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Industries have found themselves under a microscope because consumers are basing more of their purchasing decisions on a company’s sustainability practices. The floral industry is perceived as being environmentally friendly by consumers. However, based on waste production, the life cycle of fresh merchandise, and the carbon footprint of flowers shipped across the world, this purchasing assumption is not entirely true. To align with consumer perceptions and become more sustainable, the industry must adapt to include more sustainable practices. New and experienced florists alike must determine how they can make slight changes in their businesses to become more environmentally savvy. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the introduction of more sustainable waste practices into a college floral design course influenced the students’ perceptions of environmental health. Two groups of students enrolled in the basic floral design course at Mississippi State University completed a survey about environmental health at the start and at the end of the semester. However, one group sorted their laboratory wastes into compostable material and landfill material. The results of this study indicated that students who separated their floral waste maintained the same level of environmental concern throughout the testing period, whereas the environmental health scores of those who did not separate their waste declined slightly. The results also indicated that the participants who did not separate their floral waste had lower mean scores at the beginning and at the end of the study. Finally, the results of this study indicated that students who separated floral waste were ranked as having high environmental concern compared to those who did not separate their floral waste in the laboratory.

With an increase in social awareness of environmental degradation and the need to conserve resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of the industries from which they purchase products. This has motivated industries to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Research of consumers’ floral purchasing habits based on geographic regions found that these habits varied depending on the region where they lived. The main purpose of this study was to investigate US consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ environmentally sustainable practices based on the geographical region where the consumer lives within the United States. The results indicated differences in the way respondents answered questions based on the geographical region where they live. However, regardless of the US region where the respondents live, from the list of sustainable attributes covered in this study, respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers and composting of floral waste as the two sustainable attributes with the most perceived value to consumers. The findings of this study indicate that floral providers that have incorporated any type of sustainable attribute into their businesses should be promoting this to the public. Floral providers located in the West and Northeast regions of the United States should especially consider emphasizing sustainable attributes within their business because consumers in these regions indicated that they were most willing to pay premiums for sustainable practices. Additionally, floral providers in the West should consider sourcing and promoting the use of fair-trade materials to their customers.

Research suggests consumers are willing to pay a premium for goods from industries that design products using environmentally sound practices and that these practices lead to customer loyalty. Using environmentally friendly practices can differentiate a business from competitors through branding, which has been known to help increase profit margins and stimulate demand in a saturated market. The main purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of consumer perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. A total of 2172 people responded to an online survey. The sample used in this study was a random selection of individuals 18 years and older living in the United States. Survey responses were collected from 21 Dec 2022 to 27 Jan 2023. Respondents indicated the use of locally sourced flowers followed by the recycling of flower waste through composting as the two sustainable attributes that would increase their willingness to make purchases the most. Respondents indicated the strongest willingness to pay 10% or more for locally sourced flowers (61.7%), followed by flower providers composting their floral waste (59.5%). In addition, 50% or more of all respondents indicated a willingness to pay 10% or more for all the sustainable attributes for which they were asked. The methods in which retail floral providers source floral material, create floral designs, and market and brand their company are important considerations when promoting their services toward environmentally conscious consumers and in creating a valuable repeat customer base.

Consumers have become increasingly concerned about the environmental standards of industries from which they purchase products. Because consumers’ environmental concerns are increasingly becoming part of their purchasing decisions, industries have begun to restructure their business model to one that is more environmentally sustainable. Studies have indicated consumers’ actions and motivations for purchasing sustainable products vary based on consumer demographics. The main purpose of this study was to compare the differences in consumers’ perceptions and willingness to pay as they relate to retail floral providers’ sustainable and environmentally sound practices based on demographic traits. A total of 2172 people responded to an online survey. The sample used in this study was a random selection of individuals 18 years of age or older living in the United States. Survey responses were collected from 21 Dec 2022 to 27 Jan 2023. Data were analyzed using analyses of variance and post hoc tests as well as descriptive and frequency statistics. Results indicated there was a difference in the way respondents answered the survey questions based on demographics. Respondents 34 years of age or younger with college experience indicated the most willingness to make purchases and pay premiums from floral providers that incorporate sustainable attributes into their business model. Males indicated a stronger willingness to shop at a floral provider based on several of the environmental statements when compared with other genders. The results provide evidence of the value of the integration of sustainability practices into the business model of floral providers to make it more competitive.

