scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 on Horticulture: Critical Issues and Opportunities Derived from an Unexpected Occurrence

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Roberta Bulgari ◽  
Alice Petrini ◽  
Giacomo Cocetta ◽  
Carlo Nicoletto ◽  
Andrea Ertani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Production ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Product Distribution ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Urban Green Spaces ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Main Effects ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Regular Flow

The COVID-19 pandemic is causing many victims worldwide and has generated a serious economic crisis. Substantial changes have occurred in the food and ornamental production chains. The aim of the present review has been to summarize some of the main effects that the pandemic is having on horticulture and on the new habits of people. Infections and quarantine measures have prevented the regular flow of certain goods and of connected services. Cases of shortages and/or surpluses, a lack of the availability of labor, and a reduction in demand for some food products and flowers have occurred. New food production approaches have emerged and a reconnection between farmers and consumers has been spreading, thereby facilitating product distribution. Moreover, during the forced isolation, people have had to face periods of stress. The benefits that can be derived from leisure activities related to flowers and ornamental plants, and from access to nature and urban green spaces are increasingly being recognized as relevant. The seriousness of the pandemic will inevitably lead to lasting changes. Therefore, the vulnerability of the pre-COVID-19 distribution chains should be considered and a new food production chain should be drawn up, to increase the resilience of such systems.

Factors driving indebtedness among small- and medium-sized dairy companies

2020 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 159-175
Author(s):  
Alberto Mazzoleni ◽  
Enrica Pollonini
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Structure ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeWe developed a model to demonstrate how multiple interrelated aspects of a firm influence its recourse to third-party financing, which frequently depends on the characteristics of each food production chain.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted an empirical research on a relevant sample of small- and medium-sized Italian dairy firms. Our research methodology is inspired by the grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967).FindingsOur findings illustrated that firm indebtedness is the result of intertwined variables, linked to different firm dimensions, including growth, financial structure and economic dynamics.Research limitations/implicationsA portion of the analysed phenomenon is not explained using the sample and econometric tools.Practical implicationsThere are practical implications for the decision-makers in a firm (in particular, the managers and the shareholders) as the model allows to evaluate the influence of a set of mutually interdependent firm variables for the indebtedness level.Originality/valueFirst, we considered the recourse to third-party financing within the context of the systems theory (Millová and Blatný, 2015) and from the perspective of linked causes and mutually connected variables. Second, our research focussed on a well-defined food chain and on features of firms operating in this context. Last, our model considered the impact of the recent economic crisis, which motivated us to review the existing models.

Use of thermomechanical pulp fibers from waste woods for making eco-friendly cushioning material

TAPPI Journal ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
JI-YOUNG LEE ◽  
CHUL-HWAN KIM ◽  
JEONG-MIN SEO ◽  
HO-KYUNG CHUNG ◽  
KYUNG-KIL BACK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Impact Test ◽  
Product Distribution ◽  
Expanded Polystyrene ◽  
Thermomechanical Pulp ◽  
Fiber Structure ◽  
Pulp Fibers ◽  
Cationic Starch ◽  
Thermal Insulating ◽  
Surface Sizing ◽  
The Impact

Eco-friendly cushioning materials were made with thermomechanical pulps (TMPs) from waste woods collected from local mountains in Korea, using a suction-forming method without physical pressing. The TMP cushions had superior shock-absorbing performance, with lower elastic moduli than expanded polystyrene (EPS) or molded pulp. Even though the TMP cushions made using various suction times had many voids in their inner fiber structure, their apparent densities were a little higher than that of EPS and much lower than that of molded pulp. The addition of cationic starch contributed to an increase in the elastic modulus of the TMP cushions without increasing the apparent density, an effect which was different from that of surface sizing with starch. In the impact test, the TMP cushions showed a more ductile pattern than the brittle EPS. The porosity of the TMP cushion was a little less than that of EPS and much greater than that of molded pulp. The porous structure of the TMP cushions contributed to their excellent thermal insulating capacity, which was equivalent to that of EPS. In summary, the TMP packing cushions showed great potential for surviving external impacts during product distribution.

