Redness Research Articles

Factors involved in gastroesophageal varix-related events in patients with hepatitisC virus-related compensated and decompensated cirrhosis after direct-acting antiviral therapy.

The incidence of and factors involved in gastroesophageal varix-related events in hepatitisC virus-related cirrhosis patients, including decompensated cirrhosis, after direct-acting antiviral therapy are unclear. We conducted a multicenter study using prospective data from 478 hepatitisC virus-related cirrhosis patients treated with direct-acting antiviral therapy from February 2019 to December 2021 at 33 Japanese hospitals. Gastroesophageal varices were classified as F1 (small-caliber), F2 (moderately enlarged), or F3 (markedly enlarged) according to the Japanese criteria. Patients without varix or with F1 without red color signs were defined as low-risk varix, and patients with ≥F2 or red color signs or a history of rupture were defined as high-risk varix. Varix-related events were defined as prophylactic treatment or rupture of gastroesophageal varix. The median age was 70years, 43% of patients had decompensated cirrhosis, and 16% had high-risk varices (13% in compensated and 33% in decompensated, p<0.001). Sustained virologic response rates were 94.9% for compensated cirrhosis and 91.3% for decompensated cirrhosis (p=0.120). Across 35.7months, 25 patients received prophylactic treatment, and four experienced varix rupture. The 3-year incidence rate of varix-related events was 6.2% (3.5% in compensated and 9.9% in decompensated, p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, high-risk varix (p<0.001), high baseline gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels (p<0.001), and virologic failure (p=0.004) were significantly involved in varix-related events. The cumulative incidence rate of varix-related events was significantly higher in decompensated cirrhosis than in compensated cirrhosis. Baseline varix status, baseline gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels, and virologic response were related to varix-related events after direct-acting antiviral therapy.

Switchable Camouflage via Reflective Display

In nature, dynamic camouflage is performed by cephalopods and reptiles. Humans attempt to perform dynamic camouflage by employing display devices to show the surrounding background. In this work, a switchable camouflage device based on an electrophoretic display (EPD) is proposed. Color‐filter EPDs display colors by reflecting light through the color filters and black‐and‐white EPDs. The number of subpixels is found to be an important factor on color performance. To improve the poor saturation of color‐filter EPDs, the number of color filter subpixels is reduced. Compared with filters with three and four subpixels, a dual‐subpixel filter proposed in this work significantly improves the average saturation of red, green, and blue colors, with increases of 49% and 112%, respectively. Subsequently, the spectral characteristics of the color filter and black‐and‐white EPD are optimized by using genetic algorithm to reduce the average color difference between the display and the switchable target color, which can be reduced as low as 0.18. To visually demonstrate the color reproduction capability of the dual‐subpixel EPD, sample applications including the switchable vegetation and digital camouflages are designed and have a high degree of agreement with the background. In this work, an innovative and effective approach is introduced to dynamic camouflage.

Processing of Larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus and Tenebrio molitor in Cooked Sausages: Effects on Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Parameters

Proteins from insect production represent an interesting (environmentally friendly) option or supplement to commercial livestock farming. At present, however, the larval stages of T. molitor (mealworm) and A. diaperinus (buffalo worm) have been authorized as food for human consumption EU-wide, as have the nymph and adult stages of Locusta (L.) migratoria (Locusta migratoria, Linnaeus, 1758) and Acheta (A.) domesticus (house cricket, Acheta domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758). However, there is the problem that insects that are recognizable as a whole tend to be avoided by consumers, especially in the European region, as they are reminiscent of living things and can cause aversion and disgust in consumers. Against this background, in the present study, five batches of two types of cooked sausages were produced: on the one hand, with turkey, and on the other hand, with pork lean meat as a base. In different formulations, 10% and 20% of the meat contents (turkey or pork) in these meat products were replaced by deep-frozen, pulverized T. molitor and A. diaperinus larvae. The effects of the addition of these insects in the products on the microbiological and physicochemical parameters of these cooked sausages, compared to a product without insect content, directly after heating, were investigated. After production, a storage trial was also carried out to determine whether possible insect ingredients could influence the growth of inoculated bacterial species (Bacillus (B.) cereus, Escherichia (E.) coli, Listeria (L.) monocytogenes, and Campylobacter (C.) jejuni) and how the addition of insect larvae affectsthe sensory and physicochemical properties during storage. The study showed that the products with insects had reduced lightness (turkey p C = 0.025), increased yellowness (pork p S = 0.0009, p C &lt; 0.0001 and turkey p C = 0.0027) and a reduced red color (pork p S &lt; 0.0001, p C = 0.0001) after heating when compared to the cooked sausages without insects. However, no significant differences between the various cooked sausages with or without insects in terms of cooking loss, firmness, and protein, ash, and fat or water contents were found. The microbiological tests showed, on the one hand, that the prior microbial reduction (e.g., in the form of blanching) of the insect larvae was essential in order to guarantee the flawless microbiological quality of the cooked sausages and, on the other hand, that the addition of insects to the cooked sausages did not significantly affect the growth of the inoculated bacterial species and that no sensory differences could be detected during storage. Despite the significant color effects on the product, A. diaperinus and T. molitor larvae would be suitable as protein or meat alternatives in cooked sausages, but they would have to undergo pre-treatment, primarily with regard to microbiological safety. The extent to which a complete replacement of meat is possible has to be investigated in further studies.

