Color Difference Research Articles

Colour changes and topography of resin modified glass ionomer cements with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles

Background: Resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) is one of the restorative materials for cavity restoration in the anterior and cervical areas where aesthetics are crucial, especially for class III (anterior) cavity restorations. Adding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONP) may enhance its mechanical and physical properties. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the color change of RMGIC after the addition of ZnONP as much as 5%, 10% and 15% of the total mixture of RMGIC and ZnONP powder also to examines the topography of ZnONP distribution within RMGIC’s interstitial space using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Methods: Four groups of RMGIC were studied, a control group without ZnONP powder, 3 treatment groups with ZnONP powder as much as 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each group consists of 4 cylindrical samples (diameter of 10 mm, height of 2 mm). Color change was measured using VITA Easyshade V spectrophotometer and SEM was used for topography analysis. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA test and Tukey HSD post hoc test. Results: One-way ANOVA test showed significant color differences (p<0.05) among all groups. Tukey HSD test showed significant color differences (p<0.05) in color change between control group and treatment groups also between group 2 and group 4. SEM observations confirmed ZnONP distribution in RMGIC’s interstitial space in treatment groups. Conclusion: Addition of 5%, 10%, and 15% ZnONP powder of the total mixture of RMGIC and ZnONP powders changed RMGIC’s color to be brighter (lightness) and more saturated (chroma) also ZnONP distributed within RMGIC’s interstitial space.

The impact of different cooking temperatures on the quality and moisture distribution of beef.

The objective of this study was to investigate the water-holding capacity (WHC) and quality changes of beef during heating at specific temperatures (including 40 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C), as well as the degradation of proteins and the distribution of water within the muscle at different heating temperatures. The experiment utilized the sirloin section from eight crossbred cattle of Luxi Yellow Cattle and Simmental breeds, with four sampling sessions, two cattle per session. Each cattle were divided into 30 beef sirloin samples, each weighing 150 ± 10 g, and each session was completed within 3 days with the following tests. Measurements included cooking loss and dimensional shrinkage, as well as quality indicators such as pH value, meat color (L*, a*, b*, and ΔE values representing lightness, red-green chroma, yellow-blue chroma, and color difference, respectively), and texture. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and low-field nuclear resonance (LF-NMR) techniques were employed to assess protein degradation and water distribution in the beef. The results indicated that the increase in cooking loss and dimensional changes during heating may be associated with a reduction in nonflowing water. Moreover, the temperature range of 60°C to 80 °C is critical for these changes; within this range, myoglobin begins to degrade, and the values of L*, a*, b* as well as ΔE reach their peaks, thereby enhancing the chewiness and elasticity of the beef. Therefore, the changes in beef quality and water distribution at different temperatures are influenced by three states: the degree of muscle fiber contraction, the state of protein degradation, and the capacity for water migration. This finding provides a theoretical basis for improving beef processing quality and refining meat production processes.

The Effect of Yellowing on the Corrosion Resistance of Chromium-Free Fingerprint-Resistant Hot-Dip Al-Zn-Coated Steel

Inorganic/organic composite passivation film can significantly improve the corrosion resistance performance of hot-dip Al-Zn-coated steel. However, yellowing of the passivation film always leads to obvious performance degradation in corrosion resistance. Investigating the yellowing mechanism of the passivation film and its impact on corrosion resistance would provide a foundation for enhancing its yellowing resistance property. This study primarily focuses on the yellowing mechanism of the passivation film based on the copolymer of N-vinylpyrrolidone and N-vinylcaprolactam. It is found that the oxidation and semi-carbonization of butyramide and valeroamide generated by C–N bond cleavage in the copolymer at high temperatures are responsible for the yellowing of the passivation film. The cracking of the passivation film caused by yellowing degree exposes more of the bare Al-Zn coating, further accelerating the degradation in the corrosion resistance. Additionally, it is observed that the impact of yellowing on the corrosion resistance is negligible when the color difference (ΔE*) caused by yellowing is less than 3.0, whereas ΔE* values above 3.0 result in rapid degradation in the corrosion resistance of the passivation film. The formula y = 0.77 − 0.07x + 0.023x2 + 0.0039x3 effectively expresses the relationship between corrosion area (y) and ΔE* (x) (R2 = 0.995).

