Uncontrolled Storage Research Articles

РЕЦИКЛІНГ БУДІВЕЛЬНИХ ВІДХОДІВ ПІД ЧАС ВІЙНИ В УКРАЇНІ

The article analyzes the consequences of large-scale infrastructure and residential building destructions that Ukraine has faced during the war, and proposes the implementation of new approaches to using construction debris resulting from bombings. The primary focus is on the challenges of disposal and reuse of construction waste in the context of war and the exacerbation of the financial crisis in the country. It has been found that there is spontaneous accumulation and uncontrolled storage of hazardous materials at temporary dumpsites, which creates extreme environmental risks. The article describes international experiences in handling construction waste and uses the results of an author's study on the behavior of displaced persons from Ukraine to Austria regarding the human impact on climate change. Survey results confirm the importance of creating social responsibility and conditions for waste sorting. Despite the unprecedented scale of challenges facing Ukraine, we believe this situation opens up unique opportunities for new approaches to waste management and the implementation of a circular economy in Ukraine.

Effects of Storage Period, Storage Conditions and Packaging Type on Maize Inbred Line Seed Qualities

The aim of this research was to study the effects of storage period, storage condition and packaging type on maize inbred seed qualities over 12 months storage. The experimental design was split-split plot with four replications. The study manipulated storage period (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) as the main plot, uncontrolled storage condition (USC) and controlled storage condition (CSC) as the sub-plot, and packaging types including woven polypropylene (WPP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyamide (PA) with linear-low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and vacuum packing (PA + LLDPE + VACUUM, PLV) as the sub-sub plot. The results showed that the storage period did not affect seed germination; however, seed vigor decreased progressively with increased storage period. Seeds stored under USC exhibited lower moisture content, seed germination and vigor compared to those in CSC. Notably, seed vigor declined after the sixth month in USC storage. Among the packaging types, seeds in WPP had the lowest moisture content. Packaging type did not significantly influence seed germination throughout the storage period. However, different packaging types were able to maintain seed vigor for varying duration, especially for 6 months in PLV and 3 months in WPP packaging.

Experimental Study about the Influence of Storage Conditions of Bulk Cement on the Early-Age Stiffness Evolution of Cementitious Pastes

The effects of uncontrolled storage and curing temperature on the early-age mechanical behavior of cement are under-investigated issues, and the few available studies in the literature analyze their influence mainly from a chemical-physical point of view. The present study, on the contrary, aims at studying the effects of temperature and, above all, cement prehydration due to uncontrolled storage from a phenomenological perspective through the application of the EMM-ARM method. In particular, the influence of those factors on the early-age evolution of the Young’s modulus of cement pastes produced from Portland as well as pozzolanic cement is experimentally assessed. The obtained results confirm the possibility of exploiting the EMM-ARM method to characterize those effects on a phenomenological basis, sorting back to the comparison of the curves of prehydrated cement with reference ones in controlled storage conditions. As a result, the methodology shows promising applicative perspectives for acceptance checks of the materials before use.

Diagnosis of the conservation status in archaeological objects from Museo de la Patagonia by using imaging complementary techniques

We present the application of imaging complementary techniques to the interdisciplinary study of a selection of archaeological metal objects belonging to funerary assets from Patagonean Indigenous. This selection belongs to the archaeological collection “Andres Giai” which is under the care of the Museum of Patagonia, Bariloche, Argentina. It was regrettably left with no contextual data and most of the objects were kept in uncontrolled storage conditions over many years. Its general conservation status motivated the design and implementation of an interdisciplinary methodology to address a Conservation Plan considering the application of analytical techniques for materials in its approach. This work intends to achieve the first stage on this Plan, which consists in a suitable diagnosis of the conservation-status to specific and representative pieces of the Andrés Giai metal collection. We highlight the Diagnosis stage as the most important to determine accurate treatments for each object during any conservation plan. The diagnosis was carried out by implementing neutron and X-Ray tomography at the Helmholtz Zenturm Berlin, Germany. The results obtained allowed us to: study the distribution of corrosion products and other degradation products such as crusts; verify the presence of a metal core under these product, study the homogeneity of the thicknesses, and show characteristics of the internal surfaces. This information is vital for the proposal of tailored conservation treatments that allow guaranteeing sustainable interventions.

