Ultraviolet Photography Research Articles

Image calibration and analysis toolbox - a free software suite for objectively measuring reflectance, colour and pattern.

Summary Quantitative measurements of colour, pattern and morphology are vital to a growing range of disciplines. Digital cameras are readily available and already widely used for making these measurements, having numerous advantages over other techniques, such as spectrometry. However, off‐the‐shelf consumer cameras are designed to produce images for human viewing, meaning that their uncalibrated photographs cannot be used for making reliable, quantitative measurements. Many studies still fail to appreciate this, and of those scientists who are aware of such issues, many are hindered by a lack of usable tools for making objective measurements from photographs.We have developed an image processing toolbox that generates images that are linear with respect to radiance from the RAW files of numerous camera brands and can combine image channels from multispectral cameras, including additional ultraviolet photographs. Images are then normalised using one or more grey standards to control for lighting conditions. This enables objective measures of reflectance and colour using a wide range of consumer cameras. Furthermore, if the camera's spectral sensitivities are known, the software can convert images to correspond to the visual system (cone‐catch values) of a wide range of animals, enabling human and non‐human visual systems to be modelled. The toolbox also provides image analysis tools that can extract luminance (lightness), colour and pattern information. Furthermore, all processing is performed on 32‐bit floating point images rather than commonly used 8‐bit images. This increases precision and reduces the likelihood of data loss through rounding error or saturation of pixels, while also facilitating the measurement of objects with shiny or fluorescent properties.All cameras tested using this software were found to demonstrate a linear response within each image and across a range of exposure times. Cone‐catch mapping functions were highly robust, converting images to several animal visual systems and yielding data that agreed closely with spectrometer‐based estimates.Our imaging toolbox is freely available as an addition to the open source ImageJ software. We believe that it will considerably enhance the appropriate use of digital cameras across multiple areas of biology, in particular researchers aiming to quantify animal and plant visual signals.

Predicting Avoidance of Skin Damage Feedback Among College Students.

Showing people a personal ultraviolet (UV) photograph depicting skin damage can be an effective method for changing sun protection cognitions and behaviors. We examined whether people opt not to see their UV photograph if given a choice. We also examined predictors of avoidance of skin damage feedback. College students (N = 257) completed questionnaires, viewed example UV photographs, and received the opportunity to see a UV photograph of their face. Over one-third of participants opted not to see their UV photograph. Greater perceived risk of sun damage and having fewer coping resources corresponded with greater avoidance, particularly among participants who reported infrequent sun protection behavior. The health benefits of UV photography are realized only if people are willing to view the photograph. Our findings suggest the need for interventions that increase receptivity to viewing one's UV photograph.

Why the "Y" in the Venusian sky?

Planetary Science Venus has its own version of Jupiter's Great Red Spot, an enormous Y-shaped feature which comes and goes on a monthly cycle. The origin and stability of the atmospheric feature, visible only in ultraviolet photographs, have perplexed observers for decades. Peralta et al. take a fresh look at this persistent structure with an updated analytic atmospheric model. A wind-distorted equatorial wave reproduces the morphology, darkness, and time evolution of the “Y.” The model should be applicable to the atmospheres of other slowly rotating bodies, in our solar system and beyond. Geophys. Res. Lett. 10.1002/2014GL062280 (2014).

A Porites lutea climate record from Sodwana Bay, South Africa

We report on a 41-year (winter 1970 to winter 2010) Porites lutea coral core climate record from Two-Mile Reef, Sodwana Bay, in the South-Western Indian Ocean. X-ray analysis, ultraviolet fluorescent photography and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) analysis revealed skeletal high-density, late-winter and low-density, late-summer bands with very little terrestrial humic input. An overall decrease in coral growth rate was seen over this period, possibly linked to global temperature and acidification trends. The stable isotopes δ18O and δ13C were predominantly out of phase, with calculated temperatures showing a slight increase over the 41-year period but with an overall decrease from 1994 to 2010. The insignificant ocean warming recorded in the coral supports the existence of a local, self-regulating, cold-water upwelling system from the adjacent shelf break and canyons that is potentially moderating coastal water temperature rise in Sodwana Bay.

