Search Results (1,322)

Ganoderic acid (GA) is a key bioactive component with pharmacological properties that is found in Ganoderma lingzhi, a renowned medicinal mushroom. Currently, the regulatory mechanisms underlying GA biosynthesis in G. lingzhi remain to be further elucidated. In this study, blue light induction was found to significantly enhance the GA content in G. lingzhi. To explore the regulatory mechanism of GA biosynthesis in response to blue light, the blue light receptor WC-2 was identified, and its regulatory role was characterized. The deletion of wc-2 resulted in a significant reduction in both GA content and the accumulation of intermediates compared to the wild-type control strain, largely due to the strong downregulation of key GA biosynthetic genes. Additionally, decreased asexual spore production and reduced expression of sporulation-specific genes were observed with the deletion of wc-2. The overexpression of wc-2 led to greatly enhanced GA accumulation. Under blue light induction, the maximum contents of GA-Mk, GA-T, GA-S, and GA-Me were 2.27-, 2.51-, 2.49-, and 2.08-fold higher, respectively, compared to the control kept in darkness. These results demonstrate that the blue light receptor WC-2 functions as a positive regulator of GA biosynthesis in G. lingzhi, influencing the expression of genes involved in GA biosynthesis and asexual spore production, thereby advancing our understanding of the intricate regulatory network of GA biosynthesis. Full article

The wide application of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in lighting systems has necessitated the inclusion of spectral tunability by using multi-color LED chips. Since the lighting requirement depends on the specific application, it is very important to have flexibility in terms of the driving conditions. While many applications use single or rather white color, some recent applications require multi-spectral lighting systems especially for agricultural or human-medical treatment applications. These systems are underexplored and pose specific challenges. In this paper, a mixture of red, green, blue, white (RGB-W) LED chips was used to develop a compact light engine specifically for agricultural applications. A computational study was performed to understand the optical distribution. Later, attention was turned into development of prototype light engines followed by experimental validation for both the thermal and optical characteristics. Each LED string was driven separately at different current levels enabling an option for obtaining an infinite number of colors for numerous applications. Each LED string on the developed light engine was driven at 300 mA, 500 mA, 700 mA, and 900 mA current levels, and the optical and thermal parameters were recorded simultaneously. A set of computational models and an experimental study were performed to understand the optical and thermal characteristics simultaneously. Full article

This study examined how different lighting characteristics of conventional and eco-friendly lighting and environmental conditions, particularly snow cover, influenced the luminous environment and, in relation to that, pedestrian perception of faces on footpaths. The analysis was based on a dataset comprising both subjective evaluations and objective measurements. The spatial and directional light field above a footpath was measured for the two types of road lighting, of which the “eco-centric” luminaire had a lumen output of 4820 lm and reduced blue-light component (correlated color temperature (CCT) of 2200 K) compared to the conventional luminaire with 14,000 lm and 4000 K. The luminaires were analyzed under snowy and non-snowy conditions. Snow cover significantly increased light diffuseness and density (directionally averaged illuminance at a point), resulting in more uniform light and higher subjective ratings. Also, face visibility ratings were generally higher and more uniform, while non-snowy conditions led to more pronounced differences between positions and luminaire types. Regression analysis revealed that vertical illuminance at eye height was the strongest predictor of perceived facial friendliness and well-lighted-ness and contributed to more favorable ratings for the environment lighting too. The eco-centric luminaire was found to positively influence face lighting ratings but received lower ratings for environmental visibility. Increased horizontal illuminance did not consistently result in enhanced subjective evaluations, which points to limitations of traditional illuminance-based lighting standards, often considering horizontal illuminance at ground level as one of the main metrics. The “social light field” concept emphasizes a holistic approach to urban lighting design that integrates social perception and environmental sustainability by considering the distribution of the actual, resulting light throughout the urban space, especially vertical illuminance at the face and its effects on visual appearance, as well as contributing interactions with the environment and materials in it. Full article

