Full Light Research Articles

One step closer to understanding the ecology of Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): The effects of light conditions

Horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) has achieved ecological success by colonizing the entire European range of its primary host, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum). This insect has attracted the attention of scientists, but its ecology is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of varying degrees of light availability on the leaf morphology of horse chestnut saplings and the performance of C. ohridella. A pot experiment under greenhouse conditions was performed in which the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was reduced from full light by 50% (high light - HL) or 80% (low light - LL). Insect performance parameters were quantified (i.e., pupal mass, efficiency of conversion of utilised leaf tissue (ECU) and potential fecundity). Compared with HL leaflets those from LL were characterised by higher contents of nitrogen and water but lower total phenolics. The oxidative capacity of phenolics (at pH ≈ 10, common in the lepidopteran gut) was low and did not differ in the two treatments. Compared with those collected from HL leaves, the mines of those collected from leaves of plants grown under LL conditions were larger in area but the leaf mass utilized by larvae was similar. Pupae were heavier in LL than in HL conditions, and ECU was higher in LL. The potential fecundity of females was not sensitive for experimental treatment. We conclude that (1) reduced light had a strong beneficial effect on the performance of C. ohridella and (2) phenolics in A. hippocastanum leaf tissues are a poor defence against this herbivore.

Facile construction of reduced graphene oxide supported three-dimensional polyaniline/WO2.72 nanobelt-flower as a full solar spectrum light response catalyst for efficient photocatalytic conversion of bromate

As a carcinogenic byproduct in drinking water treatment, bromate has raised global concerns on environmental and health hazard, calling for effective treatments. In the current work, a novel reduced graphene oxide supported polyaniline/WO2.72 nanobelt-flower (RGO/PANI/WO2.72) ternary composite was prepared through a solvent volatilization method for photocatalytic reduction of bromate. The prepared sample was characterized, and the influence of aqueous pH, ions and dissolved oxygen on the bromate reduction was explored. As expected, the introduction of RGO and PANI on the WO2.72 exhibited great synergistic effects on the separation of photogenerated carriers. The calculated reduction rate constant of RGO/PANI/WO2.72 was about six times as high as that of pure WO2.72. Specially, the prepared photocatalyst possessed strong optical absorption in a broad range of 250–2500 nm, and thus displaying excellent catalytic performance in utilization of all solar spectrum energy. Moreover, the RGO/PANI/WO2.72 exhibited stable photocatalytic activity in cycling test. Considered holistically, the present study offered a valuable approach for rational construction of heterogeneous structure in the development of bromate-catalyzed reduction.

Micropropagation of Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium L.)

Native grasses are increasingly used in the landscape. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium L.), a perennial bunchgrass native to most of the United States, has ornamental traits, such as variation in leaf color, differences in growth morphology, and attractive seed heads. Traditionally, cultivars of little bluestem are propagated by division, which limits the production of new plants. Our objective in this study was to develop an improved micropropagation protocol for little bluestem that would produce true-to-type plants. In 2016, we cultured immature inflorescences of eight genotypes of little bluestem on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with four combinations of kinetin (1.0 or 2.0 mg·L−1) and 2,4-D (0.5 or 1.0 mg·L−1) under three levels of light (dark, semilight, full light) to initiate callus. Cultures were evaluated 30 days after initiation and those that had initiated callus were subcultured. Media for subculturing and rooting contained either 0.1 mg·L−1 or no 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Light level had no effect on callus initiation. Initiation media with 1.0 mg·L−1 kinetin and either level of 2,4-D induced callus at almost twice the rate of media with 2.0 mg·L−1 kinetin, and cultures initiated on those media also produced almost twice the number of rooted plants over all genotypes. Genotype affected the number of rooted plants produced. The addition of NAA to medium for subculturing and rooting did not increase the number of rooted plants. In 2017, we cultured immature inflorescences of four genotypes of little bluestem on MS medium with 0.5 mg·L−1 2,4-D and either 1.0 mg·L−1 kinetin or 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) under full light. Cultures were evaluated 30 days after initiation. Cultures that had initiated callus were subcultured onto MS medium with the same growth regulators as the initiation medium but without 2,4-D. Cultures were cycled between subculture medium with growth regulator and subculture medium with no additional growth regulator until rooted. Cultures initiated and subcultured on medium with BAP initiated two to three times more callus than those on kinetin and produced twice as many rooted plants. Our recommendation for rapid micropropagation of little bluestem is to initiate cultures on MS medium with 1.0 mg·L−1 BAP and 0.5 mg·L−1 2,4-D. After callus initiation, cultures should be subcultured to medium with BAP but no 2,4-D, alternating with medium with no additional growth regulators, until rooted.

