Ohio State's Athletic Carbon Offset Plan

ENR 2367This project is an outlined plan to create carbon neutrality in the Ohio State athletics department. Using carbon-offsetting and community service, this plan hopes to reduce the athletic carbon footprint of 3500-tons.Academic Major: Environmental Policy and Decision MakingAcademic Major: Environmental ScienceAcademic Major: Geograph

Covariance estimation for characteristics of the Current Population Survey

In repeated surveys, the usual survey estimator of a characteristic can be represented as the sum of the true value and a measurement error, where the measurement error is due to sampling. If the sampling units stay in the survey for a fixed finite number of periods, then the sequence of sampling errors, \u[subscript]t, is a moving average. Assuming that the sequence of true values, \x[subscript]t is a realization of a time series, the objective of estimating the covariance structure of the series \x[subscript]t is considered;For the Current Population Survey, a components-of-variance model for the sampling error is estimated. Three components of variance are identified. These are a replicate component that is due to variation between primary sampling units, a permanent component associated with rotation groups within primary sampling units, and a transient component associated with rotation groups within primary sampling units. The replicate component and the permanent rotation group effects are assumed to be constant over time. The transient rotation group effect is assumed to be a third order autoregressive process. Under the 4-8-4 rotation scheme of the Current Population Survey, u[subscript] t is a fifteenth order moving average. Given the covariance function of \u[subscript]t, two estimation procedures of the structure of \x[subscript]t are proposed and applied to data from the Current Population Survey. The first procedure is a frequency domain estimation procedure and the second procedure uses autocovariances;The limiting distribution of the frequency domain estimator is derived. A Monte Carlo study of the estimator for the first order moving average is conducted. The distributional properties of the estimator and the asymptotic results are in reasonable agreement for samples on the order of 100 observations when the parameter is not close to the boundary

Plasmodium malariae and P. ovale genomes provide insights into malaria parasite evolution

Elucidation of the evolutionary history and interrelatedness of Plasmodium species that infect humans has been hampered by a lack of genetic information for three human-infective species: P. malariae and two P. ovale species (P. o. curtisi and P. o. wallikeri). These species are prevalent across most regions in which malaria is endemic and are often undetectable by light microscopy, rendering their study in human populations difficult. The exact evolutionary relationship of these species to the other human-infective species has been contested. Using a new reference genome for P. malariae and a manually curated draft P. o. curtisi genome, we are now able to accurately place these species within the Plasmodium phylogeny. Sequencing of a P. malariae relative that infects chimpanzees reveals similar signatures of selection in the P. malariae lineage to another Plasmodium lineage shown to be capable of colonization of both human and chimpanzee hosts. Molecular dating suggests that these host adaptations occurred over similar evolutionary timescales. In addition to the core genome that is conserved between species, differences in gene content can be linked to their specific biology. The genome suggests that P. malariae expresses a family of heterodimeric proteins on its surface that have structural similarities to a protein crucial for invasion of red blood cells. The data presented here provide insight into the evolution of the Plasmodium genus as a whole

Using web and mobile phone technologies to collect food market prices in Africa. Approaching real-time data and use of crowdsourcing, 2013 - 2016

Large agricultural commodity price swings observed in recent years have made the importance of accessible, timely, accurate and frequently updated price data more obvious. This study investigates the potential of innovative web and mobile phone technologies and alternative data collection methods such as crowdsourcing in order to collect food price data in Africa. The report summarises these experiences through the lessons learned and provides a detailed overview and assessment of different aspects of the collected data that can be of help for the success of future food price collection exercises.JRC.D.4-Economics of Agricultur

Exploring the Integration of Generative AI in Higher Education in Ghana: An Activity Theory Analysis

This paper explores the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in education through the lens of activity theory. Though extant research on the application of activity theory in information systems research has examined how technology mediates learning generally, it has not examined how activity theory can be applied to explore how GAI tools mediate students\u27 interactions with learning tasks, artefacts, and other social actors within the educational environment. Using an interpretive qualitative case study approach, and drawing on the foundational skills necessary for adopting and utilizing GAI tools and data through 67 participant interviews and observations, our analysis reveals several contradictions, the resolution of which can lead to transformative learning processes in the integration of GAI. The study provides recommendations for how GAI could be integrated into university settings through the lens of activity theory

Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter and multidrug resistance 1 genes: parasite risk factors that affect treatment outcomes for P. falciparum malaria after artemether-lumefantrine and artesunate-amodiaquine.

