Effect of Gum Arabic and Starch-Based Coating and Different Polyliners on Postharvest Quality Attributes of Whole Pomegranate Fruit

This study investigated the effect of gum Arabic and starch-based coating and two polyliners (Liner 1-micro-perforated Xtend® and Liner 2-macro-perforated high-density polyethylene) on whole ‘Wonderful’ pomegranate fruit during cold storage (5 ± 1 °C and 95 ± 2% RH). Uncoated (UC) and coated (GAMS) fruit were packaged into standard open top ventilated cartons (dimensions: 0.40 m long, 0.30 m wide and 0.12 m high) with (GAMS + Liner 1, GAMS + Liner 2, UC + Liner 1 and UC + Liner 2) or without (UC and GAMS) polyliners. After 42 d, treatment GAMS + Liner 1 recorded the least weight loss (4.82%), whilst GAMS recorded lower (8.77%) weight loss than UC + Liner 2 (10.07%). The highest (24.74 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) and lowest (13.14 mLCO2 kg−1h−1) respiration rates were detected in UC and GAMS + Liner 1, respectively. The highest and lowest total soluble solids were recorded for GAMS (16.87 °Brix), and GAMS + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix) and UC + Liner 1 (15.60 °Brix), respectively. Overall, no decay was detected for coated fruit packaged with either Liner 1 or Liner 2. Therefore, the combination of GAMS with Xtend® polyliners proved to be an effective treatment to maintain the quality of ‘Wonderful’ pomegranates during storage.

Sleep Characteristics in Esport Players and Associations With Game Performance: Residual Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling

The current study aimed to examine sleep characteristics of esport players and the stipulated effects of game performance on consecutive sleep characteristics using residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM). A sample of 27 Counterstrike players with a mean age of 18½ years participated in the current study. Sleep was detected over a period of 56 days with a Somnofy sleep monitor that utilizes an impulse radio ultra-wideband puls radar and Dopler technology, and weekly game performance was reported by the players. The results showed that esport players' sleep characteristics were in the lower levels of recommended guidelines and that sleep onset started later and sleep offset ended later in the morning compared with athletes from other traditional sports. The esport players displayed stable patterns in sleep onset, sleep offset, time in bed, sleep efficiency and non-REM respiration rates per minute (NREM RPM). On the between-person level, esport players with better game performance spent more time sleeping (r = 0.55) and scored lower on NREM RPM (r = −0.44). Unstandardized within-person cross-lagged paths showed that better game performance predicted subsequent earlier sleep offset. The within-level standardized estimates of the cross-lagged paths revealed that participants with better game performance spent subsequently more time in deep sleep (0.20), less time in light sleep (−0.14), less time in bed (−0.16), and displayed lower NREM RPM (−0.21), earlier sleep offset (−0.21), and onset (−0.09). The findings of better game performance being related to better sleep are discussed in terms of existing knowledge on how stress responses elicitated by poor performance might impact on non-REM respiration rates and sleep.

Thermal Acclimation of Foliar Carbon Metabolism in Pinus taiwanensis Along an Elevational Gradient

Climate change could negatively alter plant ecosystems if rising temperatures exceed optimal conditions for obtaining carbon. The acclimation of plants to higher temperatures could mitigate this effect, but the potential of subtropical forests to acclimate still requires elucidation. We used space-for-time substitution to determine the photosynthetic and respiratory-temperature response curves, optimal temperature of photosynthesis (Topt), photosynthetic rate at Topt, temperature sensitivity (Q10), and the rate of respiration at a standard temperature of 25°C (R25) for Pinus taiwanensis at five elevations (1200, 1400, 1600, 1800, and 2000 m) in two seasons (summer and winter) in the Wuyi Mountains in China. The response of photosynthesis in P. taiwanensis leaves to temperature at the five elevations followed parabolic curves, and the response of respiration to temperature increased with temperature. Topt was higher in summer than winter at each elevation and decreased significantly with increasing elevation. Q10 decreased significantly with increasing elevation in summer but not winter. These results showed a strong thermal acclimation of foliar photosynthesis and respiration to current temperatures across elevations and seasons, and that R25 increased significantly with elevation and were higher in winter than summer at each elevation indicating that the global warming can decrease R25. These results strongly suggest that this thermal acclimation will likely occur in the coming decades under climate change, so the increase in respiration rates of P. taiwanensis in response to climatic warming may be smaller than predicted and thus may not increase atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

Design, Simulation, Implementation and Measurement of Respiration Rate by Strain Gauge Sensor and Induction Method

The human body has vital parameters such as respiration, heart rate, and body temperature. Respiratory rate (RR) is a parameter that expresses the rate of respiration per minute. Respiratory activities play an essential role in human life. The rate of respiration has a particular range, which is 14-18 cycles per minute for a healthy and normal person at rest. The oxygen in the blood enters the body during respiration and is expelled as carbon dioxide in return. Any problems with breathing may pose a serious health risk. An abnormal breathing pattern indicates serious illnesses such as cardiac arrest and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) and when it falls below a certain limit, it indicates a loss of consciousness. This is why it is so imperative to develop devices and methods measuring respiration rates.