Effects of supplemental LED lighting on water quality and Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) performance in intensive recirculating systems

Indoor shrimp production systems allow production of fresh shrimp year-round near specific markets. However, there is typically little to no natural light available, and it is unclear whether artificial lighting may benefit systems. This study examined the effects of supplemental light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, designed for plant growth, on shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production, water quality, and nutritional dynamics in intensive indoor shrimp systems. Four 1-m3 round tanks with settling chambers and external biofilters were assigned to one of three treatments. One treatment received 24 h of lighting per day (Full Light, FL), another had 12 h of lighting (Partial Light, PL), and the third treatment had no supplemental lighting provided (No Extra Light, NL). All tanks were stocked with 250 shrimp with an average initial weight of 1.2 g and were harvested after 84 days. Shrimp FCR was significantly lower and total biomass was significantly higher in the FL treatment compared with PL and NL treatments. Growth rate and final individual weight were significantly greater in FL and PL treatments, and survival was significantly higher in the FL treatment than the PL treatment. Turbidity, suspended solids, and nitrate concentration were significantly lower in the FL treatment versus PL and NL treatments. Shrimp in the FL and PL treatments contained significantly higher concentrations of n-6 fatty acids and lower docosahexaenoic acid than NL shrimp. The results of this study indicate that supplemental lighting in intensive indoor shrimp systems can improve shrimp production and have effects on biofloc and shrimp nutritional characteristics.

Piezotronic Effect Enhanced Plasmonic Photocatalysis by AuNPs/BaTiO3 Heterostructures

AbstractPiezopotential‐assisted catalysis is of great significance for low cost and efficient catalysis processes. Here, Aux/BaTiO3 plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated by precipitating Au nanoparticles on piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanocubes through a chemical approach. The Au nanoparticles (<8 nm) are decorated uniformly on the surface of BaTiO3, which endows the heterostructure with a wide light absorption from 300 to 600 nm. The photocatalytic properties of the heterostructures are investigated in detail toward methyl orange (MO) degradation. The Au content, piezoelectric potential of the BaTiO3 substrate, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) are confirmed to be vital to the photocatalytic activity. The Au4/BaTiO3 shows an optimum photocatalytic performance for a complete degradation of MO in 75 min under full spectrum light irradiation with auxiliary ultrasonic excitation. The piezoelectric field originating from the deformation of BaTiO3 further enhances the separation of photon‐generated carriers induced by SPR and promotes the formation of hydroxyl radicals, which results in a strong oxidizing ability of organic dyes. This work introduces the piezotronic effect to enhance plasmonic photocatalysis with Aux/BaTiO3 heterostructures, which is ready to extend to other catalytic systems and offers a new option to design high‐performance catalysts for pollutant treatment.

Plasmonic-Enhanced Near-Infrared Photocatalytic Activity of F-Doped (NH4)0.33WO3 Nanorods

To achieve efficient utilization of solar power for environmental remediation, search for suitable materials as efficient solar light driven photocatalysts is one of the most challenging missions. In this work, F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ was first synthesized as a novel near-infrared (NIR) photocatalyst with enhanced photocatalytic activity. Compared to that of pure ammonium tungsten bronze, a blue shift of the NIR plasmon band and an enhanced NIR absorbance of F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ could be observed. 83% of rhodamine B (RhB) was degraded by F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ under NIR irradiation within 180 min. The NIR photodegradation rate of the optimal F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ for RhB was 0.0102 min–¹, about 8.5 times as high as that of (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃. The enhanced NIR photocatalytic performance of F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ can be attributed to the remarkable enhanced generation and separation of NIR localized surface plasmon resonance induced electron–hole pairs. Moreover, the F-doped (NH₄)₀.₃₃WO₃ nanorods could also degrade 36% of RhB and 93% of RhB when exposed to the UV light and visible light, respectively. This work develops a promising photocatalyst with a full solar light response for future cleanup of environmental pollutants.

