Inside the Black Box—An Implementation Evaluation Case Study

The case study presented in this article is an example of an implementation evaluation. The evaluation investigated significant components of the implementation of a long-term environmental educational program. Direct observation, evaluation-specific survey data, and historical data were used to determine program integrity as identified by adherence to original expectations, dosage, quality of delivery, participant responsiveness, and differentiation from other programs. The evaluation provided key information for replicating and expanding a successful program and exploring areas in which positive changes can be made. The article illustrates how the evaluation methodology that was applied can be useful for other Extension programs

Rainwater Harvesting at the Department of Public Works

As part of an urban Extension initiative that focuses on reducing storm water runoff from impervious surfaces, Rutgers Cooperative Extension installed 5,000-gal cisterns at the Department of Public Works (DPW) facilities in Clark Township and the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, to harvest rainwater from the rooftops of the garages at these facilities. This project intercepts rooftop runoff before it can carry nonpoint source pollutants from the land surrounding the DPW garages. The harvested rainwater is used to fill street sweepers, wash municipal vehicles, and supply water for a green car wash to support volunteer groups

Adherence with tobramycin inhaled solution and health care utilization

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Adherence with tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS) during routine cystic fibrosis (CF) care may differ from recommended guidelines and affect health care utilization.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed 2001-2006 healthcare claims data from 45 large employers. Study subjects had diagnoses of CF and at least 1 prescription for TIS. We measured adherence as the number of TIS therapy cycles completed during the year and categorized overall adherence as: low ≤ 2 cycles, medium >2 to <4 cycles, and high ≥ 4 cycles per year. Interquartile ranges (IQR) were created for health care utilization and logistic regression analysis of hospitalization risk was conducted by TIS adherence categories.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Among 804 individuals identified with CF and a prescription for TIS, only 7% (n = 54) received ≥ 4 cycles of TIS per year. High adherence with TIS was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization when compared to individuals receiving ≤ 2 cycles (adjusted odds ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval 0.19-0.84). High adherence with TIS was also associated with lower outpatient service costs (IQR: $2,159-$8444 vs. $2,410-$14,423) and higher outpatient prescription drug costs (IQR: $35,125-$60,969 vs. $10,353-$46,768).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Use of TIS did not reflect recommended guidelines and may impact other health care utilization.</p

Meta‐Analysis of Genome‐wide Linkage Studies in BMI and Obesity

Objective: The objective was to provide an overall assessment of genetic linkage data of BMI and BMI‐defined obesity using a nonparametric genome scan meta‐analysis. Research Methods and Procedures: We identified 37 published studies containing data on over 31,000 individuals from more than >10,000 families and obtained genome‐wide logarithm of the odds (LOD) scores, non‐parametric linkage (NPL) scores, or maximum likelihood scores (MLS). BMI was analyzed in a pooled set of all studies, as a subgroup of 10 studies that used BMI‐defined obesity, and for subgroups ascertained through type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or subjects of European ancestry. Results: Bins at chromosome 13q13.2‐ q33.1, 12q23‐q24.3 achieved suggestive evidence of linkage to BMI in the pooled analysis and samples ascertained for hypertension. Nominal evidence of linkage to these regions and suggestive evidence for 11q13.3‐22.3 were also observed for BMI‐defined obesity. The FTO obesity gene locus at 16q12.2 also showed nominal evidence for linkage. However, overall distribution of summed rank p values <0.05 is not different from that expected by chance. The strongest evidence was obtained in the families ascertained for hypertension at 9q31.1‐qter and 12p11.21‐q23 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Despite having substantial statistical power, we did not unequivocally implicate specific loci for BMI or obesity. This may be because genes influencing adiposity are of very small effect, with substantial genetic heterogeneity and variable dependence on environmental factors. However, the observation that the FTO gene maps to one of the highest ranking bins for obesity is interesting and, while not a validation of this approach, indicates that other potential loci identified in this study should be investigated further.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/93663/1/oby.2007.269.pd

Impact of Optimized Breastfeeding on the Costs of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Extremely Low Birthweight Infants

To estimate risk of NEC for ELBW infants as a function of preterm formula and maternal milk (MM) intake and calculate the impact of suboptimal feeding on NEC incidence and costs

Ernest Boyd, a semi-detached intellectual

This study is the account of a man of many talents diverted by a success too easy and a failure too hard to allow full realization of any of them. Ernest A. Boyd started his literary career as a distinguished critic and historian of the Irish Literary Renaissance. He ended it as a querulous and irresponsible detractor of everything he encountered. The twenty-three years between these events were crowded with bibulous and productive days. [...]English, Department o

The Art and Science of Rain Barrels: A Service Learning Approach to Youth Watershed Action

Using an interdisciplinary approach to water resource education, 4-H Youth Development and Environmental Extension agents enlisted 4-H teens to connect local watershed education with social action. Teens participated in a dynamic service learning project that included learning about nonpoint source pollution; constructing, decorating, and teaching families about rain barrels; and selling the barrels at the county fair. The program resulted in significant knowledge increase among the teens. Furthermore, rain barrel installation rates were higher than the average rates of similar Extension programs. This program, while small in scale, illustrates the potential of employing teens as teachers in interdisciplinary Extension programs

Compassionate Response to Critical Needs: The Ignatian Charism and the Sisters of St. Joseph

