Archives for December 2021

Since the Green Revolution of the late 1960s, agricultural technology has been playing an increasingly important role in efforts to end world hunger. The Green Revolution was a period when researchers developed new methods of agriculture that dramatically increased crop yields. These advances in agricultural technology have continued to play a critical role in helping to reduce food insecurity around the world.

One of the most promising areas of agricultural research is precision agriculture. As Dossier states, precision agriculture involves using sensors and other technologies to collect data about crops and soil conditions. This data can then be used to make decisions about how to best manage crops and soil. precision agriculture can help farmers to reduce waste, increase yields, and improve soil quality.

Another area of agricultural research that is showing great promise is genetically engineered crops. Genetically engineered crops have been shown to increase yields and reduce the need for pesticides and herbicides. The World Health Organization has stated that genetic engineering has the potential to contribute to improving production, nutritional quality, storage stability and resistance to pests of foodstuffs.

Genetically engineered animals may also hold great promise in increasing the supply of food worldwide. Researchers are working on developing animals such as chickens who produce more eggs at a younger age and pigs that grow faster and larger than their wild counterparts.

Using AI to Reduce World Hunger

AI has the potential to help farmers become more efficient in their production practices. For example, it can help them optimize planting and harvesting schedules, as well as identify areas that are best suited for agriculture. AI can also help farmers reduce their reliance on pesticides and other chemicals, which can be harmful to both people and the environment.

In addition to helping farmers, AI can also be used to improve food distribution. For example, it can be used to develop algorithms that optimize food delivery routes and schedules. This would help to ensure that food reaches those who need it most, while also reducing the amount of food that is wasted.

Ultimately, AI has the potential to play a significant role in reducing world hunger. With its ability to optimize production and distribution practices, it can help us to meet the ever-growing demand for food while also protecting the environment. So if you’re looking for a way to make a difference in the fight against world hunger, consider using AI.

A Decline in Global Agricultural Productivity

The agricultural productivity of a nation or region can be defined as the quantity of output produced per unit input during a given period. The agricultural sector is fundamental for life on Earth since it provides human beings with food, feed, fibre, and fuel. It is also fundamental to national economies because it is largely responsible for their trade balance. However, increased competition due to globalization has forced developed countries into intense competition concerning agriculture.

There are numerous reasons why global agricultural productivity has declined over the past 60 years. An important factor of this decline is attributed to stagnating crop yields relative to economic growth rates. Many factors have contributed towards stagnant crop yields but one worth exploring further is the role of human capital. The green revolution during the 1960s was a period of rapid agricultural development driven by the increased use of science and technology.

However, the green revolution has not been successful in developing countries due to limited investment in human capital. Moreover, global food demand is anticipated to increase by 70% over the next 40 years meaning that only a 40% increase in crop productivity will be needed just to keep pace with population growth.

A New Era of Agricultural Technology

Agricultural technology has long been a vital part of our food production system, and it has been advancing rapidly in recent years. With the help of this new technology, we can now produce more food than ever before while conserving resources.

One exciting development in agricultural technology is the use of drones. Drones can be used to survey crops and monitor their health, helping farmers to identify and address problems early on. They can also be used to apply pesticides and other treatments to crops, thus reducing the number of chemicals that need to be used. Additionally, drones can help farmers to map their fields, allowing them to optimize their planting patterns for maximum yield.

Another important development in agricultural technology is the use of mobile apps. Mobile apps help farmers to track their progress and input data, as well as access information about crop health and other relevant topics. In turn, this information can be shared with scientists who are researching ways to increase crop yields, helping to create an open dialogue between those who produce food and those who study it.

Agricultural technology is playing a pivotal role in the fight to end world hunger. With innovations and advances being made every day, we are getting closer and closer to a future where no one goes hungry.

Accidents will happen at one point or other in big box stores like Walmart. The employees may drop greasy food on the floor and not clean it up right away, or they may fail to put out warning cones when there’s a spill.

Walmart is a big company, and as such, it has a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of its premises for customers. It’s worth noting that the store property extends to the parking lot, meaning that it’s responsible for the safety of its customers at all times, whether inside or outside the store.

As mentioned, employees and managers may not be as careful as they should be in maintaining safe stores. What follows are preventable slip and fall accident injuries that could have otherwise been avoided.

If you’ve been involved in a slip and fall accident at Walmart and have grounds to file a claim against them, here’s what you should do.

Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident at Walmart

Collect Evidence

To have the best chances of winning your case, you’ll need to collect evidence immediately after the accident. This will help you prove liability in any claims against Walmart. Such evidence includes:

• Taking pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to the floor or surfaces
• Getting witness statements and their contact information
• Keeping track of medical bills and other expenses related to the accident
• Available surveillance footage

You should also keep the shoes and clothes you wore at the time of your slip and fall accident, as they may contain evidence of causation. An excellent example of this would be if you slipped on a waxed floor and no warning sign was present.

File a Claim

If you have the evidence needed to prove liability, go ahead and contact Walmart. You’ll need to file a claim against their insurance company so they can begin an investigation into your case.

Remember to have all your evidence and documentation ready, as you’ll need to provide it to the insurance company. They will likely want to interview you about the accident, so be prepared for that as well.

Consult With A Walmart Slip and Fall Attorney

Walmart will likely value your claim at a lesser agreed-upon amount. This is where a slip and fall accident attorney comes in.

They will know what to do to maximize your winnings from a case against Walmart, including any additional factors you may not be aware of, such as punitive damages. They will help you file your claim against Walmart’s insurance company and make sure you receive the maximum financial recovery for your injuries.

Get Medical Attention

It’s important to check yourself for any injuries after a slip and fall accident. In case you’re injured, consult with a doctor right away, especially if the injury will not heal on its own or has delayed symptoms like a concussion.

It’s also essential to have regular follow-up appointments with your medical provider to track how well your injuries are healing and any changes that may happen in the future.

Write Down What Happened

Create a detailed log of events immediately after the accident. Here, you can have a detailed description of the incident while it’s still fresh in your mind. This will help you remember important details down the line. Don’t forget to include the date, time, location of the Walmart, hazard that made you fall, and the injuries you sustained.

What to Expect In Your Case Against Walmart

Like all big companies, Walmart will do everything in its power to reduce the amount it has to pay out in liability claims. This means that you can expect a lengthy and challenging legal process ahead.

You’ll need to be prepared for a long fight as Walmart will likely try to disprove your allegations or find other ways to reduce liability.

If you think that Walmart’s insurance company is not treating your case with enough urgency, speak up and request them to take action. If they continue ignoring the situation or offer an unfair settlement amount, contact a personal injury attorney to help guide you through this process.

Before You Accept Any Settlement Offer

It’s essential to know the value of your case before accepting any liability settlement offer. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve not yet consulted with an attorney. However, there are other ways to determine how much money you might receive from Walmart for liability claims. Here are options that you can try out:

Contact a Local Personal Injury Attorney

They will be able to give you an estimate of how much Walmart might payout based on your injuries and other factors, such as the number of people who were affected by this case.

Consult Someone With a Similar Experience

Speak with another person who has had a similar accident at Walmart and received liability compensation. They can share their experience and point you in the right direction towards a fair settlement amount.

Selling your home is a big decision, so weighing the pros and cons before taking any steps makes sense. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the real estate market, and the ramifications are still being felt. There are a lot of factors to consider before selling your home, but here are five reasons why now may be the best time to sell.

How to Sell Your Home

You have options when it comes to selling your home. You can list the property with a real estate agent, sell it on your own, or sell your home quickly using a service like Four 19 Properties. Select the method that you feel comfortable with and best fits your needs.

You Have a Starter Home

A starter home is a smaller house usually favored by first-time buyers. The small size carries a lower price and less maintenance, making it more desirable to new buyers. Typically, homeowners upgrade to a larger home after living in a starter home for several years. Soaring rents and mandates to stay home caused more renters to transition to homeowners over the last two years. With 82.8 million owner-occupied households in the United States, it is apparent that homeownership is on the rise.

A starter home is always a desirable home to sell as new buyers are constantly entering the market. There is a steady demand for starter homes; however, do not think that means you should hold on to your larger home. Prior to the start of the pandemic, buyers were gravitating to tiny homes. After families spent time in cramped conditions with dining rooms converted to classroom or office space and family members and pets constantly interrupting Zoom calls, the desire for more space is in high demand. If you have a larger house with amenities like a home office or a large yard, now is a great time to sell. It may take longer to find the right buyer, but you can expect to sell your larger home.

Interest Rates Are Low

Selling your current house means you need to find a new place to call home. Now is a great time to sell, but it can also be an excellent time to buy due to low interest rates. Financing puts homeownership within reach for many buyers since paying for a home outright is not usually feasible. A mortgage loan is necessary, but the interest rate can drastically dictate the monthly payment amount. 

Mortgage interest rates were trending under 4% before the start of the pandemic, and they have consistently remained low. Securing a low rate can save you thousands, possibly even tens of thousands, over the course of the loan. Refinancing is always an option that can save you money on a loan, but securing a great rate from the beginning is an even better deal.

