Color Characteristics Research Articles

Rapid Color Quality Evaluation of Needle-Shaped Green Tea Using Computer Vision System and Machine Learning Models.

Color characteristics are a crucial indicator of green tea quality, particularly in needle-shaped green tea, and are predominantly evaluated through subjective sensory analysis. Thus, the necessity arises for an objective, precise, and efficient assessment methodology. In this study, 885 images from 157 samples, obtained through computer vision technology, were used to predict sensory evaluation results based on the color features of the images. Three machine learning methods, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Decision Tree-based AdaBoost (DT-AdaBoost), were carried out to construct the color quality evaluation model. Notably, the DT-Adaboost model shows significant potential for application in evaluating tea quality, with a correct discrimination rate (CDR) of 98.50% and a relative percent deviation (RPD) of 14.827 in the 266 samples used to verify the accuracy of the model. This result indicates that the integration of computer vision with machine learning models presents an effective approach for assessing the color quality of needle-shaped green tea.

Improving Fire Detection Accuracy through Enhanced Convolutional Neural Networks and Contour Techniques.

In this study, a novel method combining contour analysis with deep CNN is applied for fire detection. The method was made for fire detection using two main algorithms: one which detects the color properties of the fires, and another which analyzes the shape through contour detection. To overcome the disadvantages of previous methods, we generate a new labeled dataset, which consists of small fire instances and complex scenarios. We elaborated the dataset by selecting regions of interest (ROI) for enhanced fictional small fires and complex environment traits extracted through color characteristics and contour analysis, to better train our model regarding those more intricate features. Results of the experiment showed that our improved CNN model outperformed other networks. The accuracy, precision, recall and F1 score were 99.4%, 99.3%, 99.4% and 99.5%, respectively. The performance of our new approach is enhanced in all metrics compared to the previous CNN model with an accuracy of 99.4%. In addition, our approach beats many other state-of-the-art methods as well: Dilated CNNs (98.1% accuracy), Faster R-CNN (97.8% accuracy) and ResNet (94.3%). This result suggests that the approach can be beneficial for a variety of safety and security applications ranging from home, business to industrial and outdoor settings.

Study on Calcination Characteristics of Diaspore-Kaolin Bauxite Based on Machine Vision.

D-K-type bauxite from Guizhou can be used as an unburned ceramic, adsorbent, and geopolymer after low-temperature calcination. It aims to solve the problem where the color of the D-K-type bauxite changes after calcination at different temperatures. Digital image processing technology was used to extract the color characteristics of bauxite images after 10 min of calcination at various temperatures. Then, we analyzed changes in the chemical composition and micromorphology of bauxite before and after calcination and investigated the correlation between the color characteristics of images and composition changes after bauxite calcination. The test results indicated that after calcining bauxite at 500 °C to 1000 °C for 10 min, more obvious dehydration and decarburization reactions occurred. The main component gradually changed from diaspore to Al2O3, the chromaticity value of the image decreased from 0.0980 to 0.0515, the saturation value increased from 0.0161 to 0.2433, and the brightness value increased from 0.5890 to 0.7177. Studies have shown that changes in bauxite color characteristics are strongly correlated with changes in composition. This is important for directing bauxite calcination based on digital image processing from engineering viewpoints.

Luminescence enhancement of carbon dots synthesized by intense CW laser at 450 nm irradiating biocompatible solutions

Carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by a continuum wave (CW) laser system irradiating vegetable charcoal placed in a Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) solution. The laser operates at 450 nm with an output power of 50 W and 1 mm2 spot size, irradiating the carbon target for 1–3 h. The used charcoal consists of amorphous carbon that gives rise to CDs in liquids revealing high luminescence in the blue region. The formation of CDs is due to photo-thermal and photo-chemical effects induced by the prolonged laser irradiation inducing carbon atom ejection, scissions, radical formation, chemical bond breaking, molecular detachment bounded by weakened bonds and van de Walls forces, and nanoparticle functionalization in the used solution. The measurements have been concerned with the laser ablation yield, the Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the UV-Vis optical spectroscopy, and the luminescence yield induced by UV excitation lamp at 365 nm wavelength. The main luminescence peak is observed at about 480 nm, characteristic of the blue color, with less significant involvement of the near regions at about 450 nm and 520 nm. Results suggest that CDs luminescence can be enhanced by the laser irradiation time, the PBS concentration, and the addition of acetic acid in the PBS solution. The presented luminescence in biocompatible solutions found many applications in different scientific fields. Overall, it is discussed its application for bioimaging in the biomedical field.

