Aluminum Foil Bags Research Articles

The effect of seed packaging materials, storage period and conditions on the physiological sorghum seedlings

Seed quality is fundamental to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Sorghum, as a versatile crop with a wide range of applications, requires high-quality seeds for optimal production. Understanding the seed storage condition, storage period and packaging materials on seed physiological quality is a basis of field crop establishment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of packaging materials, storage conditions, and storage periods on the physiological quality of sorghum seedlings. One hundred grams of sorghum seed from 5.4 kg of cleaned sorghum seeds were packed in polyethylene bags, polypropylene bags, and aluminium foil. The seeds in packaging materials were stored at 3 different temperatures for 2, 4, and 6 months and the sample of ten grams was taken every 2 months of storage time for germination test. The data on normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings lengths, and seedling dry weight were recorded. The results showed that polyethylene bags at 10°C and 2 months of storage preserved seedling physiological quality more than aluminium foil and polypropylene bags. This may be attributed to the impervious properties of polyethylene hence preventing oxidative reactions and seed deterioration. To guarantee the successful field establishment and strong plant stand of sorghum crops, findings advise seed producers and farmers regarding appropriate seed storage procedures.

Marigold Seed Pelleting with Plant Nutrients on Germination, Growth, Storage and Flower Yields

Background: Seed pelleting, a method involving seed coatings to enlarge seed size, is advantageous for marigold seeds because it improves water utilization efficiency during germination. Furthermore, the incorporation of vital plant nutrients into seeds fosters germination and growth, facilitating accelerated growth and increased yield in marigold plants. Methods: Marigold seeds were pelleted with NH4NO3 at rates of 0.048, 0.096 and 0.192 g, NaH2PO4.H2O at rates of 0.064, 0.128 and 0.256 g and KCl at rates of 0.013, 0.026 and 0.052 g. Growth was determined after incubation in 4 × 6 inch bags for 56 days. Storage longevity was determined after incubation in aluminum foil bags under controlled (15°C, 50% RH) and ambient conditions (27±2°C, 70% RH) for 6 months. Result: Seeds pelleted with NH4NO3, NaH2PO4.H2O and KCl demonstrated superior germination rates and germination speed. NaH2PO4.H2O pelleting led to increased shoot dry weight. The use of 0.256 g NaH2PO4.H2O resulted in the highest germination rate over 6 months. Pelleting with all three nutrients resulted in higher plants, particularly 0.256 g NaH2PO4.H2O, which led to more flowers per plant. Therefore, pelleting seeds with 0.256 g NaH2PO4.H2O is recommended to optimize the quality of marigold seeds.

Effect of Packaging Formats on the Quality of the Seasoned Fried Sajor-caju Mushroom Product during Storage

The study focuses on transforming Sajor-caju mushrooms into snack foods through frying and flavoring. The main objective is to examine how different packaging formats impact the quality of seasoned fried mushroom products. The process involves steaming and drying the mushrooms until the moisture content is below 6 %. Subsequently, the mushrooms are fried in a vacuum fryer at 115 °C under a vacuum pressure of 620 mm Hg for 5 min. The mushrooms obtained were developed into herb-flavored fried mushrooms according to the recipe and method from the model farm project, Than To District, Yala Province of Thailand. The products were packed in 3 different packaging formats; in PP bags (control sample), in polypropylene plastic bags containing oxygen absorber (PP+O2 absorber), and in aluminum foil bags (AL), stored at room temperature, 29±2 °C for 90 days. The study revealed that different packaging formats resulted in the seasoned fried mushroom product in the color value (L* a* b*), aw value, moisture content, TBA value, total microbial and fungal counts, and sensory acceptance score (p < 0.05) with statistical significance. From the results, it could be concluded that packing in polypropylene plastic bags could store the product for 30 days, and products packed in PP+O2 absorber could maintain an acceptable sensory quality similar to the one newly prepared for up to 45 days. Packing in aluminum foil bags was the most suitable packing format. It could maintain the product quality in physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties for up to 75 days while the product still conformed to the Community Product Standard (303/2004). Moreover, the results from this study can be applied to other snack products and further commercialized. HIGHLIGHTS Seasoned fried Sajor-caju mushroom is an exciting snack containing high nutritional value and can potentially be an export product that can replace other snack foods Greasiness occurring in the frying process is still problematic for seasoned fried mushrooms causing a rancid smell and resulting in the product not being stored for a long time Packing seasoned fried mushroom products in aluminum foil bags was the most suitable packing format. It could maintain the product quality in physical, chemical, microbial, and sensory properties for up to 75 days at room temperature (29±2 °C) GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Effect of Different Post-harvest Treatments on Shelf Life and Quality of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck.) Fruit#

