Multiple Analysis Of Variance Research Articles

Evidential Analysis: An Alternative to Hypothesis Testing in Normal Linear Models

Statistical hypothesis testing, as formalized by 20th century statisticians and taught in college statistics courses, has been a cornerstone of 100 years of scientific progress. Nevertheless, the methodology is increasingly questioned in many scientific disciplines. We demonstrate in this paper how many of the worrisome aspects of statistical hypothesis testing can be ameliorated with concepts and methods from evidential analysis. The model family we treat is the familiar normal linear model with fixed effects, embracing multiple regression and analysis of variance, a warhorse of everyday science in labs and field stations. Questions about study design, the applicability of the null hypothesis, the effect size, error probabilities, evidence strength, and model misspecification become more naturally housed in an evidential setting. We provide a completely worked example featuring a two-way analysis of variance.

Research on Multi-Parameter Error Model of Backcalculated Modulus Using Abaqus Finite Element Batch Modeling Based on Python Language

The error in modulus backcalculation is a crucial component in validating the rationality and reliability of results for engineering applications. The objective of this study is to identify the theoretical limitations associated with backcalculated modulus errors under typical parameter uncertainties and to determine the primary factors contributing to these errors. Firstly, using the actual measurements or data from the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) project, the statistical distributions of errors for typical parameters in the modulus backcalculation model were determined. Subsequently, a factor level table for orthogonal experimental design was developed, leading to the construction of 81 orthogonal design experimental schemes and their corresponding theoretical pavement structure models based on the actual error distributions. The deflection responses of 81 theoretical pavement structure models were then computed using an ABAQUS finite element batch analysis method devised in Python. Furthermore, a multi-parameter error model for modulus was established using multiple linear regression and variance analysis. Finally, the theoretical limitations of modulus errors under actual errors were analyzed. The results show that the errors of thickness, load amplitude and load frequency follow a normal distribution, while the distribution of backcalculated modulus errors follows an approximate mixed Gaussian distribution. When the errors of multiple parameters are combined randomly, the modulus errors range from −100% to 595%, and the probability of the modulus errors being less than 15% is highest in the asphalt surface layer, followed by the subgrade, and then the base and subbase layers. Within the same error range, the modulus error is random. However, with different error ranges, the overall level of modulus error increases in proportion to the size of those ranges. Compared to factors such as thickness, load amplitude, and load frequency, the errors in deflections have a highly contribution rate on the modulus errors exceeding 99%.

Optimization of Polysaccharide Extraction from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua by Freeze–Thaw Method Using Response Surface Methodology

Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharides have a variety of pharmacological effects. The commonly used extraction methods include traditional hot water extraction, alkaline extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis method, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, etc., but there are problems such as low yield, high temperature, high cost, strict extraction conditions, and insufficient environmental protection. In this study, crude polysaccharide extraction from the Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua was performed using the freeze–thaw method. Response surface methodology (RSM), based on a three-level, three-variable Box–Behnken design (BBD), was employed to obtain the best possible combination of water-to-raw material ratio (A: 30–50), freezing time (B: 2–10 h), and thawing temperature (C: 40–60 °C) for maximum polysaccharide extraction. Using the multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA), the experimental data were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation and were used to generate the mathematical model of optimization experiments. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: a water-to-raw material ratio of 36.95:1, a freezing time of 4.8 h, and a thawing temperature of 55.99 °C. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the extraction rate of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharide (PCP) was 65.76 ± 0.32%, which is well in close agreement with the value predicted by the model, 65.92%. In addition, PCP has significant antioxidant activity. This result shows that the freeze–thaw method can improve the extraction efficiency, maintain the structural integrity of polysaccharides, simplify the extraction process, promote the dispersion of polysaccharides, and is suitable for large-scale industrial production.

Does Body Postural Configuration Affect Upper Limb Performance During Point-to-Point Hand Movements?

