Red Color Values Research Articles

A Machine Learning Approach for Efficiently Predicting Polymer Aging from UV-Vis Spectra.

This research has introduced an innovative approach that proficiently forecasts the alterations in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) of polymer solutions during the aging effect. This method combines readily accessible feature descriptors with classical machine learning (ML) algorithms. Traditional spectral measurements, while precise in analyzing physical properties, are limited by their cost and efficiency. Therefore, this paper introduces a method that utilizes wavelength and the blue (B), green (G), and red (R) color values of the solutions as input features. We employed seven different ML models to train on these features with 10-fold cross-validation to ensure the reliability and generalizability of our results. After comparative analysis, all of the models performed excellently. Among them, the ExtraTree model demonstrated particularly high precision and excellent predictive ability on the testing set, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9859 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0457. This study offers a practical solution for the rapid and cost-effective evaluation of polymer solutions' aging effect.

Emerging Vanadium-Doped Cobalt Chloride Carbonate Hydroxide for Flexible Electrochromic Micro-Supercapacitor: Charged-State Prediction from RGB Input by ANN Model.

Multifunctional devices integrated with electrochromic and supercapacitance properties are fascinating because of their extensive usage in modern electronic applications. In this work, vanadium-doped cobalt chloride carbonate hydroxide hydrate nanostructures (V-C3H NSs) are successfully synthesized and show unique electrochromic and supercapacitor properties. The V-C3H NSs material exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1219.9Fg-1 at 1mVs-1 with a capacitance retention of 100% over 30000 CV cycles. The electrochromic performance of the V-C3H NSs material is confirmed through in situ spectroelectrochemical measurements, where the switching time, coloration efficiency (CE), and optical modulation (∆T) are found to be 15.7 and 18.8s, 65.85cm2C-1 and 69%, respectively. A coupled multilayer artificial neural network (ANN) model is framed to predict potential and current from red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color values. The optimized V-C3H NSs are used as the active materials in the fabrication of flexible/wearable electrochromic micro-supercapacitor devices (FEMSDs) through a cost-effective mask-assisted vacuum filtration method. The fabricated FEMSD exhibits an areal capacitance of 47.15mFcm-2 at 1mVs-1 and offers a maximum areal energy and power density of 104.78Whcm-2 and 0.04mWcm-2, respectively. This material's interesting energy storage and electrochromic properties are promising in multifunctional electrochromic energy storage applications.

Influence of different baking temperatures of red kojic rice on the physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and functional components of red starter wine.

To improve the quality of red starter wine, this study explored the effects of baking red kojic rice at varying temperatures on the physicochemical characteristics of red starter wine. Baking was predicated on understanding crucial enzyme activities and starch granule structure of red kojic rice at 75, 95, and 105 °C, leading to the production of three red starter wine variants (BHQW1, BHQW2, and BHQW3). The results revealed an increased alcohol (increase 0.50%), total sugar (increase 0.14 g L-1 ), and total acid (increase 0.54 g L-1 ) content in red starter wine fermented using baked red kojic rice compared with the control group (wine fermented with unbaked rice, HQW). Furthermore, both the 105 °C baked red kojic rice and its resulting BHQW3 demonstrated significantly higher red color values than HQW (increase 2.03 U g-1 and 0.15 U mL-1 respectively). The highest lovastatin content was presented in red kojic rice baked at 105 °C and its corresponding fermented wine (1420.63 ± 507.9 μg g-1 and 3368.87 ± 228.16 μg L-1 respectively). Additionally, BHQW groups displayed higher total flavonoids and phenols content than HQW. Regarding antioxidant capacity, all BHQW groups showed stronger overall antioxidant capacity than HQW. The determination of volatile components revealed the highest content of volatile compounds in BHQW2 (2621.19 ± 548.24 μg L-1 ) and significantly higher volatile esters in BHQW1 (254.46 ± 16.63 μg L-1 ). Moreover, 16 volatile compounds were identified only in BHQW groups, including isoamyl caprylate, 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde. Our findings suggested that the baking technique of red kojic rice could enhance the quality of red starter wine through enhancing antioxidant properties, increasing functional components, and enriching volatile flavor compounds, thus providing a foundation for new techniques in red starter wine production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Analysis of the Effect of Thread Depth in Four Different Thread Designs on the Stress Distribution at the Implant-bone Interface Using Finite Element Analysis – A Comparative Three-Dimensional In vitro Study