Background: Several post-harvest treatments are used for extension of storage life of sweet orange fruits. The present investigation was carried out at Department of Horticulture, MPKV, Rahuri, during 2019-20 and 2020-21 in order to study the effect of different packaging materials and storage conditions on quality and shelf life of fresh fruit of sweet orange cv. Phule Mosambi. Methods: The experiment consists of six types of packaging materials viz., P1- Plyethylene bags (150 gauge), P2- PE paper coating bags, P3- LDPE (200 gauge), P4- Cotton bags, P5- Aluminum foil bags, P6- Nano silver-based bags and untreated control under two storage conditions viz., S1- Room temperature (RT) and S2- Cold storage (CS, 12±2°C and 90% RH) in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with three replications. Result: The data revealed that, the sweet orange fruits packed in nano silver-based bags and stored at cold storage i.e. P6S2 recorded significantly lowest PLW (7.81%) and spoilage (4.18%) with highest firmness (10.87 N), juice content (46.59%) and overall acceptability (8.73) at the end of storage life of 60 days.

The Effect of Pretreatment and Packaging Material on the quality of Stored Dried Catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The study was conducted to determine effects of pretreatment and locally available packaging materials on the quality of dried and stored catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The freshly obtained catfish was cut into pieces measuring 20×5×6mm. The treatment group was pre-treated with lemon juice, while the control was prepared without pretreatment. Both the treatment and control were dried using hot air at 80 °C to constant weight. The dried sample was then stored using three packaging materials (aluminum foil, unbleached paper and low-density polyethylene bag) in triplicate and stored in iron basket in the laboratory for observation at 25 °C and 55 % relative humidity. Samples were then taken out from storage for further analysis after every week and finally concluded at six weeks. The analysis done was proximate composition, moisture content, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), bacterial and fungal count. The fresh sample had the following data: 72.49%, 19.72, 5.6, 1.04, 1.15 % for moisture content, protein, fat, crude fibre respectively. That of the pre-treated sample obtained was 72.80% moisture content, 17.01% protein content, 3.37% fat content,0.53% ash content and 1.16% crude fibre content. The moisture content for lemon treated dried cat fish ranged between 28-30% (wb). The result showed that the higher the moisture content, the lower the protein content, ash content and fibre. Therefore, as the moisture content decreased, the protein content, crude fibre, fat and oil content increased. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) of the fresh sample was higher than that of the lemon treated sample due to its chemical compositions with the mean value of 5.60% for the fresh sample and 2.80% for the lemon treated sample. Bacterial and fungal counts on the fresh samples were more than that of the treated samples. After drying, the only microorganisms that survived the heat were thermophilic microorganisms (Bacillus furinus, Pseudomonas aureginosa and Aspergillus terraus) and they weren’t significantly influenced during storage. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the most suitable packaging material was aluminum foil and the organic acid added to the fish also helped to prolong shelf life. This is because the aluminum foil preserved the quality of the fish hence the proximate compositions of the fish was better than the fish kept in polyethylene and the paper.

High-Throughput Assessments for Storage Stability, In Vitro Release, and Particle Size of Encapsulated Biocontrol Fungi in Hydrogel Beads.

