Color Preference Research Articles

Enhancing the Trapping of Melon Fruit Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquilette through Synergizing the Odour and Visual Cues

The melon fruit fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae Coquillett) poses a significant threat to cucurbit crops with substantial yield losses and challenging sustainable vegetable production. This study systematically investigated efficient color-based visual cues for attracting melon flies and explored the synergistic effects of these visual cues in conjunction with odour cues. This study was conducted in Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai during 2024. Our studies included investigations on preferred colour by melon fly through olfactometer & insect cage bioassays in no choice & multiple choice conditions. The additive effect of the preferred colour when combined with the fruit fly attractive odour cue was investigated under field conditions. For both male and female melon fruit flies, yellow colour (RBG coordinates - 255:255:0) consistently emerged as the most efficient visual cue followed by white (255:255:255) and red (255:0:0). Field trials also confirmed the attractiveness of yellow colour as it outperformed other colours. The visual cue, yellow colour and odour cue (synthetic blend of four fruit fly EAG active synthetic compounds in a known ratio) were combined and found to be synergistic as this fusing captured significantly more flies than the either cues alone. These results highlighted the yellow colour as the most attractive visual cue for melon flies and combining effective of visual cues with established odour attractant to greatly enhance the trapping efficiency. This integrated approach offers a promising strategy for the management of melon fly and reduction of reliance on chemical pesticides contributing to more sustainable pest control in cucurbit production. The findings have significant implications for pest management strategies, especially in regions facing melon fly infestations that threaten crop yields and export potential.

Color Quality Versus Energy Efficiency: A Dual Perspective on LED Retrofits in Healthcare Examination Rooms

Selecting LED retrofits for examination rooms in healthcare buildings involves setting the right balance between lighting quality and energy efficiency. In the case of LEDs incorporated in luminaires used in medical examination rooms, it is essential to consider not only the correlated color temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (CRI Ra) in compliance with the lighting standards, but also the cyanosis observation index (COI) that meets the more demanding regulations of certain countries. In this work, the Color Preference Criteria (CPC) method is used to select LED retrofits for this application. The LEDs classified as P1 according to the CPC method were found to meet the required COI level.

Dampak Suhu Pengeringan terhadap Karakteristik Tepung Labu Kuning (Cucurbita Moschata Durch) yang dihasilkan

Yellow pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata D) is a type of fruit with a huge volume and high water content, its shelf life is short. therefore it needs to be processed into a product that is more durable and practical, for example into flour. Pumpkin flour is processed by drying it and then grinding it so that flour can be produced with a typical yellow pumpkin color, through pre-treatment by blanching. The goal of this study is to determine the ideal drying temperature for producing pumpkin flour with the finest qualities. The research method used was an experimental method with a Randomized Group Design (RAK). The drying temperature treatment consisted of 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, each repeated 5 times. Analysis of the characteristics of flour in this study included water content, beta-carotene content, yield and organoleptic tests on color, taste, aroma and texture. The research results showed that a drying temperature of 70°C produced the best characteristics of pumpkin flour. This determination was based on a water content of 14.20%, yield of 21.8%, and beta-carotene of 221.00 ppm. Meanwhile, a drying temperature of 50°C produces the preferred color, taste and aroma of pumpkin flour.

Emotional State as a Key Driver of Public Preferences for Flower Color

Flowers, as integral elements of urban landscapes, are critical not only for aesthetic purposes but also for fostering human–nature interactions in green spaces. However, research on flower color preferences has largely been descriptive, and there is a lack of exploration of potential mechanisms influencing flower color preferences, such as economic and social factors. This study created visual samples through precise color adjustment techniques and introduced the L*, a*, and b* parameters from the CIELAB color system to quantify the flower colors of the survey samples, conducting an online survey with 354 Chinese residents. The complex aesthetic process’s driving factors were unveiled through a comprehensive analysis using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), a piecewise Structural Equation Model (SEM), and linear regression models. The results show that the public’s flower color preference is primarily related to the a* and b* parameters, which represent color dimensions in the CIELAB color space, and it is not significantly related to L* (lightness). Factors such as age, annual household income level (AI), personal income sources (PI), nature experience, and emotional state (TMD) significantly influence color preferences, with emotional state identified as the most critical factor. Lastly, linear regression models further explain the potential mechanism of the influencing factors. This study proposes a framework to assist urban planners in selecting flower colors that resonate with diverse populations, enhancing both the attractiveness of urban green spaces and their potential to promote pro-environmental behavior. By aligning flower color design with public preferences, this study contributes to sustainable urban planning practices aimed at improving human well-being and fostering deeper connections with nature.

