Light Shade Research Articles

Shade Avoidance and Light Foraging of a Clonal Woody Species, Pachysandra terminalis.

(1) Background: A central subject in clonal plant ecology is to elucidate the mechanism by which clones forage resources in heterogeneous environments. Compared with studies conducted in laboratories or experimental gardens, studies on light foraging of forest woody clonal plants in their natural habitats are limited. (2) Methods: We investigated wild populations of an evergreen clonal understory shrub, Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis Siebold & Zucc.), in two cool-temperate forests in Japan. (3) Results: Similar to the results of herbaceous clonal species, this species formed a dense stand in a relatively well-lit place, and a sparse stand in a shaded place. Higher specific rhizome length (i.e., length per unit mass) in shade resulted in lower ramet population density in shade. The individual leaf area, whole-ramet leaf area, or ramet height did not increase with increased light availability. The number of flower buds per flowering ramet increased as the canopy openness or population density increased. (4) Conclusions: Our results provide the first empirical evidence of shade avoidance and light foraging with morphological plasticity for a clonal woody species.

Shear Bond Strength and Optical Properties of Resin Composite - Layered Provisional Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)

Aims:To compare the shear bond strength between resin composite and Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with various bonding protocols and to evaluate the optical properties of resin composite - layered provisional Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).Materials and Methods:Eighty cylindrical shape specimens were fabricated from self-polymerized provisional Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and they were randomly divided into eight groups. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was mixed and bonded onto the specimens as a positive control group. Resin composite was bonded to MMA-wetted surface without bonding agent as a negative control group. All remaining groups were bonded to resin composite using different bonding agents (Scothbond Universal, Luxatemp glaze&bond, and HC Primer) with and without MMA wetting. Shear bond strength testing was performed using a universal testing machine. Various shades of 0.5 mm-thick resin composites were layered onto 1.5 mm-thick PMMA both light and dark shade, with the most effective bonding protocol. Color differences between resin composite and – layered provisional Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were measured using Spectrophotometer.Results:Bonding resin composite onto Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) using luxatemp glaze, bond and HC Primer without methyl methacrylate wetting provided statistically significantly lower bond strength than those of the MMA-wetted Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surface. The highest shear bond strength was achieved with the application of Scothbond Universal Adhesive regardless of MMA wetting. The colors of resin composite - layered provisional Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were different from the original resin composite color with ΔE results greater than the acceptable threshold (>3.7).Conclusion:Resin composites were able to effectively bond to the MMA-wetted Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surface with the application of a tested bonding agent. Layering Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with 0.5 mm-thick resin composite could not modify the Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) shade to the original resin composite color.

The effect of light on follicular development in laying hens.

ObjectiveThe oxidative stress status and changes of chicken ovary tissue after shading were studied, to determine the mechanism of the effect of shading on follicular development.MethodsTwenty healthy laying hens (40 weeks old) with uniform body weight and the same laying rate were randomly divided into two groups (the shading group and normal light group). In the shading group, the cage was covered to reduce the light intensity inside the cage to 0 without affecting ventilation or food intake. The normal lighting group received no additional treatment. After 7 days of shading, oxidative stress related indicators and gene expression were detected.ResultsAnalysis of paraffin and ultrathin sections showed that apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) increased significantly after light shading. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay results revealed that the levels of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, catalase (CAT), and other substances in the sera, livers, ovaries, and follicular GCs of laying hens increased significantly after shading for 7 days; and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in the livers of laying hens also increased significantly. ROS in the serum, ovarian and GCs also increased. After shading for 7 days, the levels of 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine in the sera and ovarian tissues of laying hens increased significantly. Cell counting kit-8 detection showed that the proliferation activity of GCs in layer follicles decreased after shading for 7 days; the expression level of the anti-apoptotic gene B-cell lymphoma-2 in ovarian tissue and follicular GCs was significantly reduced, and the expression levels of pro-apoptotic caspase 3 (casp3), and SOD, glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), and CAT were all significantly increased.ConclusionOxidative stress induced by shading light has a serious inhibitory effect on follicular development during reproduction in laying hens.

