Rapid spectroscopic separation of three Canadian softwoods

Near Infrared (NIR) and Fluorescence (FS) spectroscopy were investigated for their ability to rapidly separate three Canadian softwoods: balsam fir, western hemlock, and white spruce. NIR and FS spectral data were used to develop classification models using soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA) method. For each wood species, spectra of 90 wood specimens were collected over a wavelength window of 800–2,500?nm for NIR spectral data and a wavelength range of 380–540 and 380–705?nm for FS spectral data. Raw spectra and first-derivative-transformed spectra were used to develop NIR calibration models to separate the three wood species using the wavelength ranges, 800–2,500, 1,100–2,200, and 1,300–2,000?nm, by the SIMCA method. Similarly, FS raw spectral data were also used to develop FS calibrations using wavelength ranges of 380–540 and 380–705?nm. Principal component analysis models were made for each class from the calibration set consisting of 65 specimens of each of the three wood species. Specimens not present in the calibration set (27 specimens of each wood species) were tested for classification according to the SIMCA method at a 5 and 25% significance level. Type I error associated with the models developed with NIR spectral data ranged from 0 to 19 and 0 to 52% for the 5 and 25% significance levels, respectively, while type II error ranged from 2 to 50 and 0 to 19%, respectively. When tested at a 5% significance level, there was no significant improvement in NIR models developed with first-derivative-transformed spectra over models developed with raw spectra. Type I error associated with the models developed with Fluorescence spectral data ranged from 0 to 4 and 7 to 30% for the 5 and 25% significance levels, respectively, while type II error ranged from 1 to 9 and 0 to 1%, respectively. There were no significant differences in performance of FS models developed with spectra using wavelength ranges of 380–540 and 380–705?nm.     

Estimation ofPinus radiata D. Don clear wood properties by near-infrared spectroscopy

The use of calibrated near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for predicting of a range of solid wood properties is described. The methods developed are applicable to large-scale nondestructive forest resource assessment and to tree breeding and silviculture programs. A series ofPinus radiata D. Don (radiata pine) samples were characterized in terms of density, longitudinal modulus of elasticity (E _L), and microfibril angle (MFA). NIR spectra were obtained from the radial/longitudinal face of each sample and used to generate calibrations for the measured physical properties. The relations between laboratory-determined data and NIR fitted data were good in all cases, with coefficients of determination (R ²) ranging from 0.68 for 100/MFA to 0.94 for density_strip. A good relation (R ² = 0.83) was also obtained forE _L estimated using data collected by SilviScan-2. The finding suggests that an NIR instrument could be calibrated to estimate theE _L of increment cores based on SilviScan data. In view of the rapidly expanding range of applications for this technique, it is concluded that appropriately calibrated NIR spectroscopy could form the basis of a testing instrument capable of predicting a range of properties from a single spectrum obtained from the product or from the raw material.     

Non-destructive evaluation of surface longitudinal growth strain on Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) green logs using near-infrared spectroscopy

A use of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for rapidly predicting the longitudinal growth strain (LGS), as a detector of growth stress, was described. NIR spectra and LGS were measured from peripheral locations of three Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) green logs. Partial least squares regression model for predicting LGS was developed using the spectral range spanning 770–1200?nm. The predicted LGS was correlated with that measured by the strain gauge method. The coefficient of determination and the root mean square error of prediction were 0.61 and 0.013%, respectively. The predicted peripheral LGS distribution moderately fitted with the measured one. Our results indicate that NIR spectroscopy has a potential to evaluate the magnitude of longitudinal growth stresses on green logs.     

Discriminant analysis of wood-based materials using near-infrared spectroscopy

 This study deals with the suitable discriminant techniques of wood-based materials by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and several chemometric analyses. The concept of Mahalanobis' generalized distance, K nearest neighbors (KNN), and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) were evaluated to determine the best analytical procedure. The difference in the accuracy of classification with the spectrophotometer, the wavelength range as the explanatory variables, and the light-exposure condition of the sample were examined in detail. It was difficult to apply Mahalanobis' generalized distances to the classification of wood-based materials where NIR spectra varied widely within the sample category. The performance of KNN in the NIR region (800–2500 nm), for which the device used in the laboratory was employed, exhibited a high rate of correct answers of validation (>98%) independent of the light-exposure conditions of the sample. When employing the device used in the field, both KNN and SIMCA revealed correct answers of validation (>88%) at wavelengths of 550–1010 nm. These results suggest the applicability of NIRS to a reasonable classification of used wood at the factory and at job sites. Received: March 13, 2002 / Accepted: July 19, 2002 Acknowledgments The authors thank Gifu Prefectural Human Life Technology Research Institute and Kubota Co. for their support. We also thank Professor Dr. Shiro Kimura and Dr. Hideyuki Yokochi for their constructive discussions about the research.     