Accurate Estimation of Heart and Respiration Rates Based on an Optical Fiber Sensor Using Adaptive Regulations and Statistical Classifications Spectrum Analysis

The aim of this work is to present a method for accurately estimating heart and respiration rates under different actual conditions based on a mattress which was integrated with an optical fiber sensor. During the estimation, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) signal, which was obtained from the optical fiber sensor, was used for extracting the heart rate and the respiration rate. However, due to the detrimental effects of the differential detector, self-interference, and variation of installation status of the sensor, the ballistocardiogram (BCG) signal was difficult to detect. In order to resolve the potential concerns of individual differences and body interferences, adaptive regulations and statistical classifications spectrum analysis were used in this paper. Experiments were carried out to quantify heart and respiration rates of healthy volunteers under different breathing and posture conditions. From the experimental results, it could be concluded that (1) the heart rates of 40–150 beats per minute (bpm) and respiration rates of 10–20 breaths per minute (bpm) were measured for individual differences; (2) for the same individuals under four different posture contacts, the mean errors of heart rates were separately 1.60 ± 0.98 bpm, 1.94 ± 0.83 bpm, 1.24 ± 0.59 bpm, and 1.06 ± 0.62 bpm, in contrast, the mean errors of the polar beat device were 1.09 ± 0.96 bpm, 1.44 ± 0.99 bpm, and 1.78 ± 0.94 bpm. Furthermore, the experimental results were validated by conventional counterparts which used skin-contacting electrodes as their measurements. It was reported that the heart rate was 0.26 ± 2.80 bpm in 95% confidence intervals (± 1.96SD) in comparison with Philips sure-signs VM6 medical monitor, and the respiration rate was 0.41 ± 1.49 bpm in 95% confidence intervals (± 1.96SD) in comparison with ECG-derived respiratory (EDR) measurements for respiration rates. It was indicated that the developed system using adaptive regulations and statistical classifications spectrum analysis performed better and could easily be used under complex environments.

Measuring the Effects of Microplastics on Sponges

<p>Microplastics (MP’s) are ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, and are derived from either direct production or from the fragmentation (to <5mm) of larger plastic pollution. Recently concern has intensified as the extent of MP pollution and its presence in the marine environment has been highlighted. Literature concerning concentrations of microplastics indicates an increasing occurrence in the marine environment, from coastal beaches to deep sea sediments. In addition, the effects microplastics have on marine organisms are well documented, with studies ranging from large pelagic animals to benthic filter feeders. However to date, there are few data on how MPs influence Porifera. Sponges are an important component of temperate benthic ecosystems, providing a range of important functional roles. Sponges are able to adapt to many environments by exploiting a variety of food sources, from dissolved organic matter to small crustaceans. Regardless of this, sponges feed primarily on picoplankton, and are able to retain up to 99% of these from seawater. The impact microplastics have on these suspension feeders is becoming of increasing concern, and previous research has centred primarily on sponge feeding or responses to sediments. As such, this thesis is the first to focus on the metabolic responses of sponges to MPs. To examine this, two response variables were measured: O₂ consumption (Respiration) and feeding (Retention efficiency). To examine the effects of MP on sponge respiration, two temperate sponge species (Tethya bergquistae and Crella incrustans) were exposed to two different sized plastic particles (1 μm and 6 μm) at two different concentrations (200,000 and 400,000 beads per mL). Results indicate that sponges are resilient to MP pollution. The only significant result was the effect of MP size on the respiration rates on Tethya bergquistae (P = 0.001), but there were no other significant main effects or interactions. Marine particulates come in many shapes and sizes, as such the retention abilities of temperate sponges were tested after exposure to different types and sizes of particulates. This was achieved by subjecting the same two sponge species (Crella incrustans and Tethya bergquistae) to two microplastic (1 μm & 6 μm), two sediment (1 μm & 6 μm) and two “Food” (raw sea water and Isochrysis galbana) treatments. This experiment showed some significant retention differences, but these differences were difficult to explain and largely inconclusive. This has highlighted the need for further investigation into the effects of: mixed treatments (i.e. sediments + plastics together) and varying plastic shapes (sphere + fibre + fragment). Finally, there is a crucial gap in knowledge regarding the fate of microplastics after ingestion by sponges. This research outlines the potential for temperate sponges to be resilient to microplastics particles when considering respiration rates. In addition, this study also outlines the variable nature of Crella incrustans and Tethya bergquistae concerning particulate retention. As the MP concentrations used in this thesis are very high and are unlikely to be found in New Zealand in the near future, this thesis therefore demonstrates the capability for sponges to be resilient to microplastic pollution. The outcomes of my thesis highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of microplastics on benthic organisms. The marine environment is dynamic and organisms are susceptible to a multitude of stressors. As such, there is a need to explore interactions between multiple factors at the same time.</p>

