Munsell Color Chart Research Articles

Reconstructing the Sequence of Events Surrounding Body Disposition Based on Color Staining of Bone*

Literature regarding bone color is limited to determining location of primary and secondary dispositions. This research is the first to use bone color to interpret the sequence of events surrounding body disposition. Two scenarios were compared-bones buried and then exposed on the ground surface and bones exposed then buried. Forty juvenile pig humeri with minimal tissue were used in each scenario with an additional 20 controls to determine if decomposing tissue affects bone color. Munsell Color Charts were used to record bone color of surface and 2.5 cm cross-sections. Results reveal five main surface colors attributed to soil, sun, hemolysis, decomposition, and fungi. Fungi on buried bones suggests prior surface exposure. Cross-sections of strictly buried bones are identical to buried then exposed bone, stressing the importance of bone surface analysis. Cross-sectioning may help verify remains have been exposed then buried. Decomposition of excess tissue creates minimal color staining.

Practices of Color Classification

Color categories sit at the intersection of 2 central topics in the study of human cognition: (a) the analysis of vision, and (b) the study of semantic categories, or more generally processes of classification. Using as data videotape of archaeologists filling out a coding sheet that requires them to systematically describe the color of the dirt they have excavated, this article describes the practices required to competently classify color within the work life of their profession. The task of color classification is embedded within a situated activity system, which includes not only several different ways of identifying the same color (each designed for alternative uses), but also cognitive artifacts, such as a Munsell color chart and specific embodied practices. The chart creates a historically constituted architecture for perception, a heterotopia that juxtaposes in a single visual field 2 very different kinds of space. As multiple parties fill out the coding sheet together, the full resources of the o...

A direct comparison of pulsed dye, alexandrite, KTP and Nd:YAG lasers and IPL in patients with previously treated capillary malformations

Several studies have reported laser treatment of Capillary Malformations (CMs) using systems other than pulsed dye lasers (PDL). Few, however, have compared different systems in the same patients. This study aimed to directly compare CM fading using five different systems. Eighteen previously PDL-treated patients were test-patched using the alexandrite, KTP, and Nd:YAG lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) with additional PDL patches as a control. Pre- and post-treatment videomicroscopy, and colour measurements using Munsell colour charts were carried out. Four patients failed to respond to any test patches. The alexandrite laser test patches had the largest mean improvement in Munsell colour following treatment (P = 0.023) and resulted in CM fading in 10 patients, although 4 patients developed hyperpigmentation, and 1 patient scarring, following treatment. In addition, the alexandrite laser caused a significant decrease in mean post-treatment capillary diameter (P = 0.007), which was not mirrored by the other systems. The KTP and Nd:YAG lasers were least effective, with fading seen in two patients for both systems, whilst IPL patches resulted in CM fading in six patients. In addition, five patients had further CM fading using double-passed PDL treatment. Mean pre-treatment capillary diameter measurements were predictive of those patients likely to respond to laser treatment. Alexandrite laser treatment was the most effective, but resulted in hyperpigmentation and scarring in four patients, probably due to its deeper penetration and lower specificity for oxyhaemoglobin causing non-specific dermal damage. Double passing of the PDL can result in further CM fading even in previously treated patients. Videomicroscopy measurements of capillary diameter before treatment may be predictive of the likelihood for patient's to respond to laser treatment.

Quality Evaluation of Mechanically Washed and Polished Turmeric Rhizomes

The quality of turmeric powder depends upon the initial quality of rhizomes and the practices adopted in various post harvest operations. Washing and polishing are two primary processes for quality enhancement. Turmeric rhizomes were mechanically washed in a rotary machine at varied speed and time and evaluated for microbiological washing efficiency and bruising. For optimized parameters such as 2.2 min washing time at 47.2 rpm rotational speed of the machine, the microbiological efficiency was 87.2% with negligible bruising. At optimum polishing (78%) performance parameters of40 rpm rotational speed for 20 min, the color improved from dark yellowish brown to desirable olive yellow color (2.5 YR 6/6, Munsell color chart rating), with increase in the surface smoothness (Coefficient of external friction on G.I sheet reduced from 0.487 to 0.436), and also resulted in improvement in the microbiological quality. Mechanical polishing reduced the surface microtlora by half. The total fungi reduced from 7050 to 3220 cfu/g, bacterial count decreased from 1500to 770 cfu/g and coli-forms reduced from 200 to 110 cfu/g, thus enhancing the final quality of turmeric rhizomes.

