In Virginia, over one million households rely on private water supplies (e.g. well, spring, cistern). Previous literature acknowledges bacterial contamination in private water supplies as a significant public health concern in the United States. The present study tested private wells and springs in 20 Virginia counties for total coliforms (TC) and E. coli (EC) along with a suite of chemical contaminants. Sample collection was organized by the Virginia Household Water Quality Program (VAHWQP), a Virginia Cooperative Extension effort managed by faculty in the Biological Systems Engineering Department. Microbial and chemical source tracking were used to identify possible sources of contamination. A logistic regression was employed to investigate potential correlations between TC contamination and chemical parameters (e.g. NO3-, turbidity) as well as homeowner provided survey data describing system characteristics and perceived water quality. TC and EC contamination were quantified via the Colilert (www.idexx.com) defined substrate method for most probable number (MPN) of EC and TC per 100 mL of water. Of the 538 samples collected, 41% (n=221) were positive for TC and 10% (n=53) for EC. Chemical parameters were not statistically predictive of microbial contamination. Well depth, water treatment, and farm location proximate to the water supply were factors in a regression model that predicted presence/absence of TC with 74% accuracy. Microbial and chemical source tracking techniques (Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and fluorometry, respectively) identified 4 of 26 samples as likely contaminated with human wastewater. Application of these source-tracking analyses on a larger scale will prove useful in defining remediation strategies. / Master of Science

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No description available.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between Arkansas County Extension County staff morale and their perceived relationship county staff had with their County Staff Chair. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (UAEX) can utilize the results from this research to identify individuals who have the capacity to build high-quality relationships with staff members, thereby promoting higher levels of morale within the organization. Administrators can use this study to identify current or future leaders within the organization by identifying those who can promote high-quality relationships with county-level staff. Results from this study may also be used to identify individuals needing training in developing high-quality relationships. It utilized surveys to collect data. Therefore, Qualtrics was used to distribute the Leader-Member Exchange-7 (LMX-7) and the Staff Morale Questionnaire (SMQ) electronically through the UAEX email distribution list of county employees. Participants were asked to provide a numeric response (1-5) for the seven statements relating to the Leader-member exchange (LMX) on the LMX-7. Each statement had a different 5-point scale, but 1 represented the lowest rated response, 3 represented the average or neutral response, and 5 represented the highest rated response. In addition, participants were asked to provide a numeric response (1-4) where 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree, and 4 = strongly agree for the 27 statements relating to the three constructs (Leadership Synergy, Cohesive Pride, and Personal Challenge) of the SMQ. Overall, UAEX county employees reported moderate to high morale, which was directly related to their perceived quality of relationship with their County Staff Chair. The implications of this study suggest that leader-member relationships can affect employee morale in all three constructs measured. The higher the quality of relationship employees perceive with their staff chair, the higher their morale will be. County staff had moderate to high level of morale in each of the three constructs as measured by the SMQ. County-level staff also felt united in striving to achieve the goals and mission of their county office and Extension as a whole.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made contaminants of increasing human health concern due to their resistance to degradation, widespread occurrence in the environment, bioaccumulation in human and animal organ tissue, and potential negative health impacts. Drinking water is suspected to be a primary source of human PFAS exposure, so the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set interim and final health advisories for several PFAS species that are applicable to municipal water supplies. However, private drinking water supplies may be uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination, as these systems are not subject to EPA regulation and often include limited treatment prior to use for drinking or cooking. The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of PFAS contamination in private drinking water supplies in two counties in Southwest Virginia (Floyd and Roanoke), and to examine the potential for reliance on citizen-science based strategies for sample collection in subsequent broader sampling efforts. Samples for inorganic ions, bacteria, and PFAS analysis were collected on separate occasions by homeowners and experts at the home drinking water point of use (POU) in 10 Roanoke and 10 Floyd County homes for comparison. Experts also collected an outside tap PFAS sample. At least one PFAS compound was detected in 76% of POU samples collected (n=60), with an average total PFAS concentration of 23.5 parts per trillion (ppt). PFOA and PFOS, which are currently included in EPA health advisories, were detected in 13% and 22% of POU samples, respectively. Of the 31 PFAS species targeted, 15 were detected in at least one sample. On average, a single POU sample contained approximately 3 PFAS, and one sample contained as many as 8 different species, indicating that exposure to PFAS in complex mixtures is worth noting. Although there were significant differences in total PFAS concentrations between expert and homeowner collected samples (Wilcoxon, alpha = 0.05), it is unclear whether this difference was due to contamination by the collector or the water usage and time of day of sampling (i.e. morning, afternoon). It is worth noting that there was no significant difference in the number of PFAS species in the samples collected by homeowners and experts. Given the considerable variation in PFAS detections between homes, future studies reliant on homeowner collection of samples appears possible given proper training and instruction to collect at the same time of day (i.e. first thing in the morning). / Master of Science / Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to a large family of manmade compounds that are commonly used in a variety of household and consumer products due to their unique water and stain resistant properties. PFAS compounds are not easily broken down in the environment and have been detected globally in air, soil, and water samples. In addition to their environmental detections, PFAS are slow to be removed from the body after ingestion and known to cause negative health effects in concentrations less than one part per trillion. Drinking water is considered to a main source of PFAS consumption for humans; as such, the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set strict, but not legally binding, interim and final health advisories (HA) for four types of PFAS. However, these health advisories only apply to public water services and do not cover private drinking water systems, such as wells or springs, which are the full responsibility of the well owner. Private drinking water system users often do not treat their water before drinking which may make these systems uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination. This study focused on 20 total homes, 10 in Roanoke County and 10 in Floyd County to see if PFAS was present and to determine whether or not homeowners would be able to collect their own samples for PFAS analysis at home as accurately as researchers or experts with proper instructions. Homeowners and experts collected drinking water samples inside at a point of use (POU), usually at a kitchen faucet, and outside of the home, usually from a tap. PFAS were present in 76% (n=60) of POU samples, with an average combined concentration of 23.5 parts per trillion (ppt). The two most well studied PFAS, PFOA and PFOS were detected in 13% and 22% of POU samples, respectively. It was also common to detect at least 3 PFAS in a single sample. Although there were differences in total average concentrations of PFAS in samples collected by homeowners and experts, variation could be caused by several factors indicating that with proper training and instruction it is likely future studies could still rely on homeowners to collect samples for PFAS analysis.

