scholarly journals Design, Development and Testing of Feeding Grippers for Vegetable Plug Transplanters

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 669-680
Author(s):  
Oliver Jonas Jorg ◽  
Mino Sportelli ◽  
Marco Fontanelli ◽  
Christian Frasconi ◽  
Michele Raffaelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Cichorium Intybus ◽  
Design Development ◽  
Foeniculum Vulgare ◽  
Allium Ampeloprasum ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Average Success Rate ◽  
The Impact

Vegetable transplanting is an important and advantageous practice in vegetables production systems. In recent years, the development of vegetable transplanting tools has increased, as well as the interest for automatic and robotic transplanters. However, at present, the feeding of transplanting machines is often still performed by hand. This paper presents the design, development and testing of a needle gripper and a two-finger gripper for vegetable transplanting. Both grippers were self-designed and tested for picking, lifting and transplanting plug seedlings. Tests have been conducted on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.), leek (Allium ampeloprasum L.) chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings to determine the impact that gripper typology might have on the further growth of plants after transplanting. The average success rate of the two-finger gripper in the transplanting experiment was 95% and of the needle gripper 81.75%, respectively. Although neither gripper typology affected the growth of the seedlings after transplanting, several design implications were identified in order to improve the performance of both grippers. Furthermore, the two-finger gripper is more reliable for lettuce and chicory, while the needle gripper requires root plugs with higher firmness and cohesion to prevent shattering.

scholarly journals Growth Response of Hydroponic Lactuca sativa L. to Application of Fertilizer Organic VIUSID Agro®

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 268
Author(s):  
Alexson Vieira Pordeus ◽  
Lucas de Assis Moraes ◽  
David de Oliveira Medeiros ◽  
Letícia Carvalho Benitez
Keyword(s):  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Root Length ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Dry Biomass ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Plant Length

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) production is a valuable crop for supporting family farms in the Brazilian semiarid region. The cultivation of this vegetable in a hydroponic system with foliar application of organic fertilizer can help in mitigating the challenges imposed by the region’s edaphoclimatic conditions. Therefore, it is important to increase the lettuce production using new technologies. VIUSID Agro® is an example of such technology that has the potential to increase lettuce yields. VIUSID Agro® is a natural compound that actives molecular processes without affecting the environment adversely. This product acts as a natural bioregulator and is basically composed of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The experiment’s objective was to analyze the impact of VIUSID Agro® organic fertilizer on the growth of hydroponic lettuce. The research was conducted on a family farm in Bom Jesus, Paraíba state, Brazil. The experimental was a completely randomized design with 5 VIUSID VIUSID Agro® concentrations (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6 and 0.8 mL L-1) and 15 replications. Among the indicators evaluated were the plant length, leaf number, stem diameter, root length, and fresh and dry biomass. The results showed that the 0.4 mL L-1 VIUSID Agro® concentration produced greater growth than the control (0.0 mL L-1) for variables analyzed plant length, fresh and dry biomass of aerial portion, root length, fresh and dry biomass of root. The foliar application of VIUSID Agro® improved the performance of the lettuce morphological characteristics in a hydroponic cultivation system. Although this is the first Brazil research evaluating VIUSID Agro® as an organic fertilizer in hydroponic lettuce, results have shown promise.

scholarly journals The Impact of Mobile Application Support on the Quality of Care of Kidney Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Arwa A. Jamjoom
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Software Architecture ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Kidney Failure ◽  
Mobile Application ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Average Success Rate ◽  
The Impact

The adaptation of mobile application is supportive for the discharge patients in less amount of time. The use of mobile application enables physicians to detect the possible implications of treatment at an early stage. The study aims to provide a support and prevention application for kidney failure patients to monitor their diet, receive notifications for taking medicines, get a reminder of dialysis, and conduct easy communication between the doctors and patients. For this purpose, the study has supported the implementation and usage of Kidney Failure Care Application (KFCA). The software architecture of this application aids in the understanding of how the system would behave. The results have shown that the application has eased the communication with their respective doctors, and their diet was also monitored effectively. An average success rate of 80% was observed as a result of testing KFCA application.

scholarly journals The Impact of Light Spectrum and Intensity on the Growth, Physiology, and Antioxidant Activity of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 2162
Author(s):  
Shiren J. Mohamed ◽  
Hail Z. Rihan ◽  
Naofel Aljafer ◽  
Michael P. Fuller
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Red Light ◽  
High Irradiance ◽  
Light Spectrum ◽  
Led Light ◽  
Growth Physiology ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Light Intensities ◽  
The Impact