Effects of the replacement of pork fat by psyllium mucilage in beef hamburgers and display time on chemical-physical characteristics

Due to the high-fat content of meat products, finding options that make them healthier and that can replace fat is the key to meeting consumer expectations today. In this way, psyllium has been used as an ingredient with potential application in these new products. To assess the effects of including psyllium in beef burgers as a fat substitute, the chemical composition, pH, color, cooking loss, shear force, lipid oxidation, and microstructure characteristics were evaluated. Replacing animal fat with psyllium mucilage in the beef burgers preparation reduced total protein and lipid values and increased moisture and ash values, turn the burgers darker (L* and a* values), and contributed to the reduction of lipid oxidation. Thus, with the inclusion of psyllium mucilage with 15% of fat substituted by mucilage, the overall structure of the burgers was similar and could be used as fat replacer, improving the quality parameters of the meat products without changing the product quality.

Robust ROI Detection in Whole Slide Images Guided by Pathologists' Viewing Patterns.

Deep learning techniques offer improvements in computer-aided diagnosis systems. However, acquiring image domain annotations is challenging due to the knowledge and commitment required of expert pathologists. Pathologists often identify regions in whole slide images with diagnostic relevance rather than examining the entire slide, with a positive correlation between the time spent on these critical image regions and diagnostic accuracy. In this paper, a heatmap is generated to represent pathologists' viewing patterns during diagnosis and used to guide a deep learning architecture during training. The proposed system outperforms traditional approaches based on color and texture image characteristics, integrating pathologists' domain expertise to enhance region of interest detection without needing individual case annotations. Evaluating our best model, a U-Net model with a pre-trained ResNet-18 encoder, on a skin biopsy whole slide image dataset for melanoma diagnosis, shows its potential in detecting regions of interest, surpassing conventional methods with an increase of 20%, 11%, 22%, and 12% in precision, recall, F1-score, and Intersection over Union, respectively. In a clinical evaluation, three dermatopathologists agreed on the model's effectiveness in replicating pathologists' diagnostic viewing behavior and accurately identifying critical regions. Finally, our study demonstrates that incorporating heatmaps as supplementary signals can enhance the performance of computer-aided diagnosis systems. Without the availability of eye tracking data, identifying precise focus areas is challenging, but our approach shows promise in assisting pathologists in improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, streamlining annotation processes, and aiding the training of new pathologists.

Study of Anti-Corosion Properties of Pigments Fe2O3-Al2O3-MgO Obtained by Coprecipitation

