Cycle Sequencing Research Articles

Self-Driving Tool, Digital Twin, and Machine Learning Algorithms for the Real Time Optimization of the ALD Growth of Multicomponent Thin Films Using in Situ Techniques

The design of optimal sequences for multicomponent ALD processes can be a time-consuming procedure: transient effects can appear each time that one switches to a different precursor, making it hard to predict beforehand the desired composition. Consequently, researchers usually resort to trial runs to calibrate the film composition, and combination of precursors with well-behaved nucleation behaviors and fast transients are highly prized. While effective for processes involving two different precursors, this empirical approach makes it hard to extend ALD to explore more complex materials involving ternary or quaternary compounds.In this work we explore an alternative approach that uses machine learning integrated with in-situ techniques to optimize the composition of multicomponent films. Our approach relies on digital twins to train, optimize, and benchmark algorithms that build the sequence of ALD cycles in real time from the feedback of in-situ data. These models allow us to generate a wide range of processes with different types of nucleation behaviors, providing the ideal testbed for the development of robust algorithms. We then transfer these algorithms into our experimental reactors for the exploration and optimization of processes involving two and three different types of oxide materials. Our results show that it is possible to drive the optimization of binary and ternary ALD processes using solely the growth per cycle of the individual processes as input, with the algorithm being robust across different nucleation behaviors. The main limitation of the proposed approach is that, for techniques showing a net change in the material, such as quartz crystal microbalance, it is not possible to consider systems that exhibit a substantial amount of etching, such the ZnO/Al2O3 process involving diethyl zinc and trimethyaluminum precursors. This would not be a limitation for techniques providing direct compositional information, such as X-ray fluorescence, or those focusing on materials properties, such as in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry.This research is based on the work supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) funding from the Argonne National Laboratory, provided by the Director, Office of Science, of the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

Cross-material battery capacity estimation using hybrid-model fusion transfer learning

Evaluating battery health involves navigating the intricate interplay of physical, chemical, and electrochemical processes across multiple scales—a task that becomes even more complex with the introduction of new battery materials. This necessitates substantial development, modeling, and recalibration of boundary conditions. Our study introduces a hybrid fusion model that combines convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with self-attention mechanisms to enhance battery health assessments. In total, three datasets are involved—covering 77 LFP, 20 NMC, and 18 NCA batteries—encompassing over 170,000 cycles across a broad spectrum of battery materials and operational conditions for pre-training the base model and for transfer learning. Our findings reveal that, when transferring aging knowledge from LFP to ternary batteries (NMC and NCA) under diverse chemistries, temperatures, and operational strategies, the model achieved root mean square errors (RMSEs) of 7.47 mAh and 12.4 mAh, mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) of 0.67 % and 1.14 %, and coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.922 and 0.918, respectively. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our hybrid fusion model, which uses deep transfer learning and combines CNNs with self-attention mechanisms to accurately diagnose battery capacity across various types by analyzing short cycle sequences and integrating insights throughout the cell operational history.

Internal validation of the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel v2 kit with locus-specific analytical threshold, and with special regard to mixtures and low template DNA detection