This study explores the visible-light-driven photolysis of Ferrioxalate complexes for the degradation of Toluidine Blue (TB), a persistent phenothiazine dye, using a 1 L recirculating batch-loop photoreactor. The reactor system incorporated two tubular photochemical units (35 cm × 3 cm each) in series: the first equipped with an immersed blue fluorescent lamp (12 W, 30 cm-tube), and the second with dual external blue LED lamps (18 W total, 30 cm) encasing a double-walled glass cell. Continuous flow between the units was maintained via a peristaltic pump. Experimental investigations were used to evaluate the effects of key parameters such as Fe(III) and oxalate concentrations, initial TB load, pH, light source, flow rate, ligand type, dissolved gas type, external H₂O₂ addition, and the presence of various inorganic ions. The results demonstrate efficient dye degradation, with ~75% TB removal within 1 h under combined fluorescent and LED irradiation, where each reactor contributing comparably. The optimal performance was achieved at pH 4, with a 10 oxalate-to-Fe(III) molar ratio (1 mM:0.1 mM) and a flow rate of 25 mL s⁻¹. Among various ligands tested (oxalate, acetate, citrate, EDTA), oxalate proved to be the most effective. The presence and type of anions significantly influenced degradation efficiency due to their potential scavenging effects. Although the process achieved high dye removal, TOC analysis indicated only moderate mineralization, suggesting the accumulation of non-colored intermediates. External H₂O₂ addition moderately improved TOC removal, likely due to enhanced hydroxyl radical generation via the Fenton mechanism. These findings highlight the promise of Ferrioxalate-based photochemical systems under visible light for dye removal, while also emphasizing the need for further research into by-product identification, mineralization enhancement, and toxicity reduction to ensure safe effluent discharge. Full article

Vertical farming allows for precise control of environmental conditions, including light quality, enabling the optimization of plant growth and the synthesis of specific phytochemicals. However, the effects of such conditions on postharvest quality remain underexplored. In this study, butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Alyssa’) was grown for three weeks under light-emitting diode (LED) lighting (190 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹; 89% red, 11% blue), with or without supplemental far-red light (ca. 50 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹). Growth and quality parameters were assessed at harvest, followed by postharvest evaluation of fresh-cut lettuce stored under equilibrium modified atmosphere packaging (EMAP: 3% O₂, balance N₂) at 7 °C in darkness for 13 days. The respiration rate of the produce was also determined. Far-red light supplementation increased dry weight (+17%) and elevated glucose (+57%) and fructose (+64%) levels at harvest, without affecting fresh weight, pigment content, vitamin C, or sucrose levels. Although respiration rates during storage were about 54% higher for lettuce grown under far-red light, visual quality seemed slightly better preserved. Total aerobic psychrotrophic counts showed no significant differences between treatments at harvest or during storage. These findings suggest that far-red light can enhance certain quality traits of lettuce, particularly carbohydrate accumulation and dry weight, but the associated rise in respiration may limit these benefits postharvest. Further research is needed to clarify its long-term impact in vertical farming systems. Full article

Background and Objectives: Feces-induced peritonitis (FIP), a clinically relevant model of polymicrobial sepsis, induces systemic inflammation and acute lung injury (ALI). Methylene blue (MB), a phenothiazine-based compound, exhibits vasoregulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of sepsis. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of MB on pulmonary injury in a rat model of FIP-induced sepsis. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control, FIP, FIP + Saline, and FIP + MB. MB was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg, 1 h after FIP induction. At 24 h post-induction, plasma levels of inflammatory markers [interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP)], oxidative stress marker [malondialdehyde (MDA)], metabolic indicator [lactic acid], and vascular signaling marker [cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)] were measured. Lung injury was evaluated through histopathological analysis and thoracic computed tomography (CT)-based Hounsfield unit (HU) quantification, while pulmonary function was assessed via arterial blood gas analysis, including arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) and carbon dioxide pressure (PaCO₂). Results: FIP induction led to significant increases in plasma levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, CRP, MDA, cGMP, and lactic acid, accompanied by elevated CT attenuation (HU) values and a marked reduction in arterial PaO₂ and PaCO₂. MB treatment significantly decreased the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, CRP, MDA, lactic acid, and cGMP, improved PaO₂, and attenuated both histopathological lung injury and CT-assessed parenchymal density. No significant differences were observed in PaCO₂ among the groups. Conclusions: MB mitigates inflammation, oxidative damage, and pulmonary dysfunction in FIP-induced sepsis. Further studies are warranted to optimize dosing and timing and to evaluate long-term outcomes. Full article

In the preceding two decades, blue entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal proposition for Europe’s coastal fishing communities, as these communities have sought to diversify and reinvigorate their local economies. The present paper seeks to shed light on the driving forces and obstacles to the development of blue entrepreneurship in fishing communities through an innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem approach. The results of a qualitative survey, conducted through a questionnaire addressed to representatives of 80 stakeholders (private companies, local authorities, development companies, Local Action Groups for Fisheries (FLAGs), organizations, NGOs, academic and research institutions) based in and around coastal fishing communities, are explored in order to identify the driving forces and barriers to the development of blue entrepreneurship. The research was conducted by selecting stakeholders from five distinct coastal regions of Greece. These regions are dependent on fishing and have local Community-Led Local Development (CLLD)/LEADER programs that were funded by the Operational Program Fisheries and Maritime Affairs 2014–2020 during the 2014–2020 programming period. Subsequently, adopting existing models through an entrepreneurial ecosystem approach, the driving forces and obstacles highlight the weaknesses of Greek blue entrepreneurial ecosystems in coastal fishing communities, focusing on the existing blue framework conditions and the existing blue systemic conditions. Finally, the primary conclusions of the research are emphasized, and policy proposals are advanced to encourage the establishment of blue entrepreneurial ecosystems in Greek coastal fishing areas. Full article

