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The light/dark cycle is the main external cue to synchronize the human biological clock. Modern lifestyles typically lead to less daylight exposure and blunted 24 h-amplitude. We evaluated the association of outdoor daylight exposure (frequency, duration, regularity and shift) with chronotype estimated by sleep phase, regularity of routines, sleep, well-being (WHO-5), and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), in a sample of 1,095 participants (81.8% female; 87.9% aged 18–49) surveyed online between July and November 2020. We analyzed direct and indirect associations in daylight-mood relationship with chronotype-estimate, routine regularity, and sleep as mediators. Outdoor daylight exposure was associated with WHO-5/PHQ-9 scores in mediation models, with higher total effects when the exposure was every day (β = 4.13 ± 0.53/ β = −3.81 ± 0.67), for more than 4 hours (β = 3.77 ± 0.91/ β = −3.83 ± 1.31) and during the morning (β = 3.41 ± 0.53/ β = −3.74 ± 0.70) in reference to lack of exposure. Chronotype-estimate, routine regularity score, and sleep problems acted as mediators, while social jetlag and sleep duration did not play an important role in this association. This study advanced the understanding of the complex interplay between light exposure, mental health, and individual characteristics of sleep and other routine regularities, and showed the benefits of optimizing daylight exposure to improve mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To summarize the existing literature surrounding the influence of natural elements on course in hospital and to introduce clinicians to the concept of biophilic design and the potential for incorporation of nature into the hospital environment as a component of a therapeutic hospitalization. Background: For decades, architects and designers have espoused the benefits of incorporating natural elements into the healthcare environment for therapeutic purposes. The benefits of this "biophilic" design philosophy has been investigated predominantly in long-term care or rehabilitation settings; however, some of the most appealing opportunities lie in the acute care setting. Methods: This scoping review surveyed the literature surrounding the influence of exposure to nature on course in acute hospitalizations. After screening 12,979 citations, 41 articles were included. Exposures were divided into seven categories, the most common of which were the presence of a window/natural light, a natural scene through a window, and nature soundscapes. These articles were reviewed in a narrative fashion and thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Studies were extremely heterogeneous in their design, research questions, and reported outcomes. Types of exposure to nature studied were exposure to a real natural scene through a window, presence of a window/nature light, nature in the healthcare environment, art depicting nature, direct contact with nature, nature soundscapes, and nature experienced through virtual reality (VR). Conclusions: Exposure to nature during an acute hospital admission appears to have a real but small therapeutic effect, predominantly on psychological metrics like anxiety/depression, pain, and patient satisfaction. Greater beneficial effects are seen with greater durations of exposure to nature and greater degrees of immersion into nature (e.g., creating multisensory experiences using emerging technology like VR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural light continuously changes its correlated color temperature (CCT) from sunrise to sunset, providing the best color reproducibility and healthy light. In the lighting field, efforts have been made to improve the Color Rendering Index (CRI) to provide light quality at the same level as natural light. A unique light source technology that mixes and controls multiple LED light sources with different spectral or CCT characteristics or provides a high color rendering index has been introduced. However, the characteristics of natural light, which provide high CRI light while changing color temperature every moment, could not be reproduced as they were. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a CRI-based smart lighting system that reproduces natural light characteristics, provides light with high color reproducibility, and maintains homeostasis even under the changing environment of natural light CCT. After extracting the CCT for each day from the characteristics of measured natural light, the light with the highest CRI under the CCT condition for each hour was provided through a CRI-based CCT matching algorithm. Performance evaluation was conducted for four-channel LED experimental lighting. For each clear and cloudy day, daily natural light was reproduced with a light quality higher than average CRI 98 within the MAE range of CCT 6.78 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effect of naturalistic light, programmed to replicate the spectrum distribution of natural light from dusk to dawn, on agitation measured with a Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory–inspired score of nursing home residents with dementia. Background: Though the effects of different types of light on the sleep-wake patterns of senior adults and people with dementia have been examined in several studies, the effects of naturalistic light systems, as a possible nonpharmacological intervention to improve sleep and reduce agitation, have yet to be extensively evaluated due to the relative novelty of the technology. Methods: The study was designed as a 6-month pilot study of a prospective interventional longitudinal cohort study, with five participants recruited from a single department of a Danish nursing home. The effect of naturalistic lighting on agitation-associated behaviors was recorded over a 3-day period pre- and postintervention. Results: An overall 71.2% reduction in the frequency of agitation-associated behaviors was recorded, with the frequency of some behaviors even reduced by 100%. Conclusions: This pilot study estimates that naturalistic lighting may be a promising nonpharmacological intervention to improve the overall agitation of nursing home residents with dementia, with a possible added benefit of an improved work environment for the staff. This study, therefore, finds indication for the performance of a randomized controlled trial with the same intervention and a larger cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The light intensity and color temperature of natural light periodically change and promote the circadian entrainment of the human body. In addition, the color temperature cycle of natural light that is unique to each region is formed by its location and geographic and environmental factors, affecting the health of its residents. Research on lighting and construction to provide the color temperature of real-time natural light has continued to provide the beneficial effect of natural indoor lighting. However, lighting technology that provides the real-time color temperature of natural light could not be realized since it is challenging to select a color temperature cycle zone due to abrupt color temperature changes at sunrise and sunset. Such drastic shifts cause an irregular measurement of color temperature over time due to general weather or atmospheric conditions. In a previous study, a method of generating a color temperature cycle using deep learning was introduced, but the performance at the beginning and end of the color temperature cycle was unreliable. Therefore, this study proposes generating a real-time natural light color temperature cycle for the circadian lighting service. The characteristics of the daily color temperature cycle were analyzed based on the measured natural light characteristics database, and a data set for learning was established. To improve the color temperature cycle generation performance, a deep learning (TadGAN) model was implemented by searching for the lowest point of the color temperature at the start and end points of the color temperature cycle and applying the boot and ending datasets to these points. The color temperature cycle zone was accurately detected in real-time in the experiment, and the generation performance of the color temperature cycle was maintained at the beginning and end of the color temperature cycle. The mean absolute error decreased by about 67%, confirming the generation of a more accurate real-time color temperature cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bismuth layer-structured ferroelectrics with a high Curie temperature (T c) have great potential applications in optoelectronic fields. Sm doped (10- x)Bi 4 Ti 3 O 12 - x Na 0.5 Bi 2.5 Nb 2 O 9 ((10- x)BIT- x NBN:Sm) composite ceramics have been prepared. The effect of NBN content on the microstructure, electrical properties, photoluminescence (PL) and photochromic (PC) properties of the ceramics have been investigated. It is found that the composite ceramics