Investigating the Impact of Ornamental Plants Correlated with Indoor Thermal Comfort and Eco-Energy

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
Sugiono Sugiono ◽  
Suluh E. Swara ◽  
Wisnu Wijanarko ◽  
Dwi H. Sulistyarini
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Indoor Thermal Comfort ◽  
The Impact

Article Review: The Impact of Fun and Enjoyment on Adult Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Laily Yahya
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learners ◽  
Adult Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Programme ◽  
Continuous Quality ◽  
Teachers Beliefs ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Affective Experiences ◽  
The Impact

The article review of ‘The Impact of Fun and Enjoyment on Adult Learning’ (Lucardie, 2014) opens doors to the kaleidoscope of fun and enjoyment amongst adult learners. The essence of this review is an informative snapshot on the critical issues of how fun and joy have impacted adult learning through a qualitative research drawing upon traditions of phenomenology. It aims to explore the affective experiences of fun and enjoyment. This article review attempts to highlight an insightful assessment of the ideas and the arguments that are being discussed by the author. The different interpretation of this concept draws out contrasting elements between learners and teachers’ beliefs. A twist to this review is a reflective stance procured to address central issues emerging in the article related to the Malaysian context. It is through the lens of the reader, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI):4R is proposed. This refers to the process of continuously improving the quality of teaching and learning of an educational programme. This review concludes with the framing of CQI:4R to illustrate reflect, revisit, realign and reconstruct processes that could possibly navigate the architectural landscape of the Malaysian Teacher Education.

1033 REDUCING NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS BY BALANCING THE NITROGEN SULFUR RATIO

HortScience ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 576d-576
Author(s):  
Ellen T. Paparozzi
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Contamination ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Nutrient Balance ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Consumer Perceptions ◽  
Consumer Acceptance ◽  
Statistical Techniques ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Plans

Fertilizer particularly nitrogen is part of the concern about groundwater contamination. Many floricultural and ornamental plants do not need the high rates of nitrogen that are typically recommended. However, whenever one alters the quantity of a given nutrient the overall nutrient balance, as well as other physiological processes, changes. A brief overview of our research on poinsettias, roses, and chrysanthemums will be presented. Suggested ratios, critical S levels and nutrient problems associated with incorrect balances will be shared. Limitations due to statistical methods and the impact nutrient balance has on certain plant processes such as flowering and coloring and thus, consumer acceptance will be summarized. Future plans in this area may focus on the need for new statistical techniques, nutrient acquisition by roots and consumer perceptions of plant quality.

Food, Water and the Consequences of Society Not Valuing the Environment

2019 ◽  
pp. 858-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Allan
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Food System ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
The Political ◽  
Environmental Services ◽  
Accounting Systems ◽  
The Impact

The first purpose of this chapter is to highlight the impact of the food system on environmental and human health. The delivery of secure affordable food is a political imperative. Unfortunately, the food system that delivers it is environmentally blind. Food prices do not effectively reflect the value of food and often seriously mislead on the costs and impacts of food production. For example, actual food production takes place in a failed market—the value of environmental services such as water and the supporting ecosystems are not taken into account. The second purpose is to summarize and expose the political economy of the different ‘market’ modes of the food system. It is shown that there are weak players such as underrewarded and undervalued farmers who support society by producing food and stewarding our unvalued environment. The inadequacies of accounting systems are also critiqued.

scholarly journals Potential Use of Indoor Living Walls in Canadian Dwellings

J ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-130
Author(s):  
Daria Smolova ◽  
Avi Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Air Purification ◽  
Traditional Food ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Fresh Food ◽  
Living Wall ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Potential Integration

Current social and environmental challenges have led to the rethinking of residential designs. Global warming, food insecurity, and, as a result, costly fresh produce are some of the causes of the reconsideration. Moreover, with obligatory isolation following the global COVID-19 pandemic, some are realizing the importance of nature and air quality in homes. This paper explores the potential integration of indoor living walls (ILWs) in Canadian homes for agricultural and air purification purposes. By reviewing a number of case studies, this paper investigates how the development of such walls can alter the traditional food production chain, while reducing environmental threats. The findings show that current indoor living wall practices can be transformed into a useful source of fresh food, and, to some degree, alter traditional food supply. They can also help in creating inexpensive methods of air purification.

scholarly journals Development of the Circular Bioeconomy: Drivers and Indicators

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 413
Author(s):  
Maximilian Kardung ◽  
Kutay Cingiz ◽  
Ortwin Costenoble ◽  
Roel Delahaye ◽  
Wim Heijman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Conceptual Analysis ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Stakeholder Consultation ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

