THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A LONG-TERM INSTITUTIONAL COMMITMENT TO GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE: A CASE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

In 2007,the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the first Total Maximum Daily Load(TMDL)in the country based not on a specific pollutant or pollutants,but on impervious cover(IC)(Arnold et al.,2010).The water body in question was Eagleville Brook,a small tributary of the Willimantic River in eastern Connecticut that drains a majority of the University of Connecticut campus.The university is in effect a small city within a largely rural area.Partly as a result of this,there has been a history of“town-gown”tension and controversy with regard to the university’s impact on the water resources of the area.This tension reached a climax in September 2005,when a quarter-mile stretch of the Fenton River,which drains the part of campus not in the Eagleville watershed,ran dry(Merritt,2005).Water quantity concerns were frequently joined by water quality concerns,with area residents complaining about the pollution of their drinking water(Morse,2002).Although the Fenton incident precipitated increased efforts on the part of the university to conserve water,efforts to improve the way that campus addressed stormwater issues lagged behind until the advent of the impervious cover TMDL.In the intervening eight years since the issuance of the“IC-TMDL”-practically the wink of an eye in the deliberate world of land use decision making-the University of Connecticut campus has become a showcase for green stormwater infrastructure(GSI)practices,also known as low impact development(LID)practices.While the IC-TMDL served as the catalyst,an environmental regulation,no matter how innovative,cannot in itself produce such dramatic change.For this to occur a number of interconnected efforts have to come together,including leadership,research,monitoring,coordination,and education both within and without the university community.This paper is an attempt to capture these key elements,consider why they worked(or didn’t),and provide a status report on green storm-water infrastructure on the University of Connecticut campus.

There is more to the knee joint than just the quadriceps:A systematic review with meta-analysis and evidence gap map of hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders

Background:Impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology have been associated with altered knee biomechanics,pain,and function.Determining the presence of these impairments in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders is important and may indicate targets for assessment and rehabilitation.This systematic review aimed to synthesize the literature to determine the presence of impairments in hamstring strength,flexibility,and morphology in individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders.Methods:Five databases(MEDLINE,Embase,CINAHL,SPORTDiscus,and Web of Science)were searched from inception to September 2022.Only studies comparing hamstring outcomes(e.g.,strength,flexibility,and/or morphology)between individuals with gradual-onset knee disorders and their unaffected limbs or pain-free controls were included.Meta-analyses for each knee disorder were performed.Outcome-level certainty was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment,Development,and Evaluation,and evidence gap maps were created.Results:Seventy-nine studies across 4 different gradual-onset knee disorders(i.e.,knee osteoarthritis(OA),patellofemoral pain(PFP),chondromalacia patellae,and patellar tendinopathy)were included.Individuals with knee OA presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to pain-free controls during isometric(standard mean difference(SMD)=-0.76,95%confidence interval(95%CI):-1.32 to-0.21)and concentric contractions(SMD=-0.97,95%CI:-1.49 to-0.45).Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring strength compared to painfree controls during isometric(SMD=-0.48,95%CI:-0.82 to-0.14),concentric(SMD=-1.07,95%CI:-2.08 to-0.06),and eccentric contractions(SMD=-0.59,95%CI:-0.97 to-0.21).No differences were observed in individuals with patellar tendinopathy.Individuals with PFP presented with reduced hamstring flexibility when compared to pain-free controls(SMD=-0.76,95%CI:-1.15 to-0.36).Evidence gap maps identified insufficient evidence for chondromalacia patellae and hamstring morphology across all gradual-onset knee disorders.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that assessing and targeting impairments in hamstring strength and flexibility during rehabilitation may be recommended for individuals with knee OA or PFP.