ABSTRACT Statement of Problem: Treatment with dental implants owes much of its success to the development and maintenance of an osseointegrated bone-implant interface. The development of this interface is influenced by various factors, of which implant thread design plays a dominant role. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of thread depth in four different thread designs on the stress distribution at the implant-bone interface using three-dimensional finite element analysis. Materials and Methods: Four implant models with different thread shapes, namely V thread, square thread, buttress thread, and reverse buttress thread with an uniform thread depth of 0.4 mm were designed. These models were then placed in the mandibular first molar region. Force of 100 N was applied axially and at 45°angle to the implant. Von Mises stress was measured at the implant – Bone interface area and compared for the different designs. Results: The color plots obtained were studied and the maximum Von Mises stress was noted and tabulated for each condition. Stress distribution in the finite element models comes in the numerical values and in color coding. Maximum values of Von Mises stress are denoted by red color and minimum value by blue color. In between, the values are represented by bluish green, green, greenish yellow, and yellowish red in the ascending order of stress distribution. Conclusion: Thread design plays an important role in stress distribution in implant and bone. Varying Von Mises stress is seen at the cortical bone-implant and cancellous bone-implant interface. Clinical Implication: Successful osseointegration is necessary for implant success and thread design plays a very important role in osseointegration. Therefore, the selection of implants with proper thread design contributes greatly to the success of an implant-retained prosthesis.

Exploration on energy‐saved dyeing method for polyimide fabrics with alkali treatment

AbstractThe difficulty of dyeing is a disturbing problem for the various application of polyimide fabrics. Alkali treatment has been widely used as a preliminary step before dyeing, denoted as a two‐bath method. With more attention being paid to energy resources, this work aims to explore more economical and environmentally friendly dyeing technology, combining the alkali treatment and the dyeing process together, named a one‐bath method. Surprisingly, the K/S value of the one‐bath dyed fabric is much higher than that of the two‐bath sample, in which the red colour value is enhanced by 59.9% for the one‐bath sample. As for the effect of dyeing on the physical properties, the two‐step method has been demonstrated to exert more severe damage on the fibre, with lower crystallinity and tensile strength. To explain such results, it is deduced that when alkali is added together with dyes, it can play a bridge role between the dyes and the fibre, anchoring the dyes wherever the alkali can permeate. Furthermore, 17.25 J of the energy is calculated to be saved for the dyeing of 60 g of fabric, which is very inspiring for large‐scale application.

Anemia detection through non-invasive analysis of lip mucosa images.

This paper aims to detect anemia using images of the lip mucosa, where the skin tissue is thin, and to confirm the feasibility of detecting anemia noninvasively and in the home environment using machine learning (ML). Data were collected from 138 patients, including 100 women and 38 men. Six ML algorithms: artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), logistic regression (LR), naive bayes (NB), and support vector machine (SVM) which are widely used in medical applications, were used to classify the collected data. Two different data types were obtained from participants' images (RGB red color values and HSV saturation values) as features, with age, sex, and hemoglobin levels utilized to perform classification. The ML algorithm was used to analyze and classify images of the lip mucosa quickly and accurately, potentially increasing the efficiency of anemia screening programs. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure were evaluated to assess how well ML models performed in predicting anemia. The results showed that NB reported the highest accuracy (96%) among the other ML models used. DT, KNN and ANN reported an accuracies of (93%), while LR and SVM had an accuracy of (79%) and (75%) receptively. This research suggests that employing ML approaches to identify anemia will help classify the diagnosis, which will then help to create efficient preventive measures. Compared to blood tests, this noninvasive procedure is more practical and accessible to patients. Furthermore, ML algorithms may be created and trained to assess lip mucosa photos at a minimal cost, making it an affordable screening method in regions with a shortage of healthcare resources.

