The Technical Evolution of CA Storage Protocols and the Advancements in Elucidating the Fruit Responses to Low Oxygen Stress

Abstract Innovations in postharvest technology also deal with the modulation of gas composition in storage rooms and/or packaging, in particular concerning oxygen levels, which, for some storage protocols and fruit crops, is set at extremely low concentrations (less than 1 kPa). Since the establishment of the first commercial CA rooms, the oxygen concentration showed a constant decrease throughout decades, reaching the lowest levels used in ULO (Ultra Low Oxygen), ILOS (Initial Low Oxygen Stress), and DCA (Dynamic Controlled Atmosphere) applications. This decreasing trend in oxygen concentrations used in storage rooms resulted in a general improvement of the quality parameters and the marketable life of the commodities (apples, in particular). The optimization of these techniques and the reduction of the risks (development of physiological disorders, off-odors, off-flavors) associated with keeping the fruit at such extreme conditions need to be based on a better knowledge of the metabolic responses to hypoxia. The metabolic responses of fruit tissues to low-oxygen stress are, as observed in model plants, mainly related to dramatic changes in mitochondrial respiration and the activation of the fermentative metabolism that appear to be differently affected (resulting in different levels of ethanol accumulation) by different low oxygen levels and in relation to the genetic background. Among others, ethanol, alanine, asparagine and aspartate concentrations in cortex tissue markedly change in relation to hypoxic conditions, thus representing possible metabolic markers of this kind of stress. Specific volatile compounds of apples are also differentially affected, whereas other volatile classes appear more stable. Using large-scale transcriptomic approaches coupled with metabolic profiling analyses it is now possible to better describe the global fruit responses to low oxygen conditions. In apples, in addition to the expression of genes involved in primary metabolism (major CHO, fermentation), hypoxia also affects specific secondary metabolic pathways that appear to be selectively modulated by different low oxygen treatments. Members of the ERF-VII transcription factors (TFs) gene family displayed differential expression suggesting their involvement in the modulation or controlling mechanisms of hypoxic responses, as observed in model species

Modelling and Measurement of Charge Transfer in Multiple GEM Structures

Measurements and numerical simulations on the charge transfer in Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) foils are presented and their implications for the usage of GEM foils in Time Projection Chambers are discussed. A small test chamber has been constructed and operated with up to three GEM foils. The charge transfer parameters derived from the electrical currents monitored during the irradiation with an Fe-55 source are compared with numerical simulations. The performance in magnetic fields up to 2 T is also investigated.Comment: 21 pages, 16 figures, submitted to NIM-

Intellectual property as complex innovation projects component

The materials presented the possibilities development of intellectual property complex innovation projects modern highly effective science-based problems of improving the use of wastes of different industries on a complex enterprise that can provide all its energy needs alone. Some features of the possibilities of solving evidence-based problems of development of mechanisms for identifying syner-gistic processes, their scientific justification improving the use of wastes of different industries on a complex enterprise. The problem of wastes utilization and recycling is present as complex synergetic processes research and analysis of energy- and resource saving process-es for treatment of polymer wastes of various origin. The research focused on the study of issues such as the development of models of waste-modifying polymer. The investigation are focused in researching such problems as selection of scientific based methods of wastes to be utilized or recycled; the development of appropriated process flow sheets and choice of modifications additives and equipment for polymers waste recycling. The choice of appropriate plants with selected energy resources is very important for projects realization

Charge Transfer and Charge Broadening of GEM Structures in High Magnetic Fields

We report on measurements of charge transfer in GEM structures in high magnetic fields. These were performed in the framework of the R&D work for a Time Projection Chamber at a future Linear Collider. A small test chamber has been installed into the aperture of a superconducting magnet with the GEM structures mounted perpendicular to the B field direction. The charge transfer is derived from the electrical currents monitored during irradiation with an ${}^{55}$Fe source. No severe loss of primary ionisation charge is observed, but an improved ion feedback suppression is achieved for high magnetic fields. Additionally, the width of the charge cloud released by individual ${}^{55}$Fe photons is measured using a finely segmented strip readout after the triple GEM structure. Charge widths between 0.3 and 0.5 mm RMS are observed, which originate from the charge broadening inside the GEM readout. This charge broadening is only partly suppressed at high magnetic fields.Comment: 11 pages, 9 figure