Increasingly, consumers are indicating that they would be willing to pay a premium for floral designs from a more sustainable floral provider. During the past several years, more environmentally sustainable floral foams and foam alternative media have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional floral foams comprised of phenol-formaldehyde plastics. Phenol-formaldehyde foam breaks down into microplastics, which ends up in landfills, soils, and waterways—including the planet’s oceans—if not disposed of properly. Eco-friendly foam alternatives are made from natural materials such as basalt minerals and coconut (Cocos nucifera) fiber (coir). The objective of this study was to investigate eco-friendly floral substrates for their commercial viability in the floral industry by analyzing the vase life of five of the most commonly use cut flower species in traditional vs. eco-friendly foam alternatives. Flowers selected for the experiment included ‘Freedom’ rose (Rosa hybrid), ‘Orange Queen’ alstroemeria (Alstroemeria hybrid), ‘Atlantis Yellow’ chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum), ‘Pink Nelson’ carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), and ‘Million Star’ baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculate). The flowers were selected based on their importance to the floral industry with regard to their overall volume of use in floral arrangements and volume of production. The findings from this study indicate the traditional phenol-formaldehyde–based floral foam maintained vase life longer for a majority of the flowers tested when compared with basalt floral fiber medium and coir pouches. However, the basalt floral fiber medium maintained a vase life of more than 7 days for all flowers tested, indicating it is an adequate medium to use in retail floral design production. The coir pouch did not maintain the customer-expected vase life of 7 days for all but one of the cultivars tested. This indicates that coir pouches are generally not suitable for traditional everyday retail floral design use, but could potentially be acceptable for special occasion designs in which the consumer prefers or specifies a more sustainable approach and/or can accept a shorter vase life.

Retail florists in the United States were surveyed from Oct. to Nov. 2020 to document business practices and innovative approaches to marketing, designing, and delivering flowers during Mar. to Sept. 2020 of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Slightly less than half of the responding florists (45.0%) closed operations for an average of 31 to 60 days (15.6%). City or county COVID-19 restrictions caused 34% to close their storefronts to customers. Nearly all offered no-contact delivery service. Approximately one-third of these florists used social media marketing consisting of still images and video posts, and a similar number offered no-contact shopping options. Two-thirds of the florists made no changes to the way they designed flowers (60.6%). Event-oriented stores reorganized their business models and sought daily work to replace postponed or canceled wedding orders. Three-fourths of the florists who terminated employees because of shutdowns hired or planned to rehire all terminated employees.

As Generation Z (born 1995–2012) students replace Millennial (born 1981–94) students on college campuses, instructors may begin to evaluate and structure their courses based on how this new generation best learns. Generation Z students were exposed to such things as the internet, smart phones, personal computers, and laptops since infancy and, hence, are very comfortable with technology and multitasking. The purpose of this study was to compare students’ overall grades and perceptions of the course and instructor in a face-to-face vs. an online/hybrid basic floral design course taken by a majority Generation Z student population. The face-to-face course consisted of live lectures that met twice per week for 50 min at an assigned time; reading materials and standard lecture slides were used. The hybrid course had content placed online within weekly modules and released to students in an asynchronous manner each Monday. Both versions of the course had a face-to-face laboratory that met once per week. Comparisons of grades between the face-to-face and hybrid course formats were made using analysis of variance tests. A Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences in the way students in each course format answered the end of semester course and instructor evaluation survey. Of those that took the course, a majority [466 (98.3%)] was between the ages 18 and 24 years, within the Generation Z era. When comparing grades within this group, it was found students in the hybrid course received more A and B letter grades overall [223 (91%)] compared with the students of the same age range in the face-to-face course [198 (88.7%)]. Overall, seniors and juniors scored higher grades in both the hybrid and face-to-face course when compared with the sophomore and freshmen within the same class. No significant difference was found between the face-to-face and hybrid students’ responses to any of the 11 questions on the course and instructor evaluation survey. Results showed an overall high level of satisfaction (4.50) for both the face-to-face and hybrid format.

