Food Science Commons^™

Accelerated Shelf Life Determination Of Antioxidant Stabilized High Oleic Sunflower And Canola Oils In Plastic Bottles, Christine Nicole Shearer

Theses and Dissertations

Vegetable oil is an important commodity; however, the majority of commercially available vegetable oils have a fairly short shelf life, which limits their usefulness for long term food storage, disaster relief, space travel, food aid programs, and military rations. Vegetable oils with high oleic acid and reduced linolenic acid contents, especially with added antioxidant combinations, were previously found to have significantly longer oil stability index (OSI) values than traditional vegetable oils. This study used accelerated shelf life testing to estimate the ambient shelf life of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSUN) and high oleic canola oil (HOCAN), each containing 1,000 ppm …

Can Grain Be Disinfested In 5-Gal Hdpe Buckets Containing Oxygen Absorber Packets?, Lynn V. Ogden, C. Griffin

Faculty Publications

Effective methods of grain disinfestation include freezing, the use of carbon dioxide gas, and the use of pesticides. Oxygen deprivation has also been shown to be an effective method of disinfestation when the oxygen content is held below 1% for at least 12 days (d). High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 5 gallon (gal) buckets have become a popular and convenient storage container for dry foods such as wheat, rice and beans. Oxygen absorber packets are an effective way to remove the oxygen in high-barrier sealed containers to prolong the life of many of these foods. It is hypothesized that sealed HDPE …

Feasibility Of Re-Using Pete Soda Bottles To Exclude Oxygen During Storage Of Low Moisture Foods, Sarah Broderick, Michelle A. Lloyd, Lynn V. Ogden, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

Many consumers are beginning to store grain on their own creating a need for easy disinfestation methods that can be accomplished in the home. Oxygen deprivation has proven to be an effective method for grain disinfestation when kept below 1% for 12 days. Re-using PETE soda bottles is an easy way many consumers can store their grains. The purpose of this study was to determine if using oxygen absorber packets in used PETE soda bottles will keep the oxygen percent low enough to disinfest the grain stored in them. Experiments were carried out to determine how long oxygen absorber packets …

Beta Galactosidose Activity Of Commercial Lactase Samples In Raw And Pasteurized Milk At Refrigerated Temperatures, Trenton W. Horner

Theses and Dissertations

Many consumers are unable to enjoy the benefits of milk, due to lactose-intolerance. Lactose-free milk is available, but at about 2 times the cost of regular milk or greater, it may be difficult for consumers to afford. The high cost of lactose-free milk is in part due to the added cost of the lactose hydrolysis process. Hydrolysis at refrigerated temperatures, possibly in the bulk tank or package, could increase the flexibility of the process, and potentially reduce the cost. A rapid β-galactosidase assay was used to determine the relative activity of commercially available lactase samples at different temperatures. Four enzymes …

Effects Of Duration Of Proton Pump Inhibitor (Ppi) Therapy On Markers Of Bone Health In Men And Postmenopausal Women, Zarina Maria Pabin

Theses and Dissertations

This observational study compared bone health biomarkers, bone mineral density (BMD),dietary habits, and physical activity levels of men (n=31) and non-estrogen supplementing postmenopausal women (n=23) divided according to duration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy; more than 5 years (n=16), less than 5 years (n=15), and no PPI therapy (n=23). The shortest duration of PPI therapy was 2 months and the longest duration of PPI therapy was 25 years with a mean duration of 7.5 years. No significant differences were found between measures of spine BMD, urinary deoxypyridinoline (bone resorption), urinary calcium and magnesium, serum osteocalcin (bone formation), serum parathyroid …

