Moderate Light Research Articles

Microstructure tailoring of red-emitting AlN-CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ composite phosphor ceramics with higher optical properties for laser lighting

Laser lighting is superior to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in brightness, beam aperture and efficiency, which largely depends on the light extraction efficiency and thermal properties of color converters. In this paper, we proposed to improve the light extraction efficiency of red-emitting AlN-CaAlSiN3:Eu composite phosphor ceramics by controlling the light scattering, and to improve the thermal conductivity of the phosphor ceramics by increasing grain size. The composite phosphor ceramics with moderate light scattering and high thermal conductivity can be obtained by gas pressure sintering (GPS) and the followed hot isostatic pressing (HIP). The saturation threshold of the sample is increased from 7.0 to 10.8 W, and the luminous flux is enhanced from 32.3 to 51.0 lm after the HIP post-treatment, which is 55.5% higher than the previously reported dense AlN-CaAlSiN3:Eu composite phosphor ceramics (32.8 lm). This work emphasizes the role of pore size distribution in light extraction efficiency of phosphor ceramics.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Caries and Periapical Lesions on a Monitor with and without DICOM-GSDF Calibration Under Different Ambient Light Conditions.

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of caries and periapical lesions on a monitor with and without DICOM part 14: grayscale standard display function (DICOM-GSDF) calibration under different ambient light conditions. Forty digital bitewing radiographs were selected, with or without radiographic images of carious lesions and forty digital periapical radiographs with or without periapical lesions were selected from archives of the Radiology Department at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Sergipe. The gold standard radiographic images were determined through consensus between two radiologists with more than 15 and 30 years of experience. The selected radiographs were evaluated on a LG LED monitor with and without DICOM-GSDF calibration under different ambient light conditions: Lx1 (low ambient lighting), Lx2 (moderate ambient lighting) and Lx3 (high ambient lighting). Kappa (Kw) values determined that evaluator 1 showed almost perfect agreement for all devices, while evaluator 2 presented a substantial agreement for all devices. Monitors with and without DICOM-GSDF calibration have similar accuracy values. The three ambient light conditions analyzed have similar accuracy and can be used for caries lesions diagnosis (p > 0.05); however, the best diagnostic accuracy of periapical lesions was found in Lx 2. The displays with and without DICOM-GSDF calibration studied in this research have similar accuracy and can be used to evaluate digital radiographs without changing the diagnostic capacity. The different ambient lighting conditions did not influence the evaluation of caries lesions. The best diagnostic accuracy of periapical lesions was found in moderate ambient lighting.

BBX16 mediates the repression of seedling photomorphogenesis downstream of the GUN1/GLK1 module during retrograde signalling.

Summary Plastid‐to‐nucleus retrograde signalling (RS) initiated by dysfunctional chloroplasts impact photomorphogenic development. We have previously shown that the transcription factor GLK1 acts downstream of the RS regulator GUN1 in photodamaging conditions to regulate not only the well established expression of photosynthesis‐associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) but also to regulate seedling morphogenesis. Specifically, the GUN1/GLK1 module inhibits the light‐induced phytochrome‐interacting factor (PIF)‐repressed transcriptional network to suppress cotyledon development when chloroplast integrity is compromised, modulating the area exposed to potentially damaging high light. However, how the GUN1/GLK1 module inhibits photomorphogenesis upon chloroplast damage remained undefined.Here, we report the identification of BBX16 as a novel direct target of GLK1. BBX16 is induced and promotes photomorphogenesis in moderate light and is repressed via GUN1/GLK1 after chloroplast damage. Additionally, we showed that BBX16 represents a regulatory branching point downstream of GUN1/GLK1 in the regulation of PhANG expression and seedling development upon RS activation.The gun1 phenotype in lincomycin and the gun1‐like phenotype of GLK1OX are markedly suppressed in gun1bbx16 and GLK1OXbbx16.This study identified BBX16 as the first member of the BBX family involved in RS, and defines a molecular bifurcation mechanism operated by GLK1/BBX16 to optimise seedling de‐etiolation, and to ensure photoprotection in unfavourable light conditions.

