Observations of the 1992 U.S. Pelagic Pair Trawl Fishery in the Northwest Atlantic

Pelagic pair trawling for tuna, Thunnus spp., and swordfish, Xiphias gladius, was introduced in U.S. Northwest Atlantic waters in 1991. During autumn (October-November) of 1992 under the authority oft he Federal Atlantic Swordfish Regulations, the National Marine Fisheries Service placed observers aboard pelagic pair trawl vessels to document the catch, bycatch, discard, and gear used in this new fishery. The fishery is conducted primarily at night along shelf-edge waters from June to November. In late 1991, revised regulations restricted swordfish to bycatch in this fishery resulting in pelagic pair trawl vessels targeting tuna throughout 1992. Analyses of 1992 data indicate that albacore, T. alalunga, was the predominant species caught, although yellowfin tuna, T. albaeares, and bigeye tuna, T. obesus, were the preferred target species. Bycatch also included swordfish, large sharks, pelagic rays and other pelagic fishes, other tunas, and marine mammals

Evaluation of effectiveness of class-based nutrition intervention on changes in soft drink and milk consumption among young adults

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>During last few decades, soft drink consumption has steadily increased while milk intake has decreased. Excess consumption of soft drinks and low milk intake may pose risks of several diseases such as dental caries, obesity, and osteoporosis. Although beverage consumption habits form during young adulthood, which has a strong impact on beverage choices in later life, nutrition education programs on beverages are scarce in this population. The purpose of this investigation was 1) to assess soft drink and milk consumption and 2) to evaluate the effectiveness of 15-week class-based nutrition intervention in changing beverage choices among college students.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A total of 80 college students aged 18 to 24 years who were enrolled in basic nutrition class participated in the study. Three-day dietary records were collected, verified, and analyzed before and after the intervention. Class lectures focused on healthful dietary choices related to prevention of chronic diseases and were combined with interactive hands on activities and dietary feedback.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Class-based nutrition intervention combining traditional lecture and interactive activities was successful in decreasing soft drink consumption. Total milk consumption, specifically fat free milk, increased in females and male students changed milk choice favoring skim milk over low fat milk. (1% and 2%).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Class-based nutrition education focusing on prevention of chronic diseases can be an effective strategy in improving both male and female college students' beverage choices. Using this type of intervention in a general nutrition course may be an effective approach to motivate changes in eating behaviors in a college setting.</p

Review of the Nutritional Status of WIC Participants: Final Report

Excerpt from the Executive Summary: The Secretary of Agriculture committed the Department to conduct a comprehensive study of the nutritional adequacy of supplemental food packages provided in the WIC Program (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children). The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion is charged with the Department’s nutritional review. The goal of the review is to assess how well the WIC food packages perform as supplemental food packages assisting low-income recipients to meet nutritional standards for a healthful diet. The goal has three component tasks: (1) identify current nutritional recommendations for each of the WIC participant groups; (2) assess the diets of WIC participants in light of these standards; (3) examine the contribution of the WIC food packages to meeting the standards. From this assessment, any nutrient gaps or excesses among the WIC populations can be identified, along with opportunities for improving the WIC package

The Healthy Eating Index: 1999-2000

To assess and monitor the dietary status of Americans, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion developed the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). The HEI consists of 10 components, each representing different aspects of a healthful diet: Components 1-5 measure the degree to which a person's diet conforms to serving recommendations for the five major food groups of the Food Guide Pyramid (grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat); Components 6 and 7 measure total fat and saturated fat consumption, respectively, as a percentage of total food energy intake; Components 8 and 9 measure total cholesterol and sodium intake; and Component 10 examines variety in a person's diet. The HEI was computed for people 2 years old and over and subgroups of the population; data from the 1999- 2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used to derive their HEI scores. Most people had a diet that needs improvement. Ten percent of the population had a good diet, 16 percent had a poor diet, and the remainder had a diet that needs improvement. Americans need especially to improve their consumption of fruit and milk products. Males age 15 to 18, in particular, tended to have lower quality diets. Non-Hispanic Blacks, low-income groups, and those with a high school diploma or less education also had lower quality diets. The diets of Americans have not changed since 1996, but they have improved since 1989. These updated findings provide a better understanding of the types of dietary changes needed to improve people's eating patterns

Gerontology education offerings: experiences of Iowa Human Sciences Extension and Outreach educators

Iowa State University Human Sciences Extension and Outreach (HSEO) provides informal educational opportunities to older adults and their families in rural Iowa within the subject areas of family life, family finance, and nutrition and wellness. The successful implementation of educational opportunities is partially determined by the knowledge of HSEO educators who connect with rural older adults. Although past literature has identified gaps of transportation issues and healthcare access for older adults in rural areas, we aimed to extend this literature to understand rural aging experience through the perspective of Iowa State University HSEO educators’ interaction with rural older adults. We outline the Extension model as a national system and as part of the land-grant university, together with the role it plays in providing community-based education to support the health and well-being of rural older adults and their families. In 2018, 28 HSEO educators completed the revised Fraboni Scale of Ageism, which assessed their ageism levels. Results indicated relatively low levels of ageism (M = 37.75, SD = 7.44). Follow-up interviews with a subsample of 13 educators were conducted to delineate perceived barriers and needs for alternative delivery and marketing methods to improve outreach in rural areas. Results from this study will be used to inform the creation, implementation, and evaluation of new educational offerings within Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, with the goal to improve the well-being of older adults and their families in rural Iowa. We provide recommendations for other professionals who work with older adults in rural areas