Homogeneous Color Research Articles

The contribution of sturgeon species and processing conditions on caviar texture, metabolomic profile and sensory traits

A comprehensive evaluation of the attributes that determine caviar quality, including sturgeon species and processing methods, is still lacking in the scientific literature. In this study, eight types of caviar, obtained from six different sturgeon species and produced using either salt or a combination of salt and sodium tetraborate (E285) with pasteurization, were characterized through untargeted metabolomics, sensory analysis, and texture evaluation. The results showed that Huso huso caviar was rich in gamma-glutamyl peptides (contributing to a kokumi taste), while the other sturgeon species were primarily distinguished by lipids (mainly glycerophospholipids) and nucleotides (such as AMP, inosinic acid, and other metabolites driving umami taste). Moreover, untargeted metabolomics revealed the technological effects of salting and pasteurization. Sensory analysis identified crunchiness, color homogeneity, and darkness as the main traits differentiating the products. Butter, hazelnut, and briny flavours were also key characteristics of the caviar.

Color Change of Pear Wood (Pyrus communis L.) during Water Steam Treatment

Hydrothermal treatment of wood, particularly steaming with saturated water steam, is often used to achieve a more intensive and homogenous wood color or to vary its hue. However, information on pear wood (Pyrus communis L.) steaming is limited in the available literature. This paper investigates the influence of steaming on the color of pear wood. Green, water-saturated samples of pear wood heartwood and sapwood were steamed with saturated water steam for 24 h at 98 °C. The color of the heartwood and sapwood was assessed both visually and with a standard three-stimulus colorimeter using the CIEL*a*b* system, and compared to the natural color of pear-wood. Additionally, FT-IR spectrometry was employed to analyze chemical changes in the wood samples. The results showed that both heartwood and sapwood experienced a decrease in lightening (L*), an increase in redness (a*), and a decrease in yellowness (b*) during steaming. Furthermore, a trend toward the equalization of L*, a*, and b* parameters between heartwood and sapwood over time was observed. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that the chemical changes during steaming were primarily related to extractives and hemicelluloses, with no significant changes in cellulose and lignin. The obtained results suggest that pear wood color can be equalized to some extent by steaming and that the extent of the color change to darker tones is dependent on steaming time.

Bright Structural-Phase-Pure CsPbI3 Core-PbSO4 Shell Nanoplatelets With Ultra-Narrow Emission Bandwidth of 77 meV at 630 nm.

Achieving a narrow emission bandwidth islong pursued for display applications. Among all primary colors, obtaining pure red emission with high visual perception is the most challenging. In this work, CsPbI3 halide perovskite nanoplatelets (NPLs) with rigorously controlled 2D [PbI6]4- octahedron layer number (n) are demonstrated. A perovskite core-PbSO4 shell structure is designed to prevent aggregation and fusion between NPLs, enabling consistent thickness and quantum confinement strength for each NPL. Consequently, exact n = 4 CsPbI3NPLs are demonstrated, exhibiting emission peaks around 630nm, with very narrow spectral bandwidths of <24nm and high absolute photoluminescence quantum yields up to 85%. The emission of n = 4 NPLs falls exactly within the pure-red region, closely aligning with the International Telecommunication Union Recommendation BT.2020 standard. Measurements suggest predominant stability and color homogeneity compared to traditional red-emitting CsPbIxBr3- x nanocrystals. Finally, proof-of-concept pure-red emissive light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are demonstrated by integrating n = 4 CsPbI3 NPLs films with a blue LED chip, showing an excellent external quantum efficiency of 18.3% and high brightness exceeding 3 × 106 nits. Stringent requirements for future display technologies, are satisfied based on the high color purity, stability, and brightness of CsPbI3 NPLs.

