Shades Of White Research Articles

Evaluation of Whiteness in Linen and Semi-linen Fabrics

Whiteness of textiles is one of the main product quality indicators described by the following parameters: lightness of a colour, colour tone (white shade), white uniformity and stability under the influence of physical factors. “White” textile products can be perceived by comparing them with a white standard (Pantone colour palette). On the other hand, the whiteness of the fabric can be estimated using the colorimeter and determining lightness of a fabric L . The purpose of a research is to assess the whiteness of a linen and semi-linen fabric using two different methods, to carry out a comparative analysis of the results and to associate fabric whiteness with the fabric structure parameters. Two methods were used for experiment (colorimeter Spectraflash SF450X and expert assessment of whiteness). The analysed colours of a fabric were divided into five colours: white, whitish, light grey, grey and dark grey. The examination of the two methods, different results were obtained: testing with colorimeter, white colour was found in only one fabric, while the experts found the fabrics of white colour much more. The opinions of experts vary also. Fabric lightness L was associated with fabric structure parameters – the warp and weft settings and fabric weave. It was found that these fabric structure parameters affect the lightness of a colour of a fabric L very little. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.21.1.5348

Cultivo de tamarindo sob malhas coloridas: plasticidade anatômica foliar

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da alteração da qualidade espectral da luz, utilizando malhas de transmissão de luz diferenciada, sobre características da anatomia foliar em plantas de tamarindo (Tamarindus indica L.), visando à obtenção de plantas mais propícias ao plantio. Mudas de tamarindo foram cultivadas sob malhas de 50% de sombreamento nas cores branca, azul, vermelha e preta em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Após 90 dias de cultivo sob as malhas, as folhas foram avaliadas quanto à anatomia e micromorfologia. Plantas submetidas ao cultivo sob malha branca apresentaram maior altura das células da epiderme na face abaxial e maior espessura do parênquima paliçádico e da nervura central. Melhores resultados para epiderme na face adaxial e limbo foliar foram observados sob malhas branca e azul. Maiores densidades estomáticas foram obtidas sob malhas azul e vermelha. As folhas de Tamarindus indica apresentam plasticidade anatômica em resposta às modificações no espectro da radiação. Em face desses resultados, as malhas branca e azul podem ser recomendadas para obtenção de plantas mais propícias ao plantio.

Whiteness, ethnic privilege and migration: a Bourdieuian framework

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is twofold. First it offers an innovative conceptual framework for exploring how whiteness shapes ethnic privilege and disadvantage at work. Second it offers empirical evidence of the complexity of ethnic privilege and disadvantage explored through experiences of migrant workers from post-socialist Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) on the UK labour market. Design/methodology/approach – Using a Bourdieuian conceptual framework the paper begins from the historical and macro socio-economic context of EU enlargement eastwards in order to explore whiteness and the complexity of ethnic privilege at work through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 35 Polish and Slovenian migrant workers in the UK. Findings – The findings highlight racial segmentation of the UK labour market, expose various shades of whiteness that affect CEE workers’ position and their agency and point to relational and transnational workings of whiteness and their effects on diverse workforce. Research li...