We performed an internal laboratory validation of the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel v2 kit to assist the introduction of the technology into the routine forensic casework practice. The study was designed and evaluated based not only on the key validation standards like sensitivity, stability, reproducibility, repeatability, mixture, and concordance, but we also tested the effect of reduced input DNA, we measured and applied locus-specific analytical threshold values, tested two different PCR cycle conditions, sequence artifacts and stutters were also analysed. During the study we also tested the new method on real casework samples. The sensitivity study confirmed that adding 500 pg template DNA for library preparation can be optimal at base PCR cycle number (that was 24), because the measured average heterozygote balance was not lower than 0.82, and each allele was detected above the analytical threshold. However, contrary to previous communications, increasing the PCR cycle numbers up to 28 has not resulted the significant elevation of the heterozygote imbalance. According to our results, raised PCR cycle condition (i.e. 28) is appropriate at or below 150 pg total input DNA. For most loci, the calculated AT was lower than the manufacturer’s recommended. Applying the newly established ATs with raised PCR cycle conditions the allele detection sensitivity and reliability increased. We observed allele dropouts only at the 15 pg template DNA experiments with 5 % frequency, that is better to previously published studies. This result indicates that this low amount of DNA (i.e. 15 pg) could be a minimum limit of template input for a potentially successful analysis. In the mixture study the minor contributor could be detected up to 1:19 mixture ratio. We detected minor alleles in all measurements and concentrations above the threshold if the template DNA were fixed and only SNP differences were observed between the same alleles of the contributors. To test concordance between the new method and traditional STR genotyping we analysed 58 Hungarian individual samples in parallel. Nearby the detected 248 different length-based alleles on the 31 loci in the sample pool we revealed additional 75 sequence variant alleles, that represent an approximately 23 % increase in the total number of observed alleles. The casework study confirmed that the Precision ID GlobalFiler NGS STR panel v2 kit is effective even in genotyping degraded samples with extremely low levels of DNA, if we apply elevated cycle number for library preparation and use locus-specific analytical thresholds.

Characteristics of gait function in hemiparetic patients with subacute period of ischemic stroke: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Gait disorders are common among 80% of stroke patients. Its consequences include increased risk of falls and functional limitations, which can significantly reduce the quality of life. AIM: To investigate the functional profile of hemiparesis resulting from subacute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational, retrospective, one-stage, single-center study analyzed primary biomechanical gait parameters in 31 patients and 34 healthy controls. Spatial, temporal, kinematic, and electromyographic characteristics were recorded. A statistical assessment and inter-group and intra-group comparison of the collected data were performed to identify the pathognomonic features of hemiplegic gait in patients with subacute stroke. RESULTS: Changes in gait biomechanics typical for hemiparetic patients who have suffered from ischemic stroke were described: slight asymmetry of step cycle, normal duration of support period on the paretic side, significant increase in duration of support period on the healthy side, and shortening of single support period on the paretic side. Additionally, the asymmetry of the walking function was characterized by changes in reciprocity, that is, a harmonious sequence of step cycles. The function of the hip and knee joints was reduced and altered, and the amplitude of the ankle joint was increased. Decrease and change in the bioelectric activity profile of muscles were detected. Moreover, the quadriceps femoris function was least affected. CONCLUSION: The main changes in walking function are characterized by an asymmetry of spatiotemporal parameters, a decrease in movement amplitudes of the hip and knee joints on the paretic side, an increase in ankle joint amplitude, a decrease in the bioelectric activity of muscles, and a shift in the phases of their activity. The results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind hemiplegic gait and provide a valuable tool for developing more personalized and targeted rehabilitation plans for patients suffering from hemiparesis as a result of subacute ischemic stroke.

Damage Analysis of Rolling Stock Automatic Coupler under Cyclic Loads

To ensure the operational safety of the automatic couplers of a rolling stock subjected to cyclic loading, reliability and residual service life must be determined. This paper involved the prediction of the durability of the automatic coupler SA3 by analytical summation of cyclic damage. During the investigation, the cyclic characteristics and damage modes of the automatic coupler material that influence the accumulation of damage are determined. The stress and strain state assessment model was developed using a 3D finite element method for the automatic coupler housing as a geometrically complex component. A methodology was used to assess damage per load cycle that is applicable to any sequence of automatic coupler load cycles. For this purpose, the authors used low-cycle stationary load dependencies that account for quasi-static and low-cycle fatigue damage. The investigation showed that a coupler may develop a crack due to accumulated quasi-static and fatigue damage. For damage summation, the dependences of low-cycle stationary stress-controlled load accounting for low-cycle, quasi-static fatigue damage are proposed in view of the variation of the load on the automatic coupler during operation depending on the weight of the rolling stock, velocity, and railway relief. The proposed methodology is applicable to the calculation of other housings under similar loading conditions.