Seed invigoration using ultrafine bubble water to increase the vigor of true shallot seed (Allium ascalonicum L.)

True shallot seeds are preferable to tubers as planting materials because of their advantages in storage longevity, lower management cost, and lower seed-borne disease risk. However, environmentally limited production and seed deterioration in uncontrolled storage have limited its application. Pre-sowing hydration invigoration accelerates and synchronizes the germination of deteriorated seeds. Ultra-fine bubble water (UFBW) contains reactive oxygen species, which can advance the pre-germinative metabolism of the seed. This study examined true shallot seed invigoration using UFBW. The experiment was conducted in a two-factor of randomized complete block design. The first factor was initial seed vigor based on the vigor index with six levels, i.e., 24, 15, 13, 12, 10, and 9%. The second factor was the invigoration treatment of UFBW (8 and 23 ppm dissolved oxygen concentrations) with two durations (24 and 48 h), 50 ppm GA3, and 3% KNO3 (24 h). UFBW with 23 ppm invigoration for 48 h improved seed vigor based on all vigor parameters. The GA3 50 ppm treatment is the most effective in increasing seed vigor.
 Keywords: dissolved oxygen; pre-sowing hydration; reactive oxygen species; seed viability; seed vigor

Use of Marble Waste as A Road Base Material in Different Size Ranges

Along with the economic loss caused by the non-use of waste worldwide, uncontrolled storage also brings an additional cost. Today, the rapid increase in the population and the rapid depletion of natural resources in nature lead us to research the recycling possibilities of waste materials. In this context, using marble waste in road pavements is one of the best areas of use. This study investigated the suitability of substituting the marble waste obtained from a marble quarry in Bilecik, Turkey, in the road base layer instead of the aggregate, which was used all the time in the base layer in highway construction at different intervals. The physical tests carried out in this context have met the base material limit conditions of the Turkish Highways Technical Specification (THTS). Mixtures obtained in modified Proctor experiments, and optimum water contents (wopt) and maximum dry unit volume weight (rdmax) were determined for each mixture. California bearing ratio (CBR) values remained above the limit value of all mixtures for 0 days and 7 days of curing according to the specifications for THTS. In addition, CBR values were obtained after freezing-thawing at 4, 12, and 20 cycle numbers. According to the freeze-thaw test results, there was an increase in CBR values in the first 4 cycles and a decrease in the following cycles. Still, all the test results obtained remained above the limit value according to the specifications for THTS. Aggregate unit cost constitutes approximately twice the unit cost of marble waste. Besides, this difference has created an economic equality distance of 18.9 km. Therefore, a marble quarry, a road construction site within the calculated economic equality distance and marble waste material will provide a financial gain for our country. With the evaluation of quarry waste all over the world, we can leave a liveable world with rich raw material resources and a strong economy for future generations.

A pragmatic and prudent consensus on the resurrection of extinct plant species using herbarium specimens

AbstractHerbaria may represent remarkable sources of viable diaspores for recovering lost genetic variation and extinct plant species, but the application of rewilding extinct species using these collections has not been explored in detail. De‐extinction in plants may be achieved by germinating viable diaspores or culturing tissues preserved in herbarium specimens. Germination of old diaspores (fruits, seeds, spores) preserved in sub‐optimal uncontrolled storage conditions demonstrates that the recovery of extinct plants from herbarium specimens may be possible. Plant de‐extinction via herbarium specimens relies on the availability of samples containing viable diaspores, and on the inclination of curators and the conservation community to use such material for this purpose. We developed an internet‐based survey to assess (i) whether the scientific community would consent to the use of herbarium specimens of extinct species to attempt de‐extinction, and (ii) the limitations of removing diaspores from specimens. Despite the risk of potential damages to valuable specimens from historical collections when harvesting diaspores, a consensus for using specimens of extinct plant species emerged. Most respondents would permit the collection of a low number of diaspores, preferably from duplicate specimens and only if the integrity of the specimen is preserved. These considerations would be more restrictive for type specimens and those of historical value. These results help to formalise a decision framework for the grant and use of material from natural history collections and a pragmatic approach to attempt to resurrect extinct species from herbarium specimens.

