Blue Research Articles

Development of a blue innovative antioxidant, biodegradable packaging material with Clitoria ternatea L. flos

Today, the packaging industry, and in particular the plastic packaging industry, are going to experience a number of challenges as a result of the provisions included in the directive on reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging materials. Therefore, much attention is being paid to bio-based packaging based on natural and biodegradable polymers. Focus is being placed on natural additives with antioxidant properties to materials, eliminating the risks associated with the migration of chemical, often harmful substances into food. Therefore, in the present study, we obtained a blue antioxidant and biodegradable packaging material with flowers of Clitoria ternatea L., which is additionally safe against selected plants and invertebrates. Furthermore, we observed that the addition of blue matcha improved the barrier properties of the tested films. Samples with matcha CM (cellulose/matcha) and CZM (cellulose/gelatin/matcha) showed WVTR values of 14.44 [g/m2ˑd] and 9.34 [g/m2ˑd], respectively. Antioxidant activity testing by both the DPPH radical and FRAP methods showed the activity of the film containing the matcha extract. The extract alone had the highest activity (DPPH IC50 = 1.44 mg/ml; FRAP IT0.5 = 0.64 mg/ml). CM film had stronger antioxidant activity than CZM film. The film samples without matcha were characterised by TS values of 13.54 [MPa] and 22.24 [MPa], respectively. In contrast, their elongation at break was 74.87 [%] and 41.04 [%]. The samples containing matcha additives showed the weakest mechanical properties: CM and CZM. The cellulose/matcha film (CM) had TS and EAB values of 5.11 [MPa] and 5.05 [%], respectively. Whereas the cellulose/gelatin/matcha film (CZM) had TS and EAB values of 6.45 [MPa] and 1.54 [%], respectively. Application of a high concentration of matcha resulted in a separation of the phase leading to a weakening of the mechanical properties of the films. The observed change in the optical performance of matcha-containing films in this study was due to the blue colour of matcha, which is an effect of the presence of dried flowers. Furthermore, the blue colour of the packaging material has a marketing role as it can make the packaging product ‘stand out’ on the shop shelf.

Carboxy-PEG-thiol functionalized gold nanoparticle conjugates for the detection of SARS-CoV-2: Detection tools and analytical method development

Addressing the need for accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing, carboxy-PEG 12-thiol functionalized gold nanoparticles conjugates were developed for rapid point-of-care (POC) detection against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, pseudo-SARS-CoV-2, and authentic Beta SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. These conjugates leverage gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as signal transducers, cross-linked to either angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) antibodies as bioreceptors and showed a distinct color shift from pink to blue. To assess their POC feasibility, the conjugates were integrated into facemasks and breathalyzers, wherein aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 antigens were successfully detected, producing a color change within 10 and 30 minutes for the breathalyzer and facemask prototypes, respectively. Furthermore, we explored quantitative analysis using varying concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Both conjugates demonstrated a linear relationship between blue color intensity and virus concentration, with linear ranges of 0.08–0.6 ng/mL and 0.04–0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Low limits of detection and quantification were also achieved. They exhibited specificity, responding solely to SARS-CoV-2 even in complex matrices containing diverse proteins, including the SARS-CoV-1 spike protein. Precision tests yielded coefficient of variations below 2 %, showcasing their remarkable reproducibility. This work presents a promising approach for rapid, sensitive, and specific POC detection of SARS-CoV-2 paving the way for improved pandemic response and management.