Epiphytic zooplankton community profiles in a typical urban wetland as revealed by DNA metabarcoding

Zooplankton,a crucial component of urban wetland,are one of the effective bioindicators for monitoring the feeding stocks of organisms at higher trophic levels and assessing the ecological quality of ecosystems.However,information about the characteristics of epiphytic zooplankton community structure resulted from traditional methods is limited and hindered by the large amount of detritus and sludge attached to the macrophytes.We investigated the epiphytic zooplankton communities associated with macrophytes(Vallisneria,Nymphaea,and Thalia dealbata)in a subtropical wetland using as DNA markers of the 18 S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COI)gene.A total of 241 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from COI amplicons,including 194 OTUs of Rotifera,22 of Cladocera,and 25 of Copepoda,while only 62 OTUs of zooplankton were obtained from 18 S rDNA amplicons including 34 OTUs of Rotifera and 28 of Copepoda.The zooplankton communities associated with the three macrophytes were similar,but they differed significantly from those in the open waters.However,there were no significant temporal differences among the zooplankton communities.Epiphytic zooplankton communities were dominated by littoral zooplankton such as Testudinella,Lecane,and Philodina.Microzooplankton,especially littoral species,utilize macrophytes as food sources and as refuges against predation.This further led to an increase inαandβdiversity of zooplankton communities in urban wetlands.Our result suggests that the joint use of multiple molecular markers could improve the taxonomic resolution and generate a comprehensive biodiversity profile of zooplankton.

Premature axon-oligodendrocyte interaction contributes to stalling of experimental axon regeneration after injury to the white matter

Studies from nearly 3 decades ago suggested that,in the central nervous system(CNS),myelination of axons by oligodendrocytes not only helps improve axonal conductivity but also stabilizes circuitry(Colello and Schwab,1994).Over the years,myelin sheaths produced by oligodendrocytes have been found to contain multiple molecules that are inhibitory to axonal growth(e.g.,MAG,NogoA,OMgp,Semaphorins)(Yiu and He,2006;Silver et al.,2014).After white matter injury in the adult CNS,myelin debris from damaged axons and dead oligodendrocytes accumulates in the forming glial scar and exposes these myelin-associated axon growth-inhibitory molecules to the injured axonal stumps,thereby contributing to the inhibition of axonal regrowth.During development,CNS axons reach their postsynaptic targets and stop growing before oligodendrocytes appear and myelinate them(Foran and Peterson,1992;Dangata et al.,1996).Therefore,myelin-associated axon growth-inhibitory molecules interacting with already grown axons during myelination were thought to block axons from promiscuous sprouting and miswiring,thereby stabilizing neural circuitry in the CNS(Colello and Schwab,1994).

The impact of short-term changes in sleeping and eating patterns on glucometabolic health and gut microbiota in healthy young adults: a proof-of-concept controlled feeding study

Epidemiological studies showed that night workers are at higher risk of developing chronic metabolic diseases.However,no study has investigated the changes in circadian rhythms caused by a combined effect of sleep and diet in a real-life setting on cardiometabolic health,gut microbiota,and psychological status in healthy people.A 4-week step-wise misaligned-realigned controlled-feeding trial with a 2×2 factorial design(sleep and diet)was conducted on healthy young adults.At first,subjects experienced a one-week circadian rhythm misalignment with a high-fat fast-food diet,extended eating window,and delayed sleep schedules,then gradually transited to a complete circadian rhythm realignment with a high-fiber balanced diet,8-h timerestricted eating,and normal sleep schedules.Circadian rhythm misalignment led to significantly higher levels of fasting glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)of subjects compared to baseline and failed to recover to the baseline level in circadian rhythm realignments.Notably,the incremental area under the curve(iAUC)of postprandial glucose decreased with circadian rhythm adjustments as compared to that in circadian rhythm misalignment,suggesting circadian rhythm realignment by sleep or/and diet could partly restore glucose metabolism impaired by a short-term circadian rhythm misalignment.However,circadian rhythm changes did not result in overall perturbations of gut microbiota diversities.