One-Pot Phosphine-Free Route for Single-Component White Light Emitting CdSexSy Alloy Nanocrystals

In an enduring quest to develop highly efficient display and lighting devices over the decades, semiconductor nanocrystals have recently emerged as favorable candidates. However, developing a prudent and viable methodology to fabricate high-quality semiconductor nanocrystals exhibiting tunable luminescence, including single-component white light emission, is challenging. Herein, we report a facile one-pot synthetic route to fabricate white light emitting CdSexSy nanocrystals demonstrating high quantum yield using CdO, S powder, and Se powder as precursors. A phosphine-free route was adopted, employing paraffin oil as the reducing agent and solvent for the fabrication. The optical properties can be effectively tailored by controlling the reaction time and the Se/S molar ratio. The pristine CdSexSy nanocrystals exhibited a broad visible range emission from 400 to 750 nm. The CdSexSy nanocrystals (Se/S = 0.4) displayed white light emission with Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates of (0.30, 0.31) and quantum yield of 50 ± 3%. Moreover, by manipulating the Se/S ratio effectively, the band-edge (∼400–450 nm) to trap-state (∼550–750 nm) emission was tuned, and the distinct shades of white light were obtained. The white light emission was retained in nanocrystals-embedded poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) thin film and also in the hydrogel matrix. Furthermore, white light emission characteristics from CdSexSy nanocrystals (Se/S = 0.4), PMMA thin film, and thin film coated white light emitting devices were found to be similar even after months of fabrication, indicating the high stability of the nanocrystals and sustainability of the materials derived from nanocrystals. The one-pot, low-cost fabrication route demonstrated in the present study offers the promising scope of white light emitting CdSexSy nanocrystals in solid-state display applications.

Characterization of Waste Sludge Pigment from Production of ZnCl2

This study is focused on the treatment of waste sludge from a zinc chloride production in order to prepare iron-rich pigments usable for a production of glazes. In galvanizing plants, yellow waste sludge containing significant amount of ZnO, Cl, and Fe2O3, is formed. This raw waste sludge cannot be used as a pigment in glaze. Therefore, three methods of treating this material were proposed: (a) washing with H2O, (b) calcination at 180 °C and washing by H2O, and (c) calcination at 900 °C and washing by H2O. These methods helped to reduce Zn and Cl content up to 97%. According to X-ray fluorescence analysis percentage of Fe2O3 increased from ~41% to ~98%. X-ray power diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of α-Fe2O3 (hematite) in the pigment prepared. Scanning electron microscopy with Energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed clusters of rounded particles, and also the change in size of particles after calcination was observed. Particle size, specific surface area, and density measurements together with thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were performed. Pigments prepared from the waste sludge were added to transparent glaze in amounts of 1, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. Pigment-containing glazes were applied by spraying on fired ceramic tiles and then fired at 1060 °C. Color of glazes was determined by (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) CIE L*a*b* coordinates as colorless, light brown shades, brown-red, brown-yellow, and deep red-brown. Comparison with colors of glazes prepared using commercial pigments was also performed. Waste sludge can be used to prepare pigments and glazes containing pigments as an alternative to commercial products.

Hybrid Hydrogels for pH Indicator

Hybrid hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and diallyldimethylammonium chloride mixed with alginate, bromothymol blue, and fume silica. The polymerization reaction occurred by free radical polymerization using potassium persulfate and N,N,N/, N/−tetramethyethylenediamine as a redox initiator and N,N/−methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The results showed that the hydrogels responded to pH and exhibited color change. The bromothymol blue ionization was the main reason for the color change of the hydrogels. Also, the alginate and fume silica incorporated in the hydrogels moved the color from light shade to dark shade. The alginate, fume silica, and diallyldimethylammonium chloride affected the swelling property of the hydrogels. The alginate and fume silica increased water absorption. However, the diallyldimethylammonium chloride decreased the swelling property. The hydrogel can be used as a sensor to detect acids or bases, such as urine, causing irritation in the elderly or bed-bound patients.