Work-life balance is a key indicator of employee satisfaction, retention, and social health as well as organizational creativity and productivity. These dual benefits for employee and employer have generated interest in promoting work-life balance. Supervisors who operate from a transformational leadership framework have been linked to greater work-life balance among employees (Lamm, 2011; (Kutilek, Conklin, & Gunderson, 2002). The role of a supportive organizational culture is also central (Lewis, 2001). In this study, Cooperative Extension Service agents (N = 1390) participated in a nationwide survey exploring the relationship between rated levels of transformational leadership among district directors, work-life balance, and work-life balance organizational culture. The results from confirmatory factor analyses indicate these three separate dimensions. The findings from the structural equation model demonstrate that all paths, except transformational leadership to personal life interference with work, are statistically significant. Work-life balance organizational culture is the largest contributor to the total effect of these associations. This study confirms that the supervisor and organizational culture join together to forge an important alliance of support for work-life balance among subordinates. Findings reveal the need for additional study of specific ways leaders foster positive work-life balance organizational culture.

Although healthy relationship initiatives are becoming more common, relatively little is known about the processes and outcomes of these initiatives. This study uses a phenomenological qualitative approach to examine the experiences of Family and Consumer Science (FCS) extension agents in the implementation of couple and relationship education in the Utah Healthy Relationship Initiative. Data were collected through quarterly report forms submitted by extension agents describing successes and barriers to their work. Successes in the project related to collaborative partnerships, attendance/participation, and positive outcomes for participants. Collaborative partnerships were instrumental in reaching more participants and finding cultural resources. The challenges that agents reported included constraints for participants and agents' difficulties with resources. The findings underscore the benefits of creating flexible, low-intensity, and low-cost activities that attract participants and reduce some of the barriers to participation, as well as teaming up with community organizations to implement couple and relationship education programs.

The land-grant university and the cowboy church are two social institutions designed to engage communities. Research is abundant on the former and limited on the latter. The purpose of this study was to provide a descriptive report on cowboy churches, while identifying the potential for university-cowboy church collaborations and examining the direct implications to Cooperative Extension. Rogers' Diffusions of Innovations conceptualized this study and was employed to evaluate the acceptability of university-cowboy church collaborations. This basic qualitative study utilized a purposive snowball technique to identify key informants of the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches (AFCC). Ten subjects participated in semi-structured, face-to-face and phone interviews. Data were analyzed for common themes and patterns within the context of each of this study's objectives. Findings described cowboy churches affiliated with the AFCC, the interpersonal and mass media communication channels used by these churches, and subject awareness of Cooperative Extension. Conclusions and implications suggest university-cowboy church collaborations are an acceptable innovation, especially in the context of Extension collaborations. There are relative advantages for such collaborations, shared compatibility through each institution's mission, and ample opportunities for trialibility. County agents should initiate contact with cowboy church pastors and collaborations should be initiated regarding in information exchange, horses, livestock shows, and youth.

Losing a spouse is as devastating an experience anyone will ever deal with in his or her life. Research, however, shows that men have a harder and longer time coping with the loss of a spouse than women. When the widower’s profession is farming, there are no resources to specifically help that individual with their loss. The purpose of this research was to gain insight into the lives of widowed farmers with particular focus on transitions in their farming operation and their family life. Through their stories, we learn what is happening before the loss of the female spouse on the farm, during the bereavement period, and how the farmer handles the situation after the bereavement period has ended. Findings indicate that the Cooperative Extension Service can play a major role in supporting our widowed farmers as they seek a new normal for their farm operation and family life. Also, farming widowers have more stress following the loss of a spouse due to the added aspect of managing the farm and the home simultaneously after the passing of their spouse. Recommendations include further expanding spousal bereavement materials to include a section for males and in particular farming widowers.