Adequate clinical and parasitologic cure by artemisinin combination therapies relies on the artemisinin component and the partner drug. Polymorphisms in the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter (pfcrt) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) genes are associated with decreased sensitivity to amodiaquine and lumefantrine, but effects of these polymorphisms on therapeutic responses to artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) have not been clearly defined. Individual patient data from 31 clinical trials were harmonized and pooled by using standardized methods from the WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network. Data for more than 7,000 patients were analyzed to assess relationships between parasite polymorphisms in pfcrt and pfmdr1 and clinically relevant outcomes after treatment with AL or ASAQ. Presence of the pfmdr1 gene N86 (adjusted hazards ratio = 4.74, 95% confidence interval = 2.29 - 9.78, P < 0.001) and increased pfmdr1 copy number (adjusted hazards ratio = 6.52, 95% confidence interval = 2.36-17.97, P < 0.001 : were significant independent risk factors for recrudescence in patients treated with AL. AL and ASAQ exerted opposing selective effects on single-nucleotide polymorphisms in pfcrt and pfmdr1. Monitoring selection and responding to emerging signs of drug resistance are critical tools for preserving efficacy of artemisinin combination therapies; determination of the prevalence of at least pfcrt K76T and pfmdr1 N86Y should now be routine

An aqueous-two phase extraction system for partitioning of anthocyanins from red cabbage

Due to their aesthetic value and positive health effects, anthocyanins as natural colorants have become very attractive in recent years. There is a need to develop simple and effective methods for the separation and purification of these natural pigments. An aqueous two-phase extraction (ATPE) system based on ethanol/ammonium sulfate is employed for the extraction and preliminary purification of anthocyanins from red cabbage. The influence of ethanol, ammonium sulfate, red cabbage amount and pH on the extraction of anthocyanins is investigated. The optimal extraction conditions (27% (v/v) ethanol, 22% (v/v) ammonium sulfate, 2.5% (v/v) anthocaynin extract, and pH 3.0) gave 83.7% of extraction yield for anthocyanins. The flavonoids and phenolics are concentrated at the top phase of ATPE with a yield of 78% and 82.5%, respectively. The sugars also partitioned and concentrated at the bottom phase with a yield of 79.5%. The stability studies showed that anthocyanins are very stable between the temperature range of 40−70 °C and the pH range of 3.0−6.0, respectively. At a temperature of 70 °C and at pH 6.0 nearly more than 70% of anthocyanin yield is obtained. The results indicated that ATPE technique have a great promise for the efficient recovery of anthocyanins and also removing of the impurities such as sugars

Quinine Treatment Selects the pfnhe-1 ms4760-1 Polymorphism in Malian Patients with Falciparum Malaria

Background. The mechanism of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to quinine is not known. In vitro quantitative trait loci mapping suggests involvement of a predicted P. falciparum sodium-hydrogen exchanger (pfnhe-1) on chromosome 13. Methods. We conducted prospective quinine efficacy studies in 2 villages, Kolle and Faladie, Mali. Cases of clinical malaria requiring intravenous therapy were treated with standard doses of quinine and followed for 28 days. Treatment outcomes were classified using modified World Health Organization protocols. Molecular markers of parasite polymorphisms were used to distinguish recrudescent parasites from new infections. The prevalence of pfnhe-1 ms4760-1 among parasites before versus after quinine treatment was determined by direct sequencing. Results. Overall, 163 patients were enrolled and successfully followed. Without molecular correction, the mean adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 50.3% (n = 163). After polymerase chain reaction correction to account for new infections, the corrected ACPR was 100%. The prevalence of ms4760-1 increased significantly, from 26.2% (n = 107) before quinine treatment to 46.3% (n = 54) after therapy (P = .01). In a control sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine study, the prevalence of ms4760-1 was similar before and after treatment. Conclusions. This study supports a role for pfnhe-1 in decreased susceptibility of P. falciparum to quinine in the field.Howard Hughes Medical Institute [55005502]; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership [EDCTP IP_07_31060_002]info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sex-dependent least toxic timing of irinotecan combined with chronomodulated chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer : randomized multicenter

The least toxic time (LTT) of irinotecan varied by up to 8 hours according to sex and genetic background in mice. The translational relevance was investigated within a randomized trial dataset, where no LTT stood out significantly in the whole population. 130 male and 63 female eligible patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were randomized to receive chronomodulated Irinotecan with peak delivery rate at 1 of 6 clock hours staggered by 4 hours on day 1, then fixed‐time chronomodulated Fluorouracil‐Leucovorin‐Oxaliplatin for 4 days, q3 weeks. The sex‐specific circadian characteristics of grade (G) 3‐4 toxicities were mapped with cosinor and time*sex interactions confirmed with Fisher's exact test. Baseline characteristics of male or female patients were similar in the six treatment groups. Main grade 3‐4 toxicities over six courses were diarrhea (males vs females, 39.2%; vs 46.0%), neutropenia (15.6% vs 15.0%), fatigue (11.5% vs 15.9%), and anorexia (10.0% vs 7.8%). They were reduced following irinotecan peak delivery in the morning for males, but in the afternoon for females, with statistically significant rhythms (P < .05 from cosinor) and sex*timing interactions (Fisher's exact test, diarrhea, P = .023; neutropenia, P = .015; fatigue, P = .062; anorexia, P = .032). Irinotecan timing was most critical for females, with grades 3‐4 ranging from 55.2% of the patients (morning) to 29.4% (afternoon) for diarrhea, and from 25.9% (morning) to 0% (afternoon) for neutropenia. The study results support irinotecan administration in the morning for males and in the afternoon for females, in order to minimize adverse events without impairing efficacy