Bright White Color Research Articles

Marketing mix analysis of JOSS organic rice based on consumer acceptance

Abstract The Special Region of Yogyakarta has the potential to develop organic rice, both from organic rice production and the organic rice market. JOSS Organic Rice is a superior organic rice product in the Special Region of Yogyakarta because it is a pilot project in the Kulon Progo Regency Government program. This research aims to analyze consumer preferences and marketing strategies based on the marketing mix for JOSS (Jatisarono Organik Sehat Sejahtera) Organic Rice market in Yogyakarta. Consumer preferences refer to people or groups’ personal likes, desires, and tendencies when they choose between various goods, services, or experiences. Marketing mix consists of four attributes, there are attributes product, price, place and promotion. Marketing mix analysis is carried out using descriptive analysis, using a combination of primary and secondary data analysis methods to identify factors that influence the analysis of each variable in the marketing mix. Primary data was obtained through direct surveys of consumers, while secondary data was obtained from previous research, regional statistical data and company data. The result of research shows that consumer preferences for JOSS organic rice are still dominant in product attributes and affordable price attributes. Based on marketing mix analysis, it shows that organic rice consumers in the DIY region prefer product attributes that have a bright white bright white color with total 36 consumers (76.6%) and rice which has a high level of rice integrity with total 44 consumers (93.6%). Place attributes of rice are easy to get in shops and supermarkets. Affordable price attributes and many price choices according to packaging weight. Organic rice is placed at the introductory stage in the product life cycle. It is hoped that the results of this research will provide important insights for JOSS Organic Rice producers and other organic rice business actors to pay more attention to the current condition of their products so they can implement more effective and sustainable marketing strategies to support growth. organic rice industry in the Special Region of Yogyakarta.

Extraction yield and properties of biogenic silica from palm oil fuel ash: effect of re-ashing pretreatment and solvent concentration

Abstract Pretreatments and extraction conditions can affect the yield and characteristics of biogenic silica (biosilica) from palm oil fuel ash (POFA). This study aimed to examine how reashing pretreatment and varying NaOH concentrations influence the yield and properties of biosilica extracted from POFA by a simple sol-gel method. Re-ashing pretreatment was conducted using a furnace at a temperature of 600°C for 2h. All samples were leached using a citric acid solution. Extraction process was carried out using NaOH solutions with concentrations of 6%, 8%, and 10%). The results showed that re-ashing pretreatment and concentrations of NaOH significantly influenced (p<0.05) the extraction yield, color, crystallinity, and specific surface area of POFA-derived biosilica. Re-ashing pretreatment in combination with a 10% NaOH solution produced the highest extraction yield of biosilica (17.25% w/w) with a bright white color (L=91.83; WI=91.32), SiO2 concentration of 94.68%, crystallinity of 50.10%, and specific BET surface area of 390.80m2/g. XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of POFA-derived biosilica. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of silica functional groups in all samples. This study demonstrated the important roles of re-ashing pretreatment and NaOH concentration in producing POFA-derived biosilica with better yield and properties that could broaden its potential applications.

Uji Kualitatif dan Organoleptik Kandungan Formalin pada Hasil Laut yang Dikeringkan Berupa Ikan Teri, Cumi, dan Rebon dari Pasar Pagesangan

Food additives are often found in every processed food product. However, it is not uncommon for business actors to use prohibited food additives in the form of formaldehyde which is used as a preservative in plywood, foam and so on, but is used to preserve food in the form of dried seafood. Dried sea products in the form of anchovies, squid and rebon itself are one of the foodstuffs that are popular with the public and processed into delicious local food. This research aims to carry out qualitative and organoleptic tests for the formaldehyde content of dried marine products in the form of anchovies, squid and rebon obtained from several traders at Pagesangan Market, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara. Sampling was carried out using random sampling technique. The formalin qualitative test on salted fish samples was carried out by adding 1 ml of Fehling A and Fehling B. A positive test was indicated by the color of the blue solution changing to green and the presence of a brick red precipitate. Apart from that, it is also supported by the results of organoleptic tests which include color, aroma, shape or texture. The total number of samples tested was 15 samples obtained from several different traders, where 7 samples were positive for formalin. This can be seen from the physical characteristics of anchovies, squid and rebon with a bright white and fresh color, the odorless aroma of marine products preserved in salt, and the shape or texture is smoother, more intact and does not break easily compared to the sample. negative for formalin.

