Showing papers by "Zhejiang Gongshang University published in 2006"

Postharvest characteristics and handling of litchi fruit - an overview

Abstract: Litchi ( Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is a tropical to subtropical crop that originated in South-East Asia. Litchi fruit are prized on the world market for their flavour, semi-translucent white aril and attractive red skin. Litchi is now grown commercially in many countries and production in Australia, China, Israel, South Africa and Thailand has expanded markedly in recent years. Increased production has made significant contributions to economic development in these countries, especially those in South-East Asia. Non-climacteric litchi fruit are harvested at their visual and organoleptic optimum. They are highly perishable and, consequently, have a short life that limits marketability and potential expansion of demand. Pericarp browning and pathological decay are common and important defects of harvested litchi fruit. Postharvest technologies have been developed to reduce these defects. These technologies involve cooling and heating the fruit, use of various packages and packaging materials and the application of fungicides and other chemicals. Through the use of fungicides and refrigeration, litchi fruit have a storage life of about 30 days. However, when they are removed from storage, their shelf life at ambient temperature is very short due to pericarp browning and fruit rotting. Low temperature acclimation or use of chitsoan as a coating can extend the shelf life. Sulfur dioxide fumigation effectively reduces pericarp browning, but approval from Europe, Australia and Japan for this chemical is likely to be withdrawn due to concerns over sulfur residues in fumigated fruit. Thus, sulfur-free postharvest treatments that maintain fruit skin colour are increasingly important. Alternatives to SO2 fumigation for control of pericarp browning and fruit rotting are pre-storage pathogen management, anoxia treatment, and dipping in 2% hydrogen chloride solution for 6-8 min following storage at 0 degrees C. Insect disinfestation has become increasingly important for the expansion of export markets because of quarantine issues associated with some fruit fly species. Thus, effective disinfestation protocols need to be developed. Heat treatment has shown promise as a quarantine technology, but it injures pericarp tissue and results in skin browning. However, heat treatment can be combined with an acid dip treatment that inhibits browning. Therefore, the primary aim of postharvest litchi research remains the achievement of highly coloured fruit which is free of pests and disease. Future research should focus on disease control before harvest, combined acid and heat treatments after harvest and careful temperature management during storage and transport.

Hepatoprotective effect of total flavonoids from Laggera alata against carbon tetrachloride-induced injury in primary cultured neonatal rat hepatocytes and in rats with hepatic damage

Abstract: The hepatoprotective activities of total flavonoids of Laggera alata (TFLA) were evaluated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced injury in primary cultured neonatal rat hepatocytes and in rats with hepatic damage. In vitro, TFLA at a concentration range of 1-100 microg/ml improved cell viability and inhibited cellular leakage of two enzymes, hepatocyte aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), caused by CCl(4). In vivo, oral treatment with TFLA at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the levels of AST, ALT, total protein, and albumin in serum and the hydroxyproline and sialic acid levels in liver. Histopathological examinations revealed that liver damage were improved when treated with TFLA. Meanwhile, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals scavenging activities of TFLA were also determinated. To understand the exact components of TFLA responsible for the hepatoprotective effect, nine flavonoid compounds were isolated and identified from TFLA. In conclusion, the present investigation was the first to verify the hepatoprotective effect of L. alata in vitro and in vivo. The hepatoprotective action of TFLA is likely related to its potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Neutralizing reactive oxygen species by nonenzymatic mechanisms and enhancing the activity of original natural hepatic-antioxidant enzymes may be the main mechanisms of TFLA against CCl(4)-induced injury.

Solution to 0/1 Knapsack Problem Based on Improved Ant Colony Algorithm

Abstract: Ant colony algorithms analogize the social behaviour of ant colonies, they are a class of meta-heuristics which are inspired from the behavior of real ants It was applied successfully to the well-known traveling salesman problem and other hard combinational optimization problems In order to apply it to the classical 0/1 knapsack problem, this paper compares the difference between the traveling salesman problem and the 0/1 knapsack problem and adapts the ant colony optimization (ACO) model to meet researches' purpose At the same time, the parameters in ACO model are modified accordingly The experiments based on improved ant colony algorithms show the robustness and the potential power of this kind of meta-heuristic algorithm

Nitric oxide mediates the fungal elicitor-induced puerarin biosynthesis in Pueraria thomsonii Benth. suspension cells through a salicylic acid (SA)-dependent and a jasmonic acid (JA)-dependent signal pathway.

