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School-Based agricultural education increasingly depends upon alternatively certified (AC) teachers to teach agriculture across the United States. Understanding why these individuals become teachers is an important step to better recruit and retain educators who do not complete traditional preparation programs. The purpose of our study was to explore the backgrounds, motivations, and expectations of AC agriscience teachers joining the profession. Our study was guided by the social cognitive career theory and utilized a qualitative phenomenological approach. We interviewed seven AC agriscience teachers in Florida during their first-year teaching to explore their journey into teaching agricultural education. Six major themes were found, including background and interest in agriculture, positive teaching self-efficacy expectations, positive teaching outcome expectations, right location and right time, exciting but challenging, and more than expected. We recommend providing support programs tailored for AC agriscience teachers that are guided by the similar backgrounds, motivations, and expectations of AC teachers.

Purpose: This study aims to test how waste disposal behaviors can be changed such as higher recycling diversion and lower contamination rates using signage and messaging techniques at public outdoor waste receptacles on a university campus. Design/methodology/approach: The experiment took place at five public outdoor receptacle stations, each with a landfill and recycling receptacle, which were located in highly trafficked areas on the University of Florida campus. The study consisted of three phases, each lasting for three weeks. During phase one, no signage and messaging were introduced; during phase two, negative and concrete messaging was placed on signs that stood above the two receptacles; and during phase three, positive and abstract messaging was placed above the receptacles. Waste audits were conducted by separating and weighing the waste. Findings: With signage and messaging implementation, the recycling diversion rates increased and contamination in the recycling receptacles decreased. However, there was not a consistent decrease in contamination in the landfill receptacles. The study also showed that the negative and concrete messaging was more effective at both increasing diversion rates and decreasing contamination rates at the recycling receptacles. Practical implications: Waste managers on university campuses need to address the purpose and type of messaging being used at waste receptacles to maximize behavior and/or education outcomes. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first time waste disposal behaviors have been analyzed and experimented on at public outdoor receptacles on a university campus.

This study was designed to understand the current state of wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance practices and the associated barriers and motivations among Florida green industry professionals. A Delphi technique to achieve consensus, along with descriptive survey questions, was used to facilitate feedback from Florida-based green industry professionals and Extension professionals. The expert panel identified 55 wildlife-friendly landscape activities, 25 barrier items, and 25 motivator items. Descriptive findings showed that green industry professionals believe, on average, Florida residents request wildlife-friendly maintenance services less frequently than wildlife-friendly landscape services are offered by Florida green industry professionals. Consensus findings demonstrated the barriers with the greatest agreement were a lack of public awareness about wildlife-friendly landscaping, its ecological and environmental benefits, professional focus on profit, homeowner association (HOA) regulations, and demand for formal landscape aesthetics. Consensus findings also revealed Florida green industry's major motivators were clients' demand for native, Florida-Friendly plants and wildlife-supporting landscapes, the desire to promote the company as wildlife-friendly, and public interest in native and Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Extension professionals, along with policymakers, educators, and program planners should reduce the identified barriers and expand on the motivators to encourage green industry professionals to engage in landscape maintenance activities that support wildlife.

Virtual reality (VR) and electronic field trips (EFT) can introduce youth to natural environments, climate change mitigation strategies, and related STEM careers. We developed a VR and EFT outreach program featuring scientists working on living shorelines for coastal restoration as a response to sea-level rise and examined the program's impacts on youth through survey and arts-based methods. We found that: (a) VR and EFTs proved to be effective for increasing participants' connection to water, shoreline conservation, and STEM careers and (b) arts-based methods can be used to examine participants' sense of place but could be strengthened to emphasize human-environment connection.

The objective in this study was to explore factors that shape how residents manage their home landscapes, and we applied Rogers' (2003) Diffusion of Innovations to understand fertilizer practices and implications for Extension programming to address non-point source pollution. Data were drawn from a statewide survey of 1,197 Floridians. We identified the extent to which Floridians were using 10 residential fertilizer best practices, how Floridians' perceived characteristics of fertilizer innovations related to adoption, and evaluated how the educational needs pertaining to fertilizer use differed among non-innovative and innovative individuals. Respondents were most engaged in practices such as reading fertilizer packages and labels to apply the correct amount and least engaged in soil testing to inform fertilizer applications as well as asking their landscape professional about training. Floridians perceived the five characteristics of fertilizer best practices at a moderate level overall, and of these, characteristics, compatibility, trialability, and relative advantage predicted adoption. Innovative individuals were more interested in learning from colleagues, neighbors, and public organizations such as Cooperative Extension and government organizations. They were also more interested in learning by visiting an Extension office or through social media than those who were non-innovative. This study may inform policy-making such as local landscape ordinances and planning of Extension behavior change programs.

The importance of honey bees to global agriculture is largely undisputed (Calderone, 2012; Southwick & Southwick, 1992). Simultaneously, commercial beekeeping operations face tremendous industry stressors that have led to increased management requirements and elevated colony losses in Florida and around the United States. in recent decades (Hodges et al., 2001; Kulhanek et al., 2017). The needs of such beekeepers are largely unknown due to a lack of published literature on beekeepers as a whole. Extension professionals and other agricultural educators can create educational programs to address the needs of constituents once they have assessed these gaps between current and desired states. The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of the issues facing commercial honey bee operations to better guide and develop research, instruction, and Extension programs in Florida and beyond. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify the needs of registered commercial beekeepers in Florida; and (2) prioritize registered Florida commercial beekeeper needs. The highest priority need identified by beekeepers in this study was related to controlling the parasitic mite, Varroa, in honey bee colonies. Other priority needs included effective nutritional management as well as control and management of viral infections, bacteria, and Nosema in honey bee colonies.

