Color Pattern Research Articles

Cypermethrin exposure: Implications for growth, phenotypic attributes, and biochemical responses in monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exposure to sublethal concentrations of cypermethrin on growth, phenotypic traits, and metabolic and antioxidant enzymes activities of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The median lethal concentration (LC50) of cypermethrin was initially ascertained to be 0.04 ppm after 12 h of exposure to three concentrations (0.04, 0.20, and 1.0 ppm) via the Probit analysis method. The sublethal exposures were obtained for 3 months at 0.0016, 0.008, and 0.04 ppm of cypermethrin. The growth performance, phenotypic traits, and enzymatic activity were analyzed. The research findings revealed a notable impact of cypermethrin on the growth performance of monosex tilapia, with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in weight observed as the concentration increased. The experiment documented a significant change (p < 0.05) in the phenotypic traits of standard length, total length, tail length, trunk length, eye diameter, body area, and color patterns, but not dressing percentage. Furthermore, it was observed that the activities of amylase and protease in both the intestine and muscle decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing concentrations of cypermethrin, except for amylase in the muscle, where no significant change was noted (p > 0.05). The results also demonstrated significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the activity of metabolic enzymes, specifically superoxide dismutase and catalase, following exposure to sublethal levels of cypermethrin. The study suggested that sublethal exposure of pyrethroid alters the growth, phenotypic traits, metabolic enzymes activities, and immunity of monosex tilapia.

Creating color patterns using optical manipulation and scattering of silicon nanoparticles

The utilization of color patterns has been widely employed in encryption and displays. Printing-based nanostructures are gaining traction in color displays, showcasing remarkable resolution but facing limitations in reconfigurability. Here, we demonstrate a flexible scanning process using optical tweezers to trap silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) for converting their trajectories into vibrant dynamic color patterns. In this process, the optical potential well stably captures a single SiNP while moving in three-dimensional space at a speed of about 1000 ​μm/s, leading to the display of dynamic color patterns due to persistence of vision (POV). Leveraging the tunable ability provided by Mie resonances within the visible band, the scattering color can be altered simply by adjusting the number of trapped SiNPs, thereby enabling the creation of tunable high-saturation color patterns. This strategy is further explored for flexible design of composite images with potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and dynamic display.

Deep learning-based automated tile defect detection system for Portuguese cultural heritage buildings

A prominent feature in Portuguese historic architecture is Portugal’s azulejos or tiles that cover cultural heritage buildings with colorful patterns. However, tiles are prone to deterioration due to the quality of masonry materials, exposure over time, and natural and human factors. A careful approach is necessary to detect and assess tile damage in time to conserve cultural heritage. Deep learning (DL) methods are applied to detect deterioration and damage by automating vision-based monitoring. This study uses the You Only Look Once (YOLO), method to detect deterioration in tiles automatically. To obtain the initial dataset, over 5000 images of damage were collected, including cracks, craters, glaze detachment, and tile lacunae, as well as images with no defects. Additionally, a MobileNet model was used for binary classification of damaged and intact tiles to compare classification and detection approaches. Through the fine-tuning of hyperparameters and updating the dataset, an overall accuracy of over 72% for YOLO (multiple classification) and 97% accuracy for binary classification was achieved, demonstrating the adequacy of the tool for real-world applications.

Identifikasi Etnosains Pada Kerajinan Anyaman Okomama Dengan Pewarna Alami Tanaman Nila Di Desa Noesiu

Ethnoscience is an approach to science learning that implements local wisdom (regional culture) using certain cultural products. Local wisdom can be in the form of food and drink, traditional ceremonies, dances, games, traditional language and traditional weaving. One of the traditional woven based local wisdom is okomama. Traditional woven okomomama made from palm leaves using indigo plants as a natural dye for motifs and color patterns. The purpose of this study is to explore physical concepts in the process of okoma weaving. The research method used is qualitative descriptive research in the form of interviews, field observations and documentation. The research data was analyzed in several stages, namely data reduction, display data and conclusions. This study aims to identify physics objects and concepts that can be found in genius-based local science learning. The results of the study obtained that in the process of making natural dyes in ocomoma matting there are physical concepts identified in the concepts of frictional force, material strength, load distribution, pressure, work, energy, temperature, heat, absorption, reflection of light, and change of form.

Flexible and Free-Standing Metal-Organic Framework Nanowire Paper.