Promising pigments of the passivating type, in addition to phosphate ones, are other materials - oxyhydroxides, ferrites, molybdates, stanates, borates, tungstates, which are obtained using traditional technologies. condition. Researchers are becoming increasingly interested in the co-precipitation method, which makes it possible to vary the cationic and anionic composition of pigments and obtain nanodispersed products. In addition, developers of paints and varnishes are faced with the task of replacing toxic anti-corrosion chromium-, cadmium- and plumbum-containing pigments that are part of most modern inhibitory primers with pigments that are safe for human health. An alternative to such paint and varnish materials are oxide type fillers, which are anti-corrosion pigments, including oxyhydroxides, magnesium ferrites, cobalt aluminates, zinc ferrites, copper ferrites, magnesium aluminates, zinc aluminates, etc. The color of pigments and their anticorrosion properties depend on the chromophore ions included in the structure of the resulting compounds.Co-precipitation technology has a number of advantages over traditional ones and can radically reduce the cost of producing oxide materials. This process, based on the use of the internal chemical energy of the system, allows synthesis to be carried out at reduced temperatures, synthesis duration and energy costs. The simplicity of the equipment, the possibility of synthesizing a significant amount of the product of the desired phase and granulometric composition, and the environmental friendliness of the process also indicate the feasibility of using this method. Recently, attempts have been made to obtain pigments by co-precipitation, but no systematic studies have been carried out on the final products. The resulting products were in most cases poorly reproducible. In this regard, it becomes interesting to synthesize in a mode that would make it possible to obtain pigments with good color characteristics in a finely dispersed state, and eliminate the labor-intensive grinding stage, study the conditions for the formation of pigments with the structure of oxyhydroxides, the influence of their composition on color and anti-corrosion properties, study the patterns of formation of anti-corrosion properties, development of compositions for producing pigments using the co-precipitation method and subsequent heat treatment. Through experimental and theoretical studies, the influence of the nature of chromophore cations on the color tone, color purity, and anti-corrosion properties of pigments in the Fe-Al-Mg-O system has been established, which allows for the targeted synthesis of beige, red and yellow pigments with high anti-corrosion properties. The main technological properties of pigments are determined by the composition of metal-containing anions. The anti-corrosion properties of oxyhydroxide pigments are largely determined by the presence of hydroxide ions formed due to dissociation. The greatest effect is observed in the case of using metal compounds whose dissociation constants differ significantly. The protective effect is mainly determined by the slowdown of the anodic process. At the same time, anions containing aluminum atoms accelerate corrosion processes.

Landscape structure influences the spatial distribution of urban bird attractiveness

ContextLandscape change affects biological diversity and the distribution of species traits related to spiritual, educational, and recreational benefits people derive from nature. These traits are associated with color, song and behavioral characteristics that influence people's perceptions of how attractive an assemblage is. However, the environmental variables that affect the spatial distribution of traits related to the attractiveness of biological diversity remain unexplored.ObjectivesWe tested how landscape structure influences patterns of perceived bird attractiveness (trait diversity associated with colorfulness, behavioral and song categories) across an urbanization gradient.MethodsWe used data from standardized surveys of birds and landscapes within 42 landscape units of 1km2 across the city of Brisbane in eastern Australia. We used structural equation modeling to test effects of landscape composition (built infrastructure, percentage of tree cover) and landscape configuration (fragmentation of tree cover) on mean bird community attractiveness. Relationships between individual traits and landscape structure were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression models.ResultsOur analysis across 82 bird species shows that the relative amount of built infrastructure in a landscape interacts with fragmentation to reduce the overall attractiveness of the landscape’s bird assemblage. However, built areas can exhibit high overall bird attractiveness where there is (1) reduced fragmentation and (2) increased diversity of vegetation structure that provides key habitats for many colorful species with a high diversity of calls. Relationships between bird attractiveness and landscape structure change when they are analyzed at the guild level (insectivores vs frugivores/nectarivores). In addition, body size moderates the effects of landscape structure on song complexity, personality, and color.ConclusionsSmall bodied, colorful and melodious species are negatively affected by built infrastructure and fragmentation. By learning how habitat loss and fragmentation affect the distribution of species-rich, attractive bird assemblages, our findings can inform how urban landscapes might be structured to increase people’s connection with nature.

Endoscopic Features of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory condition affecting the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been implicated as a potential exacerbating factor in CRS, but the specific endoscopic features of nasopharyngeal pathology in this context remain poorly understood. Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a multifactorial disease with various underlying etiologies, including inflammation, anatomical factors, and environmental triggers. While gastroesophageal reflux disease has been suggested as a potential contributor to chronic rhinosinusitis, the specific endoscopic features indicative of nasopharyngeal pathology in CRS patients with GERD symptoms have not been clearly elucidated. Our aim is to identify specific endoscopic features of nasopharyngeal pathology in patients with CRS associated with GERD symptoms and to propose a method for assessing the influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the mucosal layer of the nose and nasopharynx. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 521 adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of CRS. From this cohort, 95 patients with the highest scores on the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) questionnaires were selected as the main group. Endoscopic examinations were performed to assess the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa. Results: Our study revealed significant alterations in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of patients with CRS associated with GERD symptoms. Increased vascularity of the nasopharyngeal mucosa was observed in 91 patients (95.7%), while hypertrophy was noted in 83 patients (87.4%). Mucus was present in the nasopharynx of 77 patients (81.1%), exhibiting varying characteristics of color and consistency. Asymmetric hypertrophy of the oropharyngeal mucosa was noted in 62 patients (65.3%). Conclusions: We propose a method for assessing the influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the mucosal layer of the nose and nasopharynx, which may aid in diagnostic and management decisions. Further research is warranted to explore the potential impact of GERD symptoms on the course and severity of CRS exacerbations.