Comparative Postharvest Losses of Short Day Onion (Allium cepa L.) Cultivars in Uncontrolled Storage Conditions

Comparative Postharvest Losses of Short Day Onion (Allium cepa L.) Cultivars in Uncontrolled Storage Conditions

RESTORATION AND CONSERVATION OF A UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL CARPET FROM PRINCE MOHAMED ALI PALACE MUSEUM IN EL- MANIAL, CAIRO (CASE STUDY)

Historical carpets are representing one of the most artistic treasures, which ought to be saved for the next generations. Therefore, this paper presents scientific strategies to conserve a unique archaeological Carpet, which was kept under uncontrolled storage conditions. The carpet is highly decorated and dates to the modern era, AH 13th / AD 19th. It was stored in Prince Mohammed Ali Palace Museum in El-Manial (Cairo) under no.90 / 112 Record 2. As this carpet suffered from severe damage, an appropriate plan had to be drawn up to restore it properly using microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the kinds of dyes, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify mordants. Optical microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to identify the kind of fibers, their condition, and surface morphology. The AutoCAD program was used to document the whole carpet with all its decorations and aspects of damage. The obtained results confirmed that the threads used in the Carpet are wool fibers; the fibers suffer from severe dehydration, brittleness, and fragility; also, the fibers have cross-slits and thick deposits on the surface. Moreover, the presence of Madder, Indigo, and weld dyes were found. The mordants used were alum, potassium dichromate, and Ferrous sulfate. The deterioration factor was dust alongside the other physical factors. The treatment of the archaeological carpet was performed by removing old erroneous restoration works, Moisturizing fibers, Attempts to dry cleaning, Washing, Drying, Consolidating by fixing on a new linen fabric supporter which was stretched on a wooden frame (according to the Safety requirements), and finally sterilizing by Nano-silver.يمثل السجاد التاريخي أحد أکثر الکنوز الفنية التي يجب الحفاظ عليها للأجيال القادمة. لذلک تقدم هذه الورقة البحثية استراتيجيات علمية لصيانة سجادة آثرية فريدة حفظت في ظروف تخزين غير متحکم فيها. السجادة غنية بالزخارف وتعود إلى العصر الحديث (القرن 13 هـ - 19 م). وقد کانت مخزنة في متحف قصر الأمير محمد علي بالمنيل (القاهرة) تحت رقم 90/112سجل 2. ونظرا للتلف الشديد الذي کانت تعاني منه هذه السجادة کان لا بد من وضع خطة علاج مناسبة لترميمها بشکل صحيح وذلک باستخدام التقنيات الميکروسکوبية والطيفية. فقد تم استخدام التحليل الطيفي بالأشعة تحت الحمراء (FTIR) لتحديد أنواع الأصباغ، في حين تم استخدام حيود الأشعة السينية (XRD) لتحديد المرسخات. کما تم استخدام المجهر البصري والمجهر الإلکتروني الماسح (SEM) لتحديد نوع الألياف وحالتها وشکلها المورفولوجي. واستخدم برنامج الأوتوکاد AutoCAD)) لتوثيق السجادة بالکامل بما تحمله من زخارف ومظاهر تلف.وقد أکدت النتائج أن الخيوط المستخدمة في السجادة هي ألياف صوفية، الألياف تعاني من جفاف شديد وتقصف وهشاشية، ايضا احتواء الألياف على شقوق عرضية وترسيبات سميکة على السطح. علاوة على ذلک ، تم العثور على أصباغ الفوة، النيلة الزرقاء، والبليحة. وکانت المرسخات المستخدمة هي الشبة، ثاني کرومات البوتاسيوم، وکبريتات الحديدوز. وکان عامل التلف الأتربة بجانب العوامل الفيزيائية الأخرى.وتم معالجة السجادة الآثرية بإزالة أعمال الترميم القديمة الخاطئة ، ترطيب الألياف ، محاولات للتنظيف الجاف ، الغسيل ، التجفيف ، التقوية عن طريق التثبيت على حامل کتاني جديد تم شده على إطار خشبي (وفقا لمتطلبات السلامة)، وأخيرا التعقيم بالفضة النانوية.