Adopting a postural configuration may be regarded as preparation for the performance of an upcoming movement. However, it is unclear how different postural configurations affect motor performance. The aim of the current study was to examine how body posture – sitting versus standing – influences fast and accurate planar point-to-point hand movements. Twenty-three healthy adults performed a “Go/No-go” paradigm while doing repetitive point-to-point movements. Arousal levels, which may change due to the change in posture, were independently manipulated by using a sham threat of electrical stimulation. Upper limb kinematics, center of pressure displacement, and galvanic skin responses were recorded in four test conditions: sitting and standing with and without arousal manipulation. Descriptive performance measures were computed and analyzed using multiple analyses of variance. A difference in arousal level was observed in the two conditions with the arousal manipulation, but no difference in arousal level was found between sitting and standing. Center of pressure displacement onset was found to be earlier in the two standing conditions compared to those in sitting. No difference was found in upper limb performance between the two postures, nor due to the arousal manipulation. We concluded that under the tested conditions, body posture does not appear to affect upper limb performance.

Using social media small-group communication to promote the marketing skills of art entrepreneurs

This study examined the impact of social media-supported small-group communication on the marketing skills of art entrepreneurs. The design that was used in this study was quasi-experimental. A total of 271 art entrepreneurs were sampled for the study and grouped into three social media ( n = 90), face-to-face ( n = 90) and control group ( n = 91). A structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data for the study, while data were analysed using multiple analyses of variance. The study showed that small group communication was effective in improving the marketing skills of art entrepreneurs in the areas of social media marketing, content management, data analysis, mobile advertising, design, video marketing, project management, creativity, interpersonal skills, leadership, time management, problem-solving, critical thinking and communication skills. The study also found that small-group communication on social media can be as effective as face-to-face small-group communication. Improving marketing skills also improves business performance in areas such as sales, return on investment, and net profit. Finally, art entrepreneurs in the social media-supported group had higher scores in satisfaction, convenience and quality of communication than their counterparts in face-to-face communication. This study has shown that social media-supported small-group communication is cost-effective in promoting the acquisition of marketing skills among art entrepreneurs.

Optimizing EFL learning: exploring the role of learner background factors and the nuances of their effects on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation among university students in a mixed-methods study

IntroductionMotivation is a driving force behind man’s behavior which has led to many psychological studies throughout the world. Moreover, it is the fuel for successful learning. While intrinsic motives provide the internal rewards, extrinsic motivation supplies the required external rewards to keep the engine of learning running. Knowing the factors which impact intrinsic/extrinsic motivation helps educators target their efforts at a higher level and make more informed decisions.MethodThis study intends to examine how intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation may be influenced by demographics including learners’ background factors of major, age, and occupation and to determine the relationships that may exist between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To this end, an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research was conducted at one of the public universities in Shiraz on the majors of Elementary Education, Educational Affairs, Social Studies and Theology, and the Arabic language which were selected through cluster sampling. These students were having their English courses at the university. Based on Krejcie and Morgan’s formula for sample size, a questionnaire was administered to 100 participants to collect quantitative data. Moreover, semi-structured interview sessions were conducted with one fourth of the participants.ResultsUsing Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) and Pearson correlation, we found that learners’ background factors of age, field of study and professional status did not affect intrinsic nor extrinsic motivation. However, significant and positive relationships were found between intrinsic motivation and total motivation index, and between extrinsic motivation and total motivation index. Qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. The results of the interviews showed some new illuminating trends as revealed from the participants’ responses and it was found that most interviewees followed intrinsic motives and considered motivation as a factor of great significance.ConclusionIn the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context in which our study was conducted, instructors can follow more similar classroom motivational techniques and strategies since neither type of motivation was influenced by the variables of different major, age and occupation. Though many studies have shown that EFL learners are more extrinsically motivated in comparison with ESL ones, our study revealed that participants were more intrinsically motivated. Thus, this study may be replicated in other educational contexts such as an ESL context. The study can also be repeated in some universities in which other educational systems such as coed education is used to see the possible similarities and differences. Motivation is the important stimulant to impel the learners to achieve their learning goals; thus, it should receive sufficient attention in various educational settings.