Assessment of positive experiences using associative learning in chickens

To determine whether differences in positive experiences can influence associative learning ability, 2 tasks were conducted with 90 laying hens at the peak of the laying period. The selected hens were reared in a larger flock under the same housing conditions without perches, so they had the same rearing experiences and were moved to either enriched cages or to the floor system at 16 wk of age. They belonged to 3 breeds (Slovenian barred hen: Ba; brown hen: Br; silver hen, S), with 30 hens per breed. The predictor signal, the sound of a clicker, with a 3-second delayed reinforcer (commercial layer feed) was used to mark the desired behaviour (pecking for feed). Hens that associated feed with a clicker (85.06%) were taught 2 tasks, the colour discrimination task (CD) and the target following task (TF). In the CD, the hens had to discriminate between yellow, red and blue colors and peck at a yellow magnet only. In the TF, the desired behaviour was to follow a target, a purple ball on a stick, from 1 perch to another and peck it at the end of the perch. The main results of the hens associating the signal with feed were that the Ba hens learned faster than the S hens (P = 0.006) and required fewer clicker sounds than the Br hens in the CD (P = 0.003). Floor hens that completed CD or TF or both took less time to complete the task (CD, P = 0.03, TF, P = 0.06; both tasks, P = 0.02) or with fewer clicker sounds (CD task; P = 0.02) than cage hens. Although these results suggest that Ba hens and floor hens showed better associate learning performance, probably because they perceived their environment as more rewarding and thus potentially more positive, caution is needed in interpretation considering social experiences and that the ability to perch and the ability to move quickly on a perch can be confounded in TF and both tasks can be confounded with foraging ability.

Characterization of fresh biowastes for biogas production and environmental health in Niger Delta, Nigeria

BackgroundEnvironmental pollution is a public health problem in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to: identify the major fresh biowastes in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta; quantify the biogas yields from mono-digestion and co-digestion of identified biowastes; determine the first day of biogas production during hydraulic retention time; assess pH variations during anaerobic digestion; and evaluate biogas flame colours.MethodsFifteen communities in Bayelsa State were randomly selected, and on-the-spot assessment and quantification of the biowastes found in each community were carried out daily per week. Mono-digestion of 20 kg of each biowaste and co-digestion of 10 kg of animal waste with 10 kg of plant waste were carried out respectively under anaerobic conditions. Cumulative biogas yield and pH were measured using a pH meter and weighing scale respectively. Biogas flame colours during combustion were visually assessed.ResultsExactly 120.61 metric ton of fresh biowastes was found to be generated per week in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta. Industrial biowastes were the highest [47.6 tonnes, (39.46%)], followed by abattoir biowastes [33 tonnes (27%)], market and roadside sellers biowastes [25.5 tonnes (21.14%)], and farm biowastes [14.51 (12.03%)]. Biogas yields (kg) were: 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 17, 14, 2, 18, 16, 17, 15 and 1 kg for palm oil mill effluent (POME), orange fruit waste (OFW), pineapple peels (PP), plantain peels, cassava mill effluent (CME), rumen digesta (RD), cow dung, sewage, PP-RD, plantain peels-cow dung, POME-rumen digesta, OFW-cow dung, and CME-sewage respectively. The first day of biogas production for RD, cow dung, sewage, PP-RD, plantain peels-cow dung, POME-RD, OFW-cow dung, and CME-sewage was on the 6th, 32nd. 56th, 1st, 26th, 18th, 25th, and 60th day of hydraulic retention time respectively. A dominant blue flame colour mixed reddish yellow or orange flames were found during biogas combustion. A slight increase in pH was found in all the biodigester media.ConclusionsIn the present study, a variety of biowastes yielding various quantities and qualities of biogas were identified in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta. The study’s findings have provided evidence-based data that might be explored as a road map and catalyst for policy creation against inadequate biowaste management and as sustainable alternatives to the expensive liquefied petroleum gas. The potential of current research study to be scaled up for commercial use is implicated in the present study.

The Potential of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 (TGFβ1) in Fibrotic Tissue of Leiomyoma Specimens

