classical Suzhou Gardens

History of bamboo application in Suzhou gardens was reviewed respectively in three stages:Wei and Jin Dynasties,Tang and Song Dynasties,Ming and Qing Dynasties.Bamboo landscapes in such famous classical Suzhou gardens as Humble Administrator's Garden,Lion Grove,Master-of-Nets Garden and Pavilion of Surging Waves were introduced.Techniques of creating bamboo landscapes in classical Suzhou gardens were analyzed,centering on "pathways in bamboo grove winding to serenity","realization to truth","bamboo shadows on white wall","green bamboos and white stones","listening to bamboo breeze","misty bamboo grove",poetic and pictorial splendor and also musical rhythm of bamboo landscapes were highlighted.

Morphological phylogeny among 15 accessions of bamboos growing in Kokrajhar district of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts,Assam

Bamboo is nature＇s wonderful gift historically associated with the rural population of the Bodoland Territorial Area Districts.However,indiscriminate use of the resource and the ambiguity in the identification of bamboos in the absence of flowering characters pose a potential risk to the bamboo germplasm.Therefore,we considered revising the taxonomic positions and phylogenetic relationships among 15 tropical bamboo species using 35 key morphological descriptors（MD） to assess the reliability of vegetative characters in identifying species.The phylogenetic tree constructed from the similarity matrix,derived from an unweighted pair group method of analysis（UPGMA） of the 35 MDs,marginally deviated from the conventional taxonomic positions of the bamboo species.While the two varieties,one forma of Bambusa vulgaris（var.Vittata,var.Vulgaris,fo.Waminii） and two species of the genus Dendrocalamus（D.giganteus and D.hamiltonii）clustered together in a single clade,and D.strictus was distantly placed from their congeners.This discrepancy with the conventional classification might have ensued since only vegetative characters such as culm anatomy,culm sheath,leaf,and leaf sheath were considered in the present study.While the phylogenetic relationship among the 15 tropical bamboos（computed from exhaustive MDs）grossly corroborate the conventional taxonomic grouping,a molecular-marker-based multidisciplinary approach should resolve the remaining conflicts in bamboo identification.

Carbon sequestration in a bamboo plantation:a case study in a Mediterranean area

In the Mediterranean region,despite bamboo being an alien species that can seriously alter plant and ani-mal biocoenosis,the area occupied by bamboo plantations continues to increase,especially for the purpose to seques-ter carbon(C).However,the C dynamics in the soil-plant system when bamboo is grown outside its native area are poorly understood.Here we investigated the C mitigation potential of the fast-growing Moso bamboo(Phyllostachys edulis)introduced in Italy for climate-change mitigation.We analyzed aboveground(AGB)and belowground(as root/shoot ratio)biomass,litter and soil organic C(SOC)at O-15-and 15-30-cm depths in a 4-year-old bamboo plantation in comparison with the former annual cropland on which the bamboo was established.To have an idea of the maximum C stored at an ecosystem level,a natural forest adjacent the two sites was also considered.In the plantation,C accumulation as AGB was stimulated,with 14.8±3.1 Mg C ha^(-1) stored in 3 years;because thinning was done to remove culms from the first year,the mean sequestration rate was 4.9 Mg C ha^(-1) a^(-1).The sequestration rates were high but comparable to other fast-growing tree species in Italy(e.g.,Pinus nigra).SOC was significantly higher in the bamboo plantation than in the cropland only at the 0-15 cm depth,but SOC stock did not differ.Possibly 4 years were not enough time for a clear increase in SOC,or the high nutrient uptake by bamboos might have depleted the soil nutrients,thus inhibiting the soil organic matter formation by bacteria.In comparison,the natural forest had significantly higher C levels in all the pools.For C dynamics at an ecosystem level,the bamboo plantation on the former annual cropland led to substantial C removal from the atmosphere(about 12 Mg C ha^(-1) a^(-1)).However,despite the promising C sequestration rates by bamboo,its introduction should be carefully considered due to potential ecological problems caused by this species in overexploited environments such as the Mediterranean area.