Ideal half-filled intermediate band position in CuGaS2 generated by Sb-related defect complex: a first-principles study

Cu-based chalcopyrite compounds have attracted much attention for photovoltaic application, while some of them (like CuGaS2) have energy gaps greater than the optimal value. An isolated and half-filled intermediate band located at the lower part of its original band gap exhibits in CuGaS2 with (SbGa + ZnGa) or (SbGa + VCu) defect complex, in line with the intrinsic p-type conductivity of the host, revealed from our first-principles calculations. Subsequently, the absorption coefficients of CuGaS2 can cover the full solar light spectrum efficiently. Based on the defect formation energy calculations, however, these defect complexes are hard to reach a large concentration under equilibrium condition. Nevertheless, non-equilibrium growth methods are suggested to prepare samples inheriting the excellent adsorption coefficients.

Responsible, Safe, and Effective Use of Biologics in the Management of Low Back Pain: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) Guidelines

Regenerative medicine is a medical subspecialty that seeks to recruit and enhance the body's own inherent healing armamentarium in the treatment of patient pathology. This therapy's intention is to assist in the repair, and to potentially replace or restore damaged tissue through the use of autologous or allogenic biologics. This field is rising like a Phoenix from the ashes of underperforming conventional therapy midst the hopes and high expectations of patients and medical personnel alike. But, because this is a relatively new area of medicine that has yet to substantiate its outcomes, care must be taken in its public presentation and promises as well as in its use. To provide guidance for the responsible, safe, and effective use of biologic therapy in the lumbar spine. To present a template on which to build standardized therapies using biologics. To ground potential administrators of biologics in the knowledge of the current outcome statistics and to stimulate those interested in providing biologic therapy to participate in high quality research that will ultimately promote and further advance this area of medicine. The methodology used has included the development of objectives and key questions. A panel of experts from various medical specialties and subspecialties as well as differing regions collaborated in the formation of these guidelines and submitted (if any) their appropriate disclosures of conflicts of interest. Trustworthy standards were employed in the creation of these guidelines. The literature pertaining to regenerative medicine, its effectiveness, and adverse consequences was thoroughly reviewed using a best evidence synthesis of the available literature. The grading for recommendation was provided as described by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Lumbar Disc Injections: Based on the available evidence regarding the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), including one high-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT), multiple moderate-quality observational studies, a single-arm meta-analysis and evidence from a systematic review, the qualitative evidence has been assessed as Level III (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best-evidence synthesis. Based on the available evidence regarding the use of medicinal signaling/ mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) with a high-quality RCT, multiple moderate-quality observational studies, a single-arm meta-analysis, and 2 systematic reviews, the qualitative evidence has been assessed as Level III (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best evidence synthesis. Lumbar Epidural Injections Based on one high-quality RCT, multiple relevant moderate-quality observational studies and a single-arm meta-analysis, the qualitative evidence has been assessed as Level IV (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best evidence synthesis. Lumbar Facet Joint Injections Based on one high-quality RCT and 2 moderate-quality observational studies, the qualitative evidence for facet joint injections with PRP has been assessed as Level IV (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best evidence synthesis. Sacroiliac Joint Injection Based on one high-quality RCT, one moderate-quality observational study, and one low-quality case report, the qualitative evidence has been assessed as Level IV (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best evidence synthesis. Based on the evidence synthesis summarized above, there is Level III evidence for intradiscal injections of PRP and MSCs, whereas the evidence is considered Level IV for lumbar facet joint, lumbar epidural, and sacroiliac joint injections of PRP, (on a scale of Level I through V) using a qualitative modified approach to the grading of evidence based on best evidence synthesis.Regenerative therapy should be provided to patients following diagnostic evidence of a need for biologic therapy, following a thorough discussion of the patient's needs and expectations, after properly educating the patient on the use and administration of biologics and in full light of the patient's medical history. Regenerative therapy may be provided independently or in conjunction with other modalities of treatment including a structured exercise program, physical therapy, behavioral therapy, and along with the appropriate conventional medical therapy as necessary. Appropriate precautions should be taken into consideration and followed prior to performing biologic therapy. Multiple guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), potential limitations in the use of biologic therapy and the appropriate requirements for compliance with the FDA have been detailed in these guidelines. Regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma, medicinal signaling cells, mesenchymal stem cells, stromal vascular fraction, bone marrow concentrate, chronic low back pain, discogenic pain, facet joint pain, Food and Drug Administration, minimal manipulation, evidence synthesis.