Feasibility of Plug Production Utilizing Digestate from Home-Waste to Energy Systems (H-WEF)

The integration of sustainable technologies in waste management systems has become imperative in addressing the escalating challenges of agricultural productivity and sustainability. Plugs are essential when starting crop production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) setups and greenhouses. Horticultural crops such as vegetables, fruiting, and ornamental plants that utilize plugs have demonstrated higher success rates, healthier plants, and higher total yields. The APS Laboratory for Sustainable Agriculture explored the innovative utilization of digestate from the Home Water-Energy-Food Systems (H-WEF). The H-WEF system converts household food waste into biogas, electricity, and nutrient-rich digestate. The digestate from the H-WEF system was used to produce agricultural plugs, presenting a novel approach to circular resource utilization. We carried out the growth of Rex Butterhead Lettuce Latuca sativa plugs with 1) control system (synthetic fertilizer) and seven different treatments, 2) 5% Digestate—95% RO Water (5D–95RO);3) 10% Digestate—90% RO Water (10D–90RO);4) 15% Digestate—85% RO Water (15D–85RO);5) 20% Digestate—80% RO Water (20D–80RO);6) 25% Digestate—75% RO Water (25D–75RO);7) 30% Digestate—70% RO Water (30D–70RO);8) 35% Digestate—65% RO Water (35D–65RO). The plugs were cultivated for 15 days in a controlled environment until two leaves had developed after the cotyledon. After 15 days, we collected data on wet weight (g), plug head area (cm2), total leaf area (cm2), total chlorophyll content (mg/cm2), and dry weight (g). In addition, we collected data on the Leaf Area Index (LAI, cm2/cm2) and Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g). The synthetic fertigation yielded a higher wet weight than the following treatments: 5D–95RO, 10D–90RO, and 35D–65RO. While the 30D–70RO treatment produced a larger plug head than all other treatments. The digestate-based fertilizers were comparable to the synthetic fertilizer at dilutions of 25D–75RO and 30D–70RO. This study underscores the viability of using digestate for plug production, providing crucial insights for growers navigating the challenges of sustainable agricultural practices.

Structural health monitoring of bridges in the State of Connecticut

A joint effort between the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the University of Connecticut has been underway for more than 20 years to utilize various structural monitoring approaches to assess different bridges in Connecticut. This has been done to determine the performance of existing bridges, refine techniques needed to evaluate different bridge components, and develop approaches that can be used to provide a continuous status of a bridge＇s structural integrity. This paper briefly introduces the background of these studies, with emphasis on recent research and the development of structural health monitoring concepts. This paper presents the results from three different bridge types： a post-tensioned curved concrete box girder bridge, a curved steel box-girder bridge, and a steel multi-girder bridge. The structural health monitoring approaches to be discussed have been successfully tested using field data collected during multi-year monitoring periods, and are based on vibrations, rotations and strains. The goal has been to develop cost-effective strategies to provide critical information needed to manage the State of Connecticut＇s bridge infrastructure.

Neural progenitor cells derived from fibroblasts induced by small molecule compounds under hypoxia for treatment of Parkinson’s disease in rats

Neural progenitor cells(NPCs) capable of self-renewal and differentiation into neural cell lineages offer broad prospects for cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. However, cell therapy based on NPC transplantation is limited by the inability to acquire sufficient quantities of NPCs. Previous studies have found that a chemical cocktail of valproic acid, CHIR99021, and Repsox(VCR) promotes mouse fibroblasts to differentiate into NPCs under hypoxic conditions. Therefore, we used VCR(0.5 mM valproic acid, 3 μM CHIR99021, and 1 μM Repsox) to induce the reprogramming of rat embryonic fibroblasts into NPCs under a hypoxic condition(5%). These NPCs exhibited typical neurosphere-like structures that can express NPC markers, such as Nestin, SRY-box transcription factor 2, and paired box 6(Pax6), and could also differentiate into multiple types of functional neurons and astrocytes in vitro. They had similar gene expression profiles to those of rat brain-derived neural stem cells. Subsequently, the chemically-induced NPCs(ciNPCs) were stereotactically transplanted into the substantia nigra of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned parkinsonian rats. We found that the ciNPCs exhibited long-term survival, migrated long distances, and differentiated into multiple types of functional neurons and glial cells in vivo. Moreover, the parkinsonian behavioral defects of the parkinsonian model rats grafted with ciNPCs showed remarkable functional recovery. These findings suggest that rat fibroblasts can be directly transformed into NPCs using a chemical cocktail of VCR without introducing exogenous factors, which may be an attractive donor material for transplantation therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