Evaluation of Low‐Pressure Microwave Oxygen Plasma as an Ecofriendly Way to Control Three of the Most Important Pests of Stored Date Fruits Infesting Egyptian Cultivar Siwi

ABSTRACTInsect pests in stored date fruits lead to significant economic losses, traditionally managed by chemical insecticides that harm the environment. This study explores low‐pressure microwave oxygen plasma treatments as an alternative pest control method against pests like Polda interpunctelia, Ephestia cautella, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. A 20 s treatment achieved 100% mortality for all species without any adult emergence. Sensory evaluations showed no significant differences in taste, color, texture, odor, or overall acceptability between treated and untreated date fruits, indicating that the plasma treatment preserves fruit quality. Scanning electron microscopy revealed structural damage to the pests, whereas the Siwi cultivar date fruits remained unaffected. The findings suggest that this plasma treatment is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals.

Research on the Multiple Linear Regression Model of Color Difference and Physicochemical Properties of Thermal Treated Biomass

This study assesses the relationship between the color changes and physicochemical properties of thermally treated biomass feedstocks, using colorimetric measurements to study the color difference values of straw, forest, and grass undergoing thermal treatments at 120~200 °C. We establish a multiple linear regression model to correlate the physicochemical properties of the treated solid products with three-dimensional color coordinates (L*, a*, b*). The results indicate that as the treatment temperature increases, the color difference (ΔEab*) value also increases. Meanwhile, the number of conjugated structures in the chromophore groups increases, causing the color of the solid products to tend toward black. The ash, volatile, fixed carbon, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, higher calorific value, solid yield, energy yield, bulk density, and water contact angle of the thermally treated biomass feedstocks have a statistical measure of R2 ≥ 0.90 with the three-dimensional color coordinates, indicating a good correlation. Therefore, it is possible to quickly predict the basic physicochemical properties of thermally treated biomass feedstocks based on their surface color, providing a theoretical basis for the rapid quality assessment of solid products using CIELAB color changes in industrial applications.

RANDOMISED CLINICAL TRIAL TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF DENTAL WHITENING WITH 37.5% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GEL AND 6% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE WHITENING STRIPS.: clinical study to compare the efficacy of dental whitening with 6% hydrogen peroxide whitening strips.

to evaluate the efficacy and chromatic stability after 4weeks, in all three thirds of the central incisor of two whitening treatments: in-office 37.5% hydrogen peroxide (HP) treatment alone, and 37.5% in-office HP followed by use of 6% HP whitening strips (WS). 60 participants were randomly divided into two groups of 30. Group 1 was treated solely with in-office 37.5% HP. Group 2 followed the same in-office 37.5% HP protocol, followed by WS over 2 weeks. The CIELAB colour were measured before and after every treatment stage. Colour differences were quantified and compared to the perceptibility thresholds. In-office 37.5% HP treatment created a statistically significant increase in the L* coordinate and a statistically significant decrease in the a* and b* coordinates, resulting in perceptible colour changes in over 80% of participants in all thirds of the tooth. In the group that used WS, the increase in L* and the decrease in a* and b* were maintained in the cervical and middle thirds after 4 weeks, whereas only the decrease in b* was maintained in the incisal third. In the group that did not use WS, the decrease in a* and b* was maintained in all thirds of the tooth after 4 weeks, but the increase in lightness was lost. The use of WS helped maintain that increase in lightness over 4 weeks. The decrease in the a* and b* coordinates caused by the 37.5% HP treatment persisted after 4 weeks, whether WS were used or not. All the colour changes evaluated were perceptible in over 70% of participants. In-office treatment with 37.5% HP increases lightness and decreases the quantity of yellow and red immediately but, if WS are not used, the impact on lightness is lost after 4 weeks. WS are a valid and effective treatment option in combination with in-office treatments to temporally extend the clinical treatment's whitening effect.

PH-responsive composite konjac glucomannan/xanthan gum film incorporated lysozyme fibril for the monitoring of chicken breast freshness.