Use of biocontrol fungi (BF) such as Trichoderma spp. minimizes fungicide input and increases both plant nutrition and protection from disease. Thus, the introduction of BF by novel inoculants in crop management is an excellent strategy to promote sustainable antagonism activity. Within these strategies, encapsulation in polymeric matrices such as hydrogel beads will play a prominent role in providing an effective carrier/protector and long-lasting bioproduct. These studies have used biomaterials with tunable physicochemical features, providing differential morphologies, compaction, and disintegration, among other parameters. Aiming at developing bioproducts within polymeric hydrogel beads, viability of encapsulated conidia, storage stability, release of active ingredient, and particle size are essential. However, there are no reports that detail standardized and comprehensive methods to evaluate the characterization of these bioproducts. We describe step-by-step protocols that go from sample preparation to testing the viability and storage stability using vacuum-sealed aluminum foil bags. We also describe a high-throughput in vitro method for quantifying released fungal conidia of BF at different pH values. Finally, the particle size of beads is established by bright-field microscopy. These protocols could be transferable to other biological actives, accessible to researchers in the microbiology and bioengineering communities. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Viability of encapsulated conidia Basic Protocol 2: Study of stability of prototypes under storage Basic Protocol 3: Release profile of encapsulated conidia at different pH conditions Basic Protocol 4: Determination of capsule size.

Oleoresin and Color of Zingiber officinale and Alpinia galanga Powder in Three Types Packaging Material during Storage

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and galangal (Alpinia galanga) are commodities that function as seasoning and herbs. Fresh ginger and galangal have bulky properties and short shelf life, therefore need to be processed into powder. The objective of this research was to analyze the oleoresin content and color of ginger and galangal powdered during storage in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle, polypropylene (PP) plastic bag, and aluminum foil bag bag. Ginger and galangal were processed into powder, packed, sealed, and then stored ofat 23 - 32 °C (ambient temperature). The analysis of oleoresin and the color of powder was carried out periodically for 3, 6, and 9 months. Ginger powder packaged in PP plastic and aluminum foil bag for 9 months storage had a decrease in oleoresin content of 0.88% and 2.22% respectively, while the decrease in color saturation of ginger powder packaged in aluminum foil bag, PP plastic, and PET bottle were 18.95%, 26.62%, and 22.99% respectively. Galangal powder packaged in PET bottle, aluminum foil bag, and PP plastic during 9 months of storage had a decrease in oleoresin content of 5.19%, 6.59%, and 11.21%, respectively, and a decrease in color saturation of 8.61%, 4.09%, 8.66% respectively.

Effect of Drying Methods and Processing Conditions on the Quality of Curcuma longa Powder

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that has been used for a long time in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties and recently used in the food industry for its dyeing and flavoring properties. This work studied the effect of different drying methods (convection oven drying, fluidized bed drying, and traditional solar drying) on the quality of Curcuma longa powder. The effect of UV radiation on turmeric powder using different packaging materials (glass, aluminum foil bag, and low-density polyethylene bag), was also studied. Subsequently, the fluidized bed drying method was used to evaluate the effect of drying temperature. The results show that convection and fluidized bed drying had no significant impact on turmeric quality. However, solar drying degraded curcuminoids by 36.5% and the ORAC value decreased by 14%. Regarding the packaging materials, the aluminum bag prevented the deterioration of 14% of the curcuminoids for the powder exposed to UV radiation. Finally, the effect of temperature on fluidized bed drying was evaluated at 50–80 °C, finding that there were no significant differences in the curcuminoid content and antioxidant capacity of turmeric powder. This implies that the range of temperature used in this study is appropriate for drying this material using fluidized bed drying, producing a turmeric powder with a high content of bioactive compounds, when compared to convection oven and solar drying. Therefore, the turmeric powder obtained in this way can be used as an active ingredient in the formulation of different kinds of foods and supplements.