Unveiling the potential of the capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based device integrated with smartphone-based for simultaneously colorimetric salivary ethanol and △9-tetrahydrocannabinol analysis

Monitoring various biomarkers in saliva samples emerges as a dynamic and non-invasive method. However, the high viscosity of saliva presents a distinct challenge when integrating paper-based platforms for on-site analysis. In addressing this challenge, we introduced the capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μCD-PAD) designed for user-friendly and simultaneous detection of ethanol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in saliva without a sample preparation step. Employing a colorimetric approach, we quantified both analytes. Synthetic salivas of varying viscosity flowed seamlessly to the detection zone without needing a sample preparation step, and no impact on colorimetric detection due to viscosity was observed (RSD <5 %). Within 10 min after the solution reached the detection zone, the device produced a homogeneous color signal, easily analyzed by a smartphone camera. To extend the application for determination to cover a legal limit concentration of ethanol and concentration of salivary THC even 24 h after marijuana consumption, the detection time of 30 min was optimized. Moreover, a saliva sample containing both analytes was used to demonstrate the capability of the developed device to detect ethanol and THC simultaneously. No cross-talk between ethanol and THC occurred and showed recovery in the 98–102 % for ethanol and 95–105 % for THC with acceptable accuracy. This developed device exhibits excellent potential for forensic applications, providing a user-friendly, cost-effective, and real-time screening tool for detecting ethanol and THC in saliva.

Homogenization of the Color of Beech Sapwood and False Heartwood by the Steaming Process

This work presents the results of the homogenization of the color of sapwood and false heartwood Fagus sylvatica L. into a uniform color shade due to the influence of the temperature of saturated moist air and saturated water steam in individual steaming modes. The results of analyses of the influence of temperature within 24 h point out the different changes in the color of the sapwood and the wood of the false heartwood when the uniform color of the beech wood is achieved by the steaming process. By steaming beech wood with a false heartwood saturated with moist air at a temperature of tI = 95 °C during τ = 24 h, the color of the sapwood does not merge with the color of the wood of the false heartwood. The sapwood darkens and, on the other hand, the wood of the false heartwood slightly lightens, while the significant color contrast is removed, but the color homogenization in the individual zones does not occur. The unification of the colors in individual zones occurs during the steaming process at a temperature of saturated water steam tII ≈ 105 °C in 18 h, where the resulting brown color is identified in the color space CIE L*a*b* by the values of the lightness L* = 61.3 ± 2.2 and of the red color a* = 12.4 ± 1.3 and yellow color b* = 19.5 ± 1.4. The most pronounced homogenization of the color occurs through the steaming process at a temperature of saturated water steam tIII ≈ 120 °C, where the wood acquires a uniform dark brown–gray color in a time of τ ≈ 9 h steaming. The coordinates of the color-homogenized steamed beech wood are L* = 55.9 ± 1.9, a* = 12.3 ± 1.2, and b* = 19.6 ± 1.3. The unification of the colors by the steaming process is achieved by darkening both the sapwood and the wood of the false heartwood. In the overall color homogenization, the sapwood and the wood of the false heartwood do not participate equally in the steaming process. While the total color difference between the sapwood and a color homogenized state is quantified by the value ∆EtI* = 8, ∆EtIII* = 22.7, the total color difference in the wood with a false heartwood is only ∆EtI* = 1.9, ∆EtIII* = 11.8.

Urbanization alters the geographic patterns of passerine plumage color in China

Urbanization has altered natural landscapes and serves as an environmental filter that selects species with specific traits. Coloration is an important trait associated with biotic interactions and thermoregulation, enabling species’ survival and reproductive success. However, few studies have focused on how species coloration changes in response to urbanization. Here, we used 547 passerine bird species from 42 cities and their corresponding non-urban communities in China to test whether urban species are darker and if they have duller plumage colors than their non-urban counterparts. Furthermore, we examined whether and how urbanization influences avian plumage color homogenization and the extent to which urbanization has altered the strength of the color–latitude geographic pattern in passerine birds across China. We found a 3.2% loss in the coloration space of birds after urbanization, although there were no significant differences in the individual dimensions of colorfulness and lightness between urban and non-urban birds. Avian communities in cities exhibited more plumage color homogenization than those in non-urban communities. There were significant latitudinal gradients in plumage colorfulness and lightness in non-urban communities, but these correlations were weaker in urban communities. Non-urban communities that were more colorful and lighter tended to be duller and darker in urban environments, and vice versa. Our results provide national-scale evidence that urbanization has led to reduced color diversity, increased color-based community similarity, and altered geographic patterns of avian plumage color gradients in China. These findings provide new insights into how rapid human-induced environmental changes have affected animal coloration during the Anthropocene.