A pH responsive composite film was developed by incorporating cyanidin (CY) and egg white lysozyme fibril into konjac glucomannan (KGM) and xanthan gum (XG) matrix to monitor the chicken breast freshness in this work. The physicochemical properties of the films, especially pH sensitivity, evaluated by color difference and visual color change under different pH values, were first explored. The freshness changes of chicken breast sealed with the composite films were also analyzed. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interaction formed between the components of the composite film. Moreover, the characterizations of pH responsiveness, thermal stability, and barrier property indicated the benefits of incorporating CY and lysozyme fibril into KGM/XG films. The KGM/XG/lysozyme fibril/CY (KXLCY) film showed superior biodegradability in soil. KXLCY composite film reduced the weight loss and delayed the spoilage and fat oxidation rate of chicken breast. In addition, the color of KXLCY film changed from purple red to purple and then to blue during the storage of the packaged chicken breast, indicating a real-time freshness monitoring effect. This work provided a solid scientific foundation for the development of active pH intelligent colorimetric films and their application in food freshness evaluation.

Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Color and Morphology Properties of Leather

Effective conservation strategies for leather artifacts and art objects are essential for preserving cultural heritage, particularly given the inherent vulnerability of the material to biodegradation, as leather, an organic material, is especially susceptible to this process. Gamma radiation has emerged as a promising method for the disinfestation and disinfection of cultural heritage objects and archival materials. This study aimed to advance the understanding of gamma radiation as a conservation technique for vegetable-tanned snake and chrome-tanned bovine leather, specifically focusing on its effects on chromaticity, surface topology, fiber structure and thermal behavior. Gamma radiation was applied at controlled doses of 1 and 3 kGy, and its impact on the morphology of the leather was assessed using colorimetry within the CIELAB color space and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM). The findings indicated that gamma radiation at these doses induced minimal alterations in the morphological properties of the leather. The color differences for irradiated and non-irradiated samples were negligible, with total color differences (ΔE) remaining within acceptable limits (ΔE < 3). Moreover, FEGSEM analysis demonstrated that the fiber structure and surface morphology were not significantly compromised by the irradiation process. Thermogravimetric analyses showed similar thermal decomposition between non-irradiated and irradiated samples for both bovine and snake leather, with detailed data analysis indicating thermal stability. The results supported the efficiency of gamma radiation as a conservation technique for both bovine and snake leather artifacts, preserving their aesthetic and structural integrity.

Comparative Analysis of Whitening Outcomes of Over-the-Counter Toothpastes: An In Vitro Study

Background/Objectives: Whiter teeth are widely accepted as the most beautiful. With the growing demand for whiter teeth, several manufacturers have launched different brands of whitening toothpaste claiming to be effective in removing tooth stains and whitening teeth. The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the whitening effect of eight over-the-counter available toothpastes by measuring the changes in color using a digital colorimeter in a simulated staining–brushing cycle model. Methods: A total of 32 extracted bovine enamel were polished with 1000–2000 grit SIC paper and immersed in a tea staining solution for 30 min at 37 °C to create extrinsic staining. The specimens were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 4) and subjected to a staining–brushing cycle for 2 weeks. During this period, the specimens were stained for 5 min twice, brushed for 2 min twice per day, and immersed in artificial saliva for the remaining time. The colors of the enamel surfaces L*, a*, and b* were recorded, and the color difference (ΔE) was measured before the treatment and after 1 and 2 weeks of the staining–brushing cycle. Results: The repeated measures showed a significant reduction of (ΔE) after 1 week of the staining–brushing cycle in all eight experimental groups (p < 0.05). The (ΔE) was significantly reduced after the second week of the staining–brushing cycle in groups 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.05). However, it was insignificant in groups 2, 6, 7, and 8 (p > 0.05). Among the tested materials, group 1 showed the highest and group 8 showed the lowest teeth-whitening effects. Conclusions: The over-the-counter toothpaste used in this study showed effective teeth-whitening. Charcoal-based toothpaste showed the highest efficiency in teeth whitening.

