Orange-red Color Research Articles

Comparative Study of Carotenoids Content in Ripe and Unripe Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunches

Currently Elaies Guineensisor oil palm is the most widely planted commodity crop in Malaysiaand hasa very large impact to the country’s economy. At the same time, the industry also produces huge amount of oil palm waste materials such as Unripe FreshFruit Bunche (FFB).Each year million tons of Unripe FFB could not be processed in the mill and were disposed-off and thus posed additional threats to the environment. The objective of this study was to recycle the oil from Unripe FFB and comparedthe carotenoids content with the Ripe FFB. Carotenoids isthe natural chemical compounds which givespalm oil its orange red color. The compound is good for human health as it can strengthen body immunity system and act as antioxidantThe experiment was conductedby collecting fruits from three (3) samples of Ripe FFB and Unripe FFB. The selected fruits were then sterilized, and Crude Palm Oil (CPO) was extracted. The analysis of oil samples was conducted using Near Infrared Spectroscopy Diode Array (NIRS DA) 1650. Result for the carotenoids showed that mean for the Ripe FFB was 968.07 ppm and for the Unripe FFB was927.37 ppm. The Free Fatty Acids (FFA) were 22.08 and 14.47respectively which indicated that the fruits were badly bruised during the processing. This study showed that the carotenoids contentin Unripe FFB is comparable with the Ripe FFB and thus it canbe concluded that Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from Unripe FFB can be used for carotenoids extraction instead of rejected or disposed-off to the environment.

Papaya germplasm conservation through superior varieties assembly in Indonesia

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is well adapted in tropical regions, including Indonesia, thus papaya genetic variability in this country is diverse. Indonesian papaya genetic variability is mainly observed on fruit quality characters, such as fruit size, flesh color, sweet taste, fruit texture, and flesh thickness. Papaya genetic resources conservation was conducted by employing them on papaya new superior variety improvement. Conventional papaya breeding was conducted through hybridization, selection, evaluation, and adaptation tests. Indonesian papaya hybridization and selection which are handled by the Indonesian Tropical Fruit Research Institute have been selected hybrids. The adaptation test of those selected genotypes has been carried out on several development regions. Overall, the papaya breeding activities have been delivered papaya varieties Merah Delima, Agri Solinda, Carvita Agrihorti, and a number of superior varieties candidate. The papaya superior varieties released with sweet taste, small to medium fruit size, thick flesh, high edible portion, high vitamin C content, red orange flesh color, and high productivity.

Partition of bioactive components from red pitaya fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peels into different fractions using supercritical fluid fractionation technology

The pitaya peel powder was mixed with 50% ethanol solution at a ratio of 1:10 (w/v) for 24 h to obtain the pitaya peel ethanol extract (E). The extract was further fractionated with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC–CO2) under the operating conditions: temperature 40 °C and pressure of 30, 25, 20 or 10 MPa into R, F1, F2 or F3 fractions, respectively. Our results confirmed SC-CO2 fractionation significantly influenced the distribution of phenolic compounds, polysaccharides and betalains in fractions and thus affected their physico-chemical properties. Bioactive compounds majorly distributed in F1; consequently, DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging activities of F1 are higher than those of other fractions. The IC50 values of DPPH and ABTS scavenging ability were 0.78 mg/mL and 0.69 mg/mL for F1 fraction, respectively. Linear structure model analysis showed that the scavenging activities of the both free radicals were positively related to phenolic compounds and polysaccharide components. The strong red-orange color spectrum of E was simultaneously fractionated into the red-orange color F1, the bright red color of F2 and F3 and the vivid orange color of R.

