0000000000390258
AUTHOR
Andrea Cavallini
Light induces expression of a dehydrin-encoding gene during seedling de-etiolation in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)
The effects of light quality on the expression of a sunflower dehydrin-encoding gene, HaDhn1, were studied during seedling de-etiolation. Seeds were germinated in the dark and, after 5 days, seedlings were maintained well watered and de-etiolated under different lights for 3, 6, 12, and 24h. Exposure to white light stimulated HaDhn1 transcript accumulation in the cotyledons of these seedlings, contrary to seedlings grown in the dark. HaDhn1 transcripts increased also treating plantlets with monochromatic lights, especially red light. The increase of HaDhn1 transcripts is provoked by the formation of the active form of phytochrome. Further experiments, performed saturating active phytochrome…
Model of ageing inception and growth from microvoids in polyethylene-based materials under AC voltage
Several degradation mechanisms may affect polymeric insulation system reliability. Some authors postulate that, even in a perfect dielectric, nanoscale cavities can enlarge due to various mechanisms (from mechanical fatigue to lowering of the degradation reaction energy barrier) up to a point where highly energetic phenomena, which bring about breakdown, can be incepted. Other authors are more focused on the inherent limits of manufacturing processes, which leave cavities within the insulation system whose size is large enough to cause electron avalanches, thus a measurable partial discharge (PD) activity, from the time the system is put in service or as a function of external factors (e.g.…
Microscopic and nanoscopic EVA composite investigation: Electrical properties and effect of purification treatment
This work presents preliminary results of an investigation aiming at characterization of nanocomposite insulating materials. Focus is made on size and technological process effects, i.e. dependence of electrical properties on filler size, on polymer-nanofiller interaction (e.g. intercalation or exfoliation) and, in particular, on chemical purification procedures. The materials under investigation are (EVA) copolymer filled by layered micro and nanosized silicates consisting of montmorillonite and fluorohectorite, that is, natural and synthetic clays. Microstructural characterization, using transmission electron microscopy, TEM, and wide-angle X-ray spectroscopy, WAXS, and electrical measure…