exist with BIT and NBN phases and 1BIT-9NBN:Sm ceramics have the best comprehensive electrical properties (saturated polarization, d 33 = 10 pC/N). Furthermore, the PC and fluorescence modulation performances are dependent on the oxygen vacancy content of composite ceramics. Reversible PC reaction and fast response time as short as 1s have been achieved. Moreover, the influence of natural light on PC reaction has been properly eliminated. The research results indicate that regulating the compositions of (10- x)BIT- x NBN:Sm can not only optimize the electrical properties but also the PC performances. A vivid display via the quick PC reaction has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Efficient photo-thermal conversion membranes were prepared with "green" cellulose. • A sensitive natural light-responsive soft robot was fabricated using a CMN membrane. • The CMN/BOPP soft robot shows high sensitivity due to cellulose's hygroscopic effect. • CNTs bridge MXene nanosheets, enhancing the conductivity of the CMN membrane. • A highly sensitive and programmable electric-driven soft robot was fabricated. In the realm of advanced smart manufacturing, the development of fast, sensitive, stable soft robots that can be driven by multiple stimuli remains a significant challenge. In this study, we developed a cellulose-based soft robot featuring a dual-layer structure. The top layer is a hydrophilic composite membrane made from cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), MXene nanosheets, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), henceforth referred to as the CNF@MXene-CNT (CMN) composite membrane, while the bottom layer consists of a hydrophobic Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) membrane. The soft robot exhibits highly sensitive and fast response towards humidity-, natural light and electrothermal stimuli, which can be attributed to the high humidity expansion (0.0005 (%RH)-1), photothermal conversion, and electrical thermal conversion of CMN composite membrane, also the distinctive expansion characteristics of CMN (−0.000757 °C−1) and BOPP (0.000137 (°C)-1). Remarkably, the soft robot can be actuated with merely 67 mW cm−2 of natural light or a power supply of 2.8 V, achieving a bending range of 360° with a corresponding bending curvature of 2.67 cm−1. The soft robot's motion state and speed can be meticulously controlled, further emphasizing their vast applicability in various fields, including medical, industrial, aerospace, and beyond. The soft robot has been applied as a smart curtain, intelligent optical switch, and electrically controlled robot, demonstrating its exceptional multifunctionality and wide ranges of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study to develop lighting is advanced for reproducing natural light color temperature beneficial to humans. Methods were introduced to provide daily color temperature cycles through formulas based on the measured natural light characteristics or real-time reproduction of natural light color temperature linking sensors. Analysis results for the measured natural light showed that irregular color temperature cycles were observed for more than 90% of the year due to the influence of regional weather and atmospheric conditions. Regular color temperature cycles were observed only on some clear days. The color temperature cycle dramatically affects the health of the occupants. However, since irregular color temperatures are difficult to predict and cannot easily generate cycles, only the color temperatures of some clear days are currently used, and the actual color temperature of natural light cannot be reproduced. There is little research on deriving real-time periodic characteristics and lighting services targeting irregular color temperatures of natural light. Therefore, this paper proposes a TadGAN (Time Series Anomaly Detection Using Generative Adversarial Networks)-based daily color temperature cycle generation method that responds to irregular changes in the natural light color temperature. A TadGAN model for generating the natural light color temperature cycle was built, and learning was performed based on the dataset extracted through the measured natural light characteristic Database. After that, the generator of TadGAN was repeatedly applied to generate a color temperature cycle close to the change of natural light. In the performance test of the proposed method, it was possible to generate periodic characteristics of the irregular natural light color temperature distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'naturalizing' agenda in contemporary secularist philosophy is often presented in opposition to traditional theism. But looking at the history of the terms 'nature' and 'natural' reveals a discontinuity between how these terms are currently understood and how they were understood in the past. The modern 'naturalist', in insisting that all phenomena should be brought within the domain of the natural, is advancing a thesis that many classical, medieval and early‐modern philosophers and theologians would have regarded as fairly self‐evident. What has changed is not that there is a new determination to include within the natural domain what was previously excluded from it, but rather that there is a radical shift in how the natural domain is to be understood. This paper argues that the philosophically interesting question is not whether or not we should be naturalists, but which of two naturalisms we should adopt: secular naturalism, with its neutralist conception of nature in general and of human nature in particular, or theistic naturalism, according to which the natural world and our own nature bear the stamp of the divine. It turns out the former (secularist) view is vulnerable to serious difficulties, on both the epistemic and the moral fronts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological rhythms in core body temperature (CBT) provide informative markers of adolescent development under controlled laboratory conditions. However, it is unknown whether these markers are preserved under more variable, semi-naturalistic conditions, and whether CBT may therefore prove useful in a real-world setting. To evaluate this possibility, we examined fecal steroid concentrations and CBT rhythms from pre-adolescence (p26) through early adulthood (p76) in intact male and female Wistar rats under natural light and climate at the Stephen Glickman Field Station for the Study of Behavior, Ecology and Reproduction. Despite greater environmental variability, CBT markers of pubertal onset and its rhythmic progression were comparable with those previously reported in laboratory conditions in female rats and extend actigraphy-based findings in males. Specifically, sex differences emerged in CBT circadian rhythm (CR) power and amplitude prior to pubertal onset and persisted into early adulthood, with females exhibiting elevated CBT and decreased CR power compared with males. Within-day (ultradian rhythm [UR]) patterns also exhibited a pronounced sex difference associated with estrous cyclicity. Pubertal onset, defined by vaginal opening, preputial separation, and sex steroid concentrations, occurred later than previously reported under lab conditions for both sexes. Vaginal opening and increased fecal estradiol concentrations were closely tied to the commencement of 4-day oscillations in CBT and UR power. By contrast, preputial separation and the first rise in testosterone concentration were not associated with adolescent changes to CBT rhythms in male rats. Together, males and females exhibited unique temporal patterning of CBT and sex steroids across pubertal development, with tractable associations between hormonal concentrations, external development, and temporal structure in females. The preservation of these features outside the laboratory supports CBT as a strong candidate for translational pubertal monitoring under semi-naturalistic conditions in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original intention of skylights for underground ice rinks is to introduce natural light, but incoming solar radiation also affects the ice quality and ice-making energy consumption. As public sports and fitness venues of "Ice Cube", sustainable operation of the underground ice rink with transparent skylights, has attracted much attention of architectural designers. To reduce the energy consumption without affecting indoor natural lighting, the heat transfer process of a skylight is discussed and modeled, and an advanced sunshade technology using Antimony Tin Oxide (ATO) nanofluids is proposed to filter UV/NIR and reserve visible light for indoor natural lighting. Meanwhile, two factors' effects, including outdoor solar irradiation and mass fraction of ATO nanofluids on the energy-saving potential of an underground ice rink, are discussed, and results indicate that spectral energy of UV and NIR decreases by 23.16% and 32.99% respectively, with 20 ppm ATO nanofluids, but the energy during visible light