Light Pollution Research Articles

Optimizing Urban Street Lighting: A Smart Approach using IOT

Abstract: This project presents a street light detection system using Arduino, LED, LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), IR (Infrared) sensors, resistors, and a breadboard. The aim of the project is to automate street lighting based on the ambient light conditions, thereby optimizing energy consumption and enhancing safety. The system utilizes LDRs to measure the ambient light intensity and IR sensors to detect the presence of vehicles or pedestrians. The Arduino microcontroller processes the sensor inputs and controls the operation of the streetlights accordingly. The system incorporates a breadboard for easy prototyping and connectivity. Upon detecting low ambient light levels and the absence of vehicles or pedestrians, the Arduino triggers the LED street lights to turn on. Conversely, when the ambient light levels are high or a vehicle or pedestrian is detected, the Arduino instructs the LEDs to turn off, conserving energy and reducing light pollution. To ensure accurate light detection, appropriate resistors are used to calibrate the LDRs and IR sensors. This allows for precise measurement and detection thresholds, enhancing the reliability of the system.

INFLUENCE OF COMBINED EFFECT OF CONSTANT ILLUMINATION AND CHRONIC ALCOHOL INTOXICATION ON HEPATOCYTE ULTRASTRUCTURE IN MALE AND FEMALE WISTAR RATS

Light pollution causes melatonin deficiency and circadian rhythm disruption. Thus, it is associated with hepatopathy. Circadian rhythm disruption increases liver damage from alcohol and the severity of alcoholism.
 The aim of the study was to examine the combined effect of constant illumination and chronic alcohol intoxication (CAI) on hepatocyte ultrastructure in male and female rats.
 Materials and Methods. The study was carried out on 120 male and 80 female Wistar outbred rats aged 6 months. The experiment lasted 3 weeks. Differences in morphological patterns of hepatocyte ultrastructure were visually assessed. The percentage of hepatocytes containing lipid vacuoles was calculated.
 Results. Constant illumination and chronic alcohol intoxication caused allostasis. Hepatocyte edema, mitochondria swelling, karyopyknosis, fatty degeneration, and hepatocyte death were detected in the liver cells of male and female rats. The above-mentioned pathological changes were less severe in females. Moreover, collagen layers did not proliferate into the liver tissues in female rats. So, we can conclude that the combined effect of constant illumination and CAI do not lead to inflammatory changes and architectural distortion in the liver of female rats. Taking into account the morphological picture of the liver of male and female rats and a number of biochemical parameters that describe its functional state, the obtained data on gender differences in the hepatocyte ultrastructure in rats exposed to CAI and constant illumination allow us to report that hepatocyte adaptation to stress is more successful in female rats than in male ones.

Mitigating urban light pollution: A review of municipal regulations and implications for planners

ABSTRACT Propelled by more energy-efficient technologies such as light-emitting diodes, the growth of outdoor light at night is raising concerns about light pollution (LP). Given mounting evidence of LP’s risks to human wellbeing, nature and wildlife, and views of the dark sky, this paper examines the extent to which LP concerns are addressed in land use plans, policies, and regulations in nine U.S. cities, including Flagstaff, Arizona, a city known for its model lighting code. Through a review of zoning and other ordinances, area and sectoral plans and policies, media reports, and interviews with planners, this study documents that LP has yet to be taken seriously in municipal codes of most study cities. Drawing from the Flagstaff model, it offers recommendations for evidence-based, objective standards for three key dimensions of LP-mitigation: limiting total illumination or lumens per acre, shielding of lamps, and specifying luminaire characteristics. ABBREVIATIONS AMA: American Medical Association; APA: American Planning Association; CCT: Correlated Color Temperature; CRI: Color Rendition Index; ESCO: Energy Service Companies; f.c.: foot candle; HPS: High-Pressure Sodium; IDA: International Dark-Sky Association; LED: Light-Emitting Diode; LP: Light Pollution; LPS: Low-Pressure Sodium; LZ: Lighting Zone; NSA: Narrow-Spectrum Amber

Contrast Enhancement-Based Preprocessing Process to Improve Deep Learning Object Task Performance and Results

Excessive lighting or sunlight can make it difficult to judge visually. The same goes for cameras that function like the human eye. In the field of computer vision, object tasks have a significant impact on performance depending on how much object information is provided. Light presents difficulties in recognizing objects, and recognition is not easy in shadows or dark areas. In this paper, we propose a contrast enhancement-based preprocessing process to obtain improved results in object recognition tasks by solving problems that occur due to light or lighting conditions. The proposed preprocessing process involves the steps of extracting optimal values, generating optimal images, and evaluating quality and similarity, and it can be applied to the generation of training and input data. As a result of an experiment in which the preprocessing process was applied to an object task, the object task results for areas with shadows or low contrast were improved while the existing performance was maintained for datasets that require contrast enhancement technology.

Effects of Artificial Light at Night on Fitness-Related Traits of Sea Urchin (Heliocidaris crassispina).

Limited data are available regarding the effects of elevated coastal artificial light at night (ALAN) on intertidal echinoderms. In this study, we investigated the behavioral, morphological, and physiological responses of the sea urchin (Heliocidaris crassispina) after continuous exposure to ALAN at light intensities of 0.1, 300, and 600 Lux for 6 weeks. Our findings revealed that ALAN at 300 Lux substantially reduced food consumption, Lantern weight, and gonadosomatic index (GSI). On the other hand, ALAN at 600 Lux notably prolonged the righting and covering response times and elevated the 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio, while concurrently decreasing food consumption, body weight, Lantern weight, GSI, and Pax6 gene expression. These results indicated that continuous exposure to ALAN could cause an adverse effect on fitness-related traits, including behavioral responses, growth, reproductive performance, and photoreception of sea urchins. The present study provides new insights on the impact of light pollution on echinoderms.

A Comparative Analysis of Karplus Learning Cycle Model and Ausubel Meaningful Learning Model on Children's Environmental Pollution Cognition

Environmental education aims to raise individuals who have the necessary environmental knowledge, positive environmental attitudes, and active participation in the solution of environmental problems. It is necessary to use an effective teaching model in environmental education. The study aims comparing the academic success of secondary school students in teaching environmental problems in the light of Karplus's learning cycle model (Inquiry) and Ausubel's meaningful learning model (Direct) in terms of metropolitan-centred students (experimental group) and rural-centred students (control group). In addition, the important thing in questioning is to reveal the relationship of prior knowledge with open-ended questions asked by metropolitan-centred students. In this study, 164 5th-grade students' thoughts on environmental problems, their level of producing solutions, and their academic achievements were examined. A mixed design was used in the research. A case study, which was one of the research methods, was used for qualitative data, and an independent sample t-tests and paired sample t-tests were used for quantitative data. During the data collection process, the experimental and control groups were given a pre-test before the application, then news videos containing environmental problems were watched by the experimental group, while the control group was taught with universal visuals. At the end of the lesson, the same achievement test was applied to both groups as a post-test and the change was examined. The whole application took a total of 8 lesson hours for both groups. As a result of the study, a statistically significant difference was found between the achievements of the experimental group students and the success of the control group students. In the qualitative data of the experimental group students, it was observed that they mostly commented on water pollution, air pollution, and forest destruction. In addition, the problems that individuals perceived least correctly were the visual pollution, noise pollution, and light pollution, accepted as the normality of big city life intertwined with daily life. It is clear that student-centred teaching models, like the Karpus Learning Cycle model will further increase the learning and student’s awareness.

Low-cost air, noise, and light pollution measuring station with wireless communication and tinyML

Different types of environmental pollution cause negative consequences to ecosystems throughout the globe, which humanity is now trying to mitigate. It is necessary to know the level of pollution problems in the immediate environment, to evaluate the impact of human activities, and mitigation strategies necessary to ensure habitability. For this reason, in this work, a low-cost pollution measurement station for outdoor or indoor use is proposed and developed that measures air pollution (particulate matter and CO2), noise (level and direction), light pollution (power and multispectral), and also relative humidity and ambient temperature. The system stores the data in an SD memory or transmits data in real-time to the internet via WiFi. The purposes of the system are to be used in environmental studies, to deploy monitoring networks, or to ensure the habitability of a living or working space. The prototype integrates the measurement of the different sources of contamination in a single compact device at USD$ 628.12 without sacrificing measurement accuracy. The system is validated for each variable with reference equipment, obtaining an average error of approximately 2.67% in the measurement of all the variables measured. The system is easy to assemble and has an option for power supply using solar photovoltaic devices and an alternative for connection to 2G/3G mobile networks.