Acquisition of similar properties by filters in the same stream of a multistream convolutional neural network

Functional modular organization is observed in a variety of cortical areas in the brain. In the visual cortex of primates, adjacent neurons often respond to the same visual submodality, such as color or orientation, and have a similar preferred orientation or preferred color. However, it remains unclear why functional modular organization emerges in the cerebral cortex. In the present study, I constructed and trained a multistream convolutional neural network to examine whether filters in the same stream acquire similar properties. Although filters in the same stream were able to develop any structures, they acquired similar degrees of orientation and color selectivity and preferred similar orientations and colors. The deletion of filters in a single stream that had similar degrees of stimulus selectivity resulted in larger decreases in classification accuracy than the deletion of those that did not. By contrast, the deletion of filters in a single stream that shared a preferred stimulus resulted in similar decreases in classification accuracy to the deletion of those that did not. Together, these findings suggest that filters with similar degrees of stimulus selectivity in the same stream are required for optimal task performance of the multistream convolutional neural network, and probably of the brain.

Sub-lethal pesticide exposure interferes with honey bee memory of learnt colours.

Neonicotinoid pesticide use has increased around the world despite accumulating evidence of their potential detrimental sub-lethal effects on the behaviour and physiology of bees, and its contribution to the global decline in bee health. Whilst flower colour is considered as one of the most important signals for foraging honey bees (Apis mellifera), the effects of pesticides on colour vision and memory retention in a natural setting remain unknown. We trained free flying honey bee foragers by presenting artificial yellow flower feeder, to an unscented artificial flower patch with 6 different flower colours to investigate if sub-lethal levels of imidacloprid would disrupt the acquired association made between the yellow flower colour from the feeder and food reward. We found that for doses higher than 4% of LD50 value, the foraging honey bees no longer preferentially visited the yellow flowers within the flower patch and instead, we suspect, reverted back to baseline foraging preferences, with a complete loss of the yellow preference. Our honey bee colour vision modelling indicates that discriminating the yellow colour from the rest should have been easy cognitive task. Pesticide exposure also resulted in a significant increase in Lop1, UVop, and Blop, and a decrease in CaMKII and CREB gene expression. Our results suggest that memory loss is the most plausible mechanism to explain the alteration of bee foraging colour preference. Across bees, colour vision is highly conserved and is essential for efficient pollination services. Therefore, our findings have important implications for ecosystem health and agricultural services world-wide.

Consumer preference study for the interface design of traditional Chinese medicine applications using conjoint analysis method

The widespread use of mobile applications (apps) offers a new platform for sustaining traditional culture, yet insufficient focus on interface design has hindered user experience. This paper focuses on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) apps, examining user preferences for interface design elements and their combinations across four dimensions: visual effects, functional attributes, layout, and interaction modes. Utilizing Conjoint Analysis Method (CAM), this study quantitatively explores user preferences for the combination schemes of 18 orthogonal designs. The study collected 464 users’ data through questionnaires and processed the data using CAM and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). The findings indicate that users have a high demand for theme colors (35.09%), text styles (27.32%), and icon styles (14.78%) in medical consultation apps. For health education apps, users exhibit preferences for text styles (24.95%), theme colors (24.58%), and functional architecture (16.30%). In professional learning apps, the preferred elements are theme colors (24.07%), text styles (18.54%), and icon styles (18.03%). Based on these results, the paper proposes corresponding design strategies for each type of TCM app. This study reveals the characteristics of user preferences for different categories of TCM apps, enriching the theories and methods of interaction design for similar mobile applications. Ultimately, this facilitates the integration of traditional Chinese medicine culture with modern digital technology, promoting the digital and sustainable transmission of traditional culture.