This study focused on the physiology, growth and antioxidant activity response of hydroponically grown lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) under sole-source LED lighting of differing spectra. Lighting spectra were provided by differing combinations of LEDs of three different peak wavelengths, (Blue 435, Blue 450, and Red 663 nm) with ratios of B450/R663: 1.25 ± 0.1, B450/R663: 1.25 ± 0.1, and B450/R663 1:1 at two light intensities of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) (270 μmol m−2 s−1 and 60 μmol m−2 s−1). A further experiment was conducted, in which Blue and Red LEDs were supplemented with Green (Blue 450, Red 663, and Green 520 nm) with ratios of B435/R663: 1.25 ± 0.1, B450/R663/G520: 1/0.73/0.26, and B450/R663: 1.25 ± 0.1. LED light intensities under the different spectra were adjusted to deliver the same level of PAR (270 ± 20 μmol m−2 s−1). Results from the first experiment showed that increased fraction of blue 435 nm in combination with red light at 663 nm at high irradiance enhanced the physiology of lettuce (i.e., significantly increased assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate) and increased the yield while having no significant effect on antioxidant activity. At the lower irradiance, the B435/R663 significantly increased antioxidant activity compared to other spectra. Results from the second experiment showed no significant effect of the spectra of LEDs on the physiology and yield of lettuce, but antioxidant activity was very significantly induced by B450/R663 at the ratio of 1.25 ± 0.1. However, the amount was still less than that obtained by B435/R663 1.25 ± 0.1 from the first experiment. This study indicates that LED light with a spectrum of B435/R663 at a ratio of 1.25 ± 0.1 significantly improves lettuce yield and antioxidant activity.

scholarly journals Spatial Characterization of Microbial Communities on Multi-Species Leafy Greens Grown Simultaneously in the Vegetable Production Systems on the International Space Station

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1060
Author(s):  
Mary E. Hummerick ◽  
Christina L. M. Khodadad ◽  
Anirudha R. Dixit ◽  
Lashelle E. Spencer ◽  
Gretchen J. Maldonado-Vasquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
International Space Station ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Space Station ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Vegetable Production ◽  
International Space ◽  
Leafy Greens ◽  
The Impact

The establishment of steady-state continuous crop production during long-term deep space missions is critical for providing consistent nutritional and psychological benefits for the crew, potentially improving their health and performance. Three technology demonstrations were completed achieving simultaneous multi-species plant growth and the concurrent use of two Veggie units on the International Space Station (ISS). Microbiological characterization using molecular and culture-based methods was performed on leaves and roots from two harvests of three leafy greens, red romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Outredgeous’); mizuna mustard, (Brassica rapa var japonica); and green leaf lettuce, (Lactuca sativa cv. Waldmann’s) and associated rooting pillow components and Veggie chamber surfaces. Culture based enumeration and pathogen screening indicated the leafy greens were safe for consumption. Surface samples of the Veggie facility and plant pillows revealed low counts of bacteria and fungi and are commonly isolated on ISS. Community analysis was completed with 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Comparisons between pillow components, and plant tissue types from VEG-03D, E, and F revealed higher diversity in roots and rooting substrate than the leaves and wick. This work provides valuable information for food production-related research on the ISS and the impact of the plant microbiome on this unique closed environment.

Abstract WP388: Clinically Focused Stroke Coordinator: How to Successfully Contact All Patients Post Hospitalization at the Highest Target

Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Weilbacher ◽  
Sharon Hammond-Heaton
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Success Rate ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Phone Calls ◽  
Average Success Rate ◽  
The Impact

Background: Stroke coordinator roles often involve quality data collection and compliance with standards to maintain certification, yet have limited clinical patient contact. Implementing a Clinical Stroke Coordinator Role, with a focus on the patient, assists with care continuity and improves the success rate of follow-up phone calls to acute ischemic stroke patients. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of implementing a Clinical Stroke Coordinator on the percentage of successful patient follow-up phone calls to all acute ischemic stroke patients discharged from the hospital. Methods: Our hospital, a high volume academic medical center, implemented the role of Clinical Stroke Coordinator in October 2014. The Coordinator met with each acute ischemic stroke patient prior to discharge to personalize patient education and stroke risk assessments, and to establish an appropriate contact person and phone number for discharge follow-up phone calls. All patients (or their designee) were called by the nurse Clinical Stroke Coordinator within seven days of hospital discharge to home, rehabilitation or inpatient nursing facility. The percentage of patients reached from February 2015 through July 2015 was compared to data from the preceding year, when calls were made by Unit Managers. Results: Compared with the pre-implementation period, when the average success rate was 49% for 209 patients, implementation of the Clinical Stroke Coordinator led to an average success rate of 86% for 240 patients, most recently reaching 100% of patients discharged. Overall there was a 102% increase in successful patient discharge phone calls for this patient population (Figure). Conclusion: The Clinical Stroke Coordinator role is essential to improved discharge phone call success rates, reaching >95% of acute stroke patients in the most recent three months. Further research is warranted into the impact of follow up phone calls on patient medication compliance and life-style modification.

