Color association research on red‐green dichromats in the color ergonomics of user interface interaction

With the development of our modern information society, digital products have become integrated into daily life. Research on the color ergonomics of user interfaces is a pressing issue. However, color‐vision‐deficient individuals (CVDIs), who account for 4.25% of the population, must use interfaces designed for individuals with normal color vision; the demands of CVDIs have not been sufficiently addressed. In this article, we investigate color associations in the color ergonomics of user interface interaction in a manner that aims both to improve interaction efficiency and to meet the psychological needs of CVDIs. First, we study color physiological cognitions in the color interactions of user interfaces for red‐green dichromats (RGDs) to determine the single‐color, two‐color, and three‐color combinations with high discrimination for a later experiment. Second, we explore the psychological–cognition relationships of colors in user‐interface interactions for RGDs. In an experiment involving 10 pairs of association semantemes and corresponding colors, the experimental results show that RGDs have different color cognitions caused by specific visual color expressions and unconscious environmental influences. Therefore, this article argues that RGD design should consider not only the habitual colors of solidified cognitions but also instinctive color associations. Finally, based on the results of previous experiments, we apply association color to the new interface design of computer security software (360 Total Security) for RGDs. Experimental results indicate that the application of color association in our new design can improve both interaction efficiency and CVDI user experience. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 547–563, 2016     

Use of basic color terms by red–green dichromats. II. Models

Abstract: In our companion article (Color Res Appl 2013) we compared the use of Basic Color Terms (BCTs) by normal trichromats, protanopes, and deuteranopes in a mapping (which colors are instances of X?) and best exemplar (which is the best X?) tasks. In this article, we describe and compare two alternative models of the mechanisms underlying the use of Basic Color Terms (BCTs) by red–green dichromats and we focus on how well they fit the empirical data described in the companion article. Model A assumes that BCT use is based on the activity of the yellow–blue and lightness channels, whereas Model B also assumes that there is some degree of input from the red–green channel. Model B was more accurate than Model A in predicting: (1) The frequency of use of BCTs. (2) The distribution of correct responses for many BCTs in both tasks. (3) The distribution of correct responses and kind of errors for many BCTs. (4) The locations of the centroids for both tasks. We conclude that activity in a“residual” red–green channel influences the use of BCTs by R‐G dichromats, as well as the activity of the yellow–blue and lightness channels. The asymmetry of errors for some pairs of BCTs and the differences between primary and derived BCTs are also discussed. This article, in combination with its complementary one (Color Res Appl 2013), provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of how R‐G dichromats use BCTs to categorize surface colors and can integrate and explain some of the results and conclusions obtained in earlier research. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 372–386, 2014     

Use of basic color terms by red–green dichromats: 1. General description

Abstract: In this article we present data comparing red–green dichromats' use of “Basic Color Terms” (BCTs) with that of standard trichromats. In a complementary article (Color Res Appl 2013) we use these data to evaluate two models of the mechanisms underlying dichromats' use of BCTs. There were three groups of observers—trichromats, protanopes, and deuteranopes—that each performed two tasks: “mapping” (which of these are exemplars of X?) and “best exemplar” (which is the best instance of X?), where X took the value of each Spanish BCT. The mapping task results were subjected to multidimensional scaling that revealed that dichromats differ from trichromats in the number and nature of the dimensions needed for describing BCTs' use. Trichromats required three dimensions closely related to the opponent color mechanisms (red–green, yellow–blue) and the light‐dark channel. In contrast, tridimensional solution for dichromats was difficult to interpret, whereas the fit for the bidimensional solution was very good and revealed a chromatic dimension, which did not match any of the trichromatic dimensions, and an achromatic one. There were also some error‐asymmetries (sometimes “A” was the predominant error when choosing exemplars of “B”, but not vice versa) and the groups differed in the frequency of use of some BCTs (e.g., protanopes chose more stimuli as orange than trichromats and deuteranopes). As expected, the best exemplar task produced more correct responses than the mapping task, and for both tasks, “primary” BCTs (black, white, red, green, yellow, and blue) produced better results than “derived” ones (brown, purple, orange, pink, and grey). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 39, 360–371, 2014     

Proposal for selecting two‐color combinations with various affections. Part I: Introduction of the method

A method is proposed for selecting two‐color combinations with various feelings. Feelings used are pleasantness, contrast, floridness, warmth, and their combinations. The proposed method is given by its flow chart for selecting the candidates of two‐color combinations adapting to target feeling(s). The effectiveness of the proposed method is shown by the correlation coefficients between observed and predicted values for four kinds of feelings. Munsell H V/Cs of each component color are necessary for prediction; the prediction formulas are given for estimating the degree of each feeling for any two‐color combinations. The proposed method can be expanded to three‐color combinations. This proposal is expected to assist color designers, who can choose their usable color combinations from the candidates selected by the proposed method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 128–134, 2009     

Proposal for selecting two‐color combinations with various affections. Part II: Demonstration of the system

