Abstract: Edible spray or coating compositions are disclosed for use in the reduction in post-harvest spoilage of fruits, vegetables, and plants by utilizing at least one of various functional agents in combination with at least one carrier or film-forming material. The at least one shelf-life extending agent may be at least one volatile compound, at least one plant immune-stimulatory compound, at least one non-volatile compound, at least one microorganism, and/or at least one ethylene actor compound. Assemblies containing the edible spray or coating compositions, as well as methods of producing and using the edible spray or coating compositions, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled-release delivery compositions/systems are disclosed for use in the reduction in postharvest spoilage of fruits, vegetables, and plants by utilizing at least one matrix in which at least one volatile shelf-life extending agent is contained Assemblies containing the controlled-release delivery composition/system, as well as methods of producing and using the controlled-release delivery composition/system, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a reinforcing system with vibrating plates of stringed musical instruments, as well as a method for determining the optimal placement of reinforcing braces on those plates. To determine the optimal size, shape and location of plate reinforcements, the plate is caused to vibrate at a known frequency, and the nodal and anti-nodal areas of the plate are mapped. Bracing of a size and shape corresponding to the mapped nodal areas are affixed to the plate, and the acoustic properties of the plate are then measured. Thereafter, the braces may be repositioned to optimize the tonal qualities of the instrument based on both objective and subjective criteria.