Background: Fibrosis can define as the development of excessive fibrous tissue in an organ or tissue. In the situation of the uterus, leiomyoma or scar tissue may involve fibrosis state. The main feature of fibrosis in myoma is the existence of disordered smooth muscle cells and collagen that can be recognized via histological examinations in addition to extracellular component deposition. Leiomyoma is the most public uterine disorder that is mainly consists of smooth muscle cells, myo-fibroblast, and an obvious content of extracellular matrix. The myofibroblast in myoma lesion produced an elevated content of ECM. This paper displays the fibrotic circumstantial in leiomyoma and the mechanisms related to deposition of ECM components. Methods: this study involved (50) patients of 18-80 years old women diagnosed with benign uterine fibroid. Tumor samples were attained by consent from women undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy at the Al Karama Teaching Hospitals in Kut, Wasit Province, Iraq between October 2022 to March 2023. samples from normal and fibroid were subjected to routein histological processing and subsequently stained with routein stains for general description, Masson Trichrome stain, Van Gieson's stain to visualize collagen content and histochemical stain (Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff) to evaluate the profile of mucins secreted via tumor cells.Normal myometrium and myoma tissue expression of TGF β1 growth factor was compared using immunohistochemical staining. Qupath and Image J programs were used to analysis the content of fibrous tissue within normal and myoma tissue. Results: Microscopical results revealed that myoma have a proliferation of overlap fusiform cells organized in bundles alienated by variable amounts of connective tissue fibers, enclosed peripherally by a pseudo capsule. Special stained sections analysis revealed deposition of extracellular martix components specially collagen fibers that vary within each nodular fibroid (intrafascicular, interfascicular) enclosed myocytes that reflect the state of fibrosis that appears as blue – green colors enclosed in Masson's trichrome stain, while in Van Gieson's stain appears as red color. Proliferative tumor cells were revealed via Alcian Blue-PAS stain in dark blue color. results showed distribution of perivascular fibers in myoma as compared with normal adjacent myometrium, which appears in red color in Van Gieson's stain. Immunostaining recorded the significantly higher intensity of TGF-β in the leiomyoma tissue than in the normal myometrium (P < 0.05). The effects of the TGF-β1 inhibitor significantly differed between normal myometrium and leiomyoma tissue, with a greater decrease in cell survival in the leiomyoma tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: highly fibrous tissue contents showed within myoma and perivascular than adjacent myometrium, these fibrous tissues were detected via special colours in both Masson Trichrome and Van Gieson's stains. The fibrous tissue within leiomyoma showed higher intensity to TGF than normal myometrium.

Survival in Patients with Uveal Melanoma Is Linked to Genetic Variation at HERC2 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs12913832

Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare disease, with the highest incidence in people with fair skin and light eyes. Eye color is largely genetically determined and is defined by a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We set out to determine whether we could identify a SNP related to prognosis. We sequenced DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 392 patients with UM and obtained the genotype of 6 common eye color-related SNPs. Clinical and histopathologic tumor characteristics, tumor chromosome status, and patient survival were compared among patients with different genotypes. Three hundred ninety-two patients who underwent enucleation for UM at the Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. We isolated DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes of 392 patients with UM and performed sequencing, using 6 eye color SNPs from the HIrisPlex-S assay (Erasmus MC, Walsh lab). The genotypes extracted from the sequencing data were uploaded onto the HIrisPlexwebtool (https://hirisplex.erasmusmc.nl/) for eye color prediction. We tested the association of eye color SNPs with tumor characteristics and chromosome aberrations using Pearson's chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney U test and evaluated survival with Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test and Cox regression. Uveal melanoma-related survival. Of 392 patients with analyzable genotype data, 307 patients (78%) were assigned blue eyes, 74 patients (19%) were assigned brown eyes, and 11 patients (3%) could not be assigned to either blue or brown. Patients with a genetically blue eye color showed worse survival (P= 0.04). This was related to 1 genotype: patients with the G/G genotype of rs12913832 (HERC2), which codes for blue eye color showed a worse prognosis (P= 0.017) and more often had high-risk tumors (monosomy of chromosome 3; P= 0.04) than in patients with an A/G or A/A genotype. The G/G genotype of rs12913832 (HERC2), which is related to blue eye color, not only is a genetic factor related to the risk of UM develop, but also is linked to a worse prognosis because of an association with a higher risk of a high-risk UM developing (carrying monosomy of chromosome 3). The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Unveiling the Distant Universe: Characterizing z ≥ 9 Galaxies in the First Epoch of COSMOS-Web