정색반응과 GC/MS를 이용한 Cannabis의 검출

As the seizures of cannabis have risen since 2018, the presumptive identification of THC has been studied to determine the presence of THC in seized cannabis using color tests. Because the color tests are simple to perform, inexpensive and give results that can be viewed by the naked eyes, four different color tests were examined in this study. Duquenois- Levine reagent, Fast blue B salt, Fast blue BB salt and 4-Aminophenol were compared to detect THC in the Cannabis specimens. The seized cannabis flowers were used as specimens and four reagents of Duquenois-Levine, Fast blue B salt, Fast blue BB salt, 4-Aminophenol were prepared according to the guidelines of the UNODC. GC-MS was utilized to measure the LODs of THC for the color tests applied. Duquenois-Levine, Fast blue B salt, Fast blue BB salt and 4-Aminophenol showed distinctive color changes in the presence of cannabis. By Duquenois-Levine, the color changed to blue-violet, Fast blue B salt to purple-red color, Fast blue BB salt to reddish orange color and 4-Aminophenol to blue. The LODs of THC by the four reagents were as follow: Duquenois-Levine and 4-Aminophenol showed 2 μg, Fast blue B salt was 0.6 μg and Fast blue BB salt was 0.8 μg. It was interesting to note that the blue color by 4-Aminophenol indicated the presence of THC, while pink color indicated the presence of CBD. In conclusion, Fast blue B salt was the most applicable color test to determine the presence of cannabis with the lowest LOD of THC.

Fighting Non-Small Lung Cancer Cells Using Optimal Functionalization of Targeted Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Natural Sources Might Provide Potential Therapeutic and Cancer Bio Image Strategies.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an important sub-type of lung cancer associated with poor diagnosis and therapy. Innovative multi-functional systems are urgently needed to overcome the invasiveness of NSCLC. Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) derived from natural sources have received interest for their potential in medical bio-imaging due to their unique properties, which are characterized by their water solubility, biocompatibility, simple synthesis, and low cytotoxicity. In the current study, ethylene-diamine doped CQDs enhanced their cytotoxicity (98 ± 0.4%, 97 ± 0.38%, 95.8 ± 0.15%, 86 ± 0.15%, 12.5 ± 0.14%) compared to CQDs alone (99 ± 0.2%, 98 ± 1.7%, 96 ± 0.8%, 93 ± 0.38%, 91 ± 1.3%) at serial concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000 μg/mL). In order to increase their location in a specific tumor site, folic acid was used to raise their functional folate recognition. The apoptotic feature of A549 lung cells exposed to N-CQDs and FA-NCQDs was characterized by a light orange-red color under fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, much nuclear fragmentation and condensation were seen. Flow cytometry results showed that the percentage of cells in late apoptosis and necrosis increased significantly in treated cells to (19.7 ± 0.03%), (27.6 ± 0.06%) compared to untreated cells (4.6 ± 0.02%), (3.5 ± 0.02%), respectively. Additionally, cell cycle arrest showed a strong reduction in cell numbers in the S phase (14 ± 0.9%) compared to untreated cells (29 ± 0.5%). Caspase-3 levels were increased significantly in A549 exposed to N-CQDs (2.67 ± 0.2 ng/mL) and FA-NCQDs (3.43 ± 0.05 ng/mL) compared to untreated cells (0.34 ± 0.04 ng/mL). The functionalization of CQDs derived from natural sources has proven their potential application to fight off non-small lung cancer.

Using Teak Leaves As Natural Dye And An Ecoprinting Material To Imprint Motifs On Silk Fabrics

Natural dyes are generally obtained from the extracts of plant parts. Teak leaves produce natural dyes and can be used to create ecoprinted works.This study aimed at utilizing teak leaves as natural dye and as an ecoprinting material imprinted on silk fabrics using alum mordant. The s tate of the art of this research is the using of teak leaves as natural dye and ecoprint materials on a single piece of silk fabric. The purpose of the study was to get natural colors, to create ecoprinted products, and to add aesthetic and economic value to the fabrics. The research method included the following stages: 1). Dyeing the cloth in TRO solution, 2). Extracting teak leaves, 3). Dyeing the cloth with the teak extract, 4). Ecoprinting with boiling technique, 5). Creating functional product out of the treated fabrics. The resulted extract dye created reddish orange color on the silk fabrics. The ecoprinting using teak leaves on silk fabrics produced the same yet more intense color. After the mordanting process, the shade of the color remained the same. The functional products created were pillow cases.

Direct Electron Transfer Enables Highly Efficient Dual Emission Modes of Mn2+-Doped Cs2Na1-xAgxBiCl6 Double Perovskites.

