Color Modification Research Articles

Gamma Ray Irradiation Induced Changes in Polycarbonate/Zinc Sulfide-Cerium Oxide Nanocomposite Films. Optical and Color Modifications

Nanocomposites (NC) of amorphous polycarbonate (PC) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) and cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NP) were synthesized. The synthesized CeO2 and ZnS had a nanonature of average particle size 22 and 18 nm, respectively. Samples of the PC/ZnS-CeO2 NC films were irradiated with several γ doses (10-120 kGy). The resultant outcome of the γ ray irradiation on the optical behavior of the NC films was studied using UV-vis spectroscopy. Upon raising the dose up to 120 kGy, the direct bandgap decreased from 5.23 to 4.51 eV. The Urbach energy showed an opposite tendency; it increased from 0.38 to 0.92 eV. This can be attributed to the dominance of chain crosslinks. Also, the optical dielectric loss (ε”) aided in detecting the nature of the microelectronic transitions. It was found that the PC/ZnS-CeO2 NC films had direct allowed transitions. Additionally, the γ ray induced alterations in the light absorbance, extinction coefficient, refractive index and optical conductivity of the PC/ZnS-CeO2 NC films were studied. Moreover, the optical color changes between the pristine and the irradiated films were determined. The pristine NC film was uncolored. It showed significant color alterations when irradiated with γ ray doses up to 120 kGy.

Optimizing Image Feature Extraction with Convolutional Neural Networks for Chicken Meat Detection Applications

The food industry continuously prioritizes methods and technologies to ensure product quality and safety. Traditional approaches, which rely on conventional algorithms that utilize predefined features, have exhibited limitations in representing the intricate characteristics of food items. Recently, a significant shift has emerged with the introduction of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These networks have emerged as powerful and versatile tools for feature extraction, standing out as a preferred choice in the field of deep learning. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) when applied to the classification of chicken meat products by comparing different image preprocessing approaches. This study was carried out in three phases. In the first phase, the original images were used without applying traditional filters or color modifications, processing them solely with a CNN. In the second phase, color filters were applied to help separate the images based on their chromatic characteristics, while still using a CNN for processing. Finally, in the third phase, additional filters, such as Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG), Local Binary Pattern (LBP), and saliency, were incorporated to extract complementary features from the images, without discontinuing the use of a CNN for processing. Experimental images, sourced from the Pygsa Group databases, underwent preprocessing using these filters before being input into a CNN-based classification architecture. The results show that the developed models outperformed conventional methods, significantly improving the ability to differentiate between chicken meat types, such as yellow wing, white wing, yellow thigh, and white thigh, with the training accuracy reaching 100%. This highlights the potential of CNNs, especially when combined with advanced architectures, for efficient detection and analysis of complex food matrices. In conclusion, these techniques can be applied to food quality control and other detection and analysis domains.

Diversity of VIr’s collection of Lupinus angustifolius L. in the inf lorescence color

Background. The phenotypic structure of Lupinus angustifolius L. is dynamically expanding due to genetic recombinations and mutagenesis. Therefore, the existing concepts of the inflorescence color diversity in narrowleaf lupine need regular updating.Materials and methods. Research materials consisted of 887 narrowleaf lupine accessions from the VIR collection. Their morphological descriptions were made in 2009–2023 during field trials under the conditions of Moscow Province, Russia. Longterm observations made it possible to evaluate probable color modifications in inflorescences under varying weather conditions.Results. The lupine gene pool was divided into 15 biotypes differing in the anthocyanin pigmentation of separate inflorescence parts, such as the vexillum, wings, and keel, as well as the inflorescence axis. Individual color features of cotyledons, leaves, stem, and seeds also characterized the biotypes. Phenotypic characteristics of lupine biotypes were compared with diagnostic traits of intraspecific taxa and known genes for flower color.Conclusion. Three new varieties and six new subvarieties were marked out for narrowleaf lupine. Probable carriers of genes responsible for the flower’s basic color: roseus (fco 1), violaceus (fco 3), albus (fco 4), and leucospermus (fco 21, fco 22), and its modifications: Supercoeruleus, dispersus, discolor, and albiflorus, were identified. Descriptions of some biotypes failed to agree with the data on any known gene’s phenotypic expression, which attested to the presence of new mutations, recombinations, or unstudied gene associations.