Mafic dykes of the southeastern Gawler Craton: ca 1564 Ma magmatism with an enriched mantle source

This study investigates the age and composition of a suite of mafic dykes in the southeastern Gawler Craton. Mafic dykes intrude the gneissic fabric of the ca 1850 Ma Donington Suite and were previously interpreted to have been emplaced at ca 1845 Ma. However, sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe U–Pb dating of zircon within one of these mafic dykes shows it was emplaced at 1564 ± 4 Ma. The sampled dyke also contains a population of inherited zircon cores with an age of 1770 ± 6 Ma, and one grain with an age of ca 1860 Ma, likely derived from country rock. Whole-rock geochemistry from this dyke and nearby dykes with similar structural and mineralogical features show that there is a suite of dykes in the region with gabbroic, low SiO2 and TiO2 contents and tholeiitic characteristics. The dykes are enriched in Ba, K and Rb, with low to moderate MgO, Ni and Cr contents, and moderate light rare earth element enrichment. Negative Nb and Ta anomalies with subtle negative Ti anomalies suggest some interaction with continental crust. Sm–Nd isotopic data have εNd(1560 Ma) between −6.8 and −2.9, and depleted mantle model ages >2.5 Ga. Th/Nb ratios are 0.21–0.73 consistent with a metasomatised, subduction modified lithospheric mantle source. The relatively primitive nature of the tholeiites suggests the crustal-like signatures are inherited from the source region, which likely represents an enriched continental lithospheric mantle in the eastern Gawler Craton. This ca 1564 Ma mafic magmatism is newly named the Daly Head Metadolerite. In addition, narrow high-strain zones overprint the dated mafic dyke and locally the Donington Suite wall rocks. A syn-kinematic granitic dyke intrusion within one high-strain zone has been dated via laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb zircon methods and was emplaced at ca 1555 Ma. This localised ca 1555 Ma deformation is a previously unrecognised tectonic event in the southern Gawler Craton. This study adds to the growing database showing magmatism and deformation in the Gawler Craton continued after the voluminous Gawler Range Volcanics and Hiltaba Suite magmatism (ca 1596–1575 Ma). These younger tectono-magmatic events typically occur around the margins of the Gawler Craton, suggesting the internal ‘core’ of the craton may have been substantially less fertile for melting during these younger thermal/structural events, likely because of the high-temperature nature of the early Mesoproterozoic Gawler Range Volcanics and Hiltaba Suite magmatism. KEY POINTS Geochronology shows mafic dykes in southeastern Gawler Craton emplaced at 1564 ± 4 Ma. Mafic dykes are tholeiitic, derived from a metasomatised, subduction modified lithospheric mantle source. Narrow high-strain zones overprint the dated mafic dyke and contain syn-kinematic granitic dyke dated at ca 1555 Ma. Localisation of post-ca 1575 Ma tectono-magmatic events occur around margins of the craton, reflecting reduced melt fertility in the centre owing to previous high-temperature events.

Transcriptome and metabolome analyses of the immune response to light stress in the hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀)

Light intensity is an important environmental factor that affects fish growth and health through multiple physiological activities and metabolism and eventually impacts aquaculture harvest. There is a need to evaluate the fish stress response to light intensities, which will benefit aquaculture. Here, hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀) was treated with three light intensities for evaluation of the light stress response, including high light intensity (1 250 lx), low light intensity (10 lx) and moderate light intensity (250 lx). Transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 71 318 unigene sequences were obtained with an N50 of 2 589 bp. Compared to the control group (250 lx), 1 697 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), a considerable quantity, were detected in the 1 250 lx group. Among those genes, 548 were upregulated, and the remaining 149 genes showed decreased expression. Comparatively small numbers of DEGs were detected in the 10 lx group; 54 out of 103 genes exhibited upregulated expression, and 49 genes showed downregulation. For further KEGG analysis, 82 DEGs were enriched in nine common signalling pathways in immunity, of which 73 DEGs were significantly inhibited in the 1 250 lx group. In contrast, only 11 DEGs were enriched in three immunity pathways, with nine DEGs showing a significant increase in the 10 lx group. The metabolome analysis revealed 59 and 44 differential metabolites (DMs) from the 1 250 lx and 10 lx groups, respectively. Of note, those DMs from the 1 250 lx-treated group were tendentiously involved in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways, while the purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways were mostly found in the 10 lx treatment group. In summary, our data indicated that high light intensity significantly inhibited the immune response in hybrid grouper, while low light intensity presented low stimulation of immune activity. In addition, both high and low light intensity could inhibit protein synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Taken together, hybrid grouper exhibited a much milder stress response to low light intensity than to high light intensity.