Change In Eating Competence In College Students Enrolled In Basic Nutrition Courses, Katrina J. Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: Determine change in eating competence (EC) and factors related to EC in students enrolled in basic nutrition courses at a major private university. Design: Eating competence was measured by administering the ecSatter Inventory (ecSI) both before and after class intervention. Additional data on eating disorder prevalence, food security, and general demographics were also collected in the same structured survey. Significance identified with p value <0.01. Setting/Participants: This survey was administered to 566 students enrolled in basic nutrition courses at a major private university in the western United States. Analysis: ANOVA was used to determine relationships between ecSI end scores and participant characteristics. ANCOVA was used to determine relationships between change in ecSI scores over time and participant characteristics. Results: Enrollment in NDFS 100 is associated with an overall increase in eating competence (EC). However, students with current eating disorders had a significant decrease in EC during enrollment. Current or past eating disorders and low or very low Food Security Status were associated with lack of EC. Females and younger participants were not eating competent at the course end. Enrollment in NDFS 201 was not associated with significant change in EC. Conclusions: Basic nutrition instruction improves EC among students without eating disorders. Low food security status and presence of an eating disorder may be a barrier to improving EC.

Development And Use Of A Physiologically Based Mathematical Model Describing The Relationships And Contributions Of Macronutrients To Weight And Body Composition Changes, Saori Sakita

Theses and Dissertations

The effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss has been a controversial issue for decades. During that time, a high-protein, high-fat, and low-carbohydrate diet has been one of the more popular weight loss diets with the public. We hypothesized that a computer simulation model using STELLA software could help to better understanding the effect of the dietary macronutrient composition on weight loss. We calculated daily total oxidation instead of total energy expenditure as others have done based on the facts that carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake influence carbohydrate, fat, and protein oxidation. In order to create a simple …

Chemopreventive Effects Of Dietary Selenium And Soy Isoflavones In A Mouse Model Of Prostate Cancer, Trevor Elisha Quiner

Theses and Dissertations

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Prostate cancer, like many cancers, is a disease that generally requires a long period of time to develop and grow before it becomes detectable. This long period of latency makes prostate cancer a candidate for dietary chemoprevention. Soy and selenium (Se), are associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. We previously showed that high dietary intake of selenium (Se) and soy isoflavones decreased the expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and AR-regulated genes in the prostates …

Contributing Factors To Excess Weight Gain During Pregnancy Among Low Income Women In Utah, Tianna Noelle Watson

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To evaluate factors influencing excessive weight gain during pregnancy and changes in eating patterns from the pre-pregnancy period among low-income women (<185% poverty level). Design, Setting, & Participants: Low-income women who were at least 7-months pregnant and gained excess weight (n= 14) or normal weight (n=15) were interviewed. Questions pertained to previous nutritional knowledge, eating patterns, and sources for obtaining nutrition information.
Outcome Measures and Analysis: Transcripts were coded independently by two researchers, with any differences reconciled. Common themes were discussed and tallied to determine the most commonly re-occurring topics reported in the interviews.
Results: Most of the excess weight gainers …

Effect Of Upward Feedback On The Gap Between Manager And Subordinate Perception Of Manager Behavior, Jessica Beesley Zetterquist

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To assess the effect of upward feedback on the perception gap of manager-rated and subordinate-rated managerial behavior scores using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ).

Design: Phase I questionnaires assessed the use of upward (subordinate to manager) feedback and were used to form Feedback and Comparison groups. Phase II questionnaires included feedback, attitudinal, and demographic questions and the MLQ. MLQ scores were compared between the two groups.

Subjects/setting: Directors of Food and Nutrition Services and Clinical Nutrition Managers and their respective subordinates in a hospital setting.

Statistical analyses performed: General Linear Model (using SAS Version 9.2, Cary, NC) was used …

Factors Influencing Shopping, Cooking, And Eating Behaviors Among Low-Income Families During A One-Month Period Of Time, Janice Darko

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To evaluate changes in shopping behaviors among low-income families over a one-month period of time in Utah County, Utah.

Design: Two researchers conducted thirteen 90-minute focus groups.

Setting: Two community organizations serving low-income populations and a university campus.

Participants: Seventy-two low-income adults who were the primary household food shoppers and who had at least one child less than 18 years in their household.

Main Outcome Measures: Shopping behavior changes during one month period of time.

Analysis: Focus groups were recorded and transcribed, and then coded independently by two researchers with any differences reconciled. Paired t-tests were used to test …

Qualitative Description Of College Students' Dinner Groups, Brita Michelle Ball

Theses and Dissertations

Objective: The purpose of this study was to discover how college students conduct dinner groups and students' perceptions of the benefits and difficulties of participation.

