Impaired T Lymphocyte Responses in Older Macaques: Possible Implications for Lentiviral Disease Progression

Lentiviral infections of humans and rhesus macaques result in acquired immunodeficiency almost invariably. Yet the duration between the initial infection and the onset of generalized failure of the immune system varies between subjects, in both organisms. Furthermore, acquiring the infection at an older age tends to accelerate disease progression, but mechanisms underlying the latter phenomenon have not been elucidated. It is widely accepted that the events that take place during the very early stages of infection play a critical role in determining disease progression. During this brief period, a fierce competition between viral virulence mechanisms and host immune defenses takes place. I hypothesize that critical immune responses, such as those associated with better outcome in primate lentiviral infections, are lost in rhesus macaques at older age. If true, the loss of these critical immune responses at the early, fate-determining stages of infection would explain rapid progression among those who acquire the infection at older age. Immunological parameters that have been associated with better outcome in primate lentiviral infections include multifunctional T lymphocyte responses, robust proliferative capacity, and production of interleukin 2 (IL-2) (16). Investigating how these immunological parameters change as the animals advance in age may help us predict the possible mechanisms underlying rapid progression in older macaques, and by extension people. In this study, macaques of advanced age (21 - 29 years) were compared to young adult animals (3 - 7 years). I tested T cell qualities that have been linked to better outcome in primate lentiviral infections in the two age groups. Although most previous studies were based on studied carried out using infected animals, I tested uninfected animals. The rationale is that the observed divergence in infection outcome must have resulted from pre-infection, inherent differences between the two age groups. Post-infection studies can help identify protective responses in an immunologically protected group, while pre-infection studies provide an opportunity to define intrinsic differences in an unaltered immune system that might have resulted in the divergent outcome after infection. Since in primate lentiviral infections the younger population is not protected (since the role is susceptibility in humans and macaques), I do not expect to identify a truly protective immune profile by examining post-infection responses. In fact, some of the potentially important responses can be masked by infection-induced impairments of the immune system. For this reason, I decided to focus this study on pre-infection qualities of T cells. Due to the large number of variables involved in the current study, I used principal components analysis (PCA) to identify the most discriminatory immunological parameters between the two age groups. PCA was used to enable the simultaneous evaluation of multiple parameters, which provides an advantage over univariate statistical analysis. Since PCA, as well as other multivariate methods, are scarcely used in immunology, which contributes to the novelty of this study. Here, I show that the lentiviral-relevant immune responses, particularly on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) I have tested are generally more robust in younger animals compared to animals of advanced age. Younger animals produced more IL-2 in most of the T cell subsets upon both mass and antigen-specific stimulations. Moreover, higher frequencies of multiple cytokine producing cells were also observed in the young group, mainly in CD4+ T cell subsets upon mass stimulation and after exposure to certain antigen-specific stimulants. The data shows an indication of impaired T cell responses in older rhesus macaques that are likely to impact disease progression in primate lentiviral infections. I also show that immunological parameters such as the production of multiple cytokine producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets were the most important phenotypes in segregating the two age groups, highlighting the potential importance of these immunological qualities for protective immunity. This study should lay the grounds for the use of multivariate data analysis, particularly PCA, in immune profiling. This approach can potentially be applied to a wide variety of potentially critical areas in HIV or human immunodeficiency virus research, ranging from studying elite controllers to clinical trials, and from studying one arm or tissue of the immune system to studying multiple at once. Therefore, I hope this study will provide new insights to guide future research and ultimately contribute to our understanding of the correlates of immune protection in primate lentiviral infections, particular HIV infection

Study Effecting of Halal Logo on Ready-to-eat Meal towards Purchase Intention of Non-Muslim Consumers In Bangkok

Purpose – This paper aims to determine the effects of halal logo on ready-to-eat meals toward purchase intention of non-Muslim consumers in Bangkok. The factors are halal awareness, halal logo and attitude, which are important factors in affecting the intention of consumers. Research methodology – Data were collected via a questionnaire with a sample of 230 non-Muslim consumers in Bangkok with non-probability sampling, convenience and snowball sampling method. Results – According to the research results, all factors positively impact non-Muslim consumers' purchase intention towards ready-to-eat meal with the Halal logo. Additionally, the research found that non-Muslim consumers have positive attitudes and awareness of the Halal logo similar to those of the Muslim consumers. Although the study focuses on non-Muslim consumers, most of the respondents who participated in the research were Buddhists. Research limitations – The respondents were only limited to Thai nationality in Bangkok. The focus was only on Halal's four variables: Halal awareness, Halal logo, attitude, and purchase intention. Recommendation – This research can support marketing to leverage the understanding of the Halal concept in the food industry to attract Muslim and non-Muslim consumers in domestic and international markets. Keywords Purchase intention, Attitude, Halal awareness, Halal logo, non-Muslim consumers, Ready-to-eat meals. Paper type Research paper &nbsp

