Life Sciences Commons^™

What’S Trust Got To Do With It? Exploring Agricultural Science Podcast Producers’, Guests’, And Listeners’ Perceptions And Levels Of Trust In Science, Jacqueline Aenlle, Jamie Loizzo, J.C. Bunch, Lisa K. Lundy, Kevin M. Folta

Journal of Applied Communications

Little research to this point has examined food, agricultural, natural resource, and human science (FANRHS) podcast creation, the trustworthiness of the information presented, and the credibility of the individuals speaking on the podcast. The purpose of this study was to explore the level of trust in science of FANRHS podcast producers, guests, and listeners. The study followed an explanatory sequential mixed-method design beginning with an online survey instrument to measure trust in science and later, semi-structured interviews to further explore participants’ perceptions of trust and trust in science. Results showed participants had moderate to moderately high levels of trust in …

Prioritization Of Scientific Sources Of Water Information: The Effect Knowledge, Beliefs, And Political Identity, Sadie Hundemer

Journal of Applied Communications

Scientists are reported to be more trusted than other information sources; yet, on essential water facts, people sometimes reject what they perceive water scientists to believe in favor of other belief determinants. This study examines the factors that affect the difference in people's stated willingness to reconsider their water beliefs in response to information provided by scientists relative to information provided by other sources. Regression analysis of responses provided by 806 Florida and Georgia residents found water science knowledge to be a consistently strong influencer of the gap in reliance on scientific information providers relative to other sources. This result …

A Multi-Method Analysis Of Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Websites Of Fortune 500 Agricultural And Food Companies, Garrett M. Steede, Rebecca Swenson, Troy Mckay

Journal of Applied Communications

Each year, Fortune magazine publishes a list of the 500 largest corporations in the United States of America based on total revenue in the previous fiscal year. As successful companies, these organizations must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for a multitude of reasons. The purpose of this study was to determine how agricultural and food companies on the 2021 Fortune 500 list demonstrated a commitment to DEI efforts on their corporate websites. Thus, we analyzed the DEI website of each food and agricultural company listed on the 2021 Fortune 500 list. Quantitatively, most websites only required two clicks to …

Reporting Expertise In Agricultural Communications, Education, Extension, And Leadership Research: The Development Of An Expertise Rubric, Lori M. Costello, Billy R. Mckim, Allison L. Dunn

Journal of Applied Communications

This exploratory quantitative study assessed 149 behaviors, characteristics, and techniques considered indicative of expertise to determine what social scientists in Agricultural Communications, Education, Extension, and Leadership (ACEEL) disciplines value. A total of 731 social scientists from 25 land-grant universities across the United States surveyed in the fall of 2018 served as the population for this study. Using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), 10 constructs describing expertise were identified. A list of the 10 constructs was presented to faculty representing the ACEEL disciplines who helped determine what the constructs collectively measured, resulting in a label for each construct. The behaviors, characteristics, and …

Instagram As A Tool Of Diffusion For The Livestock Industry, Savannah Locke, Karen Hiltbrand, Katie Corbitt, Darcey Richburg, David Shannon, Soren P. Rodning, Jason T. Sawyer, Don Mulvaney

Journal of Applied Communications

Studies have shown that more people are getting their information through social media (SM). With so much misinformation presented in global media, it is difficult for consumers to distinguish what is true and what isn’t. With negative images and minimal context, consumers have a tendency to believe and trust what they see on SM. After IRB approval, a survey study was launched on Qualtrics and accessed via email. Using Instagram as platform, this study presented 5 cognitively and 5 emotionally oriented posts focused on the aspects of animal welfare, diet/health, and environment/sustainability. Prior to viewing the Instagram posts, study participants …

Drivers Of Farmers’ Adoption Of Hermetic Storage Bags In Ghana, Namah Taku-Forchu, Misty D. Lambert, Michael S. Retallick, Jonathan D. Ulmer, George P. Opit

