New methods for analyzing serological data with applications to influenza surveillance

Two important challenges to the use of serological assays for influenza surveillance include the substantial amount of experimental effort involved, and the inherent noisiness of serological data. Here, informed by the observation that log-transformed serological data (obtained from the hemagglutination-inhibition assay) exist in an effectively one-dimensional space, computational methods are developed for accurately and efficiently recovering unmeasured serological data from a sample of measured data, and systematically minimizing noise found in the measured data. Careful application of these methods would enable the collection of better-quality serological data on a greater number of circulating influenza viruses than is currently possible, and improve the ability to identify potential epidemic/pandemic viruses before they become widespread. Although the focus here is on influenza surveillance, the described methods are more widely applicable

An RNA foldability metric; implications for the design of rapidly foldable RNA sequences

Evidence is presented suggesting, for the first time, that the protein foldability metric sigma=(T_theta - T_f)/T_theta, where T_theta and T_f are, respectively, the collapse and folding transition temperatures, could be used also to measure the foldability of RNA sequences. The importance of sigma is discussed in the context of the in silico design of rapidly foldable RNA sequences.Comment: To appear in Biophysical Chemistr

The Relationship between Organizational Control Environments on the Financial Performance of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

The study is an investigation into the relationship between organizational control environment and financial performance in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, using Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa as a case study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide as well as review of available documents and records. The method of analysis employed was survey design while the stratified sampling procedure was adopted in administering the questionnaires. The data were analyzed using simple percentages, tables, correlation coefficient and z-scores. The study revealed that management of the College is committed to the control system. They actively participate in monitoring and supervision of the activities of the Institution. Also, the study found that there is a fair accounting management system in the college. In the area of control environment the study shows that council and management takes appropriate measures in correcting misfeasance in the system. There is close monitoring and implementation of controls without disclosure of ethical issues to staff. The study result further shows that there is no significant relationship between organizational control environment and financial performance of Cross River State College of Education. The investigation recommend that management should disclose ethical issues to staff and these should be upheld strictly in all strategic decision. Also recommended is the need for management to carry out a special internal control training for staff to ensure acquaintance with major controls in the system. Keywords: Internal audit, internal control system, financial performance, financial and non financial procedure

Management of Fusarium anthophilum (Pathogen of Cereals and White Yams) Using Different Measures

Fusarium species (including Fusarium anthophilum) have many insidious effects on mankind, animals, and plants. Their attack may lead to diseases or spoilage, and the production of mycotoxins. This study was conducted to find solutions to the infections by F. anthophilum. Three sub-trials (botanical, chemical and biocontrol sub-trials) were set up using completely randomized design, and each treatment was replicated thrice. The percentage inhibition of F. anthophilum in the botanicals-alone subtrial (i.e., Eucalyptus, Euphorbia, Andrographis, and Melaleuca spp.) at 50% and 100% concentrations ranged from 20% to 100%. At 72, 120, and 168 HAI (hours after inoculation), Eucalyptus (all concentrations) controlled the pathogen significantly more, followed by Melaleuca (all concentrations). All the botanicals (at both concentrations) controlled Fusarium sp. significantly more compared to the control. Based on the second sub-trial: the best synthetic fungicide+Trichoderma harzianum treatment was Mancozeb100%, and the percentage inhibition by these combined chemical+biocontrol treatments ranged from 28% to 50%. Mancozeb100%, followed by Metalaxyl+Cu(I) O 100% produced the highest inhibition. All chemical treatments were significantly different compared to the control (120 hours after inoculation). Based on the third subtrial: the best Botanical+T. harzianum treatment was Alligator pepper100% followed by Tumeric100%. The percentage inhibition of Fusarium sp. by these treatments ranged from 28% to 70%. Alligator pepper100% followed by Tumeric100%, then Tumeric50%, and Eucalyptus100% … were significantly different compared to the control. Combining different agents was effective in controlling the pathogen. However, lower percentage inhibitions were obtained. More research on integrating the control agents is being admonished

A Systematic Review of Biodiversity and Conservation of Indigenous Mushrooms (Basidiomycotina, Ascomycotina) of Central Africa Countryside: Uses, Distribution and Checklists

Significant socio-economic, spiritual, nutritional and medicinal needs of the countrysides in Central Africa region are obtainable from macrofungi. Conversely, anthropogenic activities and climate change have led to a reduction in the habitats of mushrooms which has led to some mushrooms becoming endangered. A dearth of information on the ecology, management and composition of mushrooms in Central Africa exists. Hence a review was systematically carried out on published mycological research outcomes from Central African countryside, to delineate the way forward. It was observed that the level of indigenous mycological knowledge was very high (> 60%) in all the tribes. The highest number of edible mushrooms was from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)(377 species), followed by Cameroon (50 species). The dataset showed that 448 edible mushrooms have been identified based on citable publications and 27 tribes/localities evaluated. Additionally the dataset showed 116 author-identified mushrooms that inhabitants did not identify and use. The most popular edible mushrooms from 79 key edible mushrooms were Russula (9 spp.), Termitomyces (8), Cantharellus (8), Plerotus (5), Amanita (5), Marasmius, Lactarius and Lactifluus (4 spp. each). The topmost consumed species were Pleurotus tuberregium (14 out of 27 localities), Auricularia cornea (13), Cantharellus congolensis (12), Marasmius bekolacongoli (12), Schizophyllum commune (11) and Cantharellus floridulus (11). Mushrooms for mythology uses: (Phallus indusiatus and Dictyophora sp.), Mythology+food: (Termitomyces robustus), Medicinal: (Daldinia concentrica, Ganoderma applanatum and Ganoderma lucidum), Medicinal+food: (Polyporus dictyopus, Schizophyllum commune and Termitomyces clypeatus) and Food+mythology+medicinal: (Termitomyces microcarpus and Termitomyces titanicus). Irrefutably, these previous ethnomycological and ecological studies have scarcely made a significant impact on fungi biodiversity

Community Engagement and Diverse Representation in Planning for an Immigrant Neighborhood in a U. S. Pacific Northwest City

Traditional avenues of influencing planning decisions are not intuitive for diverse, historically underrepresented community residents in many neighborhoods and many immigrant residents come from societies where engaging in public discourse is discouraged or dangerous. The focus of this study, the Planning Outreach and Engagement Liaison (POEL) program, was designed to address these discrepancies, yet whether the program was successful is unknown. Using participatory democracy as the theoretical framework, the purpose of this case study was to explore whether the POEL program brought diverse residents together to participate in the neighborhood planning process. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with planners, community coordinators, public outreach and engagement liaisons, and members of non-governmental organizations (n = 10) and official government records and documents. All data were deductively coded and then analyzed using a thematic analysis procedure. Six themes emerged from the study including (a) measures of program success, (b) outreach and communication, (c) collaboration, (d) intimidation and fear, (e) time limitation, and (f) building relationships. POELs identified and understood that barriers such as lack of time, lack of child care, persistent fear of government intentions, and religious and cultural norms inhabit the process, but found that using outreach and communication promotes interest in and participation in neighborhood planning. When neighborhood residents are empowered and given information about the process, they make informed choices. The study promotes positive social change by showing that mitigating some of the barriers to participation supports greater inclusion of underrepresented persons in the neighborhood planning process