This study reviewed research published after 1990 on the economics of agricultural mechatronic automation and robotics, and identified research gaps. A systematic search was conducted from the following databases: ScienceDirect, Business Source Complete, Wiley, Emerald, CAB Abstract, Greenfile, Food Science Source and AgEcon Search. This identified 4817 documents. The screening of abstracts narrowed the range to a dataset of 119 full text documents. After eligibility assessment, 18 studies were subjected to a qualitative analysis, with ten focused on automation of specific horticultural operations and eight related to autonomous agricultural equipment. All of the studies found some scenarios in which automation and robotic technologies were profitable. Most studies employed partial budgeting considering only costs and revenues directly changed by the introduction of automation or robotics and assuming everything else constant. None examined cropping system changes, or regional and national impacts on markets, trade and labour demand. The review identified a need for in-depth research on the economic implications of the technology. Most of the studies reviewed estimated economic implications assuming that technology design parameters were achieved and/or based on data from prototypes. Data are needed on the benefits and problems with using automation and robotics on farm. All of the studies reviewed were in the context of agriculture in developed countries, but many of the world's most pressing agricultural problems are in the developing world. Economic and social research is needed to understand those developing country problems, and guide the engineers and scientists creating automation and robotic solutions.

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professional practice. The themes arising from the interviews were (1) emphasis on broader, transferable skills rather than specific skills; (2) approach to work undergirded competencies;(3) importance of understanding contexts; (4) knowledge of assessment; (5) ability to adapt to different audiences; and (6) ability to apply content. These themes affirm the generalist preparation offered by most student affairs graduate programs. (49 ref)-Iowa State University. West, Nicole M. A Decade of a Student Affairs Preconference Program: Perceptions and Characteristics of African American Women's Summit Participants. College Student Affairs Journal, 2017, 35 (Spring) pp. 69-85.Between 2005 and 2015, attendees of the African American Women's Summit (AAWS), a student affairs preconference program, responded to a questionnaire. The findings revealed that 61 percent of the respondents had earned a master's degree and 43 percent were currently pursuing a degree. Over 90 percent of the respondents thought the AAWS was well presented and would encourage other African-American women to participate. They reported benefitting from opportunities for professional development, networking, and mentoring. They also reported that the program offered a respite from their work at predominantly White institutions. (24 ref)-University of South Florida.

Using dairy products as the case study of interest, the aim of the research is to explore the role of the media in food safety governance in China. Thematic content analysis is used to evaluate government and media reports (n = 233) on dairy related food safety incidents in China between 2004 and 2017 with differences identified between government and media reporting. The data is extracted from an online database (Zhichuchuangwai). The results show that the government performs better on exposing incidents earlier within the 14-year period but the news media plays a complementary role in food safety governance exposing a wider coverage of incidents. This study extends the current literature on the role of the news media in food safety governance in China by focusing on a single food sector (dairy), but on a national scale.

Autonomous equipment for crop production is on the verge of technical and economic feasibility, but government regulation may slow its adoption. Key regulatory issues include requirements for on‐site human supervision, liability for autonomous machine error, and intellectual property in robotic learning. As an example of the impact of regulation on the economic benefits of autonomous crop equipment, analysis from the United Kingdom suggests that requiring 100% on‐site human supervision almost wipes out the economic benefits of autonomous crop equipment for small and medium farms and increases the economies‐of‐scale advantage of larger farms.