Design: Qualitative study conducted with seven focus groups.

Setting: A university campus.

Participants: Thirty-six college students participating in dinner groups. Dinner groups were defined as a group of ≥3 people cooking for each other (or together) and eating together ≥4 times a week.

Analysis: The focus groups were recorded, transcribed, coded, and reconciled. NUDIST® NVivo software was used in identifying themes and subthemes.

Results: Dinner groups were composed of roommates and/or other students living nearby. …

Factors Affecting Folic Acid Stability In Micronutrient Fortified Corn Tortillas, Jordan S. Chapman

Theses and Dissertations

Folate degradation in micronutrient fortified corn masa and tortillas was evaluated using masa prepared from either nixtamalized corn flour or fresh nixtamal. A laboratory evaluation of the effects of pH, iron, and holding time at elevated temperature on folate loss in corn flour masa failed to show significant differences in any variable-treatment combination. An additional study was conducted at a commercial tortilla mill in Guadalajara, Mexico using masa prepared from fresh nixtamal. Commercial nixtamal was fortified with one of two different micronutrient premixes, containing iron, zinc, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin and either unencapsulated or lipid-encapsulated folic acid. A batch of each …

Optimization Of A Convective Air Flow Solar Food Dryer, Jonathan K. Russon, Michael L. Dunn, Frost M. Steele

Faculty Publications

A solar food dryer, previously developed for personal and small community use, was the object of this optimization study. Based on previous research of convective solar food dehydrators, several dryer parameters were identified for this study. Chimney height and dryer product load were two factors tested in a central composite experimental design. Dryer product load was found to produce a maximum efficiency of the dryer when fifteen product-filled trays were inserted in the dryer. Maximum efficiency was observed at the maximum chimney height tested. Post-optimization configuration compared with pre-optimization configuration resulted in a 40% increase in final dry product production …

Commercial Evaluation Of A Continuous Micronutrient Fortification Process For Nixtamal Tortillas, Michael L. Dunn, Sergio O. Serna-Saldivar, Diana Sanchez-Hernandez, Robert W. Griffin

Faculty Publications

The corn tortilla plays an integral role in the Mexican diet and is an ideal vehicle for micronutrient fortification. Approximately 60% of corn tortillas in Mexico are produced from nixtamal, with the remainder prepared from masa flour. A process for continuous fortification of nixtamal tortillas was evaluated in two commercial mills in Mexico. A commercial powder dosifier was used to add micronutrient premix containing iron, zinc, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin to nixtamal (1 g/kg) as it was milled. After training and preliminary sampling, mills produced fortified tortillas unassisted for four weeks. Masa flow rates over a four-day period …

Characteristics Of Volunteer Leaders In The American Dietetic Association Compared To Non-Volunteer Registered Dietitians, Samantha Payne Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

Objective To identify characteristics of dietitians who serve as leaders in the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and their managers, and to compare them to registered dietitians not in volunteer leadership roles and their managers.
Design A cross-sectional survey of volunteer leaders and those who have never volunteered as leaders in ADA.
Subjects/setting The study sample included elected officers in ADA and executive board members of ADA state affiliates (volunteer leaders) (n=259) and their managers (n=115), as well as a sample of registered dietitians not in ADA leadership roles (control) (n=273) and their managers (n=221).
Statistical analyses performed The variables examined …

Effect Of Iron Source On Color And Appearance Of Micronutrient-Fortified Corn Flour Tortillas, A. T. Richins, K. E. Burton, Heather F. Pahulu, Laura K. Jefferies, Michael L. Dunn

Faculty Publications

Iron deficiency anemia is a widespread occurrence. Consequently, iron is commonly added in cereal fortification programs. However, many iron sources cause undesirable sensory changes, especially color changes, in the food being fortified. This study evaluated the effect of different iron sources on CIE L*a*b* color values and sensory color perception in fortified corn tortillas. Corn masa flour was fortified with micronutrient premix containing vitamins, zinc, and one of eight iron compounds. Iron sources included ferrous fumarate (F), ferrous sulfate (S), ferric orthophosphate (OP), ferrous lactate (L), ferrous gluconate (G), ferric pyrophosphate (PP), sodium iron (III)-EDTA, and A-131 electrolytic iron (E), …

