Sustainable prospects of lignocellulosic wood and natural fiber-based materials in 3D and 4D printing

The sustainable options for 3D/4D printing, utilizing lignocellulosic materials derived from wood and natural fibers, have gained significant attention in the pursuit of building a greener and more environmentally friendly world. As environmental concerns continue to grow, there is an increasing focus on greener materials and manufacturing processes. The utilization of these environmentally friendly alternatives as substitutes for synthetic fiber filled polymer matrices in 3D/4D printing is driven by the objective of enhancing the material properties of printed items while reducing material costs. 3D/4D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, represents a promising frontier in environmentally friendly manufacturing. Recent progress and advancements in 3D/4D printing technology have expanded its capabilities beyond prototyping to the rapid fabrication of finished goods. This review explores the characteristics, processing techniques, mechanical and physical properties, applications, and future possibilities of sustainable 3D/4D printed products developed from wood and natural fibers. Architectural design and polymer selection have the potential to yield materials with improved functionality, mechanical characteristics, porosity, and stability. Additionally, the multifunctional polymer-based 3D/4D printing product development has enabled the production of biomedical devices, electrical products, and aerospace-related items. The challenges associated with utilizing these products for large-scale production and other aspects of sustainable 3D/4D printing will also be discussed, along with recommendations for future solutions. Overall, this work offers valuable insights that can guide future research, development, and implementation of lignocellulosic-based 3D/4D printed composites. By exploring the potential of these sustainable materials in 3D/4D printing, it contributes to the advancement of environmentally friendly manufacturing practices and promotes the adoption of greener alternatives across various industries

Vegetation Dynamics and Climate Variability in Conflict Zones: A Case Study of Sortony Internally Displaced Camp, Darfur, Sudan

Understanding vegetation dynamics and climate variability in the vicinity of Internally Displaced Person (IDP) camps is critical due to the high dependency of displaced populations on local natural resources. This study investigates vegetation cover changes and long-term climate variability around the Sortony IDP camp in Darfur, Sudan, using satellite and climate data spanning 1980 to 2024. High-resolution imagery from PlanetScope and Sentinel–2 Level 2A was used to assess vegetation cover changes from 2015 to 2024, while precipitation, temperature, and drought trends were analyzed over 44 years (1980–2024). Vegetation changes were quantified using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and drought conditions were assessed through the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) at 6-, 9-, and 12-month timescales. Future precipitation predictions were modeled using the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. The results revealed a substantial increase in vegetative cover: the dense vegetation class increased by 3.50%, moderate vegetation by 17.33%, and low vegetation by 30.22%. In contrast, sparse and non-vegetated areas declined by 4.55% and 46.51%, respectively. The SPEI analysis indicated a marked reduction in drought frequency and severity after 2015, following a period of prolonged drought from 2000 to 2014. Forecasts suggest continued increases in rainfall through 2034, which may further support vegetation regrowth. These findings underscore the complex interplay between climatic factors and human activity in conflict-affected landscapes. The observed vegetation recovery highlights the region’s potential for ecological resilience, reinforcing the urgent need for sustainable land-use planning and climate-adaptive management strategies in humanitarian and post-conflict settings such as Darfur

Assessment of Defect Severity in Wooden Pillars Using Ultrasonic Testing

Wooden structures are prone to internal defects, particularly cracks, which can significantly compromise their structural integrity over time. While ultrasonic testing is widely used, the relationship between ultrasonic wave behavior and crack severity is not well established. This study introduces a graded defect severity classification based on crack size and depth and evaluates its correlation with ultrasonic wave velocity, frequency, and attenuation in Abies alba (whitewood) pillars. Ultrasonic measurements were conducted on pillars with cracks of varying severity, including both defective (ranging from small to large cracks) and defect-free regions, using a digital oscilloscope and ultrasonic transducer system. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post-hoc tests, revealed significant differences in ultrasonic properties across severity classes. Among the parameters, wave velocity showed the greatest sensitivity to defect severity and correlated strongly with structural integrity, while frequency and attenuation provided supplementary but less distinct information. These findings confirm wave velocity as a reliable indicator of crack severity, and the proposed classification enhances ultrasonic data interpretation for more accurate assessment of structural degradation. This study advances the quantitative application of ultrasonic testing in timber evaluation, offering a refined approach to crack assessment in wooden pillars

Koordinierung konkurrierender Erfolgsfaktoren bei der Anwendung KIgestützter Software in Fertigungsbetrieben unter VUCA-Bedingungen: Eine Grundlage für ein nachhaltiges und praxisorientiertes Modell