Double perovskites with bright emission, low toxicity, and excellent stability have drawn considerable attention. Herein, we report the hydrothermal synthesis of Mn2+-doped Cs2Na1-xAgxBiCl6 double perovskites that exhibit dual emission modes. Introducing Ag+ ions to Cs2NaBiCl6 samples enables a bright self-trapped exciton (STE) emission in orange-red color, whereas Mn2+ dopants induce a yellow-orange emission. Importantly, Mn2+ doping into Cs2Na1-xAgxBiCl6 double perovskites with an indirect bandgap enables a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 49.52 ± 2%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that bringing Ag+ ions into Cs2NaBiCl6 can localize wave function to the [AgCl6]5- octahedron and convert dark transitions to bright STE transitions. Moreover, the 3d orbitals of Mn2+ dopants hybridize with Bi-6p and Cl-3p orbitals at the conduction band minimum, resulting in direct electron transfer from the host to Mn2+ and a significant increase in photoluminescence efficiency. These results shed light on the optical physical process of Mn2+-doped systems, providing useful information for further improvement of the photoluminescence efficiency of double perovskites.

Use of tetraphenyl (hydroxyl) imidazole for colorimetric detection of iodide: Optical properties, computational characterizations, NBO, QTAIM, and NCI-RDG analyses

• Optoelectronic properties of tetraphenyl (hydroxyl) imidazole were carried out. • Complexation of Imidazole with I − anion was analyzed using experimental UV spectroscopy. • Imidazole has high selectivity towards Iodide over other competitive anions. • Imidazole shows appropriate properties to constitute good I − sensors. Optical, structural, electronic, and energetic properties of tetraphenyl (hydroxyl) imidazole were carried out using B3LYP-D3/6-311G (d, p) theoretical level. Complexation of imidazole compound with Br − , Cl − , CN − , SCN − , NO 3 − , CH 3 COO − , SO 4 − and I − anions have been analyzed using experimental UV spectroscopy. Data indicated that the addition of various anion ions in imidazole solutions exhibited negligible change in the absorption spectrum. However, the intensity of the absorbance was well improved in the presence of I − . A reddish orange color was observed with the appearance of new peak at 368 nm (experimental spectra) and 337 nm (theoretical spectra). This proved that the studied imidazole has a high selectivity towards iodide over other competitive anions. Imidazole compound detected I − in the range 0–30 µM, showing good linear relationships between concentration and absorption change (R 2 = 0.93), with a detection limit of 0.73 µM. The interaction of iodide with the colorimetric chemo sensor was discussed using Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Quantum Theory of Atoms In Molecules (QTAIM) analyses, taking into consideration the Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) theory using 6-311G (d, p)/lanl2dz(I) method. Adsorption energy (E ad ), vibrational spectra and Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) were used to detect the presence of I − . Overall, the present finding exhibited that Imidazole displayed suitable properties to design good I − sensors.

JMM profile: rifampicin: a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Rifampicin (also known as rifampin) inhibits RNA synthesis, and is used to treat tuberculosis, leprosy, staphylococcal infections and legionnaires’ disease. It can also protect at-risk populations from Haemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis . It is a polyketide antibiotic and is on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of essential medicines due to its critical importance to human medicine. The adverse effect of liver toxicity is controlled by testing during prolonged treatment regimes. Rifampicin’s red–orange colour can result in the colouration of sweat, tears and urine. Resistance to rifampicin arises from mutation of the target RNA polymerase or ADP ribosylation of the antibiotic or efflux. Mycobacteria may become singularly resistant to rifampicin or as part of multidrug or extensive drug resistance.

