Technologies enabling rapid crop improvements for sustainable agriculture: example pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. David Marks ◽  
Ratan Chopra ◽  
John C. Sedbrook
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crop ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Mutation Breeding ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
New Crops ◽  
Thlaspi Arvense ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Generation Sequencing ◽  
New Crop

Growing concerns over food insecurity and ecosystems health related to population growth and climate change have challenged scientists to develop new crops, employing revolutionary technologies in combination with traditional methods. In this review, we discuss the domestication of the oilseed-producing cover crop pennycress, which along with the development of other new crops and improvements to farming practices can provide sustainable solutions to address malnutrition and environmental impacts of production agriculture. We highlight some of the new technologies such as bioinformatics-enabled next-generation sequencing and CRISPR genome editing in combination with traditional mutation breeding that has accelerated pennycress development as a new crop and a potential model system. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of the technologies that can be integrated for improving pennycress and other crops and the status of pennycress development using these technologies.

Pathways ahead for New Zealand hill country farming

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.G. Scrimgeour
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
The Status ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Hill Farming ◽  
The Hill

This paper provides a stocktake of the status of hill country farming in New Zealand and addresses the challenges which will determine its future state and performance. It arises out of the Hill Country Symposium, held in Rotorua, New Zealand, 12-13 April 2016. This paper surveys people, policy, business and change, farming systems for hill country, soil nutrients and the environment, plants for hill country, animals, animal feeding and productivity, and strategies for achieving sustainable outcomes in the hill country. This paper concludes by identifying approaches to: support current and future hill country farmers and service providers, to effectively and efficiently deal with change; link hill farming businesses to effective value chains and new markets to achieve sufficient and stable profitability; reward farmers for the careful management of natural resources on their farm; ensure that new technologies which improve the efficient use of input resources are developed; and strategies to achieve vibrant rural communities which strengthen hill country farming businesses and their service providers. Keywords: farming systems, hill country, people, policy, productivity, profitability, sustainability

DEVELOPMENT OF VALUATION METHOD OF THE STATUS OF BASE STATIONS FOR DETERMINING THE NEED OF THEIR UPGRADING

2017 ◽  
pp. 60-70
Author(s):  
Natalya Ivanovna Shaposhnikova ◽  
Alexander Aleksandrovich Sorokin
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Fuzzy Sets ◽  
Cellular Network ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Base Station ◽  
Base Stations ◽  
Valuation Method ◽  
The Status ◽  
Telecommunications Services ◽  
Theory Of Fuzzy Sets

The article consideres the problems of determining the need to modernize the base stations of the cellular network based on the mathematical apparatus of the theory of fuzzy sets. To improve the quality of telecommunications services the operators should send significant funding for upgrading the equipment of base stations. Modernization can improve and extend the functions of base stations to provide cellular communication, increase the reliability of the base station in operation and the functionality of its individual elements, and reduce the cost of maintenance and repair when working on a cellular network. The complexity in collecting information about the equipment condition is determined by a large number of factors that affect its operation, as well as the imperfection of obtaining and processing the information received. For a comprehensive assessment of the need for modernization, it is necessary to take into account a number of indicators. In the structure of indicators of the need for modernization, there were introduced the parameters reflecting both the degree of aging and obsolescence(the technical gap and the backlog in connection with the emergence of new technologies and standards). In the process of a problem solving, the basic stages of decision-making on modernization have been allocated. Decision-making on the need for modernization is based not only on measuring information that takes into account the decision-makers, but also on linguistic and verbal information. Therefore, to determine the need for upgrading the base stations, the theory of fuzzy sets is used, with the help of which experts can be attracted to this issue. They will be able to formulate additional fuzzy judgments that help to take into account not only measuring characteristics, but also poorly formalized fuzzy information. To do this, the main indicators of the modernization need have been defined, and fuzzy estimates of the need for modernization for all indicators and a set of indicators reflecting the need for upgrading the base stations have been formulated.