In the United States there has been a push to convert industries to a more environmentally sustainable business attitude in recent years. Environmentally sustainable practices are not only good for the environment, but there is increasing evidence these practices lead to an increase in customer loyalty. The trend of self-regulation, willingly imposing more stringent environmental policies than required by the government, is progressing toward a time where environmentally friendly practices will be a competitive necessity for businesses to survive. The main purpose of this research was to investigate the perceptions of environmental health of retail flower shop owners and their willingness to recycle fresh cut floral waste produced at retail flower shops for use as compost and to determine if there is a statistical correlation between environmental awareness and willingness to compost fresh cut flower waste. A mailing list of retail florists from across the United States was compiled. A total of 1974 florists from all 50 states were sent a standardized e-mail explaining the purpose of the study. Embedded in the e-mail was a hyperlink that redirected willing respondents to the survey. Each person on the mailing list was emailed one time. Of the 300 retail florists who took part in the survey, a majority, 190 (63.33%), were ranked as having “high concern” for environmental health. A majority of florists 247 (82.33%) “agreed” or “strongly agreed” to collaborate with Master Gardener programs and other organizations if it meant they could recycle their floral waste through composting. Through the creation of industry- and state-sponsored certifications, florists could brand and promote their business as more environmentally conscious by composting their floral waste. This could possibly, in turn, stimulate sales and increase profit margins while having the added benefit of reducing the amount of waste entering landfills.

A university faculty-managed and student-run service-learning program provides seasonal plants and floral designs for holidays and special events on campus. Native and well-adapted plants for client personal use are also promoted and sold throughout the semester. Students propagate and grow greenhouse and nursery crops and create floral designs through service-learning applications in classes. Floral designs and greenhouse/nursery products are advertised via e-mail to members of the university's faculty and staff. The purpose of this study was to document program fundraising over time, as well as to measure the experiential value to the students and the quality of life benefits to the campus community. Economic benefits were evaluated by reviewing overall and average costs and earnings from the program over a 13-year period. Results indicated the average profits for the program were $6578 annually, with most sales occurring during the late spring semester. Surveys collected qualitative data from students participating in the program and indicated the experience was a valuable hands-on horticultural teaching tool, but also helped students build confidence, learn business skills in management and networking, and find their passion within the industry. Unsolicited comments from faculty and staff found that the program brought joy, had educational value, and provided a service to departments.

Camera-based data collection and image analysis are integral methods in many research disciplines. However, few studies are specifically dedicated to trends in these methods or opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. In this systematic literature review, we analyze published sources (n = 391) to synthesize camera use patterns and image collection and analysis techniques across research disciplines. We frame this inquiry with interdisciplinary learning theory to identify cross-disciplinary approaches and guiding principles. Within this, we explicitly focus on trends within and applicability to environmental conservation social science (ECSS). We suggest six guiding principles for standardized, collaborative approaches to camera usage and image analysis in research. Our analysis suggests that ECSS may offer inspiration for novel combinations of data collection, standardization tactics, and detailed presentations of findings and limitations. ECSS can correspondingly incorporate more image analysis tactics from other disciplines, especially in regard to automated image coding of pertinent attributes.

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether a significant difference exists in the three levels of student engagement, (a) academic challenge, (b) active and collaborative learning, and (c) student-faculty interaction among male African-American student-athletes at NCAA Divisional (Division I, II, and III) and NAIA Institutions. The study utilized the 2013-2014 secondary data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The 2013 and 2014 data were the most recent data provided by NSSE because of unidentifiable factors at the student or institutional level that have not been currently measured. The results supported the conclusion that there was a significant difference in academic challenges between African-American male student-athletes at NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA institutions. The results illustrated that NCAA Division III institutions provided support systems that focused to help African-American male student-athletes to be more engaging in educational activities, while assisting them with psychological coping mechanisms that may contribute to completing college more efficiently than their counterparts at NCAA Division I, II, and NAIA institutions. This discovery of the findings speaks volume to the academic culture of NCAA Division III institutions and the roles that are played in each student athlete's life.