The true incidence and risk factors of hemolysis in patients with Impella CP placement

Abstract Background The Impella, a micro axial-flow pump, is effective in treating cardiogenic shock. However, compared to other mechanical circulatory support devices, its high pump speeds can result in complications like hemolysis and subsequent renal failure. Previous reports have defined hemolysis based on the elevation of LDH levels or the presence of hemoglobinuria, but this approach may underestimate its occurrence. Hemolysis is commonly assessed using the hemolysis index, which is calculated through biochemical auto-analysis based on the absorbance measure of the red color change. However, since the hemolysis index is not highly sensitive, it is recommended to measure plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) for accurate diagnosis of hemolysis. Purpose The aim of this single-center retrospective cohort study is to investigate the frequency of hemolysis in Impella CP using PFHb measurements and its association with the Impella support level. Methods Between December 2019 and June 2023, we included 116 patients who had the Impella CP device implanted at our hospital. For these patients, PFHb was measured twice daily during the Impella placement period (up to 13 days). A PFHb value of 0.06 or higher was considered indicative of hemolysis, at which point a haptoglobin preparation of 4000 units was administered. Separately, the hemolysis index was defined as hemolysis at a level of 41 mg/dL. We investigated the relationship between daily Impella settings, PFHb, and hemolysis index for each patient. Results The average age was 70 ± 13 years. 59% underwent ECPELLA, and 15% were introduced to renal replacement therapy (RTT) due to severe renal failure. During Impella placement, hemolysis was diagnosed in 33% of patients based on PFHb, while only 18% were diagnosed with hemolysis according to the hemolysis index. Upon separate analysis for Impella and ECPELLA during the initial three days, the support levels of Impella were significantly higher in the Impella group on Days 1 and 2, with no significant difference noted on Day 3. Moreover, PFHb levels were significantly higher in the Impella group on Day 1, while on Day 3, the levels were higher in the ECPELLA group. Patients on RRT had significantly higher max PFHb levels than those not on RRT (0.19 vs. 0.06 g/dL; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Next, we investigated the relationship between PFHb levels and Impella support levels in patients with either Impella or ECPELLA over 711 data points. Dividing Impella support into low (P1-3), middle (P4-6), and high (P7-9) categories, PFHb values were significantly higher at high P levels compared to low and middle P levels. Similar results were observed for both Impella and ECPELLA. Conclusion There is a possibility of underestimating hemolysis associated with Impella if PFHb measurement is not performed. Hemolysis showed a significant correlation with higher P levels (P7 and above) for both Impella and ECPELLA.