Evaluation of Autochthonous Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci as Starter Cultures for the Production of Pastırma.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Staphylococcus xylosus 39, S. equorum 53, or S. vitulinus 75, previously isolated from pastırma, on the quality characteristics of pastırma, a Turkish dry-cured meat product, and to evaluate their potential use as starter cultures. The pastırma production was carried out with a traditional method. The control pastırma groups were manufactured without adding any starter culture. At the end of production, the groups were subjected to microbiological and physico-chemical analyses. The pH was above 5.5, and the aw value was below 0.90 in all groups. The strains used exhibited good adaptation to the pastırma. The S. equorum 53 decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value in pastırma, while the S. xylosus 39 increased the redness (a*) color value. The autochthonous strains caused a decrease in the palmitic acid (C16:0). However, they had no significant effect on the stearic acid (C18:0) and the oleic acid (C18:1n-9c). A total of 41 volatile compounds were identified in the groups. S. vitulinus 75 increased both benzaldehyde and 2-methyl-3-phenylpropanal levels. In addition, the principal component analysis (PCA) of volatile compounds provided a good separation, and PC1 separated S. xylosus 39 from other groups.

Use of High-Pressure Processing to Improve the Redness of Dark-Cutting Beef

The objective was to evaluate the effects of high-pressure processing (HPP) levels on retail color of dark-cutting beef. Eight USDA Choice (mean pH=5.5; normal-pH beef) and 12 dark-cutting (mean pH=6.3) strip loins were obtained from a commercial packing plant within 2 d of harvest. Dark-cutting loins were cut into equal sections, vacuum packaged,and randomly assigned to 0 (no HPP), 300, 450, and 600 MPa of pressure for 90 s using chilled water. Following 48 h of dark storage at 2°C, dark-cutting loin sections were cut into 1.9-cm-thick steaks, placed in Styrofoam trays overwrapped in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, and placed in a simulated retail display for 8 d. The surface color readings were measured every 24 h using a HunterLab MiniScan XE Plus spectrophotometer, whereas a trained color panel (n=6) evaluated dis-coloration, paleness, and lean color on steaks. Lipid oxidation was evaluated on day 0, 4, and 8 of retail display, and structural changes were determined using light microscopy on day 0 of display. There was a significant HPP level×day of retail display interaction for all instrumental color measurements. Throughout the retail display, L* values of 450 and 600 MPa applied steaks were greater (P<0.05) than 300 MPa and controls. There was a significant pressure level×day of retail display interaction when panelists evaluated lean color and discoloration. Steaks treated at 300 MPa exhibited brighter red color and lower (P=0.0023) thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values than other pressure levels and normal-pH control steaks. Light microscopy analysis indicated that HPP increased space between muscle structures. In conclusion, low (300 MPa) and moderate (450 MPa) pressure levels can improve redness of dark-cutting steaks.

Near-Surface Soil Moisture Characterization in Mississippi’s Highway Slopes Using Machine Learning Methods and UAV-Captured Infrared and Optical Images

Near-surface soil moisture content variation is a major factor in the frequent shallow slope failures observed on Mississippi’s highway slopes built on expansive clay. Soil moisture content variation is monitored generally through borehole sensors in highway embankments and slopes. This point monitoring method lacks spatial resolution, and the sensors are susceptible to premature failure due to wear and tear. In contrast, Unmanned/Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have higher spatial and temporal resolutions that enable more efficient monitoring of site conditions, including soil moisture variation. The current study focused on developing two methods to predict soil moisture content (θ) using UAV-captured optical and thermal combined with machine learning and statistical modeling. The first method used Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) color values from UAV-captured optical images to predict θ. Support Vector Machine for Regression (SVR), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were trained and evaluated for predicting θ from RGB values. The XGB model and MLR model outperformed the SVR model in predicting soil moisture content from RGB values. The R2 values for the XGB and MLR models were >0.9 for predicting soil moisture when compared to SVR (R2 = 0.25). The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for XGB, SVR, and MLR were 0.009, 0.025, and 0.01, respectively, for the test dataset, affirming that XGB was the best-performing model among the three models evaluated, followed by MLR and SVR. The better-performing XGB and MLR models were further validated by predicting soil moisture using unseen input data, and they provided good prediction results. The second method used Diurnal Land Surface Temperature variation (ΔLST) from UAV-captured Thermal Infrared (TIR) images to predict θ. TIR images of vegetation-covered areas and bare ground areas of the highway embankment side slopes were processed to extract ΔLST amplitudes. The underlying relationship between soil surface thermal inertia and moisture content variation was utilized to develop a predictive model. The resulting single-parameter power curve fit model accurately predicted soil moisture from ΔLST, especially in vegetation-covered areas. The power curve fit model was further validated on previously unseen TIR, and it predicted θ with an accuracy of RMSE = 0.0273, indicating good prediction performance. The study was conducted on a field scale and not in a controlled environment, which aids in the generalizability of the developed predictive models.

