1. Abstract Purpose of this thesis was to prove and determine antioxidant activity of flower extracts from black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) and compile summary of their content substances and effects. Sambuci flos is often used in natural therapy and food industry. The main content substances are flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, further are contained in flowers sterols, mucilage, essential oils, tannins. Flavonoids are the most significant, specifically rutin and kvercetin, because they can show antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Flowers are used mainly for their diuretic, diaforetic, expectorant, analgetic effects. Method DPPH (2,2-difenyl-1- pikrylhydrazyl) was used for determination antioxidant activity of methanolic flower extracts. Results of antioxidant activity were expressed as IC50 values (concentration of extract which causes 50% reduction of radical). The average observed IC50values were 0,79 mg/ml and 0,83 mg/ml. The individual IC50values have changed fluently during development of flowers, they range from 1,086 mg/ml and 0,701 mg/ml in both collections. Deviations can be caused by ongoing synthesis of the secondary metabolites.

The influence of sucrose as an important factor in the vase-life of cut flowers has been dually noted. Sucrose is actively transported across the cell membrane via a symport system and the membrane-imbedded ATPase enzyme generates the required energy and proton gradient for the process. The activity of this enzyme decreases during the senescence of Petunia petals, concomitant with a decrease in sucrose-uptake in the post-climacteric phase. However, ATP does not appear to be limiting, indicating that a change in proton gradients may be responsible for this phenomenon. In order to study the uptake of sucrose in Petunia corollas various inhibitors of ATPase enzyme activity (DES and sodium orthovanadate) were introduced. The effect of potassium ferricyanide on the disruption of the membranal electro-chemical gradient was also determined. In addition it was found that the plasma membrane redox system seems to be influential in creating the H+-gradient necessary for sucrose-uptake. These effects were also studied in relation to prior treatment of flowers with the hormone, ethylene, for 24 hours. The results obtained have shown the i) importance of a stable inter- and intracellular pH environment; ii) the imbedded ATPase enzyme’s dependence on the membrane stability; iii) the maintenance of the electro-chemical gradient across membranes; the active energy generated by the ATPase enzyme; and lastly, iv) the effect of ethylene directly on membrane integrity and indirectly on sucrose-uptake. / Prof. C.S. Whitehead

The vase life of cut flowers is determined by various physiological factors that determine the rate of their senescence. A thorough understanding of these factors is required in order to design treatments that will extend the vase life and delay senescence of cut flowers. Senescence of climacteric flowers such as carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L. cv. Nordika and cv. Snow White) and freesias (Freesia refracta cv. Athena) is characterized by a climacteric rise in respiration rate and ethylene synthesis during the late stages. The increase in ethylene production is preceded by an increase in the sensitivity of the flowers to ethylene. Pulse treatments with sucrose caused a delay and suppression of the climacteric rise in ethylene synthesis and a delay in the climacteric maximum of the respiration rate. A pulse treatment for 24 hours with a 20% sucrose solution was most effective in extending the longevity of both carnations and freesias. The ability of the receptor molecules to bind ethylene is greatly reduced when flowers are pulse-treated with sucrose. In freesias, the ability to bind ethylene is reduced even further when flowers are treated with STS or 1-MCP. Ethylene synthesis in freesias is suppressed and inhibited when treated with STS or 1-MCP but longevity of the freesias and number of open florets on the stem is not increased. The uptake and distribution of sucrose in the buds of freesias is seen by the distribution of sucrose from the first bud on the stem to the next bud after the bud opens. The distribution of sucrose from one bud to the next results in more buds opening on the stem than that on the stems of STS or 1-MCP treated freesias. It is thus clear from the results of the study, that pulsing senescing climacteric flowers with sucrose increases the vase life of the flowers and suppresses ethylene sensitivity of the flowers, thus delaying the autocatalytic process of ethylene production. It is also evident from the results that the osmolality in the flowers has a direct influence on the metabolic processes of the flowers. In freesias, pulse treatment with sucrose increases the number of open buds on the stem and delays senescence of the florets. / Mr. C.S. Whitehead