Enhanced Lipid Stability In Whole Wheat Flour By Lipase Inactivation And Antioxidant Retention, Devin J. Rose, Lynn V. Ogden, Michael L. Dunn, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of dry heat, steam, and microwave treatments in decreasing lipase activity, while retaining antioxidant activity, to stabilize whole wheat flour against lipid degradation during storage. Bran was heat-treated in 230-g batches using four levels (exposure times) for each of the three treatment methods. Lipase activity and antioxidant activity were quantified for all treatment combinations. None of the treatments significantly decreased antioxidant activity; the levels determined to be optimal, inasmuch as further heating did not significantly decrease lipase activity, were 25 min of dry heat, 60 sec of microwave (1000W), and …

Effect Of Food Deprivation On The Metabolic Profile Of Llamas (Lama Glama) In The Letanias Experimental Station - Viacha, Edwin Eddy Ali Quisbert

Theses and Dissertations

In the highlands, where regular agriculture and livestock are not viable, raising camelids is the only means of subsistence for rural families. While grazing during the dry season in the high Andean region, llamas face serious nutritional deficiencies due to limited forage availability. This study was done at the experimental station of the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute located in the community of Letanias which is in the municipality of Viacha. The objective was to determine the effect of food deprivation on the metabolic profile of blood plasma (concentration of urea-nitrogen, total protein, albumin, and creatinine) as well as the …

Effect Of Micronutrient Fortification On Nutritional And Other Properties Of Nixtamal Tortillas, K. E. Burton, Frost M. Steele, Laura K. Jefferies, Oscar A. Pike, Michael L. Dunn

Faculty Publications

Nixtamalization is the process of steeping dried corn in hot water with calcium hydroxide (lime) with subsequent removal of all or most of the pericarp through washing. The resulting product is called nixtamal. Approximately 60% of corn tortillas in Mexico are produced from nixtamal, with the remainder prepared from nixtamalized corn flour. Nixtamal was fortified with micronutrient premix containing iron, zinc, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, and thiamin. Premix composition followed a proposed Mexican regulation for corn flour fortification, adjusted for moisture. Effects of premix on masa adhesiveness, hardness, and pH, as well as tortilla sensory properties, stretchability, rollability, and color …

Regional Body Composition In College-Aged Caucasians From Anthropometric Measures, Robert T. Davidson, Cameron B. Ritchie

Faculty Publications

Quantitating fat and lean tissue in isolated body regions may be helpful or required in obesity and health-outcomes research. However, current methods of regional body composition measurement require specialized, expensive equipment such as that used in computed tomography or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Simple body size or circumference measurement relationships to body composition have been developed but are limited to whole-body applications. We investigated relationships between body size measurements and regional body composition. Methods Using DEXA technology we determined the fat and lean tissue composition for six regions of the body in predominantly Caucasian, college-aged men (n = 32) …

Registered Dietitian Dress And The Effect Of Dietitian Dress On Perceived Professionalism, Connie Lynn Packer

Theses and Dissertations

People use others' dress to make assumptions, including how they believe the wearer will behave. Observers then adjust their behavior in response to the anticipated behavior of the wearer. Physician or nurse dress affects the degree to which patients perceive the medical professional as confident, experienced, competent, mature, trustworthy, and professional. Dietitian dress has not been studied. Our purpose was to identify 1) the current level of formality of dress of registered dietitians (RD), 2) characteristics of dress codes, 3) the effect of RD dress on patient/client perceptions of professional traits, and 4) the level of formality at which an …

Byu Adds "Zing" To New Carbonated Yogurt Product In Stores Nationwide, Byu News

Faculty Publications

A BYU professor invented the "zing" in General Mills' new carbonated yogurt product, now available in stores all over the country. Fizzix(TM), an extension of Yoplait's Go-GURT brand that comes in a tube, adds a tangy tingle to the traditional fruity flavor of yogurt that will "fizzify" the tongues of the 8- to 12-year-olds the company is targeting.