Development of a detector tube for screening tadalafil and its analogues in adulterated sexual enhancement products.

Sexual enhancement products adulterated with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i) pose a serious public health concern. Tadalafil and its analogues (Tds) are PDE-5i frequently detected as adulterants. In this study, a Td detector tube for the rapid detection of Tds was developed based on the color change reaction between sulfuric acid and Tds. The specificity of this test method was evaluated using 13 Tds, all of which elicited positive results. Additionally, 30 commonly found adulterants in dietary supplements, 11 active pharmaceutical ingredients of psychotropic drugs and 18 food ingredients were tested and obtained no false-positive results, except levomepromazine. The test tube accurately detected the presence or absence of Tds in 54 commercially available products. The visual detection limit was 2-50 and 5-20 μg/ml for Tds and tadalafil-spiked samples with matrix, respectively. The applicability of the developed detector tube to a semiquantitative test using digital image analyses were investigated using red, green, and blue color values. The results of the recovery test suggested that the tube test was affected by the dark-colored matrix. The results of semiquantitative analyses of tadalafil for five marketed products were consistent with the liquid chromatographic quantification results, except for the blue value. The detector tube developed in this study can facilitate with the rapid screening of Tds in adulterated sexual enhancement products.

L-lysine and dietary fiber improve the physicochemical properties of sausage without added phosphate and reduced salt levels

The demand for clean label foods has driven research in the meat product sector. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on the physicochemical properties of adding L-lysine, wheat fiber (WTF) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in sausage without the addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and with reduced salt levels. Eight treatments were produced in total. Three control treatments were: CON1 - 0.5 % sodium tripolyphosphate and 2 % salt; CON2 - without STPP and 2 % salt; CON3 - without STPP and 1 % salt. Five other treatments were carried out without STPP and 1 % of salt: LYS - 0.8 % L-lysine; WTF - 2 % wheat fiber; MCC - 2 % microcrystalline cellulose fiber; LYSWTF - 0.8 % L-lysine and 2 % wheat fiber; LYSMCC - 0.8 % L-lysine and 2 % microcrystalline cellulose fiber. L-lysine and wheat fiber provided good emulsion stability for sausages. L-lysine and MCC increased the yield of the products. Microcrystalline cellulose increased the red color value (a*) of sausages. The intensity of the yellow color value (b*) was significantly affected by the removal of STPP and the reduction of salt levels, but L-lysine and MCC improved this parameter, providing similar results to CON1. Adding of L-lysine and dietary fiber increased hardness in sausages without added STPP and with salt reduction. L-lysine and wheat fiber are promising for reformulating emulsified meat product without phosphate added and with reduced salt levels due to lipid oxidation control and improvement in emulsion stability.

Effects and mechanism of pressure treatment on hemodynamic changes in patients with hypertrophic scar secondary to extensive burns