Viability and vigor of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrid) seeds from intrageneric and intergeneric crosses at various storage periods

Sugarcane is one of the essential crops with high economic value in Indonesia, because it is the primary source of sugar. Sugarcane is propagated vegetatively for commercial purposes, but for genetic improvement, crosses carried out to produce seeds with the new genetic combinations. This study aims to determine the viability and vigor of seeds from intrageneric and intergeneric crosses at various storage periods. This study used seed samples from 19 intrageneric and intergeneric crosses conducted by ISRI from 2006 to 2016. The seeds were kept in aluminum foil bags in the freezer at -20oC. Viability and vigor of seeds were determined by evaluating germination, growth speed, growth synchronously, vigor index, and maximum growth potential. The results showed that the type of crosses and the storage time of seeds had a very significant effect on germination, growth speed, growth synchronously, vigor index and maximum growth potential. However, the longer storage of sugarcane seeds was not always accompanied by a decrease in seed viability and vigor, both seeds resulting from intergeneric and intrageneric crosses. In addition, the viability and vigor of seeds from intergeneric crosses was lower than the viability and vigor of seeds from intrageneric crosses.

Storage of seeds of Calamus palustris var. cochinchinensis

The present study examined the effect of temperature (15, 20, 25, 30 and 20/30°C) on germination and the storage behaviour of freshly harvested mature seeds of Calamus palustris var. cochinchinensis. Seed desiccation tolerance and the effects of storage temperature (4 and 15°C), perlite water content (120, 180 and 240%) and seed moisture content (27.8, 38.2 and 49.2%) on viability were observed. Seeds had a higher germination at 25°C (88.3%) than at the other tested temperatures. Germination decreased as the seed moisture content decreased during desiccation. The germination of seeds stored at 15°C was higher than that of seeds stored at 4°C. Germination of seeds stored at 15 and 4°C was <65% and with extension of storage time, the germination decreased, indicating that neither temperature can be used for long-term conservation. For short-term storage, the seeds can be stored at 15°C with perlite with 180% water content in plastic bottles or at 15°C with 49.2% moisture content sealed inside aluminum foil bags.

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances in environmental sampling products: Fact or fiction?

AbstractCan per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) be transferred from the common field and other commercial products during sampling? Special handling and care are always advised when collecting samples for PFAS analysis to avoid sample contamination. The potential presence of PFAS in common consumer products and in equipment typically used to collect environmental samples, coupled with the need for very low reporting limits heightens this concern. In this paper, the authors investigate what the potential for cross‐contamination is from a number of commonly used products, with the emphasis on evaluating what the possible worst‐case scenario for cross‐contamination could be. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing, pump bladders, and other materials are evaluated along with associated products such as aluminum foil and plastic storage bags. In the experimental design of this study, the products themselves are not analyzed directly for PFAS. Rather, a series of experiments are performed utilizing a leaching procedure to evaluate the potential for cross‐contamination and false‐positive environmental sampling results. This study was performed in a series of experimental batches over the course of a 1‐year period. Analytical results are presented along with experimental observations and recommendations.

Influence of Packaging Materials on Infestation by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in Wheat Flour

The influence of packaging materials on infestation by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) in wheat flour was investigated under laboratory conditions at 27 ± 2and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The tested packaging materials included vacuum-sealed plastic bags, aluminum foil bags, non-woven cloth bags, kraft paper bags, and plastic compound bags. When T. castaneum adults were released on packaged wheat flour, the degree of infestation varied depending on the packaging materials. The highest infestation was observed in refined wheat flour packaged with plastic compound bags (mean 46 ± 20 insects). For the flour packaged with non-woven cloth bag and kraft paper bags exposed to adults, insect infestation was nil or negligible (mean population < 3 ± 1 insects). For the flour packaged with aluminum foil bags and vacuum-sealed plastic bags exposed to adults, insect infestation was nil. Damage to the packaging materials along the edges or on the upper surfaces was observed in non-woven cloth bags and plastic compound bags. Aluminum foil bags and vacuum-sealed plastic bags offered the best protection against T. castaneum adults.