Depinning of Multiphase Fluid Using Light and Photo-Responsive Surfactants.

The development of noninvasive and robust strategies for manipulation of droplets and bubbles is crucial in applications such as boiling and condensation, electrocatalysis, and microfluidics. In this work, we realize the swift departure of droplets and bubbles from solid substrates by introducing photoresponsive surfactants and applying asymmetric illumination, thereby inducing a “photo-Marangoni” lift force. Experiments show that a pinned toluene droplet can depart the substrate in only 0.38 s upon illumination, and the volume of an air bubble at departure is reduced by 20%, indicating significantly faster departure. These benefits can be achieved with moderate light intensities and dilute surfactant concentrations, without specially fabricated substrates, which greatly facilitates practical applications. Simulations suggest that the net departure force includes contributions from viscous stresses directly caused by the Marangoni flow, as well as from pressure buildup due to flow stagnation at the contact line. The manipulation scheme proposed here shows potential for applications requiring droplet and bubble removal from working surfaces.

Photorespiration Alleviates Photoinhibition of Photosystem I under Fluctuating Light in Tomato.

Fluctuating light (FL) is a typical natural light stress that can cause photodamage to photosystem I (PSI). However, the effect of growth light on FL-induced PSI photoinhibition remains controversial. Plants grown under high light enhance photorespiration to sustain photosynthesis, but the contribution of photorespiration to PSI photoprotection under FL is largely unknown. In this study, we examined the photosynthetic performance under FL in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) plants grown under high light (HL-plants) and moderate light (ML-plants). After an abrupt increase in illumination, the over-reduction of PSI was lowered in HL-plants, resulting in a lower FL-induced PSI photoinhibition. HL-plants displayed higher capacities for CO2 fixation and photorespiration than ML-plants. Within the first 60 s after transition from low to high light, PSII electron transport was much higher in HL-plants, but the gross CO2 assimilation rate showed no significant difference between them. Therefore, upon a sudden increase in illumination, the difference in PSII electron transport between HL- and ML-plants was not attributed to the Calvin–Benson cycle but was caused by the change in photorespiration. These results indicated that the higher photorespiration in HL-plants enhanced the PSI electron sink downstream under FL, which mitigated the over-reduction of PSI and thus alleviated PSI photoinhibition under FL. Taking together, we here for the first time propose that photorespiration acts as a safety valve for PSI photoprotection under FL.

Effect of light and stocking density on performance, breast muscle yield and potential damage caused by feather pecking in two strains of commercial Pekin ducks

Context Minimal information is available as to the optimal stocking density and light intensity for best performance of commercial ducks. Aims To investigate the effects of stocking density and light intensity on commercial Pekin duck production. Methods Cherry Valley and Grimaud Freres Pekin ducks were housed at stocking densities of 4.4 (low), 5.2 (medium) and 6 (high) birds/m2 and from 8 to 41 days of age at 6 lux (low) and 45 lux (moderate) light intensities. On Days 14, 28, and 41 of age all ducks were individually weighed, and pen feed and water intakes recorded. On Day 41, one male and female from each pen was euthanised and breast muscle weight determined. At Weeks 3 and 4 all birds were individually examined, for extent of feather and skin damage. Key results In all weeks, the Grimaud Freres birds had higher liveweight than Cherry Valley birds. Only at Week 4, birds under low light had higher liveweight than those at moderate light intensity. At Week 4, birds at low densities had higher liveweight, while at Week 6 birds at low and medium stocking densities had higher liveweight than those at high stocking densities. At Week 4, the feed to gain ratio was poorer when birds were housed in moderate light intensity. The stocking density had no effect on the feed to gain ratio. Light and stocking density had no effect on any of the breast muscle measures. In Week 4, the birds housed at medium density had a higher feather and skin damage. At Week 3, more damage was directed to the wings than the thigh regions. There was a higher incidence of damage in some pens irrespective of treatments. Conclusions The medium stocking density supported performance equivalent to that at low density and better than at the high density. Ideally the density recommendation should be based on ‘weight density’ (kg/m2) and the current results indicate this was between 16.49 and 19.0 kg/m2. The birds performed similarly under both light intensities. Implications The suitable stocking density for efficient production is 16.5–19.0 kg/m2 and housing at 6 or 45 lux had no influence on performance. Best performance and breast muscle yield was from the Grimaud Freres strain.