Effect of differential shading on the vegetative character of dwarf banana cavendish

Bananas are important food crops and source minerals, carbohydrate and vitamins. Banana demanding increases every year, but the production capacity still low. One obstacle is the limited land that can be used to cultivate. One effort to increase banana production is through the development of banana as interplanting in an agroforestry system. The aim of the research is to select and characterization of a dwarf banana plant under low light intensity. The research was conducted in the field laboratory Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University. The source of germplasm of dwarf cavendish banana comes from two regions, namely the mainland region of Southeast Sulawesi and the island region of Southeast Sulawesi. The study used a randomized block design (RBD) with shade treatment consisting of 3 levels, namely n1=shade level < 25 % (light shade), n2=shade level 25-50 % (medium shade), and n3 = shade level 50-75 % (heavy shade). Observations were made on the vegetative and generative parameter: The vegetative variables include plant height, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf width. It could be concluded that based on the vegetative character, there is no significant difference between dwarf cavendish banana growing on light shade and heavy shade.

Effect of Different Light-Curing Modes on Bond Strength of Ceramic Laminate Veneers.

To investigate whether high-level irradiance and short light exposure times with light-emitting diode (LED) curing units could provide bond strength comparable to halogen lights for ceramic laminate veneers (CLVs). A total of 160 extracted human maxillary central incisors were prepared to receive CLVs (lithium disilicate) in shades A1 and A3.5. CLVs were luted with light-curing (LC) and dual-curing (DC) resin cements using four protocols: 3 seconds in extra power mode, 8 seconds in high power mode, or 10 seconds in standard mode with an LED unit, or 40 seconds with a conventional halogen light from all aspects (n = 10). Following thermal cycles, shear bond strength test was performed with a universal testing machine. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test. Failure modes were classified under a stereomicroscope, and data were analyzed using Pearson chi-square test (P = .050). According to the intragroup comparison of different irradiation protocols, the mean shear bond strength of the A1-LC-10 group was found to be significantly higher than that of the A1-LChalogen group (P = .026). Shear bond strength values of the A1-LC-10 group and A3.5-LC-10 group were significantly higher than that of the A3.5-DC-10 group (P = .003). The A3.5-DC-3, A3.5-LC-3, and A1-DC-8 groups revealed the significantly most adhesive failures, and the A1-LC-8 group revealed the most mixed failures (P < .001). Both light and dark ceramic shades with LC cement combination responded the best to the standard mode of 10-second exposure time with LED application. However, with conventional halogen light application, the highest bond strength values were obtained with DC cement and light ceramic shade combination.

THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM ON MUSLIMS, NORTHERN NIGERIA A CASE STUDY

This paper shade light on the negative impact of religious extremism in leading Islamists to justify terrorism. Results show that the factors leading Islamists to justify terrorism contextually vary. Where Muslims dominants are educated Islamically, this probability decreases with the application of good respondents to the religion of Islam, while increases where Muslims dominants are not educated Islamically, especially those who are lacking background teachers at home. There is no evidence in support that Islamist propaganda causes ordinary Muslims radicals. Yet, in northern Nigeria affected by homegrown terrorism, it is observed that justifying terrorism is strongly associated with an increase in political agenda through religious extremism, providing support that Islamist groups are attracting Islam radical individuals. Our framework helps to develop an understanding of negative impact of extremism that goes beyond a focus on violence, and suggest optimistic majors to be taken.

