Given the emerging diagnostic utility of extracellular vesicles (EVs), it is important to account for non-EV contaminants. Lipoprotein present in EV-enriched isolates may inflate particle counts and decrease sensitivity to...

The horticulture industry provides significant contributions to society, including healthy foods, economic development, recreation and leisure activities, among others. However, there are critical issues facing the horticulture industry which should be illuminated to ensure ongoing vitality and relevance, particularly within the COVID-19 pandemic context. The present study used the Delphi Technique to identify the most critical issues facing the horticulture industry as perceived by a panel of industry experts. Data were collected from February to October 2020 and thus preceded the initial declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic through the lifting of stay-at-home orders in most states. The expert panel arrived at a consensus on 34 specific issues, five of which were specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the Constant Comparative Method, the issues were thematically analyzed and grouped into five primary categories, including (alphabetically ordered): (1) disease and pest management, (2) education, research, and recruitment, (3) environmental conditions and natural resource availability, (4) labor challenges and considerations, and (5) production challenges and innovations. The results of the study provide a framework for both academic and practitioner audiences to identify critical focus areas for the industry within a COVID-19 context.

Horticulture is a vast scientific discipline ranging from ornamentals to consumable food, which is constantly evolving. One of primary goals of horticultural innovation is to improve consistency, and predictability, among products. Extension is one of the primary channels connecting innovations and technologies to growers. However, despite the importance of extension in the dissemination of horticultural advancements, there are no standards for the professionalization of extension networks. Therefore, there is a current gap in the ability to ensure consistency amongst extension providers through professionalization at the network level. The goal of the study was to develop and validate an extension professionalization scale to empirically measure the most critical factors associated with extension professionalization within extension networks. Methodologically, the study extends upon previous research which identified specific capacities associated with extension professionalization at the network level. Specifically, an exploratory factor analysis was undertaken to examine the latent factor structure of the previously identified items. The results of this study identified two primary factors associated with extension professionalization in networks: (a) awareness of the need for extension professionalization, and (b) the operational integration of extension professionalization activities at organizational levels. Although there is existing literature examining professionalization, there are no such instruments specifically developed within an extension context. The present study provides an original and novel tool to prepare more rigorously and consistently trained extension professionals to serve and support the horticulture industry.

Advancing information and communication technologies (ICTs) has become central to international agricultural and extension development efforts. ICTs are crucial in facilitating information transfer, ensuring stakeholder access to information, and increasing the decision- making capacity of smallholder farmers. The research presented here introduces an instrument developed to quantify perceptions of ICT use capacity within international extension networks. The aggregate scale was verified for content validity, response process validity, internal structure validity, and consequential validity informing its use. The instrument was administered to network members (n = 122) associated with the Global Forum for Rural Advisory Services. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted with measures of correlation and reliability analysed. Six factors were extracted and analysed further. The resulting Perceptions of ICT Use scale and factors can be used as reliable instruments for quantifying perceptions of ICT use capacity, enhancing international extension network needs assessments, and informing policies and practices which maximize ICT capacity. Keywords: information communication technology (ICT); scale development; rural advisory services; international extension; capacity assessment

With the frequency and intensity of natural disasters expected to increase as climate change persists, it is crucial for agricultural educators and extension agents around the world to develop the capacity to assist individuals in the wake of traumatic natural disasters. Data were collected in January 2019 and surveyed Georgia residents who they themselves, or someone they cared about, were affected by Hurricane Michael which occurred in October 2018. Data were measured using a modified version of Tedeschi and Calhoun’s (1996) 21-item posttraumatic growth inventory. Highest mean posttraumatic growth score was associated with the Relate to Others scale, while the lowest mean score was associated with the Appreciation of Life scale. Approximately 48% of respondents reported a large or very large change in their compassion for others and their appreciation of each day as a result of their traumatic experience. Female respondents scored higher than male respondents on all the posttraumatic growth factors. Significant differences at the .05 level between male and female mean posttraumatic growth scores were identified for five scale factors; personal strength; spiritual change; appreciation of life; and overall posttraumatic growth. These findings suggest females may be more adaptive to traumatic events and more likely to be receptive to the potential to perceive positive benefits resulting from traumatic experiences. An associated recommendation would be for agricultural educators and extension personnel to utilize the appreciative inquiry approach when assisting individuals recovering from natural disasters and other traumatic events. Keywords: posttraumatic growth; Hurricane Michael; natural disasters; appreciative inquiry

This study expands on previous research within an international extension context with a particular focus on identifying the capacities associated with effective organizational functioning. A panel composed of 31 experts participated in a three-round Delphi process and identified a list of 38 specific capacities associated with effective organizational functioning related to extension networks. Among the 38 specific items, five primary themes emerged: (1) an extension network should be transparent about its policies, procedures, and organizational intent; (2) knowledge sharing and collaboration within an extension network is critical; (3) general policies and management guidelines should be in place; (4) the development and maintenance of intentional, long-term relationships with various actors in extension, including stakeholders, policy-decision makers, and the private sector is critical; (5) reasonable expectations and guidelines should be established for both extension network officers and network members. The study’s results provide a guide within which extension networks and organizations may evaluate current capacities from both a developmental and strengths perspective.

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