Reddish-orange color tunable Sm3+ activated Gd3Al5O12 phosphors: Crystallographic and photophysical investigation for lighting applications

Reddish-orange color emitting Gd3-xAl5O12:xSm3+ (x = 0.01–0.05) nanophosphors has been synthesized via an ideal, economical, less time consuming and urea assisted gel-combustion method. The structural and optical parameters of the synthesized samples were inspected in details. Crystallographic investigations exposed cubic crystal system having space group Ia-3̅d [230]. The particle size estimated through D. Scherrer's relation (20–32) and Williamson–Hall method (20–44 nm) are in good agreement to each other. The morphological analysis reveals that non-uniform agglomerated almost spherical particles lies in the nano-region (18–35 nm). Under the excitation of 276 nm, emission spectra exhibit three broadband centered at 566, 602 and 652 nm having transitions 4G5/2 → 6HJ (J = 5/2 to 9/2). The main reason behind concentration quenching was dipole-quadruple interaction between neighbouring trivalent samarium ions. At last, admirable luminous performance of the optimized sample (x = 0.03) is revealed through CIE chroma coordinates (0.574, 0.390), color temperature value of 1713.66 K and high color purity (89.78%). These excellent results certified the relevancy of the selected nanophosphors as a propitious candidate for the lighting applications.

Maturation and determination of the harvest point of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘biquinho’ pepper)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of Capsicum chinense Jacq. (‘biquinho’ pepper) at different stages of maturation and to determine the ideal harvest point of the fruits according to the coloration of the epidermis. The treatments consisted of five maturation stages, characterized as: green, orange-green, orange, red-orange, and red. Fresh mass, vertical and horizontal diameters, pericarp thickness, cracked fruit, luminosity, chroma, hue angle, pH, soluble solids, acidity, and ratio were evaluated. The fresh mass, vertical and horizontal diameter, and pericarp thickness increased with the stages of maturation until reaching an red-orange color. The highest incidence of cracked fruit occurred at the red stage. There was a reduction in pH while soluble solids, acidity, and ratio increased with maturation. The highest chroma values ??occurred intermediate stages, while the hue angle and luminosity decreased with advancing of the stages of maturation. Thus, the ideal harvest point for consumption is the red-orange stage, because the fruits are larger, with a lower incidence of cracking compared to the more advanced stage of maturation, and their chemical characteristics indicate a soft fruit.

Microstructure and photoluminescence of Eu-doped Sr3Al2O6 phosphors calcined with and without H3BO3 flux

The development of highly efficient and stable red phosphors fabricated using cost-effective and simple mass-production methods is essential for applications in future displays and lighting devices. Herein, we investigate the phase formation, microstructures, and luminescence properties of Sr3Al2O6:Eu powders synthesized using a solid-state reaction process. Single-phase Sr3Al2O6:Eu phosphors exhibiting excellent photoluminescence with color-tunable orange-red and red colors under different excitation wavelengths were successfully synthesized. The optimal Eu doping concentration of Sr3Al2O6, yielding strong photoluminescence with phase stability, was 5 at. %, with the concentration quenching point determined by systematic exploration. The addition of H3BO3 as a flux significantly affected the grain size and improved the emission intensity of the synthesized (Sr0.95Eu0.05)3Al2O6 phosphors up to 12.5 wt %, while secondary phases were formed at higher flux concentrations. The photoluminescence intensities of the 5D0 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F2 transitions of 12.5 wt % H3BO3 added (Sr0.95Eu0.05)3Al2O6 increased by 3.4 and 4.2 times compared with the flux-free powders under the 394 nm-wavelength excitation, while the decay time decreased from 7.35 to 5.40 ms. Our report of the enhanced photoluminescence intensity and shortened decay time of (Sr0.95Eu0.05)3Al2O6 phosphors following the flux addition is promising for production of single-phase phosphors emitting multi-colors, which is needed for optical devices activated by various excitation frequencies.

Evaluating Oil Palm Cultivation using Geospatial Approach in Kerdau, Temerloh District