EFFECT OF COVERING MATERIAL AND SHADING ON INTERIOR LIGHT INTENSITY IN POLY-GREENHOUSES

The objective of this research was to examine the influence of two different poly-greenhouse covering material types and their properties on the interior light intensity to choose the proper one for covering under Fayoum depression climatic conditions. Measurements of global solar radiation (GSR) and light intensity were made inside and outside six poly-greenhouse-covered prototype structures (Quonset-style). Each prototype structure was 1.0 m length, 1.0 m width and 0.8 m height. Two small doors in the narrow sides of each prototype were kept open during the day-light for natural ventilation. Results showed that the average transmittance in GSR of both new white polyethylene films and new black screen shade net sheets were 74.05% and 55.45%, respectively. Exposure the poly-greenhouse cover to the climatic conditions reduced its transmittance to global solar radiation (GSR). The relative losses of GSR transmittance were 13.96 % and 17.64 % for both old-cleaned and old-dirty polyethylene films, respectively, as compared with the new polyethylene film (74.05%). The average losses of GSR transmittance were 12.93% and 19.42% for both old-cleaned and old-dirty black screen shade net, respectively, as compared with the new black screen shade net cover (55.45%). The new white polyethylene films and new black screen shade net sheets reduced the interior light intensity of the prototypes by an average of 18.3% and 68.4% as compared with the average exterior light intensity, respectively. In addition, old-cleaned and old-dirty polyethylene films reduced the interior light intensity by an average of 20.8% and 34.8% as compared with the identical new white polyethylene film, respectively. While, old-cleaned and old-dirty black screen shade net reduced the interior light intensity by an average of 27.3% and 39.9 % as compared with the identical new black screen shade net, respectively.

Maestro di Pico i iluminacije u inkunabuli De Civitate Dei (Nicolas Jenson, Venecija, 1475.) u samostanu Sv. Duje u Kraju na Pašmanu

Maestro di Pico i iluminacije u inkunabuli De Civitate Dei (Nicolas Jenson, Venecija, 1475.) u samostanu Sv. Duje u Kraju na Pašmanu

Tillering Responses to High Red/ Far-Red Ratio of Four Japanese Wheat Cultivars

The effect of high red/ far-red ratio (R/FR) on tillering in wheat and its cultivar differences were investigated with a pot experiment. Four Japanese wheat cultivars with a different degree of winter habit: Abukumawase, Sanukinoyume 2000, Norin 61 and Iwainodaichi, were grown under the tunnels with different R/FR conditions: one tunnel covered with a light control film which attenuates irradiance in the far red range (high R/FR) and the other with a transparent polyethylene film with a white shading cloth (control). The high R/FR treatment increased R/FR by 25%, and slightly decreased air temperature. The low temperature in high R/FR had some effect on the time of the developmental stage; however, physiological responses to high R/FR and its cultivar differences were observed. Tillering dynamics was quantified and analyzed based on phyllochron, site-filling and the time of cessation of tillering. The high R/FR significantly delayed the time in calendar days of full expansion of flag leaf and anthesis, but the effect of treatment was not significant in growing degree days. The high R/FR had no significant effect on the phyllochron and the maximum number of leaves on the main stem. The maximum number of tillers per plant was significantly increased and the cessation of tillering was significantly delayed by the high R/FR in all cultivars. In conclusion, the increase in the number of tillers in the high R/FR was attributed mainly to the delay of the cessation of tiller emergence, along with the significant increase in rate of tillering in some cultivars.

Mapping HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa with use of GPS data.

Mapping HIV epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa with use of GPS data.

English

Seed coat colour of sesame is commercially an important trait. Developing white seeded varieties with long lasting luster has received momentous attention in most of the major sesame producing countries including India. The present investigation centered on the genetic control of seed coat colour in sesame. No genetic nomenclature is available in sesame to describe seed coat colour. This is the first attempt to designate genes engendering specific seed coat colour. The findings are based on five different crosses with seed coat colour belonging to white, beige and various shades of brown colour. In general, tetragenic model corroborated with the colour combinations. The colour beige seemed to be fixable as well as suppressive over other colors. In white seeded seeds, several genes co-existed and those genes produced colored segregants in F2 generation. Two loci, Gr and I, regulated suppression or intensification of pigment production. Two major genes V and B were accountable for basic colour production. The recessive allele ‘b’ tightly linked with ‘r’,resulted into beige colour which suppressed the effect either of the loci V and B. The study of inheritance pattern of seed coat would aid to evolve varieties with specific desired seed coat color.   Key words: Genes, inheritance, seed coat colour, nomenclature and Sesamum indicum L.

