Digital Commons Network^™

Sustainable Living Edu, Annika E. Furr

Graphic Communication

For my senior project, I created a virtual sustainability training program called ‘Sustainable Living Edu’ for students and employees at Cal Poly SLO. There is a lack of environmental literacy at Cal Poly and other campuses in the California State University (CSU) System. Sustainable Living Edu will educate students and employees at Cal Poly about what sustainability is and how to apply sustainable practices into their daily routines.

Averting Escalation And Avoiding War: Lessons From The 1995–1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, Kristen Gunness, Phillip C. Saunders

China Strategic Perspectives

This study assesses information-sharing, communication, and policy coordination between U.S. and Taiwan decisionmakers in the 1995–1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, derives key lessons, considers the implications for a future crisis, and makes recommendations to policymakers.

Medical Education And Population Health—A Framework In The Design Of A New Undergraduate Program, Robert Armstrong, Michaela Mantel, Gijs Walraven, Lukoye Atwoli, Anthony Ngugi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Health sciences curricular planners are challenged to add new content to established education programs. There is increasing pressure for content in public health, health systems, global health, and planetary health. These important areas often compete for curricular time. What is needed is a convergence model that builds a common framework within which students can integrate areas and better align this knowledge to the individual client or patient who they have responsibility to support. A population health framework is proposed for health sciences education programs that supports a common conceptual understanding of population health. The framework links five thematic areas that …

A Study Of The Effect Of Sympathetic Framing On Attitudes Toward The Homeless, Marshall Mills

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Needs-Based Standards Of Practice For The Use Of Forensic Genetic Genealogy In Investigations Of Violence Toward Marginalized Victims, Anthony Redgrave

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative narrative study was to identify strategies by which forensic genetic genealogy can be applied to cases of unidentified decedents who are from marginalized populations. Three research questions guided this study: (1) What is each affected group most concerned about regarding the use of forensic genetic genealogy to identify marginalized unidentified decedents or perpetrators of violent crime against marginalized group members?, (2) How have the past experiences of individuals in the affected groups contributed to their stance on the use of forensic genetic genealogy?, And (3) How do stakeholders’ opinions on the use of forensic genetic …

Self-Regulation In The Learning Experiences Of School Choice Students, Melody Lynn Schmidt

Dissertations

This study explores self-regulation in the learning experiences of school choice students who have attended a traditional public school and a charter public school. Research shows self-regulation is a form of non-cognitive executive functioning characterized by many observable traits children employ in their learning environments. Self-regulation development in the learning investments students make relates to school mobility, social identity, and connectedness while navigating their learning amid school changes (Golden, 2017; Langenkamp, 2016). School mobility may impact students by lowering self-regulation and increasing school dropout through compromised social identity and connectedness (Jdaitawi, 2015; Rumberger & Larson, 1998). Understanding the distinction between …

Higher Education Professional Involved In Or Aspiring To Careers In Strategic Enrollment Management: Competency Development And Career Pathways, Jodi Ward

Dissertations

Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) is an emergent and evolving field in higher education (HE). While the concept has often been researched as a system or process implemented by an institution of HE to optimize enrollment, this study examined the professionals that currently lead or aspire to lead those systems. The HE competencies areas that current SEM professionals are most engaged with, the activities they participate in to gain and cultivate competency development, as well as their educational backgrounds and career pathways was the focus of this study. Additionally, this study investigated the competency development opportunities available to individuals working in …

Examining The Symbioses Between Bioluminescent Vibrio Species And Ponyfishes In The Indian Ocean And Between Vibrio Species And Crassostrea Virginica In The Gulf Of Mexico, Alexandra Chauvin

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Leadership Development And Training In Community-Based Organizations In Myanmar, Anna Rockett

Honors Capstones

No abstract provided.