Beyond traditional paper, multifunctional nanopaper has received much attention in recent years. Currently, many nanomaterials have been successfully used as building units of nanopaper. However, it remains a great challenge to prepare flexible and freestanding metal-organic framework (MOF) nanopaper owing to the low aspect ratio and brittleness of MOF nanocrystals. Herein, this work develops a flexible and free-standing MOF nanopaper with MOF nanowires as building units. The manganese-based MOF (Mn-MOF) nanowires with lengths up to 100 μm are synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. Through a paper-making technique, the Mn-MOF nanowires interweave with each other to form a three-dimensional architecture, thus creating a flexible and free-standing Mn-MOF nanowire paper. Furthermore, the surface properties can be engineered to obtain high hydrophobicity by modifying polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on the surfaces of the Mn-MOF nanowire paper. The water contact angle reaches 130°. As a proof of concept, this work presents two potential applications of the Mn-MOF/PDMS nanowire paper: (i) The as-prepared Mn-MOF/PDMS nanowire paper is compatible with a commercial printer. The as-printed colorful patterns are of high quality, and (ii) benefiting from the highly hydrophobic surfaces, the Mn-MOF/PDMS nanowire paper is able to efficiently separate oil from water.

Switchable and conspicuous retroreflective sensors inspired by the wing scale of an emerald swallowtail

Butterfly wings possess distinct micro/nanostructures that contribute to their vibrant coloration, light-trapping capabilities, and sensitivity to various stimuli. These complex features have inspired the creation of diverse devices and systems, such as sensors, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and robotics. Specifically, the wing scales of the Emerald Swallowtail (Papilio palinurus) display iridescent, polarization-sensitive, and retroreflective colors due to their hierarchical structures. However, current technologies fail to mimic these natural designs fully, limiting their practical application in everyday life. In this study, we introduce a groundbreaking method for fabricating artificial wing scales that emulate the biological structure's functionality with a much simpler geometry. By integrating self-graded lossy media into metallic micro-concavity arrays, we achieve pronounced iridescent effects in both coaxial and non-coaxial arrangements, while preserving retroreflective properties. In particular, the simplified design allows for switchable color patterns based on the viewing angle. Demonstrating the concept, we successfully employ these conspicuous retroreflectors in hydrogen gas detection and the bi-directional/switchable recognition of patterned signals.

Generation of Wide Color Gamut in a Collisional and Magnetized Plasma by Laser‐Induced Coloration on Composite Structure Surfaces

AbstractIn this paper, a new scheme for generating a wide gamut of structural colors on the thin‐film‐stack‐based (TFSB) substrates is proposed. The TFSB surfaces consist of titanium/random gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and titanium/ random gold and copper nanoparticles (Au+CuNPs), which can trigger more resonance absorption and widen the color gamut. The electric fields in two designed structures are simulated, and the results showed that the random distribution of AuNPs and Au+CuNPs enhance the uniform local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response. This enhancement is crucial in broadening the coverage of the reflection spectrum, which enables the generation of a wide range of colors, including green and red. The influence of laser parameters on the color of TFSB substrates and tested their durability in terms of time is analyzed. Finally, a color palette and made structural color patterns on TFSB by nanosecond pulsed laser are prepared. The proposed new scheme can be easily fabricated by magnetron sputtering without requiring additional procedures, which can open new perspectives in plasmonic colors. This work demonstrates that the promising potential of methods in creating a wide color gamut on metallic surfaces. Additionally, it serves as a means to store information for the preservation and protection of traditional cultures.

Two new species of the shieldtail snake genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae), from the Rakwana and the Knuckles Massifs of Sri Lanka

Two new species of the uropeltid snake genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 are described from Sri Lanka. Rhinophis martin sp. nov. is described from 11 type specimens from the Rakwana Massif, and another 22 specimens from the same region are referred to this new species. Rhinophis dinarzardae sp. nov. is described from eight type specimens from the Knuckles Massif, and another 64 specimens from the Knuckles and adjacent hills are referred to this new species. Rhinophis martin sp. nov. has apparently not been reported previously under any scientific name, but is distinct in scalation, colour pattern and DNA. Rhinophis dinarzardae sp. nov. has long-been confused with the superficially similar R. philippinus, from which it differs by having more ventral scales, by occurring in the northern part of the Knuckles Massif and adjacent hills to the West rather than in the Central Highlands upland region (and possibly areas to the South and West) of Sri Lanka, and in DNA sequence data. The new descriptions take the inventory of currently recognised, named uropeltid species in Sri Lanka to 20, all members of the genus Rhinophis.

