A study on perceived value as a parallel between quality and kitsch in the design assessment of industrial products

The present paper represents a study that examines the relationship between the concepts associated with kitsch and quality approached as antagonistic concepts, for which was considered the direct connection to the product and its defining characteristics described as the product features, colour, form, material and dimensioning. Considering the relative influence of the proposed features, it was generated a series of concepts that represent the basis of the analysis format, on which numerical values will be assigned. The research contributes to industrial product design assessment in the situation where the product is approached from the perspective of the intrinsic components of the perceived value, being proposed an analysis model that starts from the relative importance ratios of the product features considered in direct relation with a correspondent assigned value.

Art Education for Sustainable Development

Through the process of visual analysis of an artwork called ‘Hidden’, this research article explores the relevance of art and design projects for the development of AESD - Art Education for Sustainable Development. ‘Hidden’ is the name of one of the paintings produced in an art project by the Faculty of Communication, Arts and Media at the International University of Malaya-Wales, Malaysia. The concept of the project is for lecturers and students to produce artwork that revolves around the message of sustainability and 90% of the artwork must use recycled waste materials. The visual analysis of ‘Hidden’ covers five aspects of visual elements which are composition, focal point, colour, form, and symbolic value. It was found that there are multiple deepening sustainability messages within the artwork through the analysis of the actual meaning of the image, the estimate changes in meaning over time, and the student's reflection and reaction. The main questions addressed by this article are: What are the complex ‘pool’ of sustainability messages generated through a single image? How producing art can stimulate students’ consciousness on the importance of sustainable living? In conclusion, this article proposes that AESD is a positive and useful approach for students to embrace the sustainability culture.

Taxonomic notes on Nelumbo Adans. with a new cultivar ‘Gomoti’ from Bangladesh

Living specimens of three colour forms (pink, white and yellowish white) of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. were observed in different natural habitats of Bangladesh and collected. Fresh specimens were studied in the field as well as in the laboratory. After detailed study it was concluded that the three colour forms available in Bangladesh belong to the same species, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. However, the yellowish white colour form, having many stamens petaloid, is considered as a new cultivar Nelumbo nucifera ‘Gomoti’ and reported here as the first lotus cultivar from Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 27(2): 225-231, 2020 (December)

Is the Weigl Colour-Form Sorting Test Specific to Frontal Lobe Damage?

Objective: The Weigl Colour-Form Sorting Test is a brief, widely used test of executive function. So far, it is unknown whether this test is specific to frontal lobe damage. Our aim was to investigate Weigl performance in patients with focal, unilateral, left or right, frontal, or non-frontal lesions. Method: We retrospectively analysed data from patients with focal, unilateral, left or right, frontal (n = 37), or non-frontal (n = 46) lesions who had completed the Weigl. Pass/failure (two correct solutions/less than two correct solutions) and errors were analysed. Results: A greater proportion of frontal patients failed the Weigl than non-frontal patients, which was highly significant (p < 0.001). In patients who failed the test, a significantly greater proportion of frontal patients provided the same solution twice. No significant differences in Weigl performance were found between patients with left versus right hemisphere lesions or left versus right frontal lesions. There was no significant correlation between performance on the Weigl and tests tapping fluid intelligence. Conclusions: The Weigl is specific to frontal lobe lesions and not underpinned by fluid intelligence. Both pass/failure on this test and error types are informative. Hence, the Weigl is suitable for assessing frontal lobe dysfunction.

HAIR TONIC SHAMPOO FORMULATION WITH AMBON BANANA (MUSA ACUMINATA COLLA) CORM EXTRACT

Objective: Banana waste, especially corms, has potential as a source of haircare agents due to its active compound, anthraquinone, which is known to promote hair growth. This study aimed to assess preparations of hair tonic shampoo containing Musa acuminata Colla corm extract and evaluate their characteristics and stability. Methods: Three shampoo formulas were prepared containing 8%, 10%, and 12% corm extract. Physical stability tests were performed at high (60±2 °C) and room temperature (25±2 °C) for three weeks. The shampoo formulas were evaluated for their organoleptic properties (colour, form, and odour), homogeneity, pH, density, viscosity, rheology, foam height and stability, and surface tension. Results: The shampoo formulas with corm extract were white to yellowish-white, creamy, and smelled of banana, and were homogenous without precipitation. The formulas had a pH of 6.08–6.12, a density of 1.027–1.054 g/ml, foam height of 3.56–3.63 ml, the surface tension of 28.92–29.85 dyne/cm, viscosity of 16,000–120,000 cps and pseudoplastic flow properties. Conclusion: The natural hair tonic shampoo formulas prepared with M. acuminata corm have good characteristics.