Discovery of adults of the gorgoderid trematode Cercaria duplicata with first morphological description, molecular identification and notes on host specificity

Rhopalocercous Cercaria duplicata von Baer, 1827 develops in an intermediate host, the unionid bivalve Anodonta anatina (L.), but its adult form has been unknown. We examined eight fish species occurring in the presence of a highly infested population of A. anatina in the Zesławice reservoir (S Poland). Gravid Phyllodistomum specimens were obtained from the ureters of ide, Leuciscus idus (L.) and common rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.). One of the rudd specimens was doubly infected, a trematode was also found in the urinary bladder. In addition, a gravid Phyllodistomum specimen was found in the ureter of a tench Tinca tinca (L.), caught in Lake Ilmėdas (Lithuania). In order to clarify the phylogenetic position of larval and adult gorgoderids and to establish their life cycle, ITS2 and 28S rDNA sequences were analysed. The analysis showed that adult Phyllodistomum specimens located in the ureters are conspecific with C. duplicata. The trematode found in the urinary bladder of S. erythrophthalmus was P. folium (Olfers, 1816). It is suggested that adult stages of C. duplicata should be referred to as Phyllodistomum duplicatum n. comb. The intercaecal position of the uterus and the deeply-lobed ovary are the main features distinguishing it from other Phyllodistomum species. Host specificity and ecology are discussed.

Recognition of HLA-DPB1 alleles and their associated HLA haplotypes in 55 randomized unrelated Taiwanese individuals.

Here, we report the distribution of HLA-DPB1 alleles studied in a cohort of 55 randomly collected blood samples from unrelated Taiwanese individuals and the deduced most likely HLA haplotypes associated with the defined DPB1 alleles in the cohort. Our aim is to reveal the unprecedented data on the distribution of HLA-DPB1 alleles in the Taiwanese population and to find out the most probable HLA haplotypes associated with the HLA-DPB1 alleles detected. The material for this study was blood samples, preserved in K2EDTA and/or acid citrate dextrose anticoagulants. The blood donors were voluntary individuals of Tzu Chi Bone Marrow Donor Registry, Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Sequence-based typing of the Sanger's sequencing method was performed for the HLA allelic typing. To discern the HLA-DPB1 alleles, exons 2 and 3 of the HLA-DPB1 locus were sequenced. Target exon sequence amplifications were achieved by polymerase chain reaction, and the resulting amplicons were sequenced by BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit according to the manufacturer's protocols. In the total number of 55 randomized unrelated Taiwanese individuals studied, we detected 11 different HLA-DPB1 alleles. DPB1*05:01 (44.54%) was the allele with the highest frequency observed and the next highest frequency allele found was DPB1*02:01 (17.27%), while DPB1*38:01 (0.90%) and DPB1*700:01N (0.90%) ranked the least observed DPB1 alleles. Our findings in this study may be useful in researches reinforcing the comprehensive understanding on the distribution of DPB1 alleles and their associated HLA haplotypes and their clinical applications in Taiwanese.

Selection and application of wavelet transform in high-frequency sequence stratigraphy analysis of coarse-grained sediment in rift basin

Wavelet transformation is a widely used method in high-frequency sequence stratigraphic analysis. However, the application is problematic since different wavelets always return the same sequence analysis results. To address this issue, we applied five commonly used wavelets to theoretical sequence models to document some application criteria. Five gradual scale-change sequence models were simplified from the glutenite succession deposition by gravity flows to form the fining-upwards cycle sequences (FUCS) and coarsening-upwards cycle sequences (CUCS). After conducting theoretical sequence model tests, the optimal wavelet (sym4) was selected and successfully used with actual data to identify the sequence boundaries. We also proposed a new method to optimize the scale of continuous wavelet transformation (CWT) for sequence boundary determination. We found that the balloon-like marks in scalograms of db4, sym4, and coif4 wavelet determine, respectively, the fourth-order sequence boundary, the thick succession sequence boundaries in FUCS, and the thick succession sequence in FUCS and CUCS. Comparing the sequence identification results shows that the asymmetric wavelets had an advantage in high-frequency sequence boundary determination and sedimentary cycle discrimination through the amplitude trend of the coefficient, in which the sym4 wavelet is the most effective. In conclusion, the asymmetry of wavelets is the first selection principle, of which asymmetric wavelets are more sensitive to sediment deposition by flood flows. The match of the wavelet between the sequence is the second selection principle, in which the correlation of time-frequency impacts the accuracy of sequence surface localization. However, the waveform of the wavelet is a visual and abstract parameter for sequence boundary detection. The appropriate wavelet for lacustrine sequence analysis is the asymmetric wavelet with a weak number of side lobes. The depositional flows, depositional process, and autogenic are three sedimentary factors that influence the sequence analysis results.