Objective: To investigate the hemodynamic changes of the main arteries and veins of the extremities and the heart in patients with hypertrophic scar secondary to extensive burns after pressure treatment, and to analyze the relevant mechanisms. Methods: A retrospective before-after self-control study was conducted. From January 2017 to February 2022, 37 patients with hypertrophic scar secondary to extensive burns who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in the Burn Rehabilitation Department of Guangdong Industrial Injury Rehabilitation Hospital, including 25 males and 12 females, aged 23-52 years. The patients were admitted to the hospital within 12 weeks after wound healing, and within one week after admission, rehabilitation therapists, occupational therapists, and tailors custom-made pressure products such as full-body pressure garment, pressure pants, vests, split finger gloves, split finger socks, hoods, and plastic collars, with the pressure at each part maintained at 2.67-4.00 kPa when wearing. Before the first treatment with pressure products (hereinafter referred to as before pressure treatment) and at 1 h of the first treatment with pressure products (hereinafter referred to as 1 h of pressure treatment), color Doppler ultrasonography was performed to check the pulse rate of the axillary artery, the lumen diameter, peak systolic velocity (PSV), and resistance index of the axillary artery and femoral artery on the left side, the lumen diameter, cross-sectional area, and average blood flow velocity of the axillary vein and femoral vein, and the mitral valve E peak, mitral valve A peak, tricuspid valve E peak, aortic valve PSV, and pulmonary valve PSV of the heart; an optical chromatographic skin detector was used to detect the red color, red pigment, and surface brightness of the scar on the back of the hand to reflect the filling and distribution of the scar microvessels. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test. Results: Compared with those before pressure treatment, the PSV of the axillary artery of patients was significantly slowed down at 1 h of pressure treatment (t=55.42, P<0.01); the average blood flow velocity of the axillary vein was significantly accelerated (t=-60.50, P<0.01); the pulse rate, lumen diameter, and resistance index of the axillary artery, as well as the lumen diameter and cross-sectional area of the axillary vein did not change obviously (P>0.05); the average blood flow velocity of the femoral vein was significantly accelerated (t=-80.52, P<0.01); the lumen diameter, PSV, and resistance index of the femoral artery, as well as the lumen diameter and cross-sectional area of the femoral vein had no significant change (P>0.05); the mitral valve E peak and mitral valve A peak of the heart decreased significantly (with t values of 10.71 and 21.96, respectively, P<0.01); the tricuspid valve E peak of the heart increased significantly (t=7.57, P<0.01); the PSV of the aortic valve and pulmonary valve of the heart did not change obviously (P>0.05). At 1 h of pressure treatment, the red color and red pigment values of the scar on the back of the hand of patients were 15.3±1.1 and 16.8±1.2, respectively, which were significantly lower than 24.5±1.3 and 23.8±1.2 before pressure treatment (with t values of 8.32 and 8.04, respectively, P<0.01). The brightness value of the scar surface on the back of the hand of patients at 1 h of pressure treatment was similar to that before pressure treatment (P>0.05). Conclusions: After pressure treatment for the hypertrophic scar in patients secondary to extensive burn, the average blood flow velocity of the axillary vein and femoral vein in patients are obviously accelerated, the PSV of the axillary artery is significantly slowed down, the peak values of mitral valve E and mitral valve A of the heart are significantly decreased, and the tricuspid valve E peak is significantly increased. These hemodynamic changes may be related to the reduction of microvascular blood flow in the local area of scar after systemic pressure treatment.

Quality assessment of processed Eucommiae Cortex based on the color and tensile force

Eucommiae Cortex (EC), the dried stem bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv, has been traditionally used to strengthen the muscle and bone tissues and improve liver and kidney functions in East Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea. Salty-fried EC (SFEC) is made by using mixing EC and saline together based on the protocol of Chinese Materia Medica Processing (CMMP) for clinical use. However, the clinical effectiveness of SFEC is directly impacted by the frying temperature and time. But precise techniques for evaluating the caliber of SFEC have yet to be developed. Thus, this study aimed to establish a fast and accurate quality-check method for SFEC decoction pieces. According to the frying temperature and time, four different categories of SFEC had been got according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia method as Raw (R), Under (U), Moderately (M), and Overly (O). The red (R), green (G), blue (B), and light (L) color values of the decoction pieces were quantitated using the Photoshop software to determine the standard value range of the L color (raw [104.44 ​± ​15.06], under [67.28 ​± ​8.20], moderately [39.94 ​± ​6.40], and over [15.02 ​± ​5.03]). Additionally, the tensile strengths and pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) levels of EC gum-silks were measured using the mechanical tensile test and HPLC, respectively. We also conducted Pearson correlation analysis on the L color value, EC gum-silk tension (FbcN), and PDG level, and established the following multiple-linear regression equation: the decline in PDG level (w) ​= ​0.829–0.001 ​× ​FbcN – 0.009 ​× ​L. In conclusion, the L color value and FbcN could be used for cluster analysis of four categories of SFEC. Additionally, based on the correlation among the L color value, gum-silk tensile test, and PDG level, a rapid and accurate quality-control method for SFEC decoction pieces with different frying temperatures and durations was established. This method facilitates the manufacturing of efficacious SFEC.

670 Average RGB color value to categorize skin color of dermatology images

Visual learning equity is a health justice effort to increase the diversity of skin color in images used for dermatology education. However, visual assessment of skin color is subjective and varies based on viewers’ personal characteristics and contextual situation. Here, we aim to create an objective measure of assessing skin color using the average red, green, and blue (RGB) color values of image pixels to categorize images. The RGB color model is additive and RGB values increase as skin color lightens from black to white.