Light pollution risk rating based on linear dynamic discrete model

Nowadays, with the development of modern society, it has been more and more difficult for us to see the stars at night[1]. What shaded them? The answer is the “evil light”--light pollution. According to the study, light pollution not only harms people's physical health but also their mental health. To solve this problem[2], a model was created to classify and mark the level of light pollution in any place in the world. Its essence is a deterministic dynamic linear discrete model. This paper first studied different kinds of formula related to the treatment on soil and water. Then this paper compared the characteristics of the light pollution with them and found the differences and similarities which can improve our formula. Finally, to get a obtain a widely applicable index system, a linear weight formula was created, which is for light pollution only. Besides, created the optical intrusion formula and the average glare intensity formula. After comparing with the linear weight formula, the paper choosen the linear weight formula for its flexibility and wide use. Secondly, to make the model more accuracy, the paper selected factors that have strong impact on the light pollution. There are too many factors that can influence the light pollution, though some of them only take a little part in. The paper used the Topsis and factor analysis to find out the factors and their weights. Then this paper developed a scoring system based on the data provided by government. Finally, after searching the data for 57 protected areas, 67 rural communities, 64 suburban communities and 76 urban communities and applying them to the model and calculating, we got the final degree for each samples. And the average marks for each kind of place are0.83,0.69,0.51and0.18(preserve two decimal places). The results are very close to the reality and we used the optical imaging to help you better understand them.

Research on Light Pollution System Based on Innovative Evaluation Method and Particle Swarm Optimization Grey Prediction Method

The control of light pollution is an important part of people's urban health. An accurate index system of quantitative light pollution level is of great significance for controlling light pollution, saving energy, and improving social happiness index. After obtaining the combined weight evaluation model, in order to verify the reliability of the index system in various regions, based on the grey prediction theory, combined with the advantages of PSO algorithm in model accuracy and predictability, the light pollution risk level in Shanghai was evaluated and predicted, and specific intervention strategies for light pollution remediation were proposed.

Research on the Evaluation System of Light Pollution Risk Index

Light pollution is the general term for the sum of various harmful effects of artificial light. This report aims to establish a light pollution risk level evaluation model through light pollution risk assessment, and provide effective intervention strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of light pollution. First of all, the report follows the principle of scientific and comprehensive, and establishes a comprehensive evaluation system for the risk level of light pollution. Then, the corresponding data were collected, 19 indicators such as average night illumination, electricity consumption, glare index, artificial light intensity were selected as evaluation indicators, and the entropy weight method-TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation model was constructed to quantify the data, and the weights of each index were determined, and it was found that the proportion of glare index and community lighting weight was the largest. Then, applied to four different types of sites, the level of light pollution risk in different regions was discussed. Finally, the stability of the data is verified and it is concluded that prosperous cities have the highest light pollution levels, while protected areas have lower light pollution levels. The model passed the stability test, and a variety of visualization methods were used in the article to make the results more intuitive.

Light pollution assessment study based on AHP-CI-VCW model

Light pollution has become increasingly serious in recent years. In order to better understand and mitigate the ecological and biological impacts of light pollution, a model was developed in this paper to measure the regional light pollution risk level. We developed the AHP-CI-VCW model. Based on the four main influencing factors of weather, reflection, air quality, and lighting, as well as the upper limit Ei for each indicator, we developed daytime and nighttime light pollution assessment models using hierarchical analysis and integrated index method, respectively. After that, we established the visual contrast weighting method, and assigned the scores of these two models to W1=1/7 and W2=6/7, respectively, and the two scores were summed to obtain the light pollution risk score of the region. We then selected protected areas such as the Grand Canyon of Colorado, rural Ashland, suburban Yonkers, and urban Washington to assess the light pollution risk level. We reviewed the local data and introduced them into the AHP-CI-VCW model and calculated scores of 1.117 for Colorado Grand Canyon, 1.975 for Ashland, 2.617 for Yonkers, and 2.815 for Washington, D.C. Using satellite light remote sensing maps, we validated the results and determined the light pollution risk levels for these four areas as none, low, moderate and high.