Noninvasive In Vivo Assessment of Vessel Characteristics in Capillary Vascular Malformations Exposed to Five Pulsed Dye Laser Treatments

The treatment of capillary vascular malformations by pulsed dye laser results in fading of these disfiguring lesions in the majority of patients. In only a minority, however, is full clearance of the lesion achieved. It is believed that the capillary composition of a capillary vascular malformation is an important determinant of whether it will respond to further laser treatment. Moreover, by determining the type, size, and depth of the ectatic capillaries within a capillary vascular malformation, it may be possible to target these vessels with specific laser parameters. The noninvasive technique of depth measurement videomicroscopy was used to delineate the capillary structure of 22 previously untreated capillary vascular malformations and examine how this structure changes after five treatments with a 0.45-msec pulse duration using a 585-nm pulsed dye laser. After one and five treatments, there was a statistically significant lightening (p < 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively) of the lesions, as seen on Munsell Color Chart testing. Before any laser treatment, the majority (59 percent) of capillary vascular malformations displayed a superficial type 1 or mixed capillary pattern, whereas after five laser treatments, the majority displayed a deep type 2 pattern (81 percent). After five laser treatments, there was a statistically significant increase in the depth of the remaining capillaries within the lesion compared with normal skin (p < 0.02) and a statistically significant reduction in the vessel diameters (p < 0.001). The authors found that vessels with a diameter greater than 50 mum were adequately treated, whereas those smaller than 50 microm appeared resistant to laser treatment. These data would suggest that pulse durations longer than 0.45 msec are not required to treat large ectatic capillary vascular malformation vessels. The authors suggest that the failure to treat very-small-diameter vessels is attributable to thermal dissipation from the target vessels, whose thermal relaxation time is much shorter than the pulse duration of the laser used.

Cor do solo: uma abordagem da forma convencional de obtenção em oposição à automatização do método para fins de classificação de solos

A cor é amplamente reconhecida como uma medida primária identificadora de solos. Propriedades físicas, químicas e mineralógicas de solos podem ser derivadas de sua cor. O enquadramento de algumas classes de solos, já no segundo nível categórico do atual Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de solos, requer que a cor da amostra do horizonte diagnóstico seja determinada por comparação com os padrões existentes na escala de Munsell. Este processo de classificação é extremamente subjetivo e consome tempo, limitando a exatidão, a transferência e a utilização do procedimento. O principal objetivo deste trabalho foi obter a cor do solo com o método convencional e com um colorímetro, a fim de avaliar as possíveis implicações na classificação de solos. Cinco pedólogos foram convidados a classificar o matiz de 80 amostras de solo pela comparação com a carta de Munsell. Em seguida, o matiz das amostras foi obtido com um colorímetro, também na notação de Munsell. Pelas análises estatísticas foram avaliados: coeficientes de correlação, índice de precisão (IP), forma de agrupamento e tendências médias entre as determinações de matiz. Coeficientes de correlação variando de 0,68 a 0,94 entre as determinações de cor demonstraram que os pedólogos produziram dados que validaram o estudo. No entanto, houve confirmação de que as medidas realizadas por pedólogos não coincidiram, sendo diferentes também das determinações feitas pelo colorímetro. Índices de Precisão (IP) indicaram haver concordância em apenas 8,75 % das determinações em amostras úmidas e 17,5 % nas amostras secas. Ocorreram divergências na determinação do matiz das amostras que resultariam em erros na classificação dos solos. A avaliação das tendências médias indicou que os pesquisadores superestimaram as determinações de cor realizadas pelo colorímetro, resultando em alterações na classificação de solos.

