There has been an enormous infusion of new ideas in the field of solar cells over the last 15 years; discourse on energy transfer has gotten much richer, and nanostructures and nanomaterials have revolutionized the possibilities for new technological developments. However, solar energy cannot become ubiquitous in the world's power markets unless it can become economically competitive with legacy generation methods such as fossil fuels. The new edition of Dr. Stephen Fonash's definitive text points the way toward greater efficiency and cheaper production by adding coverage of cutting-edge topics in plasmonics, multi-exiton generation processes, nanostructures and nanomaterials such as quantum dots. This book's new structure improves readability by shifting many detailed equations to appendices, and balances the first edition's semiconductor coverage with an emphasis on thin-films. Further, it now demonstrates physical principles with simulations in the well-known AMPS computer code developed by the author. This classic text is now updated with new advances in nanomaterials and thin films that point the way to cheaper, more efficient solar energy production and, many of the detailed equations from the first edition have been shifted to appendices in order to improve readability. It carries important theoretical points are now accompanied by concrete demonstrations via included simulations created with the well-known AMPS computer code.

太阳电池器件物理 = Solar cell device physics

The essentiality of B for growth and development of plants is well-known, but the primary functions of B still remain unknown. Evidence in the literature supports the idea that the major functions of B in growth and development of plants are based on its ability to form complexes with the compounds having cis-diol configurations. In this regard, the formation of B complexes with the constituents of cell walls and plasma membranes as well as with the phenolic compounds seems to be a decisive step affecting the physiological functions of B. Boron seems to be of crucial importance for the maintenance of structural integrity of plasma membranes. This function of B is mainly related to stabilisation of cell membranes by B association with membrane constituents. Possibly, B may also protect plasma membranes against peroxidative damage by toxic O2 species. In B-deficient plants, plasma membranes are highly leaky and lose their functional integrity. Under B-deficient conditions, substantial changes in ion fluxes and proton pumping activity of the plasma membranes were noted. Impairments in phenol metabolism and increases in levels of phenolics and polyphenoloxidase activity are typical indications of B deficiency, particularly in B deficiency-sensitive plant species, such as Helianthus annuus (sunflower). Enhanced oxidation of phenols is responsible for generation of reactive quinones which subsequently produce extremely toxic O2 species, thus resulting in the increased risk of a peroxidative damage to vital cell components such as membrane lipids and proteins. In B-deficient tissues, enhancement in levels of toxic O2 species may also occur as a result of impairments in photosynthesis and antioxidative defence systems. Recent evidence shows that the levels of ascorbic acid, non-protein SH-compounds (mainly glutathione) and glutathione reductase, the major defence systems of cells against toxic O2 species, are reduced in response to B deficiency. There is also increasing evidence that, in the heterocyst cells of cyanobacteria, B is involved in protection of nitrogenase activity against O2 damage.

Boron deficiency-induced impairments of cellular functions in plants: a review

Rice among other cereals is key to food security for at least half the world population. Since the 1960s, productivity of rice has largely been improved during the Green Revolution, which included development of new cultivars, irrigation infrastructure, new management techniques, and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Nowadays, scientists and breeders are more and more focused on improving the quality of rice for different purposes and markets. For instance, people in the Far East prefer sticky and soft rice, while in India, a non-sticky type is preferred. Consumers from developed countries ask mainly for grain with good cooking quality and eating characteristics, but in many developing regions, nutritional value is crucial as rice is the most consumed staple food. Grain quality is a general concept which covers many characteristics ranging from physical to biochemical and physiological properties. Starch and protein are the two main components of rice endosperm and therefore are key to quality. The knowledge of how starch and protein are synthesized, sorted, and stored in starch granules and protein bodies (PB) is important for rice breeding. Besides that, grain quality has been shown to be affected significantly by growing and environmental conditions, such as water availability, temperature, fertilizer application, drought, and salinity stresses. However, the signal transduction pathways controlling grain quality still remain largely unclear. In the following sections, we first briefly review the four main aspects of grain quality, followed by a discussion of the molecular and genetic basis of starch and seed-storage protein biosynthesis and the effects of environmental factors. Obviously, rice grain is also an important source of mineral micronutrients, as well as important vitamins. Storage of these also plays crucial roles in grain quality and nutritional value, but we will only discuss these aspects briefly in this review.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/fes3.11