We report the identification of 15 galaxy candidates at z ≥ 9 using the initial COSMOS-Web JWST observations over 77 arcmin2 through four Near Infrared Camera filters (F115W, F150W, F277W, and F444W) with an overlap with the Mid-Infrared Imager (F770W) of 8.7 arcmin2. We fit the sample using several publicly available spectral energy distribution (SED) fitting and photometric redshift codes and determine their redshifts between z = 9.3 and z = 10.9 (〈z〉 = 10.0), UV magnitudes between M UV = −21.2 and −19.5 (with 〈M UV〉 = −20.2), and rest-frame UV slopes (〈β〉 = −2.4). These galaxies are, on average, more luminous than most z ≥ 9 candidates discovered by JWST so far in the literature, while exhibiting similar blue colors in their rest-frame UV. The rest-frame UV slopes derived from SED fitting are blue (β ∼ [−2.0, −2.7]) without reaching extremely blue values as reported in other recent studies at these redshifts. The blue color is consistent with models that suggest the underlying stellar population is not yet fully enriched in metals like similarly luminous galaxies in the lower-redshift Universe. The derived stellar masses with 〈log10( M ⋆/M ⊙)〉 ≈ 8–9 are not in tension with the standard Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, and our measurement of the volume density of such UV-luminous galaxies aligns well with previously measured values presented in the literature at z ∼ 9–10. Our sample of galaxies, although compact, is significantly resolved.

Color and brightness at work: Shedding some light on mind wandering.

Occupational hazards are partly caused by the physical factors of the work environment, among which are ambient color and brightness, which can interfere with cognitive performance. Especially in modern work environments, performance relies heavily on cognitive functions such as attention, and an important factor in disrupting sustained attention is mind wandering (MW). This study aimed to investigate the effects of white and blue colors with two brightness levels on sustained attention and brain electrophysiology. A total of 20 participants were exposed to 4 different conditions (white and blue as color and 300 and 800lx as the brightness level) in separate blocks in a virtual reality environment in which a continuous performance test (CPT) was performed. The high brightness blue condition induced significant changes in sustained attention. MW network analysis showed a significant decrease in delta frequency band in the blue color condition with high brightness and beta decrease in the blue color condition with low brightness, whereas the activity of MW network increased when exposed to the white color condition. High-brightness blue light resulted in better sustained attention and decreased activity of MW-related neural regions. It is thus recommended that these results be taken into consideration in the interior design of educational settings and cars among other environments that require a high level and maintenance of cognitive functions, especially sustained attention.

Effectiveness Of Planned Teaching Programme On Preventive Measures Of Cataract Among Adults In Selected Urban Community, Mangalore

