Quality controls for the Mu2e electromagnetic calorimeter and R&D studies for the muon capture rate determination

According to the SM, while Lepton Flavour Violation is allowed in the neutral sector, Charged Lepton Flavour Violation (CLFV) processes are forbidden. The Mu2e Experiment at Fermilab will search for the CLFV process of neutrinoless conversion of a muon into an electron within the field of an Al nucleus. The Mu2e detectors and its state-of-the-art superconducting magnetic system are presented, with special focus put to the electromagnetic crystal calorimeter. The calorimeter is composed by two annular disks, each one hosting pure CsI crystals read-out by custom silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs). The SiPMs are amplified by custom electronics (FEE) and are glued to copper holders in group of 2 SiPMs and 2 FEE boards thus forming a crystal Readout Unit. These Readout Units are being tested at the Quality Control (QC) Station, whose design, realization and operations are presented in this work. The QC Station allows to determine the gain, the response and the photon detection efficiency of each unit and to evaluate the dependence of these parameters from the supply voltage and temperature. The station is powered by two remotely-controlled power supplies and monitored thanks to a Slow Control system which is also illustrated in this work. In this thesis, we also demonstrated that the calorimeter can perform its own measurement of the Mu2e normalization factor, i.e. the counting of the 1.8 MeV photon line produced in nuclear muon captures. A specific calorimeter sub-system called CAPHRI, composed by four LYSO crystals with SiPM readout, has been designed and tested. We simulated the capability of this system on performing this task showing that it can get a faster and more reliable measurement of the muon capture rates with respect to the current Mu2e detector dedicated to this measurement. The characterization of energy resolution and response uniformity of the four procured LYSO crystals are llustrated

Menadione-induced oxidative stress re-shapes the oxylipin profile of Aspergillus flavus and its lifestyle

Aspergillus flavus is an efficient producer of mycotoxins, particularly aflatoxin B1, probably the most hepatocarcinogenic naturally-occurring compound. Although the inducing agents of toxin synthesis are not unanimously identified, there is evidence that oxidative stress is one of the main actors in play. In our study, we use menadione, a quinone extensively implemented in studies on ROS response in animal cells, for causing stress to A. flavus. For uncovering the molecular determinants that drive A. flavus in challenging oxidative stress conditions, we have evaluated a wide spectrum of several different parameters, ranging from metabolic (ROS and oxylipin profile) to transcriptional analysis (RNA-seq). There emerges a scenario in which A. flavus activates several metabolic processes under oxidative stress conditions for limiting the ROS-associated detrimental effects, as well as for triggering adaptive and escape strategies

