Integer Programming Models for the Class Constrained Multi-Level Bin Packing Problem

The Multi-Level Bin Packing problem is a generalisation of the widely-known NP-hard Bin Packing problem. This work aims to investigate approaching this problem, as well as a version including Class Constraints, through integer programming. By modelling the problems in two ways: standard, and with a network flow approach. The studying of the performance of these formulations on various instances, provides a greater insight into the possibilities of integer programming for this purpose. Furthermore, evaluating the two approaches gives an initial suggestion for developing effective models for solving the aforementioned problems.https://github.com/agatak7/CCMLBP GitHub repository with source code and reproducibility package for the project.CSE3000 Research ProjectComputer Science and Engineerin

Global 5mC and 5hmC DNA Levels in Human Sperm Subpopulations with Differentially Protaminated Chromatin in Normo- and Oligoasthenozoospermic Males

Epigenetic modifications play a special role in the male infertility aetiology. Published data indicate the link between sperm quality and sperm chromatin protamination. This study aimed to determine the relationship between methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in sperm DNA, with respect to sperm chromatin protamination in three subpopulations of fertile normozoospermic controls and infertile patients with oligo-/oligoasthenozoospermia. For the first time, a sequential staining protocol was applied, which allowed researchers to analyse 5mC/5hmC levels by immunofluorescence staining, with a previously determined chromatin protamination status (aniline blue staining), using the same spermatozoa. TUNEL assay determined the sperm DNA fragmentation level. The 5mC/5hmC levels were diversified with respect to chromatin protamination status in both studied groups of males, with the highest values observed in protaminated spermatozoa. The linkage between chromatin protamination and 5mC/5hmC levels in control males disappeared in patients with deteriorated semen parameters. A relationship between 5mC/5hmC and sperm motility/morphology was identified in the patient group. Measuring the 5mC/5hmC status of sperm DNA according to sperm chromatin integrity provides evidence of correct spermatogenesis, and its disruption may represent a prognostic marker for reproductive failure