A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eye affecting vision. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness (myopia), and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Most cataracts are related to aging. Exposure to sunlight may be associated with an increased risk of cataract. Vitamin supplements have shown varying results in delaying the progression of cataract. Globally, there are nearly 45 million blind people. Almost 135 million people are with low vision. A total of nearly 180 million people have some degree of visual disability. Nine of the ten who are blind live in the developing countries. On the current projections, there could be estimated 50 million blind people due to cataract by 202016. Prevalence of cataract in USA is approximately 5.5 million or 2.02%. India is one of the countries that have a sizeable number of visually impaired people17 . The annual incidence of cataract blindness in India is about 3.8 million. Statistics reveal that over 12 million people in the country are visually handicapped. Out of 41.8% of global blindness, 23.5% is contributed by India. Major proportion of total blindness in India (81%) is constituted by cataract18 . In Karnataka prevalence of cataract blindness among the men above the age of fifty is 3.39% and women is 6.51%, in Dakshina Kannada district it is 1.27% for men and 7.65% for women19 . Hence the researcher felt the need to evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on preventive measures of cataract in a selected urban community, Mangalore. Objectives: The purpose of this study was • to determine the level of knowledge on preventive measures of cataract among adults as measured by a structured closed-ended knowledge questionnaire • to determine the effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on preventive measures of cataract among adults • to find the association between the pre-test knowledge scores with selected demographic variables. Research approach and design: A pre-experimental research design of one group pre- and post-test with an evaluative approach was used for this study. Setting: The study was conducted in Jeppu urban community area of Mangalore. Subjects: Adults in the age group of 30-55 years in the selected urban areas of Mangalore Sample size and Sampling technique: The sample for the present study comprised 100 adults in the age group of 30-55 years who met the inclusion criteria The investigator purposely selected the adults who were judged to be a typical population who needs the knowledge related to cataract. Planned teaching programme The planned teaching programme on “preventive measures of cataract.” was developed after an exhaustive review. The content the planned teaching programme included • Introduction • Definition • Eye and lens • Functions of eye • Definition of cataract • Incidence of cataract • Etiological risk factors of cataract • Classification of cataract • Sites of cataract • Clinical manifestations of cataract • Diagnostic measures of cataract • Preventive measures of cataract • Therapeutic regimen in case of diabetes and hypertension • Demonstrate the eye exercises • Conclusion Instrument used: Structured closed-ended knowledge questionnaire on preventive measures of cataract among adults. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics Major findings and reports: Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Pre-test assessment revealed that highest percentage (49%) of adults had poor knowledge, 43% had average knowledge, and only 8% had good knowledge. The post-test revealed that 98% had gained very good knowledge, 2% of them gained good knowledge. The total mean percentage of pre-test knowledge score was 43.58% (mean 10.46 ± 3.22) and the mean percentage post-test knowledge score was 92.25% (mean 22.14 ± 1.38) showing an effectiveness of 48.62% (mean 11.68± 2.89). Significance of difference between pre-test and post-test was statistically tested by using paired ‘t’ test and it was found very highly significant (t=40.10, p<0.05). The pretest knowledge score showed association between the pre-test knowledge and previous source of information regarding prevention of cataract but there was no association between pre-test knowledge and age, gender, educational status, occupation and family history of cataract. Conclusion: The findings of the study reveal that adults had inadequate knowledge on preventive measures of cataract; however the knowledge has significantly improved after the Planned Teaching Programme. Hence, it is concluded that PTP was highly effective in improving the knowledge of the adults regarding the preventive measures of cataract.

Fitting blueprints in a lighting policy: possibilities for exhibiting architectural drawings

This article describes the lighting policy framework of Het Nieuwe Instituut, the national museum and archive for architecture, design and digital culture in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The framework combines relative cultural value, light sensitivity and acceptable loss of value due to colour change into recommended annual light doses for objects. To fit the blueprints into the policy, the loss of value upon fading and regain of the blue colour was studied. As other studies have shown, the fading of Prussian blue due to photo-reduction was reversed by the oxidation of the formed Prussian white in the dark. Overall colour changes remained unnoticeable to the naked eye. Although blueprints are highly sensitive to light, the loss of value after exhibition is minimal, therefore display possibilities are wider than thought. Nonetheless, pristine blueprints should be displayed with care when their colour is a character-determining feature. Additionally, some architectural drawings may look like blueprints but have been produced by different techniques and may fall in the ‘high’ light sensitivity class as they can never regain their colour.

The impact of object properties and scan geometry on the quality of TLS data

Object surface Properties, range, and measuring trip time are main variables affecting the positional accuracy of the computed point clouds by the terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS). In this research, Practical experiments were carried out by Faro focus premium TLS in order to investigate how does the variation of surface roughness and its reflectivity affect the positional accuracy of the measured scanner data at different scan angles and ranges. For this purpose, different materials that have distinct surface properties were conducted (glass, steel, wood, ekoplast, and total station (TS) sheet targets). Also, to examine the impact of the surface color, three of those selected materials have been painted with RGB color and black and white colors as well. About 54 scans were recorded during the experiment as all materials were scanned at three different scanning angles of (0˚, 30˚, and 60˚) and at ranges of 5 and 20 meters. The experiment's findings reveals that, at various incident angles, smooth surfaces have a greater impact on the accuracy of the scanned objects to create 3D point clouds than do rough surfaces. Furthermore, the total RMSEs in the point clouds position that measured from surface painted with red and black colors is greeter and higher than those measured from blue, green, and white colors painted surfaces. Interestingly, the total station target had never reflects the laser beam at all incident angles and ranges for class-1 laser beams. Additionally, the intensity of various materials varies. For example, the smooth materials steel and glass have varying degrees of accuracy because of their respective characteristics of the surface.