Fgf21 Is Required For Protein Restriction To Extend Lifespan And Improve Metabolic Health In Male Mice, Cristal M. Hill, Diana C. Albarado, Lucia G. Coco, Redin A. Spann, Md Shahjalal Khan, Emily Qualls-Creekmore, David H. Burk, Susan J. Burke, J. Jason Collier, Sangho Yu, David H. Mcdougal, Hans Rudolf Berthoud, Heike Münzberg, Andrzej Bartke, Christopher D. Morrison

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Dietary protein restriction is increasingly recognized as a unique approach to improve metabolic health, and there is increasing interest in the mechanisms underlying this beneficial effect. Recent work indicates that the hormone FGF21 mediates the metabolic effects of protein restriction in young mice. Here we demonstrate that protein restriction increases lifespan, reduces frailty, lowers body weight and adiposity, improves physical performance, improves glucose tolerance, and alters various metabolic markers within the serum, liver, and adipose tissue of wildtype male mice. Conversely, mice lacking FGF21 fail to exhibit metabolic responses to protein restriction in early life, and in later life exhibit …

Satisfaction Of Patients With Diabetic Kidney Disease With Traditional Chinese Medicine Physician Visits, Wanling Zeng, Hong Chang Tan, Huang Fang Zheng, Amanda Rui Lin Lam, Kok Keong Teo, Chieh Suai Tan, Jean Paul Kovalik, Sujoy Ghosh, Xiao Hui Xin

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Background: Patient-centred care is an important part of quality healthcare and patient satisfaction has been shown to be associated with improved clinical outcomes. We aim to explore the satisfaction of patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) with their visits to the TCM physician and its association with patients' socio-economic characteristics. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among patients aged >21 years with DKD. Participants' demographic, socioeconomic characteristics and satisfaction scores measured with the self-administered Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale (MISS) were collected after they visited the TCM physician. MISS is a 26-item questionnaire consisting of three domains – cognitive, affective and …

Leaf Habit Affects The Distribution Of Drought Sensitivity But Not Water Transport Efficiency In The Tropics, German Vargas G., Norbert Kunert, William M. Hammond, Z. Carter Berry, Leland K. Werden, Chris M. Smith-Martin, Brett T. Wolfe, Laura Toro, Ariadna Mondragón-Botero, Jesús N. Pinto-Ledezma, Naomi B. Schwartz, María Uriarte, Lawren Sack, Kristina J. Anderson-Teixeira, Jennifer S. Powers

Faculty Publications

Considering the global intensification of aridity in tropical biomes due to climate change, we need to understand what shapes the distribution of drought sensitivity in tropical plants. We conducted a pantropical data synthesis representing 1117 species to test whether xylem-specific hydraulic conductivity (KS), water potential at leaf turgor loss (ΨTLP) and water potential at 50% loss of KS (ΨP50) varied along climate gradients. The ΨTLP and ΨP50 increased with climatic moisture only for evergreen species, but KS did not. Species with high ΨTLP and ΨP50 values were associated with both dry and wet environments. However, drought-deciduous species showed high ΨTLP …

Interindividual Differences In Trainability And Moderators Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Waist Circumference, And Body Mass Responses: A Large-Scale Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis, Jacob T. Bonafiglia, Paul A. Swinton, Robert Ross, Neil M. Johannsen, Corby K. Martin, Timothy S. Church, Cris A. Slentz, Leanna M. Ross, William E. Kraus, Jeremy J. Walsh, Glen P. Kenny, Gary S. Goldfield, Denis Prud’Homme, Ronald J. Sigal, Conrad P. Earnest, Brendon J. Gurd

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Although many studies have assumed variability reflects variance caused by exercise training, few studies have examined whether interindividual differences in trainability are present following exercise training. The present individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis sought to: (1) investigate the presence of interindividual differences in trainability for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), waist circumference, and body mass; and (2) examine the influence of exercise training and potential moderators on the probability that an individual will experience clinically important differences. The IPD meta-analysis combined data from 1879 participants from eight previously published randomized controlled trials. We implemented a Bayesian framework to: (1) test the hypothesis …

Social Inequalities In Climate Change-Attributed Impacts Of Hurricane Harvey, Kevin T. Smiley, Ilan Noy, Michael F. Wehner, Dave Frame, Christopher C. Sampson, Oliver E.J. Wing