Evaluating the Effects of Cigarette Smoking and Heated Tobacco Products on Hard Dental Tissues: A Comparative Histological and Colorimetric Analysis.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of cigarette smoking (CS) and heated tobacco (HT) on the alteration of color and ultrastructural characteristics of human enamel and cementum. According to tobacco companies, a less harmful substitute for CS is HT products. Nevertheless, comprehensive research on the effects of HT on tooth structures has been lacking. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the impact of CS and HT on the alteration of color and ultrastructural characteristics of human enamel and cementum. Thirty intact and noncarious human maxillary premolars extracted for orthodontic treatment purposes, previously disinfected, were used in the study. The specimens were randomly separated into six groups (n = 10), as follows: Group 1: enamel without smoking exposure; Group 2: enamel exposed to CS; Group 3: enamel exposed to HT; Group 4: cementum without smoking exposure; Group 5: cementum exposed to CS; and Group 6: cementum exposed to HT. The measurement of color change was conducted using a spectrophotometer. The surface alterations and mineral composition of enamel and cementum were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. ANOVA test followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used to determine significant differences between groups. Results showed that CS had a more pronounced effect on enamel and cementum color changes than HT. The impact of CS and HT on color changes was more evident in cementum than in enamel. Surface morphology of enamel and cementum showed alterations in histology following exposure to both smoking types. Moreover, the mineral content experienced a significant reduction after using CS and HT. The reduction in calcium content after CS and HT exposure was similar. However, HT led to a significant decrease in the phosphorus content of enamel when compared with CS. At the same time, CS exposure in cementum resulted in a more significant reduction in Ca/P ratio than HT. Although HT may appear to present a lower danger to hard dental tissues than CS, it is not entirely harmless. CS results in more color changes on the enamel and cementum of teeth. Both smoking methods affected the mineral content of teeth, with CS having a significant effect on the roots, while HT significantly affected the crowns' mineral composition.

Algorithm for Determination of Pepper Maturity Classes by Combination of Color and Spectral Indices

Abstract The aim of the present work is to propose methods and tools for classifying sweet pepper into groups according to their degree of maturity based on color and spectral characteristics extracted from color images on the surface of the vegetables. The investigated pepper is two varieties of sweet - red Banji and yellow Liri. Five groups were formed, depending on the degree of maturity, and 16 color and 11 spectral indices were calculated for each of the groups. By successively using the ReliefF and PLSR methods, a selection of informative features and subsequent reduction of the vector formed by them was carried out, thereby aiming to increase the predictive results and minimize the time for data processing. The obtained classification errors between the individual stages of ripening vary according to the type of pepper and depending on which of the two types of maturity the fruits are in - technical or biological. For red sweet pepper, the separation inaccuracy obtained using a discriminant classifier with a quadratic separation function is in the range of 8 - 19%, while for yellow it is from 5 to 23%. The results obtained in the present work for the classification of pepper into groups according to their degree of maturity would support decision-making in selective harvesting and overall more accurate and efficient management of the harvesting process from the point of view of precision agriculture. The work will continue with studies related to the prediction of various compounds indicating changes in the color of peppers, including chlorophylls, carotenes and xanthophylls. In this way, it is possible to increase the accuracy in determining the degree of ripeness, since in pepper the color does not always follow the same pattern of change from green to yellow to orange to red.