Comparison of Paper Bags, Calcium Carbonate, and Shade Nets for Sunscald Protection in ‘Murcott’ Tangor Fruit

‘Murcott’ tangor (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis) is susceptible to sunscald injury due to high temperatures during summer in Chiayi, Taiwan. The average rate of sunscald damage in ‘Murcott’ tangor fruit is 13.6% when no protective measures are used. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of covering developing fruit with white paper bags, calcium carbonate, or shade nets to reduce the effects of sunscald. A significant reduction in sunscald was realized when using white paper bags, calcium carbonate spray, or white, green, and black shading nets. Calcium carbonate spraying was the most rapid method, but was less effective in controlling sunscald, and resulted in the lowest photosynthetic rate. Compared with trees under shade nets, those under black netting had larger and heavier fruit. There were no significant differences in peel color, titratable acid (TA), total soluble solids/titratable acid (TSS/TA) ratio, or respiration rate for the evaluated treatments. Although all shading materials reduced sunscald, the use of shade net was the most effective in controlling damage related to this, and thus can have significant benefits for commercial citrus (Citrus sp.) orchard operations.

The effects of bleaching on the photostability of white fleece wools

The photostability of Merino fleece wools shows moderate heritability and therefore could be improved by selection. However, wool used for bright whites and pastel shades is always bleached with hydrogen peroxide during processing to improve its colour, and bleaching is known to reduce photostability. This paper describes the effects of peroxide bleaching on two groups of Merino fleece wools having the same range of initial yellowness but differing photostabilities. After peroxide bleaching, there was no significant difference in photostability between the two groups, suggesting that genetic selection of sheep for higher photostability would only offer a commercial benefit for production of bright white and pastel shades if yellowness is reduced to such an extent that peroxide bleaching is unnecessary. A more viable short-term approach would be to use a water-soluble UV absorber to reduce the rate of photoyellowing, if a means of applying the UV absorber to bleached wool without reducing its whiteness could be achieved.

‘Lufkin Red’ and ‘Lufkin White’ Winter-hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus ×laevis All.)

Winter-hardy hibiscuses are herbaceous perennials that regenerate from root buds each spring in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Colloquially known as Rose Mallows, the most recent taxonomic revision (Blanchard, 1976) recognizes five species (Hibiscus coccineus Walter, Hibiscus dasycalyx Blake & Shiller, Hibiscus grandiflorus Michaux, Hibiscus laevis Allioni, and Hibiscus moscheutos L.) that comprise the North American taxon Hibiscus L. sect. Muenchhusia (Heister ex Fabricium) O. Blanchard (Malvaceae) (Small, 2004). A number of additional taxa associated with H. moscheutos have been variously recognized historically as varieties, subspecies, or distinct species. Primary among these are Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. palustris L., native to the northeastern United States, and Hibiscus moscheutos subsp. incanus Wendl., indigenous to the southeastern coastal plain (Blanchard, 1976). Native populations prefer wetland habitats such as flood plains but are tolerant to wide fluctuations in soil moisture. Rose mallows are long-day plants (Warner and Erwin, 2001) that flower from late spring through fall. Flowers last for a single day with color varying from scarlet rose in H. coccineus to white, lavender, and pink shades in the other four species. Studies of pollination in H. moscheutos indicate that the species is generally self-compatible but that the trait is variable with some lines rapidly develop inbreeding depression in progeny (Snow and Spira, 1993). The five species have a shared chromosome number of N =19, but artificial hybridization studies resulted in grouping the species into two groups based on seed set (Wise and Menzel, 1971). Hibiscus grandiorus and H. moscheutos (Group I) were entirely interfertile, and H. coccineus and H. laevis (Group II) were also interfertile, but crosses between groups produced few viable seed. Although Wise and Menzel (1971) did not include H. dasycalyx in their studies, subsequent work has shown that H. dasycalyx is closely related to H. laevis (Klips. 1995; Small, 2004) and clearly belongs in Group II. Although breeding of rose mallows has focused on developing new clones with improved horticultural traits (Malinowski et al., 2012) such as branching and flower color, there is a need for clones with improved disease resistance, particularly in the southeastern United States. Both ‘Lufkin Red’ and ‘Lufkin White’ have desirable horticultural traits in combination with demonstrated high levels of field resistance to the leaf spot complex (Pirone, 1970) that is problematic on winter-hardy hibiscus clones in areas with warm nights and high humidity.