中國傳統繪畫的詩性表現，可以說是東方特有的審美意趣。就花鳥畫而言，這種表現特質似乎從未被中斷過，直到當代，畫家依然透過對生活細膩的感悟，以各種表現形式，彰顯著這一審美理想，向觀賞者展現其內心的詩意世界。 / 本文將首先分析詩與畫的傳統關係，對於意境的共同追求和表現，透過重新認知中國繪畫傳統這一詩性審美特質，找尋花鳥畫創作的藝術價值和理論依據。 / 再針對詩意表達特質，列舉當代花鳥畫家的作品，看看他們如何透過繪畫語言和內容表現其內在的詩意世界，又是如何傳承審美傳統，如何創新演進。 / 最後思考當下的生活形態和自身的創作路向，希望從日常生活當中，尋找詩意所在，將之變為源源不絶的創作靈感。 / The poetic expression of traditional Chinese painting is said to be the unique aesthetics of the East. In terms of Chinese flower-and-bird painting, this trait has never been disappeared. Until modern times, painters still highlight this aesthetic ideal, by expressing their delicate sentiment of life in various manifestations, showing viewers the poetic world in their inner minds. / This essay will first analyze the traditional relationship of poetry and painting, the common pursuit and expression of the artistic conception. Through recognizing the poetic aesthetics trait of Chinese traditional painting, it will seek the artistic value and theoretical basis of creating Chinese flower-and-bird painting, / Focusing the trait of poetic expression, it will cite the works of contemporary Chinese flower-and-bird painters, and find out their ways to express the poetic world in their inner minds via painting language and content, in order to inherit aesthetics tradition, bringing innovation and evolution. / Finally, the present life form and my own creation path will be considered. The poetic meanings of daily life will then be identified and transformed into endless creative inspiration. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / 梁依廷. / "2012年8月". / "2012 nian 8 yue". / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 30-31). / Abstract in Chinese and English. / Liang Yiting. / Chapter （一） --- 序言 --- p.1 / Chapter （二） --- 詩與畫的傳統關係 --- p.3 / Chapter 2.1 --- 詩與畫的特質 / Chapter 2.2 --- 詩與畫的相似性 / Chapter 2.3 --- 超越藝術形式本位 / Chapter （三） --- 花鳥畫的詩性表現特質 --- p.7 / Chapter 3.1 --- 情景交融，物我兩忘 / Chapter 3.2 --- 意境的追求 / Chapter 3.3 --- 隠喻與象徵 / Chapter （四） --- 當代花鳥畫對詩意表達的傳承與演變 --- p.15 / Chapter 4.1 --- 從繪畫語言分析 / Chapter 4.2 --- 從繪畫內容分析 / Chapter （五） --- 發掘生活的詩意所在 --- p.26 / Chapter （六） --- 結語 --- p.29 / 參考書目 --- p.30 / 圖版目錄 --- p.32 / 附錄 --- p.33

Around two hundred years ago Goethe made the statement: ‘Let us not seek for something behind the phenomena – they themselves are the theory’. This would appear to be the antithesis of the claim of certain contemporary schools of epistemological thought, that a ‘theory’ is a construction of the human mind. Yet Goethe’s scientific aims are resonant with a present day ecological need: to find a form of ‘nature study’ which springs from a desire to care for things rather than merely to explain them, which can help to create a harmony between human and non-human nature. Goethe’s approach is phenomenological in that it seeks to uncover things ‘on their own terms’; it is integral in that it embraces both art and science. A Goethean methodology is used to study four Australian native plants: Grevillea buxifolia, Scaevola remosissima, Banksia integrifolia and Kunzea ambigua. It is suggested that Goethe’s way of ‘nature study’ fulfils the contemporary need for a participatory knowing which is responsible for the thing being researched, and various possibilities are indicated for further research and application – in the biological sciences and in disciplines such as architecture, landscape design and environmental education. / Master of Science (Hons)

Bibliography: leaves 280-300. / xix, 338 leaves : ill. (chiefly col.) ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Horticulture, Viticulture and Oenology, 2000

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio State University, 1983. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-95). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center.

Thesis (MFA)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 1989. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 37).

Thesis--Southwest Texas State University, 1967. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 149-156).

Thesis (M.F.A.)--Rochester Institute of Technology, 1987. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 62).