The psychology of sun protection: a variety of methods to change health behaviours

Recent studies have highlighted that people's attitudes towards sun protection can change with the use of visual aids such as ultraviolet photography. Alison Williams, Lecturer in Psychology at Staffordshire University, discusses how aesthetic practitioners can help patients to protect their skin from sun damage by framing health messages, using image-based software and giving frequent reminders

Impact of Ultraviolet Photography on Sun Safety Practices of Snow Sport Industry Conference Attendees

Studies have established ultraviolet (UV) exposure with increased melanoma skin cancer risk. The combination of UV exposure, high altitude, and reflection of UV rays on the snow may create a particularly relevant and high-risk population amongst those who participate in snow sports. The current study aims to determine the effectiveness of a UV-photography and personalized counseling-based intervention to improve sun protection awareness on the snow sport enthusiast population. Participants were recruited at the 2013 SnowSports Industries American (SIA) Snow Show in Denver to complete a 14 question pre-survey assessing sun-safety awareness followed by a Faraghan Medical Elise Digital UV Camera photograph of their face and counseling regarding individual results. Participants were contacted one to two months later by telephone to complete a ten question post-survey. Forty-one percent of participants (46/112) completed both pre- and post-surveys. The UV photography based intervention influenced the opinions and behaviors of sun protection in 78% of male and 62% of female participants with sunscreen use identified as the most frequently modified behavior (53%). While valid barriers to UV photography use include a current lack of reimbursement and lack of public knowledge of its utility, our study indicates the potential impact of UV photography-based interventions among high-risk populations who avidly participate in snow sports.

Identification of pigments by multispectral imaging; a flowchart method

The literature on the application of Multispectral and Hyperspectral imaging for identification of pigments on artworks is sparse. While these methods do not provide the analytical capability that spectroscopies do offer, the use of spectral imaging has the advantage of being a rapid and relatively low-cost solution for the examination of large areas. This paper presents a flowchart for the identification of historical pigments applied with gum Arabic using multispectral imaging (wavelength ranging from 360 to 1700 nm) performed with a modified digital camera for infrared, visible and ultraviolet photography; and an InGaAs camera for infrared reflectography. The flowchart method will be most successful on paint made of one layer of pure pigment, and it can selectively discriminate only a fraction of the 56 pigments analyzed. Though, considerably limited in its analytical capabilities, the low cost and speed of the workflow make the method worthwhile, even if only to localize retouching and areas appearing the same hue but painted with different pigments. The InGaAs camera is the only expensive instrument used in this study but its cost is relatively affordable for the average painting conservation studio since only a model with a low pixel count is required (320×256 pixels) rather than a more sophisticated InGaAs scanner system.

A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of a New Skin Whitening Combination in Patients with Chloasma

Melasma (or chloasma) is a hyperpigmentation disorder predominantly affecting sun-exposed skin in women, and is often refractory to treatment. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new whitening formula for the treatment of chloasma. This single centre, double-blind, placebo controlled, bilateral (split-face) comparison, was conducted on 44 Chinese subjects with chloasma during the winter season. The test formula was applied twice a day, for 12 weeks on left side of the face and a placebo formula on the right side of the face. Assessments included the use of the hemi-MASI (split-face Melasma Area Severity Index), both ultraviolet and standard photography, together with clinical evaluations of efficacy and safety at T0, T6 and T12 weeks. A significant difference between the 2-hemi-MASI was noticed after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment. This result was confirmed by the clinical evaluation of the dermatologists who recorded a significant improvement in the half-face treated with the new whitening formula compared with that treated with placebo (p = 0.003). The tolerance of the new formula was recorded as excellent by 82% of subjects and found to be cosmetically appealing. In this study, the new whitening formula containing ferulic acid, Ginkgo Biloba, lipohydroxyacid (LHA), niacinamide and thermal spring water was safe and significantly improved chloasma after a 3-month-treatment period compared with placebo.

Characterization of Digital Cameras for Reflected Ultraviolet Photography; Implications for Qualitative and Quantitative Image Analysis During Forensic Examination

Reflected ultraviolet imaging techniques allow for the visualization of evidence normally outside the human visible spectrum. Specialized digital cameras possessing extended sensitivity can be used for recording reflected ultraviolet radiation. Currently, there is a lack of standardized methods for ultraviolet image recording and processing using digital cameras, potentially limiting the implementation and interpretation. A methodology is presented for processing ultraviolet images based on linear responses and the sensitivity of the respective color channels. The methodology is applied to a FujiS3 UVIR camera, and a modified Nikon D70s camera, to reconstruct their respective spectral sensitivity curves between 320 and 400 nm. This method results in images with low noise and high contrast, suitable for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis. The application of this methodology is demonstrated in the recording of latent fingerprints.