Oil palm is one of the cultivation that synonyms in Malaysia. Malaysia become one of the biggest palm oil producer globally after Indonesia. In order to achieve successful yield per year, oil palm need constant effort and labor to monitor them accordingly. Manual method in monitoring the palm oil consumes large amount of time and energy. Palm oil comes from the fleshy fruit of oil palms. Unrefined palm oil is sometimes referred to as red palm oil because of its reddish-orange color. Remote sensing technique utilizes usage of satellite imageries to analyzes healthiness and canopy features of palm oil plantation. There are several advantage in determining palm oil condition through multispectral and texture analysis in ERDAS Imagine and Envi. Utilizing Landsat-8 imagery, monitoring palm oil cultivation and yield can be effectively implemented in Malaysia. In this study, we will use three vegetation indices which are Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), and Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI). This study will demonstrate that selected satellite-derived vegetation indices can be used to estimate oil palm yields with reliable accuracy. In this work, the ability of selected vegetation indices, derived from a single-date archived high resolution satellite imagery, to estimate oil palm yields at the management block scale was demonstrated. This technique applied to determine the condition of the palm oil tree. Using remote sensing technique, the value of the vegetation indices will be determined and analyzed. Result from this process, palm oil condition can be evaluated. This study provides an important benchmark for applying remote sensing technology in the management of plantation-scale oil palm. Oil palm yield estimation based on empirical models, as described in this work, can be computerized using a simple spreadsheet interface so as to facilitate optimal agronomic intervention, particularly with regard to crop harvesting, crop stress alleviation and input application. However, it’s important to note that palm oil should not be confused with palm kernel oil. While both originate from the same plant, palm kernel oil is extracted from the seed of the fruit. It provides different health benefits.

Effects of Fermentation Temperature and Time on the Color Attributes and Tea Pigments of Yunnan Congou Black Tea.

Yunnan Congou black tea (YCBT) is a typical black tea in China, and is rich in theaflavins (TFs), thearubigins (TRs), and theabrownins (TBs). However, the influence of the fermentation temperature and time on the liquor and appearance color and the correlation between the tea pigments and its color attributes remain unclear. We investigated the effects of the fermentation temperature and time on the color attributes and tea pigments of YCBT. A low fermentation temperature was beneficial to maintain a bright orange-red liquor color and promote the accumulation of TFs and TRs. In contrast, a high temperature gave the liquor a glossy appearance and was beneficial for the formation of TBs. A correlation analysis showed that the 10TFRB index best represented the contribution of tea pigments to the quality of black tea. Moreover, TRs and TBs content prediction models were established based on the liquor L and H values, where the former value can be used as an important index to judge the fermentation process. This study will further enrich the theory of black tea processing chemistry and provide technical support for the precise and directional production of black tea.

Differential Effects of Potassium Chloride on Vascular Tissues, Morphological Traits and Germination of Tomato with Sperm Swarm-based Nutrient Optimization

Potassium chloride (KCl)-induced stress has been predominantly tested on higher crops such as cotton, rice, and wheat. What open agriculture needs now is the extended understanding of possible contributions and detrimental effects of KCl dynamics to tomato as this is one of the major crops consumed worldwide. In this study, the impacts of KCl on the three Philippine tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes namely, Perlas, Diamante Max F1, and Mica, in separate mesocosms were visualized and measured based on morphological, vascular tissues, and germination variability responses. Three KCl treatments were deployed, which are control (Tc, 0.05 mM), deficit (Td, 0.025 mM), and excess (Te, 0.5 mM), in 3 replicates. KCl-deficit treatment showed improvement in germination rate and vigor index and deteriorated Timson germination index for tomato seedlings. Excess KCl treatment distinctively promotes a higher root (R) to shoot (S) length ratio for Perlas variant with rusty red-orange root color. R/S length increases from control, deficit to excess KCl and R/S fresh and dry weights quadratically increase from control, excess to deficit KCl. The inconsistency of Td and Te treatments to provide equally productive outcomes across the 3 genotypes on the first 37 days after sowing led to the use of 3 bio-inspired algorithms namely, moth-flame, sperm-swarm, and jellyfish swarm optimizers, in determining the most suitable KCl concentration for growth promotion. Multigene symbolic genetic programming was used in constructing the fitness models of five phytomorphological phenotypes namely, root and shoot lengths and weights and leaf count, as functions of KCl concentration and cultivation period. Light microscopy showed that sperm swarm-optimized KCl (0.038 μM) widens the diameter of xylem and phloem vessels in the vegetative stage which is important as they are responsible for transporting nutrients, water, and photosynthesis by-products. Hence, KCl is an essential micronutrient that could alter the growth of crops. HIGHLIGHTS KCl-deficit treatment showed improvement in germination rate and vigor index and deteriorated Timson germination index for tomato seedlings Excess KCl treatment distinctively promotes a higher root to shoot length ratio for Perlas variant with rusty orange root color Multigene symbolic genetic programming generated the fitness models of phytomorphological phenotypes as functions of KCl concentration and cultivation period Sperm swarm-optimized KCl (0.038 μM) widens the diameter of xylem and phloem vessels in the vegetative stage (up to DAS 37) R/S length increases from control, deficit to excess KCl; R/S fresh and dry weights quadratically increase from control, excess to deficit KCl GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Quantitative Study on Colour and Spectral Characteristics of Beihong Agate