Effect of pyrolysis parameters on the biochar reactivity in the N-absorption reaction of chemical looping ammonia generation

Biochar from slow pyrolysis was applied to Chemical Looping Ammonia Generation (CLAG) to avoid the preparation of ammonia from fossil fuels and relatively expensive H2. The effects of pyrolysis atmosphere, temperature, heating rate, and residence time on the biochar reactivity in the N-adsorption reaction were investigated. The relationship between specific surface area, average pore diameter, micropore percentage, and disorder degree of biochar on reactivity was evaluated by simple and multiple linear regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the biochar prepared in a CO2 atmosphere with a pyrolysis temperature of 700 °C, a heating rate of 10 °C/min, and a resident time of 30 min had the highest conversion rate of 57.79 % in the N-absorption reaction. When the pyrolysis temperature was increased from 600 °C to 700 °C, the biochar conversion in the N-adsorption reaction was significantly increased due to the Boudouard reaction during biomass pyrolysis. The linear regression and ANOVA results show that the micropore percentage and disorder degree of biochar significantly positively affected the reactivity, guiding feedstock selection and optimization of the preparation method of the carbon source used for CLAG.

Genotypic variations in postfertility traits and yield components of mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) germplasms in Chitwan, Nepal

Assessment of economic traits of germplasms, which are associated with genetic variation, is vital for mung improvement. Therefore, by wielding the randomized complete block design with 3 replications, a probe analysis using multiple trait stability indexing and analysis of variance with Duncan's test at p ≤ 0.05 is performed to compare the means of yield attributes. Moreover, simultaneous application of GA3 and NAA (50 mg/L each) was carried out at 30 DAS and at mid-flowering. Pondering not only factorial analysis but also correlation and path studies revealed that flower shedding before and 12 h after spraying is nearly detrimental to yield. In addition, yield/plant was positively (p < 0.001, r = 0.67–0.96) correlated with the harvesting index and test weight. 'Pratigya', demonstrating heightened sensitivity to environmental cues—unveils increased sensitivity—while 'VC3960A-88′ flourished with hormone-boosted pod formation. 'VC6368(46-40-3)' packed 11 pods/cluster, and 'CN95' thrived, excelling in abundant grains as well as clusters. Notably, 'VC6370-A′ topped yielder, whereas CN95 augmented an efficient harvest index of 0.48. Moreover, path analysis revealed that all postfertility traits are inherently associated with yield. By employing 17 % selection intensity, the MTSI unequivocally ascertained that not only 'VC6370A' but also 'CN95' are the ideal stable and prime performing genotypes for yield(3.04–2.8 tons/ha) as well as interactive traits, a marker for simultaneous selection, as well as improvement. The MTSI view of strengths and weaknesses harbingers that breeders need to focus on increasing the number of genotypes with the desired phenotypes—lower flower abscission, greater grain dimensions and pod setting, harvesting indices, and yields/ha.

The fuzzy system ensembles entomological, epidemiological, demographic and environmental data to unravel the dengue transmission risk in an endemic city