Measuring the Effects of Microplastics on Sponges

<p>Microplastics (MP’s) are ubiquitous throughout the marine environment, and are derived from either direct production or from the fragmentation (to <5mm) of larger plastic pollution. Recently concern has intensified as the extent of MP pollution and its presence in the marine environment has been highlighted. Literature concerning concentrations of microplastics indicates an increasing occurrence in the marine environment, from coastal beaches to deep sea sediments. In addition, the effects microplastics have on marine organisms are well documented, with studies ranging from large pelagic animals to benthic filter feeders. However to date, there are few data on how MPs influence Porifera. Sponges are an important component of temperate benthic ecosystems, providing a range of important functional roles. Sponges are able to adapt to many environments by exploiting a variety of food sources, from dissolved organic matter to small crustaceans. Regardless of this, sponges feed primarily on picoplankton, and are able to retain up to 99% of these from seawater. The impact microplastics have on these suspension feeders is becoming of increasing concern, and previous research has centred primarily on sponge feeding or responses to sediments. As such, this thesis is the first to focus on the metabolic responses of sponges to MPs. To examine this, two response variables were measured: O₂ consumption (Respiration) and feeding (Retention efficiency). To examine the effects of MP on sponge respiration, two temperate sponge species (Tethya bergquistae and Crella incrustans) were exposed to two different sized plastic particles (1 μm and 6 μm) at two different concentrations (200,000 and 400,000 beads per mL). Results indicate that sponges are resilient to MP pollution. The only significant result was the effect of MP size on the respiration rates on Tethya bergquistae (P = 0.001), but there were no other significant main effects or interactions. Marine particulates come in many shapes and sizes, as such the retention abilities of temperate sponges were tested after exposure to different types and sizes of particulates. This was achieved by subjecting the same two sponge species (Crella incrustans and Tethya bergquistae) to two microplastic (1 μm & 6 μm), two sediment (1 μm & 6 μm) and two “Food” (raw sea water and Isochrysis galbana) treatments. This experiment showed some significant retention differences, but these differences were difficult to explain and largely inconclusive. This has highlighted the need for further investigation into the effects of: mixed treatments (i.e. sediments + plastics together) and varying plastic shapes (sphere + fibre + fragment). Finally, there is a crucial gap in knowledge regarding the fate of microplastics after ingestion by sponges. This research outlines the potential for temperate sponges to be resilient to microplastics particles when considering respiration rates. In addition, this study also outlines the variable nature of Crella incrustans and Tethya bergquistae concerning particulate retention. As the MP concentrations used in this thesis are very high and are unlikely to be found in New Zealand in the near future, this thesis therefore demonstrates the capability for sponges to be resilient to microplastic pollution. The outcomes of my thesis highlight the importance of understanding the impacts of microplastics on benthic organisms. The marine environment is dynamic and organisms are susceptible to a multitude of stressors. As such, there is a need to explore interactions between multiple factors at the same time.</p>

When does temperature matter for ecosystem respiration?

The temperature response of ecosystem processes is key to understand and predict impacts of climate change. This is especially true for respiration, given its high temperature sensitivity and major role in the global carbon cycle. However, similar intrinsic temperature sensitivity for respiration does not mean comparable temperature effects across ecosystems and biomes because non-temperature factors can be more important. Here we analyzed soil and sediment respiration data and found that in temperature ranges corresponding to high latitude mean temperatures, absolute respiration rates are more sensitive to non-temperature factors than to projected direct temperature effects. However, at higher temperatures (>20 °C) the direct effect of temperature mediated by temperature sensitivity will likely be more important over changes in non-temperature factors in shaping how respiration change over time. This supports past suggestions that the relatively small projected temperature increase at low (tropical) latitudes may have a large direct impact on absolute respiration. In contrast, absolute respiration rates at high (boreal/arctic) latitudes will likely be more sensitive on the development of the non-temperature factors than on the direct effects of the large projected temperature increase there.