Management strategies for chicory (Cichorium intybus) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata): impact on dry matter yield, nutritive characteristics and plant density

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia M. Lee ◽  
Nivonne R. Hemmingson ◽  
Elena M. K. Minnee ◽  
Cameron E. F. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Leaf Growth ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Cichorium Intybus ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
The Impact

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and narrow-leaved plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) are able to grow a large amount of high-quality summer feed. Limited information is available on the effect of grazing management on plantain, and no comparison been undertaken of modern chicory and plantain cultivars used in dairy production systems. This study determined the effect of defoliation interval (as determined by the extended leaf height, ELH) and residual height on the yield, nutritive characteristics and plant density of chicory and plantain over 18 months. Chicory leaf yield was reduced in swards defoliated at 150 mm ELH compared with those defoliated at 250, 350 or 550 mm (14.3 v. 17.5 t DM ha–1), and chicory stem yield was least in swards defoliated at 150 or 250 mm. Plantain swards defoliated at 350 or 450 mm ELH yielded more leaf than those defoliated at 150 or 250 mm (20.4 v. 16.7 t DM ha–1); however, stem yield also increased with increasing defoliation interval. Over all seasons, as defoliation interval increased, generally, neutral detergent fibre content increased and crude protein, ash and digestibility declined. Residual height had less of an effect on yield and nutritive characteristics than did defoliation interval. To maximise chicory leaf growth while minimising growth of lower quality stem, the optimal ELH over 18 months was 250 mm, or if the chicory was used only as a 9-month ‘summer’ crop, 350 mm. Recommendations for plantain are not as simple because longer defoliation intervals increase both leaf and stem yield and reduce nutritive value. Defoliating plantain swards at 250 mm ELH appeared to provide a balance between yield and nutritive value; however, further work is required to determine the impact of applying these recommendations on a dairy farm system.

scholarly journals Productivity and Economic Viability of Intercropping of Cucumber and Lettuce, in Southern Tocantins, Brazil

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Ádila Pereira De Sousa ◽  
Maria Cristina Silva Martins ◽  
Susana Cristine Siebeneichler ◽  
Eduarda Veríssimo Dos Santos ◽  
Raffael Batista Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Economic Viability ◽  
Cucumis Sativus L ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Technical Coefficients

In Brazil, vegetable consumption grows every year, as it has many advantages, from the supply of food to the medicinal value, which makes it necessary to optimize the use of land by producers, and an alternative used is the intercropping. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the productivity and economic viability of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in two different cropping systems (intercropped and monoculture). The production of seedlings was held at UFT —Gurupi Campus and the experiment conducted in a given area featuring 13m wide and 23 m in length, totaling 299 m2, in the period between June and August of 2018. The area mentioned was used for the production of Lucy Brown lettuce, and the ‘Caipira’ variety of cucumber. The experiment was conducted in a cazualized block with four replications and three treatments, which were incorporated in: monoculture of cucumber (T1), monoculture of lettuce (T2), and consortium of lettuce with cucumber (T3). Lettuce and cucumber in monoculture presented the best answers for all variables analyzed when compared with the consortium. The index of equivalence area (IEA) was calculated to assess the efficiency of crops in both production systems. And the value found for the IEA showed that the consortium is efficient within the production system. According to the technical coefficients relating to deployment, conducting plants and their production costs, the Consortium has proven economically viable.

scholarly journals Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide on Organically Fertilized Hydroponic Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Lau ◽  
Neil Mattson
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Lactuca Sativa ◽  
Plant Size ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Stunted Growth ◽  
Lactuca Sativa L ◽  
Lettuce Yield ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Viable Method

AbstractHydroponic production typically uses conventional fertilizers and information is lacking on the use of organic hydroponic fertilizers. Development of biofilm is a common problem with organic hydroponics which can reduce dissolved oxygen availability to roots. One potential solution is the use of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 which can reduce microbial populations and decomposes to form oxygen. However, information is lacking on the impact of hydrogen peroxide on hydroponic crops. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of H2O2 concentrations in deep water culture hydroponics by assessing how it affects plant size and yield in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) ‘Rouxai’. In this experiment, three different treatments consisting of a control without H2O2, and the application of 37.5 mg/L or 75 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide were added to aerated 4-L reservoirs that contained either organic (4-4-1) or inorganic nutrients (21-5-20), both applied at 150 mg·L-1 N. Three replicates for each treatment and each fertilizer were prepared resulting in a total of eighteen mini hydroponic containers each with one head of lettuce. When added to conventional fertilizers, concentrations of 37.5 mg/L and 75 mg/L of H2O2 led to stunted growth or death lettuce plants. However, when 37.5 mg/L of H2O2 was applied to organic fertilizers, the lettuce yield nearly matched that of the conventionally fertilized control, demonstrating that the application of H2O2 has the potential to make organic hydroponic fertilization a more viable method in the future.

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