Comparative Proteomics Analysis of Primulina serrulata Leaves Reveals New Insight into the Formation of White Veins

Primulina serrulata is a valuable ornamental herb with rosette leaves and vibrant flowers. Some leaves of this species exhibit a bright and distinct white color along the upper veins, enhancing their ornamental value, while others are less white or entirely green. This variation is observed in adult leaves from natural habitats and among young leaves from seedlings grown in the laboratory. TMT-labeled proteomics technology was used to study the protein-level biogenesis of white-veined (WV) P. serrulata leaves. Our objective was to offer novel insight into the breeding of WV plants. Chlorophyll (Chl) content was significantly lower in the WV group than in the control group. Out of 6261 proteins identified, a mere 69 met the criteria for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) after stringent screening for subsequent analyses. Among these DEPs, there were 44 proteins that exhibited downregulation and 25 that were upregulated in the WV plants. Some DEPs associated with chloroplasts and Chl biosynthesis were downregulated, leading to the absence of green coloration. Concurrently, Gene Ontology enrichment analysis further emphasized an insufficiency of magnesium, the key element in Chl biosynthesis. Many DEPs associated with abiotic or biotic stressors were downregulated, suggesting an overall weakening of stress resistance with certain compensatory mechanisms. Similarly, many DEPs related to modifying biomacromolecules were downregulated, possibly affected by the decrease in proteins involved in photosynthesis and stress resistance. Some DEPs containing iron were upregulated, indicating that iron is mainly used to synthesize heme and ferritin rather than Chl. Additionally, several DEPs related to sulfur or sulfate were upregulated, suggesting strengthened respiration. Expansin-A4 and pectinesterase were upregulated, coinciding with the emergence of a rough and bright surface in the white area of leaves, indicative of the elongation and gelation processes in the cell walls. These findings provide new insight for future studies to explore the mechanism of color formation in WV leaves.

Comparison of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on Al alloy produced in diluted and concentrated silicate electrolytes for space thermal control application

In this work, a bright white oxide coating was successfully prepared on 6061 Al alloy by PEO process from an environmentally friendly and low-cost concentrated silicate electrolyte as an alternative for commonly used fluozirconate electrolyte. The characteristics of PEO processes and resulting coatings both in diluted and concentrated silicate electrolytes were investigated by using Optical Emission Spectrometer (OES), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray Diffraction Spectrometer (XRD). The thermal control properties of the coatings were evaluated by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer and infrared emissivity spectrometer, respectively. The corrosion protection performances of the coatings were investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Results show that the discharges in diluted silicate electrolyte are more pronounced than those in concentrated silicate electrolyte. The more intensive discharges in diluted silicate electrolyte are related to plasma electrochemical reactions at the material surface or at the metal-oxide interface, facilitating to a relatively dense structure and complex oxides including α-Al2O3, γ-Al2O3 and mullite. The weaker discharges in concentrated silicate are associated with the fast silicate anions deposition process, resulting in the formation of amorphous SiO2 with a porous microstructure and high thickness. The coating prepared in concentrated silicate electrolyte is characterized by a bright white color in appearance and has much lower solar absorptance (αs) of 0.159 and higher emissivity (ε) of 0.90 than the coating prepared in diluted silicate electrolyte with αs of 0.429 and ε of 0.79. However, the coating prepared in concentrated silicate electrolyte has a little inferior corrosion protection performance compared with that prepared in diluted silicate electrolyte due to the more porous microstructure.