region only reduces by 11.56%. Additionally, a high mass fraction lowers indoor solar radiation but also lifts artificial lighting energy consumption, and the mass fraction of 200 ppm is recommended as the optimal mass fraction with annual total energy consumption of 392 GJ. • A mathematical model of skylight heat transfer is built and validated with experimental results. • An advanced sunshade technology using ATO nanofluids is proposed for the underground ice rink. • The optimal mass fraction of ATO nanofluid is recommended based on annual energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the excellent piezoelectric performances of bismuth layered structure ferroelectrics at high temperature, Na 0.5 Bi 4.5 Ti 4 O 15 : x Er3+ ceramics have been successfully manufactured by the traditional high temperature solid state method. The influence of additive (Er3+) concentration on the phase structure, morphology and electrical properties of ceramics has been investigated. After Er3+ ion introduction, the ferroelectric properties are palpably enhanced, and the 2 P r reaches 30 μC/cm2 at x = 0.004. Furthermore, the ferroelectric domain structure of ceramics was characterized by PFM for the first time. Meanwhile, a reversible photochromic (PC) reaction and the associated luminescence modulation are achieved. It is found that a higher Δ I dec of 83.6% is obtained using down-conversion (DC) mode than up-conversion (UC) one. More importantly, an additional exposure to natural light can further enhance the Δ I dec from 73% to 80.5% after 407 nm irradiation. The present investigation suggests that the modified NBT ceramics with multiple performances facilitate the development of multifunctional materials used in electric devices, anti-counterfeiting and information storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2D materials‐based heterostructure has an abundant charge transport channel and shortened charge transport distance, which can realize the effective transfer and separation of photo‐generated carriers. Herein, heterostructures of MoS2/graphene are fabricated for photocatalytic degradation under natural light. An excellent performance of methylene blue (MB) photodegradation is found, which surpassed the ability of the monomer materials of 2D MoS2 and graphene. Furthermore, the optimal mass ratio of the precursors and the micromorphology of the as‐constructed heterostructures are also confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research seeks to examine the effect of interior architecture on the illuminance of a specific space. Although the existing literature has investigated the effect of the window's placement and specifications on interior lighting magnitude, the effect of interior architecture on interior illuminance has not yet been analyzed. Accordingly, in order to determine the amount of optimum illuminance in a residential apartment, a bedroom of this apartment was modeled. Using the modeling, the average, minimum and maximum illuminance of the bedroom was calculated within 72 days of the year since the first, fifth, tenth, fifteenth, twentieth, twenty-fifth days of per month at 10:30 am. In addition, the illuminance of the floor, ceiling and walls was calculated at different times of March 21, June 22, September 23 and December 22 via a software. Then, the effect of conditions such as the use of various materials for the interior walls of the space, covering color change, interior furniture change, window placement, etc., on the average, minimum and maximum illuminance in the apartment was studied. The results show that not only the window location on the wall but also material, color and specification of interior coverings along with the correct furniture placement in the space can significantly affect the use of natural light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We quantified the tomato flower color using digital images to contribute to the growth diagnosis. Using digital cameras under natural light conditions, a tomato flowering cluster and color scale were shown on the same screen. Color values were measured using image -processing software. The difference between measured color values of the abaxial corolla surface and those of the scale were calculated and defined as “Δ values.” The flower color was numerically evaluated relative to the scale. The influences of weather, shading, and capture time on color measurements were tested. Consequently, rainy conditions and the use of a*, b*, and C* values in the L*a*b* color space as evaluation items kept the variance of measurement the lowest. Images were acquired using six types of digital camera and the evaluated flower colors were compared. The values varied among the six types. As a result of collating the flower cluster color measurements with the subsequent fruit set conditions, significant correlations were found between the fruit set and flower color (Δa*, Δb*, and ΔC* values) of the corolla. Thus, applicability of the flower color evaluation to growth diagnosis was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Light has powerful effects on mood, sleep, and the circadian system. Humans evolved in an environment with a clear distinction between day and night, but our modern environments have blurred this distinction. Negative effects of light exposure at night have been well characterized. The importance of daytime light exposure has been less well characterized. Here we examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of time spent in daytime outdoor light with mood, sleep, and circadian-related outcomes.Methods: Participants were drawn from the UK Biobank cohort, a large study of UK adults (n = 502,000; 37-73 years old; 54% women).Results: UK Biobank participants reported spending a median of 2.5 daylight hours (IQR = 1.5-3.5 h) outdoors per day. Each additional hour spent outdoors during the day was associated with lower odds of lifetime major depressive disorder (95% CI OR:0.92-0.98), antidepressant usage (OR:0.92-0.98), less frequent anhedonia (OR:0.93-0.96) and low mood (OR:0.87-0.90), greater happiness (OR:1.41-1.48) and lower neuroticism (incident rate ratio, IRR:0.95-0.96), independent of demographic, lifestyle, and employment covariates. In addition, each hour of daytime light was associated with greater ease of getting up (OR:1.46-1.49), less frequent tiredness (OR:0.80-0.82), fewer insomnia symptoms (OR:0.94-0.97), and earlier chronotype (adjusted odds ratio; OR:0.75-0.77). Auto-Regressive Cross-Lagged (ARCL) models were used to examine the longitudinal association of time spent in outdoor light at baseline with later mood-, sleep- and circadian-related outcomes reported at time point 2. Overall, longitudinal associations support cross-sectional findings, though generally with smaller effect sizes.Limitations: Future studies that examine the intensity of daytime light exposure at the ocular level are needed.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that low daytime light exposure is an important environmental risk factor for mood, sleep, and circadian-related outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the case of Beaumont Business Centres Limited v Florala Properties Limited [2020] EWHC 550, the first full commercial right to light trial for some years. It discusses the High Court's findings on the right to an injunction, how light may be assessed and how compensation should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A robust system for continuous photocatalytic water splitting under natural light is introduced. • The prediction model of hydrogen production is constructed by GRU neural network. • The correlation analysis of features for continuous hydrogen production is assessed. • Optimal prediction model hyperparameters are identified based on test loss and epoch. Harnessing hydrogen through photocatalytic water splitting represents a pivotal stride towards carbon neutrality. Evaluating ongoing experiments under natural light conditions is critical for scaling this technology. Given the inherent instability of natural light, devising precise hydrogen production forecasts has emerged as a core focus to streamline project timelines and financial governance. This research introduces a robust system for continuous photocatalytic water splitting, leveraging natural light for hydrogen production. Analysis and prognostication of hydrogen generation are conducted using experimental data from 21 distinct groups. Critical factors, including radiation intensity, reaction temperature, reactant concentration, solar concentrator specifics, and hydrogen production rate (HPR), undergo thorough correlation scrutiny. Employing a deep-learning framework, gated recurrent units (GRU) neural network is utilized for nuanced feature apprehension, enhancing hydrogen output forecasting precision. The results illustrate that the mean daily solar-to-hydrogen (STH) energy conversion efficiency across the 21 groups is approximately 0.25 %. Radiation intensity prevails as a significant