You Need to Relocate

Sometimes moving is not a choice and you need to sell your home. Maybe you want to relocate to a new city, or it is necessary to move for a job, or perhaps you want to move back to your hometown so familiar faces can surround you. Whatever the reason, if you need to move out of the area, you have no choice but to sell your home.

New Home Construction is Down

Since 2006, new home construction in the United States has declined overall. The South and West have seen an uptick in new home construction, but fewer new homes are being built across the entire country. New home construction was trending downward, but a scarcity of lumber during the pandemic was followed by a drastic increase in pricing, further discouraging new home construction. Fewer new homes mean buyers have to consider existing homes, so there is more demand for your home. 

Seller’s Market

Sellers control the negotiations in the current market, meaning you can likely sell your home for top dollar. You do not have to accept the first offer that comes in, and you can confidently make counter offers without worrying that your home will sit on the market. Including the closing period, most homes are selling within 55 to 70 days, so do not be afraid to wait for a satisfactory offer. In most circumstances, selling a home leads to buying a home, so if you make a tidy profit selling your house, you will likely reinvest that money into a new home. 

Now Is the Time to Sell

A home is a significant investment, but it is more than an investment, and it is where you live and raise your family. Deciding to sell is not always easy, but selling your home can allow you to purchase a new home that will better serve your family or prove to be a wise financial move. Whatever you decide, the choice is yours, and as long as you make an informed decision, it will be the right decision.

Nothing beats cooling off in the pool on a scorching summer day but what’s even cooler—no pun intended—is the convenience of having one in your backyard. If you have the space on your property and have decided to have a pool installed for your next hot season, there are quite a few options to choose from. However, they all can fit in one of the two categories of in-ground pools and above-ground pools.

Each of these two categories has pros and cons that make them suitable for a specific set of situations and to help you decide which one you should opt for, we have provided a comparison between the two discussing their various aspects. Here is everything you need to know to make that decision.

The Cost Differences

The cost gap between in-ground and above-ground pools is perhaps the number one deciding factor for most people. The difference is considerably large.

For an in-ground pool, the average cost is somewhere between $20,000 to $60,000 which is a wide range but the exact amount largely depends on a number of factors: the market you’re in, the type and design of the pool you want to install, the size and the area of the pool you want to build, and the degree of customization and additional features you want to have installed.

The biggest cost factor in an in-ground pool is its size not only due to the amount of materials but also because the equipment used and the labor required for larger pools are more expensive. The average size is 14×28 ft.

The material with which you choose to build an in-ground pool also largely affects its cost. The typical materials used in these pools are vinyl, fiberglass, and concrete. Each of these materials has different installation and maintenance costs with concrete being usually the costliest.

Above-ground pools tend to be a lot cheaper, with their average cost being between $3,000 to $10,000 but for tighter budgets, there are options as low as a few hundred dollars. Similarly, the price of these pools is determined by their size and material but their shape also plays a role. Oval and rectangular above-ground pools generally cost more than circular ones mainly due to higher installation expenses.

The above-ground pools are comprised of a wall structure and a liner. Typically, the materials used for the walls are either aluminum, steel, or resin with aluminum being the most expensive and steel being the least. With regard to liners, they are generally made of vinyl but the cost difference lies in how they are installed and attached to the pool wall. There are three types of vinyl liners: overlap, beaded, and unibead. Overlap liners are the most inexpensive ones as they are easier to install and unibead liners cost the most because they need to be sized and customized.

Depending on the model and the manufacturer you go with, you might need additional equipment that doesn’t’ come with the main pool kit. The essential equipment includes a pump whose cost can vary by its size, a filter, plumbing fittings, underlayment, and the materials needed to set up a dedicated electrical circuit.

In terms of additional features, there is not much that can be done for an above-ground pool other than building a nice deck around it to improve its appearance which can add a chunk to the original cost. For an in-ground pool, there are many options from lighting to fences, slides, and diving boards.

Lastly, there is a conception that building an in-ground pool can boost the resale value of the house. While this can be true under certain circumstances, it’s not always the case. When taking the plunge to have a pool installed, you should consider it as a lifestyle investment for your family as the maintenance costs over the years may exceed the difference in the resale value.

Portability and Installation Process

The installation process for above-ground pools takes somewhere between a couple of hours to a couple of days at most. And since an above-ground pool is not a permanent structure, it can be easily taken down whenever you need to use the space in your backyard for another purpose and have it installed back whenever you wish. For easier setups, you can take it down after each summer and store the equipment for the winter. Having the gear up only for a couple of months can cut your maintenance expenses and save you a lot of headaches from debris, leaves, twigs, and algae spores.