Acceleration of courses has been documented to achieve an extended academic calendar, financial benefits to universities, time savings for professors, and provide more flexibility for students. The purpose of this study was to examine preservice teachers' learning experiences while enrolled in two accelerated teacher preparation courses. Results showed that students were dissatisfied with the accelerated course format and reported feeling stressed. Students noted challenges to meeting course expectations, but also indicated perceive benefits such as time management and realistic expectations for teachers. Additionally, students perceived they mastered the concepts from both courses. Although students did not prefer the accelerated course structure, the courses helped students gain the expected knowledge and skills. Based on conclusions of this study, recommendations include: (a) courses be reformatted back to the traditional semester delivery, (b) the curriculum design course be moved to the semester prior to the teaching methods course, and (c) universities should carefully review their entire teacher education curricula before adopting an accelerated class format.

Water quality and availability are critical issues currently addressed by agricultural education professionals. Extension professionals need to employ innovative approaches to help residents adopt practices and technologies to reduce the impact of urban landscapes on water resources. This study explored how individuals' dissatisfaction relative to their perceived importance of either clean water for large and local water bodies or plentiful water for local water bodies related to their intent to engage in landscape best management practices following a tailored message. Individuals were randomly assigned to receive a message appealing to improving water quality through good fertilization practices or a message appealing to improving water availability through good irrigation practices. Those who assigned higher importance but perceived lower satisfaction with clean water had greater likelihood of engaging in most fertilizer best practices after receiving a tailored message compared to those who assigned lower importance and perceived higher satisfaction with clean water. Those who assigned higher importance but perceived lower satisfaction with plentiful water were more likely to engage in one of the five irrigation best practices compared to those who assigned lower importance and perceived higher satisfaction with plentiful water after receiving the message. Agricultural education programs should tailor messages to dimensions clientele perceive as important but with which they are unsatisfied, especially when intent is lower.

Water is a scarce resource in Florida. There is an immediate need to reduce the stress on water resources and make the availability of water more sustainable by encouraging engagement in water conservation among the residents of Florida. This study examined how the future intentions of high water users in Florida to conserve water outdoors were influenced by cognitively dissonant attitudes and behaviors. The independent variables used in the study were: government trust, current water conservation practices, political beliefs, and homeowners' associations (HOA) membership. The results to study indicated that higher trust in government and current engagement in water conservation behaviors promotes water conservation, while conservative political belief and HOA membership restrict water conservation. The independent variables (government trust, current water conservation practices, political beliefs, and HOA membership) also significantly predicted 30% of the variation in water conservation behavioral intentions. Level of engagement in current water conservation behaviors had the highest effect on future intent to conserve water. Extension educators, managers at water utility companies, and other agricultural educators are encouraged to consider cognitive dissonance among their target audiences as it can be used to promote water conservation.

School gardens programs and garden-based education are positioned to become fixtures in educational institutions given recent trends and the national interest in gardens at school sites. Agricultural education professionals have integrated school gardens into core science, social studies, math, and language arts courses as well as agricultural education programs for elementary, middle, and high school curriculum. The literature shows that while there are specific curriculum links being made, school garden programs elicit a multitude of benefits in addition to enhancing student performance. Although the literature outlines an extensive set of impacts that may result from a school garden program, they are grounded in a specific case or intervention. Those who are planning for and evaluating school garden programs are left to make connections based on case study results or intervention trials, which leaves plenty of room for error. We utilized the Delphi approach with a panel of 74 experts to identify consensus on 38 outcomes that should be used to inform program development and evaluation efforts. Agricultural education professionals and other stakeholders connected to school gardens can use the results of this study to provide a solid foundation for an outcome-driven school garden program.

Water availability is an important issue addressed by Cooperative Extension programs nationwide. Rapid population growth and urbanization present unique challenges and opportunities for Extension programming. In this study, we explored whether urban Extension audiences in Florida had unique characteristics that could be used to design tailored programs. We used electronic surveys to collect water conservation and landscape management behaviors along with demographic information. Applying audience segmentation concepts, we divided respondents into subgroups by rural-urban continuum codes. We then described the resulting subgroups and made comparisons to identify differences that could inform Extension programming. The most urban residents had lived in Florida the longest, were least engaged in most water conservation practices, most likely to use a professional landscape company for landscape maintenance activities, and most likely to reside in a homeowners' association. The findings revealed somewhat of a disconnect between urban residents and protection of water resources. Understanding these differences among urban audiences can be useful insights to guide impactful Extension programs. Urban landscape water conservation programming should be designed to build a connection between residents and their local water bodies, and should engage the many partners present in urban systems. More research is needed to examine the relationship between residing in more urban areas and engaging less in landscape water conservation practices.

Extension professionals can play a role in addressing water scarcity issues by helping home landscape irrigation users to conserve water. This study used survey research to examine the relationship between several variables, including attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personal norms, demographic factors, and past behaviors, on intention to use good irrigation practices among Florida home landscape irrigation users (N = 1,063). Following subsequent hierarchical linear regression models, the final model explained 39% of the variance in intentions to engage in good landscape irrigation practices. Subjective norms had a strong influence on intention to engage in landscape water conservation, and past behaviors and personal norms improved the prediction. Extension professionals should incorporate subjective norms into water conservation programs by emphasizing somewhat invisible conservation behaviors to improve perceptions of peers' practices. When personal norms are strong, the subjective norms are slightly less important. Residents who feel a personal obligation to conserve water may be more open to information related to water conservation, and they may be more likely to act, even in the absence of social support. Finally, Extension professionals should consider the audience's past behaviors to design programs that are compatible with actions that Extension clients are likely to take.