Palette‐based colour normalization for histopathology images

AbstractWith the emergence of computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) systems, the speed of histopathological image analysis and the accuracy of cancer detection have considerably improved. However, the appearance of histopathological slides can vary depending on the consistency of tissue thickness, stain concentrations, and equipment, thus affecting the judgment of CAD systems. This study proposes a palette‐based colour normalization method for histopathology images is proposed to solve the problem of colour differences between histopathology images. The method builds a graphical user interface based on an improved palette generation algorithm and colour transfer definitions, through which the user can complete the corresponding colour modification to achieve colour normalization. The evaluation of the metrics on histopathological images shows that our method is able to achieve higher image quality and better preservation of structural information of the source image compared with four other colour normalization algorithms. The peak signal‐to‐noise ratio values obtained by the proposed method on two publicly available datasets were 24.1914 and 21.3666, and the structural similarity index matrix values were 0.9871 and 0.9760. The proposed method provides new ideas for the development and design of CAD systems.

Morphological and genetic characterization of mutants of Gladiolus cultivar prince of orange for two successive vegetative generations

Gladiolus mutants developed using gamma irradiations and EMS treatments were characterized using morphological, genetic and Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) based Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) for designing future breeding strategies. As many as 7 mutants based on phenotypic variations such as colour and shape modifications were subjected to molecular characterization using 11 ISSR primers that confirmed variations. ISSR markers showed 13.88 to 36.00 percent polymorphism among the mutants was recorded, signifying variability among different mutants. UPGMA (unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) based analysis of cluster separated gladiolus variety prince of orange mutants into four clusters. ISSR markers were subjected for comparative analysis like effective multiplex ratio, marker index, polymorphic information content and resolving power wherein, highest EMR (3.24), MI (1.32) were found for UBC 810, Rp (4.37) values were found for UBC 827, and maximum PIC value (0.46) for ISSR 22218 UBC 812. The results clearly indicated the reproducibility of ISSRs and their ability to detect variability among the mutants. A significant level of genetic variation was depicted by ANOVA which suggested the usefulness of studies in gladiolus breeding and unique bands obtained could be utilized for mutant/ varietal identification.

The Genome-Wide Identification of the Dihydroflavonol 4-Reductase (DFR) Gene Family and Its Expression Analysis in Different Fruit Coloring Stages of Strawberry.

Dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) significantly influences the modification of flower color. To explore the role of DFR in the synthesis of strawberry anthocyanins, in this study, we downloaded the CDS sequences of the DFR gene family from the Arabidopsis genome database TAIR; the DFR family of forest strawberry was compared; then, a functional domain screen was performed using NCBI; the selected strawberry DFR genes were analyzed; and the expression characteristics of the family members were studied by qRT-PCR. The results showed that there are 57 members of the DFR gene family in strawberry, which are mainly expressed in the cytoplasm and chloroplast; most of them are hydrophilic proteins; and the secondary structure of the protein is mainly composed of α-helices and random coils. The analysis revealed that FvDFR genes mostly contain light, hormone, abiotic stress, and meristem response elements. From the results of the qRT-PCR analysis, the relative expression of each member of the FvDFR gene was significantly different, which was expressed throughout the process of fruit coloring. Most genes had the highest expression levels in the full coloring stage (S4). The expression of FvDFR30, FvDFR54, and FvDFR56 during the S4 period was 8, 2.4, and 2.4 times higher than during the S1 period, indicating that the DFR gene plays a key role in regulating the fruit coloration of strawberry. In the strawberry genome, 57 members of the strawberry DFR gene family were identified. The higher the DFR gene expression, the higher the anthocyanin content, and the DFR gene may be the key gene in anthocyanin synthesis. Collectively, the DFR gene is closely related to fruit coloring, which lays a foundation for further exploring the function of the DFR gene family.

The Effect of Cigarettes Smoke on the Color and Properties of a Silicone for Maxillofacial Prostheses.

Although deterioration of silicone maxillofacial prostheses is severely accentuated in smoking patients, the phenomenon has not been systematically studied. To address a gap in the literature concerning the stability of maxillofacial prostheses during service, in this contribution, the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and physical properties of M511 silicone elastomer was evaluated. The aspect, surface, and overall properties of the silicone material, pigmented or not, were followed by AFM, color measurements, FTIR, water contact angle measurements, TGA-DTG and DSC, hardness and compression stress-strain measurements. The types of the contaminants adsorbed were assessed by XRF, ESI-MS, MALDI-MS, and NMR spectral analyses. Important modifications in color, contact angle, surface roughness, local mechanical properties, and thermal properties were found in the silicone material for maxillofacial prostheses after exposure to cigarettes smoke. The presence of lead, nicotine, and several other organic compounds adsorbed into the silicone material was emphasized. Slight decrease in hardness and increase in Young's modulus was found. The combined data show important impact of cigarette smoke on the silicone physical properties and could indicate chemical transformations by secondary cross-linking. To our knowledge, this is the first study making use of complementary physical methods to assess the effect of cigarette smoke on the aspect and integrity of silicone materials for maxillofacial prostheses.