桉树材性性状近红外预测模型的建立

试验以采集的100份桉树不同组合杂交子代的木芯及木粉样品作为研究对象,以常规方法测定所取木材样品的木材密度、纤维长度和纤维宽度并用 Polychromix 手持式近红外仪采集了自然风干状态木粉的近红外光谱信息。光谱数据的处理及建模用 Unscrambler 9.7软件完成。建模结果显示：木材密度、纤维长度和纤维宽度的预测精度均可达90%以上。建模过程中,木材密度较纤维长度和纤维宽度所需的校正样本集数量要多,说明要达到一定的预测精度,纤维长度和纤维宽度其所建模型的预测范围会相应变小。     

近红外光谱法测定毛竹综纤维素的含量研究

研究了用近红外光谱(NIR)结合多变量统计分析技术对毛竹综纤维素含量的快速测定。用常规实验室方法测定了54个竹材样品的综纤维素含量,用近红外光谱仪采集相应样品的光谱,对原始光谱进行二阶导数和25点平滑预处理后,从54个竹材样品中挑选41个代表性的样品建模,选择1011~1675nm和1930~2488nm波段区间,用偏最小二乘法(PLS1)和完全交互验证方式建立毛竹综纤维素含量的预测模型。结果表明,毛竹综纤维素含量和近红外光谱之间存在非常好的相关性,预测模型的相关系数(RP)为0.95,预测模型的标准偏差(SEP)为0.76%。     

Relationships between longitudinal and radial Picea genera sound vibration parameters

Longitudinal sawn wood are usually selected as samples in the study of sound properties of a musical instrument board. But in real production, radial sawn timber are cut and are also widely used as vibration component. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the vibration properties of the board in the round, especially for the sound radiation characteristic of radial sawn timber and its relationship to longitudinal sawn timber. However, for the national and international experts, researches on radial sawn timber and its role and function in sound emission have not yet been developed. This paper describes a study of seven important spruces that grow up in the Sichuan and Heilongjiang provinces of China, and one Picea sitchensis specimen from North America. Under the high bending vibration mode, resonance frequency and other parameters of longitudinal and radial wood were tested. Analysis result disclosed the relationship between longitudinal and radial wood vibration property. An important conclusion of wood for musical instruments with proper anisotropy, fine toughness, and weak shear of longitudinal and radial vibration was inducted. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(3): 21–24 [译自: 林业科学, 2006, 42(3): 21–24]     

NIR PLSR model selection for Kappa number prediction of maritime pine Kraft pulps

A total of 910 maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Aiton) wood discs, belonging to a genetic trial of 80 families with 11–12 trees per family, were used in this study. A near infrared (NIR) partial least squares regression (PLSR) model for the prediction of Kappa number of Pinus pinaster Aiton pulps obtained from samples pulped under identical conditions was calculated. Very good correlations between NIR spectra of maritime pine pulps and Kappa numbers in the range from 58 to 100 were obtained. Besides the raw spectra, spectra pre-processed with ten methods were used for PLS analysis (cross validation with 57 samples), showing that even after test set validation (with 34 samples) no model decision could be made due to almost identical statistics. The final evaluation that proved the predictive power of the models by predicting pulps with unknown Kappa numbers allowed choosing a model according to a minimal number of outliers found during this process. The minimum–maximum normalized spectra in the wave number range from 6,110 to 5,440 cm⁻¹ used for the calculation gave the best model with a root mean square error of prediction of 2.3 units of Kappa number, a coefficient of determination of 95.9%, and one PLS component. The percentage of outliers during evaluation was 0.9%.     

Variation in tensile properties and relationship between tensile properties and air-dried density for moso bamboo

This research investigated the variation in tensile properties and the relationship between the tensile properties and the air-dried density for the moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) by sampling at different heights and radial positions. Results showed that the variation of the longitudinal tensile properties in the radial direction was greater than that in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal tensile modules of elasticity (MOE) ranged from 8.49 to 32.49 GPa. MOE for the outermost layer was 3–4 times as high as that for the innermost layer. The longitudinal tensile strength (MOR) ranged from 115.94 to 328.15 MPa. MOR for the outermost layer is 2–3 times as high as that for the innermost layer. Linear and curvilinear regressions were done from tested data of MOE, MOR and air-dried density in this paper. The linear equation worked a little better than the curvilinear one to predict the longitudinal MOR and MOE from air-dried density. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(3): 72–76 [译自: 林业科学]     

Regeneration and reuse of exhausted solutions of electroless nickel plating wood veneer