Analisis hukum ekonomi syariah terhadap praktik Serbu Seru di aplikasi Bukalapak

Ketatnya persaingan usaha dalam sektor e-marketplace telah mendorong perusahaan-perusahaan e-marketplace untuk membuat inovasi layanan yang dapat menarik minat masyarakat, seperti halnya fitur Serbu Seru di Aplikasi Bukalapak. Fitur tersebut merupakan fitur undian gratis berhadiah dengan berbagai metode, salah satunya dengan syarat pembelian pulsa (Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu). Undian tersebut termasuk kedalam undian bersyarat, dimana sebagian ulama memperbolehkannya dengan syarat-syarat tertentu. Dalam praktik Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu terdapat akad jual beli dan akad hibah/hadiah yang ditentukan dengan cara diundi. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk: 1) Mengetahui pelaksanaan Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu di Aplikasi Bukalapak, 2) Mengetahui Hukum Ekonomi Syariah terhadap praktik Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu di Aplikasi Bukalapak. Penelitian ini berangkat dari praktik undian berhadiah yang dilakukan oleh Bukalapak dengan adanya syarat pembelian pulsa yang berlaku pula sebagai dana pengembalian. Sebagian ulama memperbolehkan jenis undian tersebut dengan syarat harga produk yang dijual tidak menjadi lebih tingggi dari harga normal dan pembeli membeli barang tersebut karena kebutuhannya bukan semata-mata ingin mendapatkan hadiahnya agar pembeli tidak terjerumus pada hal yang dilarang seperti perjudian (maysir). Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah deskriptif analisis dengan pendekatakan studi kasus. Selain itu jenis data yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah data kualitatif dengan menggunakan dua sumber data yaitu sumber data primer dan sekunder. Data primer dalam penelitian ini diperoleh dari fitur Serbu Seru Bukalapak dan beberapa pihak yaitu lima orang yang telah mengikuti, dua orang pemenang Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu di aplikasi Bukalapak. Sedangkan data sekunder dalam penelitian ini merupakan data yang berupa dokumentasi, buku-buku, peraturan, dan lain sebagainya yang berkaitan dengan praktik Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa: 1) Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu dilakukan dengan cara penyerbu memlih barang yang terdapat pada sesi dan periode tertentu. Kemudian penyerbu diwajibkan untuk menyetujui pengembalian dana dalam bentuk pulsa. Penyerbuan hanya dapat dilakukan satu kali persesinya. Pengundian dilakukan setelah periode berakhir. Pengundian dilakukan secara tertutup. Pengumuman pemenang dapat dilihat pada riwayat Serbu Seru dan website resmi Bukalapak. Penyerahan hadiah diserahkan maksimal 30 hari kerja. 2) Dalam praktik Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu lebih banyak mengandung mudharat-nya didandingkan ke-masalahatan-nya, maka praktik Beli Pulsa Untuk Serbu di Aplikasi Bukalapak hukumnya adalah haram

Control of Penicillium expansum by an epiphytic basidiomycetous yeast

Postharvest biocontrol agents are considered a viable alternative to the use of synthetic chemicals as demonstrated by extensive research conducted by scientists and companies worldwide. In the present investigation, the biocontrol potential of a carotenoid-producing basidiomycetous yeast isolated from table grape flowers was analyzed. The strain RY1 proved to be Sporobolomyces roseus. In vitro and in vivo tests were conducted to assess its efficacy against Penicillium expansum, one of the most important postharvest pathogens and producer of the mycotoxin patulin. The yeast proved to control both fungal growth and patulin production, and, in addition, to greatly affect disease incidence and severity on apples. Its mode of action is presumably related both to the competition for nutrients and the production of antifungal volatiles. As such, although further large-scale trials are needed, our S. roseus strain represents a potential interesting biocontrol agent to be applied after harvest

Alternaria species causing pomegranate and citrus fruit rots in Albania

The fungal genus Alternaria is a relevant pathogen for several commodities including citrus and pomegranate fruits. On citrus, it mainly causes brown spots on fruits and leaves, whereas on pomegranate, it mostly causes a fruit heart rot. In the present study the presence of Alternaria rots on citrus and pomegranate fruits cultivated in Albania was assessed. Representative fruits were collected from different regions. Nineteen and thirteen Alternaria spp. isolates were obtained from pomegranate and citrus samples, respectively. The isolates were identified at species and morphotype level. Micro and macroscopic features separated isolates into four morphotypes. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis using the SCAR Marker OPA1-3 confirmed the isolate identity. All 32 isolates proved to be Alternaria alternata and belonged mainly to morphotype alternata, followed by limoniasperae and tenuissima. All Alternaria strains proved to possess the pksI gene of alternariol biosynthesis. Citrus isolates were tested for the presence of genes of the biosynthesis of the phytotoxins ACT and ACR, but none of them proved to possess them. Concluding, Alternaria spp. might represent a treat to pomegranate and citrus production in Albania, and thus effective control means are needed

RANCANG BANGUN MESIN PEMOTONG RUMPUT DENGAN DUA SISTEM PEMOTONG (PERAWATAN DAN PERBAIKAN)