Application of nanofluids for enhanced waste heat recovery: A review

Heat is the most common form of energy either in final or intermediate forms, with the latter enabling energy conversion to other useful forms. Heat is primarily sourced from fossil fuels representing about 80% of the global primary energy supply. However, heat is usually associated with high energy losses as waste heat (WH). Energy conversion losses amount to about 88% of the global energy supply, with about 50% of such losses as WH. Waste heat recovery (WHR) is aiming at recovering such energy losses either as heat, work, or power. Nanofluids (NFs) have been evolved recently as high-performance heat transfer fluids. The use of NFs to improve WHR is very promising in terms of recovery efficiency, potential, and feasibility. For instance, the use of graphene/water NF for WHR from combustion stack gas has resulted in about 25% increase in energy recovery efficiency. Similarly, the use of nanoparticles enhanced phase change material for WHR from steelworks has successfully been used to drive the distillation process increasing the energy capacity of the system by about 2.76 times. The simulations of using Ag/Pentane NF for organic Rankine cycle has increased the overall system efficiency from 11% to 14% at 30% lower exergy destruction and 14% less carbon footprint. This review aims at discussing the application of NFs for improved WHR in different applications. The review discusses first the different WH sources and recovery approaches. Then, the properties and performance of NFs for WHR are thoroughly discussed. The review discusses as well the different thermo-economic and environmental aspects of WHR using NFs. The potential challenges and future aspects associated with the application of NFs for WHR are additionally discussed. Finally, the review provides constructive recommendations and conclusions, shading light on research needs and future perspectives to optimize the performance of such systems. • Different WH sources and recovery approaches are summarized. • The application of NFs for improving WHR is discussed. • Thermo-economic and environmental aspects of WHR using NFs are elaborated. • Future perspectives to optimize the performance NFs in WHR are highlighted.

Jaboticaba, a Brazilian jewel, source of antioxidant and wound healing promoter

This study aims to evaluate properties as antioxidant activity, solar protection factor (SPF) and wound healing ability of jaboticaba peel's extract by in vitro methods. Jaboticaba peels were removed, dried, and then subjected to extraction method using ethanol. The extract was in vitro evaluated for preliminary studies about SPF, antioxidant activity and wound healing assay. Thereafter the extract was incorporated in an oil-in-water emulsion (phytocosmetic). The phytocosmetic was submitted to stability study and in vitro SPF evaluation. The extract's showed purple color with in vitro SPF of 24.86, stimulated keratinocytes migration after 9 h of exposition and presented antioxidant activity. The incorporation of the extract gave the phytocosmetic formulation a light pink shade with an in vitro SPF of 19.00. Under stress conditions, the formulation was stable, especially when stored in low temperatures. Jaboticaba peel extract promoted wound healing in vitro presenting SPF and antioxidant activity. Final phytocosmetic formulation was stable when stored protect from light and heat, indicating that Jaboticaba extract can be used to develop products to protect skin against aging and sun exposure.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis facilitates apricot seedling (Prunus sibirica L.) growth and photosynthesis in northwest China

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can successfully enhance photosynthesis (Pn) and plants growth in agricultural or grassland ecosystems. However, how the symbionts affect species restoration in sunlight-intensive areas remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study’s objective was to assess the effect of AM fungi on apricot seedling physiology, within a specific time period, in northwest China. In 2010, an experimental field was established in Shaanxi Province, northwest China. The experimental treatments included two AM fungi inoculation levels (0 or 100 g of AM fungal inoculum per seedling), three shade levels (1900, 1100, and 550 µmol m−2 s−1), and three ages (1, 3, and 5 years) of transplantation. We examined growth, Pn, and morphological indicators of apricot (Prunus sibirica L.) seedling performances in 2011, 2013, and 2015. The colonization rate in mycorrhizal seedlings with similar amounts of shade is higher than the corresponding controls. The mycorrhizal seedling biomass is significantly higher than the corresponding non-mycorrhizal seedling biomass. Generally, Pn, stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and water use efficiency are also significantly higher in the mycorrhizal seedlings. Moreover, mycorrhizal seedlings with light shade (LS) have the highest Pn. WUE is increased in non-mycorrhizal seedlings because of the reduction in Tr, while Tr is increased in mycorrhizal seedlings with shade. There is a significant increase in the N, P, and K fractions detected in roots compared with shoots. This means that LS had apparent benefits for mycorrhizal seedlings. Our results also indicate that AM fungi, combined with LS, exert a positive effect on apricot behavior.