Preservation of Corynebacterium striatum bacteria using silica gel

Abstract. Fitriana. 2019. Preservation of Corynebacterium striatum bacteria using silica gel. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 5: 134-138. Corynebacterium striatum is a normal flora bacteria on the skin that is not fastidious. Generally, all Coryne are relatively resistant to drought and temperature changes. The transport medium commonly used in Corynebacteria is the Amies semisolid medium. In conditions where the transport medium is not found, silica gel can be an alternative, besides being a preservation of bacteria, because it is easy to obtain and economical. This study aims to see the viability of bacteria using silica gel for preservation. The bacteria tested included into aluminum foil bags previously filled with silica gel with using swab. Aluminum foil is tightly closed and stored at -20’C. Bacteria viability was evaluated on the first, second, fourth, 8th, 16th, 32th, and 64th days. The results showed that bacterial viability was still present on the 32nd day. The conclusion is that silica gel still be used as a preservation dan transport medium at storage temperature of -20’C until the 32nd day.

Evaluation of Hurdle Technology on Shelf Life Extension of Thai Red Curry Paste and Sour Curry Paste

The effects of reduced water activity and different packaging materials were investigated regarding shelf life extension of Thai red curry paste and sour curry paste. Curry pastes supplemented with 10% sodium chloride and dried at 50°C for 120 minutes and original red and sour curry pastes were evaluated for physical, chemical and microbiological properties. Results showed that L*, a*, and b* values and total viable count in supplemented curry pastes were less than in original curry pastes. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella spp. and Escherchia coli were not detected in both supplemented and original curry pastes. Protein, fat, fibre, carbohydrate, total phenolic content and IC50 value of supplemented curry pastes did not differ from the original curry pastes. Both supplemented and original curry pastes were vacuum packed in aluminium foil and nylon bags and stored at 25°C for 8 weeks. Results revealed that nylon bags gave higher shelf life extension for supplemented curry pastes over the storage period. Values of water activity, moisture, aflatoxin, total viable count and mould count in supplemented curry pastes packed in nylon bags were less than the Thai community product standards.

Morphophysiological dormancy, germination, and cryopreservation in Aristolochia contorta seeds

Background and aims – Aristolochia contorta is a valuable medicinal plant, a relict of the Tertiary flora. Little is known about the germination biology of Aristolochia. The specific objectives of the present study were to (1) determine the type of dormancy in seeds of A. contorta, (2) describe the embryo development, and (3) explore the influence of deep freezing of the seeds in liquid nitrogen on their germinability.Methods – Seeds were germinated in Petri dishes in sand previously sterilised at high temperature; germination experiments were carried out at 27±2°C under natural light. All measurements of seeds and embryos were done using light microscopy (LM). For cryopreservation, fresh seeds were placed in aluminium foil bags, immersed into liquid nitrogen (-196°С), and stored for twelve months.Key results – The seeds of Aristolochia contorta have non-deep simple morphophysiological dormancy. A variety of embryo forms were revealed for Aristolochia species for the first time. Two cases of polyembryony were noted in A. contorta. The seeds of A. contorta are resistant to cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.Conclusions – High variability in dormancy depth and the extended germination period of A. contorta seeds can be considered as adaptive strategies for survival in unfavourable conditions and renewal of germination under optimal conditions. Cryopreservation helped maintain the viability of A. contorta seeds but did not lead to the breaking of the dormancy; hence, for successful germination, it is necessary to use methods of breaking dormancy after freezing.

Postirradiation changes of the microbiological quality, aflatoxin, capsinoids, volatile oils, and the color of red pepper powder

Red pepper powder from a local market was vacuum-packaged in aluminum foil bags, irradiated by a 60Co gamma irradiator at seven doses (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 kGy) and stored at ambient temperature for 8 months. Postirradiation changes of the microbiological quality, aflatoxin B1, volatile oils, pungency, and the color of red pepper powder during different storage periods were investigated. The results showed that γ-irradiation could effectively decontaminate the red pepper powder, which reduced the content of the total aerobic bacteria by 6 logs when irradiated at 18 kGy, and the irradiation effectively reduced the fungal load but had no obvious effect on the content of aflatoxin B1. The 18 kGy irradiation did not change the color of sample and reduced the amount of terpenes by 3%. However, during the storage period, the terpene's content in the irradiated samples showed a lower reduction compared with the control. Practical applications The study showed that irradiation had an obvious bactericidal effect, and a dose of 18 KGy could effectively decontaminate the spices, which made the microbiological quality achieve the national hygienic standard of irradiation spices. Gamma irradiation had no significant effect on the terpenes of red pepper powder, which were the main constituent of the volatiles. During storage, the pungency decreased a lot, but could be well preserved by aluminum foil bag. This study could provide some reference for the setting of irradiation dose and the detection of higher-dose irradiated spices, and provide a new way for the storage of red pepper powder.