Women’s sun protection cognitions in response to UV photography: the role of age, cognition, and affect

This study examined the impact of ultraviolet (UV) photography, cognition versus affect, and age on women's sun-related cognitions and a proxy measure of sun protection behavior. Participants (N=114) were recruited via public advertisements and came to the lab to view a photo showing their UV damage. In addition, some participants received instructions to focus on either their thoughts (cognition) or feelings (affect) about their photograph before completing the survey. Women in the affect condition reported the lowest perceived vulnerability to skin cancer and highest absent/exempt beliefs (beliefs that one is unlikely to develop skin cancer if she hasn't already). Condition by age interactions showed that, among those in the cognition and control (no instructions) conditions, older women reported higher perceived vulnerability and lower absent/exempt beliefs, and took more sunscreen than younger women. However, older women reported higher absent/exempt beliefs and higher sun-risk willingness than younger women in the affect condition.

Geometrically distributed one‐dimensional photonic crystals for all angle optical filters

AbstractWe present the general formulation of light reflection using a series of one‐dimensional (1D) photonic crystals (PCs) with different periods, which is made of nonabsorptive materials of any refractive indices.To have a large bandgap, the spectral range of reflection, the periods of 1D PCs must be distributed in a geometrical progression with a common ratio, r, smaller than a maximum value of rc. In this letter, the exact expressions for rc, the bandgap to mid gap ratio of the PC heterostructure and the minimum number of PCs to achieve the desired range of bandgap in single and all angles of incidence have been presented. The proposed method can be used to design the optical filters for vast range of applications such as ultraviolet (UV) filters (i.e., sunglasses, eye safety glasses, UV photography filters) and visible light filters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:2533–2536, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27123

Sun damage in ultraviolet photographs correlates with phenotypic melanoma risk factors in 12-year-old children

Ultraviolet (UV) photography has been used to motivate sun safety in behavioral interventions. The relationship between sun damage shown in UV photographs and melanoma risk has not been systematically investigated. To examine the relationship between severity of sun damage in UV photographs and phenotypic melanoma risk factors in children. UV, standard visible and cross-polarized photographs were recorded for 585 children. Computer software quantified sun damage. Full-body nevus counts, skin color by colorimetry, facial freckling, hair and eye color were collected in skin examinations. Demographic data were collected in telephone interviews of parents. Among 12-year-old children, sun damage shown in UV photographs correlated with phenotypic melanoma risk factors. Sun damage was greatest for children who were non-Hispanic white and those who had red hair, blue eyes, increased facial freckling, light skin and greater number of nevi (all P values < .001). Results were similar for standard visible and cross-polarized photographs. Freckling was the strongest predictor of sun damage in visible and UV photographs. All other phenotypic melanoma risk factors were also predictors for the UV photographs. Differences in software algorithms used to score the photographs could produce different results. UV photographs portray more sun damage in children with higher risk for melanoma based on phenotype. Therefore sun protection interventions targeting those with greater sun damage on UV photographs will target those at higher melanoma risk. This study establishes reference ranges dermatologists can use to assess sun damage in their pediatric patients.

Ultraviolet photography as a skin cancer risk assessment and intervention tool

I n the Gamble et al study in this issue, the authors conducted a comprehensive study assessing the relationship between severity of sun damage in ultraviolet (UV) photographs with phenotypic melanoma risk factors in a large population of 12-yearold children. They found that indeed the severity of sun damage in UV photography correlates closely with phenotypic melanoma risk factors such as freckling and skin color, yet standard visible light photography did not. Skin cancer primary prevention needs to start with the younger-aged populations. As with other prevention strategies, the earlier in life preventive behaviors begin, the more likely they will be practiced in adulthood. Ultimately, UV photography could be used as a risk assessment tool in primary care physicians’ offices for younger patients and therefore aid in tailoring appropriate skin cancer prevention counseling efforts. There have been many other risk assessment tools developed, such as the risk of malignancy tool in ovarian cancer, or even the body mass index used so frequently in pediatric practices. Increased body mass index is associated with many health risks including various cancers. It is an example of a simple tool that only takes a couple minutes of nursing or medical assistant time (and is therefore low cost), yet it is highly predictive of many future health outcomes. UV photography could be quickly used in a similar fashion in dermatologists’ or general practitioners’ offices when the patient is checked in. However, there may be clinical practice barriers to its widespread use as a result of the costs of such equipment

