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The attraction of insects to artificial light is a global environmental problem with far-reaching implications for ecosystems. Since light pollution is rarely integrated into conservation approaches, effective mitigation strategies towards environmentally friendly lighting that drastically reduce insect attraction are urgently needed. Here, we tested novel luminaires in two experiments (i) at a controlled experimental field site and (ii) on streets within three municipalities. The luminaires are individually tailored to only emit light onto the target area and to reduce spill light. In addition, a customized shielding renders the light source nearly invisible beyond the lit area. We show that these novel luminaires significantly reduce the attraction effect on flying insects compared to different conventional luminaires with the same illuminance on the ground. This underlines the huge potential of spatially optimized lighting to help to bend the curve of global insect decline without compromising human safety aspects. A customized light distribution should therefore be part of sustainable future lighting concepts, most relevant in the vicinity of protected areas.
Live music is often linked to elaborate light shows, particularly at large outdoor music festivals. However, artificial light at night is one form of environmental pollution, light pollution, and because outdoor festivals emit a substantial amount of artificial light into the environment, they are a potential source of light pollution. So far, no studies that quantified the impact of such festivals on urban light pollution and skyglow exist. Here, the light pollution produced by a major rock festival (Lollapalooza Berlin 2016 with 70,000 visitors per day in an urban park) was investigated with ground-based radiometry and night-time light data. A small night-sky radiometer installed near the main stages and a calibrated digital camera from a nearby observation spot inside of the park were used to quantify changes in night sky brightness and direct light emissions within the park. The impact of the music festival on the urban skyglow was indeed measurable. Zenith luminance increased locally by up to a factor of 8 and illuminance increased by about 50% at the observation spot within the park. The radiance detected by night-time satellite was also increased during the festival. This is the first time, that light pollution from such a major rock music event was quantified.
Light pollution has increased globally, with 80% of the total population now living under light-polluted skies. In this Review, we elucidate the scope and importance of light pollution and discuss techniques to monitor it. In urban areas, light emissions from sources such as street lights lead to a zenith radiance 40 times larger than that of an unpolluted night sky. Non-urban areas account for over 50% of the total night-time light observed by satellites, with contributions from sources such as transportation networks and resource extraction. Artificial light can disturb the migratory and reproductive behaviours of animals even at the low illuminances from diffuse skyglow. Additionally, lighting (indoor and outdoor) accounts for 20% of global electricity consumption and 6% of CO2 emissions, leading to indirect environmental impacts and a financial cost. However, existing monitoring techniques can only perform a limited number of measurements throughout the night and lack spectral and spatial resolution. Therefore, satellites with improved spectral and spatial resolution are needed to enable time series analysis of light pollution trends throughout the night.
Artificial light at night originating from bridge illumination can cause polarised light pollution when it is reflected at water body surfaces. This alters the optical conditions of a river at night and potentially interferes with natural polarisation signals from, for example, moonlight. Therefore, this type of light pollution could detrimentally change the behaviour of organisms sensitive to polarised light, a navigational cue and signal known to be used e.g. by flying water-seeking insects to detect suitable aquatic habitats to reproduce and lay eggs. So far, polarised light pollution from artificial light at night is understudied. Here, we quantify polarised light pollution at the water’s surface near seven illuminated bridges crossing the river Spree in Berlin. Our measurements show for the first time, that nocturnal bridge illumination induces polarised light pollution towards potential flying paths of polarotactic aquatic insects. On average, around 9% of the water surfaces at the investigated bridges were highly polluted by polarised light, with values ranging between 3 and 12 % for each bridge. Thus, polarised light pollution from artificial light at night is an emergent pollutant for aquatic systems. Future work on this topic should include more comprehensive measurements, further ecological studies on its impacts and the development of sustainable lighting solutions that can contribute to the protection of riverine nightscapes.
Coarsening of Quasi Two-Dimensional Emulsions Formed by Islands in Free-Standing Smectic Films
(2024)
We study the coarsening behavior of assemblies of islands on smectic A freely suspended films in ISS microgravity experiments. The islands can be regarded as liquid inclusions in a two-dimensional fluid in analogy to liquid droplets of the discontinuous phase of an emulsion. The coarsening is effectuated by two processes, predominantly by island coalescence, but to some extend also by Ostwald ripening, whereby large islands grow at the expense of surrounding smaller ones. A peculiarity of this system is that the continuous and the discontinuous phases consist of the same material. We determine the dynamics, analyze the self-similar aging of the island size distribution and discuss characteristic exponents of the mean island growth.
Smectic islands on a thin freely suspended smectic film form a quasi two-dimensional emulsion, without a liquid subphase. We describe the coarsening dynamics that involves island coalescence and Ostwald ripening.
The energy transfer between bouncing particles and rigid boundaries during impacts is crucially influenced not only by restitution coefficients of the material but also by particle shapes. This is particularly important when such particles are mechanically agitated with vibrating plates. Inertial measurement units are able to measure all acceleration and rotational velocity components of an object and store these data for subsequent analysis. We employ them to measure the dynamics of cubes and icosahedra on vibrating plates to study the efficiency of energy transfer into the individual degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the excited object. The rotational DOFs turn out to be much less excited than the vertical translational motion. Most remarkably, there is only little difference between the two Platonic solids in both the absolute energies and the energy partition ratios.
The German government's initiative to cover 80% of the gross electricity supply with renewable energies by 2050 brings considerable ecological benefits, but also poses several challenges. One of these challenges is the growing number of photovoltaic systems (PV systems), which, due to their high feed-in power, already pose a risk to the security of the electricity distribution grid during long periods of sunny weather. To counteract this, active research is being carried out in the field of PV power forecasting. This research is primarily aimed at providing the grid operator with a predicted power output, which enables a longer planning horizon and thus increases the operational grid security. However, the considerable annual electricity consumption of private households and the increasing spread of PV systems for self-consumption show that the energy behavior of households, especially self-consumption, also influences grid security. Additionally, households have an incentive to boost their self-consumption because the cost of drawing each kilowatt-hour from the grid is substantially higher than the compensation received for injecting an equivalent amount of energy back into the grid. However, as of now, there is no software available that easily enables households to tailor the usage patterns of their electrical appliances according to a photovoltaic (PV) forecast. The project described here aims to close this gap by creating such software. Various PV forecasting models are used and tested for their suitability for this purpose. A self-generated optimization process is implemented in this project to optimize the consumer configuration based on the PV forecasts. The here-developed tool enables the user to enter parameters for his PV system and the specific load profiles of his electrical appliances. Based on this data, the optimization algorithm determines a consumption plan with a forecast horizon until the end of the next day that maximizes the user's self-consumption. To validate the tool, the optimization process is carried out over a period of 60 days using a predefined scenario and the results are compared with a scenario in which the electrical appliances are intuitively operated at midday. The analysis of these results ultimately shows the potential impact of such a tool on the economic efficiency of private households and the supply stability.
The problem of increasing the efficiency of existing photodetectors and creating their new types attracts much research attention. Among new photodetector types are photosensitive structures based on cascade concentrators, whose operational principle involves the absorption of optical radiation followed by its reemission at a longer wavelength and radiation concentration onto a highly efficient small-area photodetector. The absorption and re-emission spectra of each cascade layer depend on the characteristics of the material used. Сolloidal quantum dots are among the most promising materials for cascade layers due to their manufacturing technology, which provides for accurate control over the photoluminescence maximum position. It seems highly relevant to develop and to study photosensitive structures with cascade concentrators of various shapes based on CdS, CdSe/ZnS, and PbS colloidal quantum dots. Aim . To develop photosensitive structures with a wide-range sensitivity spectrum based on concentrators containing arrays of metal chalcogenide CQDs and to study their characteristics. Materials and methods . Cascade photosensitive structures were manufactured based on layers made of polymethyl methacrylate and layers of colloidal quantum dots embedded in a polystyrene matrix. Results . Three-layer concentrators were manufactured with different colloidal quantum dots in each concentrator layers. A 22 % increase in the output power was observed for a three-layer cascade structure based on different cascade layer materials compared to a similar structure using a single layer concentrator. Conclusion . The conducted studies showed an increase in the efficiency of photosensitive structures with a cascade concentrator based on colloidal quantum dots of various types (CdS, CdSe/ZnS, and PbS) in the cascade layers.
Illuminated bridges have become important assets to navigable aquatic systems. However, if artificial light at night (ALAN) from illuminated bridges reaches aquatic habitats, such as rivers, it can threaten the river's natural heterogeneity and alter the behavioural responses of migratory fish. Here, via a pilot study, we quantified levels of ALAN at illuminated bridges that cross a river and, propose a conceptual model to estimate its potential implications on two migrating fish species with contrasting life histories. Night-time light measurements on the river Spree in Berlin were performed continuously along a transect and in detail at seven illuminated bridges. Photometric data of the pilot study showed rapidly increased and decreased light levels at several illuminated bridges from which we derived several model illumination scenarios. These illumination scenarios and their potential effect on migrating Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar) and European silver eel (Anguilla anguilla) are presented as a conceptual model, considering illuminated bridges as behavioural barriers to fish migration. ALAN's adverse effects on freshwater habitats must be better researched, understood, managed, and properly communicated to develop future sustainable lighting practices and policies that preserve riverscapes and their biodiversity.
So weit das Auge trägt
(2023)
Sichtweiten in der Atmosphäre reichen von wenigen Metern im Nebel bis zu einigen hundert Kilometern bei extrem guten Fernsichtbedingungen. Die zugrundeliegende Physik geht vom Wahrnehmungskontrast aus. Dieser ändert sich mit der Entfernung entlang der Sichtlinie zwischen Objekt und Auge aufgrund von Lichtstreuung und Absorption an den Bestandteilen der Atmosphäre. Dazu kommt bei der Fernsicht die Refraktion, die es erlaubt, auch über den durch die Kugelform der Erde geometrisch bedingten Horizont hinaus zu sehen.
This study examines the impact of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on two coral species, Acropora eurystoma and Pocillopora damicornis, in the Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat Red Sea, assessing their natural isotopic responses to highlight changes in energy and nutrient sourcing due to sensory light pollution. Our findings indicate significant disturbances in photosynthetic processes in Acropora eurystoma, as evidenced by shifts in δ13C values under ALAN, pointing to alterations in carbon distribution or utilization. In Pocillopora damicornis, similar trends were observed, with changes in δ13C and δ15N values suggesting a disruption in its nitrogen cycle and feeding strategies.
The study also uncovers species-specific variations in heterotrophic feeding, a crucial factor in coral resilience under environmental stress, contributing to the corals' fixed carbon budget. Light measurements across the Gulf demonstrated a gradient of light pollution which possess the potential of affecting marine biology in the region. ALAN was found to disrupt natural diurnal tentacle behaviors in both coral species, crucial for prey capture and nutrient acquisition, thereby impacting their isotopic composition and health.
Echoing previous research, our study underscores the need to consider each species' ecological and physiological contexts when assessing the impacts of anthropogenic changes. The findings offer important insights into the complexities of marine ecosystems under environmental stress and highlight the urgency of developing effective mitigation strategies.
Climate change, but also geopolitical circumstances, are moving topics such as energy efficiency and renewable energies more and more into the focus of the population, economy , and politics. As a result, the will to optimize new and existing energy systems extends from private individuals to companies and even entire communities. This work describes the development and usage of a new software called FINEconcepts which creates a digital twin of an energy system. This virtual model can then be used to optimize the energy system based on annual costs, CO2 emissions or other relevant criteria such as self-sufficiency. Because all system components, which include renewable technologies as well, can be added as a building block with chosen but changeable parameters, the software allows the user to explore and awaken interest and understanding of technologies that were previously considered too costly, irrelevant, or unrealistic. Implemented projects in small and large companies as well as in residential areas did prove, that the usage of FINEconcepts leads not only to more efficient energy systems by increasing the use of renewable energy, but also increased knowledge and understanding in terms of energy. Besides economics, ecology and security, understanding is an equally important factor in achieving a sustainable energy supply.
In this study, we have investigated the form of velocity and pressure functions of a fluid oscillating between two parallel glass sheets that form a circular Hele-Shaw cell. The flow has been considered to be radial, incompressible and laminar. The time-dependent Navier-Stokes equation has been solved in cylindrical coordinates using Fourier transform, and the oscillating flow velocity across the thickness of the cell has been obtained at different times. The flow velocity function in the unsteady state is related to the vertical component of the coordinates in the form of parabolic functions and also to the inverse of the radial component. The time dependence appears as a simple harmonic with a frequency equal to the oscillation frequency. The velocity of the flow is maximum at the middle of the cell along its height and gradually decreases from the middle towards the top or bottom plane and reaches zero. Pressure does not depend on the height and changes logarithmically with the radius. The dependence of pressure on time is also a simple harmonic with the external frequency, but it has a phase shift with respect to the velocity.