The Beihong agate from the southern section of the Xing’an Mountains in northeastern China is a kind of cryptocrystalline agate with a yellow to orange-red colour. However, it has been less studied in previous research, and there is a lack of quantitative study on the cause of its colour. In this study, the colour of Beihong agate was quantified by a colourimeter, and the quantitative relationships between colour and spectral characteristics of Beihong agate were studied by XRF, Raman spectra, UV-VIS spectra, and a heat treatment experiment. The results show a high correlation between the lightness and the hue angle of the Beihong agate. The change of total Fe content can significantly affect the lightness and the hue of the Beihong agate. The first derivative curve can effectively distinguish the relative contents of goethite and hematite in the Beihong agate, and the position of a primary trough is related significantly to the colour of the Beihong agate.

Optical and luminescence properties of Sm2O3 doped SrO–PbO–ZnO–P2O5–TeO2 glasses for visible laser applications

The spectroscopic and structural characteristics of various concentrations of Sm2O3 doped strontium lead zinc phospho-tellurite glasses with molar composition x% Sm2O3 + 5SrO + (15-x) PbO + 20 ZnO + 50 P2O5 + 10 TeO2 (where x = 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 mol%) have been reported here. The XRD and FTIR measurements are performed to explore the structural characteristics of the glasses. The absorption spectra reveal that the bands at 400 nm and 1220 nm are highly intense in comparison to others. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4, 6) have been evaluated from the absorption and thereby the radiative and lasing parameters are estimated. The most intense excitation band around 400 nm is opted as the excitation wavelength to study luminescence properties. Luminescence spectra exhibit the most intense emission band at 598 nm pertaining to 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition which is responsible for reddish-orange colour origination. We have measured the experimental lifetime of the 4G5/2 excited state by the suitable fittings of the decay curves. Luminescence concentration quenching (x> 0.75%) and the reduction of decay lifetimes have been observed owing to enhancement of non-radiative energy losses through the cross-relaxation channels. The higher values of quantum efficiency and stimulated emission cross-section promote the lasing action of the present glasses. The location of CIE chromaticity coordinates recommends that these glasses could be utilized as reddish-orange color emitting laser materials.

Geochemical Characteristics and Fluid Properties of the Qixia Formation Dolomites of the Middle Permian in the Shuangyushi Block, NW Sichuan Basin, China