BackgroundThe effectiveness of dengue control interventions depends on an effective integrated surveillance system that involves analysis of multiple variables associated with the natural history and transmission dynamics of this arbovirus. Entomological indicators associated with other biotic and abiotic parameters can assertively characterize the spatiotemporal trends related to dengue transmission risk. However, the unpredictability of the non-linear nature of the data, as well as the uncertainty and subjectivity inherent in biological data are often neglected in conventional models.MethodsAs an alternative for analyzing dengue-related data, we devised a fuzzy-logic approach to test ensembles of these indicators across categories, which align with the concept of degrees of truth to characterize the success of dengue transmission by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in an endemic city in Brazil. We used locally gathered entomological, demographic, environmental and epidemiological data as input sources using freely available data on digital platforms. The outcome variable, risk of transmission, was aggregated into three categories: low, medium, and high. Spatial data was georeferenced and the defuzzified values were interpolated to create a map, translating our findings to local public health managers and decision-makers to direct further vector control interventions.ResultsThe classification of low, medium, and high transmission risk areas followed a seasonal trend expected for dengue occurrence in the region. The fuzzy approach captured the 2020 outbreak, when only 14.06% of the areas were classified as low risk. The classification of transmission risk based on the fuzzy system revealed effective in predicting an increase in dengue transmission, since more than 75% of high-risk areas had an increase in dengue incidence within the following 15 days.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the ability of fuzzy logic to characterize the city’s spatiotemporal heterogeneity in relation to areas at high risk of dengue transmission, suggesting it can be considered as part of an integrated surveillance system to support timely decision-making.

A Novel Prognostic Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma per Two NAD+ Metabolic Synthesis-Associated Genes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a formidable challenge to global human health, while recent years have witnessed the important role of NAD+ in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the expression pattern and prognostic value of NAD+ in HCC still remain elusive. Gene expression files and corresponding clinical pathological files associated with HCC were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and genes associated with NAD+ were retrieved from the GSEA and differentially analyzed in tumor and normal tissues. A consensus clustering analysis was conducted by breaking down TCGA patients into four distinct groups, while Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to investigate the disparity in clinical pathology and endurance between clusters. A prognostic model based on NAD+-associated genes was established and assessed by combining LASSO-Cox regression, uni- and multi-variate Cox regression, and ROC curve analyses. Investigations were conducted to determine the expression of distinct mRNAs and proteins in both HCC and non-tumor tissues. A novel two-gene signature including poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase 2 (PARP2) and sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) was obtained through LASSO-Cox regression and was identified to have favorable prognostic performance in HCC patients from TCGA. Analyses of both single and multiple variables showed that the prognostic model was a distinct prognostic factor in the endurance of liver cancer patients in both the training and trial groups. The nomogram also exhibited clinical significance in the prognosis of HCC patients. Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting revealed that HCC samples exhibited higher PARP2 and SIRT6 expression levels than those of normal controls. This study identified a robust prognostic model comprising two NAD+-associated genes using bioinformatic methods, which is accurate in predicting the survival outcome of HCC patients. This model might benefit the early diagnosis of HCC and further facilitate the management of individualized medical service and clinical decision-making.

Number of Retrieved Lymph Nodes during Esophagectomy Affects the Outcome of Stage III Esophageal Cancer in Patients Having Had Pre-Operative Chemo-Radiation Therapy.

Background: Lymphadenectomy plays a crucial role in the surgical management of early- stage esophageal cancer. However, few studies have examined lymphadenectomy outcomes in advanced stages, particularly in patients who initially underwent concurrent chemoradiation therapy. This retrospective study investigates the effect of lymphadenectomy in patients diagnosed with AJCC 8th-edition clinical stage III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received concurrent preoperative chemoradiation. Methods: Data from 1994 to 2023 were retrieved from our retrospective database. All patients underwent a uniform evaluation and treatment protocol, including preoperative concurrent chemoradiation therapy comprising cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, followed by esophagectomy. The analysis encompassed clinical T and N stages, tumor location, tumor grade, pathological T and N stages, pathological stage, and the extent of lymph node dissection. Overall survival, "Free-To-Recurrence", and disease-free survival were assessed via Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the Cox regression model for multivariate analysis. Results: The dataset was stratified into two groups according to extent of lymph node dissection, with one group having <15 dissected nodes and the other having ≥15 dissected nodes. The group with <15 nodes exhibited a shorter "Free-To-Recurrence", worse disease-free survival, and lower overall survival. In multiple-variate analysis (Cox regression model), the number of dissected lymph nodes emerged as a significant factor influencing overall survival and freedom from recurrence. Conclusions: The quantity of lymphadenectomy is a crucial determinant for patients with AJCC 8th-edition clinical stage III esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving preoperative concurrent chemoradiation.

Incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and predictors of positivity among HIV exposed infants in South Gondar public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: competing risk regression model

BackgroundThe principal route of HIV infection in children is vertical transmission. Thus, this study aimed to assess the incidence of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and predictors of positivity among HIV-exposed infants.MethodInstitutions-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted in South Gondar Public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia from December 2019 to November 2021. The data were taken from PMTCT logbooks and patient medical records, with death being the competing event. Data were entered in to Epi info version 7 and exported to STATA version 14 for final analysis. Both bivariable and multiple variable proportional subdistribution hazard analysis were conducted to identify predictors. P-value < 0.05 was level of significance.ResultA total of 469 exposed infant mother pairs records were included. The cumulative incidence rate at the end of the study period was 5.2 per 1000 person months (5.2; 95% CI: 3.4-8.0).Infants’ absence of ARV prophylaxis at birth (aSHR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.33–10.48), Mothers with no PMTCT intervention (aSHR = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.83–14.03), home delivery (aSHR = 4.1; 95%CI: 1.46–11.63) and maternal disclosure of HIV status to partner/families (aSHR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.06–7.78) were predictors of HIV positivity.ConclusionThe study found that Infants’ absence of ARV prophylaxis at birth, mothers without PMTCT intervention, home delivery and mothers who were not disclosing their HIV status to families were predictors of HIV positivity.

Adherence to wearing prescribed footwear in people at risk of diabetes-related foot ulcers.

Adherence to wearing prescribed footwear is paramount in reducing the risk of developing diabetes-related foot ulcers, but adherence is often lower than optimal. This study aimed to investigate predictors of footwear adherence and variations in adherence and activity in people at risk of diabetes-related foot ulceration. Sixty people at high foot ulcer risk were included. We measured the proportion of weight-bearing acitivity time the prescribed footwear was worn for seven days. Multiple linear regression and analysis of variance were used. Mean overall adherence was 63%. Adherence was lower at home than away from home (59% vs. 74%), while activity was higher at home (2.2 vs. 1.2h/day). Adherence was similar across activities (61%-63%). No variable predicted the overall adherence. Higher Hba1c predicted lower adherence at home (β=-0.34, p=0.045, R2=11.6%). More daily steps predicted lower adherence away from home (β=-0.30, p=0.033, R2=9.3%). Adherence and activity were highest in mornings (71%, 1.1h) and afternoons (71%, 1.5h), and lower in evenings (40%, 0.8h) and at nights (9%, 0.1h). Adherence was similar on weekdays and weekend days (63% vs. 60%), but activity was higher on weekdays (3.4 vs. 3.0h). Adherence levels and predictors thereof differed between adherence at home and away from home, so we suggest to treat them as different concepts. Due to the low explained variance, future studies should focus on other predictors such as psychological variables.

A performance indicator and its decomposition according to the impacts of different aspects based on distributional data

AbstractIn this paper, we present a novel approach to customer satisfaction analysis of airport services based on the analysis of distributional data for constructing a bivariate performance indicator. Distributional data was introduced for describing macro-data coming from the aggregation of micro-data observed at the individual level. We use them to represent the distribution of the ratings given by 165 classes (macro-units) of airport customers for twelve observed aspects. We describe the trend of passenger satisfaction over time by extracting 165 macro units from a survey conducted among 13,047 passengers at Bari and Brindisi airports during the peak and off-peak seasons of 2015, 2016 and 2017. To obtain a performance indicator, we performed a multiple factor analysis for distributional data. To our knowledge, no other methods exist for the factor analysis of multiple distributional variables. Further, we propose a new visualization tool called Green Eye Iris plot, which allows a joint visualization of our set of distributional values. The obtained results show that the distributional data analysis approach can provide valuable information at macro level that could be hidden when analyzing micro-data or when macro data are represented only by some features coming from summary statistics of groups.