Materials and techniques of Kalighat paintings: pigment analysis of nine paintings from the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum

Kalighat paintings were produced in Kolkata in the eastern part of India during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These hand-painted images were produced in large numbers with a variety of water-based, opaque colours on paper. Images were duplicated by copying by hand with a team of artists employed to add colours and decoration to bold outlines indicated with pencil by the master artist or, occasionally, in the mid part of the nineteenth century were printed by lithography. A travelling exhibition of 80 Kalighat paintings from the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum toured Indian venues in 2011 and 2012. Pigment analysis has been carried out on nine of the works selected for the exhibition using a number of non-destructive techniques, including ultraviolet photography, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. Several pigments were identified conclusively by these methods—Prussian blue, ultramarine blue, indigo, red lead, chrome yellow and carbon black. Evidence suggesting that Indian yellow and yellow and red dyes might be present was also collected.

UV photography, masculinity, and college men’s sun protection cognitions

This study examined the impact of an ultraviolet (UV) photography intervention and masculinity on college men's sun protection cognitions, including: perceived vulnerability to skin damage, attitudes toward sun protection, willingness to engage in sun protection behaviors, and intentions to receive a skin cancer exam. After completing a baseline survey, participants (N = 152) viewed a black-and-white photo of their face. Half also viewed a photo showing their UV damage. Participants then completed a second survey assessing sun protection cognitions. Regressions revealed that masculinity predicted lower sun protection cognitions, and men in the UV photograph condition reported higher sun protection cognitions. Masculinity by condition interactions showed that the positive effect of UV photography was stronger among masculine men. Negative associations between masculinity and sun protection cognitions were significant only among men who did not receive the intervention. Findings suggest that UV photography is a promising sun protection intervention among masculine men.

Apis Cerana JaponicaDiscriminates between Floral Color Phases of the Oriental Orchid,Cymbidium floribundum

Foragers of the Japanese honeybee (Apis cerana japonica) were attracted by flowers of an oriental orchid (Cymbidium floribundum) and were observed to carry the pollinia on their scutella. After the removal of pollinia from the flowers, their labial color changed from white to reddish brown. Both artificial removal of pollinia and ethrel treatment of the flowers also induced this labial color change. Labia in color-changed flowers showed a decreased reflectance of wavelengths less than 670 nm compared to control intact flower. Both reflectance irradiance spectra and ultraviolet photographs showed that only the nectar guide in white (unchanged) flowers reflected ultraviolet light, and that this reflectance decreased with labial color change. Dual choice experiments showed that the honeybee foragers preferentially visited flowers having white labia rather than reddish brown. We suggest that Japanese honeybees discriminate between the floral phases of C. floribundum using color vision.

Exogenous ochronosis in ethnic Chinese Asians: a clinicopathological study, diagnosis and treatment

Exogenous ochronosis is believed to be an uncommon complication of treatment with hydroquinone- containing skin-lightning agents. It is widely believed that the condition is found almost exclusively in dark-skinned individuals and uncommon in other skin-types. To show that exogenous ochronosis may be present in ethnic Chinese Asians. Facial skin biopsies were obtained from suspicious lesions in ethnic Chinese patients presenting at a private dermatology clinic. Clinical photographs, ultraviolet (UV) photographs and digital dermatoscopic pictures were also obtained. 15 patients of ethnic Chinese origin had histologically-confirmed exogenous ochronosis. The difficulties in differentiating exogenous ochronosis from melasma are discussed and there is a likelihood of under-reporting as the clinical presentation of the condition may be misleading. Exogenous ochronosis may exist amongst ethnic Chinese patients with fairer skin-types, contrary to the commonly-accepted perception that it is more prevalent in darker skin-types.