Indigenous Lactic Acid Bacteria as Antioxidant Agents in the Production of Organic Raw Fermented Sausages

The study aimed to assess the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains on the antioxidant, physico-chemical properties, and microbiological quality of fermented sausages. Five treatments of raw sausages were prepared: two controls without LAB addition (C, P), and three samples with LAB addition (SCH1, BAL6, KL14). Fatty acid composition, cholesterol content, physico-chemical, microbiological tests, and antioxidant assays, were performed at time 0 and after 1 and 2 months of storage. A significantly higher ability to scavenge free radicals of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was found in sausages with all LAB strains. In the case of the ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) test, it was noted that KL14 treatment had higher antioxidant activity. The main fatty acids in sausages were monounsaturated and saturated. A significantly lower cholesterol content was observed in sausages with the addition of LAB. Sausages with LAB strains differed significantly in pH value. Water activity decreased significantly during storage. After 2 months of storage, the sausages with BAL6 and KL14 strains were characterized by significantly lower redox potential and a lower TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) index. It was found that P sausages had the darkest color. SCH1, BAL6, and KL14 strains were also capable of producing red color. The total number of microorganisms in the sausages was high, which is mainly due to the high LAB content and yeast and mold counts. No spoilage or pathogenic microflora were detected. Indigenous LAB strains have the potential to improve the quality and safety of fermented meat products.

Processable Circularly Polarized Luminescence for the Synthesis of Chiral Plasmonic Nanoparticles

AbstractCircularly polarized light is previously shown as a chiral bias to enable the synthesis of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials through light‐matter interactions. The traditional approach for circularly polarized light generation relies on a “top‐down” approach by removing undesired light polarization through optics, which suffers from energy loss and compatibility issues. An alternative approach is to develop chiral phosphors that emit efficient circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). However, most materials fail to produce processable CPL with both high quantum yield and dissymmetry factors, let alone the synthesis of chiral nanomaterials. Herein, a liquid‐crystal‐templated framework is developed to assemble halide perovskite nanocrystals, CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, I), and achieved efficient CPL with the record‐high figure of merit (FM) for three primary colors (Red, Green, Blue). The fidelity of the CPL is further demonstrated in the synthesis of chiral gold nanoparticles, where a five‐fold increase in optical activity is achieved.

Highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by plasmon-controlled metal-silica isoform nanocomposites: PINs.

Lateral flow assay (LFA) systems use metal nanoparticles for rapid and convenient target detection and are extensively studied for the diagnostics of various diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are often used as probes in LFAs, displaying a single red color. However, there is a high demand for colorimetric LFAs to detect multiple biomarkers, requiring the use of multicolored NPs. Here, we present a highly sensitive multiplexed colorimetric lateral flow immunoassay by multicolored Plasmon-controlled metal-silica Isoform Nanocomposites (PINs). We utilized the localized surface plasmon resonance effect to create multi-colored PINs by precisely adjusting the distance between the NPs on the surface of PINs through the controlled addition of reduced gold and silver precursors. Through simulations, we also confirmed that the distance between nanoparticles on the surface of PINs significantly affects the color and colorimetric signal intensity of the PINs. We achieved multicolored PINs that exhibit stronger colorimetric signals, offering a new solution for LFA detection with high sensitivity and a 33 times reduced limit of detection (LOD) while maintaining consistent size deviations within 5%. We expect that our PINs-based colorimetric LFA will facilitate the sensitive and simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in point-of-care testing.

Developing an Active Biodegradable Bio-Based Equilibrium Modified Atmosphere Packaging Containing a Carvacrol-Emitting Sachet for Cherry Tomatoes

This study aimed to develop an active biodegradable bio-based (polylactic acid/PLA) equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP) containing a carvacrol-emitting sachet (created by poly-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA-PHB-CARV) to extend the shelf-life of cherry tomatoes at 15°C and 25 °C. Cherry tomatoes in macro-perforated polypropylene (PP) films (mimicking the commercial packaging) or in PLA-based micro-perforated film without the carvacrol sachet (PLA) were also tested. Weight loss, decay, headspace gases, pH, titratable acidity (TA), total suspended solids (TSS), ripening index, color, texture, total viable counts (TVC), and sensory analysis were performed. Decay was 40% in PLA-PHB-CARV, and 97% in PP after 20 days at 25 °C. PLA-PHB-CARV showed lower weight loss (p &lt; 0.05) and stable firmness compared to PP and PLA at both temperatures. TSS and TA were not affected by the packaging at 15 °C, while at 25 °C, the TSS accumulation was inhibited in PLA-PHB-CARV compared to in PLA and PP (p &lt; 0.05), indicating a notable delay in the ripening process. PLA-PHB-CARV retained their red color during storage compared to PP and PLA. Carvacrol addition inhibited TVC compared to PP and PLA by ca. 2.0 log CFU/g during storage at 25 °C, while at 15 °C, the packaging did not reveal a significant effect. Overall, the results indicated that the developed active EMAP may be adequately used as an advanced and alternative packaging for tomatoes or potentially other fruits with a similar respiration rate versus their conventional packaging, showing several advantages, e.g., a reduction in petrochemical-based plastics use, shelf-life extension of the packaged food, and consequently, the perspective of limiting food waste during distribution and retail or domestic storage.