The moderating effect of physical activity on the relationship between bullying and mental health among sexual and gender minority youth

Background:Sexual and gender minority youth frequently experience bullying,which often contributes to higher depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem.Given that physical activity(PA)can mitigate depressive symptoms and improve self-esteem,we examined the moderating effect of PA on the relationship between bullying and mental health among sexual and gender minority youth.Methods:Data from the Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,and Queer National Teen Survey(n=9890)were analyzed.Hierarchical regression analyses examined the influence of history and frequency of being bullied,PA,and the interaction of these variables on depressive symptoms and self-esteem.Simple slopes analyses were used to probe significant interactions.Results:Results indicated the importance of accounting for bullying history when examining effects of PA on mental health.PA was negatively related to depression(t=-4.18,p<0.001)and positively related to self-esteem(t=12.11,p<0.001).Bullying frequency was positively related to depression(t=19.35,p<0.001)and negatively related to self-esteem(t=-12.46,p<0.001).There was a significant interaction between bullying frequency and PA for depression(t=4.45,p<0.001)and self-esteem(t=-4.69,p<0.001).Post hoc analyses suggested that the positive effects of PA on mental health may be limited to those not bullied because it had a negligible effect on those who were bullied.Conclusion:Results suggest that sexual and gender minority youth exercise interventions aiming to improve mental health should first address bullying history;otherwise,their effectiveness may be limited to those who have been bullied.

Breast cancer metastasizing to the upper gastrointestinal tract(the esophagus and the stomach):A comprehensive review of the literature

Breast cancer can infrequently metastasize to the upper gastrointestinal(GI)tract but the exact incidence is not well established-there is considerable variation between incidence reported from clinical studies and incidence noted in autopsy series.Clinical presentation can be very non-specific and often mimics primary gastrointestinal conditions.Endoscopy alone may not be sufficient to make a diagnosis and misdiagnosis is also common.A high degree of awareness and clinical suspicion is required to establish metastases to the upper GI tract.We undertook a comprehensive review of the available literature on breast cancer metastases to the esophagus and stomach including the clinical symptoms and presentation,endoscopic features,additional diagnostic imaging modalities,treatment and outcomes.

Chemically activated carbon nanofibers for adsorptive removal of bisphenol-A:Batch adsorption and breakthrough curve study

Activated carbon nanofibers(ACNFs)with small diameter can significantly increase the accessibility of intra pores and accelerate adsorption of molecules from water.In this study,ACNFs were made by blending K_(2)CO_(3)or ZnCl_(2)as the activating agent into the polyacrylonitrile(PAN)in dimethylformamide solution for electrospinning prior to pyrolysis.Bisphenol-A(BPA),an endocrine disruption pollutant,is widely applied in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.Accordingly,BPA is often used as a model contaminant commonly removed via adsorption.Batch adsorption studies were used to evaluate the kinetics and adsorption capacity of the ACNFs.Redlich-Peterson(R-P)and Langmuir models were found to fit the isotherm of BPA adsorption better than Freundlich model,showing the homogeneous nature of the PAN originated ACNFs.The adsorption kinetics was better described by the pseudo second-order model than that by the pseudo first-order model.The fitting by intraparticle diffusion model indicates the adsorption of BPA onto ACNFs is mainly controlled by pore diffusion.High pH value and ionic strength reduced BPA adsorption from aqueous solution.The breakthrough curves studied in two different fixed bed systems(cross flow bed system and packed flow bed system)confirmed the scalability of BPA removal by ACNFs in dynamic adsorption processes.The modified dose-response model predicted well the fixed-bed outlet concentration profiles.