Targeted agricultural education programs can play a role in solving complex water issues. This article applies importance-performance analysis to examine dimensions of water resources that may inform local water conservation campaigns in the United States. The purpose of this study was to generate a deep understanding of home irrigation users' preferences and perceptions about water to inform landscape irrigation water best practices campaigns among this audience nationwide. Importance-performance analysis was conducted using quantitative survey research. Responses were drawn from 2,675 people who use home landscape irrigation in all states nationwide and from three areas experiencing serious water issues: Florida, California, and the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. There were differences among respondents as a function of geographical location, which revealed people are likely influenced by their exposure to and experience with water issues. There were significant differences between respondents' perceived importance with clean water for different purposes and plentiful water for different purposes. We identified gaps between importance of and satisfaction with clean and plentiful water for different purposes which demonstrate dissatisfaction around important water topics, such as clean water for local and large water bodies. The findings provide insight for targeted programs surrounding local needs and issues. Agricultural education professionals who work on water issues should emphasize home irrigation users' influence on water quality issues over water quantity issues, and should incorporate locally specific findings into programs.

Water availability issues have plagued many regions around the world and is viewed as the top issue facing the world. As a result, encouraging water conservation has become a priority for agricultural communicators. Previous research suggests strategically framed messages can impact attitudes about water conservation, but whether this change is a result of deep thoughts or simple cues has not been explored. This study used semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore the thought processes of individuals who irrigate their home landscape by presenting them with strategically framed messages. This audience was targeted due to the high volumes of water they use for irrigation. The interview process sought to understand how this group processed communication by asking participants to list their thoughts and verbalize their feelings toward a personal and a social message. The analysis was guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model. The findings suggested participants processed the messages peripherally or retained their initial attitude. The findings implied this particular audience had more favorable thoughts toward the social benefits of water conservation than personal benefits. Future messages developed to promote water conservation should focus on the social benefits to promote increased change.

Water conservation in residential landscapes remains essential to mitigate projected global water shortages. Social media has seldom been used to drive engagement in conservation and may be an important channel for environmental change agents to communicate to clientele and promote behavior changes. We tested messages framed with real conservation facts and narrative quotes using the split testing technique. Data were collected in real-time on Facebook and Instagram on users' engagement with water conservation messages/ads and visits to a website to learn more. We found users are more likely to engage with relatable messages containing impressive numbers and perceived measurable benefits.

Purpose: The purpose was to examine whether connectedness to water could improve the predictive power of the Theory of Planned Behavior on outdoor water conservation intentions. Methodology: We adapted the well-established Connectedness to Nature Scale to measure connectedness to water. Using quantitative survey data from 3,596 residents, we used multiple regression to examine relationships between the connectedness to water construct and Theory of Planned Behavior variables. Findings: Connectedness to water increased the predictive power of the Theory of Planned Behavior and importantly, exceeded the predictive power of any of the theory's individual variables. Practical Implications: An improved understanding of factors relate to water conservation intentions provides new insight into outdoor water use. Connectedness to water may support engagement in many environmentally responsible behaviors. This construct represents a potential impact for water conservation programs in household and agricultural contexts, and potential evaluation tool. Program planners and evaluators may use the new scale a valuable tool for developing reasonable activities and objectives as well as evaluating outcomes of water conservation education programs. Theoretical Implications: Viewed through the lens of the Theory of Planned Behavior, an understanding of people's emotional connections to water explains intentions to protect water better than attitude, perceived behavioral control, or subjective norms. Connectedness to water may also provide a valuable measure of attitudinal centrality. Originality/Value: This is the first study to examine connectedness to water in any conservation context.

Escalating demands on urban water sources present a formidable challenge to practitioners in environmental and social change to more effectively promote water conservation strategies. This study was based on pilot project learnings and aimed to determine whether a sign displaying weekly local rainfall data and turfgrass water needs could effectively influence a Florida (USA) community's water conservation. Three core data sources/methods were used: pre- and post-surveys, water utility data compared between treatment and control communities, and qualitative post-intervention feedback. The findings illustrate nuanced outcomes including the adoption of the rainfall sign as a central information source and some knowledge increases, contrasted with decreased engagement in the target conservation practice, no significant changes in water usage, and unfavorable perceptions of project approaches. Successes and failures of this pilot can guide professionals leading future residential conservation initiatives, which should better engage the target community and incorporate their ideas and needs into the project design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Septic systems are recognized as a contributor to water quality degradation. Septic to sewer conversion programs are being implemented to mitigate nutrient pollution but success of voluntary programs is dependent on homeowner participation. The purpose of this study was to identify elements of potential social marketing strategies that could advance the voluntary adoption of septic to sewer conversion programs. Focus of the Article: This study used formative survey research to assess residents' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived benefits of and barriers to septic systems conversion in Florida, USA to inform future interventions promoting this major, costly home infrastructure change that reduces wastewater nutrient contamination. Research Question: This study attempts to answer the following questions: (1) Does septic system conversion status (mandatory vs. voluntary) influence homeowners' knowledge, attitudes, and perceived benefits and barriers to septic to sewer conversion? (2) What social marketing variables are the best predictors of attitude about septic to sewer conversion? Importance to the Social Marketing Field: In contrast to inexpensive, repeated habits which are the target of many social marketing campaigns, costly one-time behaviors have been minimally explored by social scientists and social marketers. This study demonstrates how social marketing research can be applied to advance the adoption of costly, one-time infrastructure improvements, with septic to sewer conversions serving as the study context. There are substantial opportunities for social marketers to support local government and other organizations in their promotion of major technologies, including, but not limited to septic system conversions. Methods: 518 adult Florida residents who were also septic system owners completed an online survey instrument that assessed subjective and objective knowledge, attitudes about septic to sewer conversion, and motivators and barriers to conversion. Results: Septic system homeowners are largely supportive of septic conversion programs; however, the greatest perceived benefits are personal and not associated with environmental improvements. Despite many septic to sewer conversion projects being initiated for environmental purposes, behavior change efforts should promote the benefits of conversion as perceived by the homeowner. The primary barrier is the upfront cost, and alternative funding structures should be investigated. Recommendations for Research or Practice: This study indicates that target audience outreach is an essential component of the environmental planning process. Considering the costs and complexity of water quality infrastructure projects, environmental management professionals should consider a robust audience-specific social marketing program as part of the implementation and planning process. The findings presented here suggest opportunities for social marketers to partner with environmental management professionals tasked with encouraging septic to sewer conversion or other costly and significant one-time behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in attitudes, perceived behavioral control, social norms (i.e., influence of others), and intent to engage in good residential landscape fertilizer practices were examined among people with high- and low-exposure to water bodies (blue space). Florida's residential fertilizer users are exposed to stormwater retention ponds, lakes, and rivers more than other types of water. The high-exposure group perceived significantly more social pressure and had greater intent to engage in good fertilizer practices. Blue space exposure positively relates to fertilizer practices that can protect water quality. Environmental education professionals should consider integrating exposure to water bodies through in-person or virtual experiences.