Enhancing Insight into Photochemical Weathering of Flax and Miscanthus: Exploring Diverse Chemical Compositions and Composite Materials.

The accelerated weathering of flax and miscanthus fibers possessing distinct chemical compositions was investigated. The chosen fibers included raw, extractive-free (EF) and delignified samples (x3), alone and used as fillers in a stabilized polypropylene blue matrix (PP). Modifications in both color and the chemical composition of the fibers throughout the weathering process under ultraviolet (UV) light were meticulously tracked and analyzed by spectrophotometry and attenuated total reflectance with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The inherent nature and composition of the selected fibers led to varied color-change tendencies. Raw and EF flax fibers exhibited lightening effects, while raw and EF miscanthus fibers demonstrated darkening effects. Extractives exhibited negligible influence on the color alteration of both flax and miscanthus fibers. This disparity between the fibers correlates with their respective lignin content and type, and the significant formation of carbonyl (C=O) groups in miscanthus. Better stability was noted for delignified flax fibers. A comparative study was achieved by weathering the PP matrix containing these various fibers. Contrary to the weathering observations on individual fibers, it was noted that composites containing raw and EF flax fibers exhibited significant color degradation. The other fiber-containing formulations showed enhanced color stability when compared to the pure PP matrix. The study highlights that the UV stability of composites depends on their thermal history. As confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fiber degradation during extrusion may affect UV stability, a factor that is not apparent when fibers alone are subjected to UV aging.

Color Modifications of a Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer under the Effect of Cigarette Smoke.

Although it is known (from the observations of medical professionals) that cigarette smoke negatively affects maxillofacial prostheses, especially through staining/discoloration, systematic research in this regard is limited. Herein, the color modifications of M511 maxillofacial silicone, unpigmented and pigmented with red or skin tone pigments, covered with mattifiers, or with makeup and mattifiers, and directly exposed to cigarette smoke, were investigated by spectrophotometric measurements in the CIELab and RGB color systems. The changes in color parameters are comparatively discussed, showing that the base silicone material without pigmentation and coating undergoes the most significant modifications. Visible and clinically unacceptable changes occurred after direct exposure to only 20 cigarettes. By coating and application of makeup, the material is more resistant to color changes, which suggests that surface treatments provide increased protection to adsorption of the smoke components. The dynamic water vapor sorption (DVS) measurements indicate a decrease of the sorption capacity in pigmented versus unpigmented elastomers, in line with the changes in color parameters.

Integrated Analyses of Metabolome and RNA-seq Data Revealing Flower Color Variation in Ornamental Rhododendron simsii Planchon.

Rhododendron simsii Planchon is an important ornamental species in the northern hemisphere. Flower color is an important objective of Rhododendron breeding programs. However, information on anthocyanin synthesis in R. simsii is limited. In this research, the regulatory mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in R. simsii was performed through the integrated analysis of metabolome and RNA-seq. A total of 805 and 513 metabolites were screened by positive and negative ionization modes, respectively, In total, 79 flavonoids contained seven anthocyanidins, 42 flavanones, 10 flavans, 13 flavones, and seven flavonols. Methylated and glycosylated derivatives took up the most. Differentially accumulated metabolites were mainly involved in "flavone and flavonol biosynthesis", "cyanoamino acid metabolism", "pyrimidine metabolism", and "phenylalanine metabolism" pathways. For flavonoid biosynthesis, different expression of shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase, caffeoyl-CoA O-methyltransferase, flavonoid 3'-monooxygenase, flavonol synthase, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase/flavanone 4-reductase, F3'5'H, chalcone synthase, leucoanthocyanidin reductase, and 5-O-(4-coumaroyl)-D-quinate 3'-monooxygenase genes ultimately led to different accumulations of quercetin, myricetin, cyanidin, and eriodictyol. In flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathway, differential expression of F3'5'H, flavonoid 3'-monooxygenase and flavonol-3-O-glucoside/galactoside glucosyltransferase genes led to the differential accumulation of quercetin, isovitexin, and laricitrin. This research will provide a biochemical basis for further modification of flower color and genetic breeding in R. simsii and related Rhododendron species.