32.4: Investigation of Compensation Value of Black Matrix for Reducing Light Leakage on Curved Display

Recently, due to the advantages in the aspects of larger viewing angle, lower space cost and better visual match with the vehicle interiors, curved display has gained its large popularity in automotive display, whereas Black Matrix(BM) which is used to light shading will shift when flat panel is bonded with the curved cover lens, which will cause light leakage and other optical issues. In the case that little is known about how to determinate the exact compensation value of BM without measuring. In this paper, we propose a method to identify the optimum compensation value of BM in condition of different curvature radius and thickness of panel which can avoid overcompensating or insufficient compensating by using finite element analysis.

Modelling effects of seaweed aquaculture on phytoplankton and mussel production. Application to Strangford Lough (Northern Ireland)

Coupled macroalgal-phytoplankton and shellfish models were used to investigate the effect of macroalgae cultivation on phytoplankton and mussel growth in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland. The study focused on the kelp species Saccharina latissima for which observational data were available from rope deployments at an experimental seaweed farm. The calibrated model gave good agreement with observed nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations as well as matching observation of kelp growth rates and frond area. Timing of spring phytoplankton growth and subsequent nutrient drawdown in the model was found to have a large effect (~50% change) on predicted kelp frond area in summer. The model was used to investigate the effect of light shading and nutrient competition between farmed S. latissima and phytoplankton (a key food source for shellfish) for a range of farm sizes. Simulations showed that kelp farming had minor impacts in general but that very intensive farming over an extensive area could lead to significant decreases in phytoplankton and mussel biomass. Simple criteria were developed for estimating the size and density of macroalgal farming that would lead to significant nutrient competition with phytoplankton. Modelling in the strong nutrient competition regime with a hypothetical very high intensity farm occupying 22% of the Lough surface, gave decreases in spring/summer phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations of 11% (nutrient competition only) and 23% (nutrient competition and light shading). The impact on harvested dry weight of mussels is similar but smaller, with decreases of 4% (nutrient competition) and 10% (light and nutrient competition). It should be noted these are based on model compartment averages and localised changes, not resolved by the model, may be higher.

Increased photosynthesis from a deep-shade to high-light regime occurs by enhanced CO2 diffusion into the leaf of Selaginella martensii

The current understanding of photosynthesis across land plant phylogeny strongly indicates that ancient vascular plants are mainly limited by strong constitutive CO2 diffusional constraints, particularly low stomatal and mesophyll conductance. Considering that the lycophyte Selaginella martensii can demonstrate long-term light acclimation, this study addresses the regulation extent of CO2 assimilation in this species cultivated under contrasting light regimes of deep shade, medium shade and high light. Comparative analyses of photosynthetic traits, CO2 conductance and leaf morpho-anatomy revealed acclimation plasticity similar to that of seed plants, though occurring in the context of an inherently low photosynthetic capacity typical of lycophytes. Specific modulations of the stomatal density and aperture, chloroplast surface exposed to mesophyll airspaces and cell wall thickness sustained a marked improvement in CO2 diffusion from deep shade to high light. However, the maximum carboxylation rate was comparatively less effectively upregulated, leading to a greater incidence of biochemical limitations of photosynthesis. Because of a low carboxylation capacity under any light regime, a lycophyte prevents potential photodamage to the chloroplast by not only exploiting the thermal dissipation of excess absorbed energy but also diverting a large fraction of photosynthetic electrons to sinks alternative to carboxylation.