Characterization of soda–lime silicate glass bottles to support recycling efforts

AbstractIn 2022, 150 million tons of glass was produced globally, and approximately 47% of that amount was glass hollowware for tableware and food, beverage, and cosmetics packaging. Glass is considered one of the most recyclable materials as its properties and performance do not degrade upon reheating and reforming; yet only 21% of global production is recycled. The most recycled type of glass is soda–lime silicate bottle glass based on its widespread availability and its ability to accommodate higher levels of contamination compared to flat glass and specialty glass. Bottle glass manufacturers melt glass batch that is 10%–60% recycled glass cullet, limited only by the availability of pristine glass cullet that is free of contaminants such as plastic, metal, and organic material. Increasing rates of recycled content in glass manufacturing is stymied by the lack of a supply chain to deliver high quality glass cullet to manufacturers, as well as risk of material incompatibility and contamination. In this work, post‐consumer glass bottles of different colors, shapes, and brands were analyzed for chemical composition and thermal properties to quantify variation across five major color families: clear, blue, amber, forest green, and emerald green. This work shows that post‐consumer bottles of different colors and brands can be remelted without risk of material incompatibility and presents various processing methods to control color homogeneity in glass produced exclusively from mixed color cullet from recycled glass bottles.

A Comprehensive Review and New Taxonomy on Superpixel Segmentation

Superpixel segmentation consists of partitioning images into regions composed of similar and connected pixels. Its methods have been widely used in many computer vision applications, since it allows for reducing the workload, removing redundant information, and preserving regions with meaningful features. Due to the rapid progress in this area, the literature fails to catch up on more recent works among the compared ones and to categorize the methods according to all existing strategies. This work fills this gap by presenting a comprehensive review with a new taxonomy for superpixel segmentation, in which methods are classified according to their processing steps and processing levels of image features. We revisit the recent and popular literature according to our taxonomy and evaluate 23 strategies and a grid segmentation baseline based on nine criteria: connectivity, compactness, delineation, control over the number of superpixels, color homogeneity, robustness, running time, stability, and visual quality. Our experiments show the trends of each approach in superpixel segmentation and discuss individual trade-offs. Finally, we provide a new benchmark for superpixel assessment, available at https://github.com/IMScience-PPGINF-PucMinas/superpixel-benchmark .

INKORPORASI MIKROEMULSI EKSTRAK ETANOL AKAR KELAKAI (Stenochlaena Palustris (Burn. F) Bedd.) PADA FORMULASI TONER WAJAH DENGAN VARIASI KONSENTRASI GLISERIN

The face is one part of the human body that needs to be kept healthy and clean. Efforts can be made to maintain facial cleanliness by using facial toner. The extract of kelakai root has activity as an antioxidant. Incorporation of kelakai root extract microemulsion in the toner formulation will increase the cleaning ability and optimal absorption of active substances. This research aims to obtain an optimum face toner formula. The kelakai roots were macerated with 70% ethanol solvent. The kelakai microemulsion consisted of Tween 80 35% w/v and PEG 400 15% w/v. Incorporation of 2% w/v microemulsion into the toner formula with varying glycerin concentrations of 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% w/v. Evaluation through stability tests with organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, clarity, and density. Organoleptic, homogeneity, and clarity before and after the stability test provide a liquid form, odorless, clear, and homogeneous color. In the pH test, the pH value of the preparation was stable in the pH range of 4.5-6.5. The viscosity of toner preparations is in a range of 1-24.5 cPs. The density stability with a range of 1.003-1.015 gr/mL. The optimum formula, namely F2 with 3% glycerin, provides good toner stability based on physical quality tests.