influencer, with reaction temperature also playing a substantial role. Solar concentrator utilization proves beneficial for augmenting HPR. Nevertheless, the unevenness of solar concentrator presents adverse effects, necessitating consideration during system conceptualization. The optimized prediction model's outcomes align closely with experimental observations, and with a test loss of 2.61 × 10−3 and 682 epochs, the model's predictive superiority is affirmed. The continuous hydrogen production experiments leveraging natural light provide the feasible reference for the large-scale application of this technology. The correlation analysis of critical factors provides the optimization direction for practical engineering design. The hydrogen production prediction model aims to provide scientific basis for the decision-making of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Not all chickens access an outdoor range when the opportunity is provided. This may be related to the abrupt change in environments from the stable rearing conditions to the complexity of the outdoor range. We aimed to prepare chickens to range by increasing the complexity of the indoor environment early in life with the intention to encourage range use. Mixed sex Cobb500 chickens were allocated to 1 of 3 treatment groups: visual access (VA) treatment provided VA to the outdoor range from day old via transparent pop-hole covers; environmental complexity (EC) treatment provided an artificial haybale, fan with streamers and a solid vertical barrier; Control treatment was a representative conventional environment. Chickens were given access to the outdoor range at 21 d of age. Behavior in the home pen was assessed in wk 1, 2 and 5 and individual ranging behavior was monitored through radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The VA chickens were more active compared to EC (P = 0.006) and Control (P = 0.007) chickens and spent more time foraging than control chickens (P = 0.036) during the first week of life. More VA chickens accessed the range area compared to EC chickens (P = 0.015). VA chickens accessed the range sooner after they were first provided access and spent more time on the range than EC and control chickens (P < 0.001). Mortality was lower in the VA treatment compared to EC (P = 0.024) and control group (P = 0.002). There was evidence that VA chickens weighed less than Control and EC chickens, however results were inconsistent between age and sex. Hence, providing meat chickens with VA to an outdoor range early in life increased activity in early life, decreased latency to first access the range and increased time on the range and lowered mortality. Future work should aim to understand the mechanism behind these changes in behavior to develop recommendations for producers to implement in commercial conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans live in a 24-hour environment, in which light and darkness follow a diurnal pattern. Our circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) in the hypothalamus, is entrained to the 24-hour solar day via a pathway from the retina and synchronises our internal biological rhythms. Rhythmic variations in ambient illumination impact behaviours such as rest during sleep and activity during wakefulness as well as their underlying biological processes. Rather recently, the availability of artificial light has substantially changed the light environment, especially during evening and night hours. This may increase the risk of developing circadian rhythm sleep–wake disorders (CRSWD), which are often caused by a misalignment of endogenous circadian rhythms and external light–dark cycles. While the exact relationship between the availability of artificial light and CRSWD remains to be established, nocturnal light has been shown to alter circadian rhythms and sleep in humans. On the other hand, light can also be used as an effective and noninvasive therapeutic option with little to no side effects, to improve sleep, mood and general well-being. This article reviews our current state of knowledge regarding the effects of light on circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed published data on the levels of serum 25(OH)D in apparently healthy individuals from the Russian Far North. The total sample included 2061 subjects of various age and ethnic groups. The serum levels of 25(OH)D and its age dynamics in the northerners living in towns are similar to those of the inhabitants of the temperate climate zone of Russia. Data on the age-related changes in the vitamin D status of the indigenous Arctic people with the traditional lifestyle are scanty. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations in the indigenous and alien population of the high-latitude regions reflect the seasonal changes in the daylight duration. The level of vitamin D decreases in winter and reaches minimum in February, i.e., after the end of the polar night. We compared data on rural Russian and indigenous people and found ethnic differences in the 25(OH)D concentrations; however, the vitamin D status of various indigenous groups of the Russian North is poorly studied. We could not find publications that analyze the 25(OH)D concentrations along with the direct assessment of food consumption. The available data do not contradict the opinion that the traditional food products are beneficial. However, there are no studies to support this opinion. There are little data on the effect of foods from marine mammal catch, marine and freshwater fishery, and venison on the vitamin D status of the indigenous people of the Russian North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhalogenated carbazoles (PHCZs) are a class of halogenated dibenzopyrrole, which have been increasingly detected in the environment and found to be bioaccumulative and potentially toxic. However, their environmental transformation potential is largely unknown. In this study, UV absorption spectra of carbazole (CZ) and 10 PHCZs were obtained with wavelength range 290–400 nm, and three peaks were identified in most cases with the highest occurring around 300 nm. Hexane solutions of CZ, 10 individual PHCZs, and a sediment extract containing nine other PHCZs were separately irradiated under natural sunlight in order to investigate their photodegradation kinetics and pathways. The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constants (k) of these PHCZs varied from 0.183 h−1 to 2.394 h−1, and increased exponentially with increasing numbers of chlorines and bromines in PHCZ molecules. Contribution to ln k from each bromine atom is more than doubling of that from each chlorine atom. Stepwise reduction debromination was confirmed to be one of the photodegradation mechanisms for both brominated and mixed halogenated (containing both bromine and chlorine) carbazoles. Only sporadic dechlorinated products were found during the photolysis of chlorinated carbazoles. By adopting a simplified kinetic approach, we estimated that dehalogenation contributed approximately 20% to 51% of the total loss of the parent PHCZs. Unlabelled Image • The photolytic lifetimes will be shorter for PHCZ congeners with more halogens. • Molcules with iodine degraded faster than those with bromine or chlorine. • Contribution to ln k from each bromine was more than doubling of that from each chlorine. • Stepwise reduction debromination is one photodegradation mechanism for PBCZs. • Dehalogenation contributed 20%–51% of the total loss of the parent PHCZs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study investigates an active chromatically consistent hybrid light illumination system that combines the natural light with LEDs for indoor lighting. The hybrid light illumination system provides both natural light and LEDs from the hybrid light luminaire. Red, amber, green and blue, four different colors of high brightness LEDs are chose to compensate for the spectrum of natural light. The luminaire is used to redistribute the hybrid light to achieve stable and uniform illumination. The results show that natural light, LEDs and its hybrid light have similar luminous intensity distribution and belong to the type V. The maximum beam angle of the luminaire is limited to 53°. The hybrid light illumination system guarantees that the indoor final illumination spectrum matches the CCT of 5500 K and remains constant, thus ensuring chromaticity consistency. The illuminance of the test surface is mainly maintained at 300 lx and will increase to 330 lx at noon. By properly arranging the luminaires, the illuminance of the target surface will be very uniform. The performance of the hybrid light illumination system we designed meets the requirements and standards for indoor lighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delirium is a neurological disorder with correlations to increased hospital length of stays and higher morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in the growing elderly population, making prevention strategies key in