An Analysis of Sport Employee Identification of NCAA Division I Compliance Employees

The current study examined NCAA Division I compliance employees utilizing Sport Employee Identification (SEI; Oja et al., 2020). Little academic inquiry has focused on the various ways sport employees, like NCAA compliance employees, identify with their organization. The current study attempted to establish SEI as an applicable construct in sport scholarship and examine potential outcomes of SEI. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine if SEI contributes to organizational behavior outcomes of job satisfaction, lower turnover intentions, and organizational citizenship behaviors with NCAA Division I compliance employees. The researchers utilized a demographic form and a 24-item survey including the SEI instrument, job satisfaction, turnover intentions, and the relationship between SEI and organizational citizenship behaviors. Data analysis consisted of confirmatory factor analysis, multiple one-way analysis of variance to analyze the connection between demographic variables and SEI, and regression analyses to examine the relationship between SEI and potential organizational behavior outcomes. A total of 217 responses highlighted job satisfaction and lower turnover intentions as outcomes of SEI, while organizational citizenship behaviors lacked enough support as an outcome of SEI. The findings have the potential to assist intercollegiate executives in better managing their compliance personnel and understanding compliance identification processes.

Circulating extracellular vesicles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: physicochemical properties and phenotype

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the physicochemical and phenotypic characteristics of circulating Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in the plasma of patients with SLE, with or without Lupus Nephritis (LN), and their...

Summer chiropteran community in the Sergievka Park with the unique dominance of Pipistrellus nathusii on the northern periphery of its distribution range

The study of species on the periphery of their ranges is especially relevant for long-term research in protected areas. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that Pipistrellus nathusii on the northern periphery of its range has a clumped distribution with long-term viable breeding centres. The species composition and relative abundance of bats in the park were determined through capturing them with mist nets during the 1997–1998 and 2020–2022 survey periods. Within the 2nd survey period the use of an ultrasonic detector was additionally involved. Stability of the bat species composition in the protected area and a significant difference in the relative abundance between the surveys were revealed (χ2 = 47.31, p &lt; 0.05). During both periods, the bat community in the park exhibited a pronounced dominance of P. nathusii and stable values of its relative abundance (40.7 and 44.2%, respectively). Perennial nursery colonies of Myotis daubentonii, Nyctalus noctula, and P. nathusii have been discovered in the park, which are arguably among the northernmost findings (59.89° N, 29.88° E) in European Russia. The catch rate (6.3 bats per net-night) and acoustic activity of the Chiroptera (16.6 active minutes per detector-hour) on the pond was significantly higher than on the alley and glade. This pattern is typical for all frequently recorded bat species – P. nathusii, N. noctula and Eptesicus nilssonii. According to the results of multiple analysis of variance, the effect of species on acoustic activity was the greatest (η = 24.59%, F = 15.52, p &lt; 0.001). The impact of the habitat and the time since sunset, as well as the pairwise combined impact of these three factors, was also significant and reliable. The sizes of the nursery colonies were determined, which in P. nathusii were record high for the northern periphery of the breeding range, 212 individuals. Evening departures of P. nathusii from the nursery colony on the alley were characterized by their beginning before sunset, and from the nursery colony in the glade after sunset. The intensity of P. nathusii departure from the colony in the forest part of the park is significantly higher (5.3 bats/ min) than in the glade (1.4 bats/min). The fact that large nursery colonies of P. nathusii have existed for decades locally at 60° N latitude suggests the species may have a wider distribution in Eastern Fennoscandia in transformed areas containing old trees. Keywords: bats; South-Eastern Fennoscandia; relative abundance; nursery colonies; acoustic activity; circadian rhythms

Microbial Forensics: Comparison of MLVA Results According to NGS Methods, and Forensic DNA Analysis Using MLVA

