Nucleotide sequences modulating the expression of genes in plants

The provides a genetic cassette for the expression of heterologous nucleic acids in response to abiotic stresses such as drought and soil high salinity, regulatory sequences used in the expression cassette, expression vectors carrying these sequences and plants transformed with the same

Contribution of Skylab multispectral imagery to the remote sensing studies of Mount Etna volcano

There are no author-identified significant results in this report

A Novel Methodology for Manufacturing Firms Value Modeling and Mapping to Improve Operational Performance in the Industry 4.0 Era

Abstract In recent years there has been appreciable academic activity in manufacturing value creation resulting in that the ability to create value is based on the competence to make decisions and implement strategies; even though this evidence it is still difficult to understand where the company's weak points are located so value modeling approaching is arising. In this study Authors first report a qualitative review on value creation and modeling based on the identification, selection and analysis of about 100 papers, then specify the value concept within manufacturing companies. Within this context the Authors describe a novel methodology for manufacturing value modeling from strategic level down to operational improvements. The methodology and the related mapping and analysis tools have been co-developed with Siemens MES division within Industry 4.0 context. The Manufacturing Value Modeling Methodology (MVMM) is based on 5 steps: Value Map, Maturity Model, Gap and Process Analysis, Validation and Improvement Areas Definition. Through this methodological approach, a series of structured interviews allowing to construct the value map accordingly to the current company maturity model and the relationships between the strategic objectives and operational practices, capabilities, and methods. Combining the assessments interview with the Company' resources, infrastructure and IT structures, it is possible to establish a current level of the company. The mapping step is followed by a gap and process analysis, assessing most relevant areas for the creation of value aiming at constructing an interventions roadmap, setting out priorities and activities to be improved. The selection of the improvement areas defines process initiatives, KPIs and interventions to improve business alignment. To provide a practical view of the methodology a sample of the Value Modeler tool is presented and discussed

VvMYB60 expression is restricted to guard cells and correlates with stomatal conductance in the grape leaf

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is traditionally grown under non-irrigated field conditions in many cropping environments, including dry lands and semiarid regions. Good osmotic adjustment, architecture of the root system, xylem embolism and efficient stomatal control of water loss account for the drought resistance traits of the Vitis genus. Among these features, the regulation of stomatal activity is of particular relevance, as it directly shapes the isohydric versus anysohydric behaviour of different grape species and cultivars. Increasing evidence indicates a role for the transcriptional control of gene expression in modulating stomatal responses to both biotic and abiotic stimuli. R2R3 MYB transcription factors have been identified as key regulators of stomatal opening and transpirational water loss under stress in different plant species. We identified the grape gene VvMYB60 (VIT_08s0056g00800) as the functional ortholog of AtMYB60 (At1g08810), involved in the regulation of stomatal activity in Arabidopsis. Here, we report results from the analysis of VvMYB60 expression in the grape leaf, including: 1. The qPCR analyses of stomata-enriched grape epidermal fragments and lasermicrodissected guard cells; 2. The confocal analysis of grape leaves agro-infiltrated with the VvMYB60promoter::GFP construct; 3. The analysis of changes in VvMYB60 expression relatively to variations in stomatal conductance (gs) in plants grown under control or drought stress conditions. As a whole our data confirmed the guard cell-specificity of VvMYB60 expression in the grape leaf and revealed a positive correlation between gs and the relative abundance of the VvMYB60 transcripts, thus substantiating the notion of VvMYB60 being a transcriptional mediator of stomatal activity in grape

Laser induced fluorescence for axion dark matter detection: a feasibility study in YLiF4_4:Er3+^{3+}

We present a detection scheme to search for QCD axion dark matter, that is based on a direct interaction between axions and electrons explicitly predicted by DFSZ axion models. The local axion dark matter field shall drive transitions between Zeeman-split atomic levels separated by the axion rest mass energy $m_a c^2$. Axion-related excitations are then detected with an upconversion scheme involving a pump laser that converts the absorbed axion energy ($\sim$ hundreds of $\mu$eV) to visible or infrared photons, where single photon detection is an established technique. The proposed scheme involves rare-earth ions doped into solid-state crystalline materials, and the optical transitions take place between energy levels of $4f^N$ electron configuration. Beyond discussing theoretical aspects and requirements to achieve a cosmologically relevant sensitivity, especially in terms of spectroscopic material properties, we experimentally investigate backgrounds due to the pump laser at temperatures in the range $1.9-4.2$ K. Our results rule out excitation of the upper Zeeman component of the ground state by laser-related heating effects, and are of some help in optimizing activated material parameters to suppress the multiphonon-assisted Stokes fluorescence.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Food industry digitalization: from challenges and trends to opportunities and solutions

Over the last years, manufacturing companies have to face several challenges, mainly related to the volatility of the demand and to the continuously changing requirements, both from the customers and suppliers. In the meantime, new technological roadmaps and suggested interventions in manufacturing systems have been implemented. These solutions aim to exploit the high innovation and economic potential resulting from the continuing impact of rapidly advancing information and communication technology (ICT) in industry. This paper explores these topics focusing on the food sector. Indeed, companies belonging to this industry are facing global challenges, which can be met with the support of the information technologies (IT). The overall goal of this study is to help food companies toward digitalization, with a particular focus on the design and manufacturing processes. From the methodological point of view, Case Study has been used as research method. Furthermore, a questionnaire characterized by the different elements of the Manufacturing Value Modelling Methodology (MVMM) has been developed and used to gather information from companies. A framework for the digitalization process in the food industry has been developed basing on the results of a preliminary literature review and of different focus groups. On completion of the aforementioned framework, a list of enabling technologies has been discussed. These represent the technological solutions for the specific food issues highlighted by the framework. Finally, a case study has been accomplished in order to test and validate the contents\u2019 framework