The relationship between location, color, and vessel structure within capillary vascular malformations.

The treatment of capillary vascular malformations by laser is well established. Despite this, only a minority of patients obtain full clearance of their lesion after treatment. Both anatomic location and color have been proposed as prognostic factors determining the amount of improvement seen after laser treatment. This study uses the technique of depth measuring video microscopy to examine the hypothesis that smaller and more deeply placed capillaries may be responsible for the poorer response seen in certain anatomic locations. Fifty sites on 44 previously untreated patients were examined resting in a temperature-controlled room at 28 degrees C. No statistically significant correlation was found between color, based on a Munsell color chart recording and capillary depth or diameter. Also, no correlation was found between diameter, depth, or type of capillary ectasia and anatomic site. The authors believe that other factors, such as alteration in blood flow between different anatomic regions, and not vessel morphology alone, may be responsible for this variation in response.

Quantificação de óxidos de ferro de Latossolos brasileiros por espectroscopia de refletância difusa

A cor é um dos principais atributos considerados na classificação dos solos, indicando a riqueza em matéria orgânica e a natureza mineralógica dos óxidos de ferro presentes. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a capacidade preditiva da cor do solo, determinada pela técnica de refletância difusa, na quantificação dos óxidos de Fe hematita e goethita em diferentes Latossolos brasileiros. Os espectros de refletância separaram os solos mais claros e amarelados dos mais escuros e de coloração vermelha mais intensa, indicando o aumento da refletividade decorrente da redução dos teores dos pigmentos hematita e matéria orgânica. A técnica espectroscópica permitiu a obtenção de valores de matizes mais precisos, com vantagem sobre a Caderneta de Munsell, que fornece dados a intervalos de 2,5 YR. A presença de hematita e goethita nas amostras foi facilmente identificada pela utilização da segunda derivada da função Kubelka-Munk. A similaridade dos espectros desta função, obtida para a terra fina, terra fina tratada com hipoclorito de sódio e fração argila, revela o pequeno efeito da matéria orgânica na expressão das curvas derivativas. Tais resultados indicam que esta técnica pode ser usada sem que seja necessária a separação da referida fração textural, como normalmente observado em outras técnicas de caracterização mineralógica. A segunda derivada da função Kubelka-Munk permitiu ainda a adequada estimativa dos teores de goethita e, principalmente, de hematita presentes nas diferentes amostras.

The use of Munsell colour charts in nipple–areola tattooing

Tattooing is an excellent, simple and quick option in nipple–areola reconstruction. Colour mismatch is one of the commonest problems with this procedure. Use of Munsell colour charts allows the premixing of common colours for different patient populations using pigments from various manufacturers. There are significant correlations between nipple colour and Fitzpatrick skin type and between nipple colour and parity. Three nipple–areola colours were more common than others and were found in 50% of patients; these can be premixed ready for use. Adjustment of premixed colours for individual patients can be performed prior to tattooing, speeding up the procedure. Accurate recording of colours also facilitates audit.

Practices of Color Classification

Color categories sit at the intersection of 2 central topics in the study of human cognition: (a) the analysis of vision, and (b) the study of semantic categories, or more generally processes of classification. Using as data videotape of archaeologists filling out a coding sheet that requires them to systematically describe the color of the dirt they have excavated, this article describes the practices required to competently classify color within the work life of their profession. The task of color classification is embedded within a situated activity system, which includes not only several different ways of identifying the same color (each designed for alternative uses), but also cognitive artifacts, such as a Munsell color chart and specific embodied practices. The chart creates a historically constituted architecture for perception, a heterotopia that juxtaposes in a single visual field 2 very different kinds of space. As multiple parties fill out the coding sheet together, the full resources of the organization of talk-in-interaction are brought to bear on the contingent tasks they are charged with accomplishing. This investigation of a situated activity system encompassing not only semantic categories, but also physical tools and embodied practices, contrasts with most previous research on color categories, which has focused almost exclusively on mental phenomena, and not on how people perform color classification to pursue a relevant course of action in the consequential settings that make up their lifeworld.