Abstract: Nitric oxide (NO) has emerged as a key signaling molecule in plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis recently. In order to investigate the molecular basis of NO signaling in elicitor-induced secondary metabolite biosynthesis of plant cells, we determined the contents of NO, salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and puerarin in Pueraria thomsonii Benth. suspension cells treated with the elicitors prepared from cell walls of Penicillium citrinum. The results showed that the fungal elicitor induced NO burst, SA accumulation and puerarin production of P. thomsonii Benth. cells. The elicitor-induced SA accumulation and puerarin production was suppressed by nitric oxide specific scavenger cPITO, indicating that NO was essential for elicitor-induced SA and puerarin biosynthesis in P. thomsonii Benth. cells. In transgenic NahG P. thomsonii Benth. cells, the fungal elicitor also induced puerarin biosynthesis, NO burst, and JA accumulation, though the SA biosynthesis was impaired. The elicitor-induced JA accumulation in transgenic cells was blocked by cPITO, which suggested that JA acted downstream of NO and its biosynthesis was controlled by NO. External application of NO via its donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) enhanced puerarin biosynthesis in transgenic NahG P. thomsonii Benth. cells, and the NO-triggered puerarin biosynthesis was suppressed by JA inhibitors IBU and NDGA, which indicated that NO induced puerarin production through a JA-dependent signal pathway in the transgenic cells. Exogenous application of SA suppressed the elicitor-induced JA biosynthesis and reversed the inhibition of IBU and NDGA on elicitor-induced puerarin accumulation in transgenic cells, which indicated that SA inhibited JA biosynthesis in the cells and that SA might be used as a substitute for JA to mediate the elicitor-and NO-induced puerarin biosynthesis. It was, therefore, concluded that NO might mediate the elicitor-induced puerarin biosynthesis through SA-and JA-dependent signal pathways in wildtype P. thomsonii Benth. cells and transgenic NahG cells respectively.

A highly efficient polyethylene glycol‐mediated transformation method for mushrooms

Abstract: A highly efficient transformation system mediated by polyethylene glycol was developed for the cultivated mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. Eighty to 180 integrative and stable-resistant colonies appeared per mug of DNA per 10(7) viable protoplasts in a transformation experiment with the hygromycin B phosphotransferase gene (hph), which is about 40-1800 times higher than that previously reported in P. ostreatus. One hundred to 150 transformants emitting green fluorescence were observed per mug of DNA per 10(7) viable protoplasts in a transformation with the green fluorescent protein gene, but green fluorescence disappeared 30 h after transformation, suggesting that the green fluorescent protein gene was only transiently expressed in P. ostreatus. Plasmid pAN7-1 was also transferred into two important cultivated mushrooms, Ganoderma lucidum and Lentinus edodes, and 120-150 and 85-100 transformants per mug of DNA per 10(7) viable protoplasts were obtained, respectively, which is seven to 38 times and 24-28 times greater than previously reported. These data indicate that this new polyethylene glycol-mediated transformation procedure is highly efficient for mushrooms, and could be a useful tool in mushroom improvement by gene engineering.

English-Chinese Understanding and Translation of Specific Words in Written Financial English Text——A Case Study of Translating Monetary Policy Report to the Congress by Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

Abstract: With a view to study distinctive features of written financial English text,the English-Chinese translation of Monetary Policy Report to the Congress(on February 16,2005) by Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System was completed in advance.Three main factors are discussed to enhance better understanding and translation of written financial English text.In other words,contextual understanding,accurate translation of terms and no misunderstanding shall be applied throughout the process of translation.To the full,some translation facts are listed and analyzed for smooth translation in the future.

Accounting for Atrocities in Indonesia

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine some of the ongoing epic struggles for accountability in Indonesia. This is done by reference to the law and the legal process and reaching from the present back into the Indonesia of the past. This exercise has the effect of highlighting some of the immense challenges faced in developing and implementing coherent strategies for dealing with violent historical legacies in order to create better lives for Indonesians of the future. The author reaches the inevitable conclusion that the flurry of “transitional justice” activity has had little impact on changing society and taking Indonesia towards rule of law and democracy. Without genuine public support and major strategic reform of institutions such as the military, the police, the judiciary and the Attorney General’s Office, any effort at justice and accountability will not be more than window-dressing nor will it make Indonesia a better and safer place.

Chemical characteristics and source implications of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in the sediments near major drainage outfalls along the coastal of Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea, China.