Quality of soybean seeds submitted to different treatments and storage conditions

Chemical seed treatment is a recommended technique to protect seeds from pathogens that can affect their quality. The objective of this work was to analyse the quality of soybean seeds with different treatments under different storage temperatures. Seeds of cultivar ‘M 8378 IPRO’ produced in Mato Grosso, Brazil were used. A completely randomised design was used in a 4 × 3 two-factorial scheme. The seeds were treated with three different combinations of chemicals (fungicides, insecticides, polymer and drying powder) in addition to the control (untreated seeds) combined with three different storage temperatures (13 °C, 19 °C and uncontrolled temperature), with three repetitions. Quality was assessed by the germination test (TG), accelerated aging (AA), field emergence (FE), tetrazolium test (TZ) and isoenzyme analysis. The uncontrolled storage temperature negatively influenced the variables germination, accelerated aging and field emergence. The vigour and viability of the tetrazolium test showed that untreated seeds had better physiological quality than seeds with chemical treatment. The expression of isoenzymes showed a difference between treatments. Even with the stress caused by the seed treatment, this tool is very important for the initial protection of the seedlings.

Post-expiry stability of freeze-dried plasma under field conditions - Can shelf life be extended?

This prospective study evaluated the effect of routine, uncontrolled, Israeli field storage conditions on the safety and efficacy of Lyo-Plas N Freeze-Dried Plasma (FDP) at the end of the manufacturer's shelf life, and up to 24 months post expiry. Clotting factors V, VIII and XI, proteins S, C, fibrinogen, PTT, ATIII, VWF, and INR as well as TEG, DDM, residual moisture, pH, and sterility of FDP returned from field units after uncontrolled storage were evaluated. Parameters measured at the end of manufacturer shelf life, as well as 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after expiry, were compared to those of freshly supplied FDP doses. Changes were found when comparing freshly supplied FDP to all field-stored groups in INR, PT, PTT, pH, fibrinogen, and factor VIII. A significant change was also seen in Factor XI in the 12, 18, and 24 months post-expiry samples, Factor V and R in the 24 months post-expiry samples, MA in the 12, 24 months post-expiry group, and Protein C in the 18 months post-expiry group. An increase in the residual moisture from 0.90% in freshly supplied FDP to 1.35% in 24 months post-expiry FDP.; all p < .05. No growth was found in sterility analysis. Despite uncontrolled field storage conditions, the findings demonstrate that the safety and efficacy of FDP units, stored in uncontrolled conditions are only slightly affected, even beyond their expiration date. This information allows consideration of possibly extending the shelf life.

Study on the Loss of Value of Khodari Date Fruit Infested by Almond Moth (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Postharvest almond moth (Cadra cautella Walker; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) infestation is one of the primary challenges for production of dates, Phoenix dactylifera L. (Arecaceae) cv. ‘Khodari.’ This study was a simulation of early almond moth infestations in uncontrolled storage conditions. It aimed to investigate the effects of low level almond moth infestations on the population growth of the moth, the damage to the dates, bacterial and fungal contamination, and the nutritional value of the dates. One, 2, and 3 pairs of male and female moths were introduced into 250 g Khodari date samples. Noninfested dates were used as controls. Each treatment was performed in 10 replicates. The results showed a more than 25-fold increase in the almond moth population and significant damage to the dates. The moth population in the 2 pair treatment was the highest. Moth infestation also increased microbial contamination by more than 3-fold compared with noninfested dates. The treatment of the 3 pairs of moths significantly increased the bacterial load more than 20-fold when compared to the control. The fungal contamination in the 2 and 3 pair treatments were more than 5-fold higher than that of the control. In contrast, the moth pairs did not significantly affect the sugar, protein, fiber, ash, or water contents of dates. The results suggest that infestation by a single pair of almond moths at the initial stage postharvest causes significant damage and contamination in Khodari dates.