디지털 자외선 사진을 위한 적정 디지털 카메라 시스템

자외선 사진은 범죄수사, 고고학, 피부의학 등 다양한 분야에서 활용되고 있다. 과거 자외선 사진은 일반적인 흑백필름을 이용하여 촬영하는 경우가 대부분이었는데, 그 이유는 필름의 감광유제로 사용되는 할로겐화은(AgX)성분이 카메라의 센서인 CCD(Charge Coupled Device)혹은 CMOS(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)에 비해 자외선에 민감하기 때문이다. 이에 본 논문에서는 보급형 디지털 카메라를 사용하여 자외선 사진의 화질을 개선시키고, 자외선 사진을 위한 최적의 디지털 카메라 특성을 찾는 것을 목적으로 하였다. 이를 위해 디지털 카메라의 적외선 차단 필터를 제거하고, 자외선 투과필터의 개조를 통해 자외선 사진의 화질향상 여부를 검증하였다. 또한 센서의 종류와 크기, 화소수에 따른 자외선 사진의 재현성을 화질측정 요소들을 통해 분석하였으며, 이를 통해 디지털을 이용한 자외선 사진에 가장 적합한 카메라 특성을 찾고자 하였다. 나아가 본 논문을 통해 일반 디지털 카메라를 활용한 자외선 촬영 시스템을 구축할 수 있을 것이며, 이는 결국 디지털 자외선 사진의 폭넓은 활용에 기여할 것으로 기대된다. Reflected-Ultraviolet photography is applied to the evidence of crime, Archaeology, and Dermatology. In the past, Ultraviolet photography was done with standard black-and-white film. Because emulsion of film is more sensitive to near UV light than CCD(Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor)of digital camera. In this research, we purpose to improve qulity of ultraviolet photographs and to find out the best alternative digital camera by utilizing a cunsumer digital camera. To achieve theses, we removed IR cutoff filter from digital camera. And by using modified UV pass filter, we verified the increase of image resolution of digital ultraviolet photographs. Also, we analyze reproducibility of digital ultraviolet photographs according to type, size, pixel of image sensor. Furthermore, this research resulted in the development of an practical digital camera system by utilizing a cunsumer digital camera. Eventually, it will contribute to practical use in the various field of digital ultraviolet photographs

In Vivo Microscopic Approaches for Facial Melanocytic Lesions after Quality-Switched Ruby Laser Therapy: Time-Sequential Imaging of Melanin and Melanocytes of Solar Lentigo in Asian Skin

The quality-switched ruby laser (QSRL) has been widely used for the treatment of pigmented lesions, but clinical evaluations in most studies have been conducted on macroscopic skin color observation comparing the laser-treated skin with its nontreated surrounding area. A few investigations examined skin changes after laser therapy at a cellular level, but almost none did so noninvasively. To elucidate the dynamic changes after QSRL irradiation of facial solar lentigo using noninvasive optical techniques. Time-sequential imaging of Japanese female patients with a clinical diagnosis of solar lentigo was performed using ultraviolet photography, high-magnification videomicroscopy, and reflectance-mode confocal microscopy to examine pigmentary change after QSRL irradiation. The present study showed that remaining melanocytes were visible in the solar lentigo of all subjects when crusts peeled off, despite hardly observable skin pigmentation to the naked eye. Moreover, noninvasive confocal imaging revealed that pigmented melanocytes varied in each solar lentigo after QSRL treatment, as indicated by melanin reflection level. Optical techniques facilitate the evaluation of the in vivo dynamics of epidermal-melanocytic changes in solar lentigo after QSRL therapy and may be useful for monitoring outcomes after laser irradiation.

Knowledge, motivation, and behavior patterns of the general public towards sun protection

The general public has long been educated about the harms of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and the benefits of photoprotection. Many organizations have worked in close collaboration to deliver the photoprotection message through a variety of programs. Most address the health-related consequences of UV radiation, although appearance-based strategies have also been initiated. As is common with preventative health measures, these intervention efforts have not resulted in meaningful changes in public behavior despite providing seemingly adequate knowledge to do so. Behaviors are often difficult to change on a societal, personal, and biological level. Within these categories, there are unique reasons for the unsatisfactory outcome with photoprotection such as (1) tan is perceived as beautiful, (2) the knowledge conveyed is often superficial, (3) there is a lack of immediate risk/reward, and (4) UV has reinforcing effects on mood. We propose that better results could be achieved by creating interventions focused on demographic subsets of the population. Specific techniques include anti-tanning legislature, age or gender-based screening campaigns, anti-tan beauty campaigns, and UV photography. Future photoprotection messages should shift from purely promoting knowledge to inspiring improvements in behavior with targeted strategies.