The optimal formulation of a readily compostable horticultural growing substrate for vertical farming was determined using design of experiments.

A novel, optimized, polysaccharide and biochar-based, compostable hydrogel horticultural growing substrate for use in hydroponics and vertical farming was created based upon empirical methods and statistical design of experiments. A 15-run D-optimal mixture design of experiments was completed that increased the 14-day plant growing ability of a five-component hydrogel nearly ten-fold from 4.3695 g to 41.

Low-Cost Air Quality Monitoring Methods to Assess Compliance With Smoke-Free Regulations: A Multi-Center Study in Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Introduction: Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have enacted legislation banning smoking in public places, yet enforcement remains challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using a validated low-cost methodology (the Dylos DC1700) to provide objective evidence of smoke-free (SF) law compliance in hospitality venues in urban LMIC settings, where outdoor air pollution levels are generally high.

Methods: Teams measured indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.