Synthesis and Emission Dynamics of Sub‐3 nm Upconversion Nanoparticles

AbstractReducing the size of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) down to a few nm yields luminescent materials containing a very small number of emitters. Considering the bottom limit of one activator per particle ultrasmall UCNPs offer an unprecedented platform to study the contributions of the different energy transfers at play in upconversion luminescence. Maintaining detectable emission despite the limited number of emitting ions and the high surface‐to‐volume ratio requires suitable particle architectures. Na(Gd‐Yb)F4:Tm3+ emissive sub‐3 nm diameter β‐phase UCNPs are prepared using a gadolinium‐rich composition in situ mixing of the precursors and a microwave high‐temperature cycling sequence allowing precise control of the particle size and dispersity. These cores are coated with a NaGdF4 inert shell to minimize the deleterious influence of surface quenching (SQ). Time‐resolved luminescence measurements combining standard NIR excitation of the Yb3+ sensitizer and direct UV excitation of the Tm3+ activator are performed to quantify cross relaxation and surface quenching processes. The fine tuning of the number of activators per particle via an optimized synthesis pathway along with the use of an appropriate excitation scheme enabled to provide an accurate analysis of the different mechanisms at play in these model nanoparticles and to characterize the structure of the core‐shell architecture.

Nadir blood pressure responses to longer consecutive cardiac cycle sequences absent of sympathetic bursts are associated with popliteal endothelial-dependent dilation

PurposeThe nadir pressure responses to cardiac cycles absent of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) bursts (or non-bursts) are typically reported in studies quantifying sympathetic transduction, but the information gained by studying non-bursts is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that longer sequences of non-bursts (≥8 cardiac cycles) would be associated with a greater nadir diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and that better popliteal artery function would be associated with an augmented reduction in DBP. MethodsResting beat-by-beat DBP (via finger photoplethysmography) and common peroneal nerve MSNA (via microneurography) were recorded in 39 healthy, adults (age 23.4 ± 5.3 years; 19 females). For each cardiac cycle absent of MSNA bursts, the mean nadir DBP (ΔDBP) during the 12 cardiac cycles following were determined, and separate analyses were conducted for ≥8 or < 8 cardiac cycle sequences. Popliteal artery endothelial-dependent (via flow-mediated dilation; FMD) and endothelial-independent vasodilation (via nitroglycerin-mediated dilation; NMD) were determined. ResultsThe nadir DBP responses to sequences ≥8 cardiac cycles were larger (−1.40 ± 1.27 mmHg) than sequences <8 (−0.38 ± 0.46 mmHg; p < 0.001). In adjusting for sex and burst frequency (14 ± 8 bursts/min), larger absolute or relative FMD (p < 0.01), but not NMD (p > 0.53) was associated with an augmented nadir DBP. This overall DBP-FMD relationship was similar in sequences ≥8 (p = 0.04–0.05), but not <8 (p > 0.72). ConclusionThe DBP responses to non-bursts, particularly longer sequences, were inversely associated with popliteal endothelial function, but not vascular smooth muscle sensitivity. This study provides insight into the information gained by quantifying the DBP responses to cardiac cycles absent of MSNA.