Changing individuals' behaviors is a critical challenge for Extension professionals who encourage good irrigation practices and technologies for landscape water conservation. Multiple messages were used to influence two predictors of behavioral intent informed by the theory of planned behavior, Florida residents' (N = 1,063) attitude and perceived behavioral control. Individuals were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each receiving a different strategically framed message. This article contributes to the literature on landscape water consumption behaviors by (a) demonstrating that messages can be used to positively affect both attitude and perceived behavioral control and (b) identifying specific message frames that may be used to realize greater impact. Two gain-framed message treatments both significantly increased participants' attitude and perceived behavioral control, and one of the loss-framed messages significantly increased participants' attitude. Results are discussed with practical application to promotion of landscape water-conservation behaviors and implications for future research.

Extension educators endeavor to create and measure outcomes beyond knowledge gain. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of social marketing as a method for creating behavior change within the University of Florida Extension system through key leader opinions. Additionally, the study sought to identify perceptions about program evaluation and training needs related to this area. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key leaders at the local, regional, and state levels within Florida Extension. Overall, the participants saw great potential in applying social marketing to Extension programming, and identified knowledge, resources, and terminology as key barriers to Extension agents' adoption of this approach. In discussing program evaluation related to behavior change, the key leaders expressed strong interest in the creation of standardized evaluation tools and the provision of professional development training to support social marketing and evaluation competencies. The interviews revealed substantial confusion between the terms social marketing and social media. A recommendation is made to revisit the term social marketing within Extension, and for educators to consider alternate terminology to eliminate confusion. Implications of the study point to the development of training opportunities that empower Extension professionals to encourage and evaluate behavior change. It is suggested that Extension professionals are already employing many elements of social marketing. Finally, a blending of the Conceptual Programming model with the social marketing process is discussed as a means of structuring Extension program planning when using social marketing.

The demand for sustainable agriculture has increased, and many institutions, including the University of Florida, have adopted agricultural sustainability as a major goal. Extension has been identified as a critical information source, important in disseminating sustainable agricultural growing techniques. However, research has demonstrated that an institution's goals may not be represented by the actions and beliefs of its staff members (Eveland, 1986; Minarovic & Mueller, 2000). While Extension faculty have been identified as change agents in the shift to a more sustainable agriculture, the literature contained little regarding Florida Extension agents' attitudes towards this topic. The study and its findings were framed by Mitzel's model of teaching and learning, and we sought to describe Florida Extension agents through an exploration of the presage variables associated with their teaching. This study utilized an updated Alternative and Conventional Agricultural Paradigm (ACAP) scale instrument to quantitatively measure Florida Extension agents' agricultural paradigms. The sample included 188 randomly selected Extension faculty working across all disciplines. Within a potential score range of 24-120, and higher values indicating stronger alignment with sustainable agriculture, the Sustainability Score mean for Florida Extension agents was 80.64. The study identified three paradigmatic groups: Conventionals, Moderates, and Sustainables. We documented elements of Florida Extension professionals' presage variables and determined that there is no disconnect between University of Florida Extension faculty and their organization's goals related to sustainable agriculture.

Perceptions of the potential of school gardens are changing given the pressing need to increase food security, environmental protection, livelihood security, and nutrition. Although school gardens programs appear positioned to become fixtures in educational institutions, there are still a number of impediments that need to be addressed to ensure their success in supplementing education. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a consensus-driven process to identify the central issues impeding the sustained success of school gardens. We outline practical, logistical, and institutional barriers that may assist in refining support of school gardens for sustained success.

In spite of national initiatives such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, American students continue to be struggling readers. Research on content area reading strategies (CARS) has shown that such strategies increase students' ability to read and comprehend text. The purpose of this research was to assess agricultural educators' implementation of content area reading strategies in their classroom. A tailored-design, web-based questionnaire was distributed to 371 Florida agriscience educators to complete this descriptive, census survey. The results indicated the total number of hours of CARS professional development was not related to progression through the stages of concern. This study also underscored the lack of consistency in the professional development programs these teachers completed. In order to better understand the differences of the professional development programs, research should be conducted to determine the characteristics of various CARS professional development programs. Practitioners should provide a consistent, in depth professional development program to provide ongoing training and support throughout a several year process.

Extension provides personalized educational services collectively known as individual contact teaching (ICT), yet these services often are not evaluated. This article presents results from pilot testing of an approach for evaluating ICT. Extension representatives and clientele provided data on ICT events, primarily office consultations and landscape site visits. Most client respondents were very satisfied with the services received; had increased their knowledge, skills, and future preparedness to address the applicable issue; and had changed a behavior following the education. These positive findings reveal the importance of evaluating such services. Extension professionals are encouraged to use a personalized evaluation approach such as the one described to ensure that the collective value of ICT is captured.

This study tested the effect of four short videos appealing to environmental values on home irrigation users' intent to use good irrigation and fertilization practices. The videos were largely ineffective, and there was only a small effect on one of the behaviors within the fertilizer loss treatment group. Implications point to a need for environmental education professionals to develop strategies to address environmental issues fatigue and conduct audience research that informs communications and educational programs. Environmental education professionals should encourage water protection with nonenvironmental appeals, possibly by connecting to personal or social values.