The EU’s 2018 Bioeconomy Strategy Update and the European Green Deal recently confirmed that the bioeconomy is high on the political agenda in Europe. Here, we propose a conceptual analysis framework for quantifying and analyzing the development of the EU bioeconomy. The bioeconomy has several related concepts (e.g., bio-based economy, green economy, and circular economy) and there are clear synergies between these concepts, especially between the bioeconomy and circular economy concepts. Analyzing the driving factors provides important information for monitoring activities. We first derive the scope of the bioeconomy framework in terms of bioeconomy sectors and products to be involved, the needed geographical coverage and resolution, and time period. Furthermore, we outline a set of indicators linked to the objectives of the EU’s bioeconomy strategy. In our framework, measuring developments will, in particular, focus on the bio-based sectors within the bioeconomy as biomass and food production is already monitored. The selected indicators commit to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy objectives and conform with findings from previous studies and stakeholder consultation. Additionally, several new indicators have been suggested and they are related to measuring the impact of changes in supply, demand drivers, resource availability, and policies on sustainability goals.

scholarly journals Assessing the Sensitivity of Main Crop Yields to Climate Change Impacts in China

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 172
Author(s):  
Yuan Xu ◽  
Jieming Chou ◽  
Fan Yang ◽  
Mingyang Sun ◽  
Weixing Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Crop Yield ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
The South ◽  
The North ◽  
Output Elasticity ◽  
The Impact

Quantitatively assessing the spatial divergence of the sensitivity of crop yield to climate change is of great significance for reducing the climate change risk to food production. We use socio-economic and climatic data from 1981 to 2015 to examine how climate variability led to variation in yield, as simulated by an economy–climate model (C-D-C). The sensitivity of crop yield to the impact of climate change refers to the change in yield caused by changing climatic factors under the condition of constant non-climatic factors. An ‘output elasticity of comprehensive climate factor (CCF)’ approach determines the sensitivity, using the yields per hectare for grain, rice, wheat and maize in China’s main grain-producing areas as a case study. The results show that the CCF has a negative trend at a rate of −0.84/(10a) in the North region, while a positive trend of 0.79/(10a) is observed for the South region. Climate change promotes the ensemble increase in yields, and the contribution of agricultural labor force and total mechanical power to yields are greater, indicating that the yield in major grain-producing areas mainly depends on labor resources and the level of mechanization. However, the sensitivities to climate change of different crop yields to climate change present obvious regional differences: the sensitivity to climate change of the yield per hectare for maize in the North region was stronger than that in the South region. Therefore, the increase in the yield per hectare for maize in the North region due to the positive impacts of climate change was greater than that in the South region. In contrast, the sensitivity to climate change of the yield per hectare for rice in the South region was stronger than that in the North region. Furthermore, the sensitivity to climate change of maize per hectare yield was stronger than that of rice and wheat in the North region, and that of rice was the highest of the three crop yields in the South region. Finally, the economy–climate sensitivity zones of different crops were determined by the output elasticity of the CCF to help adapt to climate change and prevent food production risks.

scholarly journals Assessment of Glyphosate Impact on the Agrofood Ecosystem

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 405
Author(s):  
Yaxin Sang ◽  
Juan-Carlos Mejuto ◽  
Jianbo Xiao ◽  
Jesus Simal-Gandara
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Food Production ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Regulatory Control ◽  
Biological Pest Control ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Production And Consumption ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
The Impact

Agro-industries should adopt effective strategies to use agrochemicals such as glyphosate herbicides cautiously in order to protect public health. This entails careful testing and risk assessment of available choices, and also educating farmers and users with mitigation strategies in ecosystem protection and sustainable development. The key to success in this endeavour is using scientific research on biological pest control, organic farming and regulatory control, etc., for new developments in food production and safety, and for environmental protection. Education and research is of paramount importance for food and nutrition security in the shadow of climate change, and their consequences in food production and consumption safety and sustainability. This review, therefore, diagnoses on the use of glyphosate and the associated development of glyphosate-resistant weeds. It also deals with the risk assessment on human health of glyphosate formulations through environment and dietary exposures based on the impact of glyphosate and its metabolite AMPA—(aminomethyl)phosphonic acid—on water and food. All this to setup further conclusions and recommendations on the regulated use of glyphosate and how to mitigate the adverse effects.

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