Gamut relativity: A new computational approach to brightness and lightness perception

This article deconstructs the conventional theory that "brightness" and "lightness" constitute perceptual dimensions corresponding to the physical dimensions of luminance and reflectance, and builds in its place the theory that brightness and lightness correspond to computationally defined "modes," rather than dimensions, of perception. According to the theory, called gamut relativity, "blackness" and "whiteness" constitute the perceptual dimensions (forming a two-dimensional "blackness-whiteness" space) underlying achromatic color perception (black, white, and gray shades). These perceptual dimensions are postulated to be related to the neural activity levels in the ON and OFF channels of vision. The theory unifies and generalizes a number of extant concepts in the brightness and lightness literature, such as simultaneous contrast, anchoring, and scission, and quantitatively simulates several challenging perceptual phenomena, including the staircase Gelb effect and the effects of task instructions on achromatic color-matching behavior, all with a single free parameter. The theory also provides a new conception of achromatic color constancy in terms of the relative distances between points in blackness-whiteness space. The theory suggests a host of striking conclusions, the most important of which is that the perceptual dimensions of vision should be generically specified according to the computational properties of the brain, rather than in terms of "reified" physical dimensions. This new approach replaces the computational goal of estimating absolute physical quantities ("inverse optics") with the goal of computing object properties relatively.

Shades of White: Identity Status, Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Xenophobia

Social identity, cultural socialization, intergroup contact hypothesis and group threat theories were used to examine White middle school adolescents' beliefs and attitudes toward Middle Eastern peers (Chaldeans). Ten focus group interviews in each of five Midwestern schools supported the hypothesized relationships between White majority/minority status in school and the saliency and centrality of White identity, awareness of their disadvantaged position in school, feelings of exclusion and dissonance, exhibition of in-group favoritism and out-group bias. Group threat factors predicating xenophobia for adolescents differ from those identified for adults. Group threat that precipitated White adolescents' xenophobic reactions toward Chaldean adolescents, including the rigidity of boundaries between the two groups, concerns about aggression and being outnumbered by Chaldeans, fear of loneliness and loss of friends, and differential treatment by teachers. Numerical minority status and the subjective perceptions of numerical minority status in the absence of factual numerical minority status were important predictors of xenophobia.

The genetics of colour in fat-tailed sheep: a review

Fat-tailed sheep come in various colours-most are either brown (tan) or black. In some, most of the body is white with the tan or black colour restricted to the front portion of the body or to just around the eyes, muzzle and parts of the legs. The Karakul breed is important for the production of lamb skins of various colours for the fashion industry. As well as the black and tan colours there are Karakuls bred for grey or roan shades, a white colour or one of the numerous Sur shades. In the Sur shades, the base of the birthcoat fibre is one of a number of dark shades and the tip a lighter or white shade. All these colours and many others are the result of the interaction of various genes that determine the specifics of the coat colour of the sheep. A number of sets of nomenclature and symbols have been used to represent the various loci and their alleles that are involved. In the 1980s and 1990s, a standardised set, based closely on those of the mouse and other species was developed. Using this as the framework, the alleles of the Extension, Agouti, Brown, Spotting, Pigmented Head and Roan loci are described using fat-tailed sheep (mainly Damara, Karakul and Persian) as examples. Further discussion includes other types of "white markings," the Ticking locus and the Sur loci.

Shades of Whiteness: Petits-Blancs and the Politics of Military Allocations Distribution in World War I Colonial Cochinchina

During World War I male French citizens in Cochinchina whom the colonial government had drafted to fight in Europe left their families behind in the colony. Through a complicated subsidies process, the government offered financial assistance to families impoverished by the draftee's departure and the concomitant loss of income. Far from being a monolithic category, the colony's poor white applicants, also known as petits-blancs, received varying government subsidies, depending on their family configurations. This article argues that the military allocations council's judgments correlate with the petits-blancs applicants' relationships to indigenous people and their adherence to traditional gender roles. To guard white prestige, the colonial government effectively penalized petits-blancs applicants who deviated from behavior associated with whiteness. Pendant la Première Guerre mondiale, les citoyens français résidant en Cochinchine appelés sous les drapeaux pour combattre en Europe ont laissé leurs familles dans cette colonie. A travers un système complexe de secours, le gouvernement colonial français en Indochine fournit une aide financière à ces familles qui se retrouvaient dans le besoin par suite de l'absence du chef de famille et de la perte de revenus qui en découlait. Loin d'être considérés comme une catégorie à part entière, les Français pauvres de la colonie—les « petits-blancs »—reçurent du gouvernement des aides de montants variés qui dépendaient de la composition familiale. Cet article avance l'hypothèse selon laquelle les décisions variables du conseil militaire pour ces allocations sont à mettre en relation avec les rapports qu'entretenaient ces « petits-blancs » demandeurs avec les indigènes et leur adhésion à une conception traditionnelle en matière de genre sexuel et de statut. Dans son souci de conserver le prestige blanc, le gouvernement colonial a effectivement pénalisé les « petits-blancs » demandeurs qui s'étaient écartés des comportements prescrits par leur appartenance au monde blanc.

Barbiturates Require the N Terminus and First Transmembrane Domain of the δ Subunit for Enhancement of α1β3δ GABAA Receptor Currents

GABA(A) receptors are composed predominantly of alphabetagamma receptors, which mediate primarily synaptic inhibition, and alphabetadelta receptors, which mediate primarily extrasynaptic inhibition. At saturating GABA concentrations, the barbiturate pentobarbital substantially increased the amplitude and desensitization of the alpha1beta3delta receptor but not the alpha1beta3gamma2L receptor currents. To explore the structural domains of the delta subunit that are involved in pentobarbital potentiation and increased desensitization of alpha1beta3delta currents, chimeric cDNAs were constructed by progressive replacement of gamma2L subunit sequence with a delta subunit sequence or a delta subunit sequence with a gamma2L subunit sequence, and HEK293T cells were co-transfected with alpha1 and beta3 subunits or alpha1 and beta3 subunits and a gamma2L, delta, or chimeric subunit. Currents evoked by a saturating concentration of GABA or by co-application of GABA and pentobarbital were recorded using the patch clamp technique. By comparing the extent of enhancement and changes in kinetic properties produced by pentobarbital among chimeric and wild type receptors, we concluded that although potentiation of alpha1beta3delta currents by pentobarbital required the delta subunit sequence from the N terminus to proline 241 in the first transmembrane domain (M1), increasing desensitization of alpha1beta3delta currents required a delta subunit sequence from the N terminus to isoleucine 235 in M1. These findings suggest that the delta subunit N terminus and N-terminal portion of the M1 domain are, at least in part, involved in transduction of the allosteric effect of pentobarbital to enhance alpha1beta3delta currents and that this effect involves a distinct but overlapping structural domain from that involved in altering desensitization.

Weed Control and Canopy Light Management in Blackberries

Weed control in blackberries (Rubus spp.) is a serious problem for organic producers and those who wish to reduce their reliance on herbicides. At the southern limits of blackberry production, late season yields are reduced because of high daytime temperatures generated by high air temperatures and intense solar radiation. In a field experiment located near Monte Alto, Texas (26° N Lat.), using ‘Kiowa’ root cuttings established in 2008, weeds were controlled mechanically by hand and with an industrial-grade laminated white plastic. In spring 2009, plant volume and leaf area were improved by use of white plastic. Early season flowering on March 30 and the number of red fruits on April 27 were increased by white plastic. After the third harvest on May 19, half of the weed control plots were tented with 40% shade cloth for the remaining seven weekly harvests, resulting in improved cumulative yields from both white plastic application and shading. Shade reduced ripe fruit temperatures by 3.4°C (P = 0.0002) regardless of weed control method. The percentage of reflected light through the canopy was improved by white plastic and was not influenced by shading (P = 0.001). Air movement over the canopy (not replicated) was reduced 30% by shading. White plastic alone improved the cumulative season yield by 86%, while shade alone increased the season yield by 34%. The combined use of white plastic and shade increased the season total yield by 1.4 × or 4.4 Mt/ha compared to current production practices (bare ground and no shading). Late season average fruit weight, % SS, and berry juice yield (ml/g fruit) were improved by shade application.

The Structured Oral Examination in Clinical Anaesthesia: Practice Examination Papers.

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. grim.kendra@mayo.eduThe Structured Oral Examination in Clinical Anaesthesia: Practice Examination Papers. By Cyprian Mendonca, M.D., Carl Hillermann, Josephine James, and Anil Kumar. TFM Publishing Ltd., Shrewsbury, United Kingdom, 2009. Pages: 558. Price: $70.00. ISBN-10: 1903378680; ISBN-13: 978-1903378687.While reading The Structured Oral Examination in Clinical Anaesthesia by Cyprian Mendonca (Consultant Anesthetist, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Services, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire) et al ., I envisioned sitting across from an equally motivated trainee and passing the book back and forth as we quizzed each other. According to the preface, this scenario is consistent with its intended use. The aim of the book is to help the reader assess his/her strengths and weakness in oral examination skills, including not only clinical knowledge but also organization and timing.The book consists of 10 oral examinations, each of which has a clinical anesthesia section and a clinical science section. The clinical anesthesia component contains one long case and three short cases, whereas the clinical science section includes four distinct topics. The long clinical cases begin with a detailed stem followed by “examiner's questions.” Each question is followed by an organized and concise answer. The questions range from specific case management, procedural concerns to disease pathophysiology that are neatly broken down by organ systems. The answers offer a clear review and example of how to organize the spoken answer on the oral examination.The text is easy to read and engaging. The cases realistically reflect common concerns in anesthetic practice and become enjoyable to reason through. However, questions in the oral board examination and in this book may have multiple correct answers. This book typically gives one answer and explanation, without offering alternatives. An explanation of why the given answer is the most correct may be helpful. In addition, trainees using this book outside the United Kingdom may be frustrated by frequent references to medications not available in other countries, including the United States. An alternative medication is not typically recommended; if the trainee does not already know a substitute medication, they must refer to another book.Anatomic locations and procedures are well described in a concise and systematic approach. Although detailed and thorough, these descriptions may not appeal to visual learners who would benefit from pictures and diagrams. For instance, the section on insertion of chest tube is detailed but may benefit from a diagram. There are few pictures and diagrams throughout the book, and some of these have poor resolution because of black and white shading. The x-rays are well visualized within the case presentations.The book is intended to give comprehensive answers for oral examination questions. The answers at times are not structured in the order followed during real clinical scenarios. For instance, in the case of umbilical cord prolapse, which is a fetal indication for emergent delivery, the first answer lists obtaining a blood sample for multiple studies, including electrolytes. In that critical situation, the examiners may be more interested in hearing the second and third interventions listed, which are maternal oxygen and manual umbilical cord decompression back into the vaginal vault, respectively.Overall, this book accomplishes its goals of being a tool for oral board candidates to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in both clinical anesthesia practice and general medical knowledge. The book is formatted similar to the oral board examination to provide familiarity. The answers are both concise and organized as they may be spoken during the examination. The book will be an excellent tool for individual learners or for a small study group. Parallel use of a reference book may be useful, especially to reference medications and pictures or diagrams as needed. I would recommend this book as part of an oral board preparation study plan and will use this book in preparation for my future oral board examination.Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. grim.kendra@mayo.edu

A whiter shade of pale: Why only three terms for lightness?

A whiter shade of pale: Why only three terms for lightness?

Teaching and Learning Guide for: A Glimpse into the Sociology of White Antiracism and White Nationalism

Teaching and Learning Guide for: A Glimpse into the Sociology of White Antiracism and White Nationalism