High levels of anoxygenic photosynthesis revealed by dual-frequency Fourier photoacoustics in Ailanthus altissima leaves.

In contrast to oxygenic photosynthesis, true anoxygenic photosynthesis is not associated with O2 evolution originated from water photolysis but still converts light energy to that of the phosphoanhydride bonds of ATP. In a narrow sense, anoxygenic photosynthesis is mainly known as to be related to the purple and green sulfur bacteria, but in a broad sense, it also occurs in the vascular plants. The portion of photosynthetic water photolysis that is compensated by the processes of O2 uptake (respiration, photorespiration, Mehler cycle, etc.) may be referred to as 'quasi' anoxygenic photosynthesis. Photoacoustic method allows for the separate detection of photolytic O2 at frequencies of measuring light about 20-40Hz, whereas at 250-400Hz, it detects the photochemical energy storage. We have developed a fast-Fourier transform photoacoustic method enabling measurements of both these signals simultaneously in one sample. This method allows to calculate oxygenic coefficients, which reflect the part of photochemically stored light energy that is used for the water photolysis. We show that the true anoxygenic photosynthesis in Ailanthus altissima Mill. leaves reached very high levels under low light, under moderate light at the beginning of the 1-h period, and at the end of the 40-min period under saturating light.

Analysis and Comparison of Doping Level Effects on a Crystalline Silicon PV Cell under Both Moderate Light Concentration and Normal Illumination Modes

The main purpose of this work is to study doping level effects on a silicon PV cell under both moderate light concentration and normal illumination. This study also aims to compare the doping level effects under the both illumination modes. The results show for both illumination modes that diffusion parameters decrease with increasing doping level. These results are in agreement with the studies of the current and the voltage which showed for the two illumination modes that doping level increase leads to a decrease in current density and an increase in voltage. It also emerges for the two illumination modes and for the doping range 1013 cm-3 - 1016 cm-3, a decrease of maximum power and conversion efficiency. The results also show that decrease of diffusion parameters is faster under moderate concentration in comparison with normal illumination. These results predict a greater variation rate of the current, the voltage, the maximum power and the conversion efficiency under moderate concentration compared to normal illumination. Contrary to diffusion parameters study, the results show higher variation rates of parameters under normal illumination. This is explained by the fact that under moderate concentration, carriers density is close to doping level: the cell is then in high injection condition. Consequently, under moderate concentration, carriers density is less sensitive to doping level variations. The study confirms that carriers density variation with the doping level is weak under the moderate concentration compared to normal illumination.

Lolium perenne engineered for elevated leaf lipids exhibits greater energy density in field canopies under defoliation

Co-expression of diacylglycerol O -acyltransferase (DGAT1) and a lipid droplet-stabilizing protein called Cys-oleosin (collectively ‘HME’ technology) increases foliar lipid concentrations and plant biomass, which could elevate energy yields from perennial ryegrass (PR, Lolium perenne L.)-based pastures. Quantifying the feasible benefits of HME PR necessitates that herbage growth and energy density are quantified on a ground area basis under regular defoliation. We examined the translation, from spaced pots indoors to field canopies (swards), of the fatty acid (FA), gross energy (GE), and biomass enhancing traits associated with HME technology expression in PR. Under controlled indoor conditions in spaced pots, hemizygous HME seedlings with 32% higher leaf FA content (1.2%DW) than null controls exhibited a faster rate of leaf extension. These effects translated into a stable 0.2–0.5 kJ/gDW increase in herbage GE concentration, and a 6–10% herbage growth rate advantage when HME ‘miniswards’ were grown under moderate light competition (LAI 7–9) for five defoliation and regrowth cycles (harvests). However, subsequent growth in a dense canopy (LAI>10) eliminated this HME herbage growth advantage. In two field trials in the Midwest United States, hemizygous HME swards exhibited 25–34% (0.8–1%DW) higher end-of-season herbage FA content than null control swards, and 0.2–0.5 kJ/gDW higher end-of-season herbage GE. Herbage growth rates were generally similar for HME and null control swards across both field seasons. This thorough analysis of trait translation shows that the benefits of enhanced FA and GE translate to HME PR canopies grown in the field. The intrinsic growth advantage of HME PR may be diminished in field canopies such that yield benefits are realized only under limited conditions.