Differentiating depression and ADHD without depression in adults with processing-speed measures

Objective:We evaluated processing-speed and shift-cost measures in adults with depression or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and monitored the effects of treatment. We hypothesised that cognitive-speed and shift-cost measures might differentiate diagnostic groups.Methods:Colour, form, and colour–form stimuli were used to measure naming times. The shift costs were calculated as colour–form-naming time minus the sum of colour- and form-naming times. Measurements were done at baseline and end point for 42 adults with depression and 42 with ADHD without depression. Patients with depression were treated with transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields and patients with ADHD with methylphenidate immediate release.Results:During depression treatment, reductions in naming times were recorded weekly. One-way analysis of variance indicated statistical between-group differences, with effect sizes in the medium range for form and colour–form. In both groups, naming times were longer before than after treatment. For the ADHD group, shift costs exceeded the average–normal range at baseline but were in the average–normal range after stabilisation with stimulant medication. For the depression group, shift costs were in the average–normal range at baseline and after treatment. Baseline colour–form-naming times predicted reductions in naming times for both groups, with the largest effect size and index of forecasting efficiency for the ADHD group.Conclusions:The cognitive-processing-speed (colour–form) and shift-cost measures before treatment proved most sensitive in differentiating patients with depression and ADHD. Reductions in naming times for the depression group were suggested to reflect improved psychomotor skills rather than improved cognitive control.

First record and DNA barcodes of the invasive blue-coloured spiny-cheek crayfish Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817) (Decapoda: Cambaridae)

This contribution presents first record of a blue colour morph of spiny-cheek crayfish, Faxonius limosus (Rafinesque, 1817). Two unusually coloured individuals were caught in Poland, in two different locations, separated from each other by approximately 500 km and belonging to different river catchments (Oder and Vistula), within the range of the species occurrence in Europe. Taxonomic identification of collected crayfish has been confirmed by the standard DNA barcoding procedure. Although blue coloured forms of crayfish have been previously described within the Cambaridae family, collected individuals are the first records of blue colouration within F. limosus. It is recommended to supplement identification keys with a new colour form of the species, which, while characteristic dark red bands are not clear, may cause mistakes in recognition of exotic, aquarium as well as native species.

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), a new species from Sri Lanka and re-collection of Pteroceras viridiflorum after 150 years

Pteroceras dalaputtuwa, a new species, is described from the lowland-wet zone of Sri Lanka. For the first time in the history of plant nomenclature, a new species is named after an elephant, ‘Galgamuwa Dala Puttuwa’, which was killed for its majestic ivory. The new species shows a close morphological affinity with P. philippinense from the Philippines. However, P. dalaputtuwa sp. nov. can be readily distinguished by having small and partially opened flowers (10 mm long × 5 mm wide), short petals (4 mm long × 1 mm wide), short sepals (4.9 mm long × 3.0 mm wide) and elongated rectangular-oval spur (7 mm long × 3 mm wide). P. viridiflorum, which is considered as a “Critically Endangered Possibly Extinct” [CR(PE)] orchid, is also re-collected after after a gap of nearly 150 years with a record of a new colour form (white colour variant) and, is re-described with designation of a lectotype and an epitype.

Decoration On Bricks And Tiles (15th- 18th Century) In Ancient Royal Architecture In Northern Vietnam

The paper discusses decorations on the bricks and tiles from the 15th to 18th centuries which were found in the ancient royal architectural relics in Northern Vietnam. The aim of this paper is to learn the production and technical process of, as well as decorative patterns on, the bricks and tiles in this period. Based on archaeological documentary sources discovered from French scholars, and the findings and studies of Vietnamese scholars, royal bricks and tiles dated from the 15th to 18th century have been discovered in the northern Vietnamese sites, including Thăng Long-Đông Kinh- Eastern capital (Hà Nội), Lam Kinh site-Tây Kinh-Western capital (Thanh Hóa province) dated from the 15th to 18th century, and the second capital of the Mạc dynasty in Dương Kinh capital (Hải Phòng province) dated from the 16th century. The contents of the paper delve into the characteristics and evolution of the decoration on the bricks and tiles progression over time in terms of materials, colour, form, decorative pattern and techniques. The form and function of the types of ornamental bricks and tiles are also covered in this study. The study is also compared, in a broader context, with the bricks and tiles in the royal architecture of the Ming and Qing periods of China and some Southeast Asian countries. The research shows continuous development through the decoration on the bricks and tiles in the ancient royal architecture in Northern Vietnam as well as cultural exchanges, and Vietnam’s unique character in the East and Southeast Asian region.This paper was presented at the 2nd SEAMEO SPAFA International Conference on Southeast Asian Archaeology on 30 May - 2 June 2016 at the Amari Watergate Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. This paper has been peer reviewed.