Sweetpotato genetic resources: today and tomorrow

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert L. Jarret ◽  
◽  
Noelle L. Anglin ◽  
David Ellis ◽  
Arthur Villordon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ipomoea Batatas ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Crop Wild Relatives ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Important Food ◽  
Germplasm Storage ◽  
Archaeological Data ◽  
The Status ◽  
Generation Sequencing

The sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is the sixth most important food crop on a global scale. While China accounts for about 80% of global production, Nigeria, Uganda, Indonesia and Tanzania are also large producers of sweetpotato. The chapter examines the origin and dispersal of sweetpotato, including archaeological data for the early distribution of the crop, before moving on to considering its general botany. The chapter considers in vitro germplasm storage in sweetpotato genebanks, as well as issues of quality control. The chapter looks at the importance of managing sweetpotato crop wild relatives (CWR) and examines plant quarantine and phytosanitary issues and the status of genebanks under international treaties. The chapter considers a number of specific issues associated with sweetpotato germplasm. Finally, the chapter looks at the application of next-generation sequencing to sweetpotato and its CWR, before looking ahead to future trends in this area.

Effectiveness of Teleassistance at Improving Quality of Life in People with Neuromuscular Diseases

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oscar Martínez ◽  
Amaia Jometón ◽  
Manuel Pérez ◽  
Esther Lázaro ◽  
Imanol Amayra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Psychosocial Domain

AbstractRare neuromuscular diseases (NDs) are a group of inherited or acquired neurological pathologies affecting the muscles and the nervous system. Their low prevalence and high geographical dispersion can cause isolation and difficulties in social interaction between affected equals. New technologies, such as videoconferencing, offer a complementary option for improving the health of this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a teleassistance program at improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through social interaction in adults with NDs. The sample consisted of 45 participants affected by rare NDs. Twenty-four participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG), which participated in the videoconferencing sessions, and 21 to the control group. Three questionnaires were administered: WHO-DAS II, Sickness Impact Profile, and SF-36 Health Survey. Effectiveness was assessed by a pre-post design. An online psychosocial program was applied over three-month period. Data revealed an improvement of the EG in psychosocial variables, e.g. “Getting along with people” (z = –2.289, r = –.47, p ≤ .05) or “Psychosocial Domain” (z = –2.404, r = –.49, p ≤ .05), and in physical variables, e.g. “Life activities” (z = –2.844, r = –.58, p ≤ .05). Social interaction appeared as a relevant factor at improving HRQoL levels. High levels of satisfaction about the teleassistance program were reported.

scholarly journals The status of pelvic floor muscle training for women

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Andrea Marques ◽  
Lynn Stothers ◽  
Andrew Macnab
Keyword(s):  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Nous Avons ◽  
Potential Application ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle Training ◽  
Pelvic Floor Muscle ◽  
Muscle Training ◽  
The Status ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
Muscle Fitness

There is no consensus on the amount of exercise necessary toimprove pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function. We reviewed thepathophysiology of PFM dysfunction and the evolution of PFMtraining regimens since Kegel introduced the concept of pelvic floorawareness and the benefits of strength. This paper also describesthe similarities and differences between PFM and other musculargroups, reviews the physiology of muscle contraction and principlesof muscle fitness and exercise benefits and presents the rangeof protocols designed to strengthen the PFM and improve function.We also discuss the potential application of new technologyand methodologies. The design of PFM training logically requiresmultiple factors to be considered in each patient. Research thatdefines measures to objectively quantify the degree of dysfunctionand the efficacy of training would be beneficial. The applicationof new technologies may help this process.Il n’existe aucun consensus concernant la quantité d’exercicerequis pour améliorer la fonction du muscle du plancher pelvien(MPP). Nous avons examiné la physiopathologie d’un mauvaisfonctionnement du MPP et l’évolution des plans d’entraînement dece muscle depuis que Kegel a introduit le concept de la prise deconscience du MPP et les avantages de son renforcement. L’articledécrit également les similitudes et les différences entre le MPP etd’autres groupes musculaires, passe en revue la physiologie descontractions musculaires et les principes de bon fonctionnementmusculaire et les avantages liés à l’exercice. Nous présentons aussidivers protocoles visant à renforcer le MPP et à en améliorer lefonctionnement, ainsi que l’application potentielle de nouvellestechnologies et méthodologies. Le plan d’entraînement du MPPnécessite en toute logique la prise en compte de multiples facteursselon les patients. Des études cherchant à définir les mesures àutiliser pour quantifier de manière objective le niveau de dysfonctionet l’efficacité de l’entraînement seraient utiles. L’application denouvelles technologies pourrait contribuer à cet objectif.