Mixing state of refractory black carbon in fog and haze at rural sites in winter on the North China Plain

Abstract. The variability of the mixing state of refractory black carbon aerosol (rBC) and the corresponding complicated light absorption capacity imposes great uncertainty for its climate forcing assessment. In this study, field observations using a single-particle soot photometer (SP2) were conducted to investigate the mixing state of rBC under different meteorological conditions at a rural site on the North China Plain. The results showed that the hourly mass concentration of rBC during the observation periods was 2.6±1.5 µg m−3 on average, with a moderate increase (3.1±0.9) during fog episodes. The mass-equivalent size distribution of rBC exhibited an approximately lognormal distribution with a mass median diameter (MMD) of 213 nm. We found that the count median diameter (CMD) of rBC particles during snowfall episodes was larger than that before snowfall, and the number of rBC particles with Dc<121 nm were reduced by 28.4 % after snow. This may indicate that rBC-containing particles with small core sizes (Dc) were much more effectively removed by snow with light snow intensity (0.23 mm h−1). Based on the Mie scattering theory simulation, the relative and absolute coating thicknesses of rBC-containing particles were estimated to be ∼1.6 and ∼52 nm for the rBC core with a mass-equivalent diameter (Dc) of 170 to 190 nm, respectively, which indicates that most of the rBC-containing particles were thinly coated. Furthermore, a moderate light absorption enhancement (Eabs=1.3) and relatively low absorption cross section (MAC = 5.5 m2 g−1) at 880 nm were observed at the Gucheng (GC) site in winter compared with other typical rural sites. The relationship between the microphysical properties of rBC and meteorological conditions was also studied. Relatively warm and high-RH environments (RH>50 %, -4∘C<T<4∘C) were more favorable to rBC aging than dry and cold environments (RH<60 %, T<-8∘C). And the increase in ambient RH at the same temperature favors rBC aging. An increasing mass fraction of secondary inorganic aerosols (SIAs; especially sulfate and nitrate) and a decreasing mass fraction of organic aerosols in the environment support the formation of thick coatings by rBC. The RH dependence of absorption enhancement (Eabs) was likely caused by the relative coating thickness (RCT) as supported by the gradual increase in the mass concentration and mass fraction of secondary components as a function of RH in the ambient air. The mass fractions of aqueous-phase formation of secondary components had a limited effect on Eabs under a high-RH environment. The measured rBC concentrations and the mixing state of rBC in different meteorological environments will be useful for evaluating the radiative forcing of rBC in regional climate models.

Differences in susceptibility to photoinhibition do not determinegrowth rate under moderate light in batch or turbidostat - a studywith five green algae

To understand growth limitations of photosynthetic microorganisms, and to investigate whether batch growth or certain photosynthesis-related parameters predict a turbidostat (continuous growth at constant biomass concentration) growth rate, five green algal species were grown in a photobioreactor in batch and turbidostat conditions and their susceptibilities to photoinhibition of photosystem II as well as several photosynthetic parameters were measured. Growth rates during batch and turbidostat modes varied independently of each other; thus, a growth rate measured in a batch cannot be used to determine the continuous growth rate. Greatly different photoinhibition susceptibilities in tested algae suggest that different amounts of energy were invested in repair. However, photoinhibition tolerance did not necessarily lead to a fast growth rate at a moderate light intensity. Nevertheless, we report an inverse relationship between photoinhibition tolerance and minimum saturating irradiance, suggesting that fast electron transfer capacity of PSII comes with the price of reduced photoinhibition tolerance.

Fluorescence of pyrene-doped polystyrene films from room temperature down to 4 K for wavelength-shifting applications

In liquid argon-based particle detectors, slow wavelength shifters (WLSs) could be used alongside the common, nanosecond scale, WLS tetraphenyl butadiene (TPB) for background mitigation purposes. At room temperature, pyrene has a moderate fluorescence light yield (LY) and a time constant of the order of hundreds of nanoseconds. In this work, four pyrene-doped polystyrene films with various purities and concentrations were characterized in terms of LY and decay time constants in a range of temperature between 4 K and 300 K under ultraviolet excitation. These films were found to have a LY between 35 and 50% of that of evaporated TPB. All light yields increase when cooling down, while the decays slow down. At room temperature, we observed that pyrene purity is strongly correlated with emission lifetime: highest obtainable purity samples were dominated by decays with emission time constants of ∼ 250–280 ns, and lower purity samples were dominated by an ∼ 80 ns component. One sample was investigated further to better understand the monomer and excimer emissions of pyrene. The excimer-over-monomer intensity ratio decreases when the temperature goes down, with the monomer emission dominating below ∼ 87 K.