The regeneration of exhausted solutions of electroless nickel plating wood veneer was realized using soluble calcium salt to precipitate and remove phosphite and then using fluoride to remove residual calcium ions from the solution. The effect of the pH value of the solution, treatment temperature and the molar ratio of calcium ions to phosphite ions on the removal efficiency of phosphite was investigated. Wood veneer was electroless plated using regenerated solutions. A coating with better electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding was obtained. __________ Translated from Journal of Northeast Forestry University, 2005, 33(3): 47–48 [译自: 东北林业大学学报, 2005, 33(3): 47–48]     

Comparison of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus taeda</Emphasis> L. whole-tree wood property calibrations using diffuse reflectance near infrared spectra obtained using a variety of sampling options

A necessary objective for tree-breeding programs, with a focus on wood quality, is the measurement of wood properties on a whole-tree basis, however, the time and cost involved limits the numbers of trees sampled. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy provides an alternative and recently, it has been demonstrated that calibrations based on milled increment cores and whole-tree data can provide good estimates of whole-tree properties. Several options exist for sampling standing trees and the aim of this study was to compare wood property calibrations based on NIR spectra collected from samples obtained using different sampling methods. Calibrations for whole-tree lignin and basic specific gravity based on NIR spectra from whole-tree chips (milled or intact) had the strongest statistics, calibrations based on NIR spectra from milled increment cores were similar. Other options for sampling the tree (drill shavings, etc.) gave errors that were too large for practical applications. If an increment core is going to be used to estimate whole-tree properties, it is recommended that it be dried and milled prior to analysis.     

Prediction of dry veneer stiffness using near infrared spectra from transverse section of green log

This study examined the feasibility of near infrared spectroscopy as a novel technique for log assessment on the basis of wood property. Near infrared (NIR) spectra were obtained from the transverse section of green log and multivariate regression analysis was carried out to predict the stiffness of veneer processed from the log. The stiffness of the veneer was dynamic modulus of elasticity measured using ultrasonic method. The calibrations of veneer stiffness had moderate relationships between measured and NIR-predicted values, with regression coefficients ranging from 0.84 to 0.88. The calibration equations were applied to the test set and it was found that predictions were also well fitted, with regression coefficients ranging from 0.67 to 0.89. The results indicate that the variation of wood stiffness within the logs could be assessed using the NIR spectra from the cross-section of logs. The spectra were obtained from green condition of the log and the stiffness of veneer was measured after kiln drying. Thus, the results imply that the wood stiffness in dry condition could be predicted using the spectra collected from green logs. If the models obtained in this study put into the imaging system, the two-dimensional map of the stiffness would be visualized on the cross-section of logs. The NIR spectroscopy coupled with imaging system could compensate the weak point of the traditional methods for log assessment.     

Hygrothermal effect of bamboo by dynamic mechanical analysis

Dynamic properties of bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens, with moisture content (MC) ranging from −130 to 130°C, were studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results showed that the hygrothermal effect on dynamic mechanical properties was negative. The storage modulus decreases with increasing temperature and MC, and glass transition temperature decreases with increasing MC. The glass transition temperature and tan delta of bamboo were 30.5°C, 0.02 and 10.61°C, 0.04, when MC was 10% and 34%, respectively. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University (Natural Sciences Edition), 2006, 30(1): 65–68 [译自: 南京林业大学学报(自然科学版), 2006, 30(1): 65–68]     

The growth process of natural poplar-birch forests

With a combination of permanent and temporary sample plots, we investigated the growth conditions of natural poplar-birch forests. The forests were divided into four site classes, using statistical and analytical techniques in a quantitative model, in descending order where site class I was the best. On this basis, the growth of natural poplar-birch forests in the different site classes was studied. The growth processes of height and diameter at breast height were divided into three stages: a fast growing period, a stable growing period and a slow growing period. Results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the directive cultivation of natural poplar-birch forests. __________ Translated from Journal of Northwest Forestry University, 2005, 33(5): 9–12 [译自: 东北林业大学学报, 2005, 33(5): 9–12]     

Application of near infrared spectroscopy for authentication of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea abies</Emphasis> seed provenance

Authentication of seed provenance is an importance issue to avoid the negative impact of poor adaptation of progenies when planted outside their natural environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as rapid and non-destructive method for authentication of Picea abies L. Karst seed provenances. For this purpose, five seed lots from Sweden, Finland, Poland and Lithuania each were used. NIR reflectance spectra were recorded on individual seeds (n = 150 seeds × 5 seed lots × 4 provenances = 3000 seeds) using XDS Rapid Content Analyzer from 780 to 2500 nm with a resolution of 0.5 nm. Classification model was developed by orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis. The performance of the computed classification model was validated using two test sets—internal (the same seed lots as the model but excluded during model development; n = 600 seeds) and external (seed lots not included in the model; n = 1158 seeds). For the internal test, the model correctly recognized 99% of Swedish, Finnish and Polish samples and 97% of Lithuanian seeds. For the external test samples, the model correctly assigned 81% of Swedish, 96% of Finnish, 98% of Lithuanian and 93% of Polish seeds to their respective classes. The mean classification accuracy was 99 and 95% for internal and external test set, respectively. The spectral differences among seed lots were attributed to differences in chemical composition of seeds, presumably fatty acids and proteins, which are the dominant storage reserves in P. abies seeds. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that NIR spectroscopy is a very promising method for monitoring putative seed provenances and in seed certification.     