scholarly journals A Survey on Machine Learning and Text Processing for Pesticides and Fertilizer Prediction

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
P.Pandiarajaa , Et. al.
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Text Processing ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Paddy Soils ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Integrated Research ◽  
Private And Public

In the Agriculture sectors the pressure is increased immensely due to the rise in population. In this present year we mainly witness a move from conventional methods to the advanced technology with advent of the technology. Machine Learning and Text Processing have transformed the quality and the quantity of agriculture. The real time monitoring systems along with hybridization of species paved away for resource efficiency. Scientists and researchers across the globe are mainly shifting towards collaborative projects and ideologies to explore this field for saving society. The optimal solution has been provided by racing in the tech industry. This application will be portable, scalable and durable that provides help for initiating new areas in the agriculture field. So, this survey focuses on machine learning methodologies along with Text Processing systems in agriculture. This startup’s private and public sector which is around the world that provides smart and sustainable solutions are briefly discussed. Based on agriculture this scenario, limitations, applications, development and future parameters are also briefly explained. The greatest challenge for the future agriculture lies in making agriculture research and extension more demand driven and client oriented. In addition, laboratory analysis has been undertaken to assess the nitrogen status and the soil carbon of fresh paddy soils and the used paddy soils as well as saplings. During the first season of 2011 the data collected on pests, disease incidence and severity and yield are being compiled for analysis. Therefore, integrated research to develop a bottom up participatory technology extension approach using new technologies is suggested for sustainable development in agriculture.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Quality of Health-Related WeChat Public Accounts: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/14826 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. e14826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fuzhi Wang ◽  
Zhuoxin Wang ◽  
Weiwei Sun ◽  
Xiumu Yang ◽  
Zhiwei Bian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Information ◽  
Code Of Conduct ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Suitability Assessment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Related

Background As representatives of health information communication platforms accessed through mobile phones and mobile terminals, health-related WeChat public accounts (HWPAs) have a large consumer base in the Chinese-speaking world. However, there is still a lack of general understanding of the status quo of HWPAs and the quality of the articles they release. Objective The aims of this study were to assess the conformity of HWPAs to the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct (HONcode) and to evaluate the suitability of articles disseminated by HWPAs. Methods The survey was conducted from April 23 to May 5, 2019. Based on the monthly (March 1-31, 2019) WeChat Index provided by Qingbo Big Data, the top 100 HWPAs were examined to evaluate their HONcode compliance. The first four articles published by each HWPA on the survey dates were selected as samples to evaluate their suitability. All materials were assessed by three raters. The materials were assessed using the HONcode checklist and the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) score sheet. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) and Excel version 2013 (Microsoft Inc, Washington DC, USA). Results A total of 93 HWPAs and 210 of their released articles were included in this study. For six of the eight principles, the 93 HWPAs nearly consistently did not meet the requirements of the HONcode. The HWPAs certified by Tencent Corporation (66/93, 71%) were generally slightly superior to those without such certification (27/93, 29%) in terms of compliance with HONcode principles. The mean SAM score for the 210 articles was 67.72 (SD 10.930), which indicated “adequate” suitability. There was no significant difference between the SAM scores of the articles published by certified and uncertified HWPAs (P=.07), except in the literacy requirements dimension (tdf=97=–2.418, P=.02). Conclusions The HWPAs had low HONcode conformity. Although the suitability of health information released by HWPAs was at a moderate level, there were still problems identified, such as difficulty in tracing information sources, excessive implicit advertisements, and irregular usage of charts. In addition, the low approval requirements of HWPAs were not conducive to improvement of their service quality.

