Abstract: In an application, which refers to holding actuation of a parking brake mechanism (a rotation-linear motion conversion mechanism), a braking control apparatus (a parking brake control apparatus) determines an application stroke from a load detection point including as far as an overshoot amount. The load detection point is a generation point of a thrust force that is detected due to a current flowing in the electric motor. The overshoot amount is generated based on a rotation of an electric motor due to inertia after driving of the electric motor is stopped. The braking control apparatus determines a target release stroke in a release, which is release actuation of the parking brake mechanism, according to the application stroke. The braking control apparatus outputs a control instruction to conduct the release based on the target release stroke.

Abstract: An agent for keeping cut flowers fresh contains a polysaccharide gel, such as gellan gum, dispersed at a concentration of 0.05 wt. % to 1.50 wt. %, into water, and gelatinized. The resultant polysaccharide gel has a gel strength of 50 to 7000.times.10.sup.3 dyn/cm.sup.2. A method for preserving cut flowers using gellan gum and a method for transporting cut flowers having cut stems inserted into the gellan gum are also described.