Response of chaparral shrubs to below‐freezing temperatures: acclimation, ecotypes, seedlings vs. adults

Leaf death due to freezing was examined for four, co-occurring species of chaparral shrubs from the Santa Monica Mountains of southern California, Rhus laurina (= Malosma laurina), R. ovata, Ceanothus megacarpus, and C. spinosus. Measurements were made on seedlings vs. adults for all species, and for Rhus spp. in winter vs. summer, and at a warm vs. a cold site. We used four methods to determine the temperature for 50% change in activity or cell death (LT(50)) of leaves: (1) electrical conductivity (electrolyte leakage into a bathing solution), (2) photosynthetic fluorescent capacity (Fv/Fm), (3) percentage of palisade mesophyll cells stained by fluorescein diacetate vital stain, and (4) visual score of leaf color (Munsell color chart). In all four species seedlings were found to be more sensitive to freezing temperatures than were adults by 1°-3°C. For adults the LT(50) ranged from -5°C for Rhus laurina in the summer to -16°C for Rhus ovata in the winter. The LT(50) of R. ovata located at a colder inland site was 4C lower than R. ovata at the warmer coastal site just 4 km apart, suggesting ecotypic differences between R. ovata at the two sites. Both R. laurina and R. ovata underwent significant winter hardening. At the cold site, R. ovata acclimated by 6°C on average, while R. laurina acclimated by only 3°C. These results were consistent with species distributions and with field observations of differential shoot dieback between these two congeneric species after a natural freeze-thaw event in the Santa Monica Mountains.

A study of soil factors in relation to erosion and yield of maize on a Nigerian soil

The study aimed at quantifying the effects of erosion on the productivity of a Nigerian soil involved the use of a half hectare farmland with history of various degrees of erosion severity. The farmland was divided into 3 different classes; class I (uneroded), class II (slightly eroded) and class III (moderately eroded) based on the degree of erosion severity and were then planted with maize. The mean topsoil's (0–15 cm) colour hue reduced from 7.5YR on class I to 5YR on class III soils (representing colour change from dark brown to dark reddish brown) on Munsell's colour chart. The soil properties and the maize yield on the farmland exhibited strong spatial variability, the trend of which appears to have been influenced by the topography of the area. The mean yield on the class II plots and the class III plots were 80% and 65% respectively of that in class I plots. Because of the strong functional dependencies identified among many of the variables, multivariate statistical procedure was used to identify the variables that influence maize yield. Seven components were selected based on factor analysis. These components when regressed against maize yield, were found to explain 95% of the variability in maize yield. The yield of maize on this soil was found to be determined by soil properties such as; bulk density, organic carbon, topsoil thickness, texture, pH and gravel content in the topsoil, and by base saturation, organic carbon and exchangeable acidity in the subsoil.

Comparative Methods of Estimating Freezing Temperatures and Freezing Injury in Leaves of Chaparral Shrubs

Exotherms and lethal low temperatures were examined in four species of chaparral shrubs that co-occur in the Santa Monica Mountains, southern California: Rhus laurina, Rhus ovata, Ceanothus megacarpus, and Ceanothus spinosus. For all but R. ovata, excised leaves froze at significantly lower temperatures than leaves on intact branches (range 4.3⚬-6.9⚬C lower), indicating that only intact shoots should be used for studies of leaf supercooling. Of the four species, only R. laurina showed no leaf supercooling on intact branches. On excised leaves artificially seeded with ice crystals to remove supercooling, the lethal temperature for 50% change in activity or cell death (LT50) was determined by measuring (1) electrical conductivity into a bathing solution (electrolyte leakage), (2) photosynthetic fluorescent capacity (Fv/Fm), (3) the percentage of palisade mesophyll cells stained by fluorescein diacetate (vital stain), and (4) visual score of leaf color (Munsell color chart). In every case, the estimate of LT50 by the electrical conductivity method was significantly higher (less negative) by 2⚬-5⚬C than the other three methods, and electrical conductivity results did not correspond with field observations of dieback. Based on the photosynthetic fluorescent technique, which is both reliable and nondestructive, the LT50 ranged from -5.6⚬C for R. laurina to about -8.5⚬C for the other three species.