Quality Of Hermetically Packaged Split Peas During Long-Term Storage, J. S. Chapman, Laura K. Jefferies, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

There is a market for low moisture foods that can be stored for long periods of time for use in disaster relief and other emergency situations. Split peas hermetically sealed in cans with a reduced oxygen atmosphere are available in the retail market, but the effect of long-term storage on the quality of the product is unknown. Ten samples of split peas representing 5 retail brands packaged in size No.10 cans and stored at room temperature were obtained from donors. Two fresh samples of split peas were purchased as controls. Samples ranged in age from <1 to 34 years. Can headspace oxygen, can seam integrity, and split pea water activity and color were evaluated. A 52-member consumer panel evaluated the samples, prepared as split pea soup, for appearance, aroma, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. Acceptance for use in everyday and emergency situations was also determined. Can headspace oxygen ranged from 0.19 to 20.1%. All can seams were determined to be satisfactory. Water activity of the raw split peas ranged from 0.41 to 0.56. The green color of raw split peas decreased over time as shown by increasing CIE a* values. Flavor, appearance, texture, and overall acceptability hedonic scores ranged from 6.7 to 4.4 and decreased over time. Hedonic scores for appearance were correlated with the decrease in raw product green color (r2 = .928). Hedonic scores for texture declined over time, corresponding with increasing hardness of the peas. All samples had an acceptance in an emergency situation of over 75%. Results indicate split pea quality declines over time, but the product maintains sufficient sensory acceptance to be considered for use in applications requiring long-term storage.

Quality Of Hermetically Packaged Dehydrated Carrots During Long-Term Storage, S. R. Bartholomew, Laura K. Jefferies, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

There is interest in the long-term storage of food for applications such as space flight, disaster relief, and personal preparedness. Dehydrated carrots packaged in hermetically sealed cans with a reduced oxygen atmosphere are available in the retail market. The quality of dehydrated carrots stored up to two years has been reported, but the effect of longer-term storage on the quality of the product is unknown. Eleven samples of dehydrated carrots representing 6 brands, packaged in size No.10 cans and stored at room temperature, were obtained from donors. Two fresh samples were purchased as controls. Samples ranged in age from < 1 to 34 years. Can headspace oxygen, can seam integrity, and dehydrated carrot water activity and color were evaluated. Samples were rehydrated for 20 minutes in filtered water that was brought to a boil. A 56-member consumer panel evaluated the rehydrated carrots for appearance, aroma, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability using a 9-point hedonic scale. Acceptance for use in everyday and emergency situations was also determined. Can headspace oxygen ranged from < 0.01% to 14.7%. All can seams were determined to be satisfactory. Water activity of the dehydrated carrots ranged from 0.31 to 0.38. L*, a* and b* values ranged from 37.8 to 44.0, 17.1 to 30.2 and 23.0 to 37.3, respectively. The orange color of most samples faded during storage. Hedonic scores for overall acceptability of dehydrated carrots declined from 7.1 to 3.4. All samples had an acceptance for use in an emergency situation of over 70%. Results indicate that dehydrated carrots decline in quality during long-term storage but retain sufficient sensory acceptance to be considered for use in long-term storage regimens.

Solar Dryer Construction And Use Manual Version 2.0 2007, Jonathan P. Rowe, Jonathan K. Russon, Frost M. Steele

Faculty Publications

In less time than it took to develop this solar dryer and manual, the Pacific Island area has experienced several typhoons and tropical depressions followed by significant flooding and destruction of homes, properties and crops. It is in the interest of all people to become more self-reliant in times of need and to have the basic necessities available at a moment’s notice to sustain life until transportation, commerce, health care, agriculture, water, etc. can be restored to a more normal state. This work was done to enable the people of the Pacific islands to meet some of their food requirements …