Effects of Different Light Spectra on the Growth Performance and Survival of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Larvae in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

The effects of light-emitting diode (LED) spectra on the survival rate and growth performance of largemouth bass in the nursery stage were explored in this study. By means of recirculating aquaculture systems, largemouth bass larvae (initial body length of 6.5 ±0.23 mm) were reared under four different light spectra: blue (half-peak bandwidth = 429 to 450 nm), green (half-peak bandwidth = 503 to 535 nm), white (320 < λ < 950), and full spectrum. After the 16-day experiment, the results showed that the survival rate was highest for the larvae in the full spectrum group (33.5% ±3.5%) and lowest for the larvae in the blue light group (11.6% ±0.7%). The final body lengths of the larvae under different light spectra was as follows: the full spectrum group had the longest average body length (12.4 ±0.3 mm), followed by the white light group and the green light group, and the larvae in the blue light group had the shortest average body length (12.1 ±0.4 mm). The dorsal and anal fins of the larvae differentiated fastest in the full spectrum group, and the caudal fins differentiated fastest in the green light group. The maximal and minimal malformation rates of the larvae occurred under white light (26.7% ±0.2%) and full spectrum light (16.7% ±0.9%), respectively. The results demonstrated that a full spectrum light environment can improve the survival of largemouth bass larvae and promote their growth and development.

Sleep habits and related factors in kindergarten children.

This study aimed to determine the sleeping habits and sleeping periods of kindergarten children, in order to analyze the problems related to sleep hygiene and determine the underlying factors. The sample size of this cross-sectional study consisted of 390 children. A questionnaire filled in by the parents was used as the data collection tool. The data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests. According to the mothers, 77.2% of the children had their own room at home. Thirty nine percent of children slept with the full light on in their room, 50.3% slept with night light on in their room, 12.3% slept with the radio/television on in their room. Infant sleep practices found in this study are swaddling (18.5%), wrapping of the infant's arms (21.0%), and rocking (58.7%). In terms of sleep hygiene, the vast majority of the children slept in a bright environment, and there were electronic appliances in the room. Common infant-transition-to-sleep practices observed were wrapping their arms and swaddling them. In our point of view, awareness training for parents about the subject will support sleep hygiene practices.

A general strategy for development of a single benzene fluorophore with full-color-tunable, environmentally insensitive, and two-photon solid-state emission.

We report here a single-benzene based fluorescent framework, amino-terephthalonitrile, denoted SB-Fluor. This scaffold displays versatile emission wavelength tunability via structure modification, covering the full visible light spectrum, both in the solution and solid state. Moreover, one molecule, SBF3, exhibits polymorphism-dependent reversible mechanochromic luminescence.

基于单光源的全双工可见光通信系统设计

基于单光源的全双工可见光通信系统设计

Yield response to plant density, row spacing and raised beds in low latitude spring wheat with ample soil resources: An update

This paper reviews the results of published and unpublished experiments over 30 years looking at the effect on yield of planting density and row spacing, and of raised bed planting, of modern irrigated short wheat cultivars under the favourable climatic conditions of northwest Mexico. With optimum planting dates (mid Nov. to mid Dec.), regardless of row spacing, wheat yield was remarkably insensitive to planting density within the range normally studied (80–400 plants/m2). However yield was sensitive to row spacing: the most sensitive cultivars (erect dwarf cultivars) lost yield at spacing 30 cm and greater, while the least sensitive (some taller vigorous semidwarf cultivars) tolerated spacing up to at least 50cm without yield loss. Yield sensitivity to wide spacing was unaffected by density but varied between years, being less in favourable cooler years, and was markedly greater with later plantings (Jan.). The response to yield on narrow raised beds (2–3 rows per bed, 75–90 cm between bed centres), which have many agronomic advantages, could be explained by the aforementioned yield responses to spacing, in this case the furrow gap or distance between rows on adjacent beds being critical. Yield testing with a furrow gap of 44–50 cm appeared to select cultivars more suited to this system, but it wasn’t clear whether such cultivars represented the best option under normal 20 cm row spacing in the absence of raised beds. When testing was extended to very low plant densities, yield was remarkably insensitive (maximum yield often achieved with only 16/m2), provided the planting date was normal and the planting arrangement did not deviate greatly from a square grid, with the honeycomb design giving an additional small yield advantage.These yield responses reflect the great plasticity in wheat imparted especially by tillering, and appear to be reasonably well explained by the notion that maximum yield requires close to full light interception no later than just before flag leaf emergence, being the onset of dry weight accumulation in growing spikes. Greater leaf greenness and probably higher radiation use efficiency with very low densities (and wide gaps), and associated delays in 50% flowering, may also assist in compensation for gaps. In contrast to much conventional wisdom, it is suggested that a worthwhile breeding objective would be selection for high per spaced-plant yield, with a view to achieving normal (or better) commercial yields at very low plant densities (< 20/m2), thereby opening up opportunities for new breeding and agronomic strategies in this era of precision cropping.

