An alumni benchmark analysis of the master of agriculture program in professional agriculture at Iowa State University (1979-2004)

The study assessed students\u27 perceptions about the Master of Agriculture in professional agriculture (ProAg) program that is offered off-campus. It also provides information regarding the number of graduate students who enrolled in this program and are now working in agriculture related occupations. Alumni of the program provided feedback regarding the content of the ProAg program in agriculture. It serves as an analysis tool for assessing the effectiveness of the ProAg program in the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University. The College of Agriculture could use the data and information collected from this study for future program planning as well as to guide decisions regarding the curriculum. It could also serve as a guideline when designing and delivering future distance education Master\u27s Degree programs at Iowa State University.;The purpose of this study was to assess the current ProAg Master\u27s Degree program by providing information about Iowa State University alumni\u27s description of current practices used which could serve in improving the quality of the program. The objectives of the study were: (1) Provide an accurate illustration of the current distance education Master\u27s Degree programs offered from the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University; (2) Enable administrators, and staff members at Iowa State University to readjust and reassess the program to fit and meet new demands in the marketplace; (3) Provide valuable information about services and support given to students; and (4) Help Iowa State University in offering future distance education Master\u27s Degree programs from the College of Agriculture. Results of the study revealed that many graduates who are working currently in agricultural related jobs did benefit enormously from the ProAg program in gaining new knowledge, and analytical and problem solving skills. Graduates were satisfied and praised the flexibility of the program which also assisted many of them in earning a post graduate degree while maintaining and advancing in their jobs. Some participants indicated that the program was not well advertised and they did not have access to financial aid services. Participants were satisfied with interaction and teaching methods with their instructors. In conclusion the ProAg is a successful program

Extension as a source of agricultural information in the media

Many studies have attempted to determine the use and sources of information within the agricultural sector but none have examined the way different media sources accredit Land-Grant Extension Service as a main source of information. This study aimed to determine if the Iowa media considers Extension to be a major, reliable source of agricultural information. Through content analysis of selected samples of agricultural news and issues, the study explores the attribution of Land-Grant Universities' Extension Services as a credible source of information in both print and broadcast media. The sample consisted of two TV programs Ag Day and U.S. Farm Report; two radio programs The Big Show airs over WHO-AM (1040 MHz) and Power Lunch is broadcast over WMT-AM (60OMHz); two agricultural magazines (Wallaces Farmer and Progressive Farmer); and the Des Moines Register Sunday newspaper. The results of the content analysis showed that the print media examined cited the Extension services of Land-Grant Universities more than any other source, cited more information sources from Land-Grant Universities' Extension Services, followed by federal and state agricultural agencies, private for-profit providers, farmers, commodity groups, government officials, and other sources. However, broadcast media cited the majority of their information from private for-profit sources, followed by commodity groups, federal and state agricultural agencies, Extension services of Land-Grant Universities, government officials, farmers, and other sources

Prevalence of trachoma in four marakez of Elmenia and Bani Suef Governorates, Egypt.

PURPOSE: In 2015, to determine where interventions are needed to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem from Egypt, we initiated population-based prevalence surveys using the Global Trachoma Mapping Project platform in four suspected-endemic marakez (districts; singular: markaz) of the governorates of Elmenia and Bani Suef. METHODS: In each markaz, 30 households were selected in each of 25 villages. Certified graders examined a total of 3682 children aged 1-9 years in 2993 households, noting the presence or absence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) in each eye. A total of 5582 adults aged ≥15 years living in the same households were examined for trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Household-level access to water and sanitation was recorded. RESULTS: Three of four marakez had age-adjusted TF prevalence estimates in 1-9-year olds of >10%; the other markaz had a TF prevalence estimate of 5-9.9%. Estimates of the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of unmanaged TT in adults ranged from 0.7% to 2.3%. Household-level access to water and sanitation was high. (We did not, however, measure use of water or sanitation facilities.) Conclusions: Each of the four marakez surveyed has trachoma as a public health problem, with a need for implementation of the SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, environmental improvement) strategy. Further mapping is also required to determine the need for interventions in other areas of Egypt

Prevalence of trachoma in four marakez of Elmenia and Bani Suef Governorates, Egypt.

PurposeIn 2015, to determine where interventions are needed to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem from Egypt, we initiated population-based prevalence surveys using the Global Trachoma Mapping Project platform in four suspected-endemic marakez (districts; singular: markaz) of the governorates of Elmenia and Bani Suef.MethodsIn each markaz, 30 households were selected in each of 25 villages. Certified graders examined a total of 3682 children aged 1-9 years in 2993 households, noting the presence or absence of trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) in each eye. A total of 5582 adults aged ≥15 years living in the same households were examined for trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Household-level access to water and sanitation was recorded.ResultsThree of four marakez had age-adjusted TF prevalence estimates in 1-9-year olds of >10%; the other markaz had a TF prevalence estimate of 5-9.9%. Estimates of the age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of unmanaged TT in adults ranged from 0.7% to 2.3%. Household-level access to water and sanitation was high. (We did not, however, measure use of water or sanitation facilities.) Conclusions: Each of the four marakez surveyed has trachoma as a public health problem, with a need for implementation of the SAFE (surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, environmental improvement) strategy. Further mapping is also required to determine the need for interventions in other areas of Egypt