USE OF KECOMBRANG FLOWER EXTRACT (ETLINGERA ELATIOR) AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DETERGEN SURFACTANT TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL PLANTS OF NORTH SUMATRA

Detergent is a chemical compound used to wash clothes. Unfortunately, detergents contain the dangerous substance LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate). Detergent waste containing LAS can pollute rivers, thereby hampering Sustainable Development Goal number 6, namely clean water and sanitation, even though many Indonesians still use river water as a source of clean water. Therefore, an environmentally friendly substitute for LAS is needed, such as the saponin contained in the kecombrang plant, which is a local plant from North Sumatra. Saponin is a nonionic surfactant and has the potential to be used as a cleaning agent. From the formulation of the problem, the objectives of this research are: 1) to find out liquid detergent formulations that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with SNI 06-4075-1996 by minimizing the use of LAS and replacing it with kecombrang flower extract from North Sumatra; 2) prove the potential for the saponin content in kecombrang flowers from North Sumatra to be an ingredient in making liquid detergent that can replace LAS. The research uses quantitative analysis chemical methods, namely carrying out formulations in making detergent products. There are four detergent formulations with varying ratios of kecombrang flower extract and LAS of 1:1 (formula 1), 2:1 (formula 2), 3:0 (formula 3), and 0:3 (control formula). Research stages: 1) extraction of kecombrang flowers; 2) making detergent; 3) testing saponins in combrang extract; 4) detergent quality testing. The research results show that formula 1 is recommended as the best formula because it has a pH value of 11.7; specific gravity 0.99 g/ml; as well as organoleptic test results (homogeneous shape, color and distinctive odor) which are in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standardization). Combrang extract has also been proven to contain saponin which forms foam, thereby increasing the detergency power of detergent.

USE OF KECOMBRANG FLOWER EXTRACT (ETLINGERA ELATIOR) AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR DETERGEN SURFACTANT TO MAXIMIZE THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL PLANTS OF NORTH SUMATRA

Detergent is a chemical compound used to wash clothes. Unfortunately, detergents contain the dangerous substance LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate). Detergent waste containing LAS can pollute rivers, thereby hampering Sustainable Development Goal number 6, namely clean water and sanitation, even though many Indonesians still use river water as a source of clean water. Therefore, an environmentally friendly substitute for LAS is needed, such as the saponin contained in the kecombrang plant, which is a local plant from North Sumatra. Saponin is a nonionic surfactant and has the potential to be used as a cleaning agent. From the formulation of the problem, the objectives of this research are: 1) to find out liquid detergent formulations that are environmentally friendly and in accordance with SNI 06-4075-1996 by minimizing the use of LAS and replacing it with kecombrang flower extract from North Sumatra; 2) prove the potential for the saponin content in kecombrang flowers from North Sumatra to be an ingredient in making liquid detergent that can replace LAS. The research uses quantitative analysis chemical methods, namely carrying out formulations in making detergent products. There are four detergent formulations with varying ratios of kecombrang flower extract and LAS of 1:1 (formula 1), 2:1 (formula 2), 3:0 (formula 3), and 0:3 (control formula). Research stages: 1) extraction of kecombrang flowers; 2) making detergent; 3) testing saponins in combrang extract; 4) detergent quality testing. The research results show that formula 1 is recommended as the best formula because it has a pH value of 11.7; specific gravity 0.99 g/ml; as well as organoleptic test results (homogeneous shape, color and distinctive odor) which are in accordance with SNI (Indonesian National Standardization). Combrang extract has also been proven to contain saponin which forms foam, thereby increasing the detergency power of detergent.