Color Tunable Three Terminal (3-T) Vertically Stacked Tandem Organic Electroluminescent Devices.

Traditional full-color displays typically use a pixel layout with three side-by-side subpixels emitting red (R), green (G), and blue (B) colors. However, this configuration limits the resolution especially in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. To address the issue of low pixel density in display technology, this study demonstrated vertically stacked three-terminal (3-T) bottom-emitting tandem OLEDs (sOLED). These OLEDs offer color tunability, facilitated by individually controlled colour units. This study demonstrates two combinations: G+B and R+G. Incorporating three generations of OLED's materials phosphorescent (R), thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) (G), and hyperfluorescent (B). The OLEDs achieve maximum current efficiencies of approximately 11 cd/A, 52.4 cd/A, and 40.7 cd/A for R, G, and B, respectively, in their respective tandem configurations. A wide range of colors can be achieved by blending G+B and R+G color spectrum by adjusting the voltage of independent color unit. The optimal mix results in a fine cyan color with CIE coordinates (0.273,0.5) in G+B sOLED and a warm white with CIE coordinates (0.416,0.518)in R+G sOLED. This work demonstrate a better performing 3-T sOLED utilizing three different generations OLED materials, offering an individual control within a single pixel providing enhanced pixel density for display technology.

Influence of Zinc Ion Concentration on the Structural, Surface Morphology and Optical Properties of Zinc Selenide Thin Films

ZnSe thin films were deposited on nonconducting glass substrates using different Zn[Formula: see text] ion concentrations. The films were deposited at 80[Formula: see text]C for 2.0[Formula: see text]h via photo-assisted chemical bath technique and annealed for 2.0[Formula: see text]h at 250[Formula: see text]C. X-ray diffraction revealed a hexagonal structure with preferred orientation along the (002) plane and the average crystallite size decreased from 10.5[Formula: see text]nm to 6.8[Formula: see text]nm with increased Zn[Formula: see text] ions. Raman spectra were used to confirm ZnSe phonon modes whose intensity increased with Zn[Formula: see text] ion concentrations although with fluctuation. Optical analysis showed higher absorbance and low transmittance in the visible region than near infrared making the thin films good materials for selective absorber surfaces. The band gap increased from 2.52[Formula: see text]eV to 2.78[Formula: see text]eV as the Zn[Formula: see text] ion concentration varied from 0.05% to 0.25%. The presence of the desired elements was confirmed by the EDS. Photoluminescence studies revealed three emission peaks which were all ascribed to defect state levels in ZnSe and all the samples emitted in reddish color according to CIE color chromaticity analysis. The selective absorption, wide band gap and broad emission properties suggest that the material is promising for optoelectronic applications.

Modified perylene diimide for femto molar level detection of glucose: smartphone-assisted colorimetric glucose detection kits.