Exploration of C-terminal CX3CL1 for reducing age-dependent neurodegeneration

Owing to the increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases will exert an enormous toll on our aging population, their caregivers and the healthcare system. It is anticipated that numbers of patients suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer 's disease(AD), Parkinson's disease(PD).

The experiences of menstrual symptom changes among international students studying in China during the acculturation period: A phenomenology study

Objectives Menstruation is a normal physiological phenomenon among female which could be influenced by the process of acculturation.Few studies have explored the experience of menstrual symptom changes among international female students studying in China.Therefore,this paper aims to summarize international female students’experiences of menstrual symptom changes when they were studying in China and interpret these changes through considering the influence of acculturation on their social and academic lives.Methods We used a descriptive phenomenology approach.Structured in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted between May and November 2019 among ten international female students studying in one Province located in south central China.Participants were those who reported having experienced menstrual symptom changes during the acculturation period,which was defined as the first six months of living in China.All interviews were audio-recorded,transcribed verbatim,and analyzed using NVivo 11.0 with the guidance of Colaizzi's seven-step method.Results The international female students’experiences of menstrual symptom changes were summarized and grouped into five main categories and 13 subcategories.The main categories include:1)demonstration of menstrual symptom changes,2)challenges of maintaining menstrual function in the new setting,3)coping styles to take care of menstrual health,4)consequences of the menstrual symptom changes,and 5)culture-based attitude toward menstruation.Conclusions International female students reported experiences of menstrual symptom changes,including somatic and psychological symptoms during the acculturation period.Culture barriers,academic stress,and sleep patterns are common factors influencing their menstrual symptom changes.More culturally-tailored interventions should be explored to improve the menstrual health of international female students in China.

Overexpression ofβ-1,4-Glucanase Gene EuEG1 Improves Micrografting of Eucommia ulmoides

Adventitious root formation poses a major constraint on the tissue culture and genetic transformation of Eucommia ulmoides.Micrografting offers a new method for the transplantation of genetic transformation,and its success depends on the formation of graft unions.This study used transgenic rootless test-tube seedlings as scions and seedlings from seed as rootstocks during micrografting to avoid the rooting issues that occur during tissue culture and to investigate the role of the EuEG1 gene in the graft healing process.We found that the EuEG1 gene is a vital regulator of graft,and its overexpression contributes to the survival of Eucommia ulmoides micrografting.The EuEG1 gene transgenic plants(TP)used as scions for micrografting presented a significantly higher survival rate than the wild type(WT)and empty vector(EV)regenerated scions.During the grafting healing process,the expression of the EuEG1 gene was higher during the period of callus proliferation,suggesting that the EuEG1 gene was involved in the graft healing process.Histological observation revealed that more calluses tissue appeared at the junction of transgenic scions,and the connection with the rootstock was stronger,which benefits wound healing.These results provide new insights into Eucommia ulmoides micrografting and indicate that the EuEG1 gene can promote wound healing and improve the micrografting survival rate.

Comparison of trans-gastric vs trans-enteric(trans-duodenal or trans-jejunal)endoscopic ultrasound guided gallbladder drainage using lumen apposing metal stents

BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound guided gallbladder drainage(EUS-GBD)is being increasingly used in practice(either as a bridge to cholecystectomy in high-risk patients or as destination therapy in non-surgical patients).Stents are used to create a conduit between the lumen of the gallbladder(GB)and the intestinal lumen through the gastric or enteric routes.Among the various types of stents used,cautery-enhanced lumen apposing metallic stents(LAMS)may be associated with fewer adverse events(AEs).AIM To compare the clinical success,technical success,and rate of AEs between transgastric(TG)and trans-enteric[transduodenal(TD)/transjejunal(TJ)]approach to GB drainage.Further,we analyzed whether using cautery enhanced stents during EUS-GBD impacts the above parameters.METHODS Study was registered in PROSPERO(CRD42022319019)and comprehensive literature review was conducted.Manuscripts were reviewed for the data collection:Rate of AEs,clinical success,and technical success.Random effects model was utilized for the analysis.RESULTS No statistically significant difference in clinical and technical success between the TD/TJ and TG approaches(P>0.05)were noted.There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of AEs when comparing two-arm studies only.However,when all studies were included in the analysis difference was almost significant favoring the TD/TJ approach.When comparing cautery-enhanced LAMS with non-cautery enhanced LAMS,a statistically significant difference in the rate of AEs was observed when all the studies were included,with the rate being higher in non-cautery enhanced stents(14.0%vs 37.8%;P<0.01).CONCLUSION As per our study results,TD/TJ approach appears to be associated with lower rate of adverse events and comparable efficacy when compared to the TG approach for the EUS-GBD.Additionally,use of cautery-enhanced LAMS for EUS-GBD is associated with a more favorable adverse event profile compared to cold LAMS.Though the approach chosen depends on several patient and physician factors,the above findings could help in deciding the ideal drainage route when both TG and TD/TJ approaches are feasible.

Diagnostic role of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis, relationship with gastric and duodenal eosinophils

BACKGROUND Eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE)is an eosinophilic-predominant inflammation of the esophagus diagnosed by upper endoscopy and biopsies.A non-invasive and cost-effective alternative for management of EoE is being researched.Previous studies assessing utility of fractional exhaled nitric oxide(FeNO)in EoE were low powered.None investigated the contribution of eosinophilic inflammation of the stomach and duodenum to FeNO.AIM To assess the utility of FeNO as a non-invasive biomarker of esophageal eosinophilic inflammation for monitoring disease activity.METHODS Patients aged 6-21 years undergoing scheduled upper endoscopy with biopsy for suspected EoE were recruited in our observational study.Patients on steroids and with persistent asthma requiring daily controller medication were excluded.FeNO measurements were obtained in duplicate using a chemiluminescence nitric oxide analyzer(NIOX MINO,Aerocrine,Inc.;Stockholm,Sweden)prior to endoscopy.Based on the esophageal peak eosinophil count(PEC)/high power field on biopsy,patients were classified as EoE(PEC≥15)or control(PEC≤14).Mean FeNO levels were correlated with presence or absence of EoE,eosinophil counts on esophageal biopsy,and abnormal downstream eosinophilia in the stomach(PEC≥10)and duodenum(PEC≥20).Wilcoxon rank-sum test,Spearman correlation,and logistic regression were used for analysis.P value<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS We recruited a total of 134 patients,of which 45 were diagnosed with EoE by histopathology.The median interquartile range FeNO level was 17 parts per billion(11-37,range:7-81)in the EoE group and 12 parts per billion(8-19,range:5-71)in the control group.After adjusting for atopic diseases,EoE patients had significantly higher FeNO levels as compared to patients without EoE(Z=3.33,P<0.001).A weak yet statistically significant positive association was found between the number of esophageal eosinophils and FeNO levels(r=0.30,P<0.005).On subgroup analysis within the EoE cohort,higher FeNO levels were noted in patients with abnormal gastric(n=23,18 vs 15)and duodenal eosinophilia(n=28,21 vs 14);however,the difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION After ruling out atopy as possible confounder,we found significantly higher FeNO levels in the EoE cohort than in the control group.