CATARACT IN SHIH TZU DOG

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in dogs. Cataracts are a condition in the eye where light cannot penetrate the eye lens or loss of transparency of the eye lens. The purpose of writing this case report is to find out the causes of cataracts in animals, how to diagnose and the therapy that can be given for cataracts. The case animal is a Shih Tzu dog named Jojo, male, 14 years old, 8.4 kg body weight, white-brown hair color. The abnormality in both dog's eyes was realized six months ago, namely in both dog's eyes there was a bright white color on the lens, the dog had never received any treatment. In testing the pupil reflexes of the two dogs' eyes did not show any pupil reflexes to light. On examination of the 0 diopter ophthalmoscope in dilated eye conditions it was found that the light could not penetrate the fundus and at 10 diopter the eye lens looked cloudy in both eyes. On fluorescein examination, it was seen that there was no color absorbed in the two dogs' eyes which indicated that there were no ulcers in both eyes of the case dog. Based on clinical signs, the case dog was diagnosed with bilateral cataracts. The treatment plan for case dogs is giving herbal supplements, namely eyevit as much as 2 tablets a day. Based on clinical symptoms, clinical examination, ophthalmoscope examination, fluorescein test, animal cases were diagnosed with bilateral cataracts with causative factors, namely race and age with a diagnosis of dobius. Supplementation with high-quality antioxidants can be an option to prevent and slow the development of cataracts. To treat cataracts in dog eyes, cases of phacoemulsification surgery should be done.

Production of nanocellulose using controlled acid hydrolysis from large-scale production of micro-fibrillated cellulose derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches

Nanocellulose is generally known as a versatile material, which is suitable for various applications due to its unique physicochemical properties, including light weight, ease of tunable surface functionalization, and excellent mechanical properties. This research aims to characterize and synthesize nanocellulose produced from acid hydrolysis of large-scaled micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches by varying concentrations of H2SO4 from 20 to 35 v/v %. The obtained large-scaled MFC had a density of 1.01 kg/m3 and was dominantly composed of 71% cellulose. After acid hydrolysis of MFC, there were gradual changes in the colour of the obtained cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) dispersion from light white to a darker color with the increase of acid concentration, in which the over hydrolysis occurs at 35% of acid concentration. The use of 25-30% H2SO4 showed the optimum condition to avoid over-hydrolysis and resulted in bright white color of CNC dispersion with excellent stability at zeta potential value of -74.2±0.1 to -88.4±0.2 mV. It was supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) due to the presence of negatively charged sulfonyl and hydroxyl groups upon CNC formation to offer excellent dispersion stability. Based on transmission electron microscope (TEM), rod-like shape CNC with a low aspect ratio of 11.8 at the dimension of 12.8 ± 6.7 nm in width and 151.9 ± 38.3 nm in length was successfully produced. Based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, the crystallinity of the sample was 76%.

Effect of aging on mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene reinforced glass ionomer: In vitro study