The characteristics of the proposed color selection system are shown using several colored figures of two‐color combinations selected by the system. There are four kinds of color feelings in the system, and each feeling is classified into three categories (i.e., high, intermediate, or low). The feelings used are pleasantness, contrast, floridness, and warmth. Users can try the 3⁴ = 81 combinations of feelings by setting the categories for four kinds of feelings. The differences among categories of color feelings are also shown by several colored figures. It is difficult to describe the differences by words. However, it is rather easy to describe by pictures. The proposed color selection system is expected to be a useful tool for assisting color designers. Comments about the proposed system from potential users are reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 34, 135–140, 2009     

Examining the color,size, and packaging design of wireless‐mouse products

With the progress of science and technology, computer peripheral products are constantly evolving. The use of touch rather than mouse operation in mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones has gained popularity because of its convenience for browsing the Internet and using apps or communication software. However, the mouse remains an essential piece of equipment for using computer software to design products and playing computer games. Wireless mice were the subject of this study, which investigated the optimal size, color, and packaging style for various mouse products. First, this study involved assessment and comparison of the sizes of commercially available wireless mice. Five sizes of mouse were selected. We then designed experiments, and participants performed tasks and completed questionnaires. The results were collected and analyzed to select the optimum product size for users. The study examined the user's psychological and emotional responses to mouse color. By conducting semantic differential analysis, 16 colors were selected for psychological testing, and the results were analyzed to identify the most suitable color. Finally, we investigated the optimal packaging styles for mouse products. In the experiment, eight styles were combined with 10 colors to produce 80 packaging styles. We use the Likert scale to collect data. The results show that the black mouse and the size of 64.5 × 95 × 35 mm³ are the most popular.     

One‐component polyurethane adhesives for green wood gluing: Structure and temperature‐dependent creep

Creep and temperature‐dependent creep, characteristic of one‐component polyurethane adhesives for wet and green structural wood gluing are two different parameters. Testing of standards‐approved commercial polyurethane adhesives for this purpose shows that while ambient temperature creep can be avoided or at least greatly limited according to the formulation used, this is not the case for temperature‐dependent creep. The commercial adhesive formulation characteristics that minimize or enhance ambient temperature and temperature‐dependent creep are identified. Basic principles on the structure of simple polyurethane adhesives influencing temperature‐dependent creep are also identified and discussed. The higher the proportion of all hardened network nodes, the lower creep is likely to be at ambient temperature. Instead, due to segment movement and easier disentanglement with increasing temperature, the lower the proportion of covalently linked nodes and the greater the proportion of just physical entanglement nodes, the greater the temperature‐dependent creep will be. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1231–1243, 2005     

Proposal of a new concept for color‐appearance modeling

A new type of color‐appearance model (CAM) is proposed together with its concept and flow of formulations. The topics described are: (1) The existence of two kinds of color‐appearance models, CAMs previously used and CAMs newly proposed. (2) All the CAMs, previously developed and used, do not predict color‐appearance attribute of perceived lightness of object colors under any illuminations. They may be adequately called “the model for predicting color‐appearance match between object colors under different adapting conditions.” (3) Newly improved CAMs take the Helmholtz–Kohlrausch effect in the VCC method into account. They can determine object colors with the same Tone (equi‐perceived lightness, equi‐whiteness‐blackness, and equi‐perceived chroma) irrespective of hues under reference illuminant. The newly improved models can be named Integrated CAMs. Their applicable fields are described in detail. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 113–120, 2007     

Light wavelengths of LEDs to improve the color discrimination in Ishihara test and Farnsworth Panel D‐15 test for deutans

This study was performed to determine significant light wavelengths to improve color discrimination ability of subjects with deutan. We conducted both the Ishihara test and the Farnsworth Panel D‐15 test for subjects with deutan and normal color vision. Seven different LED lights from 450 to 660 nm and an additional D65 white lamp were utilized to change the lighting conditions, including the wavelength and intensity. The results of the Ishihara test and D‐15 test showed that color identification of deutans was markedly improved with the longer wavelength LEDs regardless of the intensity of the additional D65 lamp. Notably, the error rates of deutans in the Ishihara test were <25% for LED wavelengths of 630 and 660 nm. In the case of subjects with normal color vision, the D65 lamp abolished the errors in the Ishihara test, regardless of the LED wavelength. Addition of the D65 lamp also decreased the number of crossings in the D‐15 test. These results suggested that illumination by LED light with longer wavelengths, such as 630 and 660 nm, may provide deutans with greater red‐green discrimination ability in both the Ishihara test and the Farnsworth Panel D‐15 test. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 424–430, 2017     

Molecular design and density functional theory investigation of novel low‐band‐gap benzobisthiadiazole‐based systems: from monomer to polymer