Assessment of Plasmodium antigens and CRP in dried blood spots with multiplex malaria array

Dried blood spots (DBS) typically prepared on filter papers are an ideal sample type for malaria surveillance by offering easy and cost-effective methods in terms of sample collection, storage, and transport. The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of DBS with a commercial multiplex malaria assay, developed to concurrently measure Plasmodium antigens, histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2), Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), and a host inflammatory biomarker, C-reactive protein (CRP), in whole blood. The assay conditions were optimized for DBS, and thermal stability for measurement of Plasmodium antigens and CRP in dried blood were determined. Performance of the multiplex assay on matched DBS and whole blood pellet samples was also evaluated using the clinical samples. The results indicate the acceptable performance in multiplex antigen detection using DBS samples. At cutoff levels for DBS, with a diagnostic specificity with a lower 95% confidence bound > 92%, diagnostic sensitivities against polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–confirmed malaria for HRP2, Pf LDH, Pv LDH, and Pan LDH were 93.5%, 80.4%, 21.3%, and 55.6%, respectively. The half-life of pLDH was significantly less than that of HRP2 in thermal stability studies. Results with DBS samples collected from Peru indicate that the uncontrolled storage conditions of DBS can result in inaccurate reporting for infection with P. falciparum parasites with hrp2/3 deletions. With careful consideration that minimizing the unfavorable DBS storage environment is essential for ensuring integrity of heat-labile Plasmodium antigens, DBS samples can be used as an alternative to liquid whole blood to detect P. falciparum with hrp2/3 deletions in malaria surveillance.

PROBLEMS OF MEDICINES STORAGE IN HOME FIRST AID KITS OF GERIATRIC PATIENTS

The polymorbidity of geriatric patients and the associated polypharmacy necessitate “first-aid kits”, which raises the problem of uncontrolled storage of medicines. Aim: to analyze the home kits of elderly patients in terms of composition and storage. Methods. The author’s questionnaire containing 11 questions was compiled. A survey was conducted on 106 patients older than 65 years; the questionnaire was filled by respondents with a help of researchers during personal visit with an examination of “first-aid kits”. Results. First-aid kits contained on average 16 types of drugs; Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs prevailed (76.50%) in solid dosage forms, mainly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and antispasmodics, antihypertensive drugs, etc. Elderly patients most often used home medicine kits in responsible self-medication with high blood pressure, headache, and cardiac disorders, joint pain, digestive disorders. Expired medicines found in 30.2% of respondents accounted for 7.20% of the total number of medicines in first-aid kits, of which 83.44% were OTC drugs and 16.56% were prescription drugs. 58.57% of disposable syringes were expired. Violation of storage conditions was found in first-aid kits in 32.08% of respondents in 4.82% of drugs, of which 78.87% in non- prescription drugs. Conclusion. Violations of the shelf life and storage conditions of medicines and syringes in home first-aid kits were revealed. It is necessary to improve the skills of pharmacy employees in relation to pharmaceutical counseling of geriatric patients to ensure proper practice of storing and disposing of medicines. It is recommended to reduce the number of tablets and capsules of OTC drugs in the package. It is advisable to apply warning labels on the packaging of disposable syringes «before use, check the integrity of the package» and «after the expiration date, use is not allowed». Increasing the knowledge of geriatric patients about the proper practice of storing home first aid kits will help to improve the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy.