ObjectivesThis study: 1) aims to test the mechanical and antibacterial properties of fluorinated graphene strengthened glass ionomer materials (FG/GICs); 2) aims to investigate the effects of thermo-cycling on (FG/GICs). Materials and methodsFluorinated graphene (FG) with bright white color was prepared from fluorinated graphite (SIGMA Aldrich), using modified Hummer's method, to be added to conventional glass ionomer cements (GICs). In addition to a control group (group 1), experimentally modified GICs were prepared by adding FG to the conventional glass ionomer powder with three different weight ratios; (group 2, 1 wt %; group 3, 2.5 wt %; and group 4, 5 wt %) using mechanical blending method. Experimental groups of the specimens (n = 240) were divided, for each concentration (n = 120) half of the specimens were subjected to thermo-cycling. Hardness, compressive strength, and antibacterial activity of (FG/GICs) were measured with and without thermo-cycling. Compressive strength was measured by a universal testing machine, hardness was measured using a Vickers micro-hardness tester, and antibacterial effects against staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus mutans were tested by the pellicle sticking method. For statistical analysis, numerical data were explored for normality and variance homogeneity using Shapiro-Wilk and Leven's tests respectively. ResultsThe prepared (FG/GICs) showed an increase in hardness in group 4 (p < 0.001). Groups 3 and 4 gave the highest compressive strength values with no significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Groups 2, 3, and 4 showed improved antibacterial activity with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.001). Results after thermo-cycling showed significantly decreased hardness, and compressive strength values (p < 0.001), however, the results of antibacterial activity against streptococcus mutans showed no statistical difference after thermo-cycling (group 2, p = 0.05; group 3, p = 0.18; group 4, p = 0.26). The same results were observed for antibacterial activity against staphylococcus aureus (p = 0.92, p = 0.14, and p = 0.48 respectively). ConclusionFG can be considered a promising additive to GICs to promote its anti-cariogenic effects, however, these antibacterial effects are only useful in the short term, as aging adversely affected their mechanical properties. The 2.5 wt % FG/GICs is suggested to be the most encouraging, as after aging, it represented the highest compressive strength among all groups, while its hardness values were at least comparable to that of conventional glass ionomer. Clinical significanceFG/GICs can be considered an anti-cariogenic restoration in temporary restorative interventions, as in certain cases in deciduous teeth where considerable esthetics may be required, especially those with difficult moisture control, where neither resin composite restorations nor amalgam restorations will be indicated. It can also be used for patients with high caries index or in atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in low-income countries.

Correlation between the developed layer's color and crystallographic orientation of pure copper during long-term color etching with Beraha˗I

In situ optical microscopy investigation was performed on a Cu99.9 copper sample during color etching with Beraha˗I etchant for approximately 48 min in a microfluidic cell. The color change of the individual grains was analyzed by measuring light intensity change for different (RGB) wavelengths. Using these values, the luminance was calculated and visualized as a function of time. Crystallographic orientations of the examined grains were also determined by electron backscatter diffraction so that the layer-developing mechanisms could have been assigned to specific directions. Our experiment showed that not only the resulting color depends heavily on the orientation, but the different grains' planar density also affects the etching characteristics. It was shown that besides the cyclic color change originating from thin film interference, a significant contribution of the developed film's color comes from the absorption properties of the layer. Relying on these characteristics, a method was proposed to differentiate grains based on their planar density. Our experiments showed that grains close to the more dense orientations, like (100) and (111) developed a bright white color and kept it during the whole etching process. In contrast, grains that were close to sparse orientations (i.e., farthest from (100) orientation), like (122) or (133) developed a dark brown color. Grains with more general directions demonstrated a similar cyclic color change as previously examined on other materials, such as ferrite in the case of low-carbon steel and cast iron.

CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF HIGH ZINK NUTRITIONAL RICE

Nutrizinc rice is a biofortified variety designed with the advantage of high specific nutritional value, especially at higher levels of zinc nutrition compared to Ciherang rice. The mineral zinc is useful for preventing stunting in humans, and to help protect the human immune system from the attack of the COVID-19 virus. However, this variety has just been promoted by The Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology (AIAT, in Indonesian: Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian, BPTP) Gorontalo Province so people are still not familiar with this rice. Therefore, it is important to conduct research related to the analysis of the level of consumer acceptance aimed at knowing consumer preferences and attitudes towards the attributes of high-zinc nutritious rice. The study had 60 respondents who were chosen by chance (accidental). This study used Chi Square analysis (X2) to see the differences in consumer preferences for the attributes of high zinc nutritional rice with various cooking methods and the ratio between rice and water. Meanwhile, Fishbein Multi-attribute analysis was used to determine consumer attitudes towards the attributes of high-zinc nutritional rice. The results showed that the different methods of cooking and adding water to the rice did not significantly change the flavor, color, and aroma of the rice, on the contrary, it only changed the texture of the rice. The high-zinc nutritional rice that consumers like was rice that had a slightly sweet flavor, fluffier texture, bright white color, and has no odor. In addition, the color and texture attributes of rice with high zinc nutrition were the most dominant considerations compared to other attributes in deciding to buy or consume rice with high zinc nutrition.