The electronic structure and properties of benzobisthiadiazole‐based alternating donor–acceptor conjugated oligomers and their periodic copolymers of donor and acceptor units with ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 were investigated systematically using the density functional theory method. The donors include thiophene, thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene and pyrrole. The ratio of donor to acceptor units (D:A ratio) plays a very important role in the geometric and electronic properties. The intramolecular charge transfer increases and the bond length alternation decreases with an increase in the D:A ratio for these oligomers and polymers. Moreover, an increase in D:A ratio can greatly reduce the band gap and effective mass of holes and electrons for these alternating donor‐acceptor conjugated copolymers. The unusually large intramolecular charge transfer caused by intramolecular hydrogen bonds reveals that pyrrole is not only a strong electron donor but also a potential hydrogen bond donor. The theoretical results suggest those copolymers possessing a D:A ratio of 2:1 are better candidates for conducting materials compared to those with a D:A ratio of 1:1. The almost zero band gap, large bandwidth and small effective mass of holes and electrons of poly(4,8‐bis(thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐c:4,5‐c′]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole) indicate that it is a very good candidate for an electrically conductive material. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of Modified 4H‐1,2,4‐Benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides and Determination of their Affinity and Selectivity for Different Types of KATP Channels

4H‐1,2,4‐Benzothiadiazine‐1,1‐dioxides with various substituents in positions 3, 5, and 7 were synthesized and tested as K_ATP channel agonists in artificial cell systems (CHO cells transfected with SUR1/Kir6.2, and HEK 293 transfected with SUR2B/Kir6.1) as model systems for insulin‐secreting pancreatic β‐cells and for smooth muscle cells, respectively. The effects of agonists were tested in intact cells using DiBAC4(3) [bis‐(1,3‐dibarbituric acid)trimethine oxanol] as a membrane potential dye, and the results compared with their binding affinity for the SUR2B‐type K_ATP channels using the radioligand [³H]P1075. Compounds with cycloalkyl and (cycloalkyl)methyl side chains in position 3 had higher affinities towards the SUR2B/Kir6.1 receptor compared with the parent compound diazoxide ( 1 a ). Compounds with bulky, nonpolar residues in position 3 exhibited remarkable selectivity for SUR2B‐type K_ATP channels. The compound substituted with a bulky (1‐adamantyl)methyl residue exhibited micromolar affinity and activity on SUR2B‐type K_ATP channels without being able to activate the SUR1‐type K_ATP channels.     

Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of 1‐Benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoles as a Novel Class of Potent Antimitotic Agents

Combretastatin A‐4 derivatives : A series of combretastatin A‐4‐derived 1‐benzyl‐4,5,6‐trimethoxyindoles was designed and prepared as a novel class of potent antimitotic agents acting through the colchicine binding site on the microtubule.

     

Factorial experimental design for graft copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate onto styrene–butadiene rubber

The graft copolymerization of styrene (ST) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) latex prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization has been studied under various reaction conditions using cumene hydroperoxide redox initiator. The mechanism of graft copolymerization has been investigated. The synthesized graft copolymers were purified and then characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) analysis. A 2 2 fractional factorial experimental design was applied to study the effects of the process variables such as the amount of initiator and emulsifier, the presence or absence of chain‐transfer agent, ST to MMA ratio, monomer to rubber ratio, and reaction temperature on the grafting efficiency. The analysis of the results from the design showed the sequence of the main effect on the observed response of the grafting of ST and MMA onto SBR and that the amount of chain‐transfer agent had a significant effect. Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of the graft copolymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2867–2874, 2006     

Development and Validation of a Pharmacophore‐Based QSAR Model for the Prediction of CNS Activity

A QSAR model for the prediction of CNS activity was developed and validated based on data from an in‐house database of “drug‐like” compounds. The model has demonstrated its applicability for novel chemical structures and its usefulness for the design of CNS‐focused compound libraries.

     

A compact and high throughput reactor of monolithic‐structured catalyst bed for conversion of syngas to liquid fuels

Syngas conversion is needed for the production of liquid fuels and/or chemicals from renewable or remote feedstock at capacities much smaller than the conventional Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) plant. Here, we present a multiscale‐engineered, modular‐type design approach toward the development of a compact reactor unit to make syngas‐to‐liquids economically feasible at small scales. The fundamental design idea is tested by using a Re‐Co/alumina catalyst coated on a monolith support of channel size about 0.9 mm. One‐pass CO conversion (92–98%) with <10% of CH₄ selectivity is obtained with the structured bed under typical F–T reaction conditions. The gas superficial linear velocity was found as one critical parameter that may allow scale‐up of the hydrodynamics from the small‐scale laboratory tests directly to practical sizes of the reactor with the proposed design strategy. A pore wetness and surface perspiration model is proposed to explain the experimental data and rationalize the new design concepts. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012     

Development of Fe‐, Sb‐, Bi‐ and Al‐impregnated silica catalysts using rice husk silica as a support for Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes

The milling by‐product of rice, rice husk, constitutes a major waste of the agricultural industry. It is mainly used as a fuel additive for various purposes, leaving behind residual ash which is rich in silica (Biogenic silica). In the present project, rice husk silica was impregnated with Fe³⁺, Sb³⁺, Bi³⁺ and Al³⁺ from both their aqueous and organic solutions. The resultant catalysts were activated at 120 °C and 550 °C and used for the Friedel–Crafts benzylation of benzene using benzyl chloride. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry