Susabi-nori (Porphyra yezoensis) was diagnosed by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method. Fluorescence peaks located at approximately 580, 660, 685 and 720 nm were observed in the LIF spectra of Susabi-nori. In the spectrum of the sample infected with the red rot disease, the intensity of 580 nm peak was relatively high as compared with that of the control sample. On the other hand, the intensities of 580 nm and 660 nm peaks drastically decreased by the influence of the chytrid disease. Furthermore, the intensity of the 580 nm peak increased by dipping into fresh water. These results indicate that LIF spectra of Susabi-nori are affected by the diseases and the stress of fresh water and that the diseases and the stress of Susabi-nori can be diagnosed by the LIF method.

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In the present condition, traffic sign and traffic information board is continue to be an area in which LED light source are being used widely and successfully. In order to design suitable road or vehicle solutions compensating for the loss of visual information, its understanding on how fog reduces visibility is necessary. The characteristics of color LED in nighttime fog are affected by various densities and droplet size distribution, because different fog density and droplet size can cause color LED become fainter and reducing contrast. To prevent this problem, in this research we used 12 kinds of colored LED light as a test stimulus. Subject observed brightness of all the test stimuli with reference white light adjusted to 30 cd/m² in luminance. They then evaluated the apparent brightness of the test stimuli in dense fog and no fog condition with level estimation of 11 grades, as a result it was found that RY (Reddish Yellow) is the brightest and B (Blue) is the faintest in nighttime fog.

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In this article peripheral visibility under the condition of three types of headlamps' low-beam pattern was compared with the Two-Alternative Forced-Choice (2AFC) method. The three headlamps used in this night-time field study were headlamp No.1: Parabolic-HID, Headlamp No.2: Projector-HID and Headlamp No.3: Parabolic-Halogen. The results show that HID headlamps are better for the detection of pedestrian in peripheral than halogen headlamps because of the higher light output, higher color temperature, brighter foreground and wider spread of light. Some suggestion about criteria of the automobile headlight distribution for Chinese traffic condition was also discussed.

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A new type of robust photoconductor made of synthetic diamond films was evaluated for measurement of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation irradiated by low-pressure mercury lamps. It was demonstrated that the diamond sensors are suited to directly measure intensity of 185 nm line among various radiations from low-pressure mercury lamps. Decrease in contact angles of water droplets on UV-treated glass substrates was more closely correlated with the irradiance of 185 nm as compared to that of 254 nm from low-pressure mercury lamps, indicating importance of direct monitoring of the former. The diamond sensors were very stable and did not degrade for 100 hours under the 185 nm irradiation of about 2 mW/cm², showing potential usefulness of the sensors for monitoring and controlling of various VUV processes.

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White light-emitting diodes (LED) are well suited for museum lighting because they emit neither UV nor IR radiation, which damage artifacts. The color degradation of natural dyes and blue scale standards (JIS L 0841) by white LED lamps are examined, and the performance of white LED lamps for museum lighting is evaluated. Blue scale standard grades 1-6 and silk fabrics dyed with 22 types of natural dyes classified as mid to highly responsive in a CIE technical report (CIE157:2004) were exposed to five types of white LED lamps using different luminescence methods and color temperatures. Color changes were measured at each 15000 lx·hr (500 lx at fabric surface × 300 hr) interval ten times. The accumulated exposure totaled 150000 lx·hr. The data on conventional white LED lamps and previously reported white fluorescent (W) and museum fluorescent (NU) lamps was evaluated. All the white LED lamps showed lower fading rates compared with a W lamp on a blue scale grade 1. The fading rate of natural dyes in total was the same between an NU lamp (3000 K) and a white LED lamp (2869 K). However, yellow natural dyes showed higher fading rates with the white LED lamp. This tendency is due to the high power characteristic of the LED lamp around 400-500 nm, which possibly contributes to the photo-fading action on the dyes. The most faded yellow dyes were Ukon (Curcuma longa L.) and Kihada (Phellodendron amurense Rupr.), and these are frequently used in historic artifacts such as kimono, wood-block prints, and scrolls. From a conservation point of view, we need to continue research on white LED lamps for use in museum lighting.