Unraveling Cyberbullying Dynamis: A Computational Framework Empowered by Artificial Intelligence

Cyberbullying, which manifests in various forms, is a growing challenge on social media, mainly when it involves threats of violence through images, especially those featuring weapons. This study introduces a computational framework to identify such content using convolutional neural networks of weapon-related images. By integrating artificial intelligence techniques with image analysis, our model detects visual patterns associated with violent threats, creating safer digital environments. The development of this work involved analyzing images depicting scenes with weapons carried by children or adolescents. Images were sourced from social media and spatial repositories. The statistics were processed through a 225-layer convolutional neural network, achieving an 86% accuracy rate in detecting weapons in images featuring children, adolescents, and young adults. The classifier method reached an accuracy of 17.86% with training over only 25 epochs and a recall of 14.2%. Weapon detection is a complex task due to the variability in object exposures and differences in weapon shapes, sizes, orientations, colors, and image capture methods. Segmentation issues and the presence of background objects or people further compound this complexity. Our study demonstrates that convolutional neural networks can effectively detect weapons in images, making them a valuable tool in addressing cyberbullying involving weapon imagery. Detecting such content contributes to creating safer digital environments for young people.

Single Axillary Incision Versus Triple Lateral Chest Wall Incisions in Endoscopic Mastectomy for Gynecomastia: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis with Propensity Score Matching.

Endoscopic mastectomy has gradually become an important surgical modality for the treatment of breast diseases, and is the preferred procedure for gynecomastia. However, endoscopic mastectomy presents challenges such as a steep learning curve, prolonged surgical duration, increased hospitalization costs, and high technical difficulty. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction of endoscopic mastectomy using a single axillary incision versus a triple lateral chest wall incision for gynecomastia. Patients were stratified into a single-port group and a three-port group based on the surgical approach. Propensity score matching was used for the nearest neighbor matching, adjusting baseline data differences at a 1:1 ratio, with a caliper value set at 0.2 to ensure comparability between the two groups. Clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction were compared after propensity score matching. A total of 36 pairs of patients were successfully matched after propensity score matching, with no differences in baseline characteristics (P > 0.05). Notably, the three-port group experienced longer surgical durations compared to the single-port group, alongside higher hospitalization costs (P < 0.05). There were no differences in surgical bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, extubation time, postoperative hospitalization time , surgical complications, visual analog scale pain scores, and recurrence rate (P > 0.05). After a 6-month follow-up, the vancouver scar scale assessment showed no differences in scar color, thickness, vascularity, softness, and total score (P > 0.05). Based on the BODY-Q questionnaire chest module scores, the single-port group showed better overall satisfaction in appearance (P = 0.038), especially in the smoothness of the chest wall, with significantly higher scores than the three-port group (P = 0.001). No differences were found in nipple symmetry, nipple sensation, and skin redundancy (P > 0.05). The single axillary incision endoscopic mastectomy demonstrated advantages in shorter surgical duration and lower hospitalization costs, while providing a smoother chest wall appearance, thereby enhancing overall patient satisfaction. Consequently, this surgical approach may arise as one of the preferred procedures for gynecomastia. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Effect of pressure and moisture content on physicochemical properties of popped finger millet (&lt;i&gt;Eleusine coracana&lt;/i&gt;)

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is a nutritious grain whose traditional processing methods have received inadequate application in modern processing to enhance its commercialization. This study investigated how pressure and moisture content affected the puffing yield, density, expansion ratio, colour, proximate composition, selected minerals and antinutritive factors of popped finger millet grain. Grains were equilibrated at 15,18, or 21% moisture content and popped at 120, 140, or 160 psi. The results show that progressively raising the moisture content and pressure significantly (p≤0.05) increased the popping yield and expansion ratio while reducing density. Pressure and moisture content interactions significantly (p≤0.05) influenced the popping yield, expansion ratio and density. Popped grain lightness and total colour difference significantly (p≤0.05) increased when the moisture content was increased from 15% to 21 %. The redness and browning index were significantly (p≤0.05) reduced when the moisture content and pressure were progressively raised from 15% to 21% and 120 psi to 160 psi respectively. Progressive increase of pressure and moisture content, and their synergistic interactions significantly (p≤0.05) reduced the crude fat and moisture contents of popped grain. Moreover, crude protein significantly (p≤0.05) improved when pressure was increased. Zinc and iron and total phenol contents significantly (p≤0.05) increased when the popping pressures and moisture content were progressively raised from 120 psi to 160 psi, and 15% to 21% respectively. Phytates content declined significantly (p≤0.05) when pressure was increased from 120psi to 140 psi or 160psi.Tannins significantly reduced (p≤0.05) when the moisture content was raised from 15% to 21 %. These findings demonstrate that popping finger millet can improve its nutritional value making it a viable avenue for value addition.