Inadequate compliance with landscape irrigation restrictions poses a significant challenge for policymakers, environmental educators, and communicators working in urban water conservation as these policies are only effective if compliance is achieved. This study examined perceptions among Florida, USA residents to whom these policies apply using the Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Among the approximately half of these residents who were aware of these restrictions and had an opportunity to develop perceptions about them, perceptions were moderately positive with compatibility, observability, relative advantage, trialability, and complexity falling between 0.0 and 1.0 on a scale ranging from −2 to + 2. Hierarchical linear regression revealed complexity, compatibility, and relative advantage were significant predictors of intention to comply. Perceived complexity was found to be the biggest barrier to individuals' intent to comply. Policymakers and others working in urban water conservation need to simplify both irrigation restrictions and education about them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Florida's Strategic Plan for Extension in Metropolitan Regions reflects an adaptive management approach to the state's urban Extension mission within the context of establishing essential elements, performance indicators, key outcomes, and suggested alternatives for action. Extension leadership has adopted the strategic plan, and implementation efforts are under way. The successful future of urban Extension in Florida lies in fully embracing and monitoring the plan and recommendations therein. In this article, we describe the course of developing the strategic plan, which included the use of a modified Delphi process and a strategic adaptive management format. We encourage others to adapt our methods to develop plans to meet their specific needs and desired outcomes.

Most educational programs are designed to produce lower level outcomes, and Extension educators are challenged to produce behavior change in target audiences. Social norms are a very powerful proven tool for encouraging sustainable behavior change among Extension's target audiences. Minor modifications to program content to demonstrate the practice of specific behaviors by target audience members' peers compared to others can make a big difference. It is advisable that Extension educators use a combination of descriptive and injunctive norms. Social norms should be applied more frequently by Extension educators in their programs to produce desired behavior change among target audiences.

Evidence is accumulating that drug court programs appear effective in reducing the substance use and recidivism of drug-involved offenders. As there is no single drug court model, programs vary from site to site and the extent to which individual programs are fully implemented is not well documented. The extent to which drug court programs deliver more extensive services to individual offenders than to comparable individuals not participating in drug courts is also not well understood. This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the supervision and treatment delivered to a sample of individuals participating in drug courts in Broward and Hillsborough counties, Florida, and to a sample of comparable drug-involved individuals who were sentenced to probation. Data are from in-person interviews conducted shortly after program entry and nine months following the "baseline" interview. Results suggest that the intensity of supervision and the likelihood of treatment were greater for those involved in drug court programs. (Contains 5 tables and 6 notes.)