Tailored nano-pillar structures on surfaces: facile formation and multifunctional properties

Nano-pillar structured surfaces have prized for exceptional optoelectronic properties and biocompatibility but commonly complex, expensive, and inflexible in production. A systematic investigation of the formation, mechanisms, and properties of nanostructures induced by nano-capillaries remains unexplored. Through this study, the facile formation of nano-pillared surfaces induced by designable nano-capillaries on AAO template demonstrated significant improvements in antibacterial effect, spectral structural color and anti-reflection characteristics. Reverse molding of nano-pillar arrays with aspect ratios of up to 1.2 on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films yielded a super-hydrophobic surface of 150° contact angle (CA). Through the utilization of computational fluid mechanics model, a direct correlation was demonstrated between the aspect ratio of nano-pillars and the viscosity of PDMS. The nano-pillared surfaces had remarkable antibacterial rates of 91% for Escherichia coli and 89% for Staphylococcus aureus. In addition, the structured surfaces exhibited color spanning from light blue to light red by tuning nano-pillars dimensions, incident light angle, and/or adding reflective metallic coating, which offered unique visualization effects for anti-counterfeiting. Moreover, the superior light-trapping and anti-reflection of the nano-pillared surface significantly increased the power conversion efficiency (PCE) 19% from the base performance of the polysilicon solar cells.

Thermotolerance in Angus cattle is related to hair coat characteristics but not to coat color

This study evaluated the impact of coat color (CC) and hair coat characteristics (HC) on productive and physiological traits related to thermotolerance in Angus heifers. The goal was to determine if HC and/or CC were reliable indicators of thermotolerance on a large scale for future breeding programs. Ninety-three 15-month-old Angus heifers (52 black, 41 red) were evaluated in three periods on a beef cattle farm in Brazil. Heifers were classified by CC and HC, and body weight, body condition score (BCS), and reproductive tract score (RTS) were compared between groups. In the summer evaluation, surface temperature (infrared thermography), internal temperature (intravaginal sensors), sweating rate, and behavior were assessed in a subset of heifers. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was calculated using meteorological data. The proportion of heifers with short, fine, and smooth hair (HC1) increased (P < 0.05) over the evaluations. Heifers with thick, long, and woolly hair (HC3) had lower (P < 0.05) body weights than those with finer coats, regardless of CC. Black heifers had greater (P < 0.05) puberty rates than red heifers in the first two evaluations. At a THI of 66, black heifers with HC1 exhibited a lower (P < 0.05) internal temperature compared to black heifers with HC3. At a THI of 75, all heifers with HC1 had lower (P < 0.05) internal temperatures, regardless of CC. Red heifers and those with HC3 experienced hyperthermia for longer (P < 0.05) periods. Neither HC nor CC affected (P > 0.05) surface temperatures or sweating rates. At a THI of 72, more black heifers remained standing, suggesting behavioral adaptation. In conclusion, coat color and characteristics influence thermal stress and performance in Angus heifers, though color impact is limited. Internal temperature monitoring effectively determines thermotolerance. In tropical regions, selecting for short, fine, smooth hair may improve heat tolerance.

Association Mapping of Seed Coat Color Characteristics for Near-Isogenic Lines of Colored Waxy Maize Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers.

Waxy maize is mainly cultivated in South Korea for the production of food and snacks, and colored maize with increased anthocyanin content is used in the production of functional foods and medicinal products. Association mapping analysis (AMA) is supported as the preferred method for identifying genetic markers associated with complex traits. Our study aimed to identify molecular markers associated with two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in near-isogenic lines (NILs) of colored waxy maize assessed through AMA. We performed AMA for 285 SSR loci and two anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize. In the analysis of population structure and cluster formation, the two parental lines (HW3, HW9) of "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize and the 10 NILs were clearly divided into two groups, with each group containing one of the two parental inbred lines. In the AMA, 62 SSR markers were associated with two seed anthocyanin content and six seed coat color traits in the 10 NILs. All the anthocyanin content and seed coat color traits were associated with SSR markers, ranging from 2 to 12 SSR markers per characteristic. The 12 SSR markers were together associated with both of the two anthocyanin content (kuromanin and peonidin) traits. Our current results demonstrate the effectiveness of SSR analysis for the examination of genetic diversity, relationships, and population structure and AMA in 10 NILs of colored waxy maize and the two parental lines of the "Mibaek 2ho" variety waxy maize.