The cryptic responses of hatchery‐reared sole to a natural sand substratum

In laboratory experiments, both reared and wild sole Solea solea selected a sand substratum in preference to a hard substratum. Reared sole with no previous experience of sand buried quickly when placed on sand. Light motivated burial, and the motivation of reared sole to bury was as strong as that of wild sole. The burial efficiency (the proportion of the ocular side covered by sand after a single burial attempt) of reared sole was lower than that of wild sole, but increased to that of wild sole after a period of 12 days maintenance on sand. Motivation to bury is therefore innate, but efficiency is affected by experience. The reactive distance of reared sole to a standardized predation threat was the same as that of wild sole and was shorter when buried (6 cm) than when not buried (15 cm). Burial therefore affected the response to a predation threat, indicating that burial is a cryptic behaviour. Munsell colour charts were used to determine the time required for reared sole to match the skin colour ‘tone’ of wild sole after placement on sand. Adaptation of colour value (lightness) took 4–7 days, but adaptation of chroma (intensity of colour) and hue took 33 and 69 days respectively. It is therefore recommended that flatfishes reared for stock enhancement exercises are conditioned to sand prior to release due to the relatively long time required for crypsis to improve through colour adaptation and burying.

Glycolic Acid Peels in the Treatment of Melasma among Asian Women

Melasma is a common disorder of facial hyperpigmentation among Asian women. Many modalities of treatment are available but none is satisfactory. This study was undertaken to see if glycolic acid peels are effective and safe in the treatment of melasma and fine facial wrinkling. Ten Asian women with moderate to severe melasma were recruited into the study. The women had twice daily applications of a cream containing 10% glycolic acid and 2% hydroquinone (Neostrata AHA Age Spot and Skin Lightening Gel) to both sides of the face, and glycolic acid peels every 3 weeks (20-70%) to one-half of the face using Neostrata Skin Rejuvenation System. All patients had to use a sunblock (SPF 15%). At regular intervals and at the end of 26 weeks (or after eight peels) the degree of improvement of pigmentation and fine facial wrinkling on each side of the face were assessed. Any skin irritation or side effects were also noted. Assessment was by an independent dermatologist, the patients themselves, and the use of the Munsell color chart and photographs. The nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test was used for statistical analysis. The melasma and fine facial wrinkling improved on both sides of the face. The side that received glycolic acid peels did better but the results were not statistically significant (P > 0.059). A cream containing 10% glycolic acid and 2% hydroquinone (Neostrata AHA Age Spot and Skin Lightening Gel) improved melasma and fine facial wrinkling in Asian women. In combination with glycolic acid peels at 3-week intervals the lightening of melasma is subjectively much better. This improvement does not reach statistical significance and the sample size is small (n = 10).

Soil color modeling for the visible and near-infrared bands of Landsat sensors using laboratory spectral measurements

Color is a key feature used in the identification and classification of soils. Soil reflectance has a direct relationship with soil color, as well as to other parameters such as texture, soil moisture, and organic matter. Earlier studies have quantified the relationship between reflectance and soil color using simple linear regression equations having correlation coefficients of about 0.5. In the present study, a method called optimal rotational transformation technique has been employed to maximize the correlation between soil color and transformed reflectance. Seventy-six soil samples having a wide range of soil color were employed in the laboratory measurements. Multispectral reflectances were measured using an Exotech radiometer in the visible and near-infrared bands of the Landsat MSS sensor, and soil color was measured using the Munsell color charts. The soil color data were quantified using the RGB color coordinate system since colors recorded in the Munsell system are not readily usable in numerical analysis. Simple linear regression models using the raw reflectance data yielded correlations of about 0.5. Optimal rotational transformation of the reflectance data and multiple linear regressions showed an improved correlation of r more than 0.8, and the models predicted the main color component (viz. hue) with acceptable accuracy. Hue images can be used for identification and discrimination of soils and lithological formations, since hue is independent of illumination and therefore capable of suppressing shadows. Optimal models can be developed to predict soil reflectance using color data since metamerism is rarely observed in the case of soils. Results of this study have a potential application for identification and mapping of soil and geologic materials of nonvegetated or sparsely vegetated regions using data received from airborne and space-borne remote sensors operating in the visible and near-infrared bands.