Biodegradation of used motor oil by single and mixed cultures of cyanobacteria

This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of single and mixed cultures of Nostoc hatei and Synechocystis aquatilis in the biodegradation of 10% used motor oil. The rates of biodegradation of the oil were studied for a period of 21 days under laboratory conditions. Single cultures of N. hatei performed best in the biodegradation of the oil, showing dramatic reduction in total petroleum hydrocarbon with net loss of 13.0% within 14 days as compared to other treatments. First-order kinetic model revealed that N. hatei was the best microorganism in the biodegradation of used motor oil with biodegradation rate constant of 0.0667 day-1 and half-life of 10.39 days. The findings demonstrate the potential of cyanobacteria for oil bioremediation in the order: N. hatei > N. hatei + S. aquatilis > S. aquatilis.Keywords: Nostoc hatei, Synechocystis aquatilis, used motor oil, biodegradatio

A theoretical model of piano sightplaying components

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (May 25, 2006)Includes bibliographical references.Vita.Thesis (Ph. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2005.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Curriculum and instruction.The goal of this study is to provide a theoretical model regarding sightplaying phenomena based upon investigation, analysis, and synthesis from a large amount of research findings, observation results, theoretical ideas, teaching methods, and perspectives from various fields of study including psychology of music, music education, psycho-musicology, and neurological science. Specifically, the focus of the study is on an individual's ability to sightplay on the piano. As a result of an extended review of literature, the author proposed a generalized picture about the possible components shown to be involved in the process of sightplaying development as well as sightplaying performance. With a qualitative philosophy as the research methodology and multiple perspectives in mind, the author believes that the model describing the four sightplaying components, CAPE: physical Coordination, musical Awareness, musical Potential, and musical Experiences, is useful as an instructional and experimental guideline for investigating and understanding a unique sightplaying ability in each individual as well as sightplaying performance in different circumstances. When using this model, music educators and researchers need to be aware that variations among levels or differences in the strengths of the component have not been predicted by this model. Any generalizations and implications need to be drawn with appropriate caution

Callus induction, regeneration and transformation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) with chitinase gene using particle bombardment

This study was carried out to optimize the conditions for introducing a chitinase gene into the sugarcane cv. Phil 66-07 calli by particle bombardment. Young leaves were cultured on the modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with varied concentrations of 2,4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), yeast extract and coconut water (CW). The maximum percentage of callus induction was obtained from the MS medium supplemented with 3 mg/l 2,4-D and 15% (v/v) coconut water. Multiple shoots were achieved by transferring sugarcane calli to the MS medium amended with 1 mg/l benzyl aminopurine (BA) and 0.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Additional experiments were also performed to determine the effect of antibiotics on regeneration of sugarcane. It was found that growth of sugarcane calli and plantlets were completely inhibited by hygromycin concentrations of 25 and 50 mg/l, respectively. The genetic transformation was achieved via particle bombardment with an optimal helium pressure of 900 psi and the stopping screen set at 9 cm. Sugarcane was transformed with either GUS or a chitinase gene and a gene for hygromycin selection. GUS transformed calli were produced to optimize the particle bombardment protocol. Using the optimized protocol, the chitinase gene was transformed into sugarcane and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to verify the integration of a chitinase gene, 35S promoter and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) terminator in transgenic sugarcane.Key words: Sugarcane, genetic transformation, particle bombardment, chitinase gene

Risk Perceptions among SME Developers: A Case Study of Thailand’s Real Estate Development Industry

Risks may be perceived as a multidimensional probability that impacts different people in different ways. Risks appear in most aspects of everyday life and in every type of business organisation. In the Thai real estate development domain, small and medium enterprise (SMEs) developers lacking appropriate specialist knowledge, competitive strategies and resources often have their projects greater exposed to a variety of risks. This paper aims to examine the SME developers’ perceptions towards risks internally originated within their organisations, and to assess the consequences and likelihood of such risks. In order to successfully achieve this objective, the authors distributed questionnaires to SME developers in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and analysed the data received from 200 SME respondents to that call. It can be suggested from the results obtained that SMEs consider the following as high impact risks: work not being finished as specified; use of wrong planning strategies; staff corruption or conflicts of interest; lack of financial liquidity; employees lacking appropriate work experience and skills; and project delays. Thus, this paper suggests that SME owners should respond to the aforementioned risks by reducing these key risk factors and/or finding new techniques to control and mitigate them to an acceptable level

Risk Perceptions among SME Developers: A Case Study of Thailand’s Real Estate Development Industry