Физико-химические свойства арахисовой пасты с добавлением кокосовой муки и сухого молока

Peanut butter is a popular, versatile food spread globally known for its nutritional value and unique flavor. As consumer preferences evolve, there is an increasing demand for fortified products. Coconut flour and milk powder are potential fortification agents due to their nutritional benefits and compatibility with various food matrices. We explored the effects of incorporating coconut flour and milk powder into peanut butter, analyzing its nutritional composition and sensory qualities. Various combinations (0, 5, 10, and 15% w/w) of coconut flour, milk powder, and their mixture were introduced into peanut butter followed by a thorough physicochemical and sensory analysis. The results showed notable changes in both physical and chemical attributes. Coconut flour and its combination with milk powder increased the moisture content in peanut butter, while milk powder had the opposite effect. The protein content peaked in the peanut butter with 15% coconut flour, while the fat content diminished with higher concentrations of coconut flour and milk powder. Carbohydrate levels in the supplemented samples surpassed those of the control and commercial peanut butters. All the variants exhibited a pseudoplastic flow behavior, with coconut flour and milk powder concentrations affecting viscosity. The textural analysis revealed differences in oil separation, spreadability, and firmness, with 15% coconut flour yielding the highest firmness and oil separation. Noteworthy color changes were evident, particularly with the inclusion of 15% milk powder. Sensory assessments favored the peanut butter with a 15% blend of coconut flour and milk powder, while the color preference leaned towards the 15% milk powder variant. The consumers preferred the peanut butter fortified with a 15% blend of coconut flour and milk powder. Our research can help food manufacturers create healthier, more appealing products that cater to evolving consumer preferences and dietary requirements.

Visual discrimination learning in the Australian stingless bee Tetragonula carbonaria (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

AbstractKarl von Frisch's ground‐breaking research first demonstrated visual learning in the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). The study of Australian native bees and their cognitive abilities, however, is still a relatively new and emerging field. Here we examined visual cognition in the Australian stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria. First we tested for any colour preferences in T. carbonaria. Then we set stingless bees with three simple visual discrimination learning tasks using distinct colours (blue or yellow), oriented gratings (horizontal or vertical) and patterns (radial or concentric). In the colour preference task, we found evidence of a weak colour preference, with bees preferring colours blue and purple. In the visual discrimination task, T. carbonaria learned all three tasks in just 10 training trials. Bees learned equally well across the colour, orientation and pattern conditions, suggesting rapid visual learning. Future research should focus on closing knowledge gaps in Australian native bee cognition research, building upon the results of this study and exploring more complex non‐elemental learning.

Effect of Sorghum Flour and Anchovy Meal Substitution on Organoleptic Properties of Biscuits

Local foods in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province are highly diverse, yet they remain underutilized for promoting health. Sorghum and anchovies, abundant in this region, present alternative sources for enhancing local nutrition, especially for toddler snacks. This study aimed to develop biscuits using local ingredients (sorghum and anchovies) as a potential snack for toddlers. The research employed an experimental design with a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of four treatment levels: P0 (0% sorghum flour: 0% anchovy flour), P1 (30% sorghum flour: 10% anchovy flour), P2 (20% sorghum flour: 15% anchovy flour), and P3 (10% sorghum flour: 20% anchovy flour). The study occurred from January to May 2024 at the Nutrition Laboratory of Poltekkes Kemenkes Kupang. The results showed that the panellists’ preference for biscuit colour ranged from 3.82 to 4.04 (like), with P3 being the most preferred (4.04). The aroma scores ranged from 3.4 to 3.48 (somewhat like), with P2 receiving the highest score (3.48). Texture preference ranged from 3.9 to 4.1 (like), with P1 being the most preferred (4.1). Taste preferences ranged from 3.5 to 3.76 (like), with P3 scoring highest (3.76). In conclusion, biscuits with 20% sorghum flour and 10% anchovy flour (P3) were the most favoured overall, containing 1,111.6 Kcal of energy, 41.75 g of protein, 50.74 g of fat, and 123.51 g of carbohydrates. These findings suggest that locally sourced ingredients can be effectively used to create nutritious and appealing snacks for toddlers.