Effects of temperature and humidity on drying kinetics, final quality and cell wall pectin content of wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)

The effects of four groups of hot-air drying methods, including constant temperature (50 °C) and constant humidity (10%) (CTCH), constant temperature (50 °C) and variable humidity (60%-47%-35%-23%-10%) (CTVH), variable temperature (40 °C-46 °C-52 °C-58 °C-64 °C) and constant humidity (10%) (VTCH), variable temperature (40 °C-46 °C-52 °C-58 °C-64 °C) and variable humidity (60%-47%-35%-23%-10%) (VTVH), on the drying kinetics, product quality and the content of pectin polysaccharides in cell wall of wolfberry were studied. Among them, VTVH showed the highest drying efficiency with the shortest drying time of 13 h, which was 9.52% shorter than that of CTCH, and the highest effective water diffusion coefficient for wolfberries (9.356 × 10−9 m2·min−1). After VTVH drying, samples showed the highest polysaccharides content (46.48%) and rehydration rate (52.24%), as well as the lowest color difference (6.07) and shrinkage rate (66.38%). The content of water-soluble pectin (WSP) in wolfberry was the highest under VTCH drying condition, which was 48.67% higher than that of CTVH drying condition.

Colorimetric analysis of intraoral scans: A novel approach for detecting gingival inflammation.

Gingivitis, a widely prevalent oral health condition, affects up to 80% of the population. Traditional assessment methods for gingivitis rely heavily on subjective clinical evaluation. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of interpreting the color metrics from intraoral scans to objectively differentiate between healthy and inflamed gingiva. This study used the percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP%) as the clinical reference standard. Intraoral scans, obtained before and after gingivitis treatment using a scanner, were analyzed through a custom MATLAB script to quantify HSV (hue, saturation, value) and CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage L*a*b*) color coordinates. The region of interest was a 2-mm-wide gingival strip along the buccal margin of the maxillary anterior teeth. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between photometric outcomes and continuous, dichotomous, and categorical BOP data. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity and specificity measures. The analysis included clinical and digital color data from 110 scans, adhering to the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. The multilevel linear regression analysis underscored a significant correlation between the BOP% and digital color metrics, specifically the CIELAB a* (red-green chroma), CIELAB b* (yellow-blue chroma), and color saturation, with AUC performances of 70%, 79.5%, and 80.8%, respectively. Digital color analysis of intraoral scans has demonstrated a range of performance from acceptable to excellent in distinguishing sites with BOP. This innovative approach presents a promising tool for dentists and researchers in the accurate diagnosis, screening, and management of gingivitis. Our study focuses on finding a better way to detect gingivitis, a common gum disease affecting many people. Traditional methods rely on the dentist's visual inspection, which can be subjective. We explored the use of color measurements from digital intraoral scans to objectively identify healthy versus inflamed gums. We analyzed 110 scans from 55 participants, examining the color differences in the gums before and after treatment. By measuring specific color values, we achieved up to 80.8% accuracy in distinguishing between healthy and inflamed gums. This method could offer a more reliable tool for dentists and researchers to diagnose and manage gingivitis, leading to better oral health outcomes.

Gingival color with implant-supported fixed prostheses (ISFP) and the impact on esthetic outcomes.

