Led induced chlorophyll fluorescence transient imager for measurements of health and stress status of whole plants

We have developed LED (light emitting diode) induced fluorescence transient imaging instrumentation to image the plant health/stress status by calculation of two images: Fv/Fm (variable fluorescence over saturation level of fluorescence) and the time response, tTR, of the fluorescence time curve. Within a short time interval (˜580 ms) multiple images (typically 20) are captured using the LEDs in the pulsed mode. For each pixel of the fluorescence image Fv/Fm and tTR are calculated and presented as images that correlate with the quantum yield of PSII photochemistry and the time response of this process, respectively. The advantage of the technology lies in the imaging of photosynthetic parameters within a short time interval, remotely and under light conditions. This was accomplished by the development of a high intensity pulsed LED light source (total 5 kW electrical power) and using the LEDs in the pulsed mode with a pulse width of 15 ms and time between sequential pulses of 14 ms. Using this instrumentation we investigated the effect of herbicide treatment, Sencor, on black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) plants. Effects of the herbicide on the first fluorescence images could be detected. At the saturation level of the fluorescence this effect disappeared. The effect of the herbicide was visualized on the Fv/Fm image and the time response tTR image. Healthy and herbicide treated parts of the plant yielded average values of Fv/Fm=0.81±0.03 and 0.06±0.02, respectively. Furthermore, the effect of drought stress was investigated on saintpaulia (Saintpaulia ionantha) plants. Under dark conditions no differences in the image of Fv/Fm and tTR could be detected between the control and the plant with drought stress. Under actinic light of 90 µmol m-2 s-1 differences were observed in images of (Fm’-F’)/Fm’ and tTR’. We conclude that for the first time images of a time response of the photosynthesis of leaves are presented. Furthermore, the proposed instrumentation can be used for high throughput screening, as a sensor in sorting machines and has potential greenhouse applications

Treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia:Phototherapy and beyond

Neonatal jaundice, characterized by a yellow colorization of the skin, mucosa and sclerae, is a common disease in newborn infants. Especially in preterm infants it occurs frequently; up to 80% experiences a certain level of jaundice. The yellow colorization is caused by elevated levels of the yellow pigment bilirubin, leading to the name hyperbilirubinemia. Bilirubin is a breakdown product of heme in red blood cells. Premature newborns have a temporary high erythrocyte turnover during the first days of life, which causes a higher bilirubin production. When hyperbilirubinemia is severe, bilirubin can deposit in the brain (especially in the so-called basal nuclei), where it can cause damage. This damage can cause a variety of problems described as kernicterus spectrum disorders (KSD). The KSD can include irreversible cerebral palsy (spasticity) and/or hearing and sight problems. Severe untreated hyperbilirubinemia has even been described to cause death. In order to prevent this neurological damage, it is essential to timely diagnose and treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This thesis describes studies on treatment options of this disease, using both animal models and preterm infants

The heating transition; what can we learn from the German Energiewende?

There is an urgent need for energy renovation of the existing building stock to reach the climate goals, set in Paris in 2016. Unfortunately, energy renovation rates across the EU remain at a low level of 1% per year. Moreover, the depth of the achieved energy renovation is in most cases rather shallow. Deep renovation, referring to renovation which lowers energy use with 60% or more, accounts for only 0,2% of total refurbishments. This means that both the pace and the quality of energy renovation needs to increase to achieve climate goals in 2050. In this article we identify lessons-learned from policies for energy renovation, in particular policies regarding the Energiewende in Germany. With an effective approach, combining remuneration and information, a revolutionary increase in RES-installations was brought about

Grid governance; what new roles for the community energy movement?

In the Netherlands, energy cooperatives are increasingly active in the production of renewable energy. Many cooperatives have concrete plans to invest in energy projects, such as solar fields and wind turbines. Unfortunately, in the coming years there will hardly be any room for such projects in the electricity grid. In their quest to help solve this predicament, energy cooperatives develop new and innovative energy services, for example delivering grid services to distribution system operators (DSOs). However, in this endeavor they encounter legal as well as economic obstacles

MOVEing Microorganisms:The effect of the built environment of the hospital and screening strategies on microbial safety

In this dissertation the results of the MOVE study are described, which determined if the transition to solely single-occupancy rooms in the new hospital building of the Erasmus MC contributed to a microbial safer hospital. Additionally, the effect of screenings methods for MDRO at admission of patients was evaluated