The 50 Mpc Galaxy Catalog (50 MGC): Consistent and Homogeneous Masses, Distances, Colors, and Morphologies

We assemble a catalog of 15424 nearby galaxies within 50 Mpc with consistent and homogenized mass, distance, and morphological type measurements. Our catalog combines galaxies from HyperLeda, the NASA-Sloan Atlas, and the Catalog of Local Volume Galaxies. Distances for the galaxies combine best-estimates for flow-corrected redshift-based distances with redshift-independent distances. We also compile magnitude and color information for 11740 galaxies. We use the galaxy colors to estimate masses by creating self-consistent color—mass-to-light ratio relations in four bands; we also provide color transformations of all colors into Sloan g–i by using galaxies with overlapping color information. We compile morphology information for 13744 galaxies, and use the galaxy color information to separate early- and late-type galaxies. This catalog is widely applicable for studies of nearby galaxies and for placing these studies in the context of more distant galaxies. We present one application here: a preliminary analysis of the nuclear X-ray activity of galaxies. Out of 1506 galaxies within the sample that have available Chandra X-ray observations, we find that 291 have detected nuclear sources. Of the 291 existing Chandra detections, 249 have log(L X) > 38.3 and available stellar mass estimates. We find that the X-ray active fractions in early-type galaxies are higher than in late-type galaxies, especially for galaxy stellar masses between 109 and 1010.5 M ⊙. We show that these differences may be due at least in part to the increased astrometric uncertainties in late-type galaxies relative to early types.

Perancangan Alat Pengering Pada Proses Produksi Kapsul Daun Kelor bagi Kelompok Tani Desa Guntung Manggis

Guntung Manggis Village is one of the sub-districts located in Landasan Ulin District, Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan Province. Some of the problems in the Guntung Mangosteen subdistrict that were obtained based on the survey results were that the drying process for making moringa leaf capsules was quite time consuming because they could not be dried directly in the sun. And the hygienic and clean drying process for Moringa leaves meets health standards. The method for solving this problem is to design and manufacture a hygienic Moringa leaf dryer. To perfect the manufacture of a Moringa leaf dryer, it is necessary to carry out a simulation first. The simulation results show that a dryer that uses 15 Watt lamp power has a better heating process because the entire heating area is a homogeneous blue color so that the drying process will take place evenly. This drying process is the best where there is no excess temperature at the base of the tool so it does not require a blower to remove heat. The dryer is more efficient because the lamp power is small and does not require a blower to homogenize the temperature of the dryer.

Colorimetric similarity evaluation methodology for heterogeneous rock surfaces using digital imaging

Constituent rocks of Cultural Heritage monuments and buildings are of mixed mineral compositions. For materials with homogeneous color properties, colorimetric evaluation is a well-established task. The colorimetric similarity of heterogeneous surfaces is difficult to measure due to the uneven distribution of minerals with different colors. The present work proposes a methodology for color difference calculation, exemplified on granite samples. The methodology proposed includes a technique to divide the rock images into color profiles using multivariate analysis and clustering. The differences between rock samples are evaluated (i) in average color profile distances, (ii) in the tone difference, and (iii) in the color profile distribution on the surface. The method proposed is appropriate for in-situ measurements using widely available digital imaging.

The Effect of Bleaching Agents on Color Change in Different Section Shapes in Beech And Fir Woods

Aim of study: It is an investigation of the effects of bleaching processes on the color change in the wood of tree species. Tree species Eastern Beech (Fagus Orientalis Lipsky.) and Eastern Black Sea Fir (Abies Nordmanniana subsp.) were used in the study. Sodium hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide, oxalic acid, peracetic acid diluted 1/3, peracetic acid diluted 1/6 were used as bleaching agents. Trial samples were prepared in accordance with standards and color change measurements were made.&#x0D; Area of study: Surface treatments on wooden materials&#x0D; Material and methods: In the study, two wood species and one varnish type were used; Color changes were tested by applying various bleaches to the wooden material by rubbing method.&#x0D; Main results: As a result of the study, differences were observed in all cross-section shapes in beech wood bleaching measurements with 1/6 diluted peracetic acid, and differences were observed in cross-section shapes in fir wood bleaching measurements. The best bleaching of fir wood was achieved with peracetic acid.&#x0D; Main results: As a result of the study, differences were observed in all cross-section shapes in the beech wood bleaching measurements with 1/6 diluted peracetic acid, and in the cross-section shapes in the fir tree bleaching measurements. The best bleaching of fir wood was achieved with peracetic acid.&#x0D; Highlights: The bleaching process allows the wooden material to easily acquire a homogeneous color. Since the cell arrangements are different in different cross-sectional shapes, the bleaching rates are different from each other. While there is not much difference in the color changes in the wood material when bleached with oxalic acid, the samples are bleached as a result of bleaching with sodium hydroxide-hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid. Significant changes have occurred in color changes. The reason for this difference is due to the different degrees of corrosion of bleaching agents.