Faculty Publications

Climate change is already increasing the severity of extreme weather events such as with rainfall during hurricanes. But little research to date investigates if, and to what extent, there are social inequalities in climate change-attributed extreme weather event impacts. Here, we use climate change attribution science paired with hydrological flood models to estimate climate change-attributed flood depths and damages during Hurricane Harvey in Harris County, Texas. Using detailed land-parcel and census tract socio-economic data, we then describe the socio-spatial characteristics associated with these climate change-induced impacts. We show that 30 to 50% of the flooded properties would not have flooded …

Study In Parkinson’S Disease Of Exercise Phase 3 (Sparx3): Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Charity G. Patterson, Elizabeth Joslin, Alexandra B. Gil, Wendy Spigle, Todd Nemet, Lana Chahine, Cory L. Christiansen, Ed Melanson, Wendy M. Kohrt, Martina Mancini, Deborah Josbeno, Katherine Balfany, Garett Griffith, Mac Kenzie Dunlap, Guillaume Lamotte, Erin Suttman, Danielle Larson, Chantale Branson, Kathleen E. Mckee, Li Goelz, Cynthia Poon, Barbara Tilley, Un Jung Kang, Malú Gámez Tansey, Nijee Luthra, Caroline M. Tanner, Jacob M. Haus, Giamila Fantuzzi, Nikolaus R. Mcfarland, Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, Tatiana Foroud, Robert Motl, Michael A. Schwarzschild, Tanya Simuni

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: To date, no medication has slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Preclinical, epidemiological, and experimental data on humans all support many benefits of endurance exercise among persons with PD. The key question is whether there is a definitive additional benefit of exercising at high intensity, in terms of slowing disease progression, beyond the well-documented benefit of endurance training on a treadmill for fitness, gait, and functional mobility. This study will determine the efficacy of high-intensity endurance exercise as first-line therapy for persons diagnosed with PD within 3 years, and untreated with symptomatic therapy at baseline. Methods: This is …

The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund (Wcrf)/American Institute For Cancer Research (Aicr) Score And Diabetes Risk In The Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (Dppos), Marissa M. Shams-White, Ashley H. Tjaden, Sharon L. Edelstein, Sarah Bassiouni, Lisa L. Kahle, Catherine Kim, Xavier Pi-Sunyer, Karla A. Temple, Elizabeth M. Venditti, Jill Reedy, Brandy M. Heckman-Stoddard, George A. Bray, Kishore M. Gadde, Iris W. Culbert, Jennifer Arceneaux, Annie Chatellier, Amber Dragg, Catherine M. Champagne, Crystal Duncan, Barbara Eberhardt, Frank Greenway, Fonda G. Guillory, April A. Herbert, Michael L. Jeffirs, Betty M. Kennedy, Erma Levy, Monica Lockett, Jennifer C. Lovejoy, Laura H. Morris, Lee E. Melancon, Donna H. Ryan, Deborah A. Sanford, Kenneth G. Smith, Lisa L. Smith

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) 3rd expert report highlights up-to-date Cancer Prevention Recommendations that may reduce burdens of many chronic diseases, including diabetes. This study examined if following a lifestyle that aligns with the recommendations – assessed via the 2018 WCRF/AICR Score – was associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes in high-risk adults participating in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study (DPPOS). Methods: The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) randomized adults at high risk for diabetes to receive a lifestyle intervention (ILS), metformin (MET) or a placebo (PLB) (mean: 3.2 years), with …

A Collaborative Approach To Adopting/Adapting Guidelines. The Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines For Children (5-12 Years) And Young People (13-17 Years): An Integration Of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, And Sleep, Anthony D. Okely, Davina Ghersi, Sarah P. Loughran, Dylan P. Cliff, Trevor Shilton, Rachel A. Jones, Rebecca M. Stanley, Julie Sherring, Natalie Toms, Simon Eckermann, Timothy S. Olds, Zhiguang Zhang, Anne Maree Parrish, Lisa Kervin, Sandra Downie, Jo Salmon, Clair Bannerman, Tamie Needham, Elaine Marshall, Jordy Kaufman, Layne Brown, Janecke Wille, Greg Wood, David R. Lubans, Stuart J.H. Biddle, Shane Pill, Anthea Hargreaves, Natalie Jonas, Natasha Schranz, Perry Campbell, Karen Ingram, Hayley Dean, Adam Verrender, Yvonne Ellis