Main purpose of the design of grass cutter machine with two cutters system are harnessing the energy of sunlight making it environmentally friendly, reduce air pollution caused by smoke of burning gasoline and fuel gas, to participate in advancing industrial machinery and to get the work efficiency and time in the process. Design of grass cutter machine with two cutters system is accomplished by designing the shape of the original construction of the mechanical push mower will be converted into a machine construction thrust grass cutters with two systems. Then the workings, spiral-shaped cutting blade of grass located on the front will move according to how quickly the speed we push the lawn mower is used to cut the grass (rough) and the square of grass cutter blade that is driven by a motor located at the rear serves to cut grass (finishing). Electricity from motors sourced from direct sunlight captured by solar cell. solar cell serves to battery charger after the electric current from the battery will be entered into the inverter and forwarded to the electric moto

Organic and Inorganic Salts as Postharvest Alternative Control Means of Citrus

Several postharvest disease control means alternative to conventional chemical fungicides, such as organic and inorganic salts, will be highlighted in the proposed chapter. In particular, it will comprehensively cover different aspects of the use of salts against postharvest Penicillium decay of citrus. It will be an essential resource for the graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, professionals, supply chain players, citrus industries, and retailers. Organic and inorganic salts have a broad spectrum of activity against a wide range of fungi. In addition, they are easy to apply, inexpensive, safe for humans and the environment, and suitable for commercial postharvest handling practices. Different application strategies of salts, before and after harvest, and combined application (with wax, natural compounds, and fungicides, etc.) will be also discussed. The present chapter attempts to highlight how the use of organic and inorganic salts as alternative postharvest disease management technologies has developed from the laboratory to the market

Fungal pathogens associated with harvested table grapes in Lebanon, and characterization of the mycotoxigenic genera

Table grapes are exposed to fungal infections before and after harvest. In particular, Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria can cause decays and contamination by mycotoxins. The main fungi affecting Lebanese table grapes after harvest were assessed as epiphytic populations, latent infections, and rots. Effects of storage with and without SO2 generating pads were also evaluated. Representative isolates of toxigenic genera were characterised, and their genetic potential to produce ochratoxin A, fumonisins, and patulin was established. The epiphytic populations mainly included wound pathogens (Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.), while latent infections and rots were mostly caused by Botrytis spp. The use of SO2 generating pads reduced the epiphytic populations and rots, but was less effective against latent infections. Characterization of Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Alternaria isolates showed that A. tubingensis, P. glabrum, and A. alternata were the most common species. Strains of A. welwitschiae and P. expansum were also found to be genetically able to produce, respectively, ochratoxin A plus fumonisins and patulin. These data demonstrate the need for effective measures to prevent postharvest losses caused by toxigenic fung

Antifungal Activity and DNA Topoisomerase Inhibition of Hydrolysable Tannins from Punica granatum L

Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) fruit is known to be an important source of bioactive phenolic compounds belonging to hydrolysable tannins. Pomegranate extracts have shown antifungal activity, but the compounds responsible for this activity and their mechanism/s of action have not been completely elucidated up to now. The aim of the present study was the investigation of the inhibition ability of a selection of pomegranate phenolic compounds (i.e., punicalagin, punicalin, ellagic acid, gallic acid) on both plant and human fungal pathogens. In addition, the biological target of punicalagin was identified here for the first time. The antifungal activity of pomegranate phenolics was evaluated by means of Agar Disk Diffusion Assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) evaluation. A chemoinformatic analysis predicted for the first time topoisomerases I and II as potential biological targets of punicalagin, and this prediction was confirmed by in vitro inhibition assays. Concerning phytopathogens, all the tested compounds were effective, often similarly to the fungicide imazalil at the label dose. Particularly, punicalagin showed the lowest MIC for Alternaria alternata and Botrytis cinerea, whereas punicalin was the most active compound in terms of growth control extent. As for human pathogens, punicalagin was the most active compound among the tested ones against Candida albicans reference strains, as well as against the clinically isolates. UHPLC coupled with HRMS indicated that C. albicans, similarly to the phytopathogen Coniella granati, is able to hydrolyze both punicalagin and punicalin as a response to the fungal attack. Punicalagin showed a strong inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 9.0 and 4.6 µM against C. albicans topoisomerases I and II, respectively. Altogether, the results provide evidence that punicalagin is a valuable candidate to be further exploited as an antifungal agent in particular against human fungal infections