X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopic Analysis of Cobalt-Doped Lithium Oxide Cathode Material for a Lithium-Peroxide Battery during Charge and Discharge

1. Introduction Recently, cathode materials using redox of oxide anion draw increasing attention for development of rechargeable batteries with high energy density. We have proposed a new rechargeable battery system using a redox between oxide and peroxide ions in a cathode material.1 The theoretical energy density is 2570 Wh/kg (voltage: 2.87 V, specific capacity: 897 mAh/g), assuming that the redox between Li2O and Li2O2. We have demonstrated that the battery system with Co-doped Li2O (CDL) as a cathode material exhibits a reversible capacity of 270 mAh/g operating on the redox of oxide and peroxide ions.1,2 But this obtained capacity is far less than the theoretical one. Therefore, there must be room for enhancing the specific capacity. For further improving the battery system, deeper knowledge and better understanding of charge/discharge mechanism of the CDL are required.X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is an effective method to investigate electronic states and coordination structures of elements of interest in a sample.1,3 In this study, we investigated the states of cobalt and oxygen in the CDL during charge and discharge by using both hard and soft XAS. 2. Experimental The CDL (Co/(Li+Co) = 0.09) was prepared from Li2O and LiCoO2 by using a planetary ball-mill.2 The CDL was mixed with acetylene black and polytetrafluoroethylene at a weight ratio of 75:20:5 or 85:10:5 to serve as cathodes. The cathode material pressed onto aluminum mesh, lithium metal as an anode, an electrolyte solution of 1 M LiBF4 dissolved in a mixture (1:1 by volume) of ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC), and a glass-fiber filter as a separator were assembled in a 2032 coin-type cell. All these procedures were operated in an argon-filled glove box.The cell was charged to 270 mAh/g and then discharged to 270 mAh/g at a current density of 4.5 mA/g at 298 K. The cathodes charged or discharged to various depths were removed from the cell, washed with EC-DEC once and with DEC twice, and dried under vacuum for XAS measurements.The hard XAS measurements at Co K-edge were carried out at the beam line BL9A of the Photon Factory in High Energy Accelerator Research Organization in a transmittance mode. The samples were packed in laminated aluminum foil bags. The soft XAS measurements at O K-edge were carried out at the beam line BL2 of Ritsumeikan University SR Center in both total electron yield (TEY) and partial fluorescence yield (PFY) modes. The samples were transferred to high-vacuum chamber of BL2 by using a transfer vessel filled with argon gas. 3. Results and discussion XAS spectra at Co K-edge were measured for the CDL charged and discharged in increments of 45 mAh/g. In the charge process, the absorption edge shifts to higher energy by 1.0 eV from 0 to 135 mAh/g and remains in almost the same position from 135 to 270 mAh/g. In the discharge process after charging to 270 mAh/g, the absorption edge gradually shifts to lower energy by 1.0 eV from 0 to 225 mAh/g and sharply shifts to lower energy by 1.3 eV from 225 to 270 mAh/g.XAS spectra at O K-edge were measured for the CDL charged and discharged in increments of 90 mAh/g. In the charge process from 0 to 90 mAh/g, a broad peak at 528 eV, which is attributed to electron transition from O 1s to Co 3d-O 2p hybridized states, increases in its intensity. In the charge process from 90 to 270 mAh/g, a new peak appears at 530 eV. This peak is attributed to peroxide in CDL since Li2O2 shows a peak attributed to electron transition from O 1s to σ*(O-O) at the same energy. In the discharge process, the peak at 530 eV weakens and disappears from 0 to 180 mAh/g and the broad peak at 528 eV decreases in its intensity from 180 to 270 mAh/g.These results suggest that the Co 3d-O 2p hybridized states contribute to charge transfer in the earlier charge period and the later discharge period. The formation and decomposition of peroxide species in the later charge period and the earlier discharge period, respectively, are spectroscopically traced, which are consistent with our previous results of chemical peroxide analysis.1 AcknowledgementsThis work was supported by JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientist (B) Grant Number 15K18326 and JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Researches (B) Grant Number 26289371. The XAS measurements were carried out under the approvals of the Photon Factory Program Advisory Committee (Proposal No. 2015G698).