Green, eco-friendly and sustainable alternative in dyeing cotton fabric using aqueous extract Mucuna slonaei F dye: effects of metal salts pre-mordanting on color strength and fastness properties

Natural dye extracted from Mucuna slonaei F leaves (MSL) was used as green, sustainable and eco-friendly alternative in coloring cotton fabric with and without sodium chloride (NaCl), ferrous sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O) and alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) as mordants. Effects of these mordants on color parameters (exhaustion (%), lightness (L∗), color axes (a∗ and b∗), hue angle (ho), color strength (K/S) and fastness properties evaluated) of MSL dyed cotton fabric were investigated. Flavonoids were identified as main chromophoric constituents in extracted MSL dye by UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry techniques. Satisfactory color parameters in unmordanted MSL dyed fabric indicated that cotton fabric has a moderate affinity for the extracted dye. Metal pre-mordanting enhanced dye exhaustion by 4.85, 13.10 and 10% in Sodium chloride (Na+), ferrous sulfate (Fe2+) and alum (Al3+) dyed cotton fabrics respectively. Unmordanted MSL dyed fabric has lighter shade, higher L∗ and lower K/S value than metal salt pre-mordanted fabrics. The value of a∗ greater than b∗ and ho ​< ​45° confirmed attractive colors of unmordanted and metal pre-mordanted MSL dyed cotton fabrics closer to red than yellow. Na+ and Fe2+ pre-mordanted MSL dyed cotton fabrics have better fastness properties than their unmordanted and Al3+ pre-mordanted counterparts.

Colour Preferences of Elastic Ligatures among Orthodontic Patients

Introduction: Elastic modules are an integral part of fixed appliances. The availability of different colours is important to patients and their compliance during treatment. Knowledge about the most popular colours is important to orthodontists when ordering their materials. Aim: This study aimed to determine the elastic ligature colour preferences of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and the influences of age and gender on these preferences. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on a total of 319 patients (88 males and 231 females) aged 18-36 years of age participated in this study. The patients’ elastic ligature colour preferences were recoded using a colour guide and a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions about the patients’ preferences regarding coloured or transparent ligatures, light or dark shades, and changing the ligatures for specific occasions. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25. The descriptive statistics were calculated, and a Pearson’s chi-squared analysis was performed to determine the influence of age and gender effects on colour preferences (p-value &lt;0.05). Results: Most of the participants were excited about changing their elastic ligatures colours (44.5%), and they liked to change the colours at each visit (45.5%). Most participants did not like having multicoloured elastic ligatures in their mouths (77.4%) or changing the elastic colours before certain occasions (49.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in the elastic ligature colour preferences between the genders (p-value=0.0552), but there were statistically significant differences among the age groups (p-value &lt;0.001). Conclusion: Most of the patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances preferred less noticeable elastic ligature colours. A significant difference was found between age groups: younger patients preferred coloured elastics, while older patients preferred less noticeable and transparent elastics. No difference was found between the colour preferences among both the gender.

Effect of Planting Density and Fertilizer Rate on Some Physiological Parameters of Arabica Coffee Seedlings

Planting high density can reduce photosynthetic active radiation due to mutual shading or low light interception. The nature of the canopy and utilization of solar radiation influence the performances of coffee genotype. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of planting density and fertilizer rate on physiological parameters of Arabica coffee seedlings under nursery conditions. It was conducted at the Jimma Agricultural Research Center in southwest Ethiopia in 2018 season. A factorial experimentation in a completely randomized design with three replications was used for the study. The treatments consisted of combinations of two Arabica coffee cultivars (compact-74110 and open-75227), four population densities per polythene tube (one, two, three and four) and three compound NPK fertilizer (22:6:12 + Te) rates (control, 5g and 10g). The most common plant physiological parameters including NAR, AGR, RGR and CGR were estimated and analyzed using standard procedures. The results showed that interaction between cultivar, population density and fertilizer significantly (P ≤0.05) influenced NAR and CGR, and highly significantly (P ≤0.01) influenced AGR and RGR. The highest values of NAR, AGR, RGR and CGR were recorded from the lowest population density (PD1) and increased in the order of PD1 > PD2 > PD3 > PD4 for each parameter. Application of 5g of NPK significantly enhanced NAR, AGR, RGR and CGR as compared with other fertilizer rates, while these parameters were observed to decrease for 10g of NPK perhaps due to toxicity problem. In general, high planting density decrease physiological parameters of the coffee plant, so more attention like intensive coffee tree management practices as well as optimization of population density should be done under field conditions to increase physiological parameters of the coffee plant.