Perceptual effect of color use in patient rooms

Messages are conveyed to users through every element within the space. People receive these messages through sense organs. People and space interact constantly because of the way that they perceive and transmit space. People also establish their action boundaries, identify their motivational criteria, and feel a sense of belonging to the place they experience as a result of this interaction. In this way, the location, with all of its characteristics, influences the mental health of those who inhabit it. The colors chosen for patient rooms have a significant impact on the emotional and mental health of the patients, given the medical procedures and rehabilitation programs that they undergo. Patients' healing processes may vary based on the physical characteristics of the environment in which they are situated. Hospitals are intricate functional structures, so specific design requirements should be established by assessing every department independently. The purpose of this study is to determine how people's perception of spatial quality in general patient rooms where two adults stay during treatment is affected by the use of color. In the research method, adjective pairs were determined in line with spatial quality in order to reveal the perceptual effect of color variables in patient rooms. The survey technique was applied according to this experimental design. By simulating the patient room- which was proposed as the study area- in a digital environment with a one-to-one scale, the colors identified as the dependent variable in the study's methodology were visualized independently. The survey technique was employed to ask questions about the perceptual effect of colors on people who have experienced patient rooms by using adjective pairs based on the spatial quality level. The orange color used in patient room interior design was found to be eye-catching, communication facilitator, inviting, pleasing, encouraging, and sincere, while the blue color was found to be comforting and refreshing, based on data acquired from the survey, which was administered to 168 people in total. Many spaces in hospital buildings serve a variety of purposes, and the patients who use these spaces have a range of needs. For this very reason, it is advised that these hospital units be included in the interior design process utilizing information supported by empirical research, with each space being specially designed to meet its unique requirements and functions.

Gold Coordination-Accelerated Multi-Resonance TADF Emission for Efficient Solution-Processible Ultrapure Deep-Blue OLEDs.

Multi-resonance (MR) type emitters have emerged as highly promising candidates for high-resolution organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). However, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emissions with simultaneous short excited state lifetimes and ultrapure blue color (a CIEy close to 0.046 and an emission peak > 440 nm) have rarely been obtained for MR emitters. Herein, we report a design of dual gold-coordinated MR molecules to achieve efficient and short-lived ultrapure blue TADF emission. The dinuclear Au(I) complex, namely iPrAuBN, shows a narrowband deep-blue emission with a peak maximum of 448 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 29 nm in doped film. The coordination with two Au atoms significantly shortens the delayed fluorescence lifetime to 7.8 μs in comparing with 60.6 μs for the organic analogue. Solution-processed OLED doped with iPrAuBN demonstrates an ultrapure blue electroluminescence with a peak maximum of 442 nm, a FWHM of 19 nm, Commission International de l'Éclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.154, 0.036), and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 14.8%.

Blues from Tikuna/Magüta Masks and a Still Unknown Blue Colorant in Technical Art History and Conservation Science

Blues from Tikuna/Magüta Masks and a Still Unknown Blue Colorant in Technical Art History and Conservation Science

Photosensitized Reduction and Polymerization for One-Step Preparation of Leucomethylene Blue Hydrogel as a Visual Indicator for Both Gaseous and Dissolved Oxygen.