Quality Of Cornmeal Stored Long-Term In A Low Oxygen Atmosphere, Megan L. Bingham, Heather F. Pahulu, Lynn V. Ogden, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends food be included in efforts to be prepared for natural disasters and other emergencies. Cornmeal packaged in No. 10 cans with a low oxygen atmosphere has been available in the retail market for decades, but the effect of long-term storage on quality is unknown. This study assessed the quality of cornmeal stored up to 33 years at ambient temperatures in a low oxygen atmosphere. Sixteen samples of cornmeal packaged in No. 10 cans ranging in age from < 1 to 33 years were obtained from donors. The cornmeal and products made from the cornmeal (cornbread and cornmeal hot cereal) were evaluated by a 50-member consumer panel using a 9-point hedonic scale for attributes including appearance, aroma, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability. Acceptance for everyday use and emergency situations was also determined. Additional measurements included can headspace oxygen, can seam integrity, color, and water activity. There was no significant decrease over storage time in aroma, texture, flavor, and overall acceptability in cornmeal, cornbread or cornmeal cereal. Hedonic scores for cornmeal aroma and appearance ranged from 5.2 to 6.3 and 5.6 to 7.0, respectively. Hedonic scores for overall acceptability of cornmeal cereal and corn bread varied from 4.5 to 6.0 and 6.0 to 7.1, respectively. Acceptance of the cornmeal in a regular diet ranged from 44 to 76 % and emergency acceptance ranged from 90 to 99 %. Headspace oxygen ranged from 0.309 to 20.4%. CIE L*a*b* color values ranged from 82.0-86.6, 3.2-10.1, and 26.3-50.8, respectively. Cornmeal appearance hedonic scores correlated with CIE b* color values (r2=0.75). Water activity ranged from .28 to .58. Cornmeal, especially as an ingredient in a recipe, is capable of retaining a high percentage of consumer acceptance over long periods of time and can be included in long-term food storage efforts.

Metabolic Profile And Nitrogen Balance In Llamas (Lama Glama) Fed With Jipi Quinua And Barley Hay, Viacha Municipality - Department Of La Paz, Meliton Ajata Avircata

Theses and Dissertations

This research was completed in Letanías, Viacha, La Paz, Bolivia, to determine the metabolic profile in blood plasma (total protein, glucose, urea, albumin, total lipids, creatinine, triglycerides, and cholesterol concentrations), live weight gain, and Nitrogen balance in adult llamas fed with 4 rations of barley and quinoa residue. Eight adult (4-5 year old) Q’ara type llamas were used in this study. Study llamas were trained to stay in metabolic cages with feces collection harnesses. Llamas were given one of the following feed rations: ration A (20% quinoa residue, 80% barley), ration B (40% quinoa residue, 60% barley), ration C (60% …

Application Of Different Levels Of Byproducts From Quinua (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) In The Preparation Of Rations For Guinea Pigs (Cavia Porcellus L.) In The Growing And Fattening Stages, Grover Antonio Aduviri Paredes

Theses and Dissertations

From quinua crop residue it is possible to obtain byproducts that can be used to feed small animals, especially guinea pigs. These byproducts can become an alternative feed to ameliorate food deficiencies generally present in the Altiplano. This study compared the effect of consumed quinua meal rations on guinea pig body weight increase and food and economic conversion. This project was developed in two phases: pre-experimental and experimental. In the first phase, genetic material appropriate for the project and the initial rations for consumption was acquired. The second phase included the experimental design where the treatments were developed. The study …

Effects Of Long-Term Storage On Quality Of Retail-Packaged Pinto Beans, C. M. Larson, A. R. Sloan, Lynn V. Ogden, Oscar A. Pike

Faculty Publications

There is interest in storing low-moisture foods for long periods of time for uses such as personal preparedness, disaster relief efforts and space travel. Pinto beans in restaurant-sized No. 10 cans are available in the retail market, but work is needed to determine the effects of long-term storage on quality. The objective of this research was to investigate the quality of retail-packaged pinto beans held at ambient temperatures up to 32 years. Fifteen samples of pinto beans packaged in No. 10 cans, which were treated to remove oxygen, were obtained from donors. Samples ranged from <1 to 32 years in age. Prior to cooking, pinto bean samples were soaked in water containing varying levels of baking soda to standardize textural attributes.