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Abstract: Background: In 2018, the Australian Government updated the Australian Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines for Children and Young People. A requirement of this update was the incorporation of a 24-hour approach to movement, recognising the importance of adequate sleep. The purpose of this paper was to describe how the updated Australian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Children and Young People (5 to 17 years): an integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep were developed and the outcomes from this process. Methods: The GRADE-ADOLOPMENT approach was used to develop the guidelines. A Leadership Group was formed, who identified existing …

Blocking Actriib And Restoring Appetite Reverses Cachexia And Improves Survival In Mice With Lung Cancer, Andre Lima Queiroz, Ezequiel Dantas, Shakti Ramsamooj, Anirudh Murthy, Mujmmail Ahmed, Elizabeth R.M. Zunica, Roger J. Liang, Jessica Murphy, Corey D. Holman, Curtis J. Bare, Gregory Ghahramani, Zhidan Wu, David E. Cohen, John P. Kirwan, Lewis C. Cantley, Christopher L. Axelrod, Marcus D. Goncalves

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Cancer cachexia is a common, debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. Using an established mouse model of lung cancer, we find that cachexia is characterized by reduced food intake, spontaneous activity, and energy expenditure accompanied by muscle metabolic dysfunction and atrophy. We identify Activin A as a purported driver of cachexia and treat with ActRIIB-Fc, a decoy ligand for TGF-β/activin family members, together with anamorelin (Ana), a ghrelin receptor agonist, to reverse muscle dysfunction and anorexia, respectively. Ana effectively increases food intake but only the combination of drugs increases lean mass, restores spontaneous activity, and improves overall survival. These beneficial …

Beyond The Unknown: A Broad Framing For Preparedness For Emerging Infectious Threats, Rebecca C. Christofferson, Stephania A. Cormier

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

There have been multiple instances of novel pathogen emergence that have affected the health and security of the global community. To highlight that these novel pathogens presented a clear danger to public health, the WHO included “Disease X” on their list of priority pathogens in 2018. Indeed, since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, Disease X has been pointed to as the looming threat of “the next big thing.” However, developing surveillance and preparedness plans with Disease X as the linchpin is too narrow and ignores a large swath of potential threats from already identified, often neglected diseases. We propose instead the …

Multidisciplinary Collaboration To Develop A Digital Health Solution For Early Detection Of Cognitive Decline In Primary Care, Robin C. Hilsabeck, Jeffrey N. Keller, Maya L. Henry, Paul Toprac, Paul Rathouz, Varshinee Sreekanth, Avery Largent, Joshua Chang, Jessy Li, Lokesh Pugalenthi, Thomas Parsons, Heather E. Cuevas, Suzanne Schmitz

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Developing digital healthcare solutions that facilitate rapid identification and effective management of patients with Alzheimer disease and related disorders (ADRD) is an area of intense study. A critical juncture for these efforts involves the early detection of cognitive decline. Because primary care providers (PCPs) are the first line of medical care, they are often the first to hear concerns about cognitive decline. However, under-diagnosis of ADRD in primary care settings is widely recognized, as are the many barriers to routine cognitive screening. While information about brief cognitive screening tools for detecting ADRD is plentiful, PCPs remain uncertain about which …