Oxygen is crucial for many chemical and biological processes, and its facile detection is of great significance in our daily lives. In this study, we report a leucomethylene blue (LMB)-encapsulated hydrogel visual indicator for the detection of both gaseous and dissolved Oxygen (DO). The photosensitization of methylene blue (MB) not only lead to its reduction to colorless LMB but also resulted in hydrogel polymerization, thus allowing the one-step preparation of the LMB-hydrogel. Meanwhile, the photosensitized reduction of MB was quite fast (5000-fold faster than the classical glucose reduction). In this manner, the blue color of MB could be completely decayed within only 1 min. Also, the efficient polymerization triggered by MB photosensitization ensured the rapid preparation of LMB hydrogels within 10 min. By placing the oxygen indicator in air or water, oxygen can specifically oxidize the colorless LMB-hydrogel to the blue MB-hydrogel. When coupled with a smartphone, the oxygen indicator exhibited a linear response to DO in the range 0.23-10 mg/L with a detection limit of 0.077 mg/L. The LMB-hydrogel indicator was successfully explored for visual evaluation of vacuum degree during food packaging. The LMB-hydrogel, with the advantages of low cost, ease of preparation, as well as facile use, is a promising visual indicator for both gaseous and dissolved oxygen, especially for in-house usage.

Comparison of Color Changes in Paints Based on Ultramarine and Zinc White Resulting from Storage and Thermally Induced Aging

ABSTRACT The paper presents the results of measurements of the L*, a*, and b* color coordinates in the CIEL*a*b*76 (D65/10) space of paint layers of zinc white and ultramarine with several primers and binders. The coordinates are measured for naturally aged reference samples and test samples that underwent two thermal shocks. The color differences of samples obtained using three binders and three primers are quantitatively characterized. It is shown that thermally induced changes in the L* coordinate, as distinct from the a* and b* coordinates, are significantly greater than the changes predicted by the artificial aging protocol. However, during subsequent storage, L* partially relaxes to its original values, and the resulting changes in this coordinate can be considered insignificant. The relaxation effect is also characteristic of the a* and b* coordinates for most samples. Specific results are obtained for paint layers with resin-containing binder on glue–chalk primers. When zinc white is used, such samples have greater L* coordinate and smaller b* coordinate, i.e. appear to be lighter and less yellow in comparison with the remaining samples. When ultramarine is used as a pigment, the resin-containing binder and glue–chalk primers provide the maximum depth of blue color (minimum b* value), which remains almost unchanged with aging. However, the crimson hue characteristic of such samples (greater value of the a* coordinate) is intensified due to heating. The results show that two thermal effects on paint layers separated in time can lead to opposite changes in color coordinates.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Using Parmotrema parmutatum Extract and its Application in Colorimetric Sensing and Photolytic Degradation of Organic Dye

Background: Silver nanoparticles possess distinctive characteristics, including chemical stability, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and linear optical properties, making them unique and fascinating. The rise of green synthesis methods for silver nanoparticles is garnering significant interest among researchers, surpassing traditional chemical and physical approaches due to the environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and convenient nature of synthesis. This approach stands as a viable alternative across various sectors, encompassing research, industry, and environmental safety initiatives. Method: Parmotrema permutatum was utilized in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, followed by their characterization using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. These nanoparticles are subsequiently employed for detecting methylene blue, formaldehyde, and hazardous mercury metal ions as well as photocatalytically degrading methylene blue. objective: Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Using Parmotrema parmutatum Extract and Its Application in Colorimetric Sensing Results: The silver nanoparticle synthesized was confirmed by a color change and the maximum peak of the SPR band was at 420 nm in the UV spectrum. The crystal has face-centered cubic (FCC) structure with an average size of 12.78 nm. The lichen extract contains polyphenolic groups which act as capping agents. synthesized silver nanoparticles were used to detect formaldehyde and hazardous Hg2+ ions separately. A color change was observed. The detection limit of Hg2+ was 600 μL. Likewise, silver nanoparticles were used to degrade methylene blue. The blue color of methylene blue disappeared. The efficiency of silver nanoparticles was found to be 72% in 4 hours and 87.82% in 24 hours. Conclusion: Parmotrema permutatum has the potential to reduce Ag2+ to Ago and acts as a capping and stabilizing agent, it can be used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles and can detect formaldehyde, and Hg2+ ions, in addition, it also degrades methylene blue photolytically.

Biomimetic Colored Coating toward Robust Display under Hostile Conditions.

