Story Ideas for Media 4-2-07

News

U.S. News: Ohio State graduate programs move up. According to the U.S. News & World Report's 2008 edition of America's Best Graduate Schools released this week, The Ohio State University offers some of the top graduate programs in Ohio and the nation. Six graduate programs are rated in the top five: vocational/ technical education, elementary education, counseling/personnel services (education), dispute resolution (law), supply chain/logistics (business), and veterinary medicine. CONTACT: Amy Murray, (614) 292-8385. SEE: www.osu.edu/news/newsitem1651

Experts

Tax time: Fisher College of Business expert can discuss tax issues. A Fisher College of Business accounting professor is available to discuss local, state and federal tax issues. William Raabe, senior lecturer, can discuss tax preparation tips. CONTACT: William Raabe, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-4023; or Patty Allen, Fisher College of Business, (614) 292-8937.

Easter chicks and Salmonella: Be careful with those cuddly gifts. Chicks and ducklings can bring smiles to kids this Easter season, but they could also carry something not so cuddly into your home: Salmonella infection, an illness that is particularly dangerous to young children. Jeff LeJeune, an Ohio State University veterinary researcher with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, said parents need to be aware of the risks associated with handling young poultry or fowl and make sure everyone in the household follows the appropriate measures to avoid infection. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 81 people in 22 states fell ill last spring after contracting Salmonella from chicks. The outbreaks occurred around Easter, and at least some of the cases were believed to have stemmed from birds given as gifts. LeJeune says it’s recommended to keep children under five years of age from touching the birds. CONTACT: Jeff LeJeune, Food Animal Health Research Program, (330) 263-3739, lejeune.3@osu.edu

Research

Put on a happy face: happy digital characters sell products better than sad ones. Even in the digital world, people respond to the expression of a computerized face. New Ohio State University research suggests that the simulated emotions of digital characters on web sites might have a real impact on the potential customers that view and interact with them. The study, appearing in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, found that digital characters might be better merchants if they act consistently happy, even if the products they're selling—such as novels—are heart-wrenchingly sad. Li Gong, an assistant professor of communication who conducted the research, believes his study of digital characters is important for many applications, especially electronic commerce, learning, and entertainment. Gong's research suggests people are more influenced by happy characters. CONTACT: Li Gong, (614) 247-8435; gong.33@osu.edu SEE: researchnews.osu.edu/archive/happysad.htm
Events

Ohio State University Trustees to meet – April 5 and 6. The Ohio State University Board of Trustees and its committees will meet on Thursday and Friday, (4/5 and 4/6) at the Longaberger Alumni House, 2200 Olentangy River Road. The schedule includes a meeting Thursday (4/5) of the full board from 2 to 5 p.m., where trustees will recess into executive session. On Friday (4/6), the schedule includes meetings of the Agricultural Affairs and Medical Center Affairs Committees at 8 a.m., the Investments Committee at 9 a.m., and the Fiscal and the Academic and Student Affairs committees at 9:30 a.m. The formal Board meeting will begin at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanders Grand Lounge. The board will recess into executive session at noon, and there will be a meeting of the Audit Committee at 1:30 p.m. CONTACT: Shelly Hoffman, (614) 247-4748.

Ohio State to recognize Disability Awareness Month – April is designated nationally as Disability Awareness Month and Ohio State will mark the recognition with events that highlight the talent of people with disabilities and bring awareness to the resources and technology available to the campus community. An art exhibit and reception featuring artists with disabilities or art relating to disabilities will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (4/4) on the second floor of Bricker Hall, 190 N. Oval Mall. Demonstrations in the latest assistive technology software and hardware, and a sign language class will also be offered during the month. A complete schedule is available at www.ods.osu.edu/article.asp?article=12 CONTACT: Christopher Keck, Office of Disability Services, (614) 292-3307.

Call on our media relations staff for help with any Ohio State story: Liz Cook;(614) 292-7276 or cook.17@osu.edu; Shelly Hoffman;(614) 247-4748 or hoffman.511@osu.edu; Jim Lynch; (614) 247-4110 or lynch.270@osu.edu; or Amy Murray; (614) 292-8385 or murray-goedde.1@osu.edu