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Post-harvest loss is a global challenge due to its serious threat to food security. Hermetic storage bags offer one way to combat the loss of food after harvest. The rate at which farmers adopt hermetic bags largely depends upon their access to information and training about the technology. The adoption of hermetic storage bags in Dormaa, Ghana, was the focus of this quantitative cross-sectional research study. This study sought to describe maize farmers’ perceptions of the hermetic storage bags in Dormaa, Ghana, based on the perceived innovation attributes and to ascertain farmers’ stages of adoption of the hermetic storage bags …

Impact Of A Study Abroad Course In Helping Undergraduate Students Affirm Their Career Aspirations To Become Veterinarians: A Qualitative Inquiry, Jose M. Uscanga, M. Craig Edwards, J. Shane Robinson, Rob Terry Jr., Udaya Desilva

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Twenty-five students who participated in a study abroad course tailored to veterinary medicine during the summer of 2019 were the study’s sources of data. Using photovoice and phenomenology research methods, we sought to explore, understand, and interpret the impact of a study abroad course on pre-vet students’ views regarding veterinary medicine and their aspirations to become veterinarians. Students perceived that veterinary medicine in Mexico was structured differently from the U.S. approach and the nation’s socioeconomic and agroclimatology conditions impacted the delivery of veterinary care and affected the work settings and practice of veterinarians. They not only discerned the uniqueness of …

A Protocol For Genetic Analysis At Different Stages Of The Nuclear Division Cycle In Neurospora Crassa, Kotaro Tsukada, Shin Hatakeyama, Shuuitsu Tanaka

Fungal Genetics Reports

The filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa is an organism that contains multiple nuclei in the asexual conidia and hyphae. Since the nuclei of dormant conidia are arrested at various points in the nuclear division cycle, it has been difficult to analyze drug sensitivity at the specific point of the cycle in N. crassa. In this study, we have established a useful method for analysis at different stages of the nuclear division cycle in N. crassa. This assay will be a reference for researchers to use the synchronized culture in other diverse analyses.

Great Yorkshire Livestock Show Attendees’ Attitudes About Agriculture, Brytann Busick, Holli Leggette, Gary E. Briers, Holly Whitaker, Jean A. Parrella

Journal of Applied Communications

The purpose of our research was to determine if attending a U.K. livestock show changed attendees’ attitudes about agriculture and to compare those changes in attitudes to attendees of a U.S. state fair similar in size and dynamic. The sample was livestock show attendees at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS). The mixed-method design included a then and now semantic differential scale with bipolar adjective pairs to measure attendees’ attitudes about agriculture before and after the experience and qualitative interviews with photo elicitation to learn about how attendees developed attitudes about agriculture. Participants had positive attitudes about agriculture before they attended …

Using Urban Farmer Perceptions Of Urban Agricultural Resources To Inform Extension Programming: A Q Methodology Study, Joshua Campbell, Angel N. Riggs, Diane Montgomery

Journal of Applied Communications

Urban farmers face challenges as they work among traditionally underserved populations, are new to farming, and may not recognize the resources available to them. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prioritizes urban food production research and has recognized the unique challenges faced by urban farmers. The purpose of this study was to better understand the perspectives of urban farmers toward urban agricultural resources. Using the USDA Urban Agricultural Toolkit (2016) as a conceptual framework, this study found three perspectives of Oklahoma agricultural producers regarding urban agricultural resource challenges: The Visionary Farmer, The Business-minded Farmer, and The Learning Farmer. Visionary …

Ready, Set, Communicate: Measuring Usability Of Instructional Modules Designed To Improve Communications Skills Of Students Studying Agricultural Sciences, Theresa Pesl Murphrey, Audra W. Richburg, Holli R. Leggette, Shannon L. Norris-Parish, Jean A. Parrella

Journal of Applied Communications

Well-developed communications skills are essential to a proficient agricultural workforce. Online instruction via reusable learning modules (RLMs) is one way agricultural science faculty can provide their students with expert communications skills training. Although RLMs have many benefits, their value degrades rapidly if the learner cannot access or use the technology efficiently. Therefore, online instruction must be tested to ensure usability. The purpose of our study was to assess the usability of RLMs developed to bolster the communications skills of students studying in the agricultural sciences and provide guidance for future curricula and online instruction development. We used quantitative and qualitative …