Structural colors particularly of the angle-independent category stemming from wavelength-dependent light scattering have aroused increasing interest due to their considerable applications spanning displays and sensors to detection. Nevertheless, these colors would be heavily altered and even disappear during practical applications, which is related with the variation of refractive index mismatch by liquid wetting/infiltrating. Inspired by bird feathers, we propose a simple deposition toward the coating with angle-independent structural color and superamphiphobicity. The coating is composed of ∼200 nm-sized channel-type structures between hollow silica and air nanostructures, exhibiting a robust sapphire blue color independent of intense liquid intrusion, which duplicates the characteristics of the back feather of Eastern Bluebird. A high color saturation and superamphiphobicity of the biomimetic coating are optimized by manipulating the coating parameters or adding black substances. Excellent durability under harsh conditions endows the coating with long-term service life in various extreme environments.

Response characterization of radiochromic OC-1 films in photon, electron, and proton beams.

Radiochromic film (RCF) dosimeters with their high spatial resolution and tissue equivalent properties are conveniently used for two-dimensional and small-field dosimetry. OC-1 is a new model of RCF dosimeter that was commercially introduced recently. Due to its novelty there is a need to characterize its response in various radiation beam types. To study the response of OC-1 RCFs to megavoltage clinical x-ray, electron, and proton beams, as well as kilovoltage x-ray beams used in a small animal research irradiator. OC-1 RCFs were cut into ∼4×4 cm2 pieces. RCF samples were irradiated at various dose levels in the range 0.5-120Gy using different modalities; a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) (220 kVp), a medical linear accelerator (6 MV, 10 MV, 15 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF photon beams, as well as 6 and 20 MeV electron beams), and a gantry-mounted proton therapy synchrocyclotron. In order to study any dependency on the fractionation scheme, same dose was delivered at several fractions to a set of films. Different dose rates in the range 200-600 MU/min were delivered to a set of films to investigate any dose rate dependency. The films were scanned pre-irradiation and at 48h post-irradiation using a flatbed scanner. The net optical density (OD) was measured for red, green, and blue color channel for each film. The orientation dependency was studied by scanning the films at eight different orientations. In order to study the temporal evolution of the response of the films, film samples were irradiated at 10 and 50Gy using 6 MV photon beams and were scanned upon irradiation at certain time intervals up to 3 months. The spectral response of the films were studied over the visible range using a spectrometer. For megavoltage photon, electron, and plateau region of the proton beams, we did not observe a significant dependency on the beam quality, dose rate, and fractionation scheme. At the kV beam, an unusual over-response was observed in the films' net OD. An orientation dependency in the response of the films with a sinusoidal trend was observed. The response of the films increased with time following a double or triple exponential trend. The spectral absorption peaks were blue-shifted with dose. OC-1 RCFs were found to be reliable dosimeters with no significant energy dependency in MV range for photon and electron beams including the FFF beams. They over-respond when irradiated bykV x-ray beams compared to MV x-ray beams. Caution must be exercised to maintain the orientation of the films when scanning. Due to the temporal growth in the net OD of the films, same post-irradiation time interval must be used for scanning the calibration and test films.

Supramolecular colorimetric sensor array combined with machine learning for benzimidazoles fungicides discrimination and prediction

Due to their slight structural differences, the rapid identification of benzimidazole fungicides is challenging. In this study, three benzimidazole fungicides (FBZ, CBZ and TBZ) with similar structures were added to the 2C30@3Q[8] host–guest complex. The solutions changed color, suggesting that a reaction occurred. Based on this host–guest interaction, a supramolecular colorimetric sensor array was constructed by extracting the red, green and blue (RGB) color change of the host–guest complex in response to fungicides. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) identified and distinguished the benzimidazole fungicides with similar structures. The supramolecular colorimetric sensor array was in the 1–20 μM range. The Euclidean distance of the array showed excellent linear correlation with the fungicide concentration, with a 10−7 mol/L detection limit and a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The colorimetric sensor array clearly distinguished between the binary and ternary fungicide mixes. The sensor array was integrated with machine learning to predict TBZ concentrations in river water. The applicability of the supramolecular colorimetry sensor array was verified by distinguishing and identifying three benzimidazole fungicides in river water and fruit skin.