Discovering a novel genetic variant in 11 family members who had isolated pheochromocytoma linked to von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome, aligning with the type 2c phenotype

Introduction Von Hippel-Lindau disease (e.g. VHL) is an autosomal dominant multi-organ cancer syndrome caused by a mutation in the VHL tumour suppressor gene. In this study, we introduce a novel genetic variant found in 11 family members diagnosed initially with isolated Pheochromocytoma. Subsequent findings revealed its association with VHL syndrome and corresponds to the Type 2 C phenotype. Methods The VHL gene was amplified through the utilisation of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR fragments were sequenced using bidirectional Sanger sequencing, using BigDye™ Terminator v3.1 Cycle Sequencing Kit, running on the 3500 genetic analyser. Results were assembled and analysed Using Software SeqA and chromas pro. Results A heterozygous in-frame duplication of three nucleotides, specifically ATG, c.377_379dup; p.Asp126dup in exon 2, was identified in all the patients tested within the pedigree. Conclusion In this study, we disclose the identification of a novel genetic variant in a Jordanian family, affecting eleven family members with pheochromocytoma associated with VHL disease. This finding underscores the importance of screening family members and contemplating genetic testing for individuals newly diagnosed with pheochromocytoma and could enhance our comprehension of the potential adverse consequences associated with VHL germline mutations.

Assessing the Impact of Aldose Reductase (ALR2) Regulatory Gene Polymorphism on Diabetic Retinopathy in Patient Attending Makkah Specialist Eye Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Diabetic retinopathy, a serious complication of diabetes, may be influenced by genetic factors, including the Aldose Reductase (ALR2) gene polymorphism. Clearly, there is a crucial need to understand how the polymorphism in the ALR2 gene contributes to diabetic retinopathy.. This study aimed to explore and evaluate the impact of ALR2 gene polymorphism on diabetic retinopathy, alongside the assessment of inflammatory markers and antioxidant status among diabetic patients residing in Kano State, Nigeria. . In this study, 40 participants were enrolled; the participants were divided into 4 groups, with three test groups (diabetes mellitus, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups) and the control group. The investigation encompassed and incorporated the prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism within the ALR2 promoter region, in combination with the assessment of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP]), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, vitamin A and aldose reductase concentrations. . The findings revealed a 6.7% prevalence of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism. Fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels were significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in the control group compared to the diabetic, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy groups. The result also revealed elevated levels of CRP, hsCRP, and MDA in the study groups compared to the control group. However, weak negative correlation values were found between vitamin A levels and ALR2 concentrations, indicating a complex relationship that warrants further investigation. Molecular analysis unveiled single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at nucleotide position -106 within two samples (DR6 and D3). This followed the successful amplification of the specified AR2 gene DNA segment through a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) methodology. Subsequently, DNA sequencing was performed using the ABI Prism BigDyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit on the ABI PrismTM 3730/3730XL DNA Sequencer. In addition, there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) observed correlation between ALR2 and MDA (r= 0.026) or CRP (r= -0.077). The study identified a 6.7% prevalence of ALR2 gene polymorphism in diabetic retinopathy patients, alongside elevated inflammatory markers and MDA levels. Moreover, in the present finding all control group had C (CC genotype) allele, while the study group had 90% C allele and 10% T allele. The T allele showed no significant association with DR 1.00 (OR 95% CI: 0.127-7.893; p:1.00). However, Additional research with larger sample sizes is warranted to comprehensively investigate the implications of the SNP C(-106)T polymorphism at the ALR2 promoter region.

First report of Tunisian patients with CDKL5-related encephalopathy.

Mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 gene (CDKL5) are associated with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Early-onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) is the most recognized phenotype. Here we describe phenotypic features in eight Tunisian patients with CDKL5-related encephalopathy. We included all cases with clinical features consistent with CDKL5-related encephalopathy: infantile epileptic spasm, acquired microcephaly, movement disorders and visual impairment. We collected data about seizure types, electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, and metabolic analysis. The diagnosis of CDKL5 mutation was made thanks to Sanger sequencing with an ABI PRISM 3100-Avant automated DNA sequencer using a Big Dye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Reaction Kit v1.1. and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) since the development of a gene panel responsible for DEE within the framework of "Strengthening the Sfax University Expertise for diagnosis and management of epileptic encephalopathies". We collected four boys and four girls aged meanly 6 years old with confirmed mutation on CDKL5 gene. Overall, we identified five de novo CDKL5 mutations including three Frame-shift mutations, one missense mutation, and a splicing variant. The mean age at first seizure onset was 4 months. The first seizure type was infantile epileptic spasm (4/8) followed by tonic (2/8) and myoclonic seizures (2/8). Out of eight cases, four exhibited two stages epileptic course while epilepsy in three other patients progressed on three stages. Regarding development, most cases (6/8) had psychomotor retardation from the start whilst the two others showed psychomotor regression with the onset of seizures. Additional clinical features included visual impairment (7/8), tone abnormalities (7/8), stereotypies (7/8), and acquired microcephaly (6/8). Our present report delineates an unusual phenotype of CDKL5-related encephalopathy with male gender predominance and delayed onset epilepsy. It interestingly described new phenotypic features and uncommon benign developmental profiles in boys, different patterns of CDKL5-epilepsy, neuroimaging findings, and CDKL5 mutational spectrum.

Genetic Diversity of Mangrove and Nypa Palm Species in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Mangroves and nypa palm are two dominant coastal vegetation in the Niger delta that are sources of numerous ecosystem services. We thus hypothesized that both species are monophyletic, which means they are identical by descent. We began the study by randomly collecting fresh leave samples of nypa palm in a mixed forest comprising nypa palm and mangrove at a coastal community called Eagle Island. We put the leaves samples in zip lock bags containing silica gel crystals and transported them to the laboratory, where the DNA of the leaves was extracted. A quick-DNA plant/seed miniprep kit (Zymo-research Lab, California, USA). A total of six primer pairs were used for the amplification, namely: three microsatellite markers and three universal primers. Fragments of the samples were sequenced using the Ninagen, Brilliant DyeTM Terminator Cycle Sequencing kit V3.1 BRD3-100/1000. All three samples of the nypa palm were amplified, and the BLAST prediction tool was used to produce the new species. Our results show that out of the three samples sequenced (NI, N2, and N3), the N1 sample was identified as Nypa fruticans with 100% identity (Accession Number is KT312925.1), while the others were the new strains identified in the study namely N2 identified as Astrocaryum aculeatum with 98.95% identity (Accession Number is NC 044482.1) and N3 identified as Astrocaryum aculeatum with 99.21% (Accession Number is 044482.1).

Molecular Identification of Dominant Microbes in Kola nut (Cola nitida)

Kola nut is an important dehiscent fruit but its supply fails to meet the demand due to limitations such as inadequate post-harvest practices leading to spoilage during transportation and storage. Identification of microbial contaminants is a necessary step in reducing the loss. Hence, this work aimed at characterizing the genome of dominant fungus and bacteria associated with kola nut (Cola nitida). Samples of kola nuts were collected from Oje and Oja-oba markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. Isolates were extracted from the lesion region of the samples using the standard method. Macro-morphological and micro-morphological observations of the pure culture of the isolates were conducted. After genomic DNA extraction of fungal and bacterial isolates, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was carried out using Internal Transcribed Sequence (ITS 1 and ITS 4) and 27F primers for fungal and bacterial genome respectively. Sanger sequencing of the purified DNA fragments was conducted utilizing the Nimagen, BrilliantDye™ Terminator Cycle Sequencing Kit V3.1, BRD3-100/1000. Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis (MEGA version 6) was used for phylogenetic analysis. The result revealed that one fungus and two bacteria were associated with kola nuts. The fungal isolate showed 100% identity with Aspergillus wentii from the National Center for Biotechnology Information data base. The fungus showed a good relationship with A. dimorphicus and A. europaeus. The two bacterial isolates were also identified through the phylogenic analysis as Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis. B. cereus is closely related to B. thuringiensis. This research provides background information on the Kola nut microbial contaminant. Keywords: Bacteria, Contaminant, Fungus, Identification, Primers, Sequencing