Defoliation by Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) Induces Differential Delayed Induction of Trichomes in Two Birch Species.

Outbreaks of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar japonica Motschulsky) cause serious defoliation in birch. A single year of defoliation has no significant impact on the trees, whereas continuous defoliation events could be fatal. How birch species avoid serious damage caused by gypsy moth outbreak is yet to be revealed. Trichomes on leaf surfaces of birch trees are an effective antiherbivore defense strategy. We examined a 1-yr delayed induction of glandular (GT) and nonglandular trichomes (NGT) on leaf surfaces caused by stress in white birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev var. japonica [Miq.] Hara) and monarch birch (Betula maximowicziana Regel). Saplings were subjected to four treatments in June 2009: herbivory (50% of the leaf area was grazed by gypsy moths), mechanical cutting (50% of the leaf area was cut using scissors), shading (50% light shading with a black sheet), and control (covered with a net to prevent herbivory). Then, the density of GT and NGT on early leaves was determined in April 2010. In both birch species, the density of GT was higher in herbivory than in other treatments. The density of GT due to mechanical cutting was higher than that in the control, but only for white birch. However, the density of NGT was lower after mechanical cutting than in other treatments for white birch. There were no differences in the density of NGT among treatments for monarch birch. These results show that 1-yr delayed induction of GT by herbivory was stronger in white birch than in monarch birch.

EIB Working Papers 2019/01 - Blockchain, FinTechs and their relevance for international financial institutions (Volume 2019/1)

The purpose of this working paper is to provide a primer on financial technology and on Blockchain, while shading light on the impact they may have on the financial industry. FinTechs, the financial technology and innovation that competes with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services, has the potential to improve the reach of financial services to the broader public and facilitate the creation of a credit record, especially in the developing world. Some Blockchain applications like cryptocurrencies, could be problematic as cryptocurrencies cannot substitute traditional money due to the high risk of debasement, luck of trust and high inefficiencies relating to the high cost in electricity and human effort required to clear cryptocurrency transactions. Cryptocurrencies' high volatility renders it a poor means of payment and store of value, while resembling a fraudulent investment operation. Yet, other Blockchain applications, like Blockchain securities, could facilitate the functioning of an International Financial Institutions (IFI) due to the volume of securities they issue as Blockchain securities enable an almost instantaneous trade confirmation, affirmation, allocation and settlement and reconciliations are superfluous releasing collateral to be used for other purposes in the market. IFIs could promote awareness and understanding about Blockchain technology among different IFI services and launch Blockchain labs in order to pilot projects that can improve governance and social outcomes in the developing world. Financial inclusion, at the core of IFI's mandate, could be enhanced by investing into FinTechs who facilitate access to payment systems. IFIs could also ponder the development of Blockchain software aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in public resources that finance development projects. IFIs could promote Blockchain applications in several sectors like agricultural lending where Blockchain technology is used in the supply chain in order to improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural and commodity production. Other sectors include transport and logistics and even energy distribution. IFIs could benefit by utilizing FinTechs' knowhow in the analysis of big data in order to understand better the investment gaps and the financing needs of prospective clients. Finally, FinTechs' knowhow could be used by IFIs in order to streamline their internal processes concerning credit underwriting and risk management.