Infection of Enterobius vermicularis and its relationshipe with Psychological and behavioural patternes among children. “ Adignostic study on Basra's governor children”.

The Enterobius vermicularis is one of the nematode which is widly spread all over the world, mainly in the cool places unlike other worms where they live in tropical areas. This parasite is available among low- socio – economic status families, orphan homes and mentally care houses, as well as it is spread among children and adolecenses of both sexes ( male and female). This nematode is characterized with bright white color and moves actively through the digestive tract from the stomach to the anus. The aim of the present study is to detect the relationship between the infection of this nematode among students and their Psychological and behavioral status as a result of the negative. Psychology and healthy influences, Which also influences in a negative manner on their performance and study achievements. The practical aspect of this study was conducted by (113) sample (cellophane tape) collected randomly from some families in Basrah s governer from July to December at the year 2005 for both places urban and rural district families included (41) females and (72) males . In order to know the illness and Psychological syptoms for the sample , the researchers has been constructed two Questionaris, one of the illness symptoms included (26) items, the other dealing with Psychological symptomos included (27) items measured, tention and anxiety, habits, pelition, Psychological tired, eating foods and bed disorder. Also the behavioural indicator that refers to infected with this nematoda. The researchers had been applied the two Questionaris on the sample who their ages between early childhood stage to the beginning of the adolecenses stage. The researchers used Fischer formula, and percentage weight formula as a statistically analysis for the data study. The results had shown the relationship and the direct negative influences on the Psychological and behovioural patterens on the children who infected with this nematoda.According to the different percentage in responses on the items of the two Questionaris for this study . The researchers recommended most important for the healthy aspects, more care for the children and their mother s as well as the early Diagnosis for this cases.

Cropping duration and non-rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype of Pleurotus djamor woody1 co-segregate in the hybrid progenies

Crop duration of the cultivated Pleurotus spp. is 45 to 50 days. P. djamor isolate woody-1 was collected as natural selection and was found to be short cropping duration variety with total cropping duration of 30 days but it is less palatable. It produced very thin, loose and non-rhizomorphic mycelia appearing light white color. Whereas, other commercial Pleurotus varieties such as P. florida and P. djamor MDU1 are long crop duration varieties and palatable producing thick, compact and rhizomorphic mycelia with bright white color. Co-segregation of non-rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype and short cropping duration trait of P. djamor woody- 1 in hybrid progenies was evaluated. Hybrid strains viz., H2W12 and H2W14 have thin, loose and non-rhizomorphic mycelium and they produced primordia in 9-10 days after spawning with total cropping duration of 29-32 days. Whereas, hybrid strain namely Pf1W2 has thick, compact and rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype and it produced primordia in 20 days after spawning with the total cropping duration of 47 days. This study indicated that genes governing short cropping duration and non-rhizomorphic mycelial pattern were tightly linked and co-segregated in the progenies. Thus, non-rhizomorphic mycelial phenotype of P. djamor woody1 can be used as a phenotypic marker for selection of hybrid cultivar having short cropping duration with other desired agronomic traits in future breeding strategy.

Green Triplet Self-Trapped Exciton Emission in Layered Rb3Cd2Cl7:Sb3+ Perovskite: Comparison with RbCdCl3:Sb3.