Exploring Agile Methodology in Developing a Web-Based Result Computation and Transcript System: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Ukana

In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, there is a great demand for efficient, adaptable, and responsive software development methodologies. This article examines how agile methodology was used in practice to create a web-based transcript and result computation system for Polytechnic Ukana. Agile methodology, which is renowned for its incremental and iterative approach, was used to increase flexibility, foster better teamwork, and produce a workable product on schedule. The article describes the goals and requirements of the project, including how Scrum was chosen as the agile framework and what stages it went through in implementation. Along with the roles and responsibilities of the development team, the planning, execution, and review processes for sprints are highlighted. The team demonstrated flexibility in responding to evolving needs, effective problem-solving, and sustained stakeholder engagement through a sequence of sprint cycles. The system was deployed on schedule, fulfilling all requirements and substantially boosting the accuracy and efficiency of the institution's transcript generation and result computation. This is proof that the project was successful. This case study provides a useful manual for implementing agile approaches for comparable educational software development projects.

Strain-based running-reliability characterisation in time-domain for risk monitoring under various load conditions

This aim of this paper is to characterise the strain-based fatigue life data in time-domain using the newly modelled running-reliability technique that considers the load sequence effect. Current established conventional strain life models do not consider dependence for fatigue life of low or high amplitudes, on which with occur first in the load history. Finite element analysis is carried out to ensure the strain signals are captured at the most critical region during road test at various conditions. Fatigue life of 2.74 × 104 to 6.07 × 105 cycle/block with mean cycle to failure of 4.32 × 106 to 7.00 × 106 cycle/block is predicted based on the cycle sequence effect using cycle-counting method. The newly modelled running-reliability technique is formulated to extract the features of high amplitude excitation obtained from the strain signals for characterising the fatigue reliability features under load sequence effect. Hence, the reliability-hazard relationship for fatigue reliability characterisation of strain-based approach in time-domain using running-reliability technique.

Association of HLA-C*07:359 with HLA-A, -B, and -DRB1 alleles in Taiwanese.

It is thought that Taiwanese indigenous people were the "first people" to populate Taiwan (Formosa) having been there for over 5000 years, preceding the Dutch colonization (from 1624 to 1662) and Spanish colonization (from 1626 to 1642). Taiwan's indigenes, represented by Austronesian language speakers, currently constitute approximately 2% of the total population in Taiwan. It is unknown whether they evolved from Taiwan's Paleolithic or Neolithic cultures, arrived during or after the Neolithic period from China or Southeast Asia or both. HLA studies on the Taiwanese indigenous population have found several intriguing genetic information showing one or two relatively frequently observed alleles and a small number of relatively less frequently observed ones. We report here a relatively frequently observed HLA-C*07:359 allele in the Taiwanese indigenous population, its linkage with HLA-B*39:01, and its probable associated HLA haplotype in two Taiwanese indigenous families. HLA-C*07:359 is a rarely observed allele in the HLA-C locus in the world populations. The objective of this study is to report the allele HLA-C*07:359 that is more frequently found in the Taiwanese population, especially in the Taiwanese indigenous people, to demonstrate that it has a close linkage with HLA-B*39:01 allele in the HLA-B locus and to show the plausible deduced HLA-A-C-B-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes in association with HLA-C*07:359 in two families of Taiwanese indigenous unrelated individuals. The samples were peripheral whole blood, with dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and/or acid citrate dextrose anticoagulation additives. The sequence-based typing method was employed to confirm the low incidence of the allele of HLA-C*07:359 observed in Taiwanese. Polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify exons 2, 3, and 4 of the HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1 and-DQB1 loci with group-specific primer sets. Amplicons were sequenced using the BigDye Terminator Cycle Sequencing Ready Reaction Kit in both directions according to the manufacturer's protocol. C*07:359 is an uncommon allele in the HLA-C locus in the world general population, according to our literature review. However, in this study, it is observed in the general Taiwanese population (frequency 0.41%), especially in the Taiwanese indigenous people at a frequency of 0.23%. In addition, we deduced two probable HLA haplotypes in association with C*07:359 in two indigenous families: A*24:02-C*07:359-B*39:01-DRB1*04:36 and A*24:02-C*07:359-B*39:01-DRB1*04:04. The two deduced HLA haplotypes associated with the uncommon C*07:359 allele that we report here are valuable for HLA tissue typing laboratories for reference purposes and for stem cell transplantation donor search coordinators to determine the likelihood of finding compatible donors in unrelated bone marrow donor registries for patients bearing the uncommon HLA allele. Since C*07:359 was found mostly in the Taiwanese indigenous population, we think the allele and its haplotypes we report here are important in population and anthropological studies.