scholarly journals THE IMPORTANCE OF ECO-CLUSTERS IN THE CONSTANTA COUNTY

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-70
Author(s):  
MIRELA IULIANA SUNDRI
Keyword(s):  
New Technologies ◽  
Disruptive Innovation ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Strategic Positioning ◽  
Sustainable Solutions ◽  
Smart Specialization ◽  
Ecological Transition

Economic theory and international practice confirm the role of clusters as catalysts for competitiveness based on innovation and internationalization. Europe is facing the challenge of becoming a fair and prosperous society based on a modern, competitive and resource-efficient economy. Mobilizing industrial actors towards a clean and circular economy through in-depth cooperation along value chains as well as the use of new technologies, sustainable solutions and disruptive innovation are critical to achieving this goal. Clusters play an important role in operationalizing smart specialization strategies. Eco-clusters aim to increase the competitiveness of enterprises included in "cluster" structures in sectors of economic relevance, by concentrating resources and developing the production of innovative goods such as technologies, products, services, with the greatest possible reduction of waste. Constanta County, through its strategic positioning, through the concentration of economic activities, education and research is an area of maximum interest for the development of eco-innovation and eco-clusters. This study highlights the premises for the establishment of eco-clusters in the Constanta area, given their role as a driver in greening economic policies in the region and developing partnerships in order to obtain clean products. Through eco-clusters, there are also developments in the process of eco-innovation and implementation of sustainable development strategies in the Constanta area, as a means for a long-term socio-ecological transition.

scholarly journals The Phenomenon of Digital Labour Platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 217-229
Author(s):  
Andrzej Marian Świątkowski
Keyword(s):  
Trade Unions ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Fundamental Rights ◽  
Equal Treatment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Right ◽  
Almost All

In all EU Member States the status of people employed on job platforms is not fully legally regulated. It is necessary to consider the sources of the contemporary phenomenon of electronic employment, which is not amenable to legal regulation in the Union constituting an “area of freedom, security and justice with respect for fundamental rights” (Art. 67 (1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union). The right to work in decent conditions, with adequate remuneration, belongs to this category of rights. In the discussion on employment platforms state authorities are more inclined to consider issues related to new technologies, processes and changes caused by the development and application of modern digital technologies (digitization) in almost all areas. The headquarters of trade unions mainly discuss the legal position of employees and the role of employment platforms in employment relations in the post-industrial era. Entrepreneurs and their organizations, including private institutions and employment platforms, are interested in equal treatment by national legislators in local labour markets. They are afraid of the breach of the balance favorable to their own economic interests, caused by the public interest in the possibility of using employment in atypical forms of employment. Services consisting in employment provided under employment platforms are incomparably cheaper than identical work performed by employees employed under employment contracts.

The Current and forecasted Status of Type 2 Diabetes in the Arab Society of Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelnaser Zalan ◽  
Ahmad Sheikh-Muhammad ◽  
Mohammad Khatib ◽  
Rajech Sharkia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Related

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered one of the main causes of mortality, morbidity, and health care expenditures. Effectively treating this disease is of crucial importance and imposes a global challenge. The incidence of Type 2 DM (T2DM) is rapidly rising in both developing and developed countries. The Arab community in Israel is a distinct ethnic group with unique characteristics. Recently, this community has undergone major changes in its lifestyle, adopting the Westernized one, which could have caused an increase in the T2DM incidence rate. Objective: This review aims to shed light on various studies undertaken to explore the prevalence of diabetes and determine its current status in the Arab society of Israel, resting on previous and current data. It is presented to highlight the status of diabetes globally and to focus on its current situation in the Arab society of Israel, attempting to forecast its direction in the upcoming decade. Methods: Data were obtained from our previous comprehensive socio-economic and health cross-sectional surveys for successive periods from 2004 to 2017. These surveys were conducted on the Arab society of Israel by the Galilee Society. Results: Our results showed a progressive increase in the prevalence of T2DM from 3.4% to 7.6% in the Arab society of Israel. This trend is expected to continue rising in the coming decade, and based on our predictions, may exceed 12% in 2030. Conclusion: Substantial and practical health-related actions must be initiated to prevent an increasing number of adults from developing diabetes and its complications.

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