Lactobacillus from fermented bamboo shoots prevents inflammation in DSS-induced colitis mice via modulating gut microbiome and serum metabolites

Fermented bamboo shoots(FBS)is a region-specific food widely consumed in Southwestern China,with Lactobacillus as the predominant fermenting bacteria.However,the probiotic potential of Lactobacillus derived from FBS reminds largely unexplored,especially for diseases with a low prevalence in areas consuming FBS,namely,inflammatory bowel disease.In this study,Lactiplantibacillus pentosus YQ001 and Lentilactobacillus senioris YQ005 were screening by in vitro probiotic tests to further investigate the probioticlike bioactivity in dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis(UC)mouse.They exhibited more positive probiotic effects than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in preventing intestinal inflammatory response.The results revealed that both strains improved the abundance of deficient intestinal microbiota in UC mice,including Muribaculaceae and Akkermansia.In the serum metabolome,they modulated the DSS-disturbed levels of metabolites,with significant increment of cinnamic acid.Meanwhile,they reduced the expression levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6)inflammatory factors and increased zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),Occludin,and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide(CRAMP)in the colon.Consequently,these results demonstrated that Lactobacillus spp.isolates derived from FBS showed promising probiotic activity based on the gut microbiome homeostasis modulation,anti-inflammation and intestinal barrier protection in UC mice.

Theoretical Analysis on Deflection and Bearing Capacity of Prestressed Bamboo-Steel Composite Beams

A theoretical analysis of upward deflection and midspan deflection of prestressed bamboo-steel composite beams is presented in this study.The deflection analysis considers the influences of interface slippage and shear deformation.Furthermore,the calculation model for flexural capacity is proposed considering the two stages of loading.The theoretical results are verified with 8 specimens considering different prestressed load levels,load schemes,and prestress schemes.The results indicate that the proposed theoretical analysis provides a feasible prediction of the deflection and bearing capacity of bamboo-steel composite beams.For deflection analysis,the method considering the slippage and shear deformation provides better accuracy.The theoretical method for bearing capacity matches well with the test results,and the relative errors in the serviceability limit state and ultimate limit state are 4.95%and 5.85%,respectively,which meet the accuracy requirements of the engineered application.

Free vibration and buckling analysis of polymeric composite beams reinforced by functionally graded bamboo fbers

Natural fibers have been extensively researched as reinforcement materials in polymers on account of their environmental and economic advantages in comparison with synthetic fibers in the recent years.Bamboo fibers are renowned for their good mechanical properties,abundance,and short cycle growth.As beams are one of the fundamental structural components and are susceptible to mechanical loads in engineering applications,this paper performs a study on the free vibration and buckling responses of bamboo fiber reinforced composite(BFRC)beams on the elastic foundation.Three different functionally graded(FG)layouts and a uniform one are the considered distributions for unidirectional long bamboo fibers across the thickness.The elastic properties of the composite are determined with the law of mixture.Employing Hamilton’s principle,the governing equations of motion are obtained.The generalized differential quadrature method(GDQM)is then applied to the equations to obtain the results.The achieved outcomes exhibit that the natural frequency and buckling load values vary as the fiber volume fractions and distributions,elastic foundation stiffness values,and boundary conditions(BCs)and slenderness ratio of the beam change.Furthermore,a comparative study is conducted between the derived analysis outcomes for BFRC and homogenous polymer beams to examine the effectiveness of bamboo fibers as reinforcement materials,demonstrating the significant enhancements in both vibration and buckling responses,with the exception of natural frequencies for cantilever beams on the Pasternak foundation with the FG-◇fiber distribution.Eventually,the obtained analysis results of BFRC beams are also compared with those for carbon nanotube reinforced composite(CNTRC)beams found in the literature,indicating that the buckling loads and natural frequencies of BFRC beams are lower than those of CNTRC beams.