Utilization of archived neonatal dried blood spots for genome-wide genotyping

Heel pricks are performed on newborns for diagnostic screenings of various pre-symptomatic metabolic and genetic diseases. Excess blood is spotted on Guthrie cards and archived by many states in biobanks for follow-up diagnoses and public health research. However, storage environment may vary across biobanks and across time within biobanks. With increased applications of DNA extracted from spots for genetic studies, identifying factors associated with genotyping success is critical to maximize DNA quality for future studies. We evaluated 399 blood spots, which were part of a genome-wide association study of childhood leukemia risk in children with Down syndrome, archived at the Michigan Neonatal Biobank between 1992 and 2008. High quality DNA was defined as having post-quality control call rate ≥ 99.0% based on the Illumina GenomeStudio 2.0 GenCall algorithm after processing the samples on the Illumina Infinium Global Screening Array. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to evaluate effects of storage environment and storage duration on DNA genotyping quality. Both storage environment and duration were associated with sample genotyping call rates (p-values < 0.001). Sample call rates were associated with storage duration independent of storage environment (p-trend = 0.006 for DBS archived in an uncontrolled environment and p-trend = 0.002 in a controlled environment). However, 95% of the total sample had high genotyping quality with a call rate ≥ 95.0%, a standard threshold for acceptable sample quality in many genetic studies. Blood spot DNA quality was lower in samples archived in uncontrolled storage environments and for samples archived for longer durations. Still, regardless of storage environment or duration, neonatal biobanks including the Michigan Neonatal Biobanks can provide access to large collections of spots with DNA quality acceptable for most genotyping studies.

Risk of climate-induced damage in historic parchment

Moisture adsorption and related dimensional change were examined in several samples of historic and contemporary parchment. The tensile behaviour was determined for contemporary parchment and two selected historic materials. The moisture-related data for most parchments are close to the contemporary material while aging and past treatments may lower adsorption of moisture and, in consequence, the dimensional change induced by changes in the moisture content. Contemporary parchment exhibited larger water vapour adsorption and moisture-related response compared to most historic materials and, therefore, can be regarded as the worst-case material in terms of the climate-induced risks to parchment. Tensile parameters of parchment varied significantly with increasing relative humidity (RH). Elasticity modulus declined from on average 1200 to 400 MPa and strain at failure doubled when RH increased from 30 to 85%. Parchment’s critical strain at which permanent deformation occurred decreased dramatically with increasing RH reaching zero at 80%. Irreversible curling produced by variations in RH to which flat parchment specimens were subjected were measured by scanning the specimen surface with the use of a laser triangulation sensor. The degree of curling was expressed quantitatively as standard deviation of local curvatures in the parchment sheet. The study opens a perspective of using the relationship between degree of curling and magnitude of RH variations to derive categories of risk to parchment from indoor climate variations, under the condition that quantitative loss of aesthetical/display value of parchment objects resulting from increased curling is agreed. Historical parchment documents generally demonstrating considerable curling engendered by uncontrolled storage conditions in the past are not vulnerable to further distortion when subjected to variations in RH even of considerable magnitude.

Chemical change during storage of crambe cultivated with application of plant growth regulators

This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of crambe grains produced with plant growth regulators in the 2014 and 2015 harvests and stored for 180 days. During crambe cultivation, two foliar sprayings were carried out with the following treatments: 1) control treatment with distilled water; 2) indole-3-acetic acid 100 mg L-1 (IAA); 3) 3-gibberellic acid P.A. 100 mg L-1 (GA3); 4) Stimulate®. After harvesting, the grains were analyzed initially and after 180 days of uncontrolled storage. We checked water content, lipids in hot extraction (HE), lipids in cold extraction (CE), proteins, acidity and antioxidant activity. The Tukey test was used to compare the averages (p&lt;0.05) and the parameters were grouped using a multivariate clustering technique presented in dendogram. The CE and HE lipid contents were reduced after storage, whereas the protein content and antioxidant activity of the grains were not altered by storage. However, the grains that received IAA application showed an increase in the CE lipid content and their preservation after storage. GA3 application, on the other hand, reduced the protein content. Lipid contents remained constant at the end of storage, and the acidity was reduced due to the application of GA3 and Stimulate® plant growth regulators. The 180-day storage changed crambe quality and regulators can assist in preserving grain quality during storage. The CE and HE lipid content and the grain acidity were good indicators for evaluating effects.

Assessing Extreme Seed Longevity: The Value of Historic Botanical Collections to Modern Research.