improving patient outcomes and health care systems. Objectives: Does increased exposure to light, by artificial or natural means, decrease the incidence of delirium? Methods: A systematic review was conducted of 4 revered databases, CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, for articles related to key words "delirium" and "lighting" or "daylight" or "natural light" or "bright light" or "sunlight." Results were narrowed to adult inpatients, defined as age older than 18 years. After limiting for quality of the study and content that addressed the objective, 7 articles were selected for review: 4 related to artificial means of light therapy and 3 consistent with increased exposure to natural light. Results: Two studies examined the effects of bright light therapy and reported a decreased incidence of delirium. Two studies researched whether increased lighting via a lighting system with varying degrees of intensity throughout the day would prevent delirium, and neither reported a decrease in delirium. The remaining 3 studies focused on whether increased natural light via windows decreased the occurrence of delirium and uncovered no correlation. Discussion: It is recommended that the study by Potharajaroen et al, which demonstrated significant findings for bright light therapy preventing delirium, be replicated as well as new pilot studies to enrich the growing body of research. Bright light therapy is a low-cost and easy-to-institute intervention that should be utilized on a case-to-case basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have conducted a longitudinal cohort study of 16,000 ICU patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) on MV from 21 ICUs (10 mixed, 5 surgical, 6 medical) from 6 academic medical centers [[2]]. Here, we report the results of a retrospective secondary analysis of 4200 patients from the mixed medical-surgical ICUs of two academic hospitals to assess the impact of NL exposure on delirium incidence. Six studies utilized a validated delirium screening tool (Table 1), whereas one did not [[8]], and one included (as a positive) any patient treated with haloperidol (regardless of screen result) [[6]]. Whereas we found improved delirium outcomes in ARDS patients, who often have greater illness severity and longer ICU LOS than the general ICU patient population, no difference was observed in other ICU populations [[1], [6]-[8]]. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light exposure and decontamination protocols on the color stability of denture shade guide tabs. Fifty tabs for shades 62, 66, and 69 (Biotone IPN, Dentsply Sirona) were submitted to baseline L*a*b* measurements (EasyShade, Vita), separated into 5 experimental groups (n = 10), and subjected to one of the following conditions: G1–distilled water (DW‐H2O)–control; G2 −70% alcohol; G3–sodium hypochlorite 1% (NaClO); G4–no light exposure; G5–natural light exposure for 6 months. The experimental conditions were designed to simulate 6 months of clinical use. After the test period, final color measurements were recorded. The mean tristimulus coordinate difference (ΔL*,Δa*,Δb*) and total color difference values ( Δ E ab *) were analyzed using 2‐way ANOVA and the Tukey test, α = .05. G2 (alcohol) produced less (P < .05) color change in shade 69 than G3 (NaClO). G5 (light exposure) affected the color stability for all shades, producing a statistical difference (P < .05) from G4 (no light exposure). It was concluded that natural light changes the color stability of the shade guides and that decontamination with 70% alcohol had the least impact on the color stability of the shade guide tabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enamel demineralization of the brackets caused by surrounding bacteria is the main challenge facing orthodontists. Aiming to resolve this issue, here we originally reported a novel antibacterial coating based on ZnO and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) composite prepared via a facile and environmentally-friendly method. As desired, the bracket modified with ZnO/CQDs coating exhibited excellent antibacterial performance than the unmodified bracket ( Streptococcus mutans 96.13%, Staphylococcus aureus 90.28% and Escherichia coli 92.35%) under natural light. In addition, the natural light antibacterial mechanism was explored, which could be ascribed to the upconversion fluorescence of the CQDs and the interaction between CQDs and ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals breeding at northern latitudes experience drastic changes in daily light conditions during the breeding season with decreasing periods of darkness, whereas those living at lower latitudes are exposed to naturally dark nights throughout the year. Nowadays, many animals are also exposed to artificial night lighting (often referred to as light pollution)., Animals strongly rely on variation in light levels to time their daily and seasonal behaviour. Previous work on passerine birds showed that artificial night lighting leads to earlier onset of dawn song. However, these studies were carried out at intermediate latitudes with more limited seasonal changes in daylength, and we still lack an understanding of the impact of artificial night lighting in relation to variation in natural light conditions., We investigated the influence of natural and artificial light conditions on the timing of dawn singing in five common songbird species in each of three regions in Europe that differed in natural variation in daylength (northern Finland, 65°N; southern Germany, 48°N; southern Spain, 37°N). In each region, we selected five peri-urban forest sites with and five without street lighting, and we recorded dawn singing at the beginning of the local breeding season., Our results show that the earliest natural singers, that is, European robins ( Erithacus rubecula) and common blackbirds ( Turdus merula), started dawn singing earlier along with the natural increase in night brightness in Finland, with no additional effects of artificial night lighting. In contrast, the later singers, such as, great tits ( Parus major), blue tits ( Cyanistes caeruleus) and chaffinches ( Fringilla coelebs), showed similar onsets of dawn song relative to sunrise across the season and similar effects of artificial night lighting at all latitudes., Artificial night lighting affected great tits, blue tits and chaffinches even in northern Finland where nights became very bright. Proximate factors such as differential light sensitivities may explain why early singers showed more plastic behavioural responses to naturally and artificially bright nights. The maintenance of rhythmicity in the late singers during bright northern nights and under artificial night lighting may also be an adaptive response to predation risk or costs of sleep loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural light has a positive influence on child development, which is why the preschool establishments of the JUNJI (national meeting of kindergartens, Chile) seek to evaluate their natural lighting to recognize its importance and thereby improve preschool architecture. A comparative light analysis was carried out between rooms in two different preschool establishments, evaluating their compliance with baseline school lighting standards. To do this, a spatial analysis was done with dynamic high range photos to evaluate glare and contrast. In addition, a sun analysis for solstices and equinoxes was done; along with digital simulations to predict annual lighting behavior. The relevance of preschool room orientations was demonstrated; with the best option, being Northeasterly. At the same time, a range of lighting wider than that usually applied in traditional education space was suggested. Finally, child behavior was analyzed through educator perception surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global Animal Partnership (GAP) is an organization that has created alternative standards for raising commercial broilers, including elevated light intensity and provisions for natural light. The objectives of this study were to compare light intensity levels and spatial uniformity in the following treatments derived from GAP lighting standards: 1) light intensity from natural and artificial sources greater than 50 lx (NL 1% +LED), and 2) natural light only provided through an opening equal or greater than 1.0% of total floor area (NL 1%). Light intensity was also measured in a house using a traditional LED lighting program (LED) for comparison. Light intensity was spatially measured at a fixed point in time (static) for the NL 1% +LED, NL 1% , and LED treatments and then temporally measured in three house sections (pad, mid, and fan) over a 24 h period. Overall static mean light intensity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the NL 1% +LED and NL 1% treatments than the LED treatment, and most dissimilar in the mid house section (LED = 2.8 lx, NL 1% +LED = 95.4 lx, NL 1% = 77.1 lx). Seventy-nine percent and 53% of the floor area in the NL 1% +LED and NL 1% treatments were above 50 lx, the target light intensity set by GAP. Light uniformity was best in the pad and mid sections of the LED treatment. Temporal testing showed at mid house that light intensity was most influenced by natural light and that daily averages were 23 times higher in the NL 1% treatment (NL 1% = 46.0 lx; LED = 2.0 lx). GAP derived lighting programs resulted in markedly different lighting environments compared to traditional programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae cultivation for biomass production and nutrient removal implies the use of natural light and minimal control of the temperature for obtaining a low cost production. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of temperature control at natural light on biomass productivity and removal of NH-N and PO-P of a mesophilic strain of Chlorella. Chlorella sp. was grown in reject water of anaerobically digested municipal sludge, sludge liquor, inside a greenhouse compartment (Ås, Norway, 59°N) using batch cultures (300 mL). Five experiments were conducted from May to September, and effects of different levels of temperature control and diurnal variations were investigated. The highest biomass productivities (0.45 g L day) in the linear growth phase were obtained at daily light integrals ≥12 mol day m. Results showed that the average temperature was of more importance than the night or day temperature range. At average temperatures <22 °C for cultures with no temperature control, the productivity decreased by 23 and 39 % compared to cultures with full temperature control (24-25 °C). In one experiment, the productivity was reduced at no temperature control due to prolonged high daytime temperatures (>32 °C) and were followed by a lower NH-N removal rate. Otherwise, temperature had little effect on NH-N removal. The level of temperature control did not affect removal of PO-P. Cellular starch content varied from ~15-38 % in the evening and was generally lower at no temperature control. In the morning the starch content was reduced to ~4-12 % with no difference between the different levels of temperature control. (~4-12 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-TiO material was prepared with Ti(OCH) and CHOH, using hydrothermal method. Then nano-TiO was calcined at high temperature and its catalytic activity for the degradation of dye wastewater under simulated natural light was measured. After that the crystal structure of nano-TiO was characterized by XRD, TEM and BET. Experimental results show that the volume ratio of water to alcohol, hydrothermal time, calcination temperature and the amount of ester used have significant effects on the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO. When nano-TiO was prepared under the conditions with a volume ratio of water to alcohol of 1:3, hydrothermal time of 4 h and calcination temperature at 500 °C, its photocatalytic efficiency was the best. The degradation of reactive yellow solution can reach above 74 % in 180 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method to evaluate the risk of using daylight in museums and cultural heritage exhibitions is presented along this study. Although daylight is an ecological and sustainable source of energy and sometimes also an intrinsic part of the artwork, the use of Natural lighting may cause damages in them due to the difficulty of controlling its variability. The developed method quantifies the damage produced to the artworks by daylight compared to artificial light taking into account the level of radiation and its spectral distribution in space and time by comparison with the damage caused by an Illuminant A (Global Risk Factor). The method, applied to the permanent paintings exhibition in the cloister of the fifteenth century of the Monastery of Santa Maria de El Paular, certifies that the control and exploitation of Natural Light should consider an optimal balance between exposure and damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the development of the strategies for monitoring the lighting of the museums and the historic houses with the application of Time-Lapse photography for the fluctuating daylight. Topics include the campaigns for light monitoring for the preservation of the light-sensitive art objects, the research related to the effects of the natural lighting, and application of the illuminance measurements. It offers information on the features of the time-lapse videos in various cameras.

The article focuses on the challenges of natural lighting in historic houses and modern museums. It discusses the experimental campaign surrounding the constructivist sculpture Construction in Space by artist Naum Gabo, how this art work is damaged due to crystal growth and warping, the sculpture's construction from cellulose acetate (CA) and polymer storage crate with charcoal cloth and points of interest (POIs) due to VOCs like acetic acid and phenol. It also talks about the proven presence of tri-phenyl phosphate (TPP).

Responses to shifting consumer preferences and demands for alternative rearing programs have resulted in a re-evaluation of lighting programs by the commercial broiler industry. The objectives of this study were to compare light intensity levels, distribution, and uniformity in curtain-sided broiler houses using 2 lighting program treatments: (1) natural light only (NL) and (2) traditional light-emitting diode (LED). The natural light treatment was created by retrofitting an existing curtain with a translucent one. Combined area through which natural light entered the house equaled 10% of the total floor area. A high-density data acquisition system was used to measure light intensity (505 locations per replication) at a fixed point in time (static). Three house sections (pad, mid-house, and fan) were monitored over a 24 h period (temporal) in August and December 2020. Results from the static testing indicate that light intensities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the pad, mid-house, and fan sections of the NL house during both testing events. Mean house section light intensities ranged from 1.8 to 71.6 lx in the LED treatment and 9.2 to 545.1 lx in the NL treatment. During both temporal testing events, light intensity was also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the pad, mid-house, and fan sections for the NL treatment. Light intensity values were as high as 6,000 lx in the NL treatment, over 600 times higher than levels generally accepted by the industry. This study showed that provision of natural light in broiler houses drastically increases light levels throughout the house and reduces overall spatial uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrate from dewatering anaerobically digested municipal sludge is a particular concern in wastewater treatment, as it contains high ammonia concentrations and is often recycled to the head of the plant, reducing efficiency. Algae have the potential to remove ammonia from this wastewater, while producing biomass that can be used as an energy feedstock. In this research, an indigenous algal consortium was cultivated on municipal sludge centrate in a semi-continuous photobioreactor under natural light conditions. The goals of this research were to (1) enrich an algal consortium capable of growth on sludge centrate; (2) determine the main species of the consortium;(3) measure biomass, lipid production, and nutrient removal rates; and (4) develop a simple model to describe the system. The results suggested that Chlorella sp. was the dominant species (95 %) in the consortium. Mean biomass productivity was 5.2 g m day, which was relatively high compared with other studies carried out with high ammonia strength wastewaters. Lipid production was low, comprising only 10 % of total biomass. The algal consortium effectively removed nutrients from the centrate, with observed mean removal efficiencies for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand of 65, 72, and 8 %, respectively. A simple irradiance-based model was developed from the fundamental Michaelis-Menten photosynthesis-irradiance (PI) response for photosynthetic organisms. A good fit to the experimental data was obtained with the irradiance-based model ( R = 0.96), indicating that the system was light limited. The results show that biomass production can be predicted based on irradiance only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of scale models is widely adopted as an efficacy method for determining the daylight assessment of interior areas of buildings. Scale models can be tested under real sky or sky simulators. In both cases, it is commonly accepted among the researchers that the use of scale models leads to an overestimation of experimental data with respect to real scale test rooms. Starting from this assumption, the authors have carried out an experimental analysis under real sky on a reduced scale model of a test room equipped with a window and on two scale models of a room equipped