Risks may be perceived as a multidimensional probability that impacts different people in different ways. Risks appear in most aspects of everyday life and in every type of business organisation. In the Thai real estate development domain, small and medium enterprise (SMEs) developers lacking appropriate specialist knowledge, competitive strategies and resources often have their projects greater exposed to a variety of risks. This paper aims to examine the SME developers’ perceptions towards risks internally originated within their organisations, and to assess the consequences and likelihood of such risks. In order to successfully achieve this objective, the authors distributed questionnaires to SME developers in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area and analysed the data received from 200 SME respondents to that call. It can be suggested from the results obtained that SMEs consider the following as high impact risks: work not being finished as specified; use of wrong planning strategies; staff corruption or conflicts of interest; lack of financial liquidity; employees lacking appropriate work experience and skills; and project delays. Thus, this paper suggests that SME owners should respond to the aforementioned risks by reducing these key risk factors and/or finding new techniques to control and mitigate them to an acceptable level

Forecasting PM10 Caused by Bangkok’s Leading Greenhouse Gas Emission Using the SARIMA and SARIMA-GARCH Model

This paper analyzes the relationship between air pollutants and the amount of PM10 measured in Bangkok. It forecasts the amount of PM10 in Bangkok by using the SARIMA and SARIMA-GARCH models to formulate policies to reduce the occurrence of PM10 and guidelines for further prevention. PM's data is from January 2008 to July 2023. First, the process is to build the SARIMA Model and SARIMA-GARCH Model Estimation. We perform model comparisons that SARIMA (3,1,3)(1,1,2)12 and SARIMA(3,1,3)(1,1,2)12-GARCH(1,1), which model gives lower MAE and RMSE values, which indicates good prediction accuracy than another model. The results show that the MAE and RMSE predictions of the SARIMA (3,1,3) (1,1,2)12 model are 15.303 and 20.839 better than those of the SARIMA (3,1,3) (1,1,2)12-GARCH (1,1) model are 17.280 and 22.677. Therefore, the SARIMA (3,1,3) (1,1,2)12 forecast results are better precise. Thus, in summary, we will choose the first model to use in forecasting for policy making. Moreover, in the study results, we found the relationship between air pollutants and PM10 in Bangkok and found that the elements of NO2 and O3 will require quite a lot of attention because they affect the relationship with PM10 at a moderate level

An Evaluation of ASEAN's Progress in Regional Community Building: Implications of Thailand's Bilateral Relations and the Extent of Civil Society Participation in Regionalism

This thesis seeks to evaluate the progress of regional community building in Southeast Asia, which has been undertaken by the Association of Southeast Asians (ASEAN). The thesis analyses the extent to which there has been a shift from policies and processes associated with “old regionalism” (state-security-economic centred regionalism) towards those which are associated with “new regionalism” and a regional community (the widening of regionalism to non-state actors, and expansion of regional cooperation into new areas, and regional solidarity). The first half of the thesis demonstrates the persistence of “old regionalism,” based on a tendency to differentiate others as an external security threat in Thailand’s bilateral relations. This tendency is driven by a deeply embedded historical legacy of differentiation, which is pursued by state actors for domestic political interests, as well as on-going bilateral disputes, and a militarised border. The second half of the thesis tests the significance of “new regionalism,” based on three case studies on civil society participation in regional community building. These case studies demonstrate how “new regionalism” is significant in form, rather than in substance, and how progress in community building is mainly driven by the more democratic ASEAN member states. Visible progress in community building includes the emergence of ASEAN-CSO meetings, an ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), and a transnational civil society network (TCSN), which is increasing society’s regional awareness and society’s participation in regionalism. However, substantive progress is lacking, due to the region’s political diversity and the prioritization of regional unity over the realization of a people-oriented ASEAN Community. Thus, ASEAN community building is empty in substance, due to the continuation of politically motivated differentiation and border insecurity, symbolic meetings between states and CSOs, a powerless regional human rights body, and the remaining gap between regional declarations and policy implementation

Hedging Petroleum Futures with Multivariate GARCH Models

This paper examined the petroleum futures volatility comovements and spillovers for crude oil, gasoline, heat oil and natural gas. The results of volatility analysis were used to calculate the optimal two-petroleum portfolio weights and hedging ratios. The data used in this study was the daily data from 2009 to 2014. The three Multivariate GARCH models, namely the VAR (1)-diagonal VECH, the VAR (1)-diagonal BEKK and the VAR (1)-CCC, were employed. The empirical results overall showed that the estimates of the multivariate GARCH parameters were statistically significant in almost all cases except in the case of RGASOLINE with RNG. This indicates that the short run persistence of shocks on the dynamic conditional correlations was greatest for RCRUDE with RHEATOIL, while the largest long run persistence of shocks to the conditional correlations for RCRUDE with RGASOLINE. Finally, the results from these optimal portfolio weights base on the VAR (1)-diagonal VECH estimates suggested that investors should had more heat oil than crude oil and other petroleum in their portfolio to minimize risk without lowering the expected return. Keywords: The petroleum futures volatility; comovements and spillovers; multivariate GARCH models; optimal portfolio weights; hedging ratios JEL Classifications: C13; C32; G1