In this report, a functionalized hydroxyphenyl benzothiazole (HBT) derivative has been synthesized and anchored onto the perylene diimide (PDI) core at the -bay position (PHI). PHI has been explored for the generation of radical anions (PH1˙-) and dianions (PH12-) in 20% HEPES buffer-DMSO solution using H2S as a sacrificial electron donor. The PH1˙- has a half-life (t1/2) of 1.5 h and 3 h in oxygenated and hypoxic conditions, respectively. The formation of radical anions has been confirmed by optical (absorbance and fluorescence) methods, cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and femtosecond transient absorbance spectroscopy along with current-voltage (I-V) and NOBF4 studies. The PH1˙- showed peroxidase-like activity for the reduction of H2O2 as low as 170 fmol L-1 (fM) giving a colour change from sea green to pink. The biochemical assay which consists of PH1˙-+ GOx has been further utilized as a glucose sensor. Upon addition of glucose (0-8 nM) in the biochemical assay, the in-situ produced H2O2 (after oxidation of glucose with GOx) oxidized PH1˙- to PH1 giving a sea green to pink colorimetric read out along with a decrease in the absorption intensities at 720, 815, 880 and 950 nm and the emergence of absorption intensity at 541 nm. The lowest limit of detection is 85 fM. We also explored this biochemical assay for the detection of 860 fM of glucose in a 10% blood serum. Similarly, fluorometric, CV and DPV studies were carried out for the detection of glucose using this biochemical assay. The smartphone-assisted RGB colour analyser showed large variations in the red colour and this RGB based colour differentiation can be used for the detection of 1 nM of glucose.

On the Origin of Quenched but Gas-rich Regions at Kiloparsec Scales in Nearby Galaxies

We use resolved spectroscopy from MaNGA to investigate the significance of both local and global properties of galaxies to the cessation of star formation at kpc scales. Quenched regions are identified from a sample of isolated disk galaxies by a single-parameter criterion D n (4000) - log EW(Hα) >1.6−log2=1.3 , and are divided into gas-rich quenched regions (GRQRs) and gas-poor quenched regions according to the surface density of cold gas (Σgas). Both types of quenched regions tend to be hosted by non-AGN galaxies with relatively high mass (M * ≳ 1010 M ⊙) and red colors (NUV − r ≳ 3), as well as low star formation rate and high central density at fixed mass. They span wide ranges in other properties including structural parameters that are similar to the parent sample, indicating that the conditions responsible for quenching in gas-rich regions are largely independent of the global properties of galaxies. We train random forest classifiers and regressors for predicting quenching in our sample with 15 local/global properties. Σ* is the most important property for quenching, especially for GRQRs. These results strongly indicate the important roles of low-mass hot evolved stars, which are numerous and long-lived in quenched regions and can provide substantial radiation pressure to support the surrounding gas against gravitational collapse. The different feature importance for quenching, as found previously by A. F. L. Bluck et al., is partly due to the different definitions of quenched regions, particularly the different requirements on EW(Hα).

Additions/removals of seeds before fermentation alters Cabernet Sauvignon wine color via modulating anthocyanins and derivatives

The advance of the grape harvest caused by global warming has to some extent resulted in poor or unstable wine color, this study investigated the potential benefits of grape seeds on wine color to mitigate this negative effect. Anthocyanins and their derivatives, and chromatic characteristics were measured by targeted UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS and CIELab methods, respectively. The addition of seeds was beneficial to the formation of polymeric pigments and flavanyl-pyranoanthocyanins, while decreased the accumulation of other yranoanthocyanins, monomeric anthocyanins, and acylated anthocyanins during fermentation. All pigment levels in seed wine can be better maintained over time. Compared with the removal of seeds during fermentation, the addition of seeds significantly enhanced the color intensity, bluish hues, and Chroma, while an appropriate amount of seeds favored wine red hue. PLSR showed that the addition/removal of seeds during fermentation could alter red wine chromatic characteristics via modulating anthocyanin profiles. These results can be used as reference to further explore the technological applications of seeds during fermentation for optimizing the potential benefits on red wine color.

Changes in the sugars and volatile compounds profiles associated with anthocyanin accumulation in oranges: Blood vs. blond varieties, and slightly pigmented vs. intensely pigmented blood fruit