Ubiquitous Music is an interdisciplinary research area that combines methodologies from music, computer science, education, creativity studies, human sciences and engineering.
The Ubiumus 2023 symposium, held at Ulster University and North West Regional College in Derry~Londonderry, Northern Ireland, included contributions on the following topics:
Rapid Prototyping and Live Environments
Ecological Approaches to Ubiquitous Music
Ubiquitous Music Creative Practices, Tools and Influences
The symposium also included a number of artistic contributions and workshops, which are also discussed in the proceedings volume. A number of events (including all paper presentations, an invited lecture, a panel discussion, and a keynote and associated performance) were also documented via video, with a link available in this Proceedings volume.
We investigate micrometer-sized flat droplets consisting of an isotropic core surrounded by a nematic rim in freely suspended smectic A liquid-crystal films. In contrast to purely isotropic droplets which are characterized by a sharp edge and no long-range interactions, the nematic fringe introduces a continuous film thickness change resulting in long-range mutual attraction of droplets. The coalescence scenario is divided in two phases. The first one consists in the fusion of the nematic regions. The second phase involves the dissolution of a thin nematic film between the two isotropic cores. The latter has many similarities with the rupture of thin liquid films between droplets coalescing in an immiscible viscous liquid.
Coalescence of biphasic droplets in free-standing smectic films is controlled in part by the rupture of a thin nematic membrane separating the isotropic droplet cores.
Sensing is nowadays an accepted application of phononic crystals with chemical and biosensors for liquid analytes being the perhaps most promising ones. A liquid-filled defect is introduced that turns into a resonant cavity. Similar to the well-known resonant sensors sensitivity can be increased with higher operating frequencies. We introduce a Sandwiched Phononic Crystal (SPC), which applies a resonant cavity located between two stacked layers on top of a SAW device. Key challenges are coupling of surface acoustic wave into the liquid cavities and avoiding scattering of the guided waves into the bulk of the sensor chip.
Phononic crystals (PnC) with a specifically designed liquid-filled defect have been recently introduced as a novel sensor platform (Lucklum et al. in Sens Actuators B Chem 171–172:271–277, 2012). Sensors based on this principle feature a band gap covering the typical input span of the measurand as well as a narrow transmission peak within the band gap where the frequency of maximum transmission is governed by the measurand. This approach has been applied for determination of volumetric properties of liquids (Lucklum et al. in Sens Actuators B Chem 171–172:271–277, 2012; Oseev et al. in Sens Actuators B Chem 189:208–212, 2013; Lucklum and Li in Meas Sci Technol 20(12):124014, 2009) and has demonstrated attractive sensitivity. One way to improve sensitivity requires higher probing frequencies in the range of 100 MHz and above. In this range surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are an established basis for sensors. We have performed first tests towards a PnC microsensors (Lucklum et al. in Towards a SAW based phononic crystal sensor platform. In: 2013 Joint European frequency and time forum and international frequency control symposium (EFTF/IFC), pp 69–72, 2013). The respective feature size of the PnC SAW sensor has dimensions in the range of 10 µm and below. Whereas those dimensions are state of the art for common MEMS materials, etching of holes and cavities in piezoelectric materials that have an aspect ratio diameter/depth is still challenging. In this contribution we describe an improved technological process able to realize considerably deep and uniform holes in a SAW substrate.
The study focuses on high-performance combined electro-spark alloying of titanium and titanium alloy (VT1-0, VT16) surface and porous matrix structure oxidation. The metal-oxide coatings morphology is the result of melt drop transfer, heat treatment, and oxidation. The study establishes the influence of technological regimes of alloying and oxidation on morphological heterogeneity of biocompatible layered metal-oxide system Ti-Ta-(Ti,Ta)xOy. It was found that during electro-spark alloying the concentration of tantalum on the titanium surface ranges from 0.1 to 3.2 at.%. Morphology of the deposited splats is represented by uniformly grown crystals of titanium and tantalum oxides, which increase from nano- to submicron size.