RGB Color Model: Effect of Color Change on a User in a VR Art Gallery Using Polygraph.

This paper presents computer and color vision research focusing on human color perception in VR environments. A VR art gallery with digital twins of original artworks is created for this experiment. In this research, the field of colorimetry and the application of the L*a*b* and RGB color models are applied. The inter-relationships of the two color models are applied to create a color modification of the VR art gallery environment using C# Script procedures. This color-edited VR environment works with a smooth change in color tone in a given time interval. At the same time, a sudden change in the color of the RGB environment is defined in this interval. This experiment aims to record a user's reaction embedded in a VR environment and the effect of color changes on human perception in a VR environment. This research uses lie detector sensors that record the physiological changes of the user embedded in VR. Five sensors are used to record the signal. An experiment on the influence of the user's color perception in a VR environment using lie detector sensors has never been conducted. This research defines the basic methodology for analyzing and evaluating the recorded signals from the lie detector. The presented text thus provides a basis for further research in the field of colors and human color vision in a VR environment and lays an objective basis for use in many scientific and commercial areas.

3D-Layers: Bringing Layer-Based Color Editing to VR Painting

The ability to represent artworks as stacks of layers is fundamental to modern graphics design, as it allows artists to easily separate visual elements, edit them in isolation, and blend them to achieve rich visual effects. Despite their ubiquity in 2D painting software, layers have not yet made their way to VR painting, where users paint strokes directly in 3D space by gesturing a 6-degrees-of-freedom controller. But while the concept of a stack of 2D layers was inspired by real-world layers in cell animation, what should 3D layers be? We propose to define 3D-Layers as groups of 3D strokes, and we distinguish the ones that represent 3D geometry from the ones that represent color modifications of the geometry. We call the former substrate layers and the latter appearance layers. Strokes in appearance layers modify the color of the substrate strokes they intersect. Thanks to this distinction, artists can define sequences of color modifications as stacks of appearance layers, and edit each layer independently to finely control the final color of the substrate. We have integrated 3D-Layers into a VR painting application and we evaluate its flexibility and expressiveness by conducting a usability study with experienced VR artists.

Microbial Decontamination of Cuminum cyminum Seeds Using "Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum": Effect on Color Parameters and Essential Oil Profile.

Cumin seeds are frequently utilized in herbal infusions and as flavoring agents in home cuisine. Nevertheless, studies have demonstrated that spices are frequently contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, including bacterial spores. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a new decontamination method called "Intensification of Vaporization by Decompression to the Vacuum" (IVDV) on intentionally contaminated Cuminum cyminum seeds. The study also examined the impact of this treatment on the color and oil profile of the treated samples. The untreated samples were inoculated with Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Salmonella Typhimurium (ATCC 14028) and then subjected to IVDV treatment. Response surface methodology was employed to obtain safe, high-quality cumin seeds presenting a balance between microbial load, color, and oil profile. The optimal IVDV conditions were achieved at a pressure of 3.5 bar and a time of 133.45 s, resulting in typical 4 log reductions observed with 99.99% of Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium inactivation. The treated spices presented a mild color modification compared to the untreated ones, manifested by a darker shade (decreased L* value), reduced greenness (increased a* value), and heightened yellowness (increased b* value). The GC-MS analysis detected the existence of seven compounds in the treated cumin, with cuminaldehyde being the primary compound (83.79%). Furthermore, the use of IVDV treatment resulted in an increase in the total content of essential oils in some samples, whereby six monoterpenes were identified in the untreated sample compared to seven monoterpenes in IVDV-treated samples. This innovative technology demonstrated high efficacy in decontaminating C. cyminum seeds, improving the extractability of the essential oils while only slightly affecting the color.