The blood oranges accumulate anthocyanins in their peel and pulp, which give them their characteristic red colour. To investigate whether there is a specific volatile compounds profile for blood oranges, we compared the volatile composition of the blood varieties ‘Moro’, ‘Tarocco Rosso’ and ‘Sanguinelli’ to that of the blond ones ‘Cadenera’, ‘Salustina’ and ‘Hamlim’ using a non-targeted approach based on HS–SPME–GC–MS. Moreover, fruits from each blood orange variety were divided into slightly and intensely pigmented fruits, and individual sugars and anthocyanins were determined by liquid chromatography to investigate whether their profiles depend on the degree of pulp pigmentation. A total of 101 volatile compounds were identified in this study. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, including all compounds, revealed that blood oranges have no unique volatiles profile that makes them more similar to one another than to the blond varieties. For blood orange varieties, our results corroborated that greater anthocyanin accumulation in the most intensely pigmented fruit is associated with higher sugar content (an increase of 0.8–2.3 % depending on the variety). Moreover, we reported for the first time that anthocyanin accumulation is also associated with changes in the volatiles profile. A Multifactor Analysis including data on volatiles, sugars and anthocyanin showed that sucrose is the sugar more strongly linked to anthocyanin accumulation. A group of volatile compounds, mainly esters (ethyl acetate, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate and ethyl-2-butenoate) along with ethanol, are present at increased levels, sometimes even doubling in the most intensely pigmented samples compared to the slightly pigmented ones. These results open the door to further investigate the possible metabolic link between sugars and anthocyanins accumulation and changes in volatile compounds.

Healthiness of Meat-Based Products in Comparison to Their Plant-Based Alternatives in the UK Market: A Packaging Evaluation

This study evaluated the healthiness of meat products (n = 62) and their plant-based (PB) counterparts (n = 62) available in the UK market. Back-of-pack (BoP) and front-of-pack (FoP) nutrition label information, nutrition and health claims, and nutrient profiling model scores were compared. BoP labels revealed that meat products had higher protein, fat, and saturated fat content (p = 0.029), whilst PB alternatives were higher in dietary fibre and carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.001). Red colour coding (FoP) for fat and saturated fat (‘high’) was more prominent in meat products (23 and 35%, respectively), and the red meat category had the most products with high fat and saturated fat content. Only 15% of meat products made nutrition claims compared to 40% of PB alternatives, and none included health claims. Most red meat PB alternatives made a nutrition claim, all related to the protein content (34%). The nutrient profiling model indicated that 74% of the PB alternatives were ‘healthy’ compared to 60% of the meat products. No association was found between the product type (meat/PB) and healthiness, except for the red meat products, which showed a significant negative association (p = 0.005), suggesting that these products corresponded to less healthy options. Therefore, PB alternatives can be considered as healthier substitutes for meat products.

Colour-Coding Aegean Elites: Status and Cultural Identities in Linear B Dyed Textiles and Late Bronze Age Socio-Political Changes

Abstract This paper analyses the dyed textiles that are recorded in Linear B tablets and explores their role within the changes that the Late Bronze Age Aegean socio-cultural and economic scenario underwent. Additionally, it addresses how Aegean elites visually conveyed cultural messages on power and identities through colours and coloured textiles. As such, this paper (i) hypothesises new associations between red-dyed textiles, the chronology of Linear B tablets from Knossos, and the socio-political and cultural development of the Late Bronze Age; (ii) contributes new insights into the cultivation of plants producing red dyes throughout the period of the Knossos tablets use; (iii) challenges the interpretation of terms referring to the red natural colour of the wool; (iv) critically reviews the interpretation of terms referring to the grey natural colour of the wool; (v) hypothesises a new interpretation of how green-dyed textiles were obtained.

Classification of Corn Diseases and Pests Using Fuzzy Naïve Bayes Method

Corn is an essential dietary source for humans and animals. In addition to being a food source, corn has numerous benefits as a manufacturing commodity. The quality of grain crops must be considered to minimise the likelihood of disease and pest infestations. Therefore, the diseases and pests that attack corn plants must be classified so that farmers can control them during the growth period of corn plants. The fuzzy naive Bayes method is a statistical machine learning method that can be used to classify the diseases and pests of corn crops based on colour space-transformed digital images. This study aims to classify corn plant diseases and pests using the fuzzy naive Bayes method. Digital images of corn plant diseases and pests were transformed into a red, green and blue colour space model. The following seven classes of corn plant diseases and pests were classified: leaf rust disease, downy mildew disease, leaf blight disease, Locusta pest, Heliotis armigera pest, Spodoptera frugiperdita pest and non-pathogenic pest. With this method, the classification model achieves an accuracy of 87.83%, a macro precision of 34.91%, a macro recall of 35.90% and a macro f-score of 33.82%.