Variability of phytoplankton biomass and environmental drivers in a semi-enclosed coastal ecosystem (San Matías Gulf, Patagonian Continental Shelf, Argentina) using ocean color remote sensing (MODIS) and oceanographic field data: Implications for fishery resources

Annual cycles of phytoplankton biomass (using chlorophyll-a as a proxy) and seasonal patterns of environmental drivers were analyzed in a semi-enclosed coastal ecosystem (San Matías Gulf, SMG, Patagonian Continental Shelf, Argentina). Monthly climatologies (2003–2014) of satellite images of chlorophyll-a (Chla-sat), sea surface temperature (SST), photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), and euphotic depth (Z 1% ) were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Satellite environmental variables were evaluated together with oceanographic field data (temperature, nitrate, and chlorophyll-a). Thus, this study analyzes the Chla-sat data to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of the phytoplankton biomass in the SMG and investigates its relationship with the regional environmental drivers. Two contrasting phytoplankton annual cycles characteristic of these temperate waters were distinguished. PCA discriminated the inner and outer areas separated by a complex frontal system. The gulf's inner waters showed a bimodal phytoplankton cycle (maximums in autumn and spring) associated with the seasonal stratification of the water column in deeper areas and the consequent nitrate limitation in summer. The outer waters adjacent to the continental shelf showed unimodal cycles (maximum in autumn or spring) linked to the vertical mixing of the water column in shallow areas with moderate light intensity and nitrate availability. For both annual phytoplankton cycles, light is the main limiting factor in winter. Finally, the analyzed environmental patterns suggest that a tidal front favor feeding and spawning fishery resources in the north of the gulf. • Twelve years of chlorophyll-a MODIS data are analyzed in San Matías Gulf. • Environmental data from satellite and oceanographic cruises are investigated. • A frontal system separated two contrasting annual cycles of phytoplankton biomass. • Oceanographic features are favorable for feeding and spawning of fisheries resources.

Root Growth Dynamics and Structure in Seedlings of Four Shade Tolerant Mediterranean Species Grown under Moderate and Low Light

Specific functional traits such as shade tolerance or leaf habits can enhance root growth dynamics and structure of planted seedlings in the understory of planted forests. We assessed how low and moderate light levels (17 and 33% of full sunlight, mimicking after-thinning stocking) affect the root growth dynamics and structure of four late successional trees, three deciduous (Acer monspessulanum L., Quercus pyrenaica Willd and Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) and one evergreen (Quercus ilex L.) species. Rooting depth, dynamics and structure were mainly explained by species functional differences. Roots of deciduous trees elongated faster and deeper and were larger than the roots of the evergreen Q. ilex. Among deciduous trees, S. torminalis had the lowest root growth. Specific leaf area and nutrient concentration were positively related to root growth, highlighting the importance of traits related to the plant economic spectrum, as determinants of species root growth differences. Moderate light level slightly enhanced root growth and decreased the specific leaf area (SLA). Species differences in water potential under drought were positively related to rooting depth, evidencing the importance of its role in overcoming drought stress during seedling establishment. These findings can guide the selection of late successional, shade tolerant tree species for underplanting thinned Mediterranean plantations and provide insights into their ecology.

Agarwood Tree Characteristics based on Different Growing Habitat and Ecophysiological Attributes in the Papuan Tropical Forests

Understanding tropical forest characteristics, including forest derivative products such as agarwood, is pivotal. This study focused on perceiving an ideal habitat of the lowland tropical forest ecosystem of West Papua for agarwood-producing tree species. In further, this study identified a close association of biotic and abiotic characteristics to underpin agarwood-producing tree growth. Six sites in three different locations were established to ascertain forest composition and the associated insects. Soil samples were collected to analyze their physical and chemical properties using the Kjeldahl, the Walky and Black, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). In addition, temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity were measured. The results noticed two agarwood producing species, Gyrinops caudate and Aquilaria sp., found at an altitude of 400–402 masl in Manokwari, 200–300 masl in Teluk Wondama, and 167.7 masl in Teluk Bintuni. There were no significant differences in temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. The soil cation exchange capacity was moderate in Manokwari, but it was low in Teluk Wondama and Teluk Bintuni. Total C-organic content in three research sites was classified as high. However, total N content in the three research sites was in the moderate category. The ideal habitat for agarwood in the West Papua forest is from the lowlands to the highlands. Environmental conditions that support the growth of agarwood are moderate temperature, high humidity, and moderate light intensity. Soil fertility also affected the natural growth of agarwood trees. Keywords: abiotic, agarwood association, lowland tropical forest, soil characteristics