Barriers To Exercise In A Medical Unit Of Us Army Reservists: An Exploratory Study, Madelyn B. Huhn, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Military Reservist healthcare workers must meet physical fitness standards similar to those on active duty. They, however, experience a unique occupational environment as citizen Soldiers. Their civilian careers as healthcare workers and their positions in the military both demand shift work, long hours, and critical response to high stress events. For a small group of Reservists working in civilian healthcare occupations who also serve in medical roles in the military, this exploratory study aimed to describe any perceived barriers to exercise. Although over 60% of respondents to an exercise barriers scale perceived physical and social health as the top benefits …

Barriers To Exercise In A Medical Unit Of Us Army Reservists: An Exploratory Study, Madelyn B. Huhn, Elizabeth A. Kleitz, Namuna Sunar

Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences

Military Reservist healthcare workers must meet physical fitness standards similar to those on active duty. They, however, experience a unique occupational environment as citizen Soldiers. Their civilian careers as healthcare workers and their positions in the military both demand shift work, long hours, and critical response to high stress events. For a small group of Reservists working in civilian healthcare occupations who also serve in medical roles in the military, this exploratory study aimed to describe any perceived barriers to exercise. Although over 60% of respondents to an exercise barriers scale perceived physical and social health as the top benefits …

Exploring The Applicability Of The Science Communication Research Agenda To Agricultural Communications Scholarship, Jean A. Parrella, Holli R. Leggette, Madalynn P. Kainer, Mckenna L. Bush

Journal of Applied Communications

Agricultural communications scholars do not use a national research agenda to guide their research, which could be limiting the impact and rigor of the discipline. In this commentary, we argue that agricultural communications scholars should adopt the science communication research agenda published by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2017 because the goals of science communication, outlined in the agenda, are relevant to agriculture. Members of the committee who developed the agenda study science communication in contexts of food, agriculture, life sciences, the environment, political science, health, nutrition, and psychology, among others. They developed the agenda with …

External Perceptions Of The Oklahoma Youth Expo's March 2020 Covid-19 Response, Bree Rosman, Quisto Settle, Nathan Smith, Morgan Pfeiffer

Journal of Applied Communications

Livestock shows are a prevalent part of youth agricultural programs in the United States, but they are not well understood, particularly in terms of risk and crisis communication. Through in-depth qualitative interviews, this study evaluated the perceptions of Oklahoma agricultural education instructors, Extension agents, and parents of youth exhibiting at the 2020 Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE). The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused the stock show to cancel in the middle of its schedule. The study evaluated perceptions of the event through the lens of crisis communication as it relates to brand reputation and crisis management. The study was guided …

Developing Writing Self-Efficacy: Perspectives From Agricultural Communications Students, Haley M. Banwart, Shuyang Qu

Journal of Applied Communications

While there is mounting consensus writing is an essential skill required of agricultural communications graduates, there are opposing views as to what educators can do to improve students’ writing education and performance. Self-efficacy research provides one perspective for exploring the relationship between students’ performance and their beliefs in their writing abilities. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore how agricultural communications students perceive their writing self-efficacy and what underlying sources shape their self-efficacy beliefs. The findings confirmed agricultural communications students use a variety of sources to inform their self-efficacy beliefs including their interpretations of their writing performance and …

Farmer-Centered Pesticide Risk Reduction Education In Senegal: A Novel, Participatory Approach, Mary L. Halbleib, Berit Dinsdale

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

As pest pressures continue to intensify across Sub-Saharan Africa, many smallholder farmers are increasing their use of pesticides, including highly hazardous options, to meet the market demands for high-quality fresh produce. Many of these farmers, however, have not had access to pesticide risk reduction training or have participated in programs that have not enabled them to protect themselves and their families. Given the risks posed by dried and invisible though still toxic pesticide residues, new forms of information and realistic learning strategies are required. This study combined the innovative Adaptive Learner-Centered Education (ALCE) approach with the Farmer Field School (FFS) …