On the basis of petrology, in combination with analysis of the geochemical characteristics of major and trace elements, REE (rare earth elements), carbon isotopes, oxygen isotopes, strontium isotopes and fluid inclusions, the geochemical characteristics and fluid properties of the Qixia Formation dolomites of the Middle Permian Qixiain the Shuangyushi block in the NW Sichuan Basin were systematically studied. The analysis results of the samples show that the Qixia dolomites are mainly composed of medium, coarse, medium-coarse crystalline and dolomites with polymodal crystal size distribution, and cloudy centers and clear rims. They generally show dark purple cathodoluminescence (CL) colors in the centers and orange red CL colors in the rims. The Qixia dolomites are relatively highly ordered (0.79–0.95, averaging 0.90). The CaO and MgO contents show a negative correlation. They are characterized by higher Mg/Ca ratio (0.89–0.92, averaging 0.91), high Fe (94–2,991 ppm, averaging 622 ppm), high Mn (26–185 ppm, averaging 102 ppm), high Na (210–374 ppm, averaging 277 ppm) contents, low Sr (53–218 ppm, averaging 93 ppm) content and lower ∑REE (1.10–5.56 ppm, averaging 2.08 ppm) concentrations. The REE patterns of the dolomites are similar to those of the calcites (C1), and are characterized by light REE (LREE) enrichment, heavy REE (HREE) depletion (LREE/HREE = 5.38–9.58, averaging 7.10), and Eu (0.65–4.19, averaging 1.70) and Ce (0.99–9.52, averaging 2.61) positive anomalies. They have consistent δ13C (1.98–4.27‰ VPDB, averaging 3.01‰ VPDB) and δ18O (−9.54‰–−4.65‰ VPDB, averaging −7.09‰ VPDB) values with the coeval seawater. The salinity index Z is larger than 120, with diagenetic temperature higher than normal temperature. The average value of 87Sr/86Sr is positive (0.707150–0.712273, averaging 0.708669), while some samples are consistent to those of the coeval seawater. Their homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions (96.3°C–105.0°C, averaging 101.1°C) exceed 100°C, which is equivalent to the buried paleogeothermal temperature, and their salinity (12.3%–14.3%, averaging 13.5%) is 3–5 times that of normal seawater. Based on the regional geological setting and previous research achievements, the dolomitized fluids in the Qixia Formation are probably derived from seawater or marine fluids sealed in pores under shallow-burial environment. The dolomites experienced late alternation by deep high-salinity hydrothermal fluids, and were formed before the Middle-Late Triassic Period.

The Physico-chemical, morphological, Organoleptic and microscopic study of fresh Arbutus unedo L. fruits from Morocco

The Arbutus unedo L or Arbutus tree is a leafy tree that represents a large part in the Moroccan ecological ecosystem. However, the poor studies on the fruits of Arbutus unedo in the Mediterranean countries cause poor exploitation and lack in the market. In this sense, the objective of this work focuses on a general description of the fruits of the province of Beni Mellal, such as morphological, organoleptic, microscopic, physico-chemical characteristics (pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, and ash content), lipid, protein and sugar content. For morphological characterization the studied fruit samples were red and red-orange color; With soft consistency and a rough skin; Mean total mass of 4.99 g ±1.38, a mean length of 1.99 cm ±0.28 and a width of 1.89 cm ±0.21. On the basis of physico-chemical analysis, we obtained a moisture content of up to 63.33%±3.21, an acid pH of 3.86±0.01, a titratable acidity of 0.6%±0.06 and an ash content of 0.35%±0.07. In addition, a spectral analysis using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy shows the identification of wave numbers in the (3010cm-1; 2920cm-1) for lipids, a (1600cm-1; 1652cm-1) for proteins and (1035cm-1; 1011cm-1) for sugar. While according to the organoleptic parameters, we found that the fruit was moderately acceptable by the consumers.  Comparing with several results, the variation of morphological and physicochemical parameters may be due to different geographical, climatic and tree age parameters. In addition, these results clearly show the need to seek ways of conservation and industrial exploitation.

A combination of red structural and pigmentary coloration in the eyespot of a copepod.

While the specific mechanisms of colour production in biological systems are diverse, the mechanics of colour production are straightforward and universal. Colour is produced through the selective absorption of light by pigments, the scattering of light by nanostructures or a combination of both. When Tigriopus californicus copepods were fed a carotenoid-limited diet of yeast, their orange-red body coloration became faint, but their eyespots remained unexpectedly bright red. Raman spectroscopy indicated a clear signature of the red carotenoid pigment astaxanthin in eyespots; however, refractive index matching experiments showed that eyespot colour disappeared when placed in ethyl cinnamate, suggesting a structural origin for the red coloration. We used transmission electron microscopy to identify consecutive nanolayers of spherical air pockets that, when modelled as a single thin film layer, possess the correct periodicity to coherently scatter red light. We then performed microspectrophotometry to quantify eyespot coloration and confirmed a distinct colour difference between the eyespot and the body. The observed spectral reflectance from the eyespot matched the reflectance predicted from our models when considering the additional absorption by astaxanthin. Together, this evidence suggests the persistence of red eyespots in copepods is the result of a combination of structural and pigmentary coloration.