In der heutigen VUCA-Welt (Volatilität, Unsicherheit, Komplexität, Ambiguität) sieht sich die Fertigungsindustrie mit Herausforderungen wie Fachkräftemangel und Produktionsverlagerungen konfrontiert. Die Implementierung von KI-gestützter Software kann sowohl Risiken verstärken als auch bedeutende Wettbewerbsvorteile bieten, wenn sie richtig eingesetzt wird. Dieser Beitrag untersucht, wie konkurrierende Erfolgsfaktoren bei der Einführung von KI-Technologien in Fertigungsbetrieben koordiniert werden können, wobei sich einzelne Ansätze oft gegenseitig im Sinne einer nachhaltigen Unternehmensstrategie auszuschließen scheinen. Daher waren gezielte Experteninterviews notwendig, um eine praxisnahe Einordnung und Priorisierung dieser Faktoren zu ermöglichen. Die Kombination theoretischer Grundlagen mit praktischen Erkenntnissen ermöglicht ein tiefgehendes Verständnis der dynamischen Umwelteinflüsse. Erfolgsfaktoren wie Flexibilität, eine robuste Datenanalyse und eine agile Unternehmenskultur sind entscheidend, um Unsicherheiten zu reduzieren und auf sich ändernde Marktbedingungen zu reagieren. Starke Führung, die Innovation und Lernen fördert, unterstützt Unternehmen dabei, ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit in VUCA-Umgebungen zu stärken. Die Ergebnisse der semi-strukturierten Interviews liefern Führungskräften wertvolle Einblicke, um KIgestützte Software erfolgreich zu implementieren und die Resilienz von Organisationen zu erhöhen. Die identifizierten Faktoren können zudem auf andere Herausforderungen in der VUCA-Welt übertragen werden, um strategische Vorteile zu sichern

Fine-scale interventions can reinforce the forest character of the understory vegetation – The effects of different artificial gaps in an oak-dominated forest

Forest biodiversity is threatened by the use of conventional rotation forestry system, while fine-scale interventions of continuous cover forestry, such as gap-cutting, could protect forest habitats and enhance the stand structural heterogeneity. Consequently, their use could maintain biodiversity during the timber production process. It is unclear which gap sizes and shapes can trigger ample natural regeneration while simultaneously maintaining or improving the near-natural character of the understory. The Pilis Gap Experiment examined the five-year effects of four gap types comparing two gap sizes (150 and 300 m2) and two gap shapes (circular and elongated) on the light and soil moisture conditions and understory vegetation in an oak–hornbeam forest. The investigated understory variables included species richness, total cover, height, shrub cover and cover of five functional groups. Our results indicate an initially increased light in all gap types, but later it decreased in large circular gaps, while remaining more stable in other gap types. Soil moisture increased first, transiently in the circular gaps, and later in the elongated gaps. Species richness temporarily increased in large circular gaps, whereas total cover increased in all gap types. Understory height and shrub cover also increased in large circular gaps. Annual and perennial forb cover remained unchanged in all gap types, although graminoid cover showed transient growth in large elongated gaps. Small gaps had the highest cover of woody seedlings, whereas bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) cover increased the most in large circular gaps. Species composition exhibited the most significant changes in large circular gaps. From a conservation aspect, all gap types can be considered favorable, as they increase the heterogeneity of the openness and understory vegetation in homogeneous closed stands. Vegetation changes are the most prominent in large circular gaps w spread of bramble here multiple vegetation layers developed. However, the dense cover of bramble and shrubs hinders the effective regeneration of sessile oak (Quercus petraea). Smaller gaps slightly increase the heterogeneity of the forest understory and provide ample light and soil moisture to initiate regeneration. In larger gaps, oak regeneration may be supported by applying an elongated shape, mitigating the competition from bramble

Green Infrastructure for Climate Change Mitigation: Assessment of Carbon Sequestration and Storage in the Urban Forests of Budapest, Hungary

The effects of climate change are particularly pronounced in cities, where urban green infrastructure—such as trees, parks, and green spaces—plays a vital role in both climate adaptation and mitigation. This study assesses the carbon sequestration potential of urban forests in Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, which lies at the intersection of the Great Hungarian Plain and the Buda Hills, and is traversed by the Danube River. The city is characterized by a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters, and a diverse range of soil types, including shallow Leptosols and Cambisols in the limestone and dolomite hills of Buda, well-developed Luvisols and Regosols in the valleys, Fluvisols and Arenosols in the flood-affected areas of Pest, and Technosols found on both sides of the city. The assessment utilizes data from the National Forestry Database and the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service High Resolution Layer Tree Cover Density. The results show that Budapest’s urban forests and trees contribute an estimated annual carbon offset of −41,338 tCO2, approximately 1% of the city’s total emissions. The urban forests on the Buda and Pest sides of the city exhibit notable differences in carbon sequestration and storage, age class structure, tree species composition, and naturalness. On the Buda side, older semi-natural forests dominated by native species primarily act as in situ carbon reservoirs, with limited additional sequestration capacity due to their older age, slower growth, and longer rotation periods. In contrast, the Pest-side forests, which are primarily extensively managed introduced forests and tree plantations, contain a higher proportion of non-native species such as black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) and hybrid poplars (Populus × euramericana). Despite harsher climatic conditions, Pest-side forests perform better in carbon sink capacity compared to those on the Buda side, as they are younger, with lower carbon stocks but higher sequestration rates. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of climate-resilient urban forestry and planning strategies, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the long-term carbon sequestration potential of urban forests