Abstract: The associated industrial and urban developments are located to a large extent along the Laizhou Bay, Bohai Sea coastal and raw sewage is often discharged into near shore waters with little treatment. To find out chemical characteristics and pollution source of the petroleum related contaminations in sediments near the major drainage outfalls located in the coastal, in this study, 10 surface sediment samples were collected during June. Sediment samples were extracted by organic solvents, separated by silica gel column chromatography and the concentrations and the profiles of n-alkane, biomarker and PAH in sediments were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD). The use of several molecular markers and related indexes derived for n-alkane and PAHs has been proposed for assessing the relative contributions to the environment of hydrocarbon sources. As a result, n-alkanes reflect that the sea area of paper mill (Station ZZ08) is dominated by vascular plant. DY petroleum oil field and outer shore of the paper mill (Station ZZ02) have some degrees of petroleum related hydrocarbon contamination. Whereas the contamination of the sea area of TH River may be ascribed to different sources such as territorial non-point pollution source, domestic sewages, and stormwater runoff. Judged by their PAH ratios, the sediments near the paper mill (Station ZZ02) and the outer station of the oil field (Staion TH2) were pyrolytic. The estuary of Tiao River including the inner Station THX, TH10 and TH05 are petrogenic. The marine sediment near DY drainage outfall may have a mixture source of PAH both pyrolytic and petrogenic.

Expression of Helicobacter pylori urease subunit B gene in transgenic rice

Abstract: Helicobacter pylori ureB antigen gene was cloned to the 5'-end of gus (beta-glucuronidase) reporter gene between CaMV35S promoter and the octopine synthase (OCS) terminator in the plasmid, pCAMBIA13011. It was then introduced into rice genome by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A total of 30 regenerated plants with hygromycin resistance were obtained in the selection media. The putative transgenic individuals were tested for the presence of ureB in the nuclear genome of rice plants by PCR analysis. Expression of ureB gene in rice plants was verified by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis using polyclonal human antiserum for transcription and translation levels respectively. These results provide a basis for further studies on the accumulation level of UreB recombinant protein in transgenic rice and potential utilization of transgenic rice for delivery of edible vaccines against Helicobacter pylori.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in the fruits of Benincasa hispida.

Abstract: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used plasticizer that is harmful to human health. magnetic resonance spectroscopy from the edible fruit flesh of Benincasa hispida (wax gourd) of the plant family Curcurbitaceae. The DEHP content of seven wax gourd samples collected from southern and northern provinces in China was determined as (mean +/- SD): 18.3 +/- 0.43, 2.64 +/- 0.44, 44.0 +/- 0.34, 62.5 +/- 0.48, 52.0 +/- 0.42, 58.3 +/- 0.55 and 75.5 +/- 0.63 mg kg-1 fresh weight, respectively, indicating that most wax gourds were severely contaminated with DEHP.

An analysis of Supplier Selection in Manufacturing Supply Chain Management

Abstract: An ever-increasing trend in today's industrial firms is to exploit outsourcing for those products and activities deemed to be outside the company's core business (Riccardo Dulmin, Valeria Mininno, 2003). Vendor selection and evaluation is becoming one of the most critical activities of firm. This paper first overviews the main research of supplier selection and divides evaluation methods into 3 categories: conceptual approaches, empirical research and analytical models for vendor selection. Next, the framework for supplier selection process in supply chain management is proposed and an evaluation model of supplier selection is set up in terms of cost (price, price feasible responsibility), quality (delivery on time, defective ratio, product reliability), service (after-sales service, response to customer, training and teaching), manufacture and technological capability (manufacture capability, financial status, technological support, geographical location), reputation (history record, status in the same area, long-term relationship) and information system. Finally, this model application is demonstrated through the evaluation system from Haier company and draw general conclusions for further research.

An Evolving Scale-free Network with Large Clustering Coefficient

Abstract: Preferential attachment is generally regarded as the best mechanism to form scale-free networks. However, the simulated network has a much smaller clustering coefficient, while many networks in the real world, such as movie actors? collaboration and co-authorship networks, have a high clustering coefficient. So we develop the Relatively Preferential Attachment (RPA) method which considers preferential attachment as well as the probability channel. RPA model can produce networks which not only keep the scale free property but also have high clustering coefficient close to those of real networks.

Distribution of different taste buds and expression of α-gustducin in the barbells of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

Abstract: In order to explore the distribution of different taste buds in the barbells of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) collected from the Yangtze River, the quantity, morphology and distribution of different taste buds in the barbells was studied by bright-field optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. The taste buds in the barbell were predominantly localized at the middle two thirds regions of the barbells, and could be categorized into three major types based on their morphological and histological features. Type I and II TB were distributed on the elevated layer of the surrounding epithelium, while Type III TB ended apically at the level with the epithelium. Significant quantitative differences (p 0.05) were found between MB and MIB (p = 0.05293), MB and MOB (p = 0.05994) and MIB and MOB (p = 0.08320). The number, distribution and morphological variability of TBs could be a consequence of adaptation to the environment. α-Gustducin immunofluoresence signals were detected in cells of all types of TBs. The strong expression of α-gustducin on the barbells of catfish suggests that the taste-induced signal transduction in taste cells was common to all vertebrates.

