Pressure on agricultural land from a rising global population is necessitating the maximisation of food production per unit area cultivation. Attention increasingly turning to Vertical Farming (VF) approaches in an attempt provide greater crop yield square meter land. However, this term has been used cover broad range approaches, personal- or community-scale vegetable and herb growing vast skyscrapers for commercial wide crops. This article summarises main categories VF order help clarify...

There is increasing evidence of the contribution irrigation water in contamination produce leading to subsequent outbreaks foodborne illness. This a particular risk production leafy vegetables that will be eaten raw without cooking. Retailers selling are increasingly targeting zero-risk systems and associated requirements for quality have become more stringent regulations assurance schemes (QAS) followed by growers. Growers can identify sources contaminated with potential pathogens through...

Societal Impact Statement Cultivation of strawberry plants in urban production systems, whether green open‐air spaces or under some form protected horticulture such as vertical farming, has demonstrated to be challenging new farmers and businesses. Commercial producers have an advanced understanding plant physiology, enabling them grow the crop successfully profitably. Lack knowledge exchange between commercial growers seems result abandonment strawberries choice systems. This review will...

Dwindling water supplies, increasing drought frequency and uncertainties associated with a changing climate mean Europe's irrigated agriculture sector needs to improve efficiency produce more 'crop per drop'. This paper summarizes the drivers for change, constraints opportunities improving agricultural management through uptake of precision irrigation technologies. A multi-disciplinary integrated approach involving engineers, soil scientists, agronomists plant physiologists will be needed if...

To improve our understanding of the survival and splash-mediated transfer zoonotic agents faecal indicator bacteria introduced into soils used for crop cultivation via contaminated irrigation waters.Zoonotic an Escherichia coli marker bacterium were inoculated borehole water, which was applied to two different soil types in early-, mid- late summer. Decline influenced by type. Marker columns water did not concentrate at surface soils. type environmental conditions. Typically, declines rapid...

Abstract Vertical farming is an emerging area of food production that aims to provide sustainable intensification agriculture by maximising the obtainable yield per unit land. This approach commonly utilises stacked horizontal levels crop growth in glasshouse or controlled environment (CE) facilities. has, however, received relatively little scientific investigation date. Consequently, important factors such as economic feasibility, system design and optimisation methods are still being...

Abstract Think aloud interview protocols from three high school post-physics students who interacted with a relative motion computer simulation presented in predict-observe-explain format are analysed. Evidence is for: qualitative and quantitative difficulties apparently simple one-dimensional problems; students' spontaneous visualization of the visualizations facilitating solution these memory on-line used as framework for post-test problems solved off-line. Instances successful...

In potato (Solanum tuberosum) production, the number of tubers harvested and their sizes are related to plant population. Field maps spatial variation in density can therefore provide a decision support tool for spatially variable harvest timing optimize tuber by allowing densely populated management zones more tuber-bulking time. Computer vision has been proposed enumerate numbers using images from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) but inaccurate predictions merged canopies remains challenge....

Abstract Background There is much interest in how roots can be manipulated to improve crop performance a changing climate, yet root research made difficult by the challenges of visualising system accurately, particularly when grown natural environments such as soil. Scientists often resort use agar- or paper-based assays, which provide unnatural growing media, with exposed light. Alternatives include rhizotrons x-ray computed tomography, require specialist and expensive pieces equipment, not...

To determine the utility of 4-item Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT4) for detecting cognitive impairment in accident and emergency patients aged 65 years or older. Cognitive function was assessed using Mini State Examination (MMSE), 4 10-point AMT subjective judgment. defined as an MMSE score 23/30 less. Of 601 patients, 226 (37.6%) scored 23 less on MMSE. Cutoffs 3 AMT4 7 had sensitivities 80% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75–0.85] 76% (95% CI: 0.69–0.81), specificities 88% 0.84–0.91) 93%...

Journal Article The air‐borne distribution of zoonotic agents from livestock waste spreading and microbiological risk to fresh produce contaminated irrigation sources Get access M.L. Hutchison, Hutchison Division Farm Animal Science, Department Clinical Veterinary Bristol University, Langford, Bristol, UK Mike BS40 5DU, UK. E‐mail: mike.hutchison@bristol.ac.uk Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar S.M. Avery, Avery J.M. Monaghan Crops Department, Harper...

<p>eTextbooks have steadily and recently more rapidly penetrated the textbook market. In order to effectively support students’ learning, it is important comprehend experiences using eTextbooks. This survey study was designed gain an understanding of in eTextbooks variables that impact their experiences, perceptions, attitudes towards a total 33 courses, faculty members at five state university campuses California participated eTextbook pilot project during fall 2010. Six hundred...

Abstract Lettuce discolouration is a key post-harvest trait. The major enzyme controlling oxidative has long been considered to be polyphenol oxidase (PPO) however, levels of PPO and subsequent development symptoms have not always correlated. predominance latent state the in plant tissues combined with substrate activation contemporaneous suicide inactivation mechanisms are as potential explanations for this phenomenon. Leaf tissue physical properties associated these may influenced by...

Wheat plants were grown hydroponically and fed with two sulphate sources differing in stable isotope composition, one having a δ 34 S of 13·7‰ the other 4·1‰. Plant sulphur (S) ratios determined using an on‐line continuous flow‐isotope ratio mass spectrometer. This method greatly simplified procedure for measurement ratios, was found to be precise samples containing > 1 mg g –1 dry weight. The values plant shoots, which had been on single source, very close source values, suggesting...

Long supply and complex fresh produce chains provide opportunity for fraudulent activity to occur especially further processing or re-packing of products mask opaque practice non-compliant behaviour. Price premiums designated as 'high-value', example, organic produce, particular provenance, geographical production area provides motivation less scrupulous actors present sale, that is mislabelled misrepresented. People integrity well data, product process are gaining wider attention in the...