Quercus robur wood veneer with pronounced natural color uniformity and stability by regulating the content of phenolic extractives

Wood is recognized as a promising raw material for house furnishings due to its good mechanical properties, relatively low density and weight and biodegradability. However, the natural color difference of wood veneer always induces value degradation. Therefore, accurate color regulation plays a pivotal role in producing high-value wood-based composites. In this study, a Quercus robur wood exhibiting a pronounced color variation was treated by an alkaline hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) homogenization process to regulate the content of phenolic extractives, and ferric chloride (FeCl3)-induced color modification to optimize the color. In order to minimize the chromatic disparity of the veneer, it simultaneously restores its initial hue and thus enhances its value. The color difference values of natural untreated Quercus robur veneer and homogenized toned veneer were assessed by using color testing based on the CIEL*a*b* 1976 system. The results demonstrated that the levels of lignin, hemicelluloses, and extractives in the toned veneers subjected to homogenization pretreatment exhibited varying degrees of reduction, along with a decrease in their affinity for iron ions. By assessing the colorfastness of homogenized, toned veneer through testing, the water and light resistance of the homogenized pretreated veneer is significantly superior to that of Quercus robur treated exclusively with iron salts. A higher level of color uniformity in the homogenized pretreated toned veneers, with the toned veneers treated with 0.16 mol/L iron salt exhibiting the closest resemblance to natural Quercus robur wood. This study not only reveals a novel methodology for chemically modifying the hue of wooden surfaces to achieve natural color uniformity but also presents a sustainable and facile approach to promote the high value-added utilization of wood.

Evaluation of nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory properties of low-sodium and phosphate-free mortadellas produced with bamboo fiber, pea protein, and mushroom powder

This study examined the effects of replacing alkaline phosphate (AP) with bamboo fiber (BF), isolated pea protein (PP), and mushroom powder (MP) on the nutritional, technological, oxidative, and sensory characteristics of low-sodium mortadellas. Results indicated that this reformulation maintained the nutritional quality of the products. Natural substitutes were more effective than AP in reducing water and fat exudation. This led to decreased texture profile analysis (TPA) values such as hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness. The reformulation reduced the L* values and increased the b* values, leading to color modifications rated from noticeable to appreciable according to the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) index. Despite minor changes in oxidative stability indicated by increased values in TBARS (from 0.19 to 0.33 mg MDA/kg), carbonyls (from 2.1 to 4.4 nmol carbonyl/mg protein), and the volatile compound profile, the sensory profile revealed a beneficial increase in salty taste, especially due to the inclusion of MP, which was enhanced by the synergy with BF and PP. In summary, the results confirmed the potential of natural alternatives to replace chemical additives in meat products. Incorporating natural antioxidants into future formulations could address the minor oxidation issues observed and enhance the applicability of this reformulation strategy.

Flower color modification in Torenia fournieri by genetic engineering of betacyanin pigments

BackgroundBetalains are reddish and yellow pigments that accumulate in a few plant species of the order Caryophyllales. These pigments have antioxidant and medicinal properties and can be used as functional foods. They also enhance resistance to stress or disease in crops. Several plant species belonging to other orders have been genetically engineered to express betalain pigments. Betalains can also be used for flower color modification in ornamental plants, as they confer vivid colors, like red and yellow. To date, betalain engineering to modify the color of Torenia fournieri—or wishbone flower—a popular ornamental plant, has not been attempted.ResultsWe report the production of purple-reddish-flowered torenia plants from the purple torenia cultivar “Crown Violet.” Three betalain-biosynthetic genes encoding CYP76AD1, dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) 4,5-dioxygenase (DOD), and cyclo-DOPA 5-O-glucosyltransferase (5GT) were constitutively ectopically expressed under the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, and their expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. The color traits, measured by spectrophotometric colorimeter and spectral absorbance of fresh petal extracts, revealed a successful flower color modification from purple to reddish. Red pigmentation was also observed in whole plants. LC-DAD-MS and HPLC analyses confirmed that the additional accumulated pigments were betacyanins—mainly betanin (betanidin 5-O-glucoside) and, to a lesser extent, isobetanin (isobetanidin 5-O-glucoside). The five endogenous anthocyanins in torenia flower petals were also detected.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the possibility of foreign betacyanin accumulation in addition to native pigments in torenia, a popular garden bedding plant. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting engineered expression of betalain pigments in the family Linderniaceae. Genetic engineering of betalains would be valuable in increasing the flower color variation in future breeding programs for torenia.