Validity of color examination for forensic soil identification

The validity of a multiple measurement procedure for forensic soil identification was studied using 73 soil samples from an area where volcanic ash soils, alluvial soils and residual soils dominate. Soil color was measured by comparison to Munsell color charts after each of several treatments: (1) air-drying, (2) moistening, (3) organic matter decomposition, (4) iron oxide removal, and (5) ashing. In addition, the colors of the clay fractions were observed after organic matter decomposition and after iron oxide removal. Although only about 70% of soils could be differentiated by comparing the colors of air-dried samples, combining color measurements on soils after air-drying and moistening, and on the clay fraction after organic matter decomposition and iron oxide removal enabled us to differentiate 97% of soil samples. Adding color measurements of ashed soil to the above procedure did not provide any further improvement in the discriminatory power of the multiple color measurement.

Estimation of soil colour through spectral reflectance characteristics

Surface samples (Ap horizon) of twenty one soils widely differing in their physical appearance of colour were collected from different parts of India. Air-dried soils, passed through 2 mm sieve, were packed in black round trays for reflectance measurements. Soil colour of air-dry soils was designated using Munsell colour charts. Spectral reflectance patterns were obtained by a portable spectroradiometer using sunlight as the illuminant. For each sample, the XYZ tristimulus values; x,y chromaticity coordinates were obtained from reflectance patterns using the CIE standard methods. Munsell. notations were also converted to tristimulus and chromaticity coordinates using published tables of Wyszecki and Stiles (1982). The RGB colour coordinates obtained from both the systems were compared. The RGB values from spectral data were well correlated with reflectance in TM bands, while those from Munsell notation were correlated to a lesser extent. The tristimulus values were used to designate each soil with specific set of values to locate them in Universal Colour Space.

Coloration changes of geologic media after addition of gasoline, diesel fuel, and ethylbenzene

Abstract The coloration changes of three soils (Amarillo sandy loam, Anthony sandy loam, and Oakville sandy loam) and two clays (kaolinite and montmorillonite) were monitored following the addition of four solvents (distilled water, unleaded gasoline, diesel fuel, and ethylbenzene) over a time period of 1 year. Soil and clay coloration was measured using Munsell color charts. In general, the Amarillo soil experienced the most extensive changes to a darker, grayer color. Initial color changes occurred in as little as 1 week, with subsequent changes occurring throughout the next 41 weeks. This study indicates that solvents can alter geologic media color and that the inferred chemical reduction processes can be an ongoing process.

Design of an intention signal in the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum)

The \`design' of any animal signal is affected by at least three selection pressures: (i) the type of information being conveyed (the message); (ii) the transmission properties of the medium; and (iii) the sensory and psychological properties of the receiver. We describe a field study of the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum) and examine the \`circling' display of the male in the light of these three pressures. Analysis of videotape records of the display shows that it carries accurate information about when a spawning dash will occur. The speed with which the pectoral fins are moved increases steadily over the 10 s before spawning so that the exact time of spawning can be predicted. Dark spots (not present when the male is chasing other males) appear on the ends of the pectoral fins and may `amplify' perception of fin movements. The colour change shown by the male when chasing other males and when courting females was measured in situ by using Munsell colour charts, and was subsequently converted to dominant wavelength and excitation purity equivalents. The circling display appears to be designed to convey information about intention to spawn to a female that is relatively close whilst not conveying this information to other males that are further away.