The future development of perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is significantly limited by the poor stability and low brightness of the pure-blue emission in the wavelength range of 460–470 nm. In this study, the Cl/Br element ratio in CsPbCl_xBr_3−x perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) was modulated to precisely control their blue emission in the 428–512 nm spectral region. Then, the undoped CsPbCl₁Br₂ and the ZnCl₂-doped CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs were synthesized via the hot-injection method and investigated using variable-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL emission peak of the ZnCl₂-doped CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs exhibits a blue shift from 475 nm to 460 nm with increasing ZnCl₂ doping concentration. Additionally, the ZnCl₂-doped CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs show a high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). The variable-temperature PL spectroscopy results show that the ZnCl₂-doped CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs have a larger exciton binding energy than the CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs, which is indicative of a potentially higher PL intensity. To assess the stability of the perovskite NCs, high-temperature experiments and ultraviolet-irradiation experiments were conducted. The results indicate that zinc doping is beneficial for improving the stability of the perovskite NCs. The ZnCl₂-doped CsPbCl₁Br₂ perovskite NCs were post-treated using didodecylammonium bromide, and after the post-treatment, the PLQY increased to 83%. This is a high PLQY value for perovskite NC-LEDs in the blue spectral range, and it satisfies the requirements of practical display applications. This work thus provides a simple preparation method for pure blue light-emitting materials. Full article

Cyborg insects offer a biologically powered solution for locomotion control, but conventional methods typically rely on invasive electrical stimulation. Here, we introduce a noninvasive, phototaxis-based strategy to steer walking Endebius florensis beetles using light-emitting diode (LED) stimuli. Electroretinogram recordings revealed spectral sensitivity to blue, green, and yellow light, with reduced response to red. Behavioral assays demonstrated robust positive phototaxis to blue light and negative phototaxis to yellow. Using these findings, we built a wireless microcontroller-based backpack emitting directional blue light to induce steering. The beetles reliably turned toward the activated light, achieving angular deflections over 60° within seconds. This approach enables repeatable, trauma-free insect control and establishes a new paradigm for biohybrid locomotion systems. Full article

Accurately simulating the asymmetric spectral profiles of blue LEDs is crucial for photobiological research, yet it remains a challenge for traditional symmetric models. This study proposes a novel spectral simulation model that effectively captures these asymmetries. The proposed model structure is partly motivated by known broadening and dispersion mechanisms observed in real LED spectra; it employs a ‘base model + correction’ framework, where an Exponentially Modified Gaussian (EMG) function captures the primary spectral shape and falling edge and an Asymmetric Pseudo-Voigt (APV) function corrects the deviations on the rising edge. Requiring only the central wavelength and bandwidth as user inputs, the simulation results exhibit a high degree of agreement with the experimental data spectra. The model provides a rapid and robust tool for pre-evaluating light sources against regulatory criteria (e.g., >99% of the spectral intensity is in the 400–500 nm band), thereby enhancing the efficiency of experimental design in blue light protection studies. Full article

This study investigates the influence of façade-design parameters on daylighting performance in hot arid climates, with a particular focus on Egypt. A total of nine façade configurations of a residential building were modeled and simulated using Autodesk Revit and Insight 360, varying three critical variables: glazing type (clear, blue, and dark), Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) of 15%, 50%, 75%, and indoor wall finish (light, moderate, dark) colors. These were compared to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) daylighting quality thresholds. The results revealed that clear glazing paired with high WWR (75%) achieved the highest Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), reaching up to 92% in living spaces. However, this also led to elevated Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), with peak values of 53%, exceeding the LEED discomfort threshold of 10%. Blue and dark glazing types successfully reduced ASE to as low as 0–13%, yet often resulted in underlit spaces, especially in private rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms, with sDA values falling below 20%. A 50% WWR emerged as the optimal balance, providing consistent daylight distribution while maintaining ASE within acceptable limits (≤33%). Similarly, moderate color wall finishes delivered the most balanced lighting performance, enhancing sDA by up to 30% while controlling reflective glare. Statistical analysis using Pearson correlation revealed a strong positive relationship between sDA and ASE (r = 0.84) in highly glazed, clear glass scenarios. Sensitivity analysis further indicated that low WWR configurations of 15% were highly influenced by glazing and finishing types, leading to variability in daylight metrics reaching ±40%. The study concludes that moderate glazing (blue), medium WWR (50%), and moderate color indoor finishes provide the most robust daylighting performance across diverse room types. These findings support an evidence-based approach to façade design, promoting visual comfort, daylight quality, and sustainable building practices. Full article