Founder and Foundresses: How was the joint venture between a Jesuit home missionary and six French women begun and what has allowed it to flourish over three centuries? We explored the collaborative efforts of these women and men who, with their lay partners seek to serve both Church and society now and in the future. A reception followed. Special thanks to our partners, Magis. Speakers: Robert W. Scholla, S.J., Rector, LMU Jesuit CommunityRobert W. Scholla, S.J. is a native of Los Angeles and a graduate of Loyola High School. Before entering the Society of Jesus, he did undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Southern California and graduate work in Education at the University of California in Berkeley. As a Jesuit, he obtained his M.A. in Mediaeval Philosophy from Fordham University and later spent seven years working and studying in Rome where he completed his Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. Father Scholla is passionate about education and is one of the few Jesuits who has taught K through Graduate School. While at Loyola Marymount University, he has had the opportunity to teach in the Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, the School of Education and Loyola Law School. Since 2006 he has served as the Rector of the Jesuit Community at LMU. Anne Hennessy, C.S.J., Associate Director, Center for Ignatian SpiritualityAnne Hennessy, C.S.J. is an educator, long active in the on-going formation of Christian adults. She was a member of the Faculty of Spiritual Theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, and was assistant director at a Jesuit-run scripture center near Tiberias, Israel. She served one term on the general council of her congregation and is completing her third term on the LMU Board of Trustees. From 2006 to 2011, she was a co-founder of the Pierre Favre program and frequent retreat director at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos. Anne\u27s main areas of interest are the social context of the Gospels and the impact of Ignatian spirituality on the foundation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her writings in these areas have been published in several languages. She is presently Assistant Director of LMU\u27s Center for Ignatian Spirituality.)Respondents: Michael P. Horan, Ph.DMichael Horan, Professor of Theological Studies, joined the LMU faculty in 1994 after serving as chair of Religious Studies at Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. Dr. Horan holds a Ph.D. With a specialization in pastoral theology and religious education from the Catholic University of America, and his writing and teaching focus on the role of lay ministry in shaping the Catholic church\u27s current and future self-understanding. Michael has served the University in several capacities during the past seventeen years, including as chair of the committee on Mission and Identity and as chair of the Theological Studies Department. Patricia Connor, RSHMPatricia Connor, RSHM, has served in leadership of The Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), as General Superior (1985-1995) and Provincial (2003-2009; 1976-1982). She has experience of the RSHM Mission throughout the world and has collaborated with RSHM Sisters in educational institutions and other apostolic works in various countries. She has been involved in RSHM education at all levels, teaching in RSHM schools and serving on Boards of RSHM educational institutions and sponsored ministries, including Loyola Marymount University, and she has directed diverse educational and enrichment programs at A Place Called Home, a center in South Los Angeles for youth at risk. She currently serves on the Boards of South Central Los Angeles Ministry Project (Chair), Marymount High School, Los Angeles, and A Place Called Home, Los Angeles. Sr. Patricia has lived deeply the journey of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary in re-appropriating the Institute’s charism across cultures and nationalities in responding to the needs of our time

CHILE: an evidence-based preschool intervention for obesity prevention in Head Start.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major concern among American Indians and Hispanics. The Child Health Initiative for Lifelong Eating and Exercise (CHILE) is an evidence-based intervention to prevent obesity in children enrolled in 16 Head Start (HS) Centers in rural communities. The design and implementation of CHILE are described. METHODS: CHILE uses a socioecological approach to improve dietary intake and increase physical activity. The intervention includes: a classroom curriculum; teacher and food service training; family engagement; grocery store participation; and health care provider support. RESULTS: Lessons learned from CHILE include the need to consider availability of recommended foods; the necessity of multiple training sessions for teachers and food service; the need to tailor the family events to local needs; consideration of the profit needs of grocery stores; and sensitivity to the time constraints of health care providers. CONCLUSIONS: HS can play an important role in preventing obesity in children. CHILE is an example of a feasible intervention that addresses nutrition and physical activity for preschool children that can be incorporated into HS curricula and aligns with HS national performance standards

Ketogenic diet in combination with voluntary exercise impacts markers of hepatic metabolism and oxidative stress in male and female Wistar rats

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are shown to benefit hepatic metabolism; however, their effect on the liver when combined with exercise is unknown. We investigated the effects of a KD versus a “western” diet (WD) on markers of hepatic lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in exercising rats. Male and female Wistar rats with access to voluntary running wheels were randomized to 3 groups (n = 8–14 per group): standard chow (SC; 17% fat), WD (42% fat), or KD (90.5% fat) for 7 weeks. Body fat percentage (BF%) was increased in WD and KD versus SC, although KD females displayed lower BF% versus WD (p ≤ 0.05). Liver triglycerides were higher in KD and WD versus SC but were attenuated in KD females versus WD (p ≤ 0.05). KD suppressed hepatic markers of de novo lipogenesis (fatty acid synthase, acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase) and increased markers of mitochondrial biogenesis/content (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-1α, mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), and citrate synthase activity). KD also increased hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and lowered oxidized glutathione. Female rats exhibited elevated hepatic markers of mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM), mitophagy (light chain 3 II/I ratio, autophagy-related protein 12:5), and cellular energy homeostasis (phosphorylated 5′AMP-activated protein kinase/5′AMP-activated protein kinase) versus males. These data highlight that KD and exercise beneficially impacts hepatic metabolism and oxidative stress and merits further investigation. Novelty KD feeding combined with exercise improved hepatic oxidative stress, suppressed markers of de novo lipogenesis, and increased markers of mitochondrial content versus WD feeding. Males and females responded similarly to combined KD feeding and exercise. Female rats exhibited elevated hepatic markers of autophagy/mitophagy and energy homeostasis compared with male rats.The accepted manuscript in pdf format is listed with the files at the bottom of this page. The presentation of the authors' names and (or) special characters in the title of the manuscript may differ slightly between what is listed on this page and what is listed in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript; that in the pdf file of the accepted manuscript is what was submitted by the author