This study sought to disentangle distinctions of social norms that can be used to address residential overuse of irrigation water. Nuances of social norms pertaining to eliminating 1/3 of a household's irrigated landscape were examined by comparing generalized, expectancy-based, and value-expectancy beliefs with electronic survey data from 315 adults in Florida, USA. Spearman's correlations were used to evaluate relationships and ordinal regression was used to examine the predictive capacity of generalized, expectancy-based, and value-expectancy models. The generalized model fit best, with generalized descriptive norms as the more powerful predictor, implying descriptive norms should be used as a route to increase behavioral engagement. People working on water issues are encouraged to use social norms strategies to promote awareness of others' reduction of irrigated landscape to increase participation in water conservation. Findings revealed an important challenge in that generalized descriptive norms are specific to an individual's important persons rather than named referent groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research compared intenders, people who intended to turn off their landscape irrigation when recent rainfall was adequate, with nonintenders. Nonprobability sampling was used to access adult Florida residents who used automated landscape irrigation. An electronic survey instrument was used to collect information regarding perceptions, personal characteristics, and Theory of Planned Behavior variables pertaining to the target behavior. Data revealed intenders more thoughtfully considered how rainfall influenced the water requirements of their yards. Intenders were also more likely to have engaged in this environmentally desirable practice in the past. Also, among the most important differences between the groups, intenders had stronger personal norms, higher descriptive and subjective norms, greater perceived behavioral control, and more positive attitudes surrounding the behavior. People working to encourage urban landscape water conservation can improve behavioral intentions by targeting increased personal norms, and descriptive and subjective norms, the factors that best distinguish intenders from nonintenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine sponge transcriptomes are underrepresented in current databases. Furthermore, only 2 sponge genomes are available for comparative studies. Here we present the assembled and annotated holo-transcriptome of the common Florida reef sponge from the species Cinachyrella alloclada. After Illumina high-throughput sequencing, the data assembled using Trinity v2.5 confirmed a highly symbiotic organism, with the complexity of high microbial abundance sponges. This dataset is enriched in poly-A selected eukaryotic, rather than microbial transcripts. Overall, 39 813 transcripts with verified sponge sequence homology coded for 8496 unique proteins. The average sequence length was found to be 946 bp with an N50 sequence length of 1290 bp. Overall, the sponge assembly resulted in a GC content of 51.04%, which is within the range of GC bases in a eukaryotic transcriptome. BUSCO scored completeness analysis revealed a completeness of 60.3% and 60.1% based on the Eukaryota and Metazoa databases, respectively. Overall, this study points to an overarching goal of developing the C. alloclada sponge as a useful new experimental model organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae, formerly Tupinambis merianae) is a large lizard from South America. Now established and invasive in southern Florida, and it poses threats to populations of many native species. Models suggest much of the southern United States may contain suitable temperature regimes for this species, yet there is considerable uncertainty regarding either the potential for range expansion northward out of tropical and subtropical zones or the potential for the species establishing elsewhere following additional independent introductions. We evaluated survival, body temperature, duration and timing of winter dormancy, and health of wild-caught tegus from southern Florida held in semi-natural enclosures for over a year in Auburn, Alabama (> 900 km northwest of capture location). Nine of twelve lizards emerged from winter dormancy and seven survived the greater-than-one-year duration of the study. Average length of dormancy (176 d) was greater than that reported in the native range or for invasive populations in southern Florida and females remained dormant longer than males. Tegus grew rapidly throughout the study and the presence of sperm in the testes of males and previtellogenic or early vitellogenic follicles in female ovaries at the end of our study suggest the animals would have been capable of reproduction the following spring. The survival and overall health of the majority of adult tegus in our study suggests weather and climate patterns are unlikely to prevent survival following introduction in many areas of the United States far from their current invasive range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has inadequately examined factors that support residential yard care practices that influence water quality to date. This study evaluated factors that predict yard fertilizer best practices in the state of Florida, USA by pairing the Theory of Planned Behavior and Diffusion of Innovations along with contextual factors including age, population density, and living in a homeowners' association. Data were collected from 1,197 Florida residents using an electronic researcher-developed survey instrument. Alone, all TPB variables (attitude, perceived behavioral control, subjective norms) predicted behavioral intent. When Diffusion of Innovation characteristics were added, compatibility predicted intent along with the TPB variables. When contextual variables were added to the final model, the same variables remained significant and age (younger), living in an HOA, and not living in a metro with less than 250,000 people predicted behavioral intent. Findings offer new insights into residential yard fertilizer behaviors informed by integrating the two theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines whether surgical resection of carotid body tumors (CBTs) is acceptable in light of potential significant neurologic complications. This IRB-approved retrospective study analyzed data from 24 patients undergoing surgical treatment for CBTs between April 1998 and April 2017 at Mayo Clinic (Florida campus only). For patients who underwent multiple CBT resections, only data from the first surgery was used in this analysis. CBT resection occurred in 24 patients with the following demographics: fourteen patients (58.3%) were female, median age was 56.5 years, median BMI was 29. A prior history of neoplasm was found in ten patients (41.7%). A known family history of paraganglioma was present in five patients (20.8%). Two patients were positive for succinate dehydrogenase mutation (8.3%). Multiple paragangliomas were present in seven patients (29.2%). There was nerve sacrifice in three patients (12.5%) during resection. Carotid artery reconstruction and patch angioplasty occurred in one patient (4.2%). Complete resection occurred in 24 patients (100.0%). Postoperatively, one patient (4.2%) suffered stroke. No mortalities occurred within or beyond 30 days of surgery. Persistent cranial nerve injury occurred in two patients (8.3%) with vocal cord paralysis. There was no recurrence of CBT through last follow-up. Five patients (20.8%) were diagnosed with other neoplasms after resection, including basal cell carcinoma, contralateral carotid body tumor, glomus vagale, and glomus jugulare. There was 100% survival at 1 year in patients followed for that time (n = 17). Surgical treatment remains the first-line curative treatment to relieve symptoms and ensure non-recurrence. While acceptable, neurologic complications are significant and therefore detailed preoperative informed consent is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While threats to water availability are concerning worldwide, the coastal, rapidly urbanizing state of Florida, USA, is especially at risk. This study used a value approach to determine the propensity to support 10 and 50% monthly water bill increases to inform potential social marketing strategies to protect Florida's freshwater supply from depletion. The results from five years of public opinion data indicate an increasing percentage of consumers who are willing to support the protection of Florida's water supply since 2013, with a slight dip in 2017. Upon examination of socio-demographic characteristics, income appeared consistently as an influencer of the propensity to support water bill increases, while factors such as age and race inconsistently appeared throughout the models. Decision makers should consider the significance of income along with heterogeneity in the propensity to support water bill increases to protect Florida's freshwater. The recommendations for application and research incorporate insights from social marketing, agricultural economics, extension education and sociology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development and redevelopment are important drivers of tree removal and canopy loss in urban landscapes. Local ordinances are often used to curtail tree removal, but punitive regulations alone may not be enough to reduce urban tree canopy loss in land development. In Florida (US), efforts to balance trees and development have often relied on fees and fines, but with a recent backlash against tree regulations and the fast pace of urban growth, we explored the possible role of incentives in urban tree policies. We interviewed 20 land developers across Florida to understand their perspectives on current barriers and potential incentives for tree preservation and planting. We collected data from developers, whose perspectives on tree preservation are often unknown or overlooked, despite their significant role in tree planting, removal, and retention in and around cities. Our results show that major barriers to tree preservation and planting include requirements to grade sites for stormwater management, site constraints, and monetary costs. Most developers did not know of any existing incentives beyond intrinsic motivations but said that financial incentives would be most appealing to them. Top incentive suggestions include increasing building density, reducing impact fees and tax liability, and changing tree mitigation policies. Another promising finding is that developers are willing to work with regulators to find solutions that benefit both parties. Future research should consider evaluating the level of support and viability of different incentives by gathering feedback from policymakers, land developers, and the public. [Display omitted] • Punitive regulations are not enough to decrease tree canopy loss in land development. • Stormwater site grading, site constraints, and monetary costs propels tree canopy loss. • Developers want financial incentives to preserve and plant more trees. • Top incentives: increase building density and reduce impact fees and tax liability. • Developers are willing to work with regulators to create solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenspace in residential landscapes meets human needs, connects people with nature, and supports wildlife and biodiversity. However, some landscape maintenance practices are detrimental to wildlife and components of their habitat. We conducted a cross-sectional study to understand consumer knowledge, the extent of existing demand, and barriers related to wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance practices. An electronic