An in-ground pool on average can take from 4 to 12 weeks to install. It is a permanent structure and stays as a part of your property unless you’re willing to spend around $3,000 to $15,000 to have it removed.

Maintenance

The maintenance costs and efforts are more or less within the same range for above-ground and in-ground pools but there are some differences that you need to consider. Most above-ground pools use surface skimmers to clean the water. This means that in order to prevent issues like algae, you have to actively stir up the water from time to time so that the skimmer can better clean debris from the bottom of the pool. Whereas most in-ground pools have one or more main drains and the debris gets drawn out of the pool from the bottom.

Moreover, most above-ground pools don’t have a deck set up around them which makes cleaning and vacuuming the pool and its bottom more difficult than in-ground pools. In terms of chemicals such as chlorine and bromine, the maintenance costs and efforts depend on the volume of the water, usage, and the location of the pool which apply for both of them equally.

In conclusion, choosing between these two options ultimately comes down to your preferences, circumstances, and the budget you are willing to invest. An above-ground gives you the basic fun, use, and play of having a pool without the need for heavy investment while an in-ground provides a more cosmetically appealing and customized pool for a bigger investment.

Joint pain affects millions of people across the world, and there are many different causes. While medication and advice from doctors may be required for some conditions that cause joint pain, there is also a lot you can do at home to help improve your symptoms.

Joint pain can affect any part of the body where bones meet each other. The major joints in the body are the hips, knees, shoulders and elbows. But joint pain can also affect the smallest joints such as those in your fingers and toes. People who say they have joint pain often experience aching or soreness in their joints. The discomfort can be brought on by movement or not enough movement. Sometimes the onset of joint pain can appear to be random.

Joint pain is something most of us are likely to suffer from at some point in our lives. Some people experience joint pain due to a specific condition, the most common of which is arthritis. Around a quarter of Americans suffer from arthritis, which equates to 58.5 million people. There are a number of other conditions that can cause joint pain, and it is always important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Even when medical intervention is required, there are still plenty of things you can do at home to help improve the symptoms of joint pain.

Supplements

While research is still ongoing about the link between some supplements and joint pain, many people report good results when they do incorporate some supplements into their daily routines. Fish oils and Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most popular supplements for joint pain, as they help keep inflammation in check. Glucosamine is another popular supplement that has a similar effect.

Turmeric is an increasingly popular supplement for people suffering from a number of ailments. It contains the chemical curcumin, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. One supplement that contains a high dose of turmeric and other ingredients good for tackling joint pain is Relief Factor. It is worth reading the review on Open Health Tools to understand the pros and cons of supplements like this.

Another supplement many joint pain sufferers include in their daily intake is Vitamin D. This helps to maintain strong bones, and reduces levels of joint pain too.

Exercise

When you have pain in your joints, exercise may not even be in your thoughts as a possibility. In fact, exercise is a great way to keep your joints moving and flexible, helping to reduce pain overall. It also helps keep the muscles around your joints strong, which puts less pressure on the joints themselves, reducing pain.

Depending on your medical condition and current level of fitness, you should start with gentle, low impact exercises such as walking. Swimming or cycling are also good low impact exercises that keep joints moving while avoiding too much impact through the legs. Some people find that focusing on stretching, or taking classes such as yoga or tai chi, help keep their joints feeling flexible.

Weight

Many people with joint pain are overweight, and if you have ruled out other medical conditions, too much weight can even be a direct cause of joint pain. Something you can do at home to manage your joint pain is to lose some weight. Many people find it easier to lose weight gradually, and this is the healthier way to do it too. Set a target weight, replace some of your less healthy food choices with healthier ones, and look at your daily calorie intake. Regular exercise will also help you lose weight a little bit faster.

As you start to lose weight, you should notice that your joint pain starts to decrease. Not only will exercise help reduce the pain, it will also make your body more robust against future joint pain and other mobility issues. You’ll have better general strength to protect yourself from injury, and you’ll generally have a better range of movement.

Heating and Cooling

Many people with joint pain tend to want either ice packs or heating pads to treat areas of joint pain. You’ll need one or the other, depending on what exactly is causing the pain. Heat treatments generally help to ease stiffness in the joints. Many people take a bath or hot shower, or they use heating pads or hot water bottles. If your joints tend to stiffen up during the night, an electric blanket can help.

Cold treatments can help tackle inflammation in joints, as well as swelling if you suffer from that as a symptom as well. An ice gel pack or a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel can all be good methods of applying a cold treatment to an aching joint.