Using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), we examined how different light wavelengths influence the hypersensitive response (HR) in tobacco plants infected with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst). Pst-infiltrated plants exhibited greater resistance to Pst infection under green and blue light compared to white and red light, as indicated by reduced HR-associated programmed cell death, lower H₂O₂ production, and up to 64% reduction in membrane damage. During the late stage of HR, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activities peaked under green and blue LEDs, with 5- and 10-fold increases, respectively, while superoxide dismutase activity was higher under white and red LEDs. Defense-related genes CHS1, PALa, PR1, and PR2 were more strongly induced by white and red light. The plants treated with green or blue LEDs during Pst infection prompted faster degradation of phototoxic Mg-porphyrins and exhibited smaller declines in F_v/F_m, electron transport rate, chlorophyll content, and LHCB expression compared to those treated with white or red LEDs. By contrast, the induction of the chlorophyll catabolic gene SGR was 54% and 77% lower in green and blue LEDs, respectively, compared to white LEDs. This study demonstrates that light quality differentially affects Pst-mediated HR, with green and blue light more effectively suppressing HR progression, mainly by reducing oxidative stress through enhanced antioxidative capacity and mitigation of photosynthetic impairments. Full article

Cyanobacteria are a prolific source of bioactive metabolites with expanding applications in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. This work explores, for the first time in thermotolerant Colombian isolates, the impact of light spectrum, photoperiod, and irradiance on the co-production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Six strains from hot-spring environments were screened under varying blue:red (B:R) LED ratios and full-spectrum illumination. Hapalosiphon sp. UFPS_002 outperformed all others, reaching ~290 mg L⁻¹ EPS and 28 µg mL⁻¹ IAA in the initial screen. Response-surface methodology was then used to optimize light intensity and photoperiod. EPS peaked at 281.4 mg L⁻¹ under a B:R ratio of 1:5 LED, 85 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and a 14.5 h light cycle, whereas IAA was maximized at 34.4 µg mL⁻¹ under cool-white LEDs at a similar irradiance. The quadratic models exhibited excellent predictive power (R² > 0.98) and a non-significant lack of fit, confirming the light regime as the dominant driver of metabolite yield. These results demonstrate that precise photonic tuning can selectively steer carbon flux toward either EPS or IAA, providing an energy-efficient strategy to upscale thermotolerant cyanobacteria for climate-resilient biofertilizers, bioplastics precursors, and other high-value bioproducts. Full article

Global marine coastal aquaculture increased by 6.7 million tons in 2024, with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dominating crustacean production. However, reliance on a single species raises sustainability concerns, particularly in the face of climate change. Diversifying shrimp farming by cultivating native species, such as the European brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), presents an opportunity to develop a sustainable blue bioeconomy in Europe. C. crangon holds significant commercial value, yet overexploitation has led to population declines. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers a viable solution by utilizing fish farm wastewater as a nutrient source, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Research efforts in Germany and other European nations are exploring IMTA’s potential by co-culturing shrimp with species like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. The physiological adaptability and omnivorous diet of C. crangon further support its viability in aquaculture. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding its lipid metabolism, early ontogeny, and reproductive biology—factors essential for optimizing captive breeding. Future interdisciplinary research should refine larval culture techniques and develop sustainable co-culture models. Expanding C. crangon aquaculture aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing food security, ecosystem resilience, and economic stability while reducing Europe’s reliance on seafood imports. Full article

In the 2021 summit, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the ocean as an essential driver of economic recovery post pandemic, leading to the ASEAN Declaration on the Blue Economy for the responsible management of marine resources. As an ASEAN nation with a long history in the fishing sector, Indonesia then actively spread this concept across the region. The hegemony theory of Gramsci, which considers the interaction of a nation’s material resources, ideational influence, and institutional strategy, is further used to assess Indonesia’s leadership dynamics in the ASEAN to obtain consensus-based power. In this study, Joko Widodo’s speeches from 2023 are taken out and coded to determine the narrative that Indonesia constantly reinforces. With thematic analysis, speech data is processed to generate keywords such as unity, cooperation, and shared responsibilities, which Indonesia often uses to advance its regional agenda. By aligning member states’ interests with regional goals, Indonesian governance creates common ground for a blue economy and emphasizes how the sea is an integral source of opportunity for the region’s position as the Epicentrum Of Growth. Instead of pushing countries to agree with directives, Indonesia effectively advocates for regional agreements and ASEAN-led structures through the blue economy framework, with the ABEF emerging at its 2023 ASEAN chairmanship deliberations. Full article