Research on Comprehensive Evaluation Model Based on AHP-EWM

Light pollution is becoming more and more serious due to the indiscriminate use of light by human beings. Light pollution is an inevitable negative impact in the process of urban development, and the degree of urban development is often inherently linked to the severity of pollution. This paper establishes a risk assessment model for light pollution using the entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process to provide effective policy interventions for light pollution prevention and control. According to our research results, the higher the LPS (Light Pollution Score) value, the more severe the light pollution in the area. Through the calculation of our model, this paper eventually got the assessment scores of China's Greater Khingan Mountains, PUMA Township in Nevada, the suburb of St. Louis in Missouri, and Chinatown in San Francisco are 5.18475, 7.58404, 6.44596 and 14.50219, respectively.

Research on the Light Pollution Risk Index Model Based on Entropy Weight Method and TOPSIS

This paper applies entropy weight method and TOPSIS ideal solution method, multiple linear and linear regression, the least squares method and sensitivity analysis to the light pollution problem, and firstly, it discusses how to measure light pollution risk levels using multiple factors, and then explores different influencing factors for specific areas by controlling for variables and conducting a regional analysis of four urban areas in Beijing, while verifying the validity of the indicator model in an example. Next, this paper develops and tests three intervention strategies for light pollution risk levels, establishes a correlation model, and uses case studies to analyze what reasonable and effective interventions people should take. Finally, the successful implementation of this strategy may increase people's knowledge and environmental awareness of light pollution through leaflets to educate the population and thus reduce the possibility of light pollution flooding, in order to construct light pollution risk indicators, the evaluation criteria were determined based on the TOPSIS method combined with urban light pollution, normalized matrices, and a normalization method was used to standardize the score of each indicator into a relative score with weighted weights.

Artificial light and neurodegeneration: does light pollution impact the development of Alzheimer's disease?

Two multidimensional problems of recent times - Alzheimer's disease and light pollution - seem to be more interrelated than previously expected. A series of studies in years explore the pathogenesis and the course of Alzheimer's disease, yet the mechanisms underlying this pathology remain not fully discovered and understood. Artificial lights which accompany civilization on a daily basis appear to have more detrimental effects on both environment and human health than previously anticipated. Circadian rhythm is affected by inappropriate lighting conditions in particular. The consequences are dysregulation of the sleep-wake cycle, gene expression, neuronal restructuring, brain's electricity, blood flow, metabolites' turnover, and gut microbiota as well. All these phenomena may contribute to neurodegeneration and consequently Alzheimer's disease. There is an increasing number of research underlining the complexity of the correlation between light pollution and Alzheimer's disease; however, additional studies to enhance the key tenets are required for a better understanding of this relationship.

Remedy of “White Nights”: A widely Applicable Light Pollution Evaluation System

Owing to the frequent presence of "white nights" recently, light pollution prevention and control measures are in great demand to resist the potential harm to humans and organisms. In this paper, we determined the light pollution risk evaluation index system from four dimensions to accurately measure light pollution risk levels in different types of areas. On this basis, the Revenue-Efficiency Index was introduced to measure sustainability. In response to the above analysis indicators, we proposed an advisable intervention strategy for glass curtain walls and confirmed its effectiveness through simulation. The indicator system was built by picking 40 countries with different levels of light radiation, and various indicators were chosen in multiple dimensions, thus the model is relatively reliable and universal.