An O-methyltransferase gene, RrCCoAOMT1, participates in the red flower color formation of Rosa rugosa

Rosa rugosa, a valuable ornamental plant species, has high aromatic, ornamental and medicinal values. Diversification of flower color is one of the main purposes for ornamental horticultural breeding, especially the red phenotype. Understanding the molecular mechanism of red color formation regulated by O-methyltransferase (OMT) during anthocyanin biosynthesis is necessary. In this study, 38 candidate members belonging to the CCoAOMT (11) and COMT (27) subfamilies were systematically identified with average lengths of 227 and 360 amino acids, respectively. Two subfamily members had different chromosome distribution characteristics, exon/intron structures, and conserved motifs, consistent with the phylogenetic analysis result of 257 OMT members from six species. Cis-elements in the promoter region of RrCCoAOMTs were mainly involved in hormone and stress response. RrCCoAOMT1 was mainly expressed in petals, and its expression level was significantly decreased in red flowers with high relative percentage of cyanidin. Moreover, RrCCoAOMT1 was separated from other RrCCoAOMTs based on the multiple sequence alignment analysis. Silent expression of RrCCoAOMT1 caused the formation of red/deep-pink phenotypes on purple- and pink-flowered germplasms with an increase in the ratio of Cy3G5G to Pn3G5G. Overall, RrCCoAOMT1 was involved in the modification of red petal color in R. rugosa via changing the ratio of Cy3G5G to Pn3G5G, and may be transcriptionally regulated by MYB transcription factors. These findings provided a theoretical foundation for further studies on the regulation mechanism of red phenotype formation in R. rugosa, and provided important gene resources for flower color improvement breeding.

Laser-induced color reversal on metal surfaces in acetic acid solution

Laser coloring for decoration and visual attraction has been widely used in daily life. To fulfill the requirements of timely correction or modification of colors, color erasure has also become an important part in marking technology. The thickness of the oxide layer and the concentration of oxygen elements are key factors affecting the quality of color erasing. The conventional method is to erase the color in air, which is difficult to remove the oxide film. Acetic acid, as an environment-friendly solution, which provides a low oxygen environment and can undergo chemical reactions with titanium dioxide under laser heating, is selected as a liquid environment for laser-induced color erasure. Oxygen concentration in the erased area decreases from more than 50% to 10%. The color difference ΔEab* between the erased area and original metal surface is around 1.4, which shows almost no difference to the naked eyes. Furthermore, the color difference ΔEab* between laser re-coloring and laser coloring before the erasure is around 1.5, which means that the re-coloring under the same laser processing parameters after the erasure maintains a high level of consistency with the colors initially drawn. Here we successfully realize the reversal process from laser coloring to laser erasure and laser re-coloring on metal surfaces. This technology has considerable applications in the field of anti-counterfeiting and information storage. Meanwhile, acetic acid assisted laser color erasing as a safe and green method greatly improves the erasure quality and enhances the development of laser color marking technology.

Enhanced durability of thermochromic film using VO2 nanoparticles with hybrid shell

Many progresses have been made for commercial application of adaptive VO2-based thermochromic smart window in the improvement of luminous transmittance (Tlum), phase transition temperature, solar regulation efficiency (ΔTsol), color modification, etc. The main obstacle for reaching this goal is relatively poor environmental durability of VO2. To address this issue, VO2 nanoparticle with hybrid shell (VO2@m-SiOx) was prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of the mixture of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) using ammonia as catalyst in this paper. The optimized VO2@m-SiOx nanoparticle-based thermochromic films exhibited an ultra-high durability. The ΔTsol of thermochromic film in this study kept 44 % (from 19.0 % to 8.39 %) after 30 days in hyperthermal and humid environments, while the corresponding performance of film using uncoated VO2 nanoparticle disappeared completely after 2 days. This work provided a direct and effective way for improvement of stability of VO2 nanoparticle.

Enhancing infrared drying of red dragon fruit by novel and innovative thermoultrasound and microwave-mediated freeze-thaw pretreatments

This study investigated the effectiveness of novel and innovative pretreatments (NIP) using thermoultrasound and microwave-mediated freeze-thaw (TSFT, MWFT) for improving the mid-infrared drying of dragon fruit, as compared with recent pretreatment methods using cold plasma (CP), ultrasound (US), edible coating (EC), microwave and infrared blanching (MWB, IRB). Except for EC, all selected pretreatment methods induced ultrastructural changes, resulting in accelerated moisture removal and reduced drying time. In addition, all the pretreatments also induced modifications in colour, structure, and texture, with NIP demonstrating superior outcomes for colour, rehydration, shrinkage, and hardness properties. Blanching pretreatments (MWB and IRB) improved phytochemical and antioxidant properties, including total phenolics, betacyanin, betaxanthin, CUPRAC, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ABTS, except for ascorbic acid, which was better preserved by TSFT. The study underscores the time-saving and quality enhancement advantage of NIP, over other recent methods for improving mid-infrared drying.