Verification of color characteristics of document images captured in uncontrolled conditions

This paper examines a presentation attack when a color photo of a gray copy of a document is presented instead of the original color document during remote user identification. To detect such an attack, we propose an algorithm based on the comparison of chromaticity histograms of presented color images of the document and the ideal template of this type of document. The chromaticity histograms of the original document and the template are expected to be quite identical, while the histograms of the gray copy of the document and the template would be different. The algorithm was tested on images from the open dataset DLC-2021, which contains color images of synthesized identity documents and color images of their gray copies. The precision of the proposed method was 98.99 %, the recall was 84.7 %, that gave 8 times fewer errors than the baseline provided by authors of DLC-2021.

The effect of SiO2 crystallization in enhancing the luminescence of Dy3+-Sm3+ co-doped glass ceramics for cool white light application.

The present work investigates the structural and luminescence behaviour of Dy3+-Sm3+ co-doped glass ceramics obtained through heat treatment of precursor glasses. The growth of SiO2 polycrystalline particles and evolution of these crystallites in the glass domain are witnessed via XRD and FESEM study. The presence of network vibrational bands, hydroxyl groups and the increased quantity of bridging oxygens (BOs) in glass ceramics are analysed through FTIR spectroscopy study. The absorption study (UV-Visible-NIR) showed the possible electronic transitions of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions. The red shift in the absorption band edges and the lower bandgap values are obtained as a result of improved heat treatment in glass ceramics. Emission studies show the enhanced luminescence intensity of glass ceramics under 350 and 402 nm excitations. Decay measurement of glass ceramics showed the improved lifetimes of Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions to have appeared in microseconds (×10-6s). The colour characteristics of glass ceramics analysed using CIE colour chromaticity diagram and correlated colour temperature (CCT) values suggest the neutral to cool white light emissions. Therefore, prepared glass ceramics with SiO2 polycrystalline phase are considered to be suitable materials in cool white LEDs applications.

Active Food Packaging from Alginate-Based Film Containing Onion Peel Extract (Allium cepa)

Consumers wanting safe and eco-friendly food packaging have led to better active packaging materials. Alginate is a polysaccharide extracted from seaweed and has the potential to be considered a promising material for packaging applications; however, its application is limited due to poor mechanical properties and high water vapor (WVP). The mechanical and barrier properties can be altered by adding or blending with other materials, such as the incorporation of bioactive compounds from onion peel extract (Allium Cepa). This study was designed to extract onion peel and test its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities; alginate-based film incorporated different concentrations of onion peel extract (12.5%, 25%, and 50%) (w/v) and determined its antioxidant or antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties. Results demonstrated that the onion peel extract and alginate-based films containing onion peel extract show antioxidant activity; however, no antimicrobial activity was detected. When the concentration of onion peel extract (Allium Cepa) in alginate-based film increased, it significantly improved the alginate-based film's mechanical properties, colour, solubility, and biodegradability. However, the water vapour permeability was reduced by increasing the onion peel extract. In conclusion, adding onion peel extract improved the antioxidant activity, colour, mechanical strength, solubility, and biodegradability characteristics of alginate-based films compared to control. Hence, this film has the potential to be used as active packaging.

The Virome of Cocoa Fermentation-Associated Microorganisms.