Dissociation Of Tau Pathology And Neuronal Hypometabolism Within The Atn Framework Of Alzheimer’S Disease, Michael Tran Duong, Sandhitsu R. Das, Xueying Lyu, Long Xie, Hayley Richardson, Sharon X. Xie, Paul A. Yushkevich, Michael Weiner, Paul Aisen, Ronald Petersen, Clifford R. Jack, William Jagust, John Q. Trojanowki, Arthur W. Toga, Laurel Beckett, Robert C. Green, Andrew J. Saykin, John C. Morris, Leslie M. Shaw, Enchi Liu, Tom Montine, Ronald G. Thomas, Michael Donohue, Sarah Walter, Devon Gessert, Tamie Sather, Gustavo Jimenez-Maggiora, Danielle Harvey, Matthew Bernstein, Nick Fox, Paul Thompson, Norbert Schuff, Charles Decarli, Bret Borowski

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined by amyloid (A) and tau (T) pathologies, with T better correlated to neurodegeneration (N). However, T and N have complex regional relationships in part related to non-AD factors that influence N. With machine learning, we assessed heterogeneity in 18F-flortaucipir vs. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as markers of T and neuronal hypometabolism (NM) in 289 symptomatic patients from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. We identified six T/NM clusters with differing limbic and cortical patterns. The canonical group was defined as the T/NM pattern with lowest regression residuals. Groups resilient to T had less hypometabolism than expected …

Author Correction: Fam222a Encodes A Protein Which Accumulates In Plaques In Alzheimer’S Disease (Nature Communications, (2020), 11, 1, (411), 10.1038/S41467-019-13962-0), Tingxiang Yan, Jingjing Liang, Ju Gao, Luwen Wang, Hisashi Fujioka, Michael W. Weiner, Norbert Schuff, Howard J. Rosen, Bruce L. Miller, David Perry, Paul Aisen, Paul Aisen, Arthur W. Toga, Gustavo Jimenez, Michael Donohue, Devon Gessert, Kelly Harless, Jennifer Salazar, Yuliana Cabrera, Sarah Walter, Lindsey Hergesheimer, Karen Crawford, Scott Neu, Lon S. Schneider, Sonia Pawluczyk, Mauricio Becerra, Liberty Teodoro, Bryan M. Spann, Ronald Petersen, Clifford R. Jack, Matthew Bernstein, Bret Borowski, Jeff Gunter, Matt Senjem

Clinical Research Faculty Publications

In the original version of the manuscript, the image shown in Figure 4g, bottom row (Aβ1–42 + rAggregatin), under “6h” was incorrect. This image incorrectly showed the same sample as shown in the original Figure 4g, top row (Aβ1–42), under “0.5h”. The correct version of figure 4g is as follows: (Figure presented.) which replaces the previous incorrect version: (Figure presented.).

Uterine Lumen Fluid Is Metabolically Semi-Autonomous, Constantine A. Simintiras, Jessica N. Drum, Hongyu Liu, M. Sofia Ortega, Thomas E. Spencer

Faculty Publications

Uterine lumen fluid (ULF) is central to successful pregnancy establishment and maintenance, and impacts offspring wellbeing into adulthood. The current dogma is that ULF composition is primarily governed by endometrial glandular epithelial cell secretions and influenced by progesterone. To investigate the hypothesis that ULF is metabolically semi-autonomous, ULF was obtained from cyclic heifers, and aliquots incubated for various durations prior to analysis by untargeted semi-quantitative metabolomic profiling. Metabolite flux was observed in these ULF isolates, supporting the idea that the biochemical makeup of ULF is semi-autonomously dynamic due to enzyme activities. Subsequent integrative analyses of these, and existing, data predict …

Non-Destructive Quality Evaluation Of Tropical Fruit (Mango And Mangosteen) Purée Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Combined With Partial Least Squares Regression, Pimpen Pornchaloempong, Sneha Sharma, Thitima Phanomsophon, Kraisuwit Srisawat, Wasan Inta, Panmanas Sirisomboon, Witoon Prinyawiwatkul, Natrapee Nakawajana, Ravipat Lapcharoensuk, Sontisuk Teerachaichayut

Faculty Publications

Mango and mangosteen are commercially important tropical fruits with a short shelf life. Fruit processing is one of the alternatives to extend the shelf life of these fruits. Purée is one of the processed products of fresh fruit. In this research, the quality of mango and mangosteen purée was analyzed. Titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) were predicted using non-destructive near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed based on the NIR spectra with a wavelength ranging from 800 to 2500 nm. The PLSR model returned a coefficient of determination (r2) and a ratio …