Adaptasi Tanaman Indigofera zollingeriana (Miquel 1855) (Leguminosae : Indigofereae) pada Berbagai Tingkat Naungan

Indigofera zollingeriana is a bush type legume plant that grows well in full light but tolerant to shade conditions. Modification efforts of the environment with paranet shade treatment are the accurate approach. The objective of this research was to study the tolerance limit of I. zollingeriana plant at various shade levels. The study was conducted in October 2016-April 2017 at the Leuwikopo-IPB Bogor and used randomized block design with one shade factor (0, 40, 65, and 80%). The results of the measurement of microclimate with various shading levels showed that in the shade treatment 40%, the intensity of light decreased by 40% the temperature decreased by 6%, while the humidity increased by 10%. In the 65% shade, the light intensity decreased by 62%, the temperature decreased by 10%, while the humidity increased by 24%. In the 80% shade, the light intensity decreases 95%, the temperature decreases 13%, while the humidity increases 34%. The shade intensity has a real significant on decreasing stem diameter, number of branches, canopy dry weight, and roots. I. zollingeriana is rather tolerant of shade and it is able to adapt to shade up to 40%.

The design of a polyaniline-decorated three dimensional W18O49 composite for full solar spectrum light driven photocatalytic removal of aqueous nitrite with high N2 selectivity

Photocatalysis using solar energy is the most promising green technology for nitrite removal. However, effective photocatalytic performance is often challenged by the limited light absorption, utilization of expensive noble metals and undesired products (nitrate and ammonium). Here, we report for the first time that a full solar light response polyaniline-decorated three dimensional W18O49 composite (PANI@W18O49), a noble metal-free photocatalyst, possesses excellent photocatalytic activity for aqueous nitrite removal with high N2 selectivity. The prepared sample was thoroughly identified via XRD, Raman, FTIR, SEM, TEM, UV–vis DRS and PL. The catalytic results demonstrated that over 80% N2 selectivity (initial concentration 1.0 mM) was achieved through the PANI@W18O49 without sacrificial agent under 300 W Xe lamp irradiation for 60 min. Such advantages were attributed to the built-in junction between n-type W18O49 and p-type PANI, offering suitable redox levels of electron-hole pairs for NO2− reaction. The modification of PANI also benefited the light harvesting ability and activated carriers migration, the calculated rate constant of PANI@W18O49 is about four times as high as that of W18O49. The current study not only prepared a promising photocatalyst, but also provides new insights into improving the photocatalytic activity and N2 selectivity for nitrite treatment.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ИННОВАЦИЙ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯМИ ТУРИСТСКОЙ ОТРАСЛИ: ПРОБЛЕМА ДОСТИЖЕНИЯ УСТОЙЧИВОГО ЭКОЛОГО-ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО РАЗВИТИЯ И ПУТИ ЕЕ РЕШЕНИЯ

The important task for economic entities of tourist industry is to achieve optimal and longstanding balance between ecological and economical parameters. The article suggests creating the basis for the economic units’ activity in tourist industry by implementing modern technological innovations. It has been recommended to choose real locations which could give a start for improvement of a business unit, with regard to available requirements and resources. The researches have been conducted on the base of the hypotheses of Goldratt’e theory of constraints. There have been given recommendations that provide business entities modernization; in particular, they ensure the trouble-free operation of vertical wind generators and microturbines in industrial processes of tourist economic units. The vertical wind generator has the shape of a corkscrew; it works steadily with a small wind force and does not generate vibration, unlike traditional blade devices. This is extremely important for coastal zones with developed tourism infrastructure. Such structures provide unlimited prospects for using them as an autonomous source of electricity in places remote from centralized power supply; they can be used on rooftops. Microturbines have many advantages compared to conventional gas piston units (internal combustion engines): high efficiency, full light insulation, small volume. The undeniable advantage of using microturbines is the fact that they can work on low-quality gas, which is generated by enterprises of the tourist industry even from the household waste. At maximum speed, the microturbine has power of 12 kW. Modern microturbines have a resource of about 100,000 hours, that is, about ten years with regular maintenance of the turbine once a year. It has been stated that vertical wind generators and microturbines can be produced by 70% in the framework of additive technologies. They can be performed by using a 3D printer. The proposals used will help to achieve the sustainable ecological and economic development of certain business units.