Corals and Carbon: The physiological response of a protected deep-sea coral (Solenosmilia variabilis) to ocean acidification

<p>Calcifying corals provide important habitat complexity in the deep-sea and are consistently associated with a biodiversity of fish and other invertebrates. Little is understood about how deep-sea corals may respond to predicted scenarios of ocean acidification (OA), but any predicted changes will have wider impacts on the ecosystem. Colonies of Solenosmilia variabilis, a species of deep-sea coral found in the waters surrounding New Zealand, were collected during a cruise in March 2014 from the Louisville Seamount chain. Over 12-months, coral samples were maintained in temperature controlled (~3.5°C) continuous flow-through tanks. A control group of coral colonies was held in seawater with pH 7.88 and a treatment group in pH 7.65. These two pH levels were designed to reflect current pH conditions and end-of-century conditions, respectively. In addition to investigating changes in growth and morphology, measurements of respiration and intracellular pH (pHi) were taken after a mid-term (6 months for respiration; 9 months for pHi) and long-term (12 months for both respiration and pHi) exposure period. An established method used in measuring the pHi of shallow water corals was adapted for use with deep-sea corals for the first time. pHi was independent from the seawater treatment and ranged from 7.67 – 8.30. Respiration rate was not influenced by the reduced seawater pH tested here. Respiration rates were highly variable, ranging from 0.065 to 1.756 μg O2 g-1 protein h-1 and pHi ranged from 7.67 – 8.30. Yearly growth rates were also variable, ranging from 0.53 to 3.068 mm year-1, and again showed no detectable difference between the treatment and control colonies. However, a loss in the colouration of coral skeletons was observed in the treatment group and was attributed to a loss of tissue. This could indicate a reallocation of energy, allowing for the maintenance of those other physiological parameters measured here (e.g. growth and respiration rates). If this is indeed occurring, it would be consistent with the idea of phenotypic plasticity, where corals can alternate between soft-bodied and fossilizing forms, allowing them to survive past periods of environmental stress. This research is an important first step towards understanding the sensitivity of deep-sea corals to OA and the potential for acclimation, and suggests that in many respects, S. variabilis might not be susceptible to end-of-century projections of OA. Nevertheless, the observed tissue loss is interesting and warrants further investigation to assess its long-term implications. Furthermore, the impacts of greater levels of OA, and the interactive effects of other ecological parameters such as food availability, need to be tested.</p>

Corals and Carbon: The physiological response of a protected deep-sea coral (Solenosmilia variabilis) to ocean acidification

<p>Calcifying corals provide important habitat complexity in the deep-sea and are consistently associated with a biodiversity of fish and other invertebrates. Little is understood about how deep-sea corals may respond to predicted scenarios of ocean acidification (OA), but any predicted changes will have wider impacts on the ecosystem. Colonies of Solenosmilia variabilis, a species of deep-sea coral found in the waters surrounding New Zealand, were collected during a cruise in March 2014 from the Louisville Seamount chain. Over 12-months, coral samples were maintained in temperature controlled (~3.5°C) continuous flow-through tanks. A control group of coral colonies was held in seawater with pH 7.88 and a treatment group in pH 7.65. These two pH levels were designed to reflect current pH conditions and end-of-century conditions, respectively. In addition to investigating changes in growth and morphology, measurements of respiration and intracellular pH (pHi) were taken after a mid-term (6 months for respiration; 9 months for pHi) and long-term (12 months for both respiration and pHi) exposure period. An established method used in measuring the pHi of shallow water corals was adapted for use with deep-sea corals for the first time. pHi was independent from the seawater treatment and ranged from 7.67 – 8.30. Respiration rate was not influenced by the reduced seawater pH tested here. Respiration rates were highly variable, ranging from 0.065 to 1.756 μg O2 g-1 protein h-1 and pHi ranged from 7.67 – 8.30. Yearly growth rates were also variable, ranging from 0.53 to 3.068 mm year-1, and again showed no detectable difference between the treatment and control colonies. However, a loss in the colouration of coral skeletons was observed in the treatment group and was attributed to a loss of tissue. This could indicate a reallocation of energy, allowing for the maintenance of those other physiological parameters measured here (e.g. growth and respiration rates). If this is indeed occurring, it would be consistent with the idea of phenotypic plasticity, where corals can alternate between soft-bodied and fossilizing forms, allowing them to survive past periods of environmental stress. This research is an important first step towards understanding the sensitivity of deep-sea corals to OA and the potential for acclimation, and suggests that in many respects, S. variabilis might not be susceptible to end-of-century projections of OA. Nevertheless, the observed tissue loss is interesting and warrants further investigation to assess its long-term implications. Furthermore, the impacts of greater levels of OA, and the interactive effects of other ecological parameters such as food availability, need to be tested.</p>