Impacts of Landscape Types and Flower Colors on the Emotional Perceptions of Military Service Members

Due to the unique mental and physical health challenges military service members (MSVMs) often face as a result of their service, MSVMs are a key demographic of interest. Interaction with natural environments may play a positive role in MSVMs’ overall health. Although previous research has been conducted on various population preferences and emotional responses to different types of gardens, there is a lack of data focused specifically on the garden preferences and emotional responses of MSVMs. To address this deficiency, an online survey was conducted featuring a series of questions with images related to landscape types and flower colors. The survey was disseminated via social media and military organizations to both civilians and military personnel (N = 366, with a 90.6% completion rate). Emotional responses were measured using a semantic differential scale. Most respondents were male, White, and between 25 and 35 years of age. MSVM respondents were primarily in the army and were either on active duty or honorably discharged. MSVMs and civilians showed similar garden and flower color preferences, each favoring wild landscape types and warm flower colors. However, the semantic differential analysis revealed MSVMs had significantly more negative emotional responses towards landscape types and flower colors compared to civilians. This indicates that the findings offer valuable insights into the unique emotional challenges faced by MSVMs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Among military respondents, tropical landscapes were perceived more negatively. While it is crucial to incorporate preferred landscape elements into a design, understanding the emotional perceptions of these preferences is likely to aid garden designers in the creation of an environment that enhances overall well-being in an urban environment.

Colour selection in Lantana camara L. blooms: A study on butterfly attraction

Flower colour is a crucial factor influencing pollinator-plant interactions. Lantana camara L., a popular ornamental plant, attracts various butterfly species. The present study was conducted in Serampore, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, spanning a period of one year from June 2022 to May 2023. This study investigates the preferences of some butterfly species for flowers of a certain colour and the choice of Lantana camara flowers as nectar sources. L. camara is known for its vibrant and diverse colour variations, making it an ideal candidate for attracting various pollinators. Through field observations and controlled experiments, we aimed to identify if certain butterfly species exhibit distinct colour preferences when foraging on Lantana blooms. Our preliminary findings suggest that different butterfly species display varying degrees of colour selectivity, with some showing a preference for warm colour within the L. camara spectrum. These initial insights provide a foundation for further research into the intricate relationship between butterfly species and floral coloration. Understanding the nuanced preferences of butterflies for L. camara flowers can contribute to the development of targeted conservation and gardening practices aimed at supporting specific butterfly populations. This study offers a valuable starting point for future investigations into the broader implications of floral colour preferences in pollinator ecology.

Total Plate Count and Organoleptic Tests of Soft Cheese Made from Goat Milk with the Addition of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon)

This study evaluates the effect of adding local lemon juice (Citrus limon) on Total Plate Count (TPC) and organoleptic in soft cheese, including color, texture, taste and preference for color, aroma/smell, texture and flavour. The experimental design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) using four treatments and 4 replications. Treatments differed by lemon juice concentration: T1 (0%), T2 (2%), T3 (4%), T4 (6%). The observation variables are TPC and organoleptic. The research results show that adding local lemon juice significantly effects (P<0.01) on the TPC and Organoleptics of color, texture, taste, and preferences for color, aroma/aroma, texture and flavour. The highest mean TPC was obtained at T1 (0%) with a value of 4.08 x 108 cfu/g, and the lowest was at T4 (6%) with a value of 2.25 x 108 cfu/g.

Colour preferences and self-acceptance – case studies based on the art therapy workshop

„Of all the judgements you make, none is as important as your own opinion about yourself ”– this sentence served as the starting point for the workshop “Me – my portrait. How do you see yourself?” carried out as part of the art therapy elective course in the third year of medical studies at the University of Rzeszów (Poland). The article presents an analysis of the results obtained in the workshop on emotional and expressional creativity, i.e. verbal relations and colourful stories about oneself. Colours are a means of expression and symbolic representation in the visual arts. On the basis of colour preferences, a diagnosis of specific psychological states with regard to the participants’ self-acceptance was made.