survey was employed to collect data among Florida residents who were at least 18 years old and had a lawn or landscape for which they made decisions regarding maintenance. Non-probability opt-in sampling was used to recruit participants. Altogether 2101 residents completed the survey, among which 1053 indicated they hired green industry professionals for some aspects of landscape maintenance. Residents were least knowledgeable (M ± S.D. = 2.82 ± 1.17) about when to apply products like pesticides to yard/planting areas to minimize harm to wildlife whereas they were most knowledgeable (M ± S.D. = 3.32 ± 1.16) about how to read pesticide labels when measured on a five-point Likert-type scale. The frequency of demand for 56 wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance practices varied from most of the time to half of the time on a five-point Likert-type scale. Consumers agreed homeowner association restrictions, lack of knowledge, lack of awareness, lack of labeling on plants, and associated costs were some major barriers to their engagement in wildlife-friendly landscaping. It is recommended to work on reducing these perceived barriers among residents and increasing rewards with interventions like education, pledges, and financial incentives among others to increase demand for landscape maintenance services that support wildlife. • There are barriers which impede demand for wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance. • Homeowners' association restrictions are a top barrier in such communities. • Lack of knowledge about wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance is a major barrier. • The most-requested professional service is avoidance of invasive plants. • To diffuse wildlife-friendly landscape maintenance, barriers must be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developed landscapes in urban and peri-urban environments significantly influence the diversity, abundance, and overall health of pollinator populations such as bees, butterflies, moths, and birds. Considering growing evidence demonstrating that pollinator health can be more robust in urban habitats than rural ones, the landscape development and management practices adopted in urban and suburban areas have a significant potential impact on pollinator health. Given their influence with respect to urban and suburban landscape management in Florida, it is critical to better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Florida residents regarding pollinator-friendly gardening practices such as the flowering plant installation or reduced pesticide application. To explore the most salient factors influencing residents' adoption of pollinator gardening practices, we facilitated three elicitation focus groups with 20 residents representing three distinct regions in Florida. Data analysis generated a series of salient sub-themes across two thematic categories: 'barriers' and 'solutions and strategies'. Major 'barrier' themes included 'limited knowledge or information access' about pollinator gardening, and 'social norms/community expectations'. Major solution and strategy' themes included 'developing neighborhood/homeowner association buy-in,' and 'pre-installation research and planning'. Overall, findings demonstrate that Florida residents have strong views regarding both the most influential barriers to adopting or engaging in pollinator-friendly gardening and the most promising solutions or strategies to mitigate those barriers. These findings have tangible implications for educational practitioners interested in expanding distribution of targeted educational outreach to further promote the adoption of pollinator-friendly landscape management practices in Florida. Findings also have implications for researchers interested in further examining the socio-economic and socio-cultural factors most influential to residents' pollinator gardening practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homeowners typically and incorrectly exclude irrigation costs when considering utility bills. This research identified residents who are: responsible for operating irrigation systems, and highly bothered by their utility bill; the rationale is they will be most receptive to behavior change. Decision-Ade™, a segmentation strategy based on two multi-item variables: utility-bill “botheredness” (UBB) and household budgetary constraints (HBCs), was used to explore three UBB Segments. Average monthly water bills were analyzed for each respondent in the highest UBB Segment (theBothereds), and Decision-Ade™ was used to segment along the HBC dimension, verifying that theBotheredswere not most bothered strictly because they are most financially constrained. HBCs were compared to respondents’ household income to observe how the two variables are related. TheBotheredshad members that also happened to be in all ranges of HBCs. Though 60% of theBotheredsalso were in the highest HBC Segment, 40% of them were in the lower two. About 60% of theBotheredswill likely be most receptive to changes focused on water-use practices rather than products as long as they remain financially constrained; however, about 40% of them might be more capable of incorporating product upgrades because of their financial situation and high level of motivation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Water quality impairment linked to household septic systems presents a significant challenge for environmental management professionals given the costs and complexity of encouraging residents to convert to sewer systems. Septic-to-sewer conversion programs may be more effective if they employ innovative techniques such as social marketing to accelerate engagement, but there is a lack of the necessary formative audience research available on which to promote sanitation-related technologies and behaviors using these types of strategies. We used Diffusion of Innovations theory as a lens through which to view support for septic-to-sewer conversion programs, considering perceptions of relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and observability as factors (i.e., barriers, motivators) in the decision to convert to sewer. We collected data from 518 septic system owners in the state of Florida, USA. Four out of ten respondents indicated there were septic-to-sewer conversion plans in place in their community, and most of these individuals reported the plans were voluntary rather than mandatory. Residents with plans in place had more favorable perceptions than those without such plans and were largely supportive of septic-to-sewer conversion programs. Ordinal regression revealed compatibility and observability were significant predictors of residents' support for septic-to-sewer conversion. When conversion project status variables were added to the final ordinal model, compatibility remained a significant predictor, and completed conversion status also predicted support. Environmental management professionals should consider using characteristics of compatibility and observability to bolster engagement in septic-to-sewer conversion programs, and consider integrating the influences of other communities with completed conversion programs. • Household septic-to-sewer conversion programs present an opportunity to improve water quality. • The formative audience research needed to promote septic-to-sewer conversion is nonexistent. • 518 Florida residents with septic systems shared their perceptions related to conversion. • Respondents were largely supportive of septic-to-sewer conversion programs. • Perceived compatibility, observability, and completed conversion status predict conversion support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ambient air pollution has been linked to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, evidence of the association is very limited, and no study has estimated the effects of ozone. Objective: Our aim was to determine the association of prenatal exposures to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) with GDM. Methods: We used Florida birth vital statistics records to investigate the association between the risk of GDM and two air pollutants (PM2.5 and O3) among 410,267 women who gave birth in Florida between 2004 and 2005. Individual air pollution exposure was assessed at the woman's home address at time of delivery using the hierarchical Bayesian space–time statistical model. We further estimated associations between air pollution exposures during different trimesters and GDM. Results: After controlling for nine covariates, we observed increased odds of GDM with per 5-μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 (ORTrimester1 = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.21; ORTrimester2 = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.20; ORPregnancy = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.26) and per 5-ppb increase in O3 (ORTrimester1 = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.11; ORTrimester2 = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.14; ORPregnancy = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.21) during both the first trimester and second trimester as well as the full pregnancy in single-pollutant models. Compared with the single-pollutant model, the ORs for O3 were almost identical in the co-pollutant model. However, the ORs for PM2.5 during the first trimester and the full pregnancy were attenuated, and no association was observed for PM2.5 during the second trimester in the co-pollutant model (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 0.98, 1.07). Conclusion: This population-based study suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of GDM in Florida, USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Populations of the arboreal termite,Nasutitermes corniger, discovered in Dania Beach, Florida in 2001 were surveyed and treated for eradication, beginning in 2003. MostN. cornigernest locations were cryptic and some nests contained over 1 million termites. Field efficacy of fipronil (Termidor® SC) and imidacloprid (Premise® 2) were compared in initial treatments, and fipronil was selected for termite-active sites through 2010. In 2006, expanded survey work was discontinued. By 2010 all sites within the original survey area were termite-free. In 2011, a new population ofN. cornigerwas discovered beyond the original 2003 infested tracts. A new (2011–2012) survey revealed a total of four areas outside the original tracts that were infested withN. corniger. No tract treated with fipronil between 2003 and 2010 showed evidence of renewed termite activity in 2011–2012. New application procedures using nest-only and fipronil dust treatments were instituted in May 2012. Live termites were still found within the 2011–2012 treatment area as of November 2013. Very slow but continued spread ofN. cornigerin tropical urban Florida will have economic consequences as a result of nuisance and structural damage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which aims to examine if solitary incubation of single-egg clutches in lizards improves egg moisture absorption and offspring quality. The study assumes that single-egg clutches absorbs more moisture due to the absence of nearby eggs, and thus, the embryo in the egg receives more water during development that increase offspring fitness. It says the study involved breeding Anolis sagrei lizards from Ormond Beach, Florida placed in cages with potted plants with soil for female oviposition, in which the collected eggs were put in glass jars with vermiculite and hatched in an incubator. The results show that solitary incubation does not affect egg moisture absorption rates and offspring size, but were negatively affected when eggs were adjacent to dead eggs.