Metal halide materials have recently sparked intense research because of their excellent photophysical properties and chemical stability. For example, RbCdCl3:Sb3+ exhibits broad emission at about 600 nm with a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) over 91% and double emission bands with bright white color. Herein, we obtained a novel Rb and Cd layered perovskite Rb3Cd2Cl7 doped with Sb3+, which gives luminescence at 525 nm with a large Stokes shift of 200 nm, originating from a self-trapped exciton (STE). Its PLQY is 57.47%, but its low-temperature PLQY becomes much higher at the same wavelength. When Rb3Cd2Cl7:Sb3+ and RbCdCl3:Sb3+ were compared, the two classes of quantum confinement effects by Rb and Cd ions in the lattice were identified to describe their electronic states and different optical properties. These results suggest that properties of Sb-doped cadmium halides could be modified by the structure type and local atomic confinement to find applications as promising luminescent materials for optoelectronic devices.

Biosynthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles using Lime Leaf Extract (Citrus auraantifolia) for Identification of Latent Fingerprints

&lt;p&gt;Fingerprints are an identification tool in forensic science because of their unique properties. Unfortunately, some of the chemicals used in fingerprint powders are toxic and pose a potential health hazard. This study was conducted to analyze the ability of ZnO nanoparticles to identify latent fingerprints. ZnO nanopowder was synthesized with lime leaf extract using the green synthesis method with double-distilled water solvent and characterized by FT-IR at a wavenumber of 4000-400 cm&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; and SEM-EDX analysis to provide information about the morphology and to detect the elemental composition nanoparticles. The average particle diameter through SEM was around 173.4 nm and formed a spherical with a rough surface with beige color. Identification of latent fingerprints using the powder dusting method on various porous surfaces (craft paper and greaseproof paper) and non-porous surfaces (glass preparations, aluminium foil, and compact disk) shows visualization with the characteristics of the ridges that look good and clear. The study showed the highest frequency of loops (47%), followed by double loops (20%), plain whorls (30%), and central pocket whorls pattern (3%) from 30 fingerprint samples consisting of 14 men and 16 women. Development identification fingerprints using TiO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; show visualization more clearly because color contrast from bright white color and detail ridges is shown better with ZnO nanopowder.&lt;/p&gt;

Simple production of photoluminescent polyester coating using lanthanide-doped pigment.

A long-persistent phosphorescent surface coating was developed from a simple inorganic/organic nanocomposite towards the simple industrial manufacture of glow-in-the-dark products. This glow-in-the-dark smart coating is able to continue to emit light for proloned time periods. The organic/inorganic nanocomposite consisted of an organic polyester resin and inorganic europium- and dysprosium-doped strontium aluminate oxide nanoparticles. The phosphorescent lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate oxide pigment nanoparticles were added to the synthetic polyester resin in a generated pigment-loaded viscous solution that could then be harden in a few minutes using a cross-linking process in the presence of methylethyl ketone peroxide as a catalyst. The transparency of the produced glow-in-the-dark coating was accomplished simply by homogenous dispersion of the phosphorescent lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles into the sticky polyester resin before adding the catalyst to prevent pigment accumulation. This translucent long-persistent phosphorescent polyester nanocomposite can be simply applied under ambient conditions onto different surfaces such walls, textiles, tiles and glasses, ceramics, paper sheets, metals, and wood. The photoluminescent film displayed durable long-persistence emission with high reversibility. An optimum excitation wavelength was monitored at 360 nm, while the emission was monitored at 525 nm. Both the blank and the luminescent coating exhibited a transparent white colour in normal visible light. Conversely, the photoluminescent coating generated a bright green colour under an ultraviolet light lamp, a bright white colour after maintaining the sample for 10 sec in the dark, and a green phosphor after maintaining the sample for 100 min in the dark. The coloration parameters were explored using Commission Internationale de l'éclairage CIELAB colour coordinates. The hardness, as well as photophysical properties including emission, excitation, and life-time were studied. The surface morphology and elemental content were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence, elemental mapping, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The films displayed an enhanced superhydrophobic activity without negatively influencing its native physico-mechanical properties.