Role of Allee and Fear for Controlling Chaos in a Predator–Prey System with Circulation of Disease in Predator

This paper explores a predator–prey system featuring fear and disease within the predator population,utilizing the Rosenzweig–MacArthur model with Holling type-II functional response. The primary focus lies in investigating the impact of a fear factor, wherein the prey’s growth rate is hindered due to predator-induced fear. Additionally, the model accounts for the spread of disease among predators,leading to a division between susceptible and infected predator subpopulations. The inclusion of an Allee effect in the susceptible predator further enriches the model. The study involves a thorough examination, encompassing local and global stability analysis as well as Hopf bifurcation analysis around the interior equilibrium point. Numerical simulations underscore a noteworthy observation: an escalation in interaction force propels the system into chaotic dynamics,marked by stable focus, limit cycles and period-doubling phenomena. A noteworthy finding pertains to the influence of the Allee parameter ([Formula: see text]) on chaotic dynamics. As the Allee parameter values increase, the system tends to stable focus through a sequence of chaotic states, period-doubling and limit cycles. Subsequently, the paper introduces the role of another pivotal parameter, the fear factor, into the chaotic dynamics. Intriguingly, chaos transforms into stable focus through diverse nonlinear phenomena, including period-doubling and limit cycles. This nuanced exploration of parameters sheds light on the intricate dynamics governing the predator–prey system, offering a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between fear, disease and ecological factors. So our observation throughout this paper that how chaos behaves here after one by one injection of our new features: fear factor and Allee parameter?

Reliability-based thermal-fluid-structural topological optimization of three-dimensional coolant channels in proton exchange membrane fuel cells

In order to minimize the flow resistance in designing the cooling multi-channels of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) under the double constraints of target thermal reliability index and target structural performance, this work proposes a three-dimensional (3D) thermal-fluid-structural reliability-based topology optimization (RBTO) method for the first time. In the RBTO for PEMFCs’ coolant channels, the position uncertainty of the multi-heat loads on the bipolar plates caused by irregular metal foam skeleton is considered, and the multi-heat load positions are treated as the interval uncertain variables within a certain range. To solve the problem of low computational efficiency caused by the coupling of topological parameter optimization and reliability constraint analysis, the RBTO is equivalently decoupled to a sequence of cycles of deterministic topology optimization (DTO) and inverse reliability assessment, and the latter is completed by performance measure approach (PMA) based on the target reliability index. Results show that RBTO introduces more flow resistance cost than DTO, and the additional flow resistance in RBTO increases with the increase of the target reliability index. The heat concentration caused by a smaller fiber diameter of foam skeletons results in more flow resistance cost of RBTO compared to DTO. When the inlet velocity of the coolant channel varies in the region of 0.05–0.3 m/s, the flow resistance of the multi-channel obtained by RBTO is 1.29–0.96 times as that of the straight multi-channel. In addition, the uneven reactant gas concentration in PEMFC gas channels leads to the uneven distribution of heat flow, and it affects the temperature distribution on bipolar plates, which in turn affects the results of RBTO. The above method and findings can be applied to design the cooling channels of PEMFCs with irregular metal foam gas channels.