Are we teaching our graduate students what they need to know in order to address the diverse populations they serve in southeastern Florida and the expectations of their academic environments? This guiding question is the core of an ongoing study of a graduate reading program (GRP) at a diversely populated, southeastern urban university. This study is unique in that research in the area of reading teacher education primarily investigates undergraduate programs. This mixed method, multiphase study uses various data types to investigate, from different perspectives, the impact of the GRP on the self-efficacy and instructional practices of the program's graduates. The study question provides a broad lens through which to view the impact of a graduate reading program that prepares graduates to become reading professionals. The results help clarify the praxis between the theoretical framework of the GRP and the graduates' teaching practice and suggest the need for other universities to research the impact of their graduate literacy programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The documentation of biological control agents targeting arthropods in the United States has historically been subject to less regulation relative to weed biological control releases. This study reviews publicly available databases to track environmental releases of biological control agents targeting arthropods in the United States. It then presents available data for the states with the most releases between 1962 and 2005: Hawaii, California and Florida. These data indicate a clear decline in rates of introduction since 1982 or 1994, depending on the source. Existing record-keeping systems offer incomplete or inconsistent data for evaluation because they were designed with limited goals, attempt to capture excessive detail and are thus impractical, or are insufficiently resourced. Existing databases cannot be used to answer meaningful questions regarding non-target effects of introduced control agents. Current databases are inappropriately designed and insufficiently resourced to meet today's research and regulatory needs. We propose and describe a new database system for classical biological control of arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles in this special issue review what is known about the development of wetlands in landscapes and of patterns in various kinds of wetlands around the world with an emphasis on wetlands with treed patches (tree islands) like the Okavango Delta and the Everglades. Wetlands with treed patches have much in common with their terrestrial counterparts in arid regions. Both are mosaic landscapes in which the patches of trees are distributed in a non-random fashion in a matrix of herbaceous vegetation. In these landscapes, the treed patches are both biogeochemical and biodiversity hotspots. They are biogeochemical hotspots because treed patches preferentially acquire nutrients and other limited resources, like water in arid regions. They are biodiversity hotspots because treed patches are habitats with environmental and structural characteristics very different from those of the herbaceous matrix in which they are found. Consequently, treed patches attract and support populations of many plant and animal species that otherwise would not be found in the area. Studies and simulation models of arid mosaic landscapes have generated a number of hypotheses about the structure and functions of mosaic landscapes, most of which have yet to be tested, especially in wetland mosaic landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Of principal concern to those who regulate shrimp harvesting gear are the quantity and composition of nontargeted species (bycatch) harvested by any allowable gear type. The use of skimmer trawls in the Florida shrimp fishery is a contested issue, in part because little bycatch characterization data exist for this gear. We characterized skimmer trawl bycatch and evaluated the efficiency of the Florida Fisheye (FFE) bycatch reduction device in a skimmer trawl typically used by commercial fishermen in Apalachicola Bay, Florida, an area with an active fishery for white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus (also known as Penaeus setiferus). In general, the finfish bycatch in a 4.9-m-long x 3-m-wide skimmer trawl net equipped with an FFE was significantly lower than that in an identical net towed simultaneously but without the FFE; the two nets, however, did not differ in the quantity of shrimp retained. The magnitude of the reduction in bycatch in the FFE-equipped net varied between seasons (spring and fall) and among finfish species and, in the case of silver seatrout Cynoscion nothus and Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus, between size- (i.e., age-) groups. Preliminary tests of FFEs in skimmer trawls in North Carolina also show a reduction in bycatch; we provide further details on how bycatch reduction devices work in skimmer trawls. Overall, our results indicate that skimmer trawls equipped with FFEs should compare favorably with other allowable shrimping gear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]