Botanical, historical, and archaeological collections have been the source of extraordinarily long-lived seeds, which have been used to revive extinct genotypes or species. The longest-lived example of a viable seed of known age is the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., of which an estimated 2000-year-old seed was germinated in 2005. Seed longevity is important for agriculture and biodiversity conservation, and understanding the basis for the extraordinary longevity of seeds from botanical collections could help improve seed banking technology. In this work, we studied the viability and structural features of date palm seeds collected in Baghdad in 1873 and stored in the Economic Botany Collection (EBC) at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and seeds collected in 2004 and stored dry at −20°C in the Millennium Seed Bank (MSB). Viability was studied by attempted seed germination and in vitro culture of embryos, and structural features were studied by X-rays, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. We found that the seeds preserved in the MSB did not decrease in viability, with ultrastructural features similar to those in freshly harvested seeds. In contrast, the 144-year-old seeds were dead, and large ultrastructural changes were observed, particularly in the storage lipids (size, distribution, and melting properties) and other storage constituents. These results contrast with previous reports that date seeds could remain viable for ∼2000 years in uncontrolled storage environments. We did not find that the postharvest treatment of the EBC seeds in the 19th century, or their storage conditions at Kew, was more deleterious than that which was likely encountered by the ∼2000-year-old seeds. These results highlight the role of well-documented collections in establishing whether reports of extraordinary longevity are ordinarily repeatable.

Freeze‐dried plasma stability under prehospital field conditions

This study evaluated the effect of routine, uncontrolled, Israeli field storage conditions on the stability and efficacy of Lyo-Plas N freeze-dried plasma (FDP). We evaluated clotting factors V, VIII, and XI; proteins S and C; fibrinogen; partial thromboplastin time (PTT); antithrombin III (ATIII); von Willebrand factor (VWF); and international normalized ratio (INR) in FDP stored at 4°C, 25°C, and 40°C for 6 and 12 months, as well as FDP returned from field units after uncontrolled storage for 15 months (manufacturer's shelf life). After reconstitution, clotting factor levels were compared to those of freshly supplied FDP doses. At 4°C for 12 months, factor V decreased slightly. At 25°C, average fibrinogen and factor V content were significantly lower at both periods, and INR was higher after 12 months. At 40°C, all samples were out of normal range in at least one clotting factor after 6 or 12 months. After field storage for 15 months, fibrinogen, factors V and XI, PTT, and protein S were significantly decreased, and INR increased. However, these levels were still within laboratory norms. Statistically significant difference in clotting factors compared to laboratory normal range was found in INR (higher) and factor V (lower). Our data show minimal decreases in clotting factors in FDP after storage under field conditions, when compared to laboratory normal ranges. Along with the many advantages of FDP, this supports its use at the point of injury under battlefield conditions, despite uncontrolled storage environments. Under controlled storage conditions at 4°C, shelf life could possibly be extended, although further study is required.

Caracterização morfofisiológica de sementes de diferentes cultivares de soja armazenadas sob condições não controladas

É de fundamental importância a utilização de sementes de qualidade para obtenção de uniformidade, plantas vigorosas e, por conseguinte boa produtividade. Estando a qualidade de sementes de soja, diretamente relacionada aos atributos físicos, genéticos, sanitários e fisiológicos, objetivou-se com este trabalho, avaliar as características morfofisiológica e a qualidade de sementes de diferentes cultivares de soja armazenadas durante três meses sob condições não controladas. Foram avaliadas 24 cultivares de soja, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, quanto a classificação física e morfológica, quanto ao peso de 100 sementes, umidade, teste de peroxidase, germinação, vigor e massa seca da raiz e hipocótilo. Após o armazenamento sob condições não controladas a cultivar NS5959IPRO apresentou maior porcentagem de vigor e germinação (99%) e maior peso de massa seca de hipocótilo. Das 24 cultivares avaliadas, 14 se enquadram no limite mínimo de qualidade de sementes para comercialização mesmo sob condições de armazenamento não controladas quanto a temperatura e umidade do ar.