Random forest algorithm-enhanced dual-emission molecularly imprinted fluorescence sensing method for rapid detection of pretilachlor in fish and water samples

A sensitive and efficient fluorescence sensor based on dual-emission molecularly imprinted polymers (Dual-em-MIPs) was successfully developed using the random forest (RF) machine-learning algorithm for the rapid detection of pretilachlor. SiO2 coatings on red-emitting CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (r-SiO2@QDs) as intermediate light-emitting components are non-selective for pretilachlor, whereas molecularly imprinted layers coated with blue-emitting nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDS) are selective. Fluorescence images of the Dual-em-MIPs were acquired. The red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color values of the image were analyzed using an RF algorithm, and the classifier was trained using 103 fluorescent images for automatic analyses. Under optimized conditions, an excellent linear relationship between the sensor and pretilachlor was obtained in the range of 0.001–5.0 mg/L (R2, 0.9958). Additionally, the satisfactory recoveries of Dual-em-MIPs ranged between 92.2 % and 107.6 % for the real samples, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) under 6.5 %. The satisfactory recoveries of the RF model based on the fluorescence sensor were 84.2–108.2 % with the RSD under 6.4 %. Overall, the proposed fluorescence sensor based on Dual-em-MIPs and machine learning methods was successfully used to determine pretilachlor in the environment and in aquatic products.

An Automated Toolchain for Camera-Enabled Sensing of Drinking Water Chlorine Residual.

Chlorine residual concentration is an important parameter to prevent pathogen growth in drinking water. Disposable color changing test strips that measure chlorine in tap water are commercially available to the public; however, the color changes are difficult to read by eye, and the data are not captured for water service providers. Here we present an automated toolchain designed to process digital images of free chlorine residual test strips taken with mobile phone cameras. The toolchain crops the image using image processing algorithms that isolate the areas relevant for analysis and automatically white balances the image to allow for use with different phones and lighting conditions. The average red, green, and blue (RGB) color values of the image are used to predict a free chlorine concentration that is classified into three concentration tiers (<0.2 mg/L, 0.2-0.5 mg/L, or >0.5 mg/L), which can be reported to water users and recorded for utility use. The proposed approach was applied to three different phone types under three different lighting conditions using a standard background. This approach can discriminate between concentrations above and below 0.5 mg/L with an accuracy of 90% and 94% for training and testing data sets, respectively. Furthermore, it can discriminate between concentrations of <0.2 mg/L, 0.2-0.5 mg/L, or >0.5 mg/L with weighted-averaged F1 scores of 79% and 88% for training and testing data sets, respectively. This tool sets the stage for tap water consumers and water utilities to gather frequent measurements and high-resolution temporal and spatial data on drinking water quality.

Effect of in ovo manganese injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation, hatchability, and performances of offspring broilers under normal and high temperatures

Two experiments were carried out to study the effect of in ovo manganese (Mn) injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation, hatchability, and performances of offspring broilers under normal temperature (NT) and high temperature (HT). Experiment 1 was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo Mn injection on the embryonic hatchability of Arbor Acres broiler breeders. On D 9 of incubation, a total of 684 fertilized eggs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments: the non-injected positive control (niPC) and treatments injected with 0 (the negative control, iNC), 6.25, 12.5, 25.0, or 50.0 μg Mn/egg as Mn sulfate. Experiment 2 was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo Mn injection on the embryonic development, antioxidation and performance of offspring broilers under NT and HT. A total of 792 fertilized eggs were randomly allocated to 6 treatments in a 1 (niPC) + 1 (iNC) + 2 (injected Mn sources: Mn sulfate and Mn proteinate) × 2 (injected Mn levels: 12.5 and 25.0 μg/egg) factorial arrangement during the embryonic stage and D1 to 28 at NT. Then, 288 birds were allotted to 12 treatments in a 6 (the above embryonic treatments) × 2 (environmental temperatures: NT-22℃ vs HT-34℃) factorial arrangement from D 29 to 42. The results showed that Mn injection affected (P < 0.03) the hatchability and the maximum level of in ovo injected Mn was 25.0 μg Mn/egg. The Mn injection upregulated (P < 0.05) Mn-containing superoxide dismutase mRNA expression in the embryonic heart compared to the iNC. Hyperthermia decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI, breast muscle percentage, plsma alkaline phosphatase activity, and red color values of breast and thigh muscles, but increased (P < 0.05) F/G, plasma aspartate aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase activities, total cholesterol, uric acid and triiodothyronine contents, abdominal fat, light values of breast and thigh muscles of offspring broilers. The results suggest that in ovo Mn injection can enhance antioxidant ability in the chick embryonic heart.