Brazilin Content, Color Stability, and Antioxidant Activity of Sappan Wood (Caesalpinia Sappan L.) Traditional Drink by Different Blanching and Drying Methods

Caesalpinia sappan L (CS) heartwood is used as a natural red colorant in several Asian ethnic traditional drinks both as sole ingredient or mixed with other herbs. However, the pigment is unstable and easily degraded during storage which affects consumer acceptance. This research aimed to investigate the effect of different blanching and drying methods on the color stability, brazilin content, and antioxidant activity of CS heartwood drinks. Steam blanching, water blanching, sun drying and cabinet drying were examined in this study. The most common method applied in traditional production, without blanching and sun drying, was used as a control. The experimental design used was complete randomized design with triplicates. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed by SPSS statistics version 20. The results showed that blanching and drying methods affected the color intensity. For a pure CS heartwood herbal drink, the sample prepared with water blanching and cabinet drying (BCD) showed the highest red value, leading to a 48 % improvement compared to the control. This red value is in accordance with the brazilin content. Sample BCD showed the highest brazilin content, which was 376 % higher than that of the control. Similarly, the BCD sample had the highest antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, with IC50 values of 98.99 ppm and 213.12 mg GAE g–1, respectively. This result revealed that brazilin might act as an antioxidant. Similar to the pure CS drink, the highest quality of mixed herbal drink was obtained by BCD sample. The results suggest that the combination of water blanching and cabinet drying (BCD) was the best method to improves the quality of CS heartwood drink both in pure and mixed herbal drinks as a functional drink. HIGHLIGHTS Samples treated with blanching and drying had higher brazilin content of Sappan heartwood drink There is a correlation between brazilin content and color intensity as well as antioxidant activity Blanching and cabinet drying improved the color stability of Sappan heartwood drink Blanching and cabinet drying increased the total phenolic and flavonoid content of Sappan heartwood drink GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Hidden in red: evidence for and against red camouflage in a jumping spider (Saitis barbipes)

Investigating the conspicuousness of animal color patterns to different observers is crucial for understanding their function. This study examines the peculiar case of a jumping spider (Saitis barbipes) whose males display red and black ornaments during courtship despite an apparent inability to distinguish these colors. We propose that, through predator eyes, red may actually be a better match than black to the spiders’ leaf litter background, and that the black fringe of hairs surrounding red ornaments may blur with red at natural predator acuities and viewing distances to produce a background-matching desaturated red. In a field experiment, we test whether red ornaments reduce predation relative to red ornaments painted black, and find that, unexpectedly, spiders with red ornaments are more heavily predated upon. Having established birds as the spiders’ primary predators, we image the spiders in their natural habitat using an avian-vision camera. We find their red coloration to have similar color contrast, but lower achromatic contrast, with the background than black coloration. We also find that red and black elements blur together at typical avian acuities and viewing distances to produce lower chromatic and achromatic contrasts with the background than would be seen by animals with higher acuities and/or closer viewing distances. Interestingly, red ornaments appear orange or yellow when viewed obliquely, which reduces their achromatic, but not chromatic, contrast with the background. Our imaging results provide support for our hypothesis that red is camouflaging, whereas the results of our predation experiment do not. Any functional significance of the spiders’ red coloration therefore remains unresolved.

ORGANOLEPTIC EVALUATION OF MAGIFRESH MOUTHWASH MANALAGI APPLE PEEL EXTRACT FOR CHILDREN

Dental and oral health problems in children can hinder their growth and development. One of the ways to prevent dental diseases is by maintaining oral hygiene, including using mouthwash to remove plaque. Currently, mouthwash containing active ingredients from natural plants is being increasingly developed, one of which uses the manalagi apple. This study aims to evaluate the organoleptic properties of mouthwash made from manalagi apple peel extract. The research is experimental in nature. The sample used in this study is the peel of the manalagi apple. The research process includes extracting using the maceration method and formulating mouthwash with a 25% concentration of apple peel extract, followed by an organoleptic evaluation over 3 weeks. The results showed that the organoleptic properties of the mouthwash remained stable, with a minty and sweet taste, menthol aroma, no sediment, and a red color. Based on these results, it is concluded that MAGIfresh mouthwash with manalagi apple peel extract has the potential to be favored by children.