Evaluation of the ecological precability regarding the apple and plum plantations in Olișcani location, Șoldănești district

The results presented refer to the ecological characteristics of apple and plum orchards in Olişcani, Șoldănești district (Republic of Moldova) in order to create agricultural systems – ecological and economic at zonal, microzonal level to maintain soil quality, environment and high productivity. The aim of the research was to examine the abiotic, biotic, favorability and productivity potential factors of the lands suitable for the cultivation of apple and plum fruit species. Apple and plum orchards have specifi c requirements for climate, relief, soil, etc. They have moderate light requirements: they prefer sunny surfaces, but can also grow in partial shade. The leaves and fruits need more light, which in this way acquires a more intense color. Temperatures for apple development are between 13 and 28°C. In hilly areas, with suffi cient humidity and poor heat, the slopes with southern and southwestern exposure are chosen a better quality of fruit, respectively a high sugar content. On the slopes, the middle third is preferred, avoiding the upper third with eroded soil and strong winds, as well as the lower third with excess air and water currents. In the area of hills with an altitude of 300–350 m, the plantations can be located on slopes with western, eastern or even northern exposure, preferably on the middle and lower third of the slope. In the dry steppe and forest-steppe areas, the slopes with north-western and north-eastern exposure are preferred, the orchards being located at their base or even on the valleys without cold currents. The complexity of the problems includes the research of the natural and real components of the agricultural environment in relation to the climate, relief, rock and soil factors for the foundation of fruit plantations with high productivity and the maintenance of the ecological stability.

Strong light-matter coupling in topological metasurfaces integrated with transition metal dichalcogenides

Strong light-matter interactions enable unique nonlinear and quantum phenomena at moderate light intensities. Within the last years, polaritonic metasurfaces emerged as a viable candidate for realization of such regimes. In particular, planar photonic structures integrated with 2D excitonic materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), can support exciton polaritons – half-light half-matter quasiparticles. Here, we explore topological exciton polaritons which are formed in a suitably engineered all-dielectric topological photonic metasurface coupled to TMD monolayers. We experimentally demonstrate the transition of topological charge from photonic to polaritonic bands with the onset of strong coupling regime and confirm the presence of one-way spin-polarized edge topological polaritons. The proposed system constitutes a promising platform for photonic/solid-state interfaces for valleytronics and spintronics.

Optimalisasi Penjadwalan Proyek Pembangunan Gedung Puskesmas Badas Menggunakan Critical Path Method-Project Evaluation and Review Technique (CPM-PERT)

Lack of project scheduling planning and ineffective control make the activity of a project less efficient. This will have an impact on the success of the project. This situation will result in delays and a decrease in the quality of work due to time constraints. Scheduling is important for determining the required activities and arranging a sequence and time frame to complete project activities on time. This study aims to optimize the scheduling of a moderate light rehabilitation project in the Badas Community Health Center building, Kediri Regency, where project start-ups are experiencing delays. The method used is Critical Path Method-Project Evaluation and Review Technique (CPM-PERT), which is a method to determine the duration of a project that can be completed and the percentage of its success. The analysis carried out includes calculation the duration desired acceleration and cost slope. Analysis results using CPM-PERT obtained critical path in: preparation activities (A), earthworks (B), structural work (D), 1st floor work (E), 2nd floor work (F), 3rd floor work (G), roof, ceiling and plank work (H), iron work (I), electrical work (L), floor and wall covering work (M) and finishing work (N). The normal duration of project completion is 140 days and costs Rp. 1,818,182,709, whereas with the CPM-PERT method the duration can be accelerated to 128 days (probability 99.99%) and required additional fee 8.1% or worth Rp. 146,719,664. Implementers can use it in optimizing scheduling and financing on the badas public health center building construction project.