Microbial forensics is a scientific discipline for analyzing evidence related to biological crimes by identifying the origin of microorganisms. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis(MLVA) is one of the microbiological analysis methods used to specify subtypes within a species based on the number of tandem repeat in the genome, and advances in next generation sequencing(NGS) technology have enabled &lt;i&gt;in silico&lt;/i&gt; anlysis of full-length whole genome sequences. In this paper, we analyzed unknown samples provided by Robert Koch Institute(RKI) through The United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism(UNSGM)’s external quality assessment exercise(EQAE) project, which we officially participated in 2023. We confirmed that the 3 unknown samples were &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; through nucleic acid isolation and genetic sequence analysis studies. MLVA results on 32 loci of &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; were analysed by using genome sequences obtained from NGS(NextSeq and MinION) and Sanger sequencing. The MLVA typing using short-reads based NGS platform(NextSeq) showed a high probability of causing assembly error when a size of the tandem repeats was grater than 200 bp, while long-reads based NGS platform(MinION) showed higher accuracy than NextSeq, although insertion and deletion was observed. We also showed hybrid assembly can correct most indel error caused by MinION. Based on the MLVA results, genetic identification was performed compared to the 2,975 published MLVA databases of &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt;, and MLVA results of 10 strains were identical with 3 unkonwn samples. As a result of whole genome alignment of the 10 strains and 3 unknown samples, all samples were identified as &lt;i&gt;B. anthracis&lt;/i&gt; strain A4564 which is associated with injectional anthrax isolates in heroin users.

Planning Green Infrastructure: Provisions and Alteration in Prominent Cities of Nigeria

Abstract: Green infrastructure provides physical aesthetics, healthier and quality environment for urban settlements globe. However, many urban centres in the third world countries are deprived the benefits of green infrastructure and subjected to unhealthy conditions that endanger human safety, land uses and the entire ecological system of both macro and micro environment due to poor planning and government policies. This research therefore, compared the effect of green infrastructure alteration on the physical environment of two major cities (Port Harcourt and Calabar) Nigeria. The study sampled 6 green zones and 250 residents for both cities under investigation while Duncan Multiple Comparism analysis (DMCA), mathematical percentage (MP) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was adopted as the statistical analysis implements. The findings established that calabar benefits from green infrastructure that improves the city aesthetics and other aspect of the environment through proper physical planning and government policies than Port Harcourt city of Nigeria at (P&lt;0.05). In furtherance, the study revealed that usage understanding, budget constraint, wrong cost benefit analysis, and poor environmental management and maintenance strategies were identified as the key determinants of naturally retained and planned green infrastructure alteration in both cities, and discovered that, the city of Calabar was built on smart and resilient development strategies than Port Harcourt metropolis of Nigeria. The study recommended that town planning authorities should be charge with the responsibilities of smart and resilient city building through green infrastructure development and avoidance of informal alteration of such infrastructure. Also, suggested the need for frequent acquisition of data on green infrastructure development and inclusion in all land use development.

Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis genotype polymorphism of Bacillus anthracis in China

Objective: To analyze the multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) genotype polymorphism of Bacillus (B.) anthracis and establish a MLVA genotype database of B. anthracis in China. Methods: B. anthracis strains isolated from different sources in China since 1947 were collected. Genotype identification was carried out using the MLVA15 genotyping protocol based on 15 variable number tandem repeat loci. The genotypes were uniformly numbered and named. The distribution characteristics of the MLVA genotypes of strains were analyzed. Software Bionumerics was used to construct clustering diagrams to analyze the genetic relationships. Results: The MLVA15 clustering analysis subdivided the isolates into 4 major groups and 91 genotypes, 54 of which were unique to China. The genotypes from MLVA15-CHN1 to MLVA15-CHN6 were widely distributed throughout China and in all eras, while other genotypes were restricted to certain regions or eras. Conclusions: This study established a MLVA genotype database of B. anthracis, which provides basis for the understanding of MLVA genetic polymorphisms and the control and molecular source tracing of the anthrax outbreaks in China.