with a double light pipe in order to define the influence of the scale factor on experimental data both with traditional and innovative daylight sources. The analysis leads in particular to identify the influence of direct solar radiations on the results. Although the authors agree with the majority of researchers and confirm the common opinion that daylight performances are generally overestimated in scale model analysis, this study evidences that the presence of intense direct radiations can produce exceptions and the opposite case can be experienced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The color of crop leaves is closely correlated with nitrogen (N) status and can be quantified easily with a digital still color camera and image processing software. The establishment of the relationship between image color indices and N status under natural light is important for crop monitoring and N diagnosis in the field. In our study, a digital still color camera was used to take pictures of the canopies of 6 rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with N treatments ranging from 0 to 315 kg N ha-1 in the field under sunny and overcast conditions in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Results Significant correlations were observed between SPAD readings, leaf N concentration (LNC) and 13 image color indices calculated from digital camera images using three color models: RGB, widely used additive color model; HSV, a cylindrical-coordinate similar to the human perception of colors; and the L*a*b* system of the International Commission on Illumination. Among these color indices, the index b*, which represents the visual perception of yellow-blue chroma, has the closest linear relationship with SPAD reading and LNC. However, the relationships between LNC and color indices were affected by the developmental phase. Linear regression models were used to predict LNC and SPAD from color indices and phasic development. After that, the models were validated with independent data. Generally, acceptable performance and prediction were found between the color index b*, SPAD reading and LNC with different cultivars and sampling dates under different natural light conditions. Conclusions Our study showed that digital color image analysis could be a simple method of assessing rice N status under natural light conditions for different cultivars and different developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory investigations on Galba truncatula experimentally infected with Calicophoron daubneyi were carried out to study the influence of natural light and sky nebulosity on cercarial emergence in snails subjected every week outdoors to a thermal shock (a mean of 12 °C for 3 h) during the patent period. The same study was also performed in G. truncatula naturally infected with Haplometra cylindracea according to the same protocol. Compared to infected controls always reared indoors at 20 °C, the number of cercariae emerging from snails subjected outdoors to a thermal shock was significantly greater, whatever parasite species. Natural light had an effect on snails releasing C. daubneyi cercariae after the thermal shock because their numbers were significantly higher between 601 and 1,200 lx and for the highest nebulosity values (7-8 octas). In contrast, the type of light used during thermal shock did not influence cercarial emergence of H. cylindracea because the numbers of cercariae per shedding snail noted under natural light or a 3,000-lx artificial light did not significantly differ from each other. Most snails releasing H. cylindracea cercariae were significantly more numerous for light levels higher than 3,000 lx. As for Fasciola hepatica cercariae, natural light had a significant influence on cercarial emergence of C. daubneyi, and this behavioural particularity for cercariae of both digeneans might be due to the fact that both species develop in the same ruminants and the same snail host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ventilated Illuminating Wall (VIW) is a technological device set up by the authors. It is a passive solar system. In buildings without direct interface to outdoor, it is able of providing natural light and air for indoor ventilation. The authors built a 1:1 scale prototype of the VIW in the laboratory of Technical Physics of the INGEO Department of Pescara. It consists of a multilayer structure applied on a window of the perimeter wall of the building. Daylight is captured by a horizontal glass surface and redirected into the system thanks to the reflections by a highly reflective film applied on the internal walls of the VIW. The reflective film is the same used in the light pipe technology. In this paper, the authors show a technological description and the building steps of the device and the results of an experimental analysis on daylight performances. The data reported in this work regard both winter and summer conditions, and they can be considered satisfactory in every situation. Under overcast sky, the internal illuminance trend is similar to the external one, particularly in positions close to the system, and the influence of the VIW on internal illuminance is on average of about 2 m. Under Clear sky with sun, the system has a higher efficiency, thanks to the intense reflections, which cause some peak values of illuminance. In general, the VIW is able to furnish a significant high-quality natural light contribution to the room. It is particularly suitable in museums and exhibition rooms with large plant area, because it provides a soft distribution of light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars often see in the chapters of Guaman Poma de Ayala's Nueva coránica y buen gobierno devoted to the history of the conquest of Peru a strong critique of Spanish chronicles accounts that ground his claim of restitution, allegedly the work's central claim. Through a close reading of its other historical chapters, those dealing with pre-Hispanic Andean history, this paper offers a new interpretation of the text. It argues that the Nueva coránica is a theologicallyorganized didactic text whose goal is to produce in the reader a radically new way of seeing the world, and that the historical narrative of the pre-Hispanic past in particular lays the foundation that will render intelligible in an alternative way the present of the colonial society and its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cities display an array of microclimates closely related to the composition of their surfaces and the relationships among their structures. The effect of the shadow cast by a high-rise building is a simple case of this situation. The incidence of the shadow on other buildings or urban spaces can be positive or negative, according to the bioclimatic requirements of the place and season. The understanding of the cause of these effects is key information that helps when planning new urban complexes or refurbishing existing ones. Aiming at sustainable urban design, the building sector’s energy efficiency, associated with bioclimatic design guidelines, is the most adequate way to achieve the desired goal and its consideration must be a priority in every situation where a high substitution potential of fossil by renewable energies exists, and it is available through control of the urban environment’s morphology. To make the solar energy use feasible in urban environments it is necessary to incorporate design guidelines into building and urban normative as parts of integral planning by compatibilizing desirable levels of solar access with urban density and considering shape and orientation of parcels, buildings and streets. The paper presents the results of a study in Mendoza City, Argentina, on the daylighting potential in residential buildings, obtained through simulation and measurements “in situ”. The electric energy consumed for lighting was analyzed, comparing different unit values for the apartments in the buildings of the city, considering their morphology and orientation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different lighting programs on the performance and semen parameters of semi-heavy cock strain. Twenty four roosters, aging 19 weeks, of the Lohman Brown strain were used, and submitted to three treatments: 1) continuous lightning programs 2) intermittent lightning programs and 3) increasing natural lightning programs. The animals were distributed into a completely randomized design, with 8 replicates being the experimental unit constituted of 1 animal. The experimental period lasted 140 days and the evaluated variables were: feed intake (g/chicken/day), body weight (g), semen production (ml), motility (%) and vigor (0 to 5) of the sperm, spermatic concentration (cells number × 109), total spermatic cells (NCT-volume x concentration) and spermatic morphology (head, tail and total alterations). The semi-heavy roosters submitted to continuous and intermittent lightning programs presented greater semen production and greater NCT (P<0,05). There was no significant influence (P>0.05) of the treatments on the other variables. It was concluded that the programs of continuous and intermittent light can be used for semi-heavy cocks during the breeding season, without sacrificing performance and sêmen parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The visual pigments of most invertebrate photoreceptors have two thermostable photo-interconvertible states, the ground state rhodopsin and photo-activated metarhodopsin, which triggers the phototransduction cascade until it binds arrestin. The ratio of the two states in photoequilibrium is determined by their absorbance spectra and the effective spectral distribution of illumination. Calculations indicate that metarhodopsin levels in fly photoreceptors are maintained below ~35% in normal diurnal environments, due to the combination of a blue-green rhodopsin, an orange-absorbing metarhodopsin and red transparent screening pigments. Slow metarhodopsin degradation and rhodopsin regeneration processes further subserve visual pigment maintenance. In most insect eyes, where the majority of photoreceptors have green-absorbing rhodopsins and blue-absorbing metarhodopsins, natural illuminants are predicted to create metarhodopsin levels greater than 60% at high intensities. However, fast metarhodopsin decay and rhodopsin regeneration also play an important role in controlling metarhodopsin in green receptors, resulting in a high rhodopsin content at low light intensities and a reduced overall visual pigment content in bright light. A simple model for the visual pigment-arrestin cycle is used to illustrate the dependence of the visual pigment population states on light intensity, arrestin levels and pigment turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an average size of 7 nm and good catalytic property under the natural light, TiO/PS complex nanoparticles were successfully prepared through a novel two-step method (TSM) from TiCl, used as both the catalyst for polymerization of styrene and Ti source, and styrene monomer and characterized by TG-DTA, XRD, IR, TEM and UV-Vis techniques. Its catalytic property was evaluated by the decolourization and degradation of dye MB solution under the natural light. From its TEM, the particles with an average size of 7 nm were observed without the separation of TiO and PS phases, i.e., TiO/PS was hybrid material in nanosize scale. IR spectrum of TiO/PS showed increase of unsaturated degree and growth of the group C=O on the chain of PS and Ti-O-C coordination bond between TiO and PS. The nanosize of the TiO/PS complex particles and the conjugated structure and polar groups of PS were advantageous to good adsorptive property and strong interaction of PS and TiO. And they brought multi-functions of inorganic and organic materials in the single material. Catalytic experiments indicated that the complex nanoparticles could catalytically degrade dye MB solution in 10 min under the natural light while P25 basically showed adsorptive property for MB molecules under the same conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper the authors present the double light pipe, an innovative technological device, designed as an evolution of a traditional light pipe, which distributes daylight to underground areas of a building, illuminating, at the same time, the passage areas thanks to a larger collector and a second transparent pipe attached to the first one. Unlike the traditional light pipe, thanks to this double illuminating function it can be located in the middle of a room, despite its encumbrance. In this paper the technological design of the double light pipe is presented and the results of an experimental analysis on a reduced scale (1:2) model are shown. Internal illuminance data over horizontal and vertical work-planes were measured in various sky conditions with or without direct solar radiation. Being this innovative device obtained by a light pipe integrated with a second pipe, it performs like a traditional light pipe for the final room and, at the same time, illuminates the intermediate room giving it uniform and high quality light, particularly indicated for wide plant areas, such as show-rooms or museums. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this research was to assess the photoautotrofic rooting efficiency of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade), cultivar 'Delite' by comparing the effect between natural light (greenhouse) and artificial light (growth room) in two seasons (summer and winter), as well as the effect of different three sucrose concentrations (0; 15 or 30g L-1) added to the culture medium and different types of flasks closure (aluminum, cotton and plastic film). After 60 days of in vitro rooting on WPM medium culture containing 9μM L-1 AIB, rooting in free-sucrose culture medium promoted an increased in the number of roots and rooting percentage; and, whether associated to cotton closed, there was an increase in length of roots and in the total fresh weight. Regarding environment growth and season, rooting could be successfully realized under photoautotrophic conditions. At summer, it was verified an increase in roots length, rooting percentage and total fresh weight independently of environment growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to compare the in vitro rooting ability of blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade cv. 'Delite' and V. corymbosum L. cv. 'Georgiagem'), to study the effect of alternative substrate instead of agar (perlite, vermiculite and agar + activated charcoal) added to the WPM culture medium containing 7μM L-1 of AIB, and the light effect by raising the explants in different growth environment: conventional growth room and greenhouse. The use of perlite followed by vermiculite increased roots number and length, total fresh weight and root weight and rooting percentage. The addition of activated charcoal inhibited rooting. The environment condition did not alter the number of formed roots. The cv. 'Georgiagem' showed the highest percentages of rooting whether compared cv. 'Delite', independently of growth environment and substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Light is an important environmental factor in many aspects for broiler chickens, such as behaviour and physiology, and welfare may be compromised when they are reared under low illuminance. We aimed to investigate what broiler chickens prefer when given free choice between a barn side with artificial lighting only as opposed to the other barn side with natural light through glass windows and artificial light. Environmental indicators and external conditions were monitored inside and outside the experimental barn, as well as chickens' preference regarding location in each side of the barn and their behavioural repertoire. Chickens preferred the barn side with natural and artificial light from 18 days onwards, after the heating light was removed. Chickens' behavioural repertoire changed according to barn side and their ages, expressing more natural behaviours and activity in the barn side with natural light. In summary, the birds indicated that natural light from windows makes a relevant difference in their lives, as it is what they choose when the only other option is the same in-barn environment with only artificial lighting. We aimed to investigate what broiler chickens prefer when given free choice between a barn side with artificial lighting only as opposed to the other barn side with natural light through glass windows and artificial light. Eighty-five 1 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were divided into 10 pens; half of each pen area was provided with only artificial light (OAL) and the other half with natural and artificial light (NAL), and birds were free to move across sides. Environmental indicators and external conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, ammonia and illuminance were monitored inside and outside the barn. Chickens' preference was registered each three days, divided in categories: I (at 9, 12, and 15 days), II (at 18, 21, 24, and 27 days), and III (at 30, 33 and 36 days). The effect of the interaction between environmental indicators and week was statistically different only for illuminance. Chickens preferred NAL to OAL from 18 days onwards (II p < 0.001; III p = 0.016). Drinking (p = 0.034) and exploration or locomotion (p = 0.042) behaviours were more frequent, and "not visible" behaviours (p < 0.001) were less frequent, in NAL. Foraging was the only behaviour with an interaction effect between age category and light treatment, as birds during period II expressed this behaviour more frequently in NAL than OAL (p = 0.003). For our experimental conditions, the chickens preferred NAL from 18 days of age onwards, when the confounding effect of the heating light was removed, and their behavioural repertoire was also different according to each side of the barn and to their ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]