End-user preferences to enhance prospects for varietal acceptance and adoption in potato breeding in Uganda.

Potato varieties have diverse biophysical characteristics, so it is important for breeders to have the capacity to choose those that meet the preferences of end users, such as mealiness, firmness, and taste, among others. Combining user preferences with descriptive information regarding the sensory characteristics of boiled potatoes can contribute to the improvement of consumer-driven varieties. This study aimed to factor in the preferences of end users to improve the prospects for varietal acceptance, adoption, and discrimination among genotypes in potato breeding. The priority quality traits (traits that play the most significant roles in acceptance and adoption) of the boiled potatoes were determined by evaluating gender and livelihood using the G+ tool. The G+ tool is designed to assess gender impact on roots, tubers and bananas (RTB) traits by serving as a validation check to reflect on important gender-based issues in agricultural food systems in order to reduce harm and promote positive impact. Potato genotypes were differentiated by penetration (textural parameters as measured by standard texture probe)and the procedure was repeatable, as there was no significant difference between the cooking replicates at 40 min of cooking. Instrument-based texture parameters, such as penetration peak force (hardness/firmness) and area (area under the curve, whichrepresents energy needed to penetrate) of boiled potato tubers were significantly associated with sensory attributes such as fracturability and hardness in the mouth. An attempt to differentiate genotypes using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) revealed that the average results observed for the calibration for yellow color (r2 = 0.70), homogeneity of color (r2 = 0.48), moisture in mass (r2 = 0.40), and uniformity of texture (r2 = 0.56) suggested that these parameters could be used for initial breeding screening purposes. The preferred traits of the boiled potato can be integrated into the potato-breeding program/product profile. Near-infrared spectroscopy shows strong potential to predict potato color and the ability of NIRS models to predict some texture attributes is also promising. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of the Mixing of Hibiscus Flower (Hibiscus rose sinensis) Extract as a Lip Balm Color with Variations in Concentration

Hibiscus rosa sinensis L. is widely used by the community to decorate the garden because of its splendor. In addition, Hibiscus flowers containing anthocyanin and flavonoids have antioxidants, which function as antioxidants against free radicals. This natural dye can be obtained by extracting Hibiscus flowers through maceration using 96% ethanol. In this research, Hibiscus flowers were obtained from Sendang Rejo Village, Lamongan Regency. In the extract process, the Hibiscus flower’s petals were blended until smooth, then added to 96% ethanol (1 liter) and stirred for 30 minutes. Filtrate results were taken, placed in a porcelain dish, and put in an oven at 60 °C for a day. Four formulas were made with varying levels of Hibiscus flower extract: F1 (0%), F2 (2%), F3 (4%), and F4 (6%). Physical evaluation included organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersibility, pH, and qualitative tests for the identification of anthocyanins. The results of the organoleptic, homogeneity, dispersion, pH, and identification of anthocyanins evaluations were then analyzed descriptively. The data from the organoleptic test indicated that F1 had an odorless white color, while F2, F3, and F4 had a red and white color with a distinctive Hibiscus flower aroma. The homogeneity test revealed that while F1 had good homogeneity, F2, F3, and F4 were not homogeneous (heterogeneous). The spreadability test on the four formulas did not fall within the range of requirements, namely 5-7 cm, with an average value of 3.53, but this was related to several significant reasons. In addition, the pH test results matched the requirements for topical preparations, namely 4.5–6.5, with an average value of 5.075. In conclusion, Hibiscus flower extract obtained through the maceration method with 96% ethanol could not give a homogeneous red color from the anthocyanin substance. Physical evaluation and anthocyanin identification tests also obtained good results.

Naturalized Dyes: A New Opportunity for the Wood Coloring.