Discovery of a ribbon goby, Oxymetopon compressus (Actinopterygii: Gobiiformes: Microdesmidae) in Indian waters: A new westernmost record for the genus Oxymetopon

In October 2023, a single specimen of Oxymetopon compressus Chan, 1966 was retrieved from a discarded catch at the Mudasal Odai fish landing center on the southeast coast of India. This study marks the first record of the genus Oxymetopon in Indian waters, accompanied by a novel maximum length record. Oxymetopon compressus, closely resembles its congener, Oxymetopon formosum Fourmanoir, 1967 in having low supraorbital crest and head markings, but differs in having relatively a higher number of anal fin rays, 29 (vs. 27 in O. formosum). The anal fin count of O. compressus (29) is found higher than the Oxymetopon curticauda Prokofiev, 2016 (21–23) and Oxymetopon filamentosum Fourmanoir, 1967 (26), whereas it is found lower than the Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum Klausewitz et Condé, 1981 and Oxymetopon typus Bleeker, 1861 (31). This study describes the distinctive morphological and coloration patterns of the recorded species.

Identification and Characterization of microRNAs in Morphological Color Change of Polychromatic Midas Cichlids (Amphilophus citrinellus)

As a representative genetic and economic trait, pigmentation has a strong impact on speciation and adaptation. However, information and reports on microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with pigmentation remain limited. The Midas cichlid fish, with three typical distinct stages of body color pattern, “black-gray-gold”, is an ideal model system for investigating pigmentation traits. In this study, miRNA libraries from scale tissues with the attached epidermis of Midas cichlids at three distinct stages of color transformation, black (B), transition (T), and gold (G), were sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology. In total, 53 (B vs. G), 88 (B vs. T), and 57 (T vs. G) miRNAs were differentially expressed between the respective groups. Target genes of the identified miRNAs were predicted, and the results showed that multiple target genes were related to pigmentation and pigment–cell differentiation. The miRNA–mRNA regulatory network suggests that miR-183-x and miR-133-x were predicted to be involved in regulating morphological color changes in Midas cichlids. The results advance our understanding of potential functions of miRNAs in skin pigment differentiation and early skin color fading of fishes.

Monophyly or Homoplasy? The Relationships of a Rare New Species of Cambeva (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest with a Bicolored Caudal Pattern

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one the five main biodiversity hotspots in the world, still houses many organisms that are rare and unknown to science, mostly concentrated in mountain ranges. Herein, we describe a rare new species of Cambeva from the Rio Tietê drainage at the Serra da Mantiqueira, exhibiting a caudal fin color pattern comprising a light-yellowish–white bar posteriorly edged by a black pigmented area. A similar color pattern was described for C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera, also endemic to the Rio Paraná basin, and considered evidence of close relationships among these three species. However, other morphological characteristics highly suggest that the new species is not closely related to C. castroi, C. diabola, and C. melanoptera). Herein, we perform a molecular phylogenetic analysis using two mitochondrial genes and one nuclear gene, including all species with that bicolored caudal pattern. The analysis strongly supports the new species as a member of the alpha-clade, and therefore as distantly related to those three species belonging to the beta-clade, indicating that this color pattern has homoplastically arisen in Cambeva. The data reported here reinforce the urgent need for field studies to better understand the different evolutionary patterns found in the genus, since an intense process of environmental degradation is in course.

Phenotypic characterization of Guraghe and Jimma cattle breeds in Ethiopia: Implications for breed differentiation and in-situ conservation.

The aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize Guraghe and Jimma cattle breeds at the farm level and quantify the relationships between them. Eight morphometric measurements and sixteen morphological traits were recorded for a total of 313 (221 females and 92 males) randomly selected adult cattle from three purposively selected districts. Univariate and multivariate analysis procedures of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.0) were used to analyze the data. Clear morphological and morphometric variations were not observed between the two cattle breeds. All of the studied cattle populations possessed straight-edged ears, a sloppy rump profile, and straight face and back profiles. Moreover, the majority of the studied cattle possess widely spaced curved horns, red-colored uniform body color patterns, and erected small humps located at the cervicothoracic position. In addition to their phenotypic similarities, multivariate analysis also failed to reveal significant differences between the two breeds. These results suggest the inseparable nature of the two cattle breeds. However, such similarities in phenotypic traits between the two cattle breeds do not necessarily indicate genetic similarities. Therefore, further genetic characterization is recommended to quantify the degree of genetic relationship between the breeds. In the meantime, it is recommended to design breed-specific in situ conservation as well as genetic improvement programs that consider cattle breeds as one. Furthermore, an inclusive and uniform breed name that can represent the two cattle populations is obtained from the country's steering committee for indigenous animal genetic resources.