Going The Distance: Examining The Impact Of A Long-Term International Fellowship, Meikah Dado, Jessica R. Spence, Jack Elliot

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

AgriCorps, an American organization, created a fellowship program to connect agricultural professionals to school-based agricultural education in developing countries. Previous scholars researched the impacts of international experiences on learners, usually through the lens of short-term study abroad. This study seeks to examine the impact of long-term international fellowship experiences in education and provide recommendations for future like-programs by analyzing the experiences of previous AgriCorps fellows. Fellows lived and taught school-based agricultural education in a community in Ghana or Liberia. Eighteen previous AgriCorps fellows participated in a semi-structured interview through a virtual meeting platform. The interviews were used to collect data …

The Intersection Of Gender, Media, And Policy: A Qualitative Analysis On Thai Newspaper Coverage Of Women In Agriculture, Morgan A. Richardson Gilley, Richie Roberts, J. Joey Blackburn, Kristin Stair

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Women empowerment and gender equality have been found to be statistically significant and positive predictors of global agricultural development. Therefore, reducing gender disparities can encourage economic progress and growth in developing nations. As such, determining effective ways to stimulate social progress and women’s empowerment has emerged as a critical need. One strategy used to raise the public’s consciousness about gendered issues in Thailand has been through mass media. In response, this study aimed to (1) determine to what extent Thailand’s newspaper coverage focused on topics related to women and the agricultural industry; and (2) describe how women in agriculture …

Supporting The 21st Century Classroom: Fostering Relevance And Resilience With Project-Based Learning Curricula, Shari Childers, Kara Fulton

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

Participants will learn about building and supporting project-based learning (PBL), a scalable, flexible approach to classes and programs that cultivates 21st century competencies in students, including collaboration and resilience. They will re-imagine a course or a program at their own institution from within a PBL context.

Optimizing Course Offerings In A Science Department, Yu Kay Law

Academic Chairpersons Conference Proceedings

We will discuss how enrollment data and faculty/advisor input can be used to maximize schedule efficiency in course offerings and providing for student success. We will also discuss how best to monitor and rearrange course schedules in light of actual enrollment.

Podcasts In Production: An Examination Of Current And Best Practices For Agricultural And Natural Resource Podcast Producers, Jacqueline Aenlle, Jamie Loizzo, Lisa K. Lundy, J. C. Bunch, Kevin M. Folta

Journal of Applied Communications

Little research has been done on the production and use of podcasts in the fields of food, agriculture, natural resource, or human sciences (FANRHS). Currently, there is limited information for best practices on creating an effective FANRHS podcast to reach a target public audience. The purpose of this study was to examine existing practices and experiences of FANRHS podcast producers. The findings of this study will be of interest to organizations, institutions, and individuals who currently produce or are interested in producing an educational or science-based podcast. This study provided foundational information on podcast creation and maintenance. Future research should …

Modernizing High School Agricultural Communications Competencies: A National Delphi Study, Mackenzie Atkins, Kati Lawson, Ricky Telg

Journal of Applied Communications

The purpose of this study was to identify current competencies needed for high school students to succeed in their agricultural communication courses. This study also identified an ideal introduction level for each competency and provides up-to-date consensus on the most important agricultural communication competencies for high school students as determined by university faculty. Twenty years have passed since secondary agricultural communication competencies have been evaluated at a national level (Akers, 2000). Since then, industry standards have changed, including the emergence of social media, which is reflected in the results of this study. This study was conducted through a two-round Delphi …

Neurospora 2023 - Program And Abstracts, Neurospora Conference

Fungal Genetics Reports

Neurospora 2023 - Program and Abstracts

Critical Soil Health Parameters To Improve Crop Production, Gretchen F. Sassenrath, Bruno C. Pedreira, Carlos B. Pires

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Soil health is a critical determinant of plant performance. This manuscript describes how the physical, chemical, and biological components within the soil interact to create good soil health. Soil structure is important to provide support for plants, nutrient and water cycling, decreased compaction, and more efficient carbon storage. Measurements of soil properties are presented that can be done in the field on any soil.