Improving Customer Satisfaction For Smes In Emerging Countries: A Comparative Study Of Hungary And Indonesia, Santi Setyaningsih, Peter Kelle

Faculty Publications

Improving Customer Satisfaction (CS) is a key strategical goal for companies, especially for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). The objective of this research is to find and rank the major factors supporting CS. We focus on SMEs in two emerging markets located in two countries with different geographical and supply chain environments. We test a conceptual framework that includes several factors supporting CS. The data were collected from Hungarian and Indonesian SMEs by online questionnaire. We used statistical analysis such as Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Model (SEM) to test our model and hypothesis. …

Health Physics Workforce In The United States, Michael A. Noska, Caridad Borrás, E. Vincent Holahan, Shaheen A. Dewji, Thomas E. Johnson, Jerry W. Hiatt, Wayne D. Newhauser, John W. Poston, Nolan Hertel

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Probiotic Incorporation Into Yogurt And Various Novel Yogurt-Based Products, Douglas W. Olson, Kayanush J. Aryana

Faculty Publications

Probiotics are commonly added to yogurt to provide many health benefits for the consumer. A description is provided for some commonly used probiotics in yogurt. A GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list of probiotic bacteria that can be added to yogurt or similar types of products is provided. Additionally, prebiotics, synbiotics (combination of prebiotics and probiotics), postbiotics, paraprobiotics, and psychobiotics can be added to yogurt. Probiotic yogurt can come in various forms in addition to spoonable yogurt, and yogurt can be used as an ingredient in other food products. Many useful functional ingredients can be applied to probiotic yogurt. The …

Labrad : Vol 47, Issue 2 - December 2022, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi

LABRAD - Departments of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Radiology Archives

• From the Editor’s Desk
• Case Quiz
• Contrast Enhanced Spectral Mammography Clinical Usefulness of Biochemical Parameters in Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome In First and Second Trimester
• The Science of Efficiency in a Clinical Laboratory
• Updates in new WHO Blue Book
• Monkeypox vs. COVID-19
• From the Diary of a Researcher- Notes on Understanding Beta-Thalassemia and Metabolic Bone Disease
• Significance of Audit in a Clinical Laboratory
• Microsatellite Instability (MSI) Testing
• Pre-Analytical Variables Affecting Coagulation Testing
• Grading of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Recent Updates in 2022 WHO Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms
• MMR and MSI Testing in Malignancies
• Transforming Pedagogical Framework of Pathology through Social …

Aligning Instruction With Extension Professional Competencies For An Enhanced Undergraduate Extension Education Minor, Joseph L. Donaldson, Wendy Warner, Jacklyn Bruce, Joy Morgan, Harriett Coleman Edwards, Rose Vaughan

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This paper reports on a three-year initiative to enhance the undergraduate Extension Education minor at a state land-grant university. Specific initiatives to improve the undergraduate Extension Education minor curriculum involved (a) revising the Extension Education minor due to varied curriculum and faculty changes and (b) aligning eight Extension Education courses’ units of study with Extension professional competency domains. The described processes helped understand the Extension Education curriculum by mapping competency domains and showing which domains were and were not taught in the eight courses. A key recommendation is to incorporate the alignment of Extension Education curriculum and Extension professional competencies …

Consumer Embeddedness And Motivations For Farmers Market Patronage: A Qualitative Exploration In Minnesota, Usa, Alanna Norton, Hye-Young Kim, Virginia Zuiker

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The rise in popularity of farmers markets in the United States reflects consumers’ negative response to more traditional food distribution systems. Farmers markets provide consumers with a more local and often more personal food purchasing experience. The purpose of this study was to examine consumer motivations to patronize farmers markets through the lens of social, spatial, and natural embeddedness. A qualitative approach was employed utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews. These interviews were conducted in person using a set of predetermined questions and revealed nine themes. The findings indicate that two types of consumer choices with different properties exist in farmers market …