Naturalized dyes (NDs) are innovative and eco-friendly synthetic compounds in which a chromophore is covalently linked to a natural sugar (e.g., lactose). The sugar moiety confers water-solubility and biocompatibility to the dye molecule as a whole. NDs have demonstrated potential application in dyeing textiles and leather. The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that selected NDs can be also applied to dye wood. To that aim, two NDs were tested to color beech and poplar wood. The NDs were applied as a simple aqueous solution or mixed with a waterborne, biogenic staining agent (commercially available Gemma U50). Moreover, the effect of the application of a biogenic waterborne top coat (commercially available Resina Plus U49) was also studied. Different methods were tested to investigate the potential application of these NDs to wood. The dyeing behavior was analyzed in terms of penetration into the substrate, covering capacity and color homogeneity through macro- and microscopic observations and colorimetric measurements. The color fastness to water washout and the color stability to light, in particular by exposing the wooden samples to artificial aging (UV radiations in a Solar Box), were also investigated. The NDs, when used as water solutions, were able to afford a homogeneous coating and a pleasant appearance on the wood surface, as well as a good color fastness to washout with water. Dissolving the dyes in the stain or applying the top coat generally resulted in even better color fastness to washout. However, all the application methods tested showed limited resistance to fading in the Solar Box, which therefore remains a drawback for this type of product.

Examining the impact of cement on porosity evolution in the upper triassic Kurra Chine Formation of Sirwan valley, Kurdistan region, Iraq: A study integrating cathodoluminescence and scanning electron microscopy

The study of carbonate petrography is essential for understanding reservoir properties and the quality of rock formations. High-resolution cathodoluminescence spectroscopy and optical microscopy were used to determine the impact of cement on the porosity evolution of carbonate rocks of the Kurra Chine Formation at Sirwan Valley, Northern Iraq. This study represents the first-ever attempt to investigate sedimentology at this location. A total, of 183 thin-section slides, 18 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) samples, 14 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) samples, and 6 Cathodoluminescence (CL) samples were analyzed from the outcrop section of the Kurra Chine Formation. Four types of dolomite textures are recognized and classified based on the crystal size distribution and crystal-boundary shape. The porosity within Kurra Chine Formation includes primary and secondary porosity, with the majority of primary porosity being occluded by cementation. Cathodoluminescence analysis revealed two phases of calcite cement in the Kurra Chine Formation. The first phase (C1), is characterized by weak-zoned blocky calcite, displaying a dull luminescence with typical homogenous red color, which fills most of the interparticle and moldic pores. The second type of calcite cement (C2) is ghost-zoned calcite exhibiting red to slight orange luminesces interfingering with dolomite cement. XRD analysis indicated a predominant of calcite and common dolomite. SEM analysis revealed the predominance of secondary porosity occurring within fractures of the dolomite.

Measuring Perceptual Color Differences of Smartphone Photographs

Measuring perceptual color differences (CDs) is of great importance in modern smartphone photography. Despite the long history, most CD measures have been constrained by psychophysical data of homogeneous color patches or a limited number of simplistic natural photographic images. It is thus questionable whether existing CD measures generalize in the age of smartphone photography characterized by greater content complexities and learning-based image signal processors. In this paper, we put together so far the largest image dataset for perceptual CD assessment, in which the photographic images are 1) captured by six flagship smartphones, 2) altered by Photoshop®, 3) post-processed by built-in filters of the smartphones, and 4) reproduced with incorrect color profiles. We then conduct a large-scale psychophysical experiment to gather perceptual CDs of 30,000 image pairs in a carefully controlled laboratory environment. Based on the newly established dataset, we make one of the first attempts to construct an end-to-end learnable CD formula based on a lightweight neural network, as a generalization of several previous metrics. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the optimized formula outperforms 33 existing CD measures by a large margin, offers reasonable local CD maps without the use of dense supervision, generalizes well to homogeneous color patch data, and empirically behaves as a proper metric in the mathematical sense. Our dataset and code are publicly available at https://github.com/hellooks/CDNet.