To: 1) analyze possible differences in the CIEDE2000 lightness, chroma and hue of the gingiva at the free gingival margin (FGM) and the middle zone of keratinized gingiva (MZ) between participants with an ISFP in the maxillary anterior region and participants with natural dentition and healthy gums; and 2) examine the perceptibility/acceptability of the differences in CIEDE2000 lightness, chroma and hue and in overall color, using the Euclidean and CIEDE2000 formulae. The L*, a* and b* color coordinates were measured in 60 adult participants (30 with an ISFP and 30 with healthy teeth and gums) using a Spectroshade™ Micro spectrophotometer. From these coordinates, the changes in lightness (ΔL'), chroma (ΔC') and hue (ΔH') CIEDE2000 between the participants with and without an ISFP were quantified. The one sample t-tests were used to test whether there were significant changes in lightness, chroma and hue between the participants with and without an ISFP, and effect size was assessed with Cohen's d. The authors examined the differences in CIEDE2000 lightness, chroma and hue, and the overall color differences between the participants in pairs (with ISFP-without ISFP), comparing results with the published perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. Statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05) between participants with and without an ISFP in all color attributes at both zones, with all color attributes observed to be lower in the gingiva of participants with an ISFP. In both gingival zones, the ISFP had a large effect on lightness (Cohen's d > 0.8) and a medium effect on hue (Cohen's d between 0.5 to 0.8). The mean gingival color difference of participants with and without an ISFP was 8.72 units in the MZ and 9.60 units at the FGM, using CIEDE2000. CIEDE2000 lightness, chroma and hue are significantly lower in participants with an ISFP, both at the FGM and the MZ, with particularly marked differences in lightness. The average color difference between healthy gingiva next to natural teeth and the gingiva adjacent to an ISFP is clinically unacceptable. Gingival color needs to be considered an indicator of success, given the potential unesthetic gray show-through of transmucosal abutments with ISFPs. Unacceptable color changes caused by poorly planned ISFPs can lead patients to demand treatment be repeated with more esthetic materials or mucogingival surgery to "camouflage" the discoloration.

Effect of Ph on the Physicochemical Properties of a Cassava Peel Starch Biopolymer.

This study investigates how pH levels affect the characteristics of biopolymer films manufactured from cassava peel starch. Cassava peel starch's abundance and biodegradability make it a promising candidate for sustainable packaging. The study seeks to improve film qualities such as thickness, density, moisture content, solubility, and optical properties by altering pH levels. Understanding these effects is critical for increasing the acceptability of cassava peel starch biopolymers in a variety of industrial applications, notably environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Starch extracted from cassava peel was used to produce films using the casting method at specified pH levels. The films were evaluated for thickness and density using classical methods. Moisture content was determined following the AOAC 930.15 (2000) protocol. Color analysis was conducted using the CIELab color space technique. Water solubility and solubility in acidic (HCl) and alkaline (NaOH) solutions were assessed through chemical solubility tests performed by gravimetry. The study investigated how pH impacts biopolymer films manufactured from cassava peel starch. The film thickness varied greatly across pH levels, with pH 10.5 creating the thickest films (0.158 ± 0.012 mm) and pH 6.5 providing the thinnest (0.118 ± 0.015 mm). Density varied slightly, from 1.393 ± 0.122 g/cc to 1.551 ± 0.153 g/cc. Moisture content fluctuated significantly, affecting biodegradability. Color study indicated pH-dependent variations in transparency and opacity, with higher pH values resulting in larger color deviations (∆E). Water solubility remained constant, but NaOH solubility dropped with increasing pH, peaking at pH 7.5 (23.44 ± 2.82%). This work investigates the use of cassava peel starch for biopolymer synthesis at controlled pH levels. The findings demonstrate the material's practicality and provide critical insights for enhancing film qualities, particularly in a variety of industrial applications and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Seasonal activities, morphological characteristics, and veterinary importance of Haemaphysalis mageshimaensis in Ishigaki and Yonaguni, Okinawa, Japan.

Ticks are of veterinary importance as they transmit various pathogens to animals. In Yaeyama, Okinawa, Japan, Haemaphysalis longicornis became the dominant tick species after the eradication of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in the 1990s. However, any recent changes remained unclear due to lack of surveys. We surveyed questing ticks in pastures on Ishigaki and Yonaguni islands of Yaeyama, from September 2022 to May 2024. A total of 18,435 ticks, including 14,784 from Ishigaki and 3,651 from Yonaguni, were collected. The ticks collected in Ishigaki and Yonaguni included 7,637 and 2,697 larvae, 5,870 and 829 nymphs, and 1,277 and 125 adults, respectively. Morphological analysis classified all collected adults and nymphs as either Haemaphysalis mageshimaensis or H. longicornis. We observed that H. mageshimaensis was dominant in both Ishigaki and Yonaguni, accounting for 99 % and 96 % of the populations, respectively, compared to H. longicornis. While adults and nymphs of H. longicornis were active in spring, summer, and autumn, H. mageshimaensis was active year-round. We found that the differences in the body colour and length, density and number of hairs on the second palp segment, and degree of protrusion on the outer edge of the third palp segment may be useful for differentiating H. mageshimaensis from H. longicornis. PCR screening of DNAs from selected ticks showed that 9.7 % of H. mageshimaensis and 25 % of H. longicornis were infected with Theileria orientalis. Our findings indicate that H. mageshimaensis has overtaken H. longicornis as the dominant species in Yaeyama, highlighting the need for year-round tick control measures.