Non-destructive assessment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus</Emphasis> spp. wafers subjected to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gloeophyllum trabeum</Emphasis> in soil block decay tests by diffuse reflectance near infrared spectroscopy

The use of calibrated near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for measuring and predicting the advancement of wood decay in Pinus spp. sapwood wafers that were subjected to Gloeophyllum trabeum for periods ranging from 1 to 10 days was investigated. NIR spectra were obtained from the center of the cross-sectional face of each sample before and after decay tests. Mass loss and compression tests were also used to measure the progression of decay. Calibrations were created from NIR spectra, mass loss, and compression strength data using untreated and mathematically treated (multiplicative scatter correction and first and second derivative) spectra. Strong relationships were derived from the calibrations with the strongest R ² values being 0.98 (mass loss) and 0.97 (compression strength). Calibrations for mass loss showed the strongest statistics for predicting wood decay of a separate test set (0.85 raw, second derivative to 0.76 multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), while predictions for compression strength of the decayed samples resulted in R ² of 0.69 (raw) to 0.54 (MSC). Calibrations created from the amount of time the samples were decayed showed strong statistics, indicating that NIR spectroscopy can predict the early stages of wood decay.     

Use of near infrared spectroscopy to measure the chemical and mechanical properties of solid wood

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy (500 nm–2400 nm), coupled with multivariate analytic (MVA) statistical techniques, have been used to predict the chemical and mechanical properties of solid loblolly pine wood. The samples were selected from different radial locations and heights of three loblolly pine trees grown in Arkansas. The chemical composition and mechanical properties were measured with traditional wet chemical techniques and three point bending tests, respectively. The microfibril angle was measured with x-ray scattering. These chemical and mechanical properties were correlated with the NIR spectra using projection to latent structures (PLS) models. The correlations were very strong, with the correlation coefficients generally above 0.80. The mechanical properties could also be predicted using a reduced spectral range (650 nm–1150 nm) that should allow for field measurements of these properties using handheld NIR spectrometers.     

Applications of wavelet transformation in the nondestructive test of medium density fiberboard

Taking medium density fiberboards (MDF) as samples, the feasibility of the applications of wavelet analysis in a nondestructive test is discussed in this paper. The main results are as follows: the modulus of elasticity of longitudinal resonance, measured by wavelet analysis, can replace the conventional static modulus of elasticity. Their correlation coefficient is significant (p < 0.01). The defect of samples can be judged by wavelet analysis, which is superior because it is a nondestructive test. __________ Translated from Scientia Silvae Sinicae, 2006, 42(10): 91–94 [译自: 林业科学]     

Forest fire detection system based on a ZigBee wireless sensor network

Compared with the traditional techniques of forest fire detection, a wireless sensor network paradigm based on a ZigBee technique was proposed. The proposed technique is in real time, given the exigencies of forest fires. The architecture of a wireless sensor network for forest fire detection is described. The hardware circuitry of the network node is designed based on a CC2430 chip. The process of data transmission is discussed in detail. Environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity in the forest region can be monitored in real time. From the information collected by the system, decisions for fire fighting or fire prevention can be made more quickly by the relevant government departments. __________ Translated from Journal of Beijing Forestry University, 2007, 29(4): 41–45 [译自: 北京林业大学学报]     

RAPD analysis of genetic relationships among Sphaeropsis sapinea isolates

Genetic relationships were studied among 23 isolates of Sphaeropsis sapinea collected from China, the United States, England, South Africa and Chile by using a random amplification of a polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analytical method. One hundred and 35 DNA fragments were amplified with 12 random primers by a polymerase chain reaction PCR technique and 96.3% were polymorphic. The genetic dendrogram based on RAPD analysis showed that the S. sapinea isolates could be divided into three types. Isolate CWS41 from Chile was separated genetically as the first type that was different from other isolates and isolates F2 and J2 from China comprised the second group. The third RAPD group accommodated other isolates including the B morphotype isolate CWS43 from the United States. __________ Translated from Journal of Nanjing Forestry University, 2006, 30(1): 13–16 [译自: 南京林业大学学报]