Effects Of Limit Feeding And Shade Allocation On Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, And Animal Comfort, Z. L. Debord, Z. M. Duncan, M. G. Pflughoeft, K. J. Suhr, W. C. Ellis, W. R. Hollenbeck, S. P. Montgomery, T. J. Spore, E. C. Titgemeyer, D. A. Blasi, A. J. Tarpoff

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of limit feeding in conjunction withshade allotment on animal performance, animal comfort, and water usage during periods of heat stress.

Study Description:During the summers of 2021 and 2022, 852 heifers were assigned to one of four treatments: limit-fed high-energy ration or high-roughage ration fed forad libitumintake with or without access to shade. Growth performance and water usage were measured during a 90-day growing period. Calves were fed a gut equilibration diet for 7 days to account for gut fill.

The Bottom Line:Limit feeding a …

Evaluation Of Kansas Beef Consumers’ Awareness And Understanding Of Business-To-Consumer Marketing, L. K. Decker, K. R. Lybarger, J. Kwon, G. Ibendahl, Y. Teng-Vaughan, D. Kehler, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of the study was to determine the understanding and knowledge level of consumers purchasing beef in a business-to-consumer (B2C) format within Kansas.

Study Description:A digital survey was created to evaluate consumers’ familiarity and satisfaction of buying beef in a B2C format. The survey was made available for a two-week period to consumers utilizing the Shop Kansas Farms online social media group.

Results:Results of the survey showed 93% of consumers (n = 174) reported having previously purchased beef products from a local producer or locker. Of these, 63.1% reported that their most recent purchase was their …

Change In Myoglobin Denaturation Among Three Degrees Of Doneness Of Three Muscles, E. S. Beyer, K. J. Farmer, E. G. Kidwell, S. G. Davis, K. M. Harr, K. R. Lybarger, L. A. Egger, M. D. Chao, M. D. Zumbaugh, J. L. Vipham, M. C. Hunt, T. G. O'Quinn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the changes in myoglobin denaturation through cooking three different muscles to medium rare, medium, or well-done degrees of doneness.

Study Description:Strip loins (n= 12) and top butts (n= 12) were used to evaluate the physiochemical properties of thelongissimus dorsi, biceps femoris,andgluteus mediusfor three degrees of doneness (DOD; medium rare, medium, and well-done).

The Bottom Line:As expected, the myoglobin denaturation percentage increased with increasing DOD and behaved similarly to changes in the a* values. This research gives more insight into the impacts of cooking …

Establishing Spoilage Thresholds Of Ground Beef In A Traditional Retail Case Scenario, G. E. Corrette, E. S. Beyer, E. A. Mendez, V. Hay, T. G. O'Quinn, M. D. Chao, J. L. Vipham

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Objective:The objective of this study was to determine spoilage in fresh ground beef and the perception of consumers regarding alteration of sensory characteristics, as well as the acceptability at different days of shelf-life.

Study Description:Ground beef loaves (n= 84) of 80% lean, 20% fat composition and aerobically packaged were stored in a simulated refrigerated retail case for 6 days. Consumers evaluated visual color, odor, touch, and taste. Instrumental color, lipid oxidation, aerobic plate count, andEnterobacteriaceaecount were determined.

The Bottom Line:In this study, color was shown to be the important product characteristic of spoilage to …

2022 Kansas State University Industrial Hemp Dual-Purpose Variety Trials, Kraig Roozeboom, Jason Griffin

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Hemp is a broad term used to describe the many varieties ofCannabis sativaL. that produce less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The crop is globally significant and has recently been approved in the United States. There are many uses for industrial hemp, and the market for industrial hemp is rapidly growing as more states are legalizing its production. Industrial hemp is marketed for oil, grain, and fiber. Varieties have been selected for improved fiber and grain production that can service these markets. However, little research-based information is available regarding adaptability or production of these varieties in Kansas. The objectives …