Identification of Flavonoid 3′-Hydroxylase Genes from Red Chinese Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) and Their Regulation of Anthocyanin Accumulation in Fruit Peel

The red Chinese sand pear (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) is native to China and exhibits a unique fruit coloration pattern. Flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H) catalyzes the hydroxylation of flavonoids, which subsequently determines the components of anthocyanins and the color of plant organs. Two genes encoding flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3′H), PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII, have been identified in red Chinese sand pears. The coding regions for PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII were 1542 and 1536 bp in length, respectively. PpF3′HI shared 95% of its amino acid sequence identity with PpF3′HII, and a highly conserved P450 superfamily domain was found both in PpF3′HI and in PpF3′HII. Phylogenetic analysis showed that PpF3′HI and PpF3′HII clustered with MdF3′HI and MdF3′HII, respectively. PpF3′H genes were highly expressed in anthocyanin-enriched tissues such as young leaves, and transcription of PpF3′H genes corresponded to anthocyanin biosynthesis during the developmental stages, bagging treatment, and postharvest UV-B/visible irradiation treatment. A Y1H assay showed that PpMYB10 and PpHY5 could interact with the −419 bp to 0 bp and −746 bp to −396 bp fragments of the PpF3′HI promoter region, respectively. Understanding the mechanism of flavonoid hydroxylation patterns will, in turn, promote the development of new technologies for modifying flavonoid and anthocyanin composition in fruits.

Dual-Mode Patterns Enabled by Photofluidization of an Azobenzene-Containing Linear Liquid Crystal Copolymer.

Creating dual-mode patterns in the same area of the material is an advanced method to increase the dimension of information storage, improve the level of encryption security, and promote the development of encoding technology. However, in situ, different patterns may lead to serious mutual interference in the process of manufacturing and usage. New materials and patterning techniques are essential for the advancement of noninterfering dual-mode patterns. Herein, noninterfering dual-mode patterns are demonstrated by combining the structural color and chromatic polarization, which is designed with an azobenzene-containing linear liquid crystal copolymer featuring a photofluidization effect. On the one hand, structural color patterns are imprinted via silicon templates with periodic microstructures after a UV-light-induced local transition of the polymer surface from a glassy to rubbery state. On the other hand, different polarization patterns based on the local photoinduced orientation of mesogens are created within the photofluidized region by the Weigert effect. Especially, the secondary imprinting is used to eliminate the partial damage to the structural color patterns during writing of the polarization patterns, thus obtaining dual-mode patterns without interference. This study provides a blueprint for the creation of advanced materials and sophisticated photopatterning techniques with potential cross-industry applications.

Solving puzzles using knowledge-based automation: biomimicry of human solvers

The human brain’s remarkable efficiency in solving puzzles through pictorial information processing serves as a valuable inspiration for computational puzzle solving. In this study, we present a nucleation algorithm for automated puzzle solving, developed based on statistical analysis of an empirical database. This algorithm effectively solves puzzles by choosing pieces with infrequent and iridescent edges as nucleation centers, followed by the identification of neighboring pieces with high resemblances from the remaining puzzle pieces. For the 8 different pictures examined in this study, both empirical data and computer simulations consistently demonstrate a power-law relationship between solving time and the number of puzzle pieces, with an exponent less than 2. We explain this relationship through the nucleation model and explore how the exponent is influenced by the color pattern of the puzzle picture. Moreover, our investigation of puzzle-solving processes reveals distinct principal pathways, akin to protein folding behavior. Our study contributes to the development of a cognitive model for human puzzle solving and color pattern recognition.

A new species of Polystemma (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Asclepiadeae, Gonolobineae) from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico

We describe a new species of Polystemma endemic to Oaxaca, Mexico. Polystemma leopardum is similar to P. cordatum but differs in the shape of the corolla lobes, flower color pattern, shape of the gynostegial corona and stylar head, as well as its specialized habitat. We describe and discuss its morphology and provide illustrations and a distribution map. We propose its conservation status as Endangered under the criteria of the IUCN. This discovery increases the diversity of the genus in the country to ten species.