ARMAZENAMENTO DE SEMENTES E SOMBREAMENTO NA EMERGÊNCIA E CRESCIMENTO INICIAL DAS MUDAS DE Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hil.

RESUMOA conservação das sementes e a quantidade de luz são fatores importantes para uma boa germinação e produção de mudas de qualidade. Em vista disso, este trabalho avaliou o efeito da embalagem das sementes durante o armazenamento e de diferentes níveis de luz na emergência e crescimento inicial das mudas de timbó (Magonia pubescens St. Hil.). Foram realizados dois experimentos. No primeiro, foi analisado o efeito do armazenamento das sementes em três tipos de embalagem (papel-alumínio, papel e saco plástico de polietileno de baixa densidade) e a duas temperaturas (10 e 25 °C), durante três épocas de armazenamento (30, 60 e 90 dias) e sem armazenamento. No segundo experimento, foi estudado o crescimento inicial das mudas em três níveis de sombreamento (30, 50 e 70%) e a pleno sol. As sementes de M. pubescens germinam melhor quando não armazenadas, com médias de 97%, em comparação com aquelas com 69% após 90 dias de armazenamento. Caso necessário, o armazenamento deve ser realizado em saco plástico na temperatura de 25 °C, por até 90 dias. As mudas apresentaram maior emergência e qualidade quando a semeadura e o crescimento foram realizados sob sombreamento de 50%.

Effect of Wheat Flour Packaging Materials on Infestation by Lasioderma serricorne (F.)

The ability of the cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), to infest wheat flour under packaged and unpackaged conditions was investigated in the laboratory at 27 ± 2°C and 75% ± 5% relative humidity. Five common packaging materials, namely, vacuum plastic bags, kraft paper bags, nonwoven cloth bags, aluminum foil bags, and woven plastic bags, were investigated. Adults and eggs of L. serricorne were released on different packaged wheat flour or on unpackaged wheat flour, and infestation levels (number of live adults and larvae) were determined after 45 days. When adults were released on wheat flour, the infestation degree varied depending on the package materials. The highest infestation was observed in refined wheat flour packaged in nonwoven cloth bags. With wheat flour packaged in kraft paper bags exposed to adults or eggs, there was no insect infestation or insect infestation was negligible (mean population, <1.3). With wheat flour packaged in aluminum foil bags and vacuum plastic bags exposed to adults or eggs, there was no insect infestation. Damage to the packaging materials along the folds or edges was found in nonwoven cloth bags and woven plastic bags. Therefore, both aluminum foil and plastic bags had the greatest resistance to package invasion by L. serricorne.

Investigation and identification of breath acetone as a potential biomarker for type 2 diabetes diagnosis

Acetone is regarded as a promising biomarker for the noninvasive diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. We collected breath acetone from 25 type 2 diabetics (T2D) and 44 healthy subjects using aluminum foil bags (3 L), and the samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. T2D patients had significantly higher acetone levels (mean = 2.167 ppmv (1 ppmv = 1 μL/L), standard error (SE) = 0.231) than healthy volunteers (mean = 0.488 ppmv, SE = 0.025; P 0.05). Thus, the increased acetone concentrations in T2D patients are affected strongly by physiological factors related to the disease, rather than the ambient air and diet.