The Influence of Stakeholders on Technology Innovation: A Case Study from China

Abstract: In recent years, research on technology innovation transformed from stockholder perspective to stakeholder theory. Stakeholders not only affect the survival and development of enterprises, but determine the activities and effectiveness of enterprise's technology innovation. In order to understand how stakeholders affect the technology innovation and which kind of roles stakeholders play in the innovation process, using case study approach, this paper explored the influence of stakeholders on technology innovation based on Hangyang Group, a large state-owned air separation equipment manufacturing enterprise located in Hangzhou, China. First, we analyzed the basic characteristics of Hangyang technology innovation. Then, we discovered the interactive relationship between stakeholders and technology innovation. And through tracking investigation and analysis of a technology innovation project, Large-scale Ethylene Cold Box Domesticsize project, that had important strategic significance for Hangyang and China, studied the stakeholders' interactive mechanism and dynamic behaviors based on the innovation processes. Research results indicated that: shareholder, senior manager, staff, user, competitor, government and other stakeholders actually affect development and effectiveness of enterprise technology innovation, and the mode and degree of effects are different among them; at different stages of technology innovation process, the effect of stakeholder also has different characteristics; and the stakeholders also have different benefit request and different realization way in the technology innovation process.

A quantitative diagnostic method based on bayesian networks in traditional chinese medicine

Abstract: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the most important complementary and alternative medicines. Due to the subjectivity and fuzziness of diagnosis in TCM, quantitative model or methods are needed to facilitate the popularization of TCM. In this article, a novel quantitative method for syndrome differentiation based on BNs is proposed. First the symptoms are selected by a novel mutual information based symptom selection algorithm (MISS) and then the mapping relationships between the selected symptoms and key elements are constructed. Finally, the corresponding syndromes are output by combining the key elements. The results show that the diagnostic model obtains relative reliable predictions of syndrome, and its average predictive accuracy rate reach 91.68%, which testifies that the method we proposed is feasible and effective and can be expected to be useful in the modernization of TCM.

Landscape pattern change and its driving forces in Xixi National Wetland Park since 1993

Abstract: Under the support of GIS technology and the TM images of Xixi National Wetland Park, this paper studied the past ten years' landscape pattern change and its driving forces of Xixi Wetland. The results showed that the landscape diversity index increased from 1.7854 in 1993 to 1.8438 in 2001 and 2.2096 in 2003, and the landscape fragmentation index increased from 0.0036 in 1993 to 0.0042 in 2001, and 0.0047 in 2003, suggesting that the landscape fragmentation was increased with time. Human activity was the main driving force, while the exploitation of real estate was the main internal factor of the landscape pattern change of Xixi wetland. In addition, social and economic development level had a strong effect on the overall diversity of the landscape.

Designated Verifier Proxy Signature Scheme from Bilinear Pairings

Abstract: A proxy signature enables an original signer to delegate her signing capability to a proxy signer and the proxy signer can sign a message on behalf of the original signer. Later, anyone accessible to the public keys of the original signer and proxy signer and the corresponding delegation warrant is able to verify the authenticity of a purported proxy signature. Obviously, the "public-verifiable" property here is quite suitable in most application scenarios, however, it is not applicable for some other applications, as in the case that a proxy signed message may be personally or commercially sensitive, for example, in a bill of tax or a bill of health, etc. Thereby, aim at these applications, several designated verifier proxy signature schemes have recently been suggested. However, to our best knowledge, none of these schemes has provided the provable security proof. Therefore, in this paper, based on the bilinear pairing, we would like to propose a new designated verifier proxy signature scheme, and apply the techniques from provable security to analyze its security.

Semantic Approach for e-learning System

Abstract: Selecting appropriate learning services for a learner from the large number of heterogeneous knowledge sources is a complex and challenge task. This paper illustrates and discusses how Semantic Web technologies such as RDF and ontology can be applied to e-learning system for helping learners select suitable learning course or retrieving relevant information. The paper presents the main features of e-learning scenario and focuses on the ontology; setup an e-learning scenario ontology with the training and application domains. The paper also presents semantic querying and semantic mapping approach.

Capability-based Project Scheduling with Genetic Algorithms

Abstract: Task assignments and scheduling have always been crucial to the software development process, and the quality of those assignments will greatly influence the success of a project. During the software project management process, it is intuitive but often neglected to assign the right people to do the right task. Our earlier models, task-based model and timeline-based model, applied genetic algorithms (GAs) to software project scheduling problems. This paper extends those works by proposing a capability-based scheduling framework, in which personnel/team capability, is simulated. The new model is described along with a new GA that produces optimal or near-optimal schedules. Simulation results show that this new model enhances the ability of GA-based approaches and provides decision support under more realistic conditions.