The influence of anxiety on the structure of color associations

The subject of the study is the relationship between the level of anxiety and color associations with anthropologically significant concepts. The goal is an experimental test of the hypothesis that anxiety affects the structure, density and components of the color association system. The experiment involved 100 people (23 men and 77 women) aged 17 to 24 years (mean age 19.71, SD = 1.72). Their anxiety level was established using the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMAS) as adapted by V. G. Norakidze. Depending on the total score on the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale, we formed 3 groups for participants with low, medium and high anxiety levels. The palette of the experiment included 9 color samples of the NCS natural color system, which were divided into "warm" and "cold". The participants compared the color samples of the palette with 26 anthropologically significant concepts. First, the experiment showed that the anxiety level related to the associative group of preferred colors: as the anxiety level increased, the number of "warm" colors significantly decreased, and "cold" ones increased. Second, in all three groups, "red" and "gray" associations dominated, the differences in the frequency of other selected hues, with the exception of red, blue-green and yellow-green, were quite weak. Third, a correlation between salient individual chromatic characteristics in the color association structure and the anxiety level was revealed: in groups with a higher anxiety level, we found a reduction in the number of connections and an increase in the dominance of individual associations. This study clarifies the relationship between the anxiety level and color cognition, primarily it concerns the color representation of a person’s own state and mood. The research can be continued through the study of other chromatic characteristics, cross-cultural and sociocultural specifics.

Additive and Non-additive Genetic Effects on Growth and Egg Production Performance of Crossbred Chicken in Ethiopia

The present review article aims to provide an overview of the additive and non-additive genetic effects of crossbreeding and their contribution to the improvement of growth and egg production traits in chickens. It discusses the advancement in crossbreeding effects and mating design contribution to a significant rate of genetic progress in indigenous chicken. In Ethiopia, crossbreeding practice may be used to enhance the performance of local chicken ecotypes. The article extensively reviews various papers related to crossbreeding trials conducted in Ethiopia, evaluating their effectiveness in improving growth and egg production. It discusses the mating design and breeds used in these programs, such as exotic breeds like Rhode Island Red, Fayoumi, White Leghorn, Koekoek, Sasso, Kuroiler, and local Ethiopian chicken ecotypes. Among the exotic breeds involved in crossbreeding, Rhode Island Red and Sasso are considered more favorable for improving growth rate and color preference, while White Leghorn is preferred for enhancing egg production traits. In opposite to these indigenous chickens are preferred for disease resistance and product quality. Additive genetic effects are typically responsible for the genetic improvement of traits over generations through selection. In egg production, additive genetic effects influence the overall capacity of a chicken to lay eggs, affecting traits like egg number and egg size. Whereas, In growth performance, additive genetic effects influence traits like body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and overall growth rate. Non-additive genetic effects include dominance and epistatic interactions between genes. These effects can lead to genetic heterogeneity and can impact traits like egg production and growth performance besides playing a role in hybrid vigor or heterosis. In conclusion, both additive and non-additive genetic effects play a crucial role in determining egg production and growth performance in chickens. Additive effects drive genetic improvement over generations, while non-additive effects provide immediate benefits like hybrid vigor. Understanding and utilizing both types of genetic effects is essential for enhancing these traits in poultry breeding programs. Chicken crossbreeding programs are highly important in the poultry industry as they continuously improve the genetic potential of chickens, leading to more efficient production systems and higher profitability for producers.