The Comparative Performance of Soil-Based Systems with Hydroponics

Conventional soil-based agriculture is resource-intensive, utilizing large amounts of land and water, thereby placing a strain on Earth’s natural resources. Soil-based agricultural techniques create environmental issues such as soil degradation, deforestation, and groundwater pollution from the mass implementation of fertilizers and pesticides. Agricultural crop production using hydroponics has shown promise to be less resource intensive and provide a faster turnaround in crop production. Soilless cultivation using hydroponics promises to relieve some pressure on Earth’s ecosystems and resources by utilizing lesser land and water footprint. The APS Laboratory for Sustainable Food at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) compared the growth of Lettuce Lactuca sativa “Rex Butterhead” crop grown using soil and soilless methods to analyze the growth performance in each setting. Crops grown in the soil-based medium were raised in the FGCU Food Forest, used a mix of soil and potting mix, watered regularly, and followed standard Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Crops grown hydroponically were grown in a thermally insulated grow tent with an artificial lighting source, ventilation, environmental controls, and the Deep-Water Culture (DWC) method. Lettuce plugs were grown for 15 days in controlled environments until two leaves after the cotyledons had developed and were ready for transplant. Plugs were transplanted into a 4 × 6 matrix at the FGCU Food Forest and the DWC growth system. Crops were grown to full bloom and ready for harvest in the soil (60 days) and soilless (30 days) based setups. We collected crop growth data, including wet weight (g), dry weight (g), leaf area (cm2), and chlorophyll concentration (μmol/m2). From the collected data, we derived the Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g) and biomass productivity (kg/m2). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the collected and derived data. We investigated the slopes of regression lines for each growth curve which derived the differences in biomass and productivity parameters between lettuce grown using soil and hydroponics. Both growing methods can grow lettuce crops to full bloom and to adequate harvest weight. The biomass parameters and productivity differ significantly between the growing methods. The lettuce crops grown using hydroponics increase in wet weight statistically and significantly faster than those grown in soil (p < 0.0001). Therefore, we determined that a hydroponic method of crop production may provide better crop output and biomass indicators measured than soil-based growth.

The Assessment of Growth Performance of Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Li Ren Choi’, Spinacia oleracea ‘Auroch’, Eruca sativa ‘Astro’, and Brassica rapa var. japonica Using GREENBOX Technology

Obtaining nutritious food is becoming increasingly difficult due to the growing urban population and the degradation of soil, water, and air from mechanized and industrialized agricultural techniques. More than half the global population resides in urban areas, with not enough surrounding agricultural land to meet food requirements. Food traveling long distances, an average of 1020 miles, has resulted in increased food miles for the average food item in the United States of America, representing wasted resources. The novel GREENBOX technology was invented in response to increasing pressures on food security. Previous studies conducted on GREENBOX technology assessed the technical feasibility of utilizing Lettuce Lactuca sativa ‘Rex Butterhead’. We at the APS Laboratory for Sustainable Food at Florida Gulf Coast University assessed the technical feasibility of growing different leafy green vegetable crops. GREENBOX technology consists of thermally insulated climate-controlled enclosures, an artificial lighting source, a soilless cultivation method (hydroponics), and environmental control modules. We assembled two GREENBOX units to assess the environmental conditions and growth performance of Brassica rapa var. chinensis ‘Li Ren Choi’, Spinach Spinacia oleracea ‘Auroch’, Arugula Eruca sativa ‘Astro’, and Mizuna Brassica Brassica rapa var. japonica. Plugs were cultivated and then transplanted in a randomized manner to the nutrient film technique (NFT) channels, subsequently grown for 30 days to full bloom and ready for harvest. Fertigation was carried out using a standard concentration nutrient solution. Crops were arranged in twelve blocks of four species each. We collected environmental data including daily light integral (DLI, mol/m2∙d), temperature (˚C), relative humidity (%), and vapor pressure deficit (VPD, kPa). Collected biomass data included wet weight (g), dry weight (g), leaf area (cm2), and chlorophyll concentration (mg/cm2). We then derived the Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g). Descriptive statistics were utilized to understand the differences in biomass parameters between the four crops grown. We also compared the performance parameters of our crops with existing peer-reviewed literature and found it superior, if not comparable to commonly found industrial output. We determined that all crops grew to full bloom, demonstrating that GREENBOX technology may be used to grow a variety of different leafy green vegetable crops.

