James T. Luxhoj and Gene A. Giacomelli
The development of labour standards for the single truss tomatoproduction system is examined. Both time study and predetermined timesystems, such as the Element Times for…
Abstract
The development of labour standards for the single truss tomato production system is examined. Both time study and predetermined time systems, such as the Element Times for Agriculture (ETA) tables and the Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) tables, are used to determine labour standards for the operations of pruning and harvesting in a single truss tomato production system. The hypothesis is that a predetermined time system could be used to establish greenhouse labour standards, and thus replace the tedious and costly process of direct time study. Such a work measurement system would enable the setting of job standards quickly and accurately. Standardised work models will facilitate cost control of labour operations, and provide data for evaluation of labour costs within future greenhouse system designs. The data indicate that, although the pre‐determined time values varied from measured time study by around 6 per cent to over 23 per cent for pruning, the variation for harvesting ranged approximately from 3 per cent to 7 per cent. The combined results suggest that predetermined time systems can be used effectively to establish greenhouse labour standards for short cycle tasks without the loss of significant accuracy when using an absolute scale.
Details
Keywords
Mehran Nouri, Sara Sohaei, Mohammed Nader Shalaby, Sanaz Mehrabani, Atena Ramezani and Shiva Faghih
This paper aims to assess the impact of curcumin supplementation body mass index and glycemic indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the impact of curcumin supplementation body mass index and glycemic indices in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and ISI web of science to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from the earliest record up to February 2021. The authors used a random-effects model to estimate pooled effect sizes.
Findings
A total of four potentially related clinical trials met the inclusion criteria which included a total of 198 participants. Random-effects meta-analysis showed significant effects of curcumin on fasting blood sugar (FBS) (−3.62 mg/dl, 95% CI [−5.65, −1.58], p-value < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%), insulin level (−1.67 µU/mL, 95% CI [−3.06, −0.28], p-value = 0.018, I2 = 0.0%) and homeostasis model of assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (−0.42, 95% CI [−0.76, −0.09], p-value < 0.01, I2 = 0.0%). No evidence of publication bias was discovered in the meta-analyses.
Originality/value
Present systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs showed beneficial effects of curcumin consumption on FBS, insulin level and HOMA-IR in patients with PCOS. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these results.
Details
Keywords
Batuhan Bakırarar, Cemil Yüksel and Yasemin Yavuz
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using large data sets for new diabetes patient prescriptions.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using large data sets for new diabetes patient prescriptions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study consisted of 101,766 individuals, who had applied to the hospital with a diabetes diagnosis and were hospitalized for 1–14 days and subjected to laboratory tests and medication.
Findings
With the help of Mahout and Scala, data mining methods of random forest and multilayer perceptron were used. Accuracy rates of these methods were found to be 0.879 and 0.849 for Mahout and 0.849 and 0.870 for Scala.
Originality/value
The mahout random forest method provided a better prediction of new prescription requirements than the other methods according to accuracy criteria.
Details
Keywords
Chenin Treftz and Stanley T. Omaye
The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide readers a foundation of understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this review of the literature is to provide readers a foundation of understanding whereby future research can move forward in the quest for global sustainable food production.
Design/methodology/approach
This review includes up-to-date information from evidence-based sources on hydroponics. Topics included are advantages, limitations, nutritional quality and sensory quality
Findings
Hydroponic growing systems offer the opportunity to at least augment traditional soil-based growing systems in global food production. Some benefits of hydroponic growing systems are limitation of water waste (recirculation), crops grown in controlled environments (control of pests, nutrients and attributes required for optimal plant growth) and ability to manipulate conditions to maximize production in limited space (vertical gardens).
Practical implications
The human population is increasing with a parallel increase in the demand for food; therefore, food production must increase to meet the need.
Originality/value
In spite of the rapid interest and proliferation of information by laypeople, evidence-based research is scant on hydroponics. This article provides a summary of the literature on hydroponics and how it may be used for sustainable food production in arid and urban areas.