Formulation and impact of soy protein isolate on white oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) sausage: Palatability evaluation, nutritional and economic value

This study investigated the utilization of white oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) and soy protein isolate in developing vegetarian sausages. Two formulations were evaluated: a control (100% mushrooms) and an experimental (80% mushrooms, 20% soy protein isolate). Sensory assessment using a 5-point hedonic scale with 25 trained panellists revealed no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in aroma, taste, texture, or colour between formulations. Chemical analysis indicated that the experimental sample showed a significant increase in protein content from 0.42% to 2.24%, though this still falls short of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 3820:2015) minimum requirement of 8% for sausages. Moisture, fat, and ash content were comparable between formulations and within SNI limits. Carbohydrate content was slightly lower in the experimental sausages but presumably exceeded the SNI minimum. Microbiological testing demonstrated that both formulations met safety standards, with total plate count, coliform count, and Salmonella levels well below the limits set by SNI 3820:2015. Cost estimation revealed that the vegetarian sausages had a lower selling price compared to traditional meat sausages, offering an economically viable alternative. This research highlights the potential of mushrooms and plant proteins in developing nutritious, safe, and cost-effective meat alternatives though further formulation improvements are needed to meet protein content standards for sausage products.

Nanostructured Chitosan Coating with a Coffee Residue Extract for the Preservation of Tomato and Controlling Pre- and Postharvest Disease Caused by Rhizopus stolonifer

The antifungal efficacy of coffee residue extract (CRE) and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) alone and in combination (CNPs-CRE) against the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer was assessed. Two nanostructured edible coatings (ECs), one consisting of chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP) and another consisting of coffee residue extract encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CCNP-CRE), were elaborated, characterized, and applied on inoculated Naples tomatoes to evaluate their fungicidal activity and their effect on fruit quality. The tests consisted of evaluating physicochemical variables in tomato previously sprayed with CCNP and CCNP-CRE for 30 days preharvest and 14 days at 10 °C postharvest. CNPs with a particle size of 2.4 ± 0.24 nm with a Z potential of −1.62 mV were observed, while CNPs-CRE showed a size of 3.9 ± 0.55 nm with a Z potential of −0.89 mV. The FTIR spectrum showed the integration of CRE into the CCNP-CRE. A synergistic effect between CNPs and 1% CRE was observed, obtaining the greatest inhibition of mycelial growth (43%). In the preharvest trials, both ECs showed differences with respect to the control in the variables of color, total carotenoids and ethylene. In the postharvest test, they showed differences in color and CO2 production. The severity of the infection decreased by 33% in tomatoes with coatings. The ECs evaluated represent a emergent technological advancement in the conservation of the tomato.

Quantitative investigation of a 3D bubble trapper in a high shear stress microfluidic chip using computational fluid dynamics and L*A*B* color space

Microfluidic chips often face challenges related to the formation and accumulation of air bubbles, which can hinder their performance. This study investigated a bubble trapping mechanism integrated into microfluidic chip to address this issue. Microfluidic chip design includes a high shear stress section of fluid flow that can generate up to 2.7 Pa and two strategically placed bubble traps. Commercially available magnets are used for fabrication, effectively reducing production costs. The trapping efficiency is assessed through video recordings with a phone camera and analysis of captured air volumes by injecting dye at flow rates of 50, 100, and 150 µL/min. This assessment uses L*A*B* color space with analysis of the perceptual color difference ∆E and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The results demonstrate successful application of the bubble trap mechanism for lab-on-chip bubble detection, effectively preventing bubbles from entering microchannels and mitigating potential damage. Furthermore, the correlation between the L*A*B* color space and volume fraction from CFD simulations allows accurate assessment of trap performance. Therefore, this observation leads to the hypothesis that ∆E could be used to estimate the air volume inside the bubble trap. Future research will validate the bubble trap performance in cell cultures and develop efficient methods for long-term air bubble removal.Graphical abstract