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According to the Machinery Statistics of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the production of incandescent lamps in Japan in 2007 was 990 million units (90.0% of the previous year's total), in which the production of incandescent lamps for general lighting was 110 million units (90.0% of the previous year's total) and of tungsten-halogen lamps was 44 million units (96.6% of the previous year's total). The production of fluorescent lamps was 927 million units (93.9% of the previous year's total), in which general fluorescent lamps, excluding those for LCD back lighting, was 320 million units (87.2% of the previous year's total). Also, the production of HID lamps was 10 million units (101.5% of the previous year's total). On the other hand, when the numbers of sales are compared with the sales of the previous year, incandescent lamps for general use was 99.8%, tungsten-halogen lamps was 96.9%, fluorescent lamps was 95.9%, and HID lamps was 98.9%. Self-ballasted fluorescent lamps alone showed an increase in sales as strong as 29 million units, or 121.7% of the previous year's sales. It is considered that the switchover of incandescent lamps to HID lamps was promoted for energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction with the problem of global warming in the background. In regard to exhibitions, Lighting Fair 2007 was held in Tokyo in March, and LIGHTFAIR INTERNATIONAL 2007 was held in New York in May. Regarding academic conferences, LS:11 (the 11th International Symposium on the Science & Technology of Light Sources) was held in Shanghai in May, and the First International Conference on White LEDs and Solid State Lighting was held in Tokyo in November. Both conferences suggested that there are strong needs and concerns now about energy conservation, saving natural resources, and restrictions of hazardous materials. In regard to incandescent lamps, the development of products aiming at higher efficacy, electric power savings, and longer life was advanced by means of using filler gas with a higher atomic weight. Regarding fluorescent lamps, studies and developments for longer operating life and improvement in the lumen maintenance factor for the straight-type and circular-type fluorescent lamps were actively pursued. Regarding self-ballasted fluorescent lamps, the main stream of development was aimed at reducing lamp size and increasing energy conservation, and the development of new products that took advantage of these features proceeded. In regard to LED light sources, basic research and product development, including new application development, were vigorously implemented. In basic research, studies were reported, not only on efficacy improvements through optimization of the LED chips, phosphor layers, and packaging technology, but also on photometry, colorimetry, and visual psychology. In the field of application, applications were studied for general lighting sources and also for a wide range of fields, such as automotive headlights and visible light communication. Also, many academic conferences and exhibitions were held domestically and overseas, and the high level of interest suggests high expectations for this next-generation light source. Regarding HID lamps, there was much activity in research and development and in the commercialization of the ceramic metal halide lamp product, and products were commercialized with features such as higher efficiency (130 lm/W) and higher color rendering properties (R₉ ≥ 90). In the high-pressure sodium lamps, there were many study reports concerning plant growth and insect pest control using its low insect-attracting characteristics. With high-pressure mercury lamps, there were many reports on reducing lamp size and increasing intensity for use as a light source for projectors.

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According to the statistics on building construction floor area from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the total floor area of building construction started in Japan in 2007 was 160,991 thousand square meters, or 14.8% less than the area of the previous year, and the reduction was the first reduction in the past five years. The office markets in Tokyo and Nagoya were active, as represented by the supplies of skyscrapers, and energy saving measures, such as the adoption of high efficiency lighting equipment, the control for initial stage illuminance, daylight harvesting, and the use of occupancy sensors, were well established. In the field of public construction, including museums, multi-purpose halls, and religious buildings, the total area of the new construction was 10.8% less than the total for the previous year, and this reduction was a continuation of an eleven-year trend. In spaces with high ceiling, the innovation for easy replacement of light sources used with reflection mirror systems and optical fibers was noted. Hospitals adapted to the expectation for improved services in their selection of lighting facilities to improve the residential environment for patients while taking into consideration the needs of the aging population, by their use of devices in corridors to help maintain a continuity of light. In libraries, a pendant system was developed to illuminate both ceilings and book shelves. In the field of theaters and halls, the time limit for repairing existing systems had come for the large facilities that were opened during the theater and hall construction boom of the 1960s through 1980s, and around 26 renovations were done. Almost all the renovations were conversions to intelligent dimming systems and lighting control desks. In the field of stores and commercial facilities, the atmosphere and glitter of the selling floor was produced by new light sources, such as ceramic metal halide lamps and LEDs, which have high efficiency, long life, and excellent color rendering properties. In the field of lodging, restaurants, and services, suitable atmospheres for the locations were produced by devices for controlling the light distribution of 12 V tungsten halogen equipment and by the use of indirect illumination in up-scale restaurants. In the field of residence, as was the case in the previous year, lighting distribution plans corresponding to diverse activities, such as island kitchens and home theaters, were adopted in horizontally or vertically arranged floor plans. Also, light sources, appliances, and controls with excellent efficiency were adopted for common spaces in order to correspond to the energy saving law.

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Journal of Light and Visual Environment Vol.32 (2008) No.2, pp.161-169 “Effective Illuminance Improvement of a Light Source by Using Pulse Modulation and Its Psychophysical Effect on the Human Eye” by Masafumi JINNO, Keiji MORITA, Yudai TOMITA, Yukinobu TODA and Hideki MOTOMURA

Luminance values of LEDs in Table 4 are not correct. We show the correct Table 4 herein.

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