PL Properties of (Ba, Ca)&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;( Si, P)O&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;: Eu Synthesized by Various Annealing and Cooling Process

We have been investigating the series of P doped Ca2SiO4 (C2S) using Eu2+ or Eu3+ as activator with various colors. The crystal structure of C2S is particularly easily controlled by heating because the established polymorphs of C2S are, in the order of increasing temperature, γ, β, α’L, α’H, and α. In order to control the crystal structure, the phosphors were synthesized and then annealed at temperatures 1473 K-1773 K. The crystal structures and PL properties were compared between slow cooling and quenching (cooled in water). We found unique phenomena when the phosphors were treated by quenching process. In the case of (Ba1-xCax)2(Si0.94P0.06)O4:Eu3+ ( 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 1), color emission changed from red to blue-white for the phosphor with a high concentration of Ba and quenched at 1773 K. In general, Eu3+ doped phosphors showed the red emission color in any host materials. However, Ba-included and quenched-treatment phosphors emitted a bright white color. The mechanism and relationship between the PL property and crystal structure were characterized carefully using X-ray diffraction, electron microscope and X-ray absorption fine structure.

Food-Grade TiO2 Particles Generate Intracellular Superoxide and Alter Epigenetic Modifiers in Human Lung Cells.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are a common ingredient in food, providing the bright white color for many candies, gums, and frostings. While ingestion of these materials has been examined previously, few studies have examined the effect of these particles on lung cells. Inhalation is an important exposure pathway for workers processing these foods and, more recently, home users who purchase these particles directly. We examine the response of lung cells to food-grade TiO2 particles using a combination of fluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR. These experiments show that TiO2 particles generate intracellular reactive oxygen species, specifically superoxide, and alter expression of two epigenetic modifiers, histone deacetylase 9 (HDAC9) and HDAC10. We use a protein corona formed from superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme that scavenges superoxide, to probe the relationship between TiO2 particles and superoxide generation. These experiments show that low, non-cytotoxic, concentrations of food-grade TiO2 particles lead to cellular responses, including altering two enzymes responsible for epigenetic modifications. This production of superoxide and change in epigenetic modifiers could affect human health following inhalation. We expect this research will motivate future in vivo experiments examining the pulmonary response to food-grade TiO2 particles.

Root collar rot, a new lethal disease on Tectona grandis caused by Kretzschmaria zonata in Brazil.

Tectona grandis L.f., known as teak, is one of the most valuable tropical hardwood species that has been extensively planted in tropical zones, covering about 6,8 million hectares (Kollert and Kleine 2017). Recent advances in silvicultural management and use of improved clones have enhanced productivity and wood quality of teak plantations in Brazil. However, the incidence of diseases has increased over time being a threat to sustainability of commercial teak plantations. Therefore, forest pathology studies have been conducted in Brazil to minimize the risks of losses caused by the diseases on teak, ensuring the expected economic profitability. In a recent disease survey conducted in Midwest of Brazil, almost one thousand teak trees showing typical die-back symptoms with root collar rot were found. The diseased trees showed undersize leaves displaying yellowish to pale brown color, followed by wilt, defoliation and death. At the base of the trunk, root collar rot was observed, with sloughing and deterioration of the bark exhibiting flattened and encrusted fungi fruiting bodies of gray to bright white color. Over the time, the wood of infected trees develops black zone lines and soft tissue due to both lignin and cellulose decay. The disease begins in the root and spreads to the collar of the tree, causing a collapse in sap flow leading to mortality. To discover the disease cause, samples of infected trees were collected to perform an accurate pathogen identification by polyphasic approach, as well as pathogenicity test. From isolation in Malt Extract Agar (MEA), one fungus showing white progressing to gray mycelial growth was consistently isolated. Two isolates named as GFP131 and GFP132 were characterized. Microscopic examination showed conidia aseptate, hyaline, ovoid to fusiform-ellipsoid shaped, measuring 6-8 x 2-4 μm; stromata with surface brown to dark brown; perithecia with variable shapes and ostioles papillate; and ascospores aseptate, dark brown, fusiform to ellipsoid, measuring 20-37 × 8-15 μm, displaying a straight germinal line slightly less than ascospore length. These morphological characteristics were similar to descriptions for genus Kretzschmaria (Rogers and Ju 1998; Stadler et al. 2013). Genomic DNA was extracted from mycelium, and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA with primer pair ITS1/ITS4 was sequenced and then deposited under Genbank codes MH481853 and MH481854. A BLASTn search showed >99% identity with K. zonata sequence (KY660541). Phylogenetic inference by Maximum Likelihood method using Kimura 2-parameter model confirms that the isolates belong to Kretzschmaria zonata (Lév.) P.M.D. Martin. A pathogenicity test was established in a greenhouse with controlled conditions of temperature (28-30 °C) and humidity (80-90 %). Five plants were inoculated with GFP132 at the collar region with one mycelium disk of approximately 5 mm in diameter each, and the inoculated area was wrapped in plastic film. Disks of MEA culture media were placed on five additional plants as controls. Forty days after inoculation, all of the previously mentioned symptoms were observed for all inoculated plants, while control plants showed only scars at the inoculation point. The pathogen was reisolated from all five of the inoculated plants. Kretschmaria zonata has been reported on teak in Nigeria (West 1938) and in Mexico (Cibrian Tovar et al. 2014). However, this is the first report of K. zonata on T. grandis for Brazil and the first report anywhere to include Koch's postulates, proving the etiology of the disease.