Employment, Career Success and Learning Outcome Attainment of Computing Graduates in Klang Valley, Malaysia

This research explored the factors influencing computing graduates’ transition from higher education into their career life and the effectiveness of educational programs in preparing graduates for job market challenges. The study used an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach, integrating literature review, and quantitative, and qualitative data collection. The study was executed in phases. Initially, a literature review and structured surveys were distributed to the computing graduates. Thereafter, an open-ended interview was conducted with the selected participants to get more relevant insights. The research contributes to the online survey data and the proposed model, which reflects all possible factors influencing graduate employability and career success. The results aim to inform educational institutions, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on the need for determination (grit’) and resilience in educational strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of aligning with industry needs, cultivating soft skills, and developing a lifelong learning mentality to prepare graduates better. The study has limitations, including its regional focus, cross-sectional data, self-reported data, and potential bias. It also has implications for the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goal number 8, which emphasize decent work and economic growth. Future research should adopt a longitudinal approach and a more holistic lens to address access to equitable and inclusive employment outcomes worldwide. This research is crucial for policymakers, academic institutions, and industrial stakeholders to understand the factors affecting graduates’ employment, career success, and program learning outcomes. It can guide the development of policies addressing post-COVID-19 challenges, and inform curriculum development, teaching strategies, and industry-relevant skills

Evaluating the drought tolerance of five native broadleaf tree species using dendroecological analysis in East Central Europe

Climate change is placing stress on forests, making silvicultural planning more challenging in many temperate regions. Since some major tree species are prone to drought, there is an increasing interest in selecting native broadleaf minor species, which are believed to have greater drought tolerance. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the growth performance and vitality of these tree species in the light of the changing climate. Based on tree-ring width data, we analysed the drought response of four minor tree species Acer campestre L., Fraxinus ornus L., Quercus pubescens Willd. and Tilia tomentosa Moench. in relation with a major tree species Quercus cerris L. in different mixed stands along a precipitation gradient in Hungary with the aim to compare the species’ drought tolerance. All the species analysed showed a high drought tolerance, with only minor differences among them. A. campestre , F. ornus and T. tomentosa showed an overall greater climate sensitivity than the oak species, but drought resilience was high in all species. Furthermore, none of the species showed signs of dieback on the study sites with recent climate warming, suggesting that all studied native tree species are also well suited as admixed species in future forest stands

Az Ipar 4.0 hatása a logisztikai munkakörökre: napjaink kihívásai

A tanulmány célja a magyarországi logisztikai szolgáltatók munkaköreinek átalakulását és az Ipar 4.0 technológiák bevezetésével járó kihívásokat feltárni. A kutatás kvalitatív módszertannal, három jelentős logisztikai vállalat (Simon Trans, Gebrüder Weiss, Raben Trans) félig strukturált interjúin alapult. Az adatelemzés során szókapcsolat-elemzést és lexikon-alapú szentimentanalízist alkalmaztunk, amelyek feltárták a digitalizáció, az üzleti intelligencia és az automatizáció kiemelt szerepét. Az eredmények szerint a fizikai munkakörökben csökkent a munkaerőigény, míg a szellemi pozíciókban nőtt a digitális és informatikai készségek jelentősége. A vállalatok fő kihívásai közé tartozik a munkaerőhiány, a képzési szükségletek növekedése és a változásmenedzsment. A szektor szereplői alapvetően pozitívan viszonyulnak a technológiai fejlődéshez, de hangsúlyozzák a humán tényezők jelentőségét. A tanulmány gyakorlati javaslatokat fogalmaz meg a képzési intézmények számára: a digitális kompetenciák fejlesztésének, a gyakorlatorientált oktatásnak és a vállalati együttműködéseknek a hangsúlyozását. Az eredmények hozzájárulnak a logisztikai szektor digitális átállásának mélyebb megértéséhez és a munkaerőpiaci alkalmazkodás támogatásához