The Comparative Performance of Nutrient-Film Technique and Deep-Water Culture Method of Hydroponics for GREENBOX Technology

With the rising pressures on food security, GREENBOX technology was developed as an avenue for fresh leafy vegetable crop production in urban settings. GREENBOX units were designed to be thermally insulated and climate controlled, with an artificial lighting source that utilized soilless cultivation techniques. Previous studies conducted on GREENBOX technology used the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT);however, various hydroponic methods exist, such as the Deep-Water Culture (DWC) method being the most used. The APS Laboratory for Sustainable Food at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) compared the crop growth performance between DWC and NFT systems using GREENBOX technology. The following study monitored environmental conditions and compared productivity and biomass data of Rex Butterhead Lettuce crops between DWC and NFT systems. We assembled two GREENBOX units using commercially available materials and the standard nutrient solution for fertigation. The crops grown in DWC and NFT were in a 4 × 6 configuration. The DWC and NFT systems were used to grow Lettuce Lactuca sativa “Rex Butterhead” over 30 days to full bloom from prepared plugs grown for 14 days. We collected environmental data including Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD, μmol/m2∙s), Daily Light Integral (DLI, mol/ m2∙d), temperature (˚C), relative humidity (%), and Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD, kPa). We collected lettuce crop growth data, which included wet weight (g), dry weight (g), leaf area (cm2), and chlorophyll concentration (μmol/m2). We derived data, including the Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g) and biomass productivity (kg/m2), from previously collected data. We used descriptive statistics to present the collected data. A paired t-test was performed to understand the differences in biomass and productivity parameters between the DWC and NFT-grown lettuce crops. Both the DWC and NFT-grown crops could grow lettuce crops to harvest weight at full bloom. Observed data demonstrated that the biomass parameters and productivity did not differ significantly between the two hydroponics techniques. Therefore, we believe both hydroponic methods may be similar in growth performance and may be used in future iterations of GREENBOX design and prove suitable for fresh vegetable crop production in urban settings.

The Comparative Performance of Plug Preparation Using Different Fertilizer Sources and Concentrations

Plugs are crucial for initiating crop production in greenhouses, soil, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). Vegetable, fruiting, ornamental, and other horticultural crops that utilize plugs for production have demonstrated superior transplant establishment rate, plant health, and total yield. The APS Laboratory for Sustainable Food at Florida Gulf Coast University investigated the quality of plugs grown based on different concentrations and fertigation sources using synthetic and organic sources. We carried out the growth of “Rex Butterhead” Lettuce (Latuca sativa) plugs with five different fertigation treatments, 1) full-strength synthetic starter fertilizer solution;2) half-strength synthetic starter fertilizer solution;3) full-strength organic starter fertilizer solution;4) half-strength organic starter fertilizer solution, and 5) no fertilizer for control. Fertilizer treatments were formulated following manufacturer recommendations. The seeds were sown in Oasis® Horticubes and saturated every day with the different fertilizer treatments. The plugs were cultivated for 15 days in a controlled environment until two leaves after the cotyledons had developed. After 15 days, we collected data which included wet weight (g), dry weight (g), leaf area (cm2), and chlorophyll concentration (mg/cm2). In addition, we derived data including the Leaf Area Index (LAI, cm2/cm2) and Specific Leaf Area (SLA, cm2/g). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the biomass data. A Tukey’s HSD test was carried out to understand the differences between the fertilizer sources. We determined there was a statistically significant difference (P = 7.34E−29) in the measured plug growth parameters due to the various fertigation sources. We found that all fertilizer treatments produced viable plugs except for the control treatment. Of all the treatments, we concluded the half-strength organic treatment produced the more vigorous plugs with the greatest wet weight (g) and largest total leaf area (cm2) which was statistically significantly different. Results from this study may inform growers about appropriate fertilizer options for plug production.