A Comprehensive Approach based on GIS-LP model on Light Pollution

The escalating global concern over light pollution necessitates a comprehensive framework for effective control measures. This paper proposes a novel approach by establishing an evaluation index model. Direct impact factors are graded through GIS analysis, while LP-AHP and LP-IEW models determine the weight of indirect factors. A comprehensive risk index is derived by combining these approaches using Euclidean distance. The evaluation index model is applied to analyze protected land, rural, suburban, and urban areas, resulting in the creation of a light pollution risk level distribution map.

Evaluation Model of Light Pollution Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process

With the rapid development of the global economy, light pollution has become a new type of environmental pollution. In this paper, we propose a model to measure the degree of light pollution in a certain region (MDLP). In MDLP, we first consider the light demand of an area in relation to its population, GDP, and built-up area, so we apply the hierarchical analysis method (AHP) to calculate the weight of each factor and finally arrive at the light demand rate. Then We take into account environmental, social, amount of light factors when designing MDLP model. Finally, the results obtained for different indexes were graded and fitted with Bortle grades. This thesis provides theoretical support for study by sorting out the factors of the light pollution in city at night.

The civil liability for the damage caused by light pollution applying to astronomical observatories Helwan and El-Kattamya

The civil liability for the damage caused by light pollution applying to astronomical observatories Helwan and El-Kattamya

Phenotypic signatures of urbanization? Resident, but not migratory, songbird eye size varies with urban-associated light pollution levels.

Urbanization now exposes large portions of the earth to sources of anthropogenic disturbance, driving rapid environmental change and producing novel environments. Changes in selective pressures as a result of urbanization are often associated with phenotypic divergence; however, the generality of phenotypic change remains unclear. In this study, we examined whether morphological phenotypes in two residential species (Carolina Wren [Thryothorus ludovicianus] and Northern Cardinal [Cardinalis cardinalis]) and two migratory species (Painted Bunting [Passerina ciris], and White-eyed Vireo [Vireo griseus]), differed between urban core and edge habitats in San Antonio, Texas, USA. More specifically, we examined whether urbanization, associated sensory pollution (light and noise) and brightness (open, bright areas cause by anthropogenic land use) influenced measures of avian body (mass and frame size) and lateral eye size. We found no differences in body size between urban core and edge habitats for all species except the Painted Bunting, in which core-urban individuals were smaller. Rather than a direct effect of urbanization, this was due to differences in age structure between habitats, with urban-core areas consisting of higher proportions of younger buntings which are, on average, smaller than older birds. Residential birds inhabiting urban-core areas had smaller eyes compared to their urban-edge counterparts, resulting from a negative association between eye size and light pollution and brightness across study sites; notably, we found no such association in the two migratory species. Our findings demonstrate how urbanization may indirectly influence phenotypes by altering population demographics and highlight the importance of accounting for age when assessing factors driving phenotypic change. We also provide some of the first evidence that birds may adapt to urban environments through changes in their eye morphology, demonstrating the need for future research into relationships among eye size, ambient light microenvironment use, and disassembly of avian communities as a result of urbanization.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Surface Water of Harike Wetland, India: Source and Health Risk Assessment

Amidst industrialization and urbanization, wetlands face pollution challenges. We investigated the seasonal distribution of five heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn) in the surface water of Harike wetland. The surface water samples were collected from four different stations selected along Harike wetland. Our results indicate As, Cr, and Zn levels were within WHO standards, however, Cd in winter (7.07 µg/L), monsoon (4.45 µg/L), and post-monsoon seasons (3.13 µg/L) exceeded the limits. Pb surpassed the standards in winter (278 µg/L) and monsoon seasons (14.5 µg/L). In winter, Pb and Cd had higher levels, and the pollution level was classified as moderate. Cd, however, was categorized under light pollution status during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The health risk assessment indicated that the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for both ingestion and dermal pathways were within the safety limits (HQ < 1 and HI < 1) for both population groups (adults and children). The multivariate statistical analysis reported the correlation and further indicated different sources of heavy metals from nearby industries, agriculture, and mining. This research highlights the importance of continued monitoring and emphasizes the potential for positive environmental changes, as exemplified by the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings hold global relevance and offer valuable input for the development of precise action plans aimed at elevating water quality standards on an international scale.