Introduction: Few studies have described obstetric and critical care outcomes in pregnant women with COVID‐19 needing intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Material and methods: Obstetric and critical care outcomes of COVID‐19 women admitted to eight ICUs from April 1, 2020 to September 15, 2021, in the North West of England were retrospectively analyzed. Women admitted to ICU were assigned to three groups: antepartum women discharged from ICU prior to delivery (antepartum ICU‐discharged group), antepartum women who had expedited delivery (antepartum ICU‐delivered group) and a postpartum group. Our aims were to describe maternal characteristics and assess how delivery influenced the obstetric and critical care outcomes in these women. Results: During the study period, 615 women tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), of whom 62 (10.1%) needed ICU admission due to symptomatic COVID‐19. Pregnancy loss (3.2%) was recorded in two women. Detailed obstetric and critical outcomes from 60 women are reported. Nine antepartum women (15%) admitted to ICU were discharged and continued their pregnancy, 13 antepartum women (21.7%) had expedited delivery by cesarean birth after ICU admission and 38 (63.3%) women were admitted to ICU during the postpartum period. Antepartum ICU‐discharged women contracted the SARS‐CoV‐2 at an earlier median gestational age (23 weeks; p = 0.0003) and needed ICU admission at an earlier median gestational age (28 weeks, p = 0.03) compared with antepartum ICU‐delivered (28 and 32 weeks) and postpartum women (35.5 and 36 weeks). Antepartum ICU‐discharged women had the lowest rate of mechanical ventilation receipt (11.1%) compared with antepartum ICU‐delivered women (52.3%) and postpartum women (44.3%) but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). No significant differences were observed in the frequency and severity of critical care complications in the antepartum ICU‐discharged, antepartum‐ICU delivered and postpartum women. Conclusions: Of the women admitted to ICU antepartum, 40% were discharged while remaining pregnant and 60% had expedited delivery. Antepartum women who were discharged from ICU without giving birth may receive lower rates of mechanical ventilation than those who delivered in ICU or admitted postpartum; however, further studies are needed to confirm or refute this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports sex education preferences from an ethnically diverse sample of 3007 15-18 year olds. Findings are presented on preferred topics, where and from whom young people would like to receive this information. Preferences were centred around learning more about sexual behaviour and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in particular, and receiving this at school from someone "professional" and of similar age. Females showed a greater preference towards learning about emotions, relationships and contraception, and to having this delivered by someone of the same sex. Of the four main ethnic groups, Black and Asian students generally reported more sex education preferences than White British or White Other students. Black students wanted to learn more about biological issues and cultural issues alongside sexual behaviour and STIs. Black male students reported a greater than average preference towards family-based information, and interest towards someone of the same ethnic background delivering sex education was also expressed. Asian students reported stronger preferences for more information about STIs and contraception, and wished to keep sex education out of the family household. Implications for sex and relationships education and working with professionals and parents are outlined. (Contains 3 tables.)

We report the temperature dependent far-infrared spectrum of ultra-thin films of polyethylene oxide (PEO). Using the orientational specificity of infrared and far-infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy and in-situ recrystallization, we find that during spin coating the PEO helices are initially in the plane of the film, but on crystallization reorient to be normal to the substrate. A splitting of the C–O torsional mode near 109 cm-1 is identified as arising from a distortion of the normal helical structure of PEO. Comparison with transmission spectra of cast films demonstrates the value of far-infrared reflection–absorption spectroscopy (FIRRAS) in the study of crystalline polymers in the far infrared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strength, hardness, and ductility characteristics were determined for a series of palladium-copper alloys that compositionally vary from 5 to 25 weight percent copper. Alloy specimens subjected to vacuum annealing showed clear evidence of solid solution strengthening. These specimens showed, as a function of increasing copper content, increased yield strength, ultimate strength, and Vickers microhardness, while their ductility was little affected by compositional differences. Annealed alloy specimens subsequently subjected to exposure to hydrogen at 323 K and PH2 = 1 atm showed evidence of hydrogen embrittlement up to a composition of ~15 wt. % Cu. The magnitude of the hydrogen embrittlement decreased with increasing copper content in the alloy.