Effect of Some Edible Coating Materials On Quality and Storability of Cherry Tomato Fruits During Cold Storage and Shelf Life Periods

This research was conducted in the Post-Harvest Laboratory of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during two seasons of 2019 and 2020 to study the effect of dipping cherry tomatoes fruits in solutions of edible materials on fruits quality and storability during storage at 7±2°C and 90 ± 3% relative humidity for 28 days. Where the fruits were dipped in chitosan nano particles (ChNPs) solution at 0.5 and 1 %, Arabic gum solution at 5 and 10%, bottle gourd seed oil at 0.2 and 0.4 % and distilled water (control). The results showed that, fresh weight losses, fruit decay, total soluble solids (TSS) content, fruit red color value a*and fruit red color value a*/b* increased progressive as the storage duration was extended from zero to 28 days. On the other hand, increasing the cold storage time reduced the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C content and fruit red color value b*. Dipping in solution of bottle gourd seed oil at 0.4% gave the highest fruit firmness, vitamin C and the lowest values of weight loss percentage, Also, dipping in bottle gourd seed oil solution at 0.2 and 0.4 % did not show any decayed fruits and gave the highest values of a*/b*ratio, in addition, it is increased TSS in fruits at 28 days of storage. In general, ChNPs solution at 1 and Arabic gum solution at 10% % gave the highest values of titratable acidity.

EFFECT OF SOME EDIBLE COATING MATERIALS ON QUALITY AND STORABILITY OF CHERRY TOMATO FRUITS DURING COLD STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE PERIODS

This research was conducted in the Post-Harvest Laboratory of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Egypt, during two seasons of 2019 and 2020 to study the effect of dipping cherry tomatoes fruits in solutions of edible materials on fruits quality and storability during storage at 7±2°C and 90 ± 3% relative humidity for 28 days. Where the fruits were dipped in chitosan nano particles (ChNPs) solution at 0.5 and 1 %, Arabic gum solution at 5 and 10%, bottle gourd seed oil at 0.2 and 0.4 % and distilled water (control). The results showed that, fresh weight losses, fruit decay, total soluble solids (TSS) content, fruit red color value a*and fruit red color value a*/b* increased progressive as the storage duration was extended from zero to 28 days. On the other hand, increasing the cold storage time reduced the fruit firmness, titratable acidity, vitamin C content and fruit red color value b*. Dipping in solution of bottle gourd seed oil at 0.4% gave the highest fruit firmness, vitamin C and the lowest values of weight loss percentage, Also, dipping in bottle gourd seed oil solution at 0.2 and 0.4 % did not show any decayed fruits and gave the highest values of a*/b*ratio, in addition, it is increased TSS in fruits at 28 days of storage. In general, ChNPs solution at 1 and Arabic gum solution at 10% % gave the highest values of titratable acidity.

The Influence of Environmental and Physiological Factors on Variation in American Toad (Anaxyrus americanus) Dorsal Coloration

Adaptive coloration in amphibians is widespread and aids in camouflage, communication, and thermoregulation. Understanding the environmental factors that contribute to color variation is important for predicting how changes in climate and habitat parameters may alter amphibian fitness. Studies on toad coloration have focused on genetic elements, dorsal spot patterns, and juveniles, but less is known about the relationship between adult toad coloration and environmental conditions. The goal of this study was to examine dorsal color variation in adult American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) in Erie County, Pennsylvania, USA, to determine how environmental and morphological factors influence coloration. We conducted visual surveys to sample adult toads across a habitat gradient and recorded several potential predictor variables (i.e., site elevation, substrate type, snout–vent length, and body surface temperature). We calibrated photographs of each toad and quantified red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color values within seven dorsal body regions. We summarized RGB values for each dorsal body region using a principal component analysis and used model selection approaches to select between models containing different predictor variables. The most supported model to explain the variation in color of all dorsal body regions contained only site elevation. On average, the body regions of all toads from higher elevation sites were darker than those of toads from lower elevations, but the amount of variation in dorsal coloration accounted for by elevation was low. Our results suggest that the factors that drive variation in toad dorsal coloration are complex, but that this trait is potentially sensitive to environmental changes.