A Review of Basic Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Scrimber Based on Small-Scale Specimens

This review summarizes the existing knowledge about the mechanical properties of bamboo scrimber(BS)in literature.According to literature reviews,the strength of BS under different load modes is affected by a series of factors,such as the type of original bamboo,growth position,resin content,treatment method and density.Therefore,different production processes can be adopted according to different requirements,and bamboo scrimbers can also be classified accordingly.In addition,this review summarizes the changes in different factors considered by scholars in the research on the mechanical properties of BS,so that readers can have an overall understanding of the existing research and make more innovative and valuable research on this basis.This review provides and discusses the conclusive observations,the current research gaps and future research directions on the mechanical properties of BS.

Alkali and Plasma-Treated Guadua angustifolia Bamboo Fibers:A Study on Reinforcement Potential for Polymeric Matrices

This study focuses on treating Guadua angustifolia bamboo fibers to enhance their properties for reinforcement applications in composite materials.Chemical(alkali)and physical(dry etching plasma)treatments were used separately to augment compatibility of Guadua angustifolia fibers with various composite matrices.The influence of these treatments on the fibers’performance,chemical composition,and surface morphology were analyzed.Statistical analysis indicated that alkali treatments reduced the tensile modulus of elasticity and strength of fibers by up to 40%and 20%,respectively,whereas plasma treatments maintain the fibers’mechanical performance.FTIR spectroscopy revealed significant alterations in chemical composition due to alkali treatments,while plasma-treated fibers showed minimal changes.Surface examination through Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM)revealed post-treatment modifications in both cases;alkali treatments served as a cleanser,eliminating lignin and hemicellulose from the fiber surface,whereas plasma treatments also produce rough surfaces.These results validate the impact of the treatments on the fiber mechanical performance,which opens up possibilities for using Guadua angustifolia fibers as an alternative reinforcement in composite manufacturing.

Experimental Study on the Axial Compression Performance of Bamboo Scrimber Columns Embedded with Steel Reinforcing Bars

In this paper,a new type of bamboo scrimber column embedded with steel bars(rebars)was proposed,and the compression performance was improved by pre-embedding rebars during the preparation of the columns.The effects of the slenderness ratio and the reinforcement ratio on the axial compression performance of reinforced bamboo scrimber columns were studied by axial compression tests on 28 specimens.The results showed that the increase in the slenderness ratio had a significant negative effect on the axial compression performance of the columns.When the slenderness ratio increased from 19.63 to 51.96,the failure mode changed from strength failure to buckling failure,and the maximum bearing capacity decreased by 43.03%.The axial compression performance of the reinforced bamboo scrimber columns did not significantly improve at a slenderness ratio of 19.63,but the opposite was true at slenderness ratios of 36.95 and 51.96.When the reinforcement ratio increased from 0%to 4.52%,the bearing capacity of those with a slenderness ratio of 51.96 increased by up to 16.99%,and the stiffness and ductility were also improved.Finally,based on existing specifications,two modification parameters,the overall elastic modulus Ec and the combined strength fcc,were introduced to establish a calculation method for the bearing capacity of the reinforced bamboo scrimber columns.The calculation results were compared with the test results,and the results showed that the proposed calculation models can more accurately predict the bearing capacity.

Harnessing the Market Potential of the Bamboo Industry in Central Luzon, Philippines: An Analysis of the Internal and External Environment

The bamboo industry in Central Luzon holds significant promise for economic development and environmental sustainability. This study aims to analyze the internal and external factors influencing the bamboo industry in the region through SWOT and PESTLE analyses. Based on a focus group discussion involving key industry players, the study explores the industry’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, as well as political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. Findings reveal the importance of comprehensive strategies that address political stability, economic growth, consumer awareness, technological advancement, legal compliance, and environmental sustainability. Recommendations include capacity-building for production and marketing, the establishment of bamboo treatment facilities, and advocacy for supportive policies. By addressing these factors, the bamboo industry in Central Luzon can realize its potential for socio-economic development and environmental stewardship.

Inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes by refined bamboo vinegar and preparation of the slow-release system with bamboo charcoal as the carrier

Background:Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases that can significantly impact a considerable proportion of individuals over their lifetime.Objective:This study focuses on the exploration of the application potential of bamboo vinegar in cosmetics.Materials and Methods:The stock solution of bamboo vinegar is subjected to reduced-pressure distillation at different temperatures to obtain refined bamboo vinegar.Then,inhibition of Propionibacterium acnes(P.acnes)by refined bamboo vinegar is observed.Moreover,the refined bamboo vinegar is adsorbed and released with activated bamboo charcoal as the carrier.In all,this study aims to probe into the mechanism of the controlledrelease system of bamboo vinegar.Results:The results shows that the harmful substances(tar)in bamboo vinegar distilled at 70℃decreased by 94.44%,which is a more notable decrease compared with that in the stock solution.The total organic acid content in bamboo vinegar after reduced-pressure distillation is 11.840%,reaching the national standard for refined bamboo vinegar(GB/T 31734–2015).Additionally,the minimum inhibitory concentration of refined bamboo vinegar against P.acnes using the punch method is 7.90 mg/mL.This indicates that refined bamboo vinegar has the potential as a prospective raw material for formulations in anti-acne cosmetic products.Furthermore,the release rate of bamboo charcoal/bamboo vinegar in water for 15 min reaches 70.57%,which then slows down to a plateau.The slow-release behavior is agreed with the Ritger-Peppas model and is beneficial to relieve the irritation of bamboo vinegar to the skin and lengthen its bacteriostatic duration.Conclusion:The foregoing conclusions can serve as the theoretical foundation for the application of bamboo vinegar in anti-acne cosmetics.

Development of Kaolin and Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites for Thermal Insulating Panels

In our modern world, where conserving energy is highly valued, thermal insulation panels play a crucial role in reducing heat transfer between two spaces, surfaces, or materials. They are used to enhance the energy efficiency of various industrial applications by minimizing heat loss and temperature control. These panels function as silent protectors, aiding in reducing energy consumption and making things more sustainable and better for the environment. This is where composite materials come in;they are known for their lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, and excellent thermal insulation properties and have gained significant attention. Researchers are actively engaged in various studies aimed at enhancing these materials further. This research project focuses on the development of kaolin and glass fiber-reinforced composites for thermally insulating panels, to which natural strengthening materials like corn husk and bamboo fibers are added. The aim is to create cost-effective and efficient composite materials for thermal insulation applications by incorporating these components with a binder consisting of potassium silicate, hydroxide, and distilled water. This project involves conducting compression tests, bending tests, impact tests, thermal conductivity measurements, and microscopic analysis to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composites. The profound impact of these engineered composites on thermal insulation panels stands to revolutionize energy conservation efforts, offering a potent avenue to minimize heat loss and enhance overall energy efficiency across an array of industrial sectors.

The Tallest Grass-Bamboo

Although bamboo is really a kind of grass,it looks more like tree-a beautiful tree.Chinese poets write poems and songs about bamboo,the artists paint it in pictures.

Idyllic Excursion

Tourists enjoy bamboo rafting at a waterfallthemed scenic area in Chongzuo,Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,on 15 April.

Fabrication and Characterization of Bamboo—Epoxy Reinforced Composite for Thermal Insulation

As global warming intensifies, researchers worldwide strive to develop effective ways to reduce heat transfer. Among the natural fiber composites studied extensively in recent decades, bamboo has emerged as a prime candidate for reinforcement. This woody plant offers inherent strengths, biodegradability, and abundant availability. Due to its high cellulose content, its low thermal conductivity establishes bamboo as a thermally resistant material. Its low thermal conductivity, enhanced by a NaOH solution treatment, makes it an excellent thermally resistant material. Researchers incorporated Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGM) and Kaolin fillers into the epoxy matrix to improve the insulating properties of bamboo composites. These fillers substantially enhance thermal resistance, limiting heat transfer. Various compositions, like (30% HGM + 25% Bamboo + 65% Epoxy) and (30% Kaolin + 25% Bamboo + 45% Epoxy), were compared to identify the most efficient thermal insulator. Using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) ensures uniform distribution of fillers and resin, creating a structurally sound thermal barrier. These reinforced composites, evaluated using the TOPSIS method, demonstrated their potential as high-performance materials combating heat transfer, offering a promising solution in the battle against climate change.