Novel broad spectrum light responsive PPy/hexagonal-SnS2 photocatalyst for efficient photoreduction of Cr(VI)

Broad spectrum light response and high photo-carrier separation efficiency are two key postulates for promising photocatalysts. In this perspective, polypyrrole (PPy) modified hexagonal SnS2 nanosheet composites were firstly designed via in-situ polymerization method and used for Cr(VI) reduction with broad spectrum light (UV–vis-NIR) driven. Results indicated that 15-PPy/SnS2 composite material not only has good photocatalytic performance in the visible region (λ > 420 nm), but also has a great improvement in the visible (λ > 550 nm) and near-infrared (λ > 760 nm). With the analysis of EIS, PL and transient photocurrent responses, PPy can observably accelerate the separation of electrons-holes pair in the photocatalytic reaction. Trapping experiments indicated that e− and O2− all played master roles in the photoreduction process. Based on the trapping experiments and the Mott-Schottky analysis, a possible mechanism is proposed. This work will provide a thinking to construct other SnS2-based photocatalysts for efficient Cr(VI) reduction with full spectrum light utilization.

Light intensity controls rhizosphere respiration rate and rhizosphere priming effect of soybean and sunflower

Rhizosphere respiration (Rroot) and rhizosphere priming effect (RPE) are crucial for regulating soil carbon dynamics. However, their responses to light intensity are not fully resolved. We investigated Rroot and RPE of soybean and sunflower using a continuous isotope-labeling technique. The two species were subjected to five levels of light intensity in a growth chamber. Plants were maintained at full light from seeding for 45 or 59 days, and switched to shading treatments for four days. Soil respiration was partitioned into root- and soil-derived CO2 during the last five days (day0, full light; day1–4, shading). Both soybean and sunflower Rroot showed significant positive relationships with light intensity, particularly after one day of shading. Moreover, both plants showed positive RPE (44–98%) at full light, but with increasing duration and intensity of shading, the RPE declined and even became negative (up to –20%). Indeed, a positive relationship between light intensity and RPE was observed in both species. Overall, our results showed that shading, by influencing light intensity and presumably photosynthesis rate and belowground carbon allocation, exerts a significant control of rhizosphere respiration rate and priming effect of the two species.

Quantitative Evaluation of Electric Light Recipes for Red Leaf Lettuce Cultivation in Plant Factories

Red leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa) has high nutritional value and is frequently used in salads. In a plant factory with full electric lighting, if the spectrum is incorrect, then red leaf lettuce will have incomplete coloration. This study aimed to establish a light recipe for the mass production of red leaf lettuce using electric light sources in a plant factory by using indicators for quantitative assessment, including energy yield (EY) [grams of fresh weight (FW) harvested per kilowatt hour of electricity input for lighting], photon yield (PY) (grams of FW harvested per mole of photons delivered), anthocyanin yield per kilowatt hour (EYA), and anthocyanin yield per photon (PYA). First, the effects of four types of light quality on FW and anthocyanin content were examined. Then, two types of light quality, light-emitting diode with a red-to-blue photon ratio of 80:20 (R80:B20) and R20:B80, were selected for an experiment involving five treatments. An optimum light recipe (SR5SB1) including R80:B20 treatment during the early stage of cultivation (weeks 1 through 5 after sowing) followed by R20:B80 treatment during the final stage (week 6) was proposed. The SR5SB1 treatment led to FW, EYA, and PYA of 87.8 g/plant, 1.63 mg/kWh, and 0.57 mg·mol–1, respectively. This treatment resulted in the highest EYA and PYA, with 159% and 256% more anthocyanin productivity, respectively, compared with cool white treatment (with FW, EYA, and PYA of 65.8 g/plant, 0.63 mg/kWh, and 0.16 mg·mol–1, respectively). The proposed SR5SB1 light recipe enabled cultivation of red leaf lettuce with a balanced yield and anthocyanin production.

El reflejo de Giraldi Cinthio en la Inglaterra de Shakespeare

Abstract – Without any kind of doubt Shakespeare found in Giraldi Cinthio’s Ecatommiti useful scripts, which his genius has explored powerfully in his Othello and Measure for Measure. For this last work, Shakespeare could also have used Giraldi’s tragedy Epitia . The question is if Shakespeare knew enough Italian to read these texts in the original or if he was helped by the literate community of Italian refugees in London. Through a close study of the Novelle as well as the tragedy Epitia , the nexus between Giraldi and Shakespeare comes in full light. We will mainly focus our attention on Shakespeare’s deep insight into the psychology of the characters –mostly hinted in Giraldi’s works– and his gorgeous use of language.