Theobroma cacao plantations are of significant economic importance worldwide, primarily for chocolate production. During the harvest and processing of cocoa beans, they are subjected to fermentation either by microorganisms present in the environment (spontaneous fermentation) or the addition of starter cultures, with different strains directly contributing distinct flavor and color characteristics to the beans. In addition to fungi and bacteria, viruses are ubiquitous and can affect the quality of the fermentation process by infecting fermenting organisms, destabilizing microbial diversity, and consequently affecting fermentation quality. Therefore, in this study, we explored publicly available metatranscriptomic libraries of cocoa bean fermentation in Limon Province, Costa Rica, looking for viruses associated with fermenting microorganisms. Libraries were derived from the same sample at different time points: 7, 20, and 68 h of fermentation, corresponding to yeast- and lactic acid bacteria-driven phases. Using a comprehensive pipeline, we identified 68 viral sequences that could be assigned to 62 new viral species and 6 known viruses distributed among at least nine families, with particular abundance of elements from the Lenarviricota phylum. Interestingly, 44 of these sequences were specifically associated with ssRNA phages (Fiersviridae) and mostly fungi-infecting viral families (Botourmiaviridae, Narnaviridae, and Mitoviridae). Of note, viruses from those families show a complex evolutionary relationship, transitioning from infecting bacteria to infecting fungi. We also identified 10 and 3 viruses classified within the Totiviridae and Nodaviridae families, respectively. The quantification of the virus-derived RNAs shows a general pattern of decline, similar to the dynamic profile of some microorganism genera during the fermentation process. Unexpectedly, we identified narnavirus-related elements that showed similarity to segmented viral species. By exploring the molecular characteristics of these viral sequences and applying Hidden Markov Models, we were capable of associating these additional segments with a specific taxon. In summary, our study elucidates the complex virome associated with the microbial consortia engaged in cocoa bean fermentation that could contribute to organism/strain selection, altering metabolite production and, consequently, affecting the sensory characteristics of cocoa beans.

How do different seasonal environmental colors of highway tunnel entrances and dominant colors of portal walls affect the driver’s vehicle control ability?

The entrance section of the highway tunnel is a high-risk area for traffic accidents, and its traffic accident rate has significant seasonal differences. However, the dominant causes of this difference are still lacking in targeted research. On the other hand, due to the lack of a mature design system and normative guidance, the landscape design of tunnel entrances is more and more random, landscape elements tend to be complex, and color design tends to be diversified. The influence of tunnel entrance landscape design on driving behavior and its applicability in different seasonal environments needs to be studied. Given this, this study focused on two main variables − the typical seasonal environmental colors and different portal colors, and designed 12 schemes composed of three seasonal environments (green spring, golden yellow and red autumn, and white winter) and four portal colors (gray, blue, red, and tawny). Thirty subjects were invited to conduct a driving simulation experiment to study the influence of different seasonal environmental color characteristics and tunnel portal color on the amplitude and stability of driving behavior. The results show that the drivers’ behavior amplitude is large in spring and winter, and the traffic safety risk is relatively high. The typical color characteristics of the environment in different seasons are one of the reasons for the seasonal difference in the traffic accident rate. The driver’s operational stability is relatively poor in the autumn environment, which is related to the high scene complexity of the season. Compared with the grey portal scheme, the color design of the portal will increase the driver’s driving speed and the driving safety risk. However, its influence on the stability of driving behavior is bidirectional, and the color design coordinated with the environment can improve the stability of driving. When the portal is ready for landscape decoration, it is recommended to use a color scheme that is in harmony with the environment.

Deciphering the structure-function-quality improvement role of starch gels by wheat bran insoluble dietary fibers obtained from different fermentation patterns and its potential mechanisms

Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) isolated through co-fermented bran from probiotics may improve starch gel-based foods. This work aimed to elucidate the comprehensive impact of different IDF samples (CK, unfermented; NF, natively fermented; YF, yeast fermented; LF, Lactobacillus plantarum fermented; and MF, mix-fermented) and their addition ratios (0.3–0.9%) on gel structure-property function. Results indicated that IDF introduction altered the starch pasting behavior (decreased the viscosity and advanced the pasting time). Also, YF, LF, and MF showed less effect on gel multiscale morphology (SEM and CLSM); however, their excessively high ratio resulted in network structure deterioration. Moreover, FT-IR, XRD, and Raman characterization identified the composite gels interaction mechanisms mainly by hydrogen bonding forces, van der Waals forces, water competition, and physical entanglement. This modulation improved the composite gel water distribution, rheological/stress-strain behavior, textural properties, color, stability, and digestive characteristics. The obtained findings may shed light on the construction and development of whole-grain gel-based food products with new perspectives.