Molecular and environmental factors determining grain quality in rice

Quality assesment and postharvest technology of mango: A review of its current status and future perspectives

Bacillus subtilis L1-21 as a biocontrol agent for postharvest gray mold of tomato caused by Botrytis cinerea

Pre-storage exogenous application of boric acid extends storability and maintains quality of pear fruits

In Punjab province of India, area under mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit plantation in the state has declined drastically due to deforestation, population pressure, shifting to high remunerative cropping systems, reoccurrence of cold waves, developmental works, higher incidence of pests and diseases, etc. Hence, a survey was conducted for documentation about the extent of diversity found in the native landraces/strains of mango. Twenty eight elite strains enjoying local patronage were evaluated for table and sucking purposes, preparation of pickle/canning/beverages/amb leather on the basis of physical appearance and chemical attributes. Physico-chemical analysis of fruit samples revealed that variability found in indigenous mango population in various qualitative and quantitative attributes not only contributes to biological diversity, nutritional security and livelihood but can also be used for crop improvement. The present study highlights that it is the need and demand of Punjabi folklore to conserve and protect such biologically rich areas for the benefit of posterity.

Physico-chemical Characterization of Unexploited Mango Diversity in Sub-mountane Zone of Northern India

Effect of Potassium Nitrate on Fruit Yield, Quality and Leaf Nutrients Content of Plum

Experiments conducted on saline-sodic soils during 1972 and 1973 showed that delay in transplanting medium-duration dwarf high-yielding varieties like Jaya beyond 20 July caused substantial reductions in grain yield, but there was no depression in yield of such varieties even if 55 day old seedlings were used for transplanting at normal times. Older seedlings gave very high yields compared with younger counterparts at late transplantings. Fifty-five day old seedlings took about two weeks less to mature compared with ones planted when 25 days old.

Effect of seedling age at transplanting on rice in saline-sodic soils of NW India

Concentrations of the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) in the fruit peel and pulp from grapefruit cv. Star Ruby fruits were estimated at monthly intervals during fruit development. The general order of abundance of the macronutrients was Ca > K > N > Mg > P in the fruit peel and K > N > Ca > P > Mg in the fruit pulp. Similarly, the abundance of the micronutrients followed the order Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn in the fruit peel and Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn in the fruit pulp. The concentrations of most elements in the fruit peel and pulp decreased during fruit development at 120–210 DAFS. Contents of N and P in the fruit peel decreased from fruit set to fruit maturity. However, both nutrients showed a small rise in concentration towards the end of sampling. Ca content in the fruit pulp decreased up to 180 DAFS and then increased towards maturity. Mn concentrations were relatively constant during fruit development, while there was decrease in concentrations of Zn and Cu in the fruit peel. Overall, the K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn level was higher in the fruit peel and the N, P, Zn and Cu level was higher in the fruit pulp. These results provide important data on macronutrient and micronutrient changes during fruit growth and development, emphasizing that grapefruit can be a good source of minerals.

P.P.S. Gill

Papers

Pre-storage exogenous application of boric acid extends storability and maintains quality of pear fruits

Physico-chemical Characterization of Unexploited Mango Diversity in Sub-mountane Zone of Northern India

Effect of Potassium Nitrate on Fruit Yield, Quality and Leaf Nutrients Content of Plum

Effect of seedling age at transplanting on rice in saline-sodic soils of NW India

Changes of minerals in fruit peel and pulp of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) cv. Star Ruby during fruit development