A new species of Metron Godman, 1900 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae) from the western Amazon, with a unique hindwing color pattern in Hesperiina, its phylogenetic placement, and an illustrated key for the genus

Metron mentor Dolibaina, O. Mielke &amp; Casagrande, sp. nov. is described from the western Amazon of Brazil, Peru, and Venezuela. The wide white area covering part of the hindwing and body of the new species is unique in Hesperiina and is hypothesized to create a disruptive pattern when the insect is at rest, resembling a bird dropping. Based on genomic data, Metron mentor sp. nov. is recovered as a sister species of all the known species of Metron Godman, 1900. This hypothesis suggests that the similar ventral hindwing of M. mentor sp. nov. to species formerly in Metron and Propertius Evans, 1955, but currently in Metrocles Godman, 1900 may be plesiomorphic. The new species is illustrated and described, a phylogenomic hypothesis for Metron is presented, and an illustrated key for both sexes (when known) is given for all the species and subspecies in the genus.

Fuzzy-Based Robot Behavior with the Application of Emotional Pattern Generator

The article deals with the development of human–robot interaction, where the robot measures the user’s emotional state as well as environmental factors by different devices, and it responds to the user with colorful patterns and controls the smart home through the guidance of the Internet of Things system. Before the design process, robots and their functions currently on the market, the role of emotions in communication, and technologies for measuring emotion (such as face recognition, measurement of heart rate, breath, and physical changes) are presented in detail. The designed robot (Em-Patty) uses a previously developed emotion-based automatic pattern generation system based on a fuzzy system, which is a suitable tool for handling emotions. A main and three fuzzy subsystems are fusioned in order to create the most efficient control system for Em-Patty. The nature-inspired design of the robot is also presented, as well as a description of its behavior with the help of a specific case study.

Central composite design-assisted visual and non-invasive detection of sertraline by sweet lemon waste-derived core-shell AuNPs@CDs

This study reports a fast and visual detection method of antidepressant sertraline (SRT) drug by the core-shell AuNPs@CDs as the nanoprobes. The CDs has been eco-friendly synthesized from sweet lemon wastes to directly reduce Au+ to AuNPs without any external photoirradiation process or additional reductants. Optimizing key variables that impact the sensing process has been done using the central composite design (CCD) approach to simulate the assay condition before the analysis. Adding SRT with different concentrations to the nanoprobes under mildly acidic conditions presents an absorbance peak at 560 nm with purple color tonalities that differ from the behavior of alone nanoprobes (530 nm, pink color). The obtained absorption change is linearly proportional to the increase of SRT concentration from 1 μM to 35 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) value of 100 nM. The color changes with a vivid tonality from pink and purple to violet as the colorful fingerprint patterns are readily traceable by the naked eye, allowing the visual assay of SRT. The greenness of the developed approach is well evaluated by some international indexes including the complimentary green analytical procedure (ComplexGAPI) and also, the analytical greenness (AGREE) indexes. The proposed waste-derived nanoprobes based on the eco-friendly procedure not only conduct quantitative and qualitative non-invasive analysis of SRT by the naked eye but also, may widen for other applications in various fields.

Patterned, plain, and in-between: An assessment of ecogeographic divergence between colour pattern morphs of the common egg-eater Dasypeltis scabra

ABSTRACT Intraspecific variation in colour patterns may reflect adaptive responses to local environmental regimes that favour selection of different trade-offs between visual communication, thermoregulation, and anti-predatory functions. Understanding the drivers of colour pattern variation within species can therefore provide valuable insights about adaptation. However, the ecogeographic correlates, and thus the ecological drivers, associated with the segregation of different colour morphs for most reptile species, including snakes, are not well known. Here, we examined differences in environmental niches associated with occurrence records of preserved museum specimens and georeferenced photographic images of common egg-eaters (Dasypeltis scabra) to characterise ecogeographic divergence between typically patterned, patternless, and faintly marked individuals. We gathered 1707 records that we assigned as either patterned, plain, or intermediate morphs. Most records were of patterned individuals, which were widely distributed in southern Africa. Climate niches differed between morphs as plain and intermediate snakes were restricted to high-elevation areas in the Highveld grasslands of South Africa, and woodland-dominated areas in the central and eastern parts of both Zambia and Zimbabwe, but there were no areas where only plain or intermediate snakes occurred in isolation from patterned snakes. Environmental niche modelling predicted minimal areas suitable for co-habitation of colour morphs. We speculate that plain or weakly-marked colour patterns likely developed as an adaptation to increase camouflage ability in open areas in grassland and certain woodland habitats.