Development of long-persistent photoluminescent epoxy resin immobilized with europium (II)-doped strontium aluminate.

A facile approach for possible industrial production of long-persistent phosphorescence, continuing to emitting light for a long time period, smart cobbles were developed toward photoluminescent hard surfaces. The inorganic strontium aluminium oxide pigment doped with rare earth elements was added to a synthetic organic epoxy in the presence of polyamine as a hardener to make a phosphor-loaded viscous fluid that can then be hardened in a few minutes. The transparency of the solid cobbles can be accomplished easily using homogeneous dispersion of the phosphor in the epoxy resin fluid before the addition of a hardener to avoid pigment aggregation. This pigment-epoxy formula can be easily applied industrially onto flagstones surfaces under ambient conditions. The photoluminescent cobblestones demonstrated an optimum excitation wavelength at 366 nm and an emission band at 521 nm with a long-persistent phosphorescence cobble surface. The development of a translucent white colour under normal daylight, bright green under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, bright white colour after 30 sec in the dark, and phosphorescent green colour after 75 min in the dark was indicated using Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Laboratory coloration measurements. The luminescent hard composite cobble exhibited a highly durable and reversible long-persistent phosphorescence light. Photoluminescence, morphological, and hardness properties as well as the elemental composition of the prepared cobbles were explored.

Extra pure tellurium oxide for the growth of high quality paratellurite crystals

Tellurium oxide (IV) single crystals are in demand materials for manufacturing acousto-optical devices optical fibers for IR wavelength range. The initial material for production of active and passive optical materials must have purity better than 99.999 wt% and extremely low concentration of the residual water. The main method of synthesis of TeO2 is oxidation in nitric acid followed by recrystallization from HCl is complicated, also amount of used high purity acids and waste are very high. Besides the residual water content is no less than 10 ppm. In the research we have developed the procedure for the synthesis of high-purity tellurium (IV) oxide without the usage of liquid oxidants. The process of oxidation of elementary Te was carried out in a flowing quartz glass reactor. Air oxygen was used as an oxidizing agent. The oxidation was conducted at 600-670°C during 24 hours. The produced material was a fine crystalline powder of acicular dendritic crystals of bright white color, identified as β-TeO2 due to X-ray. It was as pure as 5N7 due to ICP-MS. The β-TeO2 crystal grown form the synthesized water-free preparation has demonstrated better optical properties towards the crystals grown from commercial TeO2, produced by the «wet» technology.