Bumblebee social learning outcomes correlate with their flower-facing behaviour

Previous studies suggest that social learning in bumblebees can occur through second-order conditioning, with conspecifics functioning as first-order reinforcers. However, the behavioural mechanisms underlying bumblebees’ acquisition of socially learned associations remain largely unexplored. Investigating these mechanisms requires detailed quantification and analysis of the observation process. Here we designed a new 2D paradigm suitable for simple top-down high-speed video recording and analysed bumblebees’ observational learning process using a deep-learning-based pose-estimation framework. Two groups of bumblebees observed live conspecifics foraging from either blue or yellow flowers during a single foraging bout, and were subsequently tested for their socially learned colour preferences. Both groups successfully learned the colour indicated by the demonstrators and spent more time facing rewarding flowers—whether occupied by demonstrators or not—compared to non-rewarding flowers. While both groups showed a negative correlation between time spent facing non-rewarding flowers and learning outcomes, the observer bees in the blue group benefited from time spent facing occupied rewarding flowers, whereas the yellow group showed that time facing unoccupied rewarding flowers by the observer bees positively correlated with their learning outcomes. These results suggest that socially influenced colour preferences are shaped by the interplay of different types of observations rather than merely by observing a conspecific at a single colour. Together, these findings provide direct evidence of the dynamical viewing process of observer bees during social observation, opening up new opportunities for exploring the details of more complex social learning in bumblebees and other insects.

RED Is “Happy” but Also “Gloomy”: The Influence of Young People on Color Preference and Emotional Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted human psychological and emotional states, influencing behaviors, including color preferences. This study aimed to explore how the pandemic affected people’s color preferences and emotional responses, shedding light on the broader implications for psychological well-being. A total of 231 participants were divided into two groups based on the depth to which they were affected by the pandemic, considering factors such as personality, family, friends, work/lessons, relationships, and consumption. The findings revealed four key results: (1) participants’ preference for cooler colors such as blue and green increased, reflecting a need for calmness and stability during heightened stress, while their preference for warm colors decreased. (2) Personal consumption was identified as the most severely impacted area. (3) The pandemic reduced people’s overall preference for warm colors. (4) The pandemic triggered strong negative and contradictory emotions. These results highlight the significant shift towards cooler colors, which are associated with calmness, and suggest important applications in design, marketing, and mental health initiatives. Understanding the psychological effects of the pandemic on color preferences provides valuable insights across multiple fields and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the reshaped aspects of human behavior in the face of future challenges.

Color as a Key Factor in Creating Sustainable Living Spaces for Seniors

Color as a feature of interior spaces is a fundamental component of human interaction with the built environment. Therefore, planning the design concept of an interior space with attention to color choices is extremely important, especially when the users of a given space include individuals who require additional support and care, such as the elderly. The colors used in architecture and interiors play a crucial role in the well-being of older adults, influencing their spatial perception, behavior, and activity. With age, color perception changes due to the effects of the aging process on vision. Visual deficits lead to shifts in sensory perception, which can, in turn, affect the sense of well-being, often creating a heightened sense of uncertainty. These changes in color perception due to aging may impact the color preferences of older people within their living environments. To create supportive environments for seniors, it is necessary to investigate which colors are most easily recognized, which colors are easiest to distinguish, and which colors are preferred by older adults. Based on a review of the literature and research findings on age-related changes in chromatic and spatial perception, design recommendations and guidelines have been developed. To supplement this knowledge, a survey was conducted among seniors to gather insights on their color preferences. Observations and analyzes of the survey results point to strategies for color use and underscore the importance of color in designing sustainable living spaces for seniors.

From colours to cravings: Exploring conditioned colour preference to ethanol in zebrafish

Conditioned preference paradigms like conditioned colour preference tests (CCP) can be used to investigate addictive drug seeking in zebrafish (Danio rerio), but many aspects of this procedure require further study. Conditioned preference can be tested with either biased or unbiased conditioning methods, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. The present study used unbiased stimuli to test seeking behaviour in ethanol-exposed zebrafish at different durations of drug withdrawal. Zebrafish were exposed to one of two equally preferred colours (red or yellow) while dosed with 0.8 % vol/vol ethanol or with habitat water (controls) for 1 h each day for 21 days. Next, fish experienced withdrawal for either 2-, 4-, or 8-days then were tested in a two-way red and yellow task for 10 min with their movement recorded via motion-tracking software. Fish conditioned to red showed a main effect of ethanol and a significant preference for red compared to yellow at 8-days of withdrawal but not at 2-days or 4-days of withdrawal. Fish conditioned to yellow did not show any colour preference during the 2-, 4-, or 8-days of withdrawal, but did show a main effect of withdrawal duration. This work expands our understanding of CCP paradigms in zebrafish and highlights the capacity of zebrafish to develop an association to red but not yellow under our experimental conditions.