Whether you need a heating or cooling treatment – or a combination of both – you should typically apply the heat or cooling pack to the joint several times a day to get the best results.

Thanks to advanced technologies, window treatments like shades and drapes are no longer just for decorative purposes. Window treatments available today are “smart” and can fulfill many more utilities than merely sprucing up your home interiors. Starting from light control and insulation to increasing the energy efficiency of your home, smart shades and drapes are indeed amazing.

However, many people are often confused about choosing between energy efficient drapes vs shades.

Are drapes and window shades not the same? Well, let us find out more below.

Drapes for your home

Perhaps the most popular option among all the different kinds of window treatments, drapes can easily enhance the home décor in a jiffy. But you must consider the following points before getting drapery.

• Fabric: Now this will depend on the level of privacy that you seek. Ideally, for drapes, you can choose from see-through linens to solid opaque cotton.
• Pleat style: You can choose between ornamental pleats and more casual style pleats depending on the room décor. Remember, nothing is wrong or right in the style of pleats you choose; a two-finger pleat looks more casual than a more voluminous goblet kind. You might come across other styles too. So your choice will depend on the look that you want to achieve.
• Height and width of drapes: Generally, draperies that barely graze the floor are most popular. However, you might want a couple of inches extra to fall gently on the floor for a more dramatic effect with sheer drapes. Or you might choose to hang them closer near the ceiling to add more grandeur to compact rooms. As for the width, drapes should be roughly double your window’s width, for the right balance.

Shades for your home

Shades have a more structured appearance than drapes. These are ideal for balancing out the tricky elements in room décor and are perfect for blocking or diffusing light. You must pay attention to the following aspects-

• Mount: Shades can be mounted inside or outside the window frame. Inside mounts look cleaner and are good for light blocking. But outside mounts are great for accommodating depths of the window frame. You can choose to hang shades higher up closer to the ceiling, to add more length and depth to your room.
• Kind of shades: You can pick from different types of shades like Roman shades, cellular shades, roller shades, and more.

While Roman shades are the most versatile and can be tailored to your preferences, cellular shades are more apt for insulation. Cellular shades are cordless and safe for home use and are generally more affordable. Roller shades are also minimalistic, like cellular shades, but have a high-end appeal. These are also good for diffusing harsh sunlight and work ideally for rooms with a view.

Apart from the basic factors, there are many more that you can consider. You can even go for a combination of fabrics and styles to see what works best for your home.

Motorized blinds are quite in demand as they can open and close on command, according to pre-set schedule, or even room occupancy. Apart from hassle-free operations, like any other smart gadget, these motorized smart blinds come with several benefits; convenience, security, and energy-efficiency being the top.

With so many benefits, buying motorized blinds for your home can be a great idea. But, if you are a first-time purchaser, and do not know how to shop for these blinds, then here are some basic pointers to help you out.

Type of shade

The shades can broadly be divided into four categories, namely roller, roman, cellular, and pleated. The roller shade has motorized rollers that spin to move it. The Roman rollers are also made of a single sheet of fabric. The back of this drapery has rings, and a cord runs through them, which helps fold the fabric. Cellular shades have multiple layers, and they have honeycomb-like cells that can trap air. The pleated ones are like the cellular shades, but they are fabricated from a single sheet of fabric and are much wider.

Kind of blinds

You can get two types of blinds in the market: horizontal and vertical. While the horizontal one folds in an up-down direction, the vertical blinds open from left and right. For vertical blinds, the motors are mainly used to control the angle of the slats.

Privacy and light control

These two features are complementary. If a blind can block more natural light, it will be able to provide more privacy. So when you go blind shopping, take a look at the amount of light it allows to pass so that you can have a fair idea of how much privacy it can provide. Also check on if the material itself is see-through (has holes in it) or not.

Insulation value

Highly insulated blinds are more energy-efficient. While you are not in the room, closing the blinds can save a lot of energy. With the smart version, you will not have to worry about doing the task manually. While you can schedule the time for opening and closing the blinds, some draperies come with motion sensors. It would automatically open or close according to the room occupancy.

Power consumption

Motorized blinds have a variety of different power options: battery power, plug-in power, or hard wired. Each has its own benefits, so decide on which on you prefer and make sure that the motorized blinds you go for have the style that you want.

Controls

Motorized blinds have a lot of different control options. Most will control with a remote, but smart motorized blinds will also connect to a hub to use with your phone